Laura, any fun youtube videos from Conejo school board meetings?

How do you expect technology will change local campaigns this cycle? Can candidates still ignore the internet?

Do Democrats in Ventura Country support the Electoral College as the way to select our president? While it gave Bush the White House in 2000, it effectively takes away the predominantly conservative voice of Ventura, and other such counties in California.

Owen,

One Ventura County Dem's opinion:

The Electoral College may have once had a useful purpose, but is an elitist anachronism which really has not served this modern nation's interest. It's main purpose today seems to be to make sure that a voter in one state is regarded as more important than a voter in one other.

While it may help a President running for re-election or a legislator with Presidential ambitions determine what "pork" he wants to make sure he includes in the national budget, it only serves to undermine the democratic process and the concept of one person, one vote.

Brian,

No videos of school board meetings on YouTube that I know of, but you can get copies at the TO Library.

As far as technology and local campaigns, we've already seen local candidates that have websites, and that trend will only continue. Candidates that ignore the internet will do so at their own peril.

Owen,

As you can see from Ditto's comments, I think you'll find that the views of Democrats in Ventura County on the Electoral College vary. On one hand, I can understand the argument that it's outdated and does not best serve the current population. Obviously I'd prefer to have Al Gore in the White House. The world would be a better place right now. However, I have tremendous respect for our founding father's wisdom, and their desire to maintain a system of checks and balances. I'd have to say that I support maintaining the Electoral College.

So Laura,

Still supporting Cindy Sheehan?

I'll have to say that I agree with Laura. Although the electoral college is imperfect it was designed as a compromise to straight popular vote, much like the balance between the House of Representatives and the Senate. We live in a representative democracy and the founding fathers wanted to strike a balance that allowed popular vote without having the majority totally drown out the interests of the minority. Without the electoral college you would have presidential elections decided by just a handful of the most populous states without much regard for small states.

How did you help in the last Congressional Election? Do you think it is a good idea to NOT help certain candidates?
Do you think when the democratic party abandones certain candidates it's disenfrachising voters. Do you think it is done to score brownie points within a district that does not like brownies? Was it done because the party doesn't know better? Did we miss out on having somebody in Congress that cares and could work with the current Congress because the party was shortsighted?

Ron,

I understand her frustration and disappointment. I think she is making a wise personal decision to reclaim her life and find a way to live with her son's death. Until you have lost a child in a senseless tragedy, I don't think you can fully appreciate the grief and impact it has on your life. I know the death of my 16 year old nephew in a car accident 5 years ago, changed my entire family. I still cry about it. The agony that I had to watch my sister go through is beyond description.

I think Ms. Sheehan's involvement in the anti-war movement was her way to deal with her son's death and delay the grieving process. I think she was probably used by people who had their own agenda, be it political or personal. I think she found in the end that nothing would bring her son back, and that no amount of campaigning or involvment in a movement would lessen the pain. I know that to lose a child in an accident is unbearable. To lose one because he was sent to his death in a war, based entirely on lies, must fill one with a rage and disillusionment that I cannot imagine. I'm sure the Tillman family knows her pain too.

I hope she will be able to find some peace and a way to mend relationships with her family and friends. I wish her well, and yes, I still support her.

What is truly in need of reform is the primary system for choosing a president. As states leapfrog over each other clamoring for the lopsided attention of the media, the majority of folks are further alienated from the process. Even though California has jumped into the fray by moving the primary to 5 Feb, we may still not have as great an influence as someone in New Hampshire or South Carolina. By tyhat time the media and the political elite have already anointed "the evil of two lessers".

Why not move toward a regional primary system which would codify the day on which each state could hold their primary. Thirty-nine States' Secretaries of state hve signed on to a resolution which would provide exactly that. We need to end this political madness. Is this any way to run a country?

Mainstream Voter - I imagine you are someone that I know, and that we have had this conversation already, but I'll go ahead and answer it. I helped in the last Congressional election in the same way that I helped in the last Assembly race, Supervisor race, school board race, water board race, Governor race, etc. I walked precincts, I made phone calls, I attended functions, I organized events, I registered voters and a million other things. Would I have liked for all of our candidates win? Of course, because we share the same Dem core values. How would brownie points be scored within the Dem party, by not getting Democrats elected?

Because a Party or it's elected leaders don't spend every waking moment devoted solely to one candidate or race, does not mean they aren't doing all the things listed above that benefit ALL of our candidates. I can guarantee you that I've never met a candidate who didn't think that they should have received more time, money and support from the Party, and their race was the most important one. In fact, I remember having phone conversations with a few candidates last year, within a few hours of each other, and every single one of them told me that THEIRS was the only race that mattered, that all resources should be focused on only them, and that they could win. By the way, not one of those candidates won.

The bottom line is that the Party does things to benefit all Dems. Candidates are responsible for their own campaigns, including organization, strategy and raising money. You have to take into consideration that in heavily gerrymandered districts, with sitting incumbents, it's a tough climb. I admire anyone who takes on the challenge. But I don't have a magic wand or final say over the investment choices of the DCCC, DNC, CDP, etc. I suspect my counterparts in the Republican party face the same issues in districts that are gerrymandered Dem or have Dem incumbents.

RJ is right, the Presidential primary system is madness. Everyone keeps on leap frogging, and at this rate, we'll be holding primaries 2 years before the actual election.

