-
CA-24: Rep Elton Gallegly Third Quarter Fundraising Report Reveals $800K Cash on Hand
California Congressional District 24
Third quarter fundraising reports are out and Rep. Elton Gallegly, my Congressman, reports over $823 K cash on hand.- Contributions: $229,221
- Expenditures: $157,407
- Cash on Hand: $823,988
- Debt: $0
Here are possible candidates, who may indeed challenge the long-time Republican incumbent.
- Steve Bennett – Ventura County Supervisor (D), Ventura
- Richard Francis – Former Ventura City Councilman (D)
- David Pollock – Moorpark City councilman (D)
- David Cruz Thayne – Westlake Village Businessman, tennis coach
Here is the poop on the district:
Gallegly saw his home drawn into Buck McKeon’s district, but he has represented Ventura County for years. With the additional of Democratic coastal communities in Ventura County added to this district and a resurgence of Democrats in the county this district is very competitive. Gallegly has been rumored to be retiring and this district may just push him over the edge. Democrats have 6-point registration advantage, Obama won this district by 16-points, but Brown lost it by 1-point. GOP state Senator Tony Strickland is looking at running here, though the district is competitive, there are no term limits.
With this fundraising activity, Gallegly is not laying down or looking like a retirement is imminent. He is active in GOP circles in the district and is home most weekends. Elton would either have to live just outside the district or move a few miles to be within the CA-24 borders.
However, he is widely know throughout Ventura County, having represented most of the CA-24 for decades.
I look for Elton to run for re-election, barring any health problems. If he doesn’t, look for California State Senator Tony Strickland to enter the race.
-
Flap’s California Morning Collection: August 17, 2011
A morning collection of links and comments about my home, California.Internet poker battle waged in Sacramento
A group of casino operators has taken to radio and television with ads urging state lawmakers to legalize Internet poker in California, prompting opponents to step up pressure for legislators to table the proposal for the year.
The ads by the California Online Poker Assn. say legalizing web-based poker could help the state avoid deep budget cuts. The spots started airing in the Sacramento area this week. Legislators are less than a month away from the deadline to act on bills this year.
“Online poker will provide California with $250 million dollars immediately and billions more in the future,’’ said Ryan Hightower, a spokesman for the association.
The group includes Commerce Casino, Bicycle Club, Hollywood Park Casino and operators of American Indian gaming facilities, including the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
Other American Indian tribes have joined the California Tribal Business Alliance, which Tuesday sent a letter to legislators asking them to drop two pending pieces of legislation for the year.
The alliance includes the Pala Band of Mission Indians, which operates a casino near Temecula. The alliance argues that Internet poker could take customers away from brick-and-mortar casinos.
Dan Walters: A corporate tax break Democrats adore – The Film Industry
Democratic politicians and liberal groups, including unions, often rail against corporate tax loopholes as unjustified raids on the public treasury – as they should.
Loopholes are particularly troublesome during periods, such as this one, when state and local budgets are leaking red ink and basic public services are being slashed.
But one multimillion-dollar loophole draws vocal support from those who usually oppose corporate tax breaks – one that happens to benefit a heavily unionized industry whose top executives are overwhelmingly Democrats and contribute lavishly to the party’s candidates and causes.
That would be Southern California’s movie and television production community.
California revenues down, Department of Finance confirms
Gov. Jerry Brown’s Department of Finance said Tuesday that California was $541 million shy of its July revenue forecast, a total similar to one released last week by state Controller John Chiang.
School officials grew nervous last week because the state budget signed by Brown requires K-12 districts to absorb cuts if the state falls $4 billion shy of revenue expectations for the fiscal year. The budget also would impose cuts to higher education, social services and public safety programs.
State legislators and Brown tacked on that $4 billion expectation of higher revenues to finish closing the state deficit in June.
Finance officials, in a department bulletin, cautioned against early concern. They suggested that most of the higher revenues would come on the back end of the fiscal year, from December through June. And they said forecasts by the Legislative Analyst’s Office and Department of Finance in November and December would determine whether the “trigger” cuts are necessary.
The $541 million in missed revenues represents 9.2 percent of the $5.867 billion that Finance expected the state to receive in July.
November 2012 Targets – Part Three: The State Senate
Last week, I made my early picks a to where the action may be for Congress and the state Assembly in November 2012. Now, lets look at the state Senate.
First, only the 20 odd-numbered districts are up for election in 2012, and, barring a successful court challenge or referendum, the candidates will run in one of the newly drawn districts that the Citizens Redistricting Commission, in their final vote, are expected to approve today, August 15.
Senators elected in 2010 in one of the 20 even-numbered districts were elected to a four-year term and will represent those districts as drawn until the end of their current term in 2014. Should any of these senators resign his/her seat, a special election would be held to fill the unexpired term, but the election would be held under the old lines. The newly drawn even-numbered districts do not become legal until the 2014 election cycle.
