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RIP Jane Barnett Former RPLAC Chairman

Posted by Allen Wilson on August 8, 2013

OC Political received this sad message regarding the passing of Jane Barnett from RPLAC (Republican Party of Los Angeles County) Chairman Mark Vafiades:

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It is with great sadness that we report that former Chairman of the Republican Party of Los Angeles County, Jane Barnett, passed away this morning at approximately 8:00am

Jane Barnett had an extensive political career. She was, most recently, the Chairman of the Republican Party of Los Angeles County from 2009 – 2011.

Prior to that she was a candidate for the 43rd Assembly District in Los Angeles County and she was chair of the 43rd Assembly District Republican Central Committee.

She also served as the First Vice President of the Glendale-Burbank Republican Club and was a member of several Republican Women Federated clubs.

Jane was a lecturer/faculty member of the Leadership Institute in Washington, DC from 2001-2003, when she was living in Virginia. She was Director of Donor Affairs for Oliver North’s Freedom Alliance from 2003 -2006. She was Event Coordinator and Fundraiser for Ken Blackwell’s Center for New Black Leadership during 2003, and during that same year served as Director of Donor Relations for GOPAC.

Jane has worked for several elected officials, including California State Assemblyman James Rogan, for whom she served as Administrative Assistant, California State Assemblyman Pat Nolan and California State Senator Tim Leslie.

Jane is survived by her husband, Lou, and seven children.

Jane was a powerful presence in the Republican Party of Los Angeles County. We will miss her.

Posted in California, Republican Central Committee | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

Former Executive Director of Los Angeles County GOP arrested

Posted by Allen Wilson on August 2, 2013

ScottHounsellThe Diamond Bar-Walnut Patch and KPCC are reporting that former Executive Director of the Republican Party of Los Angeles County (RPLAC) has been arrested for sending text messages to a minor.

Scott Hounsell has served as Executive Director for RPLAC for six months of 2013 until his departure on June 15th is allegedly sending sexually text messages to a minor will be charged with two counts of misdemeanors according to KPCC.

Hounsell has previously served for former Assemblyman Cameron Smyth (R-Santa Clarita) as a Field Representative and Internship Coordinator.

The story is developing and we will keep OC Political readers updated as the news becomes available.

Posted in California | Tagged: , | 1 Comment »

Former Assemblyman Robert Pacheco returns as Councilman

Posted by Allen Wilson on July 31, 2013

Former Assemblyman Robert Pacheco served in the lower house of the California legislature from 1998-2004 in the 60th Assembly District has been appointed as Walnut City Councilman by a vote of 3-0-1.

Mr. Pacheco fills out the remaining term of former Councilman Tom King who resigned on July 1st to move to Orange County.

The Diamond Bar-Walnut Patch broke the news.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: , | Leave a Comment »

City of Los Angeles Board of Public Works $134K Commissioners

Posted by Allen Wilson on July 31, 2013

City of Los AngelesThe Los Angeles Times reported yesterday about former Mayoral candidate Kevin James who was grilled by the Los Angeles City Council for a seat on the Board of Public Works.

James was appointed by Mayor Eric Garcetti and confirmed by the city council on a vote of 11-0.

Then, Times goes on to explain at the bottom of the article that each Commissioner on the Board of Public Works pulls a six-figure salary of $134,000, which is the ONLY city commission that pay such hefty sum.

The Board is comprised of 5 members, which includes former Assemblyman Mike Davis.

If Angelenos didn’t know their hard working taxpayer funds are being used as a salary for a city commissioner should give City Hall a piece of their minds.

So, Kevin: Are you going to call for fiscal restraint by cutting back on the salary as a newly install Commissioner?

Posted in California | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

55th AD Watch: Phillip Chen announces candidacy for State Assembly

Posted by Allen Wilson on July 29, 2013

OC Political just received this Press Release from Phillip Chen for Assembly Campaign:

Phillip Chen Reports $334,000 Raised, with $319,00 Cash on Hand for Assembly Campaign

Yorba Linda, CA – – Republican School Board Member Phillip Chen is reporting $334,000 raised through June 30, and $319,000 cash on hand in his newly formed Assembly committee. Chen, a member of the Walnut Valley Unified School Board, is running in the 55th Assembly district currently represented by Assemblyman Curt Hagman, who is not running for reelection due to term limits.