Ron,

If you go to Democratic Underground, and read a thread posted by one of the Administrators, it articulates the situation better than I could rehash it here. I've linked it if you click on my name.

All posts on DU no more represent every Democrat or even the official party line, than Free Republic and it's posters represent all Republicans.

I articulated my thoughts on Cindy Sheehan in my previous post. She is entitled to her thoughts about DU, Democrats, etc, etc.

I think the term "attention whore" was wrong and out of line. Cooler heads will prevail in the end. All families have squabbles.

I've been called names by my own party, and worse by Republicans. One incident comes to mind. A Republican woman came up to me when I was registering voters at the Oaks mall back in '04, and called me, and I quote, "a Democratic whore and no better than a terrorist". All because I was registering voters at a suburban mall, and had literature about John Kerry. Nice, huh?

Michael,

From a strategic standpoint, to turn our more Dems, we need to keep expanding our precinct operations (which we are) and do a better job going on the "absentee chase" (which we are).

As far as bundling efforts between campaigns, we always try to encourage "ticket" events where we can get maximum exposure for all our candidates. But, in the end, each candidate pursues their own strategy and has to be focused on their own election.

There are also significant campaign finance considerations and laws when you're dealing with State, Federal and local offices, so we have to be careful.

I understand the VC Republican party is about to be thumped HARD by the county for campaign violations in the Foy/Dantona race.

This is boring. When you guys are done huffing and puffing and pounding your chests, and want to talk politics, let me know.

Hey,

I just deleted a bunch of comments unrelated to asking Laura Winchester questions.

If yours was on topic and I deleted it I am sorry. I don't have time to go through them all.

I will republish them in a few days after Laura gets a chance to answer questions.

STAY ON TOPIC.

How do you explain the difference in the number of women in Sacramento and DC that are Democrat versus Republican? Talk about embarassing. It is hard for me to believe it is just the choice issue, because I've always been Republican - both as a pro-choice person and a pro-life person. I have never held elected office but I notice that structurally women in the Republican party are kept off the playing field. We have the women's Federated clubs but they are really booster clubs for the men. It seems like the only elected women we have in office are there because their husbands were there first. Is it possible the Republican party has a bias against women from the ground up? Not necessarily delibrate, but more of an artifact from the past that hasn't been addressed?

I know this is a heretical post but I did want to get your input.

I'm a die-hard Republican when it comes to second amendment rights, capitalism, limited government, etc. and am adamently opposed to the redistribution of wealth, but that doesn't mean we can't talk!

P.S. Brian, thank you for cleaning up the thread. It was devolving very quickly.

"In the end it is worse to suppress dissent than to run the risk of heresy." -- Judge Billings Leaned Hand

Laura,

Why is it that the only "successful" Democrats (e.g. Bill and Hillary Clinton) feel it necessary to check their collective backbones at the door when seeking office? John Kerry could have easily beat G.W. Bush had he made a charge at the swiftboat veterans they way he turned his own patrol boat at the enemy on the Mekong. Why play nice with people who fight dirty? If Karl Rove and the swiftboat veterans wanted to make the election a referendum on the Vietnam War he should have embraced the challenge. The democrats are always playing the football equivalent of "prevent defense" when they are already losing.

How is the Democratic Party going to inspire a new generation of potential Dems when they appear to have no other principle than getting elected and firing away at the President with half-truths and toothless legislation?

It should be a softball question, but every Democrat tends to run from candor for fear of offending or supplying verbal ammunition for the bomb throwers on the right. What exactly is a Democrat and what does he or she stand for?

Hi Katie,

Thanks for joining the conversation. I always enjoy reading your posts. You raise some valid questions and ones that I'm sure more than a few Republican women have asked themselves over the years.

I think you're right that it's more than the choice issue, because there are most definitely pro-choice Republican women, and pro-life Democrats. Perhaps one reason is that there are many other issues that traditionally speak to women, like education, healthcare, labor and pay equality, where Democrats have strong numbers and have often been leaders.

There are definitely female Dem electeds who represent conservative areas, and in fact are considered conservative Democrats. I've often thought that some of these women would be Republicans, if there was more opportunity, support and tolerance in the GOP for strong women.

Perhaps an explanation can be found in the GOP shift to the right over the past few decades, and alliance with the religious fundamentalists. Could it be that their more narrow view of women's roles, has influenced the leadership and Party structure?

The VCRCC is a good example. With the coup on Leslie last year, the GOP lost one of their female leaders, and has taken a hard turn to the right under current leadership. That hard turn to the right, for me as a Democrat, is a very good turn of fortune. In just the November election, the GOP lost ground in non-partisan seats to the Dems and even a Green. The county GOP is hemmoraging voter registration, and will soon lose Ventura County to the Democrats. Sooner than even WE anticipated. And this from a county that was the star jewel in the GOP crown not that many years ago.

The GOP refuses to embrace women leaders at their own peril. You cannot ignore 50% of the population, and not suffer consequences. Women who see no meaningful place for themselves at the GOP table will either increasingly decide that they belong in the Dem Party, or will join the growing ranks of the Decline to State voters. When that happens, the GOP won't just lose voter registration numbers, but votes on election day. And that, as we both know, is the end game.

Hi Richard,

I don't believe we should play nice with people that fight dirty.
I think we should eviscerate them and wrap the entrails around their necks for good measure - politically speaking, of course.