Here are the odd-numbered senate districts that I pick as possibly being competitive, with the more likely targets being listed first.
27th Senate District: Republican Sen. Tony Strickland and Democratic Sen. Fran Pavley are gearing up to battle each other for this highly competitive district that encompasses Ventura County’s Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks, and the L.A. County city of Malibu, stretching north through the west San Fernando Valley and ending in Santa Clarita. Forty percent of the voters in this new district reside in the current 19th District represented by Strickland, while thirty-six percent reside in Pavley’s current 23rd District. It’s also interesting to note that half of the new Senate district overlaps Assembly districts currently represented by Republicans Jeff Gorell and Cameron Smyth, while the other half overlaps Assembly districts currently represented by Democrats Robert Blumenfield and Julia Brownley.
Jerry Brown and Meg Whitman tied here, 47% -47%, while Carly Fiorina squeaked by Barbara Boxer 47% – 46%.
Side Note: Should Cong. Elton Gallegly (R) decide to not seek reelection to Congress next year, Strickland could decide to run for the Gallegly congressional seat. That would open the door for Asm. Cameron Smyth (R-Santa Clarita) to run in this district.
I look for Tony Strickland to run for the Congressional seat of a retiring Elton Gallegly
Enjoy your morning!
-
California Citizen’s Redistricting Committee Latest Draft Visualization for Ventura County Includes Moorpark But Excludes Simi Valley?
Visualization from Redistricting PartnersApparently so.
Not a good series of maps for long term GOP Representative Elton Gallegly since it appears his home in Simi Valley is outside the district.The earlier first draft Congressional map had Simi Valley and Moorpark outside the district. It looks like the California Citizen’s Committee has decided on a compromise with allowing Moorpark in and placing Simi Valley into a primarily Los Angeles County District.
Here is the Demographic breakdown of the new Ventura County Congressional District:
The newly drawn Congressional District is not the final one and the Commission has until August to draw final maps. There will be likely challenges after the Commission finishes its work. But, for now, Representative Gallegly would either have to move a few miles to Moorpark or Thousand Oaks or retire. He could off course, stay where he is and run in the new West San Fernando Valley/Santa Clarita Valley District which is now represented by long time GOP Rep. Buck McKeon.
Should Gallegly retire, two incumbent GOP POLS would reside in the district: California State Senator Tony Strickland and California Assemblyman Jeff Gorell.
This is, of course, what will happen if the map is not redrawn again in its final adoption by the Commission.
-
Ventura County Political Fight of Joel Angeles Headed to Court
Joel Angeles, Chief of Staff of California Assemblywoman Audra
Strickland, R- Moorpark talking with a Ventura County Sheriff Officer
during protest rally on June 17, 2008. Photo By FlapThis politically motivated criminal prosecution for battery against Jose “Joel” Angeles who is Assemblywoman Audra Strickland’s, R-Moorpark, Chief of Staff is headed to Ventura County Superior court on June 18, 2009.
Flap first wrote about the case almost a year ago.Flap was there and wrote this post after the altercation/protests and the fundraising event for Assemblywoman Audra Strickland’s husband, Tony.
The entire Flap was and continues to be a “He Said, They Said†argument. Flap did not see the supposed “smack downâ€
but did interview one of the female alleged victims. She did have
scratches on her right arm which she said she received by being pushed
into an adjoining hedge.But, the hedge had sharp prongs, the sidewalk was filled with people
and Flap was easily pushed into it and scratched his own arm.Ventura County Sheriff officers interviewed all parties and since none of the parties would pursue prosecution or a citizen’s arrest, no arrests were made.
Democratic Party activists of Ventura County tried to sink the candidacy of now, newly elected GOP California State Senator Tony Strickland by creating a row out in front of his fundraising event with Mitt Romney. But, it didn’t work and Strickland was elected by a narrow margin in a closely contested race.
But, this case has dragged on by the outrageous claims of the 69 year old President of the Camarillo Democratic Club and the dogged prosecution by partisan Demcorat Attorney General Jerry Brown’s office.
This case is going nowhere (unless an outright acquittal or dismissal) and does anyone bet that there will be some sort of plea deal on the courthouse steps?
If not, the question will be: Why is Jerry Brown, the Democrat Attorney General who will run for Governor in 2010 wasting taxpayers dollars on a politcal prosecution?
