Written by Mike Brownfield

Four years after home values in America plummeted, fears over America’s housing market remain. In testimony before Congress yesterday, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke cited “the continuing depressed condition of the housing sector” as one of the factors behind America’s sagging economy. In response to the poor market, the White House is reportedly considering a repeat of the historically bad decisions that contributed to the mortgage meltdown rather than pursuing a much saner course: eliminating Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

In a town hall last week, President Obama remarked that “the continuing decline in the housing market is something that hasn’t bottomed out as quickly as we expected.” So what’s he planning to do about it? The Wall Street Journal reported Monday that the White House may have “taxpayer-owned mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac relax their rules for loans to investors” as one way to tackle the housing slump.

For those with... http://blog.heritage.org/2011/07/14/morning-bell-time-to-end-fannie-and-...

Board of Equalization Member Senator George Runner today issued the following statement in response to news that the “Amazon Tax” faces a referendum effort:

“As I warned, Californians are losing jobs and income as a result of the so-called ‘Amazon Tax.’ It should come as no surprise that impacted California business owners would seek its repeal.

“Clearly, the ‘Amazon Tax’ is not working. After having terminated their relationships with thousands of California-based affiliate businesses, leading out-of-state online sellers continue to sell into California without collecting the sales tax.

“My staff has identified more than three dozen online sellers that have terminated their affiliate programs. Each termination represents lost jobs and lost income for California—losses that could have been easily avoided had the Governor and Legislature exercised a little common sense.

“Proponents of the ‘Amazon Tax’ claimed it would ‘create fairness’ by ‘leveling the playing field’ between California’s brick and mortar retailers and out-of-state online sellers. They claimed it would generate $200 million in new revenues for the state this year. But they were wrong.”

Elected in November 2010, George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a member of the State Board of Equalization. For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov/Runner.

Ventura, CA - Ventura County Clerk Recorder/Registrar of Voters Mark A. Lunn today announced that his office has put into full effect a new state law that will allow voters to voluntarily “opt out” of receiving their sample ballot booklet in paper form by mail – and instead receive the information online. The change is expected to save needed funds, as well as printing and paper costs.

“We’re excited about this voter program, because it goes to the core of citizen empowerment,” said Lunn. “Our office is dedicated to putting more choices in the hands of more voters, and letting people utilize new options in how they get the information they want and need.”

A new state law – AB 1717 – allows any registered voter to receive their sample ballot booklet online, rather than in traditional paper form through the mail. The program is strictly voluntarily, and voters may also revert back to mail delivery if they previously requested online access only.

Lunn’s office added that the sample ballot booklets of some voters may have already been processed and will arrive by mail, with online access taking effect the next scheduled election. Sample ballot booklets are also available online at least 30 days before each election.

AB 1717 also requires County election officials to confirm every voter’s identity before making any changes, and any information provided by the voter will remain confidential.

“It’s absolutely vital every voter knows that my office has a top priority: To ensure this program operates quickly, efficiently and keeps voter information secure and confidential at all times,” said Lunn.

An online form is currently available on the County Clerk and Recorder’s website at the following address: http://recorder.countyofventura.org/sampleBallotOptOut.asp

CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL

AGENDA

REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2011
6:30 P.M.

FILLMORE CITY HALL
CENTRAL PARK PLAZA
250 CENTRAL AVENUE
FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA 93015-1907
(805) 524-3701 • www.fillmoreca.com

WELCOME TO THE CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL MEETING! Your participation at this public meeting is valued and appreciated. Please note the City Council and Redevelopment Agency convene concurrently.

Agenda/Packet: The Agenda/Packet is available for review at Fillmore City Hall and online at www.fillmoreca.com/cityhall/agendas 72 hours before the scheduled meeting (but generally available the Thursday prior to the scheduled Tuesday meeting). Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the City Council/RDA after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection in the City Clerk’s Office during regular business hours and on the City’s website subject to staff’s ability to post the documents before the meeting.

Americans with CONTINUED »

Sacramento, CA - Thousands of California vehicle owners received an unpleasant surprise in the mail yesterday as their long-delayed DMV renewal notices arrived.

Due to budget uncertainties, the DMV postponed sending out renewal notices until the beginning of this week. Many people received their renewal notices yesterday to find that the bill stated that the payment was due in one day or penalties would be assessed. This is NOT accurate. There was also a flyer included in the renewal notice correcting the due date, but not everyone noticed the flyer.