Oh, I'm going to get emails about that one, telling me that I'm offending the moderates and swing voters.

You're absolutely right that Kerry should have gone on the offense against the swiftboaters - which, in fact, is exactly what John Edwards wanted to do.

A funny thing happens when you run for office, or get elected and want to maintain that position. Everyone and their brother comes and whispers in your ear about what you should do, what you shouldn't do, what you should say, what you should wear, be careful not to offend this group, that person, blah blah blah. It's often from people that you know, respect and need their support. They mean well, but it becomes a numbing chatter after awhile. Then you start looking at numbers, listening to this consultant, that pundit, etc. You start to turn left when you should turn right, and vice versa.

The good news is that there ARE candidates and electeds out there who can negotiate past all that successfully, and keep their backbones. Edwards, Waxman, Dantona, just to name a few.

And the fear of offending or supplying verbal ammunition for the bomb throwers on the right? It's really not the ones on the right so much. It's much worse than that. The ones you really have to fear are the ones within your own party.

Luckily, we can take comfort that it's much the same on the other side.

As to what exactly is a Democrat and what do they stand for, I could rattle off our Party's platform and core values. I suspect that's not the answer you're looking for, is it? Can you be more specific?

Why did Democrats fail in letting Republicans become the party of "family values" when divorce is higher with Republicans than Democrats?

Thanks Brian,
People calling dead United States soldiers' Mothers names is twisted.
I wouldn't let that Ron guy back.
By the way; even the cops were smart enough not to show up. I gambled that people that insult Cindy Sheehan are cowards and once again it proved true. Not bad for a guy who only weighs a buck and a half.

What is your relationship with Jim Dantona, is there more to it than just politics? Ive herd a lot of gossip in the democratic circles lately.

Hey Curious,
I think your Katie. That was funny. Stop it.

Can anybody call those Democratic Big Shots in Sacramento and say who deserves a fair shot or is it just one special person?

I can confirm that the question from "Curious Democrat" is not Katie Teague.

Many people have a vested interest in disrupting the discussions that take place here between leaders across Ventura County. One tactic is to derail every post with off topic comments and arguments.

When did you become a Democrat?

Do you know of any local groups I can contact to help Darfur?

Are you a member of a local church? If that question is too personal, I understand.

Brian,

The curious demagogue who created the above gossip fits the profile of a political lightweight trying to score a knockdown on another woman who has attained some political stature and power in her party.

If this nonsense were just an attack on Jim, it is not a very original one as those who saw the opposition circulate similar - and worse on this blog - when he ran for Supervisor.

No doubt the person responsible is known to others who have heard that person speak this slander. My guess: that person will soon be outed.

Stay tuned . . .

Moondoggie,

Democrats dropped the ball big time in the "family values" war. I suppose there is an official explanation for it, but I think most likely that we underestimated the power of that message, and how it would resonate with voters, whether it was based on fact or not. I can imagine some democratic strategists sitting around at the time saying "no one is going to buy into this".

I'm glad to say that we're doing a better job now on making sure the voters know what real family values are, and that Democrats stand for what's best about America. The election last year showed we did a good job with our message.

Curious,

Ho hum. What's your point? I've been hearing this "talk" for weeks now. It's petty gossip.

Not John Lennon,

1. I became a Democrat when I registered to vote at 18. Actually, I registered as an Independent at first, as many do at that age, defiant that I was going to be different. That lasted about 6 months until I figured out that I had no one to vote for, lol. I then re-registered as a Democrat.

2. I don't know of any local groups that are concentrating solely on the Darfur issue. You might try asking the Global Exchange group in Thousand Oaks. Contact Joanie: GXventuraTO@aol.com

3. I'm not a member of a local church. My mother was raised Catholic, my father Baptist, and my sisters and I were baptized Episcopalian.

DOJ,

I'm not sure who you are referring to when you talk about "Democratic Big Shots" in Sacramento, and saying who deserves a fair shot. If you're talking about leaders in the Dem Party, there are email and phone numbers listed on the Party website: www.cadem.org. Anyone can make a call or send an email. However, you've got a better chance of getting a response by contacting your elected reps on the County Central Committee.

Curious,
Why is it when a woman is strong and shows leadership qualities she has to be accused of ridiculous things. Laura Winchester has done a great job of organizing others and motivating many who otherwise would have done little. Keep up the good work Laura! Laura I would like to leave you with a quote you should remember "Forgive your enemies but never forget their names".....JFK

Laura, keep up the good work in our District. I'm still a Republican, but I just may have to vote for some of your candidates this time around. I'm putting Dantona at the top of my list. By the way, if the old man ever retires from the business, you should take a long hard look at Jim, Jr. This guy can go a long way!

The Secretary of State's site tells the tale of how success is achieved. The county Republicans out raised the Democrats by a 2-1 margin and out spent the Dems by a 3-1 margin, and still have a 3-1 margin of cash on hand. Money allows communication, communication translates to votes.

The county Republicans appear to have become united in their purpose and desire to work hard. This county will remain Republican.

Yes, Ron, money is the mother's milk of politics.

However, even so more than city hall, you cannot fight demographics. Ironically, as all those big Republican developers operating in the county keep filling every inch of land that they can with overpriced housing and upscale malls, they are attracting folks escaping to the "dream house" of their life from the Valley, the West side and other more crowded or declining neighborhoods elsewhere. The result: a very different demographic mix that does not guarantee that even the money may not overcome.