“I am deeply honored and grateful for the overwhelming support I am receiving from the community,” Chen said. “Our district is fortunate to be represented by Assemblyman Hagman and I look forward to continuing the standard he has set.”

Phillip Chen is a small business owner and USC Professor who was the top vote-getter in the Walnut Valley Unified School District Board election in November of 2011. He is a top advisor on health care issues to Supervisor Mike Antonovich and a reserve Deputy Sheriff for the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department.

“The legislature needs to focus on the important things that impact our quality of life: improving schools, keeping us safe and healthy and creating an environment that will allow our businesses to grow,” Chen stated. “Our local businesses face many threats, from mandates imposed by the President’s healthcare initiative to onerous state regulations to high fees and taxes. I believe my experience in education, law enforcement, business and on health issues will help me take the lead in the legislature on the issues that are most crucial to our district.”

Commenting on the impressive fundraising efforts, Chen consultant Dave Gilliard, stated, “Early fundraising ability is important to candidates. Most insiders use the initial fundraising numbers as a tool to gauge a candidate’s viability and local support. This fundraising number will show Phillip has both the support in the community and the resources to fully fund a victorious campaign.”

Phillip’s prior experience includes being appointed by Governor Pete Wilson to serve in the Governor’s Office of Criminal Justice Planning, where he worked on legislation involving foster care, gang prevention, drug awareness, and mental health.

Phillip is a Doctoral Candidate at USC, he has a Master’s in Public Administration from USC and holds a B.A. in Communications from Cal State Fullerton. In addition, Phillip currently teaches Public Administration as an Adjunct Professor at USC.

Posted in 55th Assembly District, Brea, La Habra, Orange County, Placentia, State Assembly, Yorba Linda | Tagged: , , | 1 Comment »

55th AD Watch: Chang Self-Funds $100K

Posted by Allen Wilson on July 14, 2013

OC Political has learned that GOP Assembly Candidate Ling-Ling Chang has dumped $100K for her Assembly campaign.

We can’t determine if the donation was a contribution or a loan, but it appears to be a contribution rather a loan.

Though, we will have to wait for the campaign finance reports that should be posted online by the end of the month.

We reported that Chang had her first campaign fundraiser on May 31st in Rowland Heights and her only reportable donation since then was $4,100 was an individual of Portland, Oregon.

However, the $100K donation is a pretty hefty sum for a 30-something candidate running for State Assembly.

Late and $5000+ Contributions Received 
 
NAME OF CONTRIBUTOR CITY STATE/ZIP
LING-LING CHANG DIAMOND BAR CA / 91765
ID NUMBER EMPLOYER OCCUPATION
  STATE ASSEMBLYWOMAN CANDIDATE
AMOUNT TYPE TRANS. DATE FILED DATE TRANS #
$70,000.00 AMENDMENT #1 6/30/2013 7/11/2013 1773465-INC219
 
NAME OF CONTRIBUTOR CITY STATE/ZIP
LING-LING CHANG DIAMOND BAR CA / 91765
ID NUMBER EMPLOYER OCCUPATION
  STATE ASSEMBLYWOMAN CANDIDATE
AMOUNT TYPE TRANS. DATE FILED DATE TRANS #
$30,000.00 AMENDMENT #1 6/30/2013 7/11/2013 1773465-INC217

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , | 2 Comments »

Incredible Shrinking Capitol Press Corp

Posted by Allen Wilson on July 9, 2013

A very interesting discussion took place today over at twitterverse with regards to the departures of seasoned capitol bureau reporters who are moving on to new gigs and assignments.

Wyatt Buchanan @thewyatt, Sacramento Bureau Chief for the San Francisco Chronicle, tweets his departure:

Excited to announce I’ll be moving on to Phoenix and a gig at the @ journalism school at the end of the month.

Aaron McLear @aaronmclear, former Press Secretary for Governor Schwarzenegger now partner at Redwood Pacific Affairs, tweets with a reminder:

With @thewaytt’s departure, the Bay Area now has zero reporters in Sac covering state gov’t. Same w Central Valley.

Ben Alder @alderben, Capitol Bureau Chief for Capitol Public Radio, chimed in and echoed:

That’s zero PRINT reporters.

Judy Lin @JudyLinAP, Captiol Reporter for the Associated Press, quips:

With latest loss of @ and @, Sacramento Capitol press corps looking more like @‘s comms staff.

Lin was referring to Brown’s Press Secretary Gil Duran who has moved on as Communications Director for Attorney General Kamala Harris and Brown’s Deputy Press Secretary Elizabeth Ashford who is now Chief of Staff for Attorney General Kamala Harris as well.