All DMV renewals by law have at least a 30-day grace period. Please read the link below for more information from the DMV website.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/newsrel/newsrel11/julyrenewals.htm

Bill Overcomes Intense Lobbying Effort by Chemical Industry

SACRAMENTO, CA – The State Senate Committee on Environmental Quality yesterday passed the Toxin-Free Infants and Toddlers Act, AB 1319, by Assemblymember Betsy Butler (D-Marina del Rey), which seeks to ban the toxic chemical Bisphenol-A (BPA) in baby products.

“With this vote, we are one step closer to protecting the health of all babies in California. The science on BPA is cause for alarm and it is time to protect our most vulnerable citizens from this toxic chemical,” said Assemblymember Butler. “Every child from every community in our state deserves access to safe products. This is a fight worth having because big chemical money should not be allowed to endanger the health of babies in California.”

Specifically, the bill would prohibit the manufacture, sale or distribution of baby bottles and sippy cups designed for children three years of age and younger that contain more than 0.1 parts per billion (ppb) of BPA.

BPA is an artificial hormone and endocrine disruptor widely used in shatter-proof plastic baby bottles, sippy cups and the lining of formula cans. BPA leaches out of containers and into food. It has been linked to a host of health problems, including early puberty, breast and prostate cancer, infertility, obesity and neurological and behavioral changes, including autism and hyperactivity.

Assemblymember Butler continued, "BPA is a known health risk for children, and it is imperative that we get rid of anything that puts our youngsters in danger."

The American Medical Association recently announced support for a ban on BPA-containing baby bottles and infant feeding cups and called on the industry to take action to stop producing them. They join a growing list of medical organizations supporting a ban that includes the American Academy of Pediatrics of California, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, The California Medical Association and the California Nurses Association.

Dr. Shannon Udovic, Advocacy Co-Chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics of California, said, “The Academy representing over 5,000 board-certified pediatrician members of the four regional AAP Chapters statewide, is pleased to support Assemblymember Butler’s legislation, AB 1319.”

If AB 1319 is signed into law, California will join Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, Wisconsin and Washington state and several other cities and counties in the United States that have enacted bans on BPA in baby bottles and other feeding products for children. BPA has been banned in Canada, China and the European Union.

In addition, several key federal agencies and scientific bodies have stated official concern about the safety of BPA including the National Institutes of Health (National Toxicology Program), The Food and Drug Administration, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the President’s Cancer Panel.

Assemblymember Butler’s Toxin-Free Infants and Toddlers Act, AB 1319, is co-authored by Senators Ellen Corbett, Kevin De León, Mark Leno, Carol Liu and Fran Pavley and Assemblymembers Tom Ammiano, Bob Blumenfield, Steven Bradford, Julia Brownley, Nora Campos, Mike Davis, Roger Dickinson, Mike Eng, Paul Fong, Mike Gatto, Jared Huffman, Ricardo Lara, Bonnie Lowenthal, Fiona Ma, Nancy Skinner and Das Williams.

AB 1319 is now headed to the Senate Floor for consideration.

For more information, visit www.asmdc.org/butler.

Assemblymember Betsy Butler represents California’s 53rd Assembly District, comprised of the communities of El Segundo, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey and portions of the City of Los Angeles.

As you may have read, the Legislature passed and the Governor signed a state budget. I voted against it because it relied on unrealistic revenue projections and lacked much needed reforms. This inevitably will create another hole in the state budget in the coming months.

I am sorry to report that the budget included some tax increases that my Republican colleagues and I could not stop. One in particular is the collection of taxes on items purchased from Amazon and other online sites. All purchases made after midnight Thursday, June 30 will be taxed.

Our Founding Fathers fought to gain independence from the British and its taxation. Americans have prided ourselves on our freedom and entrepreneurial spirit. The lack of oversight and transparency when lawmakers increase our taxes is absolutely appalling.

The good news is that Republicans stood firm against extending the sales and income tax, which will allow Californians to enjoy some tax relief come July 1st.

This means every family will have $900 in savings to buy a gun, a dog or a security system to protect their families as a result of the Governor’s public safety policy of shifting 40,000 inmates from state prisons to communities across the state.