Stay tuned……
Previous:Ventura County District Attorney Refers Audra Strickland Aide Case to California Attorney General
Audra Strickland Watch: Chief of Staff Joel Angeles Placed on Leave
Hannah-Beth Jackson Watch: Blows More Smoke Over Tobacco Company ProtestTony Strickland Watch: Taking it to the Streets – Politics That Is
Technorati Tags: Joel Angeles, Audra Strickland, Tony Strickland
-
Tony Strickland to Play First Professional Basketball Game Tonight
Flap had this before but tonight is the Los Angeles Lightning Debut of Thousand Oaks area California State Senator Tony Strickland.Some on the LEFT are already mocking and trash-talking the middle aged California State Senator:
He hasn’t gotten around to meeting with the superintendents of education from this area but he is set to play Saturday night at CLU.
What are the chances local liberals will show up to get footage of any shots he misses to turn into an ad?
Tony Strickland, if you have time to twitter when you are practicing basketball you have time to twitter something classy about Michelle Obama to show how much you disagree with Tammy Bruce, who you called Michelle Obama trash before you shared a stage with that loudmouth.
Wonder if the Leftist activists/local Democrats will be there to protest, photograph or otherwise generally harass the pol? And,on a Saturday night, in his own district, on his leisure time?
How do you say, Get a LIFE?
By the way, the game is at 7PM on the California Lutheran University campus.
To buy your
season ticket package:To buy single
game tickets on Ticketmaster:To view the LA
Lightning press release:To view a news
clip from KEYT (ABC-Santa Barbara) of Senator Strickland playing for the
LA Lightning:
Technorati Tags: Tony Strickland
-
Senator Tony Strickland: Flood Control Legislation Earns Unanimous Support
From the Press Release:Senate Bill 619, authored by State Senator Tony Strickland (R-Thousand Oaks) and principally co-authored by Assemblyman Pedro Nava (D-Santa Barbara) which provides support for funding Santa Barbara County’s Lower Mission Creek flood control project, earned unanimous bipartisan, support in the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee.
“Santa Barbara County Residents are aware of the damage that a flood can do to their home and property. Local flooding as recent as 1995 and 1998 have left devastating effects on the surrounding community of Lower Mission Creek. SB 619 provides much needed support for crucial funding to the Lower Mission Creek flood control project. This important legislation will help save hundreds of homes from future flood damage,†said Senator Strickland.
SB 619 authorizes California to provide subvention funds to Santa Barbara County for the Lower Mission Creek flood control project. The flood control project has been an on going project for many years and is a joint effort between the City of Santa Barbara, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Santa Barbara County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. The Lower Mission Creek flood control project stretches 1.3 miles from Cabrillo Boulevard at the ocean to Canon Perdido Street. The goal of the project is to widen the banks of the creek channel to increase water capacity. This will lead to a reduction in flooding and property damage done by floods.
Assemblymember Nava stated, “I am very pleased that SB 619 passed the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee this week. This is an important measure that will not only protect homes and property, but ultimately save lives in the City of Santa Barbara.”
Santa Barbara County’s Lower Mission Creek flood control project has also earned broad community support with several environmental benefits as well. For more information on Santa Barbara County’s Lower Mission Creek project please visit www.lowermissioncreek.com.
Proving once again that district priorities always trump partisan politics.
Technorati Tags: Tony Strickland
-
Senator Tony Strickland: Renewable Energy Legislation Clears First Hurdle
From Today’s Press Release:Senate Bill 463, authored by State Senator Tony Strickland’s (R-Thousand Oaks) which would create a tax credit for the purchase and installation of renewable energy resources, passed the Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee. In addition, Senate Bill 542, Solar Energy & Energy Efficiency Programs, which Senator Strickland has joint-authored with Democratic Senator Pat Wiggins (D-Santa Rosa) passed the Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee as well.
“I’m working with Democrats and Republicans to change California to a renewable energy economy to create jobs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, improve the environment, and lower energy prices. By focusing on legislation that promotes renewable, clean energy, we promote local businesses. When businesses grow, jobs multiply,†said Senator Tony Strickland.
Senate Bill 463, Renewable Energy Projects, would entitle a person to a one-time tax credit not to exceed $3,000, or equal to 30 percent of all costs for the purchase and installation of a renewable energy resource project.
Senate Bill 542 would add apartments, duplexes, and commercial rental properties into the California Solar Initiative and other energy efficiency programs to encourage the use of renewable energy.
“California is squeezed between an economic crisis and an energy crisis that requires us to fundamentally rethink how we do business. We need to offer tax credits and incentives for individuals and businesses that transition to renewable, clean energy. Senate Bills 463 and 542 will take us into the 21st century, and will help California become more energy-efficient,†said Senator Strickland.
Senate Bill 463 will now go to the revenue and taxation committee. Senate Bill 542 will go on to appropriations committee.
Strickland was oftern criticised during last November’s campaign as a hypocrite on renewable energy and other environmental issues. The Democrat LEFT has portrayed him as “FAKE GREEN” politician.
