Outgoing Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) was on the House floor late Monday afternoon wearing a t-shirt and a sling due to a recent operation on his thumb.

Frank was wearing... http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2011/12/19/barney_frank_wears_rev...

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties), voted today for the National Defense Authorization Act. It passed the House today on a bipartisan vote of 283-136.

“Since 9/11, we have been at war with terrorists whose intent is to destroy America,” Gallegly said. “It is imperative that we provide our military men and women with the tools necessary for them to protect the United States.”

The act funds our national defense at $554 billion, $19 billion less than was authorized last year. It ensures that our troops deployed in Afghanistan and around the world have the equipment, resources, authorities, training and time needed to successfully complete their missions and return home; takes care of our military and their families; and makes investments needed to protect the United States from current and future threats.

It also codifies into federal law U.S. Supreme Court rulings made since September 11, 2001, on how military combatants are treated. It preserves habeas corpus rights for all American citizens while allowing our military the flexibility to fight al Qaeda and other terrorists. The bill does not expand military detentions or define the rights of American citizens beyond Supreme Court rulings and what was already federal law.

County Clerk Recorder/Registrar of Voters Mark A. Lunn announced that Petitions in Lieu of filing fee documents for the following offices for the June 5, 2012, Presidential Primary Election may be obtained from the Ventura County Elections Division beginning Friday, December 30, 2011:

Voter-Nominated offices for the June 5, 2012, Presidential Primary Election
U.S. Senator
U.S. Congressional Representative: 24th, 25th, 26th, & 30th Congressional Districts
Member of the State Senate: 19th & 27th Senatorial Districts
Member of the State Assembly: 37th, 38th, 44th, & 45th Assembly Districts
Non-partisan offices include:
Judge of the Superior Court
Ventura County Board of Supervisors: 1st, 3rd & 5th Supervisorial Districts

“This is an important election and will have a definite impact on our County, State and Nation in the years to come,” said Lunn. “I encourage all voters to participate in our democracy and ensure that their voice is heard next June.”

Official Nomination documents for candidates may be obtained Monday, February 13, 2012, at the Ventura County Elections Division, Lower Plaza, Hall of Administration, 800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura. Official nomination documents must be filed with the Ventura County Elections Division by 5:00 p.m. Friday, March 9, 2012.

Information regarding filing for these offices and the filing fee amounts may be obtained by calling the Ventura County Elections Division at (805) 654-2664 or visit the Ventura County Elections Division website: http://recorder.countyofventura.org/elections.htm

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Over the past year, the Obama Administration has taken several steps to grant relief to illegal immigrants and other removable aliens without approval from Congress. These actions strain the constitutional separation of powers and defy the will of the American public. They are part of the Administration’s unrelenting effort to grant amnesty to illegal immigrants.

Unfortunately, the Administration is imperiling the Secure Communities program as part of this effort. Secure Communities is a powerful law enforcement tool that allows U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain removable aliens arrested by local law enforcement agencies.

Secure Communities grew out of a local law enforcement program that we established in the mid-1990s. In the 1996 illegal immigration reform bill, I included a provision that established a pilot program in Anaheim and Ventura County, California, that authorized local law enforcement officials to screen criminals in local jails prior to being arraigned. And in 1997, this pilot program was expanded to jurisdictions throughout the United States.

Today, this program, which is now called Secure Communities, is supported by local law enforcement organizations across the nation, including the Major County Sheriffs’ Association.

Ultimately, Secure Communities assists local law enforcement with the identification and removal of criminal aliens, making it a vital tool for protecting the safety of our streets and neighborhoods. Yet, amnesty groups remain stubbornly opposed to it and claim that Secure Communities results in racial profiling. However, it is perplexing how a computer can racially profile when everyone who comes to the attention of law enforcement is checked through a database.

From the outset, the Administration has failed to enforce our immigration laws and has effectively placed its own political agenda ahead of its constitutional responsibility to carry out the laws enacted by Congress. Secure Communities is certainly no exception.

The Administration is taking what is an otherwise useful law enforcement tool and making “changes” to it, not to strengthen the program, but to undermine it.

