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By Anonymous — Monday, May 16th, 2011
Written by Diane Schrader It’s hard for kids who grow up near the ocean in sunny Southern California. Who wouldn’t be tempted to spend all their time hangin’ at the beach, soaking up the surf, sand, sun, and bikinis? Of course, the responsible ones stay home and do their studying and go to college and get good jobs. When they grow up, if they stay in Orange County (the OC), the median annual income is $71,735. Not bad, right? They made the wise decision to hit the books instead of the beach, right? I mean, they’re way better off than the slackers who spend their lives down in the sand… right? WRONG. It utterly boggles my mind to report this, but city lifeguards in the swanky oceanside city of Newport Beach are UNIONIZED. In fact, they’ve got TWO unions – one for the full-timers and one for the part-time seasonal help. So what I’m about to... http://www.newsrealblog.com/2011/05/13/how-life-guards-get-paid-200k-per... |
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By Anonymous — Monday, May 16th, 2011
Retribution granted to woman who had acid thrown in her face by man she refused to marry
Written by Saeed Kamali Dehghan In a literal application of the sharia law of an eye for an eye, Iran is ready for the first time to blind a man with acid, after he was found guilty of doing the same to a woman who refused to marry him. Majid Movahedi, 30, is... http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/13/iran-blind-criminal-acid |
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By Anonymous — Friday, May 13th, 2011
A key Senate tax panel today voted 9-0 to advance legislation sponsored by Board of Equalization Member George Runner that would empower California's tax agencies to help struggling taxpayers. Runner testified, "This measure will help California's job creators who are survivors of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression." The measure, Senate Bill 228 (Wyland), would permit the Board of Equalization, Franchise Tax Board and State Controller to "withdraw" a lien when a taxpayer pays an outstanding liability in full—removing the lien from the taxpayer's credit record. Under current law, when a taxpayer falls behind on payments, California's tax agencies may place a lien on that taxpayer's personal property. Once a taxpayer pays the outstanding liability in full, California tax agencies may "release" the lien. However, the release does not remove the lien from a taxpayer’s credit record, and it may remain there for up to 10 years. The bill's author, Senator Mark Wyland (R-Carlsbad), described the measure as a "pro-consumer, pro- small business bill that conforms state tax law procedures to what the IRS has been doing for some time now." Since 2001 the IRS has had the authority to withdraw liens in some cases. In February of this year the IRS changed its rules to help struggling taxpayers by withdrawing any fully paid tax lien upon request from the taxpayer, instead of merely releasing it. Runner said, "This bill will give tax agencies the needed flexibility to deal fairly with taxpayers who are victims of California's economy." He noted that due to the down economy the Board of Equalization has issued an increasing number of liens – more than 14,000 in the 2009-10 fiscal year. The Board typically releases only about 3,000 liens a year. The bill received support from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and the California Tax Reform Association. Elected in November 2010, Senator George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a member of the Board of Equalization. For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov/Runner. |
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By Anonymous — Thursday, May 12th, 2011
Written by Mike Brownfield The White House correspondents' dinner might have been two weeks ago, but President Barack Obama continued his comedy routine yesterday in El Paso, Texas, only this time Donald Trump wasn’t the butt of the jokes. Instead, during a speech on immigration, the president mocked Republicans at large, the rule of law, and any American who takes the defense of our nation seriously. Respectfully, Mr. President, illegal immigration and border security are no laughing matter. But to the president, they apparently are, especially when it provides fodder for a purely political speech, delivered... http://blog.heritage.org/2011/05/11/morning-bell-illegal-immigration-is-... |
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By Anonymous — Monday, May 9th, 2011
 City of Fillmore CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND FILM COMMISSION JOINT MEETING AGENDA 1. Call to Order: 6:30 P.M. |
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By Anonymous — Friday, May 6th, 2011
Hezbollah Considered To Be More Advanced Than Al-Qaida
SAN DIEGO, CA. - A terrorist organization whose home base is in the Middle East has established another home base across the border in Mexico. "They are recognized by many experts as the 'A' team of Muslim terrorist organizations," a former U.S. intelligence agent told 10News. The former agent, referring to Shi'a Muslim terrorist group Hezbollah, added, http://www.10news.com/news/27780427/detail.html |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 4th, 2011
Sacramento, CA. – Senate Bill 49, authored by Sen. Strickland (R-Moorpark) died in the Senate Public Safety Committee on a vote of 1-5. SB 49 would have banned local governments from charging a fee or tax for the cost related to dispatching an emergency responder. As a result of declining revenues, cities across the state have implemented crash taxes and fees on those who get into accidents within their city limits. This law would have prevented local governments from charging out of town drivers visiting on vacation or simply driving to work from being charged for emergency response services. Public safety is a basic function of government and is already covered when a citizen pays taxes. “When Californians visit other cities in the State they are already paying sales tax on souvenirs for their kids, food at restaurants, and on gas when they fill up at the pump and hotel taxes if they choose to stay overnight. It is unconscionable to make people pay twice for public services that should be provided for out of the taxes they already pay,” Sen. Strickland said. “People who work hard and who budget carefully for a family vacation should not have to spend their hard-earned money on even more taxes.” “Californians, regardless of the city in which they live, work, or visit, should be awarded certain public safety protections,” Sen. Strickland added. “They should be allowed to commute to work or travel on vacation without having to worry about a bill waiting for them when they get home.” Sen. Strickland is available to the media for an interview or comments. Tony Strickland represents California Senate District 19, which includes portions of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 4th, 2011