The trend is well documented in the county's own voter registration figures: as more folks move here and the county population grows, Republicans are increasingly becoming marginalized by both "Decline To State" and Democratic voters. Now that the DTS voters can participate in the Democratic primary (and not the Republican) those voters will be more inclined to investigate and commit their time, effort, money and votes to those candidates in the one party that actually welcomes their participation.

Keep grubbing the money from the fat cats, you will need it!

Ron, that's what the "experts" said about Mikels: entrenched, loaded with cash, a large core base of voters. Hah! Experience tells me that one good field worker is worth $10K of either party's money and a good organization trumps a 3-1 spending margin, any day.

Hey Harold,

The fact is that growth control, brought to us for the most part by Democrats, is the reason for the low housing inventory and the attendant high prices. In cities where NIMBY is king even the affordable housing element is out of reach of the average buyer, and certainly out of reach of most of our kids.

We have set ourselves on this path and only reasonable thinkers who support well regulated and responsible growth will pull us out of it. This has not been the history of our county Democrats.

You can bang on Republicans all you want, but at least they have a plan. I've heard nothing from the Democrats about how we're going to house our children when they enter the workforce. SOAR has brought us unproductive farmland and entry level housing starting at $400,000. The Reps, for whatever you want to say about them, welcome business and clean manufacturing which will employ our workforce and help clear up our road congestion. All I've heard from the Dems is no growth, no industry, no building, no hope.

Let's talk more.

gs,

You can't have it both ways. Foy won. By your own logic Foy had a better team than Dantona.

You can say Foy barely won, close, by an inch, but the fact is that he won. The majority voters rejected Dantona's message in November '06 and they'll reject it in November '07, if he actually runs.

On the contrary, Ron. I believe Foy's was the better organization; absolutely top notch and disciplined enough to gather the bulk of their absentee votes even before the campaign was in full swing. That wasn't a result of money & mailings but of door-to-door, person-to-person effort.

Ron, get real. All that has happened is that the Central Committee has opened a laundry service for the STrickland's and some outside interests. Most Republicans in the county don't support this. The Central Committee has hired an outside professional fundraiser which is buried in its FEC filings. Your statement that "the county Republicans appear to have become united in their purpose and desire to work hard" is a laughable one. Why pay someone to do the fundraising for you - just do the work yourself if you are so committed. Either you are just pimping for the VCRCC or you need to do some serious research. Either way, you don't have much credibility on the blog.

Speaking of strong Republican leadership - it's also notable that the Republicans took out one of their few Republican leaders when certain Central Committee members and elected candidates ran Foy in the BOS race. Why support a moderate Republican female imcumbent when you can run a right-wing, Evangelical male?

Laura has a good point. The county recent Republican debacle will increase the likelhood that the county will turn blue sooner rather than later. Thanks alot VCRCC.

Now back to Laura, are there Democrat contenders for the DA's slot or Bob Brooks position? What about other county positions? Also, it is rumored that Kathy Long has received assurances that her job is protected by any Republican advances. Should she trust these people? Seems to me that her BOS position would be at risk. Sounds like between the rumored Camarillo/Pleasant Valley School Board recall and the Dantona rumors, that the local Democratic party could make some real headway in the county.

Ron,

Hearing you avoid the issue of the demographic changes in the county and change the subject in your response reminds me that "a man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still."

More housing (especially more affordable housing) would only bring more DTS and Dems particularly with two increasingly important voter groups that Republican rhetoric is doing little to endear to the GOP: women and Latinos.

P.T. Barnum said of the circus: "The big top gets the crowd; the sideshow gets the overflow." Right now, the Republicans have become a sideshow in California's political circus. That will soon be the case here in Ventura County, too.

Money?
Don't forget Republicans were the only ones with "morals" and "family values" and "God on their side" at one time. Look how that turned out. I don't see the money to be their saving grace.
What will be their saving grace is the Democratic party politics. The Democrats using their own party candidates for spare parts. Every Democratic candidate plays a role; and brings people in to the family.
If Democrats want to be successful long term they need to take a chance sometimes and plant seeds in the minds of the people that don't have a garden.

Get real,

I don't know of any contenders just yet for Brooks or Totten's positions. It's still early though. We're actively recruiting candidates to run for seats throughout the county.

I have no idea if Kathy Long has received assurances about her job. You'd have to ask her.

DOJ,

Just what party candidate has been used for spare parts?

I think your smart and you know. I worked for a candidate the last month of the last election after getting home from a cross Country trip trying to heal America. I was tired and a Democratic office took our sign posts, office supplies, anything they were short of. We were running lean as it was. When a rookie city official took down all the legal signs these people only picked up the signs of the candidates they liked and left ours. There should be a location that "all" Democratic signs are saved after being saved. In Simi Valley it was kept a secret that in Simi Valley they have a bunch of "special" sign laws that the Elton and Foy signs don't have to obey. We should of atleast have been made aware of these "unusual" rules. Thousand Oaks doesn't have these rules. We look better than Simi so what are the reasons for these "special" sign laws?
I will give you a chance to reply to these questions first.

Ron,

Money is indeed important in politics. But is it the only factor? Not by a long shot. Republicans have a long history of outspending Dems in this state, yet you're still relegated to minority status. The only Reps you can get elected at at statewide level are Dems in Reps clothing, like Arnold and Poizner. Why is that?