Sacramento, CA – Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones issued a statement after yesterday's hearing on AB 52 (Feuer) by the Senate Health Committee, in which he stated: “AB 52 is more than rate regulation. It represents hope for hard-working Californians and their families that they can not only sign up for health care, but also afford to keep it.”

The Commissioner’s statement misrepresents the effect of AB 52. No provision of his bill, authored by Assemblymember Feuer, changes any procedures for eligibility or enrollment standards for any health insurance or plan coverage sold in California. As for coverage affordability, in testimony before the Senate Health Committee yesterday, Senator Strickland, Vice-Chair, directed questions to the author of the bill over testimony from witnesses who claimed the bill would reduce health insurance rates:

Sen. Strickland: “Thank you Mr. Chair. As we’re done with the proponents, I just wanted to address either the Commissioner or the Assemblyman. We have heard a lot of testimony from your supporters and the proponents that the rates will go down if this measure is enacted. How much will the rates go down?

Assm. Feuer: I think it’s impossible to predict exactly what will happen to any individual rate. We can look to other states’ experience though, and as was testified to, in New York, and Colorado, and I think Oregon too, about half the rates that were proposed were accepted; about half of them were modified because they were deemed to be excessive. Our experience here might mirror that – it’s hard to know. We also know over the past number of months the Commissioner has been confronted with an array of increases, many of which have unilaterally been withdrawn once it’s been revealed either they weren’t actuarially sound or because of other reasons. So it’s very hard to know for sure.

Strickland: So, for example, you say New York, how much did there rates go down?

Feuer: …you know what, Senator, let me get back to you. If I recall correctly, the amount, I think, is in the teens for rates that were rejected as being excessive, but I will get you tomorrow the specific information about the percentage by which rates declined there. I can do that for other states as well.

Strickland: Thank you.”

(http://www.calchannel.com/channel/viewvideo/2782 ,starting at the 24 minute mark)

The fact is AB 52 does nothing about the increasing use of health care services resulting from new treatments, population aging, lifestyle changes, and growth in diagnostic testing and defensive medicine. AB 52 does nothing about the increasing cost of actual health care services resulting from reduced competition between providers, cost shifts from the public Medi-Cal and Medicare programs and the uninsured to private payers, and new, more expensive medical technologies. These are the underlying cost-drivers of health care expense, and AB 52 does nothing to reduce them. AB 52 does nothing to make it easier to “sign up for health care” and make it more affordable than it is now.

Tony Strickland represents California Senate District 19, which includes portions of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties.

Board of Equalization Member Senator George Runner today issued the following statement in reaction to Governor’s Jerry Brown’s signing of the so-called “Amazon tax” budget trailer bill (Assembly Bill 28X):

“Even as Governor Jerry Brown lifted his pen to sign this legislation, thousands of affiliates across California were losing their jobs.

“Major out-of-state retailers like Amazon.com and Overstock.com are terminating their California affiliate advertising programs in response to this legislation. I’ve been warning for months that this would happen, but apparently these warnings fell on deaf ears.

“The so-called ‘Amazon tax’ is truly a lose-lose proposition for California. Not only won’t we see the promised revenues, we’ll actually lose income tax revenue as affiliates move to other states.”

Elected in November 2010, George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a member of the State Board of Equalization. For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov/Runner.

Board of Equalization Member Senator George Runner today reminded California consumers and retailers that California’s 1% sales tax surcharge is set to vanish July 1.

“This is great news for overtaxed California consumers and retailers who bear the sixth highest overall tax burden in the nation,” said Runner. “In fact, all Californians have good reason to celebrate. A lower sales tax will help our state’s economy and help job creation.”

There's still time for a budget deal before July 1, but it's already too late to extend the higher sales tax without causing serious confusion. According to a June 6 Board of Equalization letter, the minimum amount of time necessary to notify retailers of a sales tax rate change is 15 days.

In May 2011 the Board of Equalization notified approximately 680,000 California retailers and out-of-state businesses that make sales in California that the statewide sales and use tax rate will decrease from 8.25 percent to 7.25 percent on July 1, 2011.

“Temporary taxes often have a way of sticking around—keep in mind that the 1991 ‘temporary’ 1.25% sales tax increase is still with us today,” said Runner. “It’s a good thing for California that this latest 1% tax hike goes away and stays away.”

According to a Board of Equalization estimate, California families will save an estimated $233 annually. Even so, Californians will still pay the highest statewide sales tax rate in the nation.