Dan Morain @DanielMorain, Political affairs columnist and editorial writer for The Sacramento Bee, notes:

A few years back, I did count showing that in, as I recall, 2003 70-plus newspaper reporters covered the Capitol. Times change.

Aaron McLear expands the discussion with a worthy point:

Skeleton crew of a press corps explains relative lack of scrutiny current pols enjoy. Reporters are spread too thin

Dan Walters @WaltersBee, veteran political columnist for the Sacramento Bee quickly replied:

Bee bureau probably producing more now than at any other time, head-to-head with big LA Times output. Tough stuff, too.

Paul Mitchell @paulmitchell of Redistricting Partners notes:

have to agree with @ – more news coverage plus blogs and crazy twitter accounts means incessant coverage of pols.

Ben Alder makes a key point:

I think Aaron’s point might be that the coverage is more shallow, less investigative than before.

The incredible shrinking number of capitol bureau reporters should be concerning for Californians who are anxious about policy matters that affects their communities, pocket books and the future in the Golden State.

It is with hope that various newspapers and media up and down the state will reverse the trend by dispatching more reporters to cover the state capitol with much more scrutiny of the pols and policy matters.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Assemblyman Eric Linder presents Fourth of July Resolution

Posted by Allen Wilson on July 3, 2013

Assemblyman Eric Linder (R-Corona) authored and presented HR (House Resolution) 21 commemorating the 237th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

“I am honored to present HR 21,” said Linder, “As the son of an immigrant I have felt truly blessed by all this great country has been able to provide for my family.  The decision 237 years ago by the 56 men who signed their name to the Declaration to pledge their life, fortunes, and honor changed the world and the very concept of government.   I look forward to celebrating this accomplishment with my family and all Californians.”

Then Assemblyman Linder gave his remarks by introducing HR 21 to the Assembly floor today:

I’m honored to stand before you and among you – to present this resolution on the occasion of July 4th… America’s birthday, and the establishment of a nation historic in its reach and timeless in its scope.
 
July 4th is sacred.  Not in a way that’s severe or somber, but in a manner that’s heartfelt and hopeful. 
 
We don’t have a moment of silence on this day, but a loud and lustrous shout that’s become almost synonymous with fireworks.
 
But the mood in Philadelphia 237 years ago was anything but.  Officeholders debated to the point of exhaustion.  Debate raged on.  Differences were highlighted.  Consensus shrank away.
 
Sounds a bit familiar, don’t you think?
 
But the truth is, what those men were doing was not celebratory, but considered almost suicide. 
 
Though a tyrannical king ruled without remorse, to sign that declaration of independence meant treason for everyone who put pen to parchment.   In that hall, there were warnings of the gallows, the axe … and worse.
 
The issue was very, very much in doubt.
 
And yet, those 56 men went forward, signed their names and one by one, pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor. 
 
All risked something that day.  Many risked everything.  Some lost everything … including their lives.
 
They did it because they believed in what Ronald Reagan called “The American Experiment.”  To them it was a cause greater than themselves.  They changed the very concept of government.
 
I hope that on this day, as we enjoy the holiday and celebrate with loved ones, we can keep faith with the spirit of those 56 from 1776 and keep in mind what they did. 
 
When we are in rancor, I hope we will recall that glorious day, remember how we got here and honor how this country began.
 
And so it shall be today, next year and I hope even 237 years from now because of what those men did … in that hall … and on this day.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , | 3 Comments »

Downey Mayor Guerra announces candidacy for State Senate

Posted by Allen Wilson on July 2, 2013

Popular Downey Mayor Mario Guerra announces his candidacy for State Senate in the 32nd SD, which is currently being held by embattled Senator Ron Calderon (D-Montebello).

The 32nd SD is located in blue collar working class district in Southeastern portion of Los Angeles County which stretches from Montebello and Hacienda Heights in the north and all the way down the 605 Freeway Corridor and dips into Orange County City of Buena Park.

The other announced candidates are former Assemblymembers Tony Mendoza (D-Norwalk) and Sally Havice (D-Cerritos) who are familiar faces in Sacramento are pretty much recycled pols who have been there and done that.

Mayor Mario Guerra is a formidable candidate who offers fresh ideas and new leadership that Sacramento desperately needs.