You may outspend us, but you can't outwit us.

Ask Republican Michael Huffington how running, at the time, the most expensive non-presidential election in American history, with his own money, worked out for him against Dianne Feinstein. It wasn't pretty.

On a local level, ask Greg Lennox and John Anderson how VCRCC pouring money into their campaigns for school board in Conejo Valley worked out for them? Not well.

It's so typical that you think waving a fistful of dollars in the air automatically translates into votes. You're like a wealthy man with a beautiful wife who can't figure out why she would leave him. It's not all about the money. Sometimes, it's about your soul.

DOJ,

I think I know what you're talking about now, though some of this is news to me.

Each campaign is responsible for their own signs, materials, etc. If someone was taking your materials, you should have asked them about it. I doubt anyone was doing things maliciously. We are talking about, for the most part, volunteers. This is why each campaign needs to have their own office. In the heat of the moment, there is too much potential for conflict and confusion between candidates and campaigns, and their staffers.

Simi does indeed have sign ordinances that they just passed last year, and were well publicized in all the papers. It was my understanding that all the campaigns were well aware of the sign ordinances, as it was discussed repeatedly at many Democratic meetings. Perhaps that information didn't get down to all the people volunteering in the campaign.

I don't agree with all the laws passed by each city, but we don't have any control over it. We don't have control over any possible selective enforcement of the rules by city staff. In Simi, you are allowed to put signs up on personal property only, and only with permission of the owner. It's no surprise that a 20 year incumbent would have many friends and contacts with personal property willing to host his signs. Yes, it makes it very difficult for someone running against the incumbent to get their materials out against someone like that.

DOJ, I will tell you that it's not productive to keep rehashing past perceived slights in campaigns. It only perpetuates hard feelings and internal division. It's a new day, we have new opportunities. I'm sure your candidate has moved on and is looking towards the next campaign. We live, we learn, and hopefully, next time we conquer. I thank you for your passion and dedication to your candidate. She's a very lucky lady to have you on her team. And I'm glad that you're a Democrat.

Maybe if Democrats would read this blog more they would of seen the sign law debated for months.

If you are out of touch don't blame us, turn on your computer!

There is a local Darfur-specific- coalition. Hopefully I didn't voice in too late...

Save Darfur Ventura

I believe the website is savedarfur.org and you find the Ventura chapter...they are very very active.

Laura,
Thank you for your heartfelt response.
I still think it goes further than just personal property. I don't need an ordinace to think of that. We already probably have laws for that in place. What seemed wiered were the medians, commercial property that has had favors from the city, the car dealership on First Street ect. ect. ect... I do not think they are being applied equally. These things are not a deciding factor; and in fact it can be re-enginered to work against them, but I could see how they could discourage some people. I see it as psychological warfare. Pathetic and sad but still meant to weaken.
I checked all the city websites and it was not on there. I bet it still isn't so how hard is Simi Valley realy working to get the word out. Classifieds?
I am glad your Democrat too.

Simi Valley has two choices. Put the "sign laws" on their website or I survey the Simi Valley region for handicapped access violations and provide the information to the ACLU or someone like that. :)
It's your call.

Hi Down Thar in the South, This is a response from currently Red Shasta County going Magenta thanks to Bay Area progressives moving here. Our local DCC is in a quagmire, however, as in having several Democratic neanderthals running the entire DCC, is this a common thread statewide for DCCs ? By-laws don't seem to work when wanting to get rid of such detrida. Asking for help from the CDP was useless, despite a vast majority of the DCC wanting this one person removed for a variety of serious reasons. Any answers, not knowing the exact details ? The DCC and the local Dem Club has basically evolved into social club status. ADs are a useless waste of time. Is it about being metro vs rural ? Or just general apathy ? Answers now, please. By the way, at the risk of extreme pelting by fellow humanists, has anyone caught on how BushCo uses issues like Darfur to distract us from real everyday issues, like health care reform, political contribution reform, etc. etc. Locally we have a great Darfur group raising money, providng info about Darfur, but when it comes to doing something like voter registration so that we can elect local progressives, nobody shows up. What's it all mean ? Frank T.

Before you go around with lawsuits or hijacking threads here why don't you call the city and ask for a copy of the law. If you don't like it go speak to the city council.

The law was openly debated with stories in the papers, public hearings, and many blog posts.

Just because you didn't actually read Simi Valley papers or blogs when you were trying to win votes for you candidate in Simi Valley doesn;t mean the debate didn't exist. Maybe know more about a community before you try to win their support?

It is not all about Simi Valley. It's about the entire 24th District. I didn't even know Simi Valley had a paper. What makes you think I haven't already called the city?
Elton doesn't debate or answer tough questions. What are citizens supposed to do call Brian Dennert or Joe Howry when we have a problem.
These Simi Valley sign laws are not normal. They are not common place. They were meant to be a land mines for people who want to help America. They should be on their city website.
They have until July 4th 2007. The next day I drop everything and work on disability violations. I will post a blog with pictures and have comments from handicapped activists from around the world.
Either way I am happy.

Laura I was thinking more along these lines:
The Democratic attacking army should sent a strong advance force of infantry directly towards the enemy. The frontline troops occupied the attention of the enemy and the rest of the troops would maneuver behind it. They could also exploit any locally available obstacle, using hindering terrain or SOAR and Elton' past record to mask maneuvers. The Democratic cavalry would be stationed so as to cover the flank of the main body.