Sacramento, CA. – California Assembly Bill 168, a bipartisan law enforcement funding bill jointly authored by Assembly Members Jeff Gorell (R-Camarillo), Cathleen Galgiani (D-Livingston), and Jim Nielson (R-Gerber) continues funding the Local Safety and Protection Account even after the additional vehicle license fee expires on June 30th. The continuous appropriation bill creates a one-time appropriation of just over $500 million from the state’s general fund to support the current local law enforcement activities that would otherwise be interrupted with the scheduled sunset of the state vehicle license fee. “While the overall state budget continues to be debated, it is important that this bill be passed to provide interim funding until a permanent funding source is secured,” stated Jim Nielsen. “Regardless of what form the budget solutions take, without interim funding the local public safety funding account will become depleted on June 30th, placing a number of law enforcement programs in jeopardy.” Individuals and organizations supporting the passage of AB 168 include Sacramento County District Attorney Jan Scully, Ventura County District Attorney Greg Totten, the California Farm Bureau Federation, the California District Attorneys Association, the California Peace Officers Association, the County of Los Angeles, and the California Sheriffs Association. The Local Safety and Protection Account provides funding for many different aspects of local law enforcement, including juvenile justice and probation activities, juvenile camps and ranches, and programs that combat drug use, sexual assaults, gang activity, and technology theft. A third generation naval officer, Assembly Member Jeff Gorell was called back to active duty by the U.S. Navy on March 18th. Since then he has reported for refresher training at Fort Dix, and was deployed to Afghanistan at the end of April. He currently holds the rank of Lt. Commander with the Navy (Reserve) as an intelligence officer and has previously served a tour of duty in Afghanistan shortly after the events of 9/11. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 4th, 2011
Second bill to reduce government waste rejected by Democrats
Sacramento, CA. – Senate Bill 256, authored by Sen. Strickland (R-Simi Valley) was killed in the Senate Health Committee on a 3-6 partisan vote. SB 256 eliminates the California Medical Assistance Commission (CMAC) and transfers the powers and duties of the Commission to the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). “With the responsibilities of this commission dwindling over the years, it is high time we consolidate efforts and reduce government expenses,” Sen. Strickland said. “With Democrats proposing to take an additional $1,000 from hard working families already struggling to make it from pay check to pay check, we cannot afford to ignore areas where we can trim the fat.” “This is the second time this week Democrats have taken money out of the pockets of hardworking Californians and thrown it away unnecessarily,” Sen. Strickland added. “As families are faced with making tough spending decisions, the least we could do is pass common sense legislation to reduce our spending.” SB 153, also authored by Senator Strickland, died in Committee just days earlier. This bill would have eliminated the $100,000 a year salaries of members appointed to boards and commissions who only meet once or twice a month. Sen. Strickland is available to the media for an interview or comments. Tony Strickland represents California Senate District 19, which includes portions of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties. |
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By Anonymous — Thursday, April 28th, 2011
Another budget battle looms on the horizon as Congress returns from recess next week to continue work on the nation’s finances and debates whether to raise the debt limit, now at $14.3 trillion. In the last year, no single issue has captured the attention of Americans more. And for good reason. Spending and debt are skyrocketing, causing many to question what kind of course we are on. Hyper-drive spending is what last year’s elections were really all about. To understand what that all really means — and why deep spending cuts and fiscal reforms are paramount — Americans must understand how bad the nation’s fiscal situation has gotten. Just in time for the debt limit debate, The Heritage Foundation has launched a special preview edition of its 2011 Budget Chart Book which paints a clear picture of how much the federal government is spending, how deep it’s in debt, how massive entitlement programs are, and what we pay in taxes. Want to dive into... http://blog.heritage.org/2011/04/27/morning-bell-pictures-of-a-budgetary... |
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By Anonymous — Monday, April 25th, 2011
City of Fillmore CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA |
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By Anonymous — Monday, April 25th, 2011
BOSTON (MarketWatch) — The International Monetary Fund has just dropped a bombshell, and nobody noticed. For the first time, the international organization has set a date for the moment when the “Age of America” will end and the U.S. economy will be overtaken by that of China. And it’s a lot closer than you may think. According to the latest IMF official forecasts, China’s economy will surpass that of America in real terms in 2016 — just five years from now. Put that in your calendar. It provides a painful... http://www.marketwatch.com/story/imf-bombshell-age-of-america-about-to-e... |
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By George Runner — Wednesday, April 20th, 2011