OC Political received the Press Release from Mayor Guerra’s candidacy for State Senate: 

Guerra pledges to focus on fundamentals, run on his record of accomplishment and bring back character and integrity to Sacramento.

Downey, July 2nd – Today Downey’s Mayor Mario Guerra officially announced his candidacy for the 32nd State Senate District. Between now and the election, Guerra intends to run a dynamic campaign across the district sharing his record of accomplishments as Downey’s Mayor as well as ensuring the public that character and integrity are brought back to Sacramento. Supervisor Knabe announced his endorsement and full support of Mario Guerra’s campaign for Senate as well.

“It’s time we focus on fundamentals: good jobs, safe streets and a great education system for our children.” Mayor Guerra’s business attraction program helped to lure notable companies like Porto’s Bakery, Champion Fiat and Raytheon to Downey in the last several years. “I’ve done it in Downey and am excited to do more great things for families across the District,” stated Mayor Mario A.Guerra.

“Since becoming elected I’ve helped initiate the Character Counts program in Downey with great success. As your State Senator, I’ll work to restore the public’s trust in their state government. Public official’s integrity and ethics must be beyond reproach with no exceptions,” continued Guerra.

Today Supervisor Don Knabe also announced his endorsement of Guerra for Senate. He stated, “Mario Guerra is a long-time area resident, who has dedicated countless hours to serving our local communities as a small business owner, volunteer and as Downey mayor and councilmember.  His energy and commitment to programs benefiting our schools, the environment, job creation efforts, the local economy and safe neighborhoods have made our entire region a better place to live, work and play. Mario is trustworthy, well-respected and has a commitment to public service for the right reason – helping those he serves.  Please join me in supporting Mayor Guerra for the State Senate, 32nd District!”

For a full list of endorsements please visit: http://guerraforsenate.com/endorsements.php

Please visit Mario’s website for more information and updates at www.guerraforsenate.com.

Mayor Guerra has had tremendous successes in Downey. Among them was recently winning Downey the distinguished award as “All-American City,” as well as helping to create over 8,000 new jobs. He was overwhelmingly elected to Downey’s city council in 2006 and re-elected in 2010. Among many other regional efforts, Mayor Guerra serves as President-Elect of the Independent Cities Association, and has served as the Legislative and Budget Chair of California Contract Cities Association, Mario was also awarded the Non-Partisan Elected Official of the Year in 2011.

Mario’s track record extends beyond public service. He is a successful small business owner, having co-founded  Scanlon-Guerra-Burke. Today, operating as SGB-NIA, his partner firm is one of the largest insurance brokers in California.

Guerra has been an ordained Deacon in the Catholic church since 2002, and serves as a Deacon in ministry at St. Linus Catholic Church in Norwalk, CA. He also serves as a Stational Deacon at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels as well as the Chaplain of Downey Police.

Mario is a husband of 29 years to his wife, Ann, and a father of five to Mario, Jr., Lynne, Matthew, Haley and Ryan.

Posted in 32nd Senate District, Buena Park, State Senate, Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Arrogancy of Legislative Leaders

Posted by Allen Wilson on July 1, 2013

The San Jose Mercury News article “Steinberg reportedly rebukes Yee over public records stance” asks the question:  Did Senate Democrats leaders did a private dress down of Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco) for speaking in opposition to the proposed water down of the California Public Records Act?

Senate President Darrell Steinberg says he didn’t dress down Yee.

Senator Yee will not discuss.

The article explains two credible capitol sources says Steinberg was not pleased with Senator Yee speaking with the San Jose Mercury News about the topic.

The article goes on to explain that Democratic leaders felt Yee had hung them out dry in public.

The very telling quote from one of the capitol sources says, “God forbid you vote your conscience, and then tell people why.”

There are credible tales of legislative leaders on both sides of the aisle who use bully tactics on certain members of their own caucus who dare to speak their own mind despite the fact that every Senator and Assemblymember are elected by the people from their respective districts.

The unwritten rule in Sacramento that legislators have no right to “embarrass leader(s) of their own respective caucus”.

The horror!

As we approach the 237th Birthday of our Republic should serve as a reminder why the founders told King George III to fly a kite and the days of going to his court to kiss his ring for his blessings are over.

If every member votes with their own conscience without being excoriated by the Sacramento aristocrats, then perhaps Sacramento would be a civilized place and that every voice is heard as envisioned by our Founders.

We can only hope and pray that arrogance by legislative leaders would be the thing of the past.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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