The main body of the army would then spread their forces to one side and deploy in an echelon (or the "oblique order"), spreading their firepower and attacking the stronger enemy flank with increasing pressure. The protective cavalry would then exploit any enemy collapse.

I Have to agree with DOJ on this one. News coverage on events in Simi Valley (especially city council and planning commission agendas)is all but nonexistant.

DOJ,
The sign ordinance is in the municipal code Chapter 9-37

Oh of course, good ole Chapter 9-37 how silly of me. Your right I should just do both; mess with their Congressman and create a safe place for people with disabilities in Simi Valley. Your right. Thanks Jimbo.

This is for the DOJ guy that keeps threatening lawsuits because he can't use google.

I typed Simi Valley sign ordinance and I found the rules.

Can you please stop posting comments about off topic subjects?

This entry was about Laura Winchester but like always you have destroyed it. You don't seem to care about even allowing your own party to explain itself.

Please stop talking so much and allow others to discuss issues. Hiding behind a fake name is obvious because you don't want to be connected to your thoughts.

Not quite so fast my confused commie. The official website is: http://www.ci.simi-valley.ca.us/

The old two website trick... HA! I don't think so! Not bad though I like your style ace.

Judge Laura,
I would like to present my link as exhibit A; Judge Laura would you please investigate where one would find these "sign laws" on Simi Valley official website.

Thousand Oaks has sign laws too if you noticed. The fact of the matter is Simi Valley for some reason has the most screwed up sign laws that have nothing to do with fairness in politics.

Which category is political signs Jimmy2time? Charitable? Commercial? Non-commercial? Which category do political signs fall under so I can follow your story for a laugh.

While Jimmy is thinking if the signs fall under non-commercial everywhere you see a festival sign I am putting Democrats. I never said anything about suing anybody punk so shut up.

You have seen the "carnival", "festival", "Elton Day" signs flapping in the wind all over the place.
During election time when I turn off on First Street off the freeway I think I am near LAX. Who do you think your fooling? Games up.

Bob Brooks is a good man he gets a waiver.
All other Republicans better be good runners the lions are hungry.

Again for this "DOJ" guy, check out this link: http://www.simivalley.org/

I will let anyone at all read it and determine if it is the city's website.

It does say at the top "Welcome to the city of Simi Valley's home page" and it then proceeds to have links to the various depts. Maybe if you were from here or if you had any supporters plugged into their own community here you would know that. But as far as I am concerned you are an outside interloper not concerned with our city.

Go away, you are not wanted here. Take a hint.

http://www.simivalley.org/html/temporary_sign_regulations.htm

I don't believe you are being honest that you didn't know or don't believe SimiValley.org is the city's main site. I don't trust you with a sign if that is the case. You might shoot yourself with the stapler or something.

Please stop posting. Go visit some other blog.

How many official Simi Valley websites are there?

http://www.ci.simi-valley.ca.us/

www.simivalley.com

www.simivalley.org

What else? www.simivalley.eltonsucks.foyisworse/toobadyougetnotsigns.fu

Hi Frank T,

Not sure how you ended up on a Ventura County blog, but here's a big wave and welcome to you, my Shasta County friend!

I'll answer your questions as best as I can, without knowing the particulars of your situation.

ALL DCC's have issues and some internal squabbling at one time or another. But if it reaches the level which you describe, then there should be a method in your bylaws to deal with it. If there isn't, change your bylaws or create a code of conduct, and then it's up to leadership and the group at large to enforce it. If, as you say, the majority wants this person removed, there should be a method to do so. If not, start making plans for when your next general election is scheduled, and run someone to take their place.

It's not an issue of metro vs rural. Problems exist in both types of areas. But sometimes, the frustration of being in a red county with few chances to win will cause organizations to turn inwards with their frustrations, instead of on the enemy. The only solution for that is as you say: change the registration numbers, pick your battles, and start winning a few seats. Start with a local water board or school board.

As far as why people will take up for an issue like Darfur instead of local voter registration - it could be a couple of things. If people don't see a clearcut plan to make change or a chance to win, they will think "well, at least I might be able to make a difference in this far away place", without the idea of having to face defeat or setbacks in their own backyard. Other people are only interested in what I call "the glamour races or issues". There are certain elements of the party and/or volunteers who only get excited about things with big splash potential - statewide seats, congress, presidential. The necessary ground work to set the stage for those wins - building infrastructure for precinct work and voter registration - is seen by some as boring. But keep plugging away and making your pitch. They'll get it eventually.

Let my signs go!

DOJ,

This thread isn't about me, it's about answering questions posed about the Democratic Party, from my viewpoint. If you or anyone else want to have a debate about sign laws, again, have at it. I added what I know already.

I don't own the blog, I don't moderate it. That's Brian's job.

As far as women being good "bait" for Republicans, you are mistaken. I'm not bait dangling on a hook. I'm a predator.

Hi Ms. Laura W., Got your article/blog off the TotalCapitol.com blog, which I read every day. This is how I keep up with state and national politic issues like yours. I will take your astute responses to the next ShastaCo DCC mtg. and unleash. Thanks, Frank T. PS To VenturaCo Dems, help turn ShastaCo Blue, move to the real north, cheap homes,great scenery/culture.

Laura,

Would you date a republican?