The Administration has taken several steps to satisfy the desires of pro-amnesty groups, including the formation of a task force consisting largely of amnesty supporters that is designed to tell the Administration how and when it should ignore the laws written by Congress.

Never before, to my knowledge, has an outside group composed largely of members with little enforcement and operational knowledge of the Department of Homeland Security been permitted to provide advice on enforcing immigration laws.

I, along with other members, have urged the Administration to reverse the policy of granting administrative amnesty to illegal immigrants by misusing so-called “priorities”.

The Administration needs to focus on creating jobs for American citizens and legal workers instead of looking for backdoor means to permit illegal immigrants to stay in this country.

I now turn to Ranking Member Lofgren for an opening statement.

The Saudi Interior Ministry says in a statement the execution took place on Monday, but gave no details on the woman's crime.

The London-based al-Hayat daily, however, quoted Abdullah al-Mohsen, chief of the religious police who arrested the woman, as saying she had tricked people into thinking she could treat illnesses, charging them $800 per session.

The paper said... http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/saudiarabia/8951248...

CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011 6:30 P.M.
FILLMORE CITY HALL CENTRAL PARK PLAZA 250 CENTRAL AVENUE FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA 93015-1907

1. Call to Order: 6:30 P.M.

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call: Councilmembers Brooks, Conaway, Sipes, and Mayor Washburn

4. Approval of Agenda

5. Presentations and Announcements

A. Recognition of Outgoing Councilmember Patti Walker

6. Public Comments

7. Consent Calendar

Recommendation for Items A. through F. is to Approve.

A. Warrant List for DECEMBER 13, 2011
B. Minutes of JUNE 28, 2011 Regular Meeting
C. Minutes of JULY 12, 2011 Regular Meeting
D. Minutes of OCTOBER 5, 2011 Special “Town Hall” Meeting
E. Minutes of NOVEMBER 8, 2011 Regular Meeting
F. Consideration and Adoption of City Council Resolution 11-3326: Authorizing the Filing of a Claim with Ventura County Transportation Commission for Allocation of Transportation Development Act (TDA) Funds for FY 2011-2012 and Authorize Staff to Make the Appropriate Budget Adjustments.

8. Department Reports

8A. Discussion and possible action to fill remainder of an unexpired term on the City Council.

Recommendation: Provide direction to staff on how to fill the vacancy created November 9, 2011, by:
1) Fill the seat by appointing a Fillmore resident for the remainder of the term (3 years); or
2) Hold a special election to fill the seat to be consolidated with the next countywide regular election occurring on June 5, 2012.

City Manager
8B. Direction to Staff Concerning the Support of a Proposition 84 Grant (Salt and Nutrient Study) for $400,000 to the WCVC Steering Committee in Conjunction with other Cities and the County on December 14, 2011; and Authorizing a Financial Commitment for Fillmore’s Fair Share of the $135,000 in Matching Funds (total project cost $535,000) to the State of California

Recommendation:
1) Direct staff to pursue funding in conjunction with the Watershed Protection District, the County, and other cities for the submission of a Proposition 84, Planning Grant, for the Lower Santa Clara River Groundwater Basins; and,
2) To provide Fillmore’s share of the $135,000 in matching funds which is estimated to be $25,000, if the project moves ahead.

City Attorney
8C. Update to Common Area Infrastructure Fees for Fillmore Business Park (Cont’d from November 8, 2011 meeting)

Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution 11- 3325, entitled “Update to the Fillmore Business Park Common Area Infrastructure Fees.”

9. City Council Reports, Recommendations, and Comments

A. Review and Approval of Letter of Support
1) TIGER Grant III – State Route (SR) 23/US 101 Regional Corridor Improvement

B. City Councilmember Travel Requests/Brief Reports

C. Any Councilmember May Propose Items for Placement on Future Agenda

D. Council Referrals/Brief Comments

10. City Manager

A. Follow-Up on Requests from the Public/City Council

B. Announcements and Upcoming Issues

11. Closed Session

A. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation (Subdivision (a) of Section 54956.9). Peter Egedi v. City of Fillmore, Fillmore City Council and Fillmore Fire Department; Ventura County Superior Court, Case No. 56-2010-00370737-CU-NP-VTA.

B. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (subdivision (a) of Section 54956.9). El Dorado Estates v. City of Fillmore, Case No. CV11-07562 SJO, United States District Court for the Central District; and El Dorado Estates v. City of Fillmore, Case No. 56-2009-00358555-CU-WM-VTA, Ventura Superior Court.

12. Adjournment: City Council adjourns. The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, JANUARY 10, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 250 Central Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015.

SPECIAL MEETING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011 6:00 P.M.
FILLMORE CITY HALL CENTRAL PARK PLAZA 250 CENTRAL AVENUE FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA 93015-1907

1. Call to Order: 6:00 P.M.

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call: Councilmembers Brooks, Conaway, Sipes, and Mayor Washburn

4. Public Comments
Pursuant to Government Code § 54954.3(a), Only Comments on Issues Listed on This Agenda Shall Be Heard During This Special Meeting.

5. Closed Session

A. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation (Subdivision (a) of Section 54956.9). Peter Egedi v. City of Fillmore, Fillmore City Council and Fillmore Fire Department; Ventura County Superior Court, Case No. 56-2010-00370737-CU-NP-VTA.

6. Adjournment: City Council adjourns. The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 250 Central Avenue.

Three incidents in recent days tell us all we need to know about the Obama administration’s “values.”

On Dec. 1, the story broke that Bethesda-based Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where wounded veterans convalesce, apparently had banned visitors from bringing in Bibles or other religious items.

Walter Reed’s Chief of Staff C.W. Callahan issued a memo in September that said, “No religious items (i.e., Bibles, reading material, and/or artifacts) are allowed to be given away or used during a visit.”

Telling wounded soldiers and their families that their First Amendment freedoms have been suspended should be a firing offense.

Rep. Steve King, Iowa Republican, who serves on the House subcommittee on the Constitution, conveyed the gravity: “The idea that these soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines that have fought to defend our Constitution - and that includes our First Amendment rights to religious liberty - would be denied that religious liberty when they are lying in a hospital bed recovering from wounds incurred while defending that liberty is the most bitter and offensive type of an irony that I can think of.”

The policy was... http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/dec/9/remember-whom-we-are-figh...

Written by Madeleine Morgenstern

The U.S. Senate voted Thursday to approve a defense authorization bill which included a provision that not only repealed the military ban on sodomy, but also repealed the ban on having sex with animals — or bestiality.

CNS News reported:

On Nov. 15, the... http://www.theblaze.com/stories/senate-repeals-bans-on-sodomy-and-bestia...

Written By Tiffany Gabbay

A cozy town hall meeting with Michele Bachmann at the Waverly Pizza Ranch in Iowa took a twist Wednesday when a student questioned the GOP presidential contender’s views on same-sex marriage and of what she would do for the gay and lesbian community as president.

“All of us as Americans have the same rights, we have the same civil rights,” Bachmann told 16-year-old Jane Schmidt, who identified herself as a member of the school’s GSA, the alliance advocating for the rights of gay and straight students.

“There shouldn’t be... http://www.theblaze.com/stories/high-school-student-fights-bachmann-on-g...

Watch the Freedom Center's revealing new video, Obama: The Anti-Israel President here http://frontpagemag.net/obamaisrael/

Come join the staff of Assembly Member Jeff Gorell as we hold our Holiday Open House on Thursday, December 15th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Members of the public and media can come take a tour of our Westlake Village district office, give our staff feedback about issues that affect you, and network with other constituents of the 37th Assembly District.

Assembly Member Jeff Gorell’s District Office
2659 Townsgate Road, Suite 236
Westlake Village, CA 91361

Thursday, December 15th
From 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

For complete directions, you can visit Google Maps at: http://g.co/maps/z5dw2

Please bring a can of food with you. All food collected at the Holiday Open House will be donated to needy families via the Food Share of Ventura County.

For more information, please contact Adam Haverstock at adam.haverstock@asm.ca.gov or (805) 230-9167.

Written By MARK HEMINGWAY

And to think that Attorney General Eric Holder is getting testy about congressional calls for his resignation. After all, the Justice Department has nothing to hide, right?:

The Obama Administration has abruptly sealed court records containing alarming details of how Mexican drug smugglers murdered a U.S. Border patrol agent with a gun connected to a failed federal experiment that allowed firearms to be smuggled into Mexico.