Today’s vote in the California Legislature will probably not mollify his critics and the bills have a way to go before they become law but to his voter constituency it is a start on delivering what he promised during the campaign.
Technorati Tags: Tony Strickland
-
California Senator Tony Strickland Speaks Out for Meg Whitman
From the Whitman campaign for Governor:
Sen. Tony Strickland has tried to live by the philosophy his father taught him: it’s up to every generation to leave their community better than when they found it. Strickland says electing Meg Whitman will accomplish that goal.
Technorati Tags: Meg Whitman, Tony Strickland
-
California Senator Tony Strickland Adds Second Job – Pro Basketball Player
California State Senator Tony Strickland (R-Thousand Oaks) in his Los Angeles Lightening uniform
Well, Senator Strickland won’t be joining the Los Angeles Lakers but he will be joining the professional Los Angeles Lightening professional basketball team.
State Sen. Tony Strickland will join the Los Angeles Lightning for its season debut, May 2, against the Edmonton Energy in the Gilbert Sports Arena at California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks.
“I’m excited about it,” said the Moorpark Republican, who stands 6-feet-5 and played hoops at Whittier College nearly two decades ago. “I’m as serious about my basketball as I am about my politics.”
Strickland said he knows the Lightning’s owner, Mark Harwell, who was aware of the legislator’s love for basketball and invited him to join the team for one game, perhaps more.
“It didn’t take me long to say yes,” Strickland said.
The Los Angeles Lightning is a member of the professional International Basketball League, which began play in 2005.
Flap supposes this is a healthy hobby for the near 40 year old Strickland and certainly will relieve the stress of State Capitol machinations. And, since the home games are here in Thousand Oaks, Ventura county voters will know where their Senator is on the weekends – on the Cal Lutheran court.
The Lightning will play 14 of their 18 games at Cal Lutheran, starting on May 2-3 against the Edmonton Energy of Alberta, Canada. Games will start at 7 p.m. on Saturdays and 5:30 p.m. on Sundays. In the next two weeks, tickets will be available online at Ticketmaster.com, at all Ticketmaster outlets or to charge tickets by phone, call 800-745-3000.
The Los Angeles Lightening schedule is here.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lightening Owner Mark Harwell and California Senator Tony Strickland
Technorati Tags: Tony Strickland, Los Angeles Lightening, Mark Harwell
-
California Senator Tony Strickland Reports – March 17, 2009 Edition
The website and full report is here.New Legislation introduced:
- SB 37 Public Employees: Compensation
Requires state agencies provide a secure, electronic means of viewing earning statements if the employee is enrolled in the direct deposit system. Provides that no paper copies will be distributed.
Status: Referred to S. PERSS - SB 174 Public Safety Omnibus
Makes technical and non-substantive changes to various code sections relating to public safety.
Status: Introduced, eligible for committee on 3/17 - SB 263 Local Government: Community Service Districts
Provides the Santa Rita Hills Community Service District is authorized to limit access to roads it owns to landowners and residents.
Status: Introduced, eligible for committee on 3/27 - SB 326 Land Use: Housing Element
Requires the housing element to include within the analysis of existing and projected housing needs a quantification of foreclosures and projected foreclosures and their impact on the housing needs and inventory.
Status: Introduced, eligible for committee on 3/28 - SB 344 Crimes Against Elder & Dependent Adults
Criminalizes the theft by exploitation and theft by undue influence against an elder or dependent adult and increases the penalties for offenders with prior convictions of financial elder abuse.
Status: Introduced, eligible for committee on 3/28 - SB 685 State Boards & Commissions: Salaries: Suspension
Prohibits members of a board or commission from receiving a salary if, in 2010 the salary is $100,000 or more and the board meets two or less times a month.
Status: Eligible on 3/30 - SB 739 Political Reform Act of 1974: Fundraising
Prohibits the spouse or domestic partner of an elected official or candidate from receiving compensation for services in connection with fundraising for the benefit of the elected official or candidate.
Status: Introduced, eligible for committee on 3/30 - SB 744 Clinical Laboratories: Public Health Laboratories
This bill would adjust the rate schedule for clinical laboratories.
Status: Introduced, eligible for committee on 3/30.
Technorati Tags: Tony Strickland
- SB 37 Public Employees: Compensation
I’m sure some PR person somewhere thought this was a good idea. Yeah, he’s getting press for it. But between this silly photo and the mere fact that all this basketball is surely taking his time away from the important business of the state, this is a big blunder.
By Katie Teague on May 2, 2009 7:35 AM
This is soooooo wrong!!! Makes you wonder if he is being sabotagued politically from the inside or if he truly doesn’t have a grasp of what is good PR versus bad PR. Or maybe it is a diversion for some truly awful decisions made in the past.