I know Laura is a big girl and can take care of herself but I have to say the "dating" question seems a bit out of line and somewhat anachronistic. Do you really want to know if she would date a Republican or are you asking if she could love a Republican or handle having Republican(s) in her life?

I say get this thread back on track. Laura, do you think the Elections Office is doing enough to advise DTS voters that they can ask for Democratic or Republican ballots? I think there should be a sign to this effect in each polling location. I really think more voter education needs to be done for DTS voters - particularly since they are becoming such a large voting block.

Where is the best place to turn in filled out and signed Democratic voter registration forms so they don't fall into the hands of the enemy?

Laura Winchester-

Please learn about the issues in the Conejo Valley Unified School District and quit worrying about Board Member Mike Dunn-he certainly has his faults but at least he is concerned enough to speak out about the conditions in schools-particularly the middle and high schools.
Overcrowding, outdated Science labs and a daily schedule right out of the 1950's is what longtime Board Members-"Dumb and Dumber" (guess who they are) have given us-why are the Dems of Conejo supporting them and their "happy talk"?

Bubba,

Would I date a Republican? Why, do you want to take me out for a burger, lol?

Though completely irrelevant, and I'm baffled about why anyone would care, the answer would be yes. After all, my ex-husband is a Republican, and a well connected one at that. My recent ex live-in boyfriend is a Republican. Both are what I would call fiscal conservatives, social moderates/liberals. My sister is a hardcore Rep, and her hubby of 20+ years? A big lib Dem. Go figure. Matlin and Carville.

I don't exclude or include people in my life based on political affiliation. Obviously the chances that I'd be with a fundamentalist winger type are slim and none.

Truth be told, I'm a hopeless romantic. Love can strike at the most inconvenient time, in the most inconvenient way, when you least expect it, and there's not a thing you can do about it except hopefully have the courage to take a chance. Finding someone you really click with is pretty rare. That's what is important, not the D or R next to your name.

Katie,

I don't think the Elections office is doing enough to educate ALL voters, including DTS. I like the idea of a sign at each polling location.

I'll take it one step further..I like the idea of the county doing a mailing or ad campaign to educate DTS voters as to their options.

Michael,

I would take them directly to the Registrar/Elections office at the Government Center in Ventura. You will find the most incredible people working there, willing to help. Monica, Virginia, Olivia...the absolute best. Even if you call and are being a complete pain and nag (like I have been), they are kind and helpful. I really appreciate what they do for Ventura County. We are lucky to have them.

M Duckett: You and your wife are supporting a right wing fundamentalist, extremist who spews hate and division at every turn. By giving your time and money to Mike Dunn, who does nothing but disrupt the school board to promote his own narrow political agenda, you are enabling this behavior. He's not the least bit interested in promoting the quality of schools in the Conejo, and by supporting him, neither are you. I'm sorry that you have chosen this path. I will no longer respond to your hateful, disrespectful emails. Nor will I respond to your rantings via posts on blogs.

From what I understand, the information that a DTS voter has the right to pick a partisan ballot in the primary is printed in the voter pamphlet. However, there is so much information in that pamphlet, that I think it should be front page BOLD to make sure the public is informed - or mail a separate piece to all DTS voters. It's obviously getting lost in the ton of information included in the regular pamphlet.

I heard only about 10% of DTS picked up a partisan ballot in last year's primary. If that's the case, I don't believe 90% of DTS voters CHOSE not to pick up a partisan ballot. They weren't aware of their rights. It's a matter of voter education and voter's rights.

Thanks for the honest answer Laura. I'm glad to know that you can seperate your politics from your personal life. I do think the question is relevant since at the heart of the matter people are people. Sometimes in politics we tend to dehumanize the other side and forget that, while we may disagree, most people genuinely care about their communities. In my experience republicans and democrats both care about education, children, the environment, equality, honest government, etc. The only difference is how those goals are achieved.

What can be done about Republicans taking advantage of the Christians that appear to be gullible and appear to follow Republican leaders and not Jesus?

I have included a link to discuss what I have been seeing.
What is being done to prevent this abuse committed by Republicans and what can we do to be more welcoming to those that get it?

DOJ,

We effectively present our message and reach out to those in the faith based community.

How do you do it?

DOJ,

The California Democratic Party has a program that you can read about by clicking on the link in my name. The site is still fairly new, so be patient.

There was a big meeting on the project up in Santa Barbara today.

www.cdpinterfaithoutreach.com

To Laura Winchester:

If anyone is disrespectful and hateful, it is you!! I certainly hope that you don't have children in the CVUSD-obviously, you have "no clue" on what is happening in the middle and high schools-and you are enabling the "gang of 4" by your praising of their ridiculous comments and agenda at the Board meetings. Do you give your "time and money" to them? How about working for what the Democrats stand for? Liberty and Social Justice!! All politics are LOCAL!!

Laura, this is great fun. I love the questions about who you would date. I'm so naive, I didn't even know you are single. But now that I do, let me say that I am a rather buffed, young at heart, Republican. How about me? Any interest in hitting the surf and lunch thereafter?

Since Laura won't respond to M Duckett, I will. Mike Dunn is a dangerous extremist who wants to impose a Taliban style fundamentalism on the children of the Conejo Valley! He cares nothing about education and only cares about imposing an indoctrination of extremism on the schools. I will personally donate $1,000 to the Recall Mike Dunn campaign when it begins! Also watching Laura take on people on this blog has been very fun, to bad many of the bloggers do not have her guts in using her real name.