Elected in November 2010, George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a member of the State Board of Equalization. For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov/Runner.

Written by Madeleine Morgenstern

STOCKHOLM (AP) — At the “Egalia” preschool, staff avoid using words like “him” or “her” and address the 33 kids as “friends” rather than girls and boys.

From the color and placement of toys to the choice of books, every detail has been carefully planned to make sure the children don’t fall into gender stereotypes.

“Society expects girls to be girlie, nice and pretty and boys to be manly, rough and outgoing,” says Jenny Johnsson, a 31-year-old teacher. “Egalia gives them a fantastic opportunity to be whoever they want to be.”

The taxpayer-funded preschool... http://www.theblaze.com/stories/no-him-or-her-swedish-preschool-goes-gen...

Ventura County Supervisor Kathy Long is pleased to announce the launch of the second countywide Tattoo Removal Program which will hold its first clinic on Saturday, June 25, 2011 at the Las Islas Family Medical Group, located at 325 W. Channel Islands Blvd., Oxnard. Supervisor Long will participate in a ribbon cutting at 8:30AM to launch this available service for individuals who are making important efforts to change their lifestyle.

Supervisor Kathy Long was instrumental in spearheading the successful tattoo removal program in Santa Paula that has helped transform resident’s lives for the last twelve years. Supervisor Long comments; “Tattoos often make it difficult for people to leave a gang lifestyle, find employment or have a lasting relationship. Through this valuable program, residents can receive a tattoo removal service that helps change lives.” The program is offered free of charge for residents of Ventura County, following participation in an orientation, medical prescreening and documented community service or approved self-help program.

A couple years ago, Supervisor Long began looking to expand and duplicate the successful Santa Paula program in other areas of the County. She is pleased to recognize that through collaboration with the County of Ventura, City of Oxnard, area non-profits and a dedicated team of volunteers, the Tattoo Removal Program will now be offered in Oxnard.

The Oxnard Tattoo Removal Program has been made possible through the collaboration with the Supervisor, Ventura County Health Care Agency, Ventura County Public Health, Ventura County Probation Agency, Oxnard Police Department, Las Islas Family Medical Group, Interface Children Family Services, the Oxnard Alliance for Community Strength, and CalWORKS. Acquisition of the laser machine was made possible through Oxnard's 'Operation PeaceWorks' gang intervention program, with funding provided by a California Gang Reduction, Intervention, Prevention (CalGRIP) grant.

The Oxnard Tattoo Removal Program not only welcomes participants at the clinic, but also volunteers to help coordinate services.

For further information about the Oxnard Tattoo Removal Program or its June 25, 2011 clinic, individuals can contact the Las Islas Family Medical Group at (805) 483-0198.

Written by Buck Sexton

(The Blaze/AP)- A new GAO report says that the federal government must come up with a game plan to bolster its cyber security efforts against the millions of probe and attack efforts that occur every day.

U.S. Cyber Command Logo
While most of this illicit cyber activity falls into the less nefarious category of a probe, the sheer volume and repetition of these online surveillance attempts are a major cause for concern. And the government isn’t moving fast enough to safeguard its endless digital cache against them.

The Pentagon is... http://www.theblaze.com/stories/report-government-computers-attacked-or-...

Board of Equalization Member Senator George Runner today called upon Governor Jerry Brown to veto the so-called “Amazon Tax” recently approved as a budget trailer bill by the Legislature.

In his letter Runner writes: “I am concerned that in its hunger for revenues the California Legislature is traveling down a legally suspect and dangerous path.”

Rather than create fairness or produce revenues for the state, Runner contends that the legislation “will result in lost jobs, lower revenues and costly litigation.”

Runner notes the measure’s true victims are “California job creators, both large and small, for-profit and non-profit, who will suffer an unavoidable loss of income if they continue to do business in this state.”

Among these victims, Runner lists CONTINUED »

City of Fillmore

CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING / BUDGET WORKSHOP
TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2011 6:30 P.M. FILLMORE CITY HALL CENTRAL PARK PLAZA 250 CENTRAL AVENUE FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA 93015-1907

AGENDA

1.
Call to Order: 6:30 P.M.
2.
Pledge of Allegiance
3.
Roll Call: Council Members Brooks, Conaway, Sipes, Walker and Mayor Washburn.
4.
Approval of Agenda
5.
Presentations and Announcements
6.
Public Comments
7. CONTINUED »

Written by KIMBERLY DOZIER

WASHINGTON (AP) — In another blow to Washington's relationship with Pakistan, U.S. officials say Pakistan failed another test to prove it could be trusted to go after American enemies on its soil by intentionally or inadvertently tipping off militants at two more bomb-building factories in its tribal areas, giving the suspected terrorists time to flee.