This means information... http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/obama-admin-seals-records-murdered-b...

Abraham Lincoln’s Proclamation Establishing Thanksgiving Day, October 3, 1863
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years, with large increase of freedom.
No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-eighth.
Abraham Lincoln

Remarks of President Barack Obama Weekly Address, Thursday, November 24, 2011
From my family to yours, I’d like to wish you a happy Thanksgiving. Like millions of Americans, Michelle, Malia, Sasha and I will spend the day eating great food, watching a little football, and reflecting on how truly lucky we truly are.
As Americans, each of us has our own list of things and people to be thankful for. But there are some blessings we all share.
We’re especially grateful for the men and women who defend our country overseas. To all the service members eating Thanksgiving dinner far from your families: the American people are thinking of you today. And when you come home, we intend to make sure that we serve you as well as you’re serving America.
We’re also grateful for the Americans who are taking time out of their holiday to serve in soup kitchens and shelters, making sure their neighbors have a hot meal and a place to stay. This sense of mutual responsibility – the idea that I am my brother’s keeper; that I am my sister’s keeper – has always been a part of what makes our country special. And it’s one of the reasons the Thanksgiving tradition has endured.
The very first Thanksgiving was a celebration of community during a time of great hardship, and we have followed that example ever since. Even when the fate of our union was far from certain – during a Civil War, two World Wars, a Great Depression – Americans drew strength from each other. They had faith that tomorrow would be better than today.
We’re grateful that they did. As we gather around the table, we pause to remember the pilgrims, pioneers, and patriots who helped make this country what it is. They faced impossible odds, and yet somehow, they persevered. Today, it’s our turn.
I know that for many of you, this Thanksgiving is more difficult than most. But no matter how tough things are right now, we still give thanks for that most American of blessings, the chance to determine our own destiny. The problems we face didn’t develop overnight, and we won’t solve them overnight. But we will solve them. All it takes is for each of us to do our part.
With all the partisanship and gridlock here in Washington, it’s easy to wonder if such unity is really possible. But think about what’s happening at this very moment: Americans from all walks of life are coming together as one people, grateful for the blessings of family, community, and country.
If we keep that spirit alive, if we support each other, and look out for each other, and remember that we’re all in this together, then I know that we too will overcome the challenges of our time.
So today, I’m thankful to serve as your President and Commander-and-Chief. I’m thankful that my daughters get to grow up in this great country of ours. And I’m thankful for the chance to do my part, as together, we make tomorrow better than today.
Thanks, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Written by by PJG (longtime Jihad Watch commenter)

On a day of relentless spring rain, Melbourne – or a select contingent thereof - welcomed Robert Spencer for his first talk in his first ever visit to Australia, courtesy of the Q Society of Australia. The 250-seat room was full to capacity, booked out well in advance of the day.

For a change I decided to put aside my old habit of taking notes. After all, the event was being filmed, and I would have access to the film. But afterwards, Robert asked me to write about the event for Jihad Watch, so what follows is a brief snatch of snippets.

Vickie Janson, Vice-President of... http://www.jihadwatch.org/2011/11/robert-spencer-in-melbourne-australia-...

SACRAMENTO, CA - Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today released data showing that commercial fundraisers in California raised $362.9 million in 2010, of which charitable organizations received less than 45 percent.

This represents an increase from the 2009 total of less than 43 percent. The data is included in the California Department of Justice's Annual Report of Commercial Fundraisers, produced by the Charitable Trusts Section.

"The data in this report allows donors to make informed choices this holiday season," Attorney General Harris said. "Commercial fundraisers play a role in supporting charities in California, but it's important for donors to know how much of their money will be used to support the charity's programs, and how much will go to fundraising expenses."

Among numerous other tables, the annual report contains an alphabetical list of charities that hired commercial fundraisers in 2010 - along with the total revenue raised in those campaigns and the dollar amount and percentage of total funds raised that went to the charity.

Commercial fundraisers, who are hired by charities to raise money on their behalf, typically charge a flat fee for their services or a percentage of the contributions they collect.

By law, commercial fundraisers must register with the Attorney General's office prior to fundraising in California and must file annual financial disclosure reports detailing income and expenses for each fundraising campaign.