To Doc (who is afraid to use his real name)

The only "dangerous extremist" is you-too bad they removed your last posting - which shows that you really are afraid to use your real name and try to call people out-How much do you care about education?
Go visit the middle and high schools in this district and see for yourself the neglect that has occured under the 2 senior members'
tenure.
I doubt that 1 Board Member can impose fundamentalism on our students-learn the real issue!!! It isn't Mike Dunn!!
Go ahead and donate your $1,000 for a recall-the last one we had in this city cost over 60 times that amount and never went anywhere-I assume you are now responding for Laura since she has turned this Blog into a dating site for herself.

TO DOC-
Correction: The last recall cost over $600,000, not $60,000.

Come on Duckett. Are you lonely? What is wrong with a little romance filling some time in this otherwise very sensitive subject of children's education? Tell us about yourself, Duckett. Someone out there may find you interesting enough to send a bio. Otherwise, chill a bit. Laura can't be that traumatizing.

Surfs up Laura. See you on the sand.

Cathy Carlson from TO here: Moondoggie and Doc, here's the backstory.

On May 22 I sat in back of Laura at the CVUSD meeting. The public comments were all supporting Mike's responsiveness to the stakeholders. Several speakers asked the rest of the board to follow his lead and ask the public how they feel about issues such as closing schools, parcel taxes, etc. Mike should be praised for his efforts, not censured. However, Laura sided with the ancient veterans on the Board who don't like Mike asking questions about the management of $225 million. She said she wished Mike would be more of a team player. How ridiculous is that? Would she go up to Sacramento and tell all the congressmembers and senators that they should all "just get along".

Suzanne Duckett, a former pharmaceutical rep, very educated having come from the same neighborhood as I did in Santa Clara County, criticized the old timers. She said they were setting examples as bullies. She said she wished the rest of them would likewise take an interest in the well-being of the students, and get rid of the "ghetto portables" in our overcrowded schools. As she sat down, Laura Winchester said to her companion, "She is an embarrassment to the Democratic Party." I walked over to Suzanne, congratulated her on her speech, shared what Laura had said, and we laughed. Laura got mad, turned around and hissed "Yes, she is."

Don't for a minute try to tell me that Laura in interested in education, or the best management of employees at the CVUSD. She is consistently partisan in her comments, and her agenda is clear: remove any obstacle to her flavor of liberals controlling the public schools.

And as for being a feminist, ask her if she's endorsed any serial seducers lately. When I attended the candidate's forum that she put together for the public with her Democratic Club of the Conejo, their party's candidate got all the buzz. A democrat friend from church saw me and mentioned how great this guy was. I set her straight about his reputation, and that he had put his hands on me right outside that building a few years back in front of a witness. This 70 year old woman couldn't believe it, until her DEM friend next to her admitted that she knew all about him when her son attended jr. high here. And then she said it didn't matter to her, as long as he was doing a good job. THAT IS THE DIFFERENCE between blind partisan loyalty, and critically thinking voters who don't let themselves be led by the nose.

Laura, is it really OK with you if an elected official during a working session says in front of witnesses, "Boy, I'd be all over her in a minute!" when a very attractive woman leaves a room? Do you realize the risk for a lawsuit that would be if that were said of a candidate and she found out? You are very good at "spinning" things your way--let's see you defend this lecherous behavior from your democratic darling.

Laura is a tremendous public speaker, very talented, and very, very good at the the Alinsky method of crowd control and consensus getting. The facts don't seem to bother her. Even though I've pointed out many times that the Conejo had more than a third of its schools below the state minimum 5 years ago (11 schools out of 27 under 800 API points, which is the 75% mark) Laura apparently still believes it is OK to let people believe that we are "excellent", since she often exaggerates the accomplishments of the students, and brown-noses with the union reps and senior citizens on the Board who love her flattery.

Those of us who support Mike understand tough-love. The Board should be good stewards of our money, and Trustees shouldn't be afraid of the Union bullies. The "meanies" here on this blog enjoy insulting us anonymously. Neither do they don't understand that we aren't weak types who can be "flattered" into believing lies, like the Emperor with his invisible new clothes. And we respect ourselves too much to ever brown-nose with corrupt local politicians who are more interested in "marketing" the schools than in managing the business of education. So, Doc, continue to call us names. I will find out who you are through Peggy Buckles, and we will "out" you to the Republican Party. Hope you come tomorrow. Merle is working--teaching disadvantaged kids at a special school--so he will come late. Be a man, Doc, and introduce yourself tomorrow.

Wow Cathy, that was a quite a summary. I have concluded that you don't like Laura. School Boards do seem to attract this degree of emotion. I've watched it in Simi Valley for a long time. LAUSD is the champion of this kind of thing with even the Mayor oftentimes involved.

The part of the story about someone wanting to seduce all the good looking mothers came across a bit hard to believe, but I'm sure it happens. Then again, I've seen Kunicki on the County School Board make some pretty stupid comments under his breath as people were walking by. Perhaps it is just a part of a School Board?

Cathy, I'm not that attached to Laura. If you are looking for a nice man, I just might be the guy. Gidget will be out of town next week. Surf's up, my dear?

Moondoggie,

You're a dog. I'm telling Gidget. Maybe there's still time for her to hook up with The Big