The two sites' locations in the tribal areas had been shared with the Pakistani government this past week, the officials said Saturday. The Americans monitored the area with satellite and unmanned drones to see what would happen.

In each case, within a day or so after sharing the information, they watched the militants depart, taking any weapons or bomb-making materials with them, just as militants had done the first two times. Only then, did they watch the Pakistani military visit each site, when the terror suspects and their wares were long gone, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss matters of intelligence.

The Americans suspect that... http://hosted2.ap.org/APDefault/*/Article_2011-06-19-US-Pakistan/id-fa69...

Written by Billy Hallowell

Earlier today, Pamela Geller shared a disturbing video on her Atlas Shrugs blog that shows young children being beaten by a man (he appears to be their teacher). While the video has been around for at least a few weeks now, a new question is emerging — why have both Facebook and YouTube removed the clip?

According to Geller, Secular Democracy & Human Rights For Iran first posted the video on the group’s Facebook page. She claims both Facebook and YouTube have removed the clip, with YouTube posting a violation of Terms of Service for its reasoning. When The Blaze attempted to access the clip, we did, indeed, encounter the following notice:... http://www.theblaze.com/stories/why-have-facebook-youtube-removed-video-...

Written by Billy Hallowell

The recession has created hardships for individuals and families across America. Businesses have shuttered, homeowners have faced foreclosures and unemployment has marred recovery efforts. Now, in what may be a first, the nation’s economic woes have led to the closure of an entire Nevada town.

As of June 20, Empire, a small mining town of about 300 people and situated about 100 miles to the northeast of Reno, will become a desolate ghost town. In fact, the community is even losing its postal code. Mail Online has more:

…the only thing remaining of the town, which was once home to the United States Gypsum Corporation, will be an eight-foot chain-link fence crowned with barbed wire sealing off the 136-acre plot and a sign saying Welcome to Nowhere - which has never proven so true.

Empire was a company town, completely built around the USG, which is the nation’s largest drywall manufacturer.

The Christian Science Monitor explains... http://www.theblaze.com/stories/u-s-recession-wipes-entire-nevada-town-o...

The 2010-2011 Ventura County Grand Jury is pleased to announce the public release of a report entitled: Under-Enrollment in Proposition 36

SUMMARY
In November of 2000, California voters approved Proposition 36 (Prop 36), the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act of 2000 (SACPA). Ten years later, counties receive no State of California (State) money to support Prop 36. The 2010-2011 Ventura County Grand Jury (Grand Jury) noted a decline in Prop 36 enrollment and elected to look at what factors, in addition to the lack of funding, contribute to the lower enrollment.

Ventura County (County) agencies are conflicted about the efficacy of Prop 36. Contributing factors to the purported failure of Prop 36 are: a high rate of repeat offenders; offenders with severe addictions; offenders with concurrent mental health issues or non-drug-related criminal charges; long waiting lists for fewer affordable treatment programs; and a shift of program fees from the County to the offenders.

The University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) conducted a comprehensive study on Prop 36, including the empirical measurement of how success is defined and who defines it. There are many factors which impede success in the Prop 36 program, the most significant being a lack of funding. Without funding, offenders who could benefit most from substance abuse treatment will continue to fill our jails and prisons.

The Grand Jury recommends that the Ventura County Board of Supervisors (BOS) continue to assist the Ventura County Probation Agency (VCPA) and the Ventura County Behavioral Health Department (VCBHD) in finding alternative sources of funding to better accomplish the statutory mandates intended under Prop 36. The BOS should ensure that adequate personnel are designated to be responsible for tracking offenders from the Prop 36 Courtroom, through the treatment process, and back to the Prop 36 Judge, in order to determine rehabilitative outcomes. The BOS should ensure that some kind of statistical process be put in place to calculate success, recidivism, and failure rates of the County’s Prop 36 program.

Go to the Grand Jury website to review the entire report: http://grandjury.countyofventura.org