According to reports filed with the Attorney General's office, commercial fundraisers collected $362.9 million in donations in 2010. This figure excludes thrift store operations and vehicle donation programs, which are accounted for separately.

On average, $161.1 million - or 44.38 percent of the funds raised - went to the charities. The remainder was retained by the commercial fundraisers as payment of fees and expenses.

The Attorney General's office also publishes the Guide to Charitable Giving for Donors that provides advice, guidelines and information to help donors make informed decisions about giving. The guide suggests that donors:

1. Ask the solicitor how a donation will be distributed.
2. Ask what percentage of donations will be used to pay for fundraising expenses.
3. Ask if the solicitor works for a commercial fundraiser and is being paid to solicit.
4. Avoid cash donations.
5. Avoid giving credit card information to a telephone solicitor or in response to a telephone solicitation.
6. Learn about a charitable organization, its activities and its fundraising practices before giving. The Attorney General's office maintains a searchable online database on registered charities and registered professional fundraisers at http://rct.doj.ca.gov/MyLicenseVerification/Search.aspx? facility=Y. Donors can also check the websites of the Wise Giving Alliance at http://www.bbb.org/us/charity/ and the American Institute of Philanthropy at http://www.charitywatch.org/.

The Guide to Charitable Giving for Donors is available online at http://ag.ca.gov/charities/publications.php#guides.

The Attorney General's 19th annual report on commercial fundraisers can be found at
http://ag.ca.gov/charities/publications/2010cfr/cfr2010.pdf.

Ventura County, CA - Congressman Elton Gallegly and friends will present about 500 bicycles, tricycles, battery-operated quads and other gifts to children of the military as a thank you for the families’ sacrifice. The event will be held on Sunday, Dec. 4 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu, Hangar 324.

The children will each have a ticket to enter into the drawing for the bike of their choice.

This event is open to children of active duty service members and mobilized reservists at Naval Base Ventura County.

Santa Claus will make a special appearance and arrive in a Channel Islands Air National Guard C-130J Hercules.

Interested media are requested to call Vance Vasquez, Naval Base Ventura County Public Affairs Office at (805) 989-8095 by COB on Thursday Dec. 1.

Media will meet in the parking lot by Bldg-116 next to the main gate at NBVC Point Mugu at 11:30 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 4 to be escorted to Hangar-324.

Written by Mike Brownfield

We hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving yesterday and continue to enjoy spending time with friends and family today. While we at The Heritage Foundation enjoy our holiday, we invite you to read President Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation below.

The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added which are of so extraordinary a nature that they can not fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.

In the midst of a civil war of... http://blog.heritage.org/2011/11/25/morning-bell-president-lincolns-than...

Written by James Taylor

A new batch of 5,000 emails among scientists central to the assertion that humans are causing a global warming crisis were anonymously released to the public yesterday, igniting a new firestorm of controversy nearly two years to the day after similar emails ignited the Climategate scandal.

Three themes are emerging from the newly released emails: (1) prominent scientists central to the global warming debate are taking measures to conceal rather than disseminate underlying data and discussions; (2) these scientists view global warming as a political “cause” rather than a balanced scientific inquiry and (3) many of these scientists frankly admit to each other that much of the science is weak and dependent on deliberate manipulation of facts and data.

Regarding scientific transparency... http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamestaylor/2011/11/23/climategate-2-0-new-e...

Written by Jerry Seper

Five illegal immigrants armed with at least two AK-47 semi-automatic assault rifles were hunting for U.S. Border Patrol agents near a desert watering hole known as Mesquite Seep just north of the Arizona-Mexico border when a firefight erupted and one U.S. agent was killed, records show.

A now-sealed federal grand jury indictment in the death of Border Patrol agent Brian A. Terry says the Mexican nationals were “patrolling” the rugged desert area of Peck Canyon at about 11:15 p.m. on Dec. 14 with the intent to “intentionally and forcibly assault” Border Patrol agents.

At least two of the Mexicans carried their assault rifles “at the ready position,” one of several details about the attack showing that Mexican smugglers are becoming more aggressive on the U.S. side of the border.

According to the indictment... http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/nov/22/armed-illegals-stalked-b...