Dear Friend, It’s no surprise that California’s constant budget crisis and the Legislature’s inability to control its spending have renewed interest by some to weaken Prop. 13 and raise property taxes to help solve our massive budget deficit. Proponents of increasing property taxes claim they will help solve our budget problems, but the reality is that property tax increases will cost Californians billions, hurt our small businesses and slow job creation when we need it most. Californians Against Higher Property Taxes is educating Californians about the negative consequences of a “split roll tax” and potential parcel tax increases. I encourage you to visit www.stophigherpropertytaxes.com and join the coalition to stay informed. Thank you for working with me to oppose new taxes on the people of California. Sincerely, George Runner |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, April 19th, 2011
Moorpark, CA. – Continuing the series of “Card Table Office Hours” during Assemblyman Jeff Gorell’s military deployment to Afghanistan with the Navy, district staff will be joined by local elected leaders to meet with constituents and discuss their concerns. The next public event will be on Friday, April 29th in Moorpark in front of the Moorpark Dugout Restaurant from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. Joining district director Ernie Villegas and field representative Adam Haverstock will be Moorpark Mayor Janice Parvin. Please come by and meet with them in person on Friday, April 29th in front of: The Moorpark Dugout For complete directions you can visit Google Maps at: http://goo.gl/maps/A83R Jeff has already held card table office hours in Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo and Simi Valley prior to his military deployment, and his office will be continuing these meetings throughout the 37th assembly district during his absence. For additional information, please call Jeff's district office at (805) 230-9167. |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, April 19th, 2011
WASHINGTON, DC. - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to California to supplement the state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by a tsunami wave surge on March 11, 2011. Federal funding is available to the state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the tsunami wave surge in Del Norte and Santa Cruz counties. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide. Sandy Coachman has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Coachman said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments. Follow FEMA online at http://blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications. FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. |
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By Anonymous — Monday, April 18th, 2011
Sacramento, CA – Senate Bill 177, authored by Sen. Strickland (R-Simi Valley) was passed unanimously by the Senate Health Committee. Santa Barbara County has only one licensed hospice facility and the waiting list for this facility averages 8 to 12 patients, as there is no other inpatient facility in Santa Barbara County and only a small facility in neighboring Ventura County. SB 177 would increase the maximum number of patient beds allowed under hospice facility regulations. “Right now, we operate six beds at Serenity House, and the new facility will be licensed for 12 beds when it opens,” said Lynda Tanner, President and CEO of Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care, the sponsor of SB 177. “SB 177 will allow VNHC to expand to 18 beds in 2012, meeting the increasing needs of our communities.” “The extra beds this bill provides will be critical in delivering additional hospice care in the Santa Barbara region,” Sen. Strickland said. “Healthcare is of the utmost importance, so I’m happy to author this legislation to expand hospice care on the central coast.” SB 177 will be heard next in the Senate Appropriations Committee. Tony Strickland is Vice Chairman of the Senate Health Committee and represents California Senate District 19, which includes portions of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 13th, 2011
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By Anonymous — Monday, April 11th, 2011
City of Fillmore CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND FILLMORE SENIOR CENTER INC. JOINT MEETING AGENDA 1. |
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By Anonymous — Monday, April 11th, 2011
The American military is engaged in multiple conflicts and humanitarian missions around the world, yet President Obama promised to veto legislation funding the troops for the remainder of 2011. This is a reprehensible political stunt, and it comes at the expense of our servicemen and women and the families they support. Yesterday, as efforts to resolve the debate on 2011 government funding continued, House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) introduced yet another temporary bill designed to keep the government operating for one more week during negotiations, and in this case, ensure the military portion of the budget is appropriated to eliminate the economic uncertainty facing our troops. Before a vote was even taken, President Obama issued a Statement of Administration Policy that offered no policy, and merely called Speaker Boehner’s efforts a “distraction”, with the promise to veto the legislation. In fact, Speaker Boehner’s goal was to aid our armed forces by removing the distraction of a looming government shutdown for our troops. The House went on to pass the bill 247-181 with 15 Democrats joining nearly all Republicans. The American public has clearly spoken that... http://blog.heritage.org/2011/04/08/morning-bell-commander-in-chief-turn... |
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By Gayle Washburn — Wednesday, April 6th, 2011
Dear Fillmore Resident and Taxpayer, The City of Fillmore is facing a $1.9 million General Fund deficit for the 2011-2012 budget. We continue to have a substantial decline in property tax and other revenues. You know that Fillmore is not alone and many other Cities in the California are struggling to make their budgets. There are several reasons for the deficits including; reduction in property tax revenues due to falling real estate assessment values and the current economic environment. Also, continuing litigation of Sales Tax agreements is affecting sales tax revenues. In addition, projections made for property tax revenues were based on the price of new housing to remain at bubble levels of $700,000 to 800,000. Last year, the City also faced a $1.0 million shortfall which we were able to close by cutting expenses in many departments, including closing down the pool for a few months, instituting furlough days for all employees and closing City Hall on every other Friday. We also used part of our reserve funds to balance the budget. We have asked the employees to work at cutting expenses to help balance the budget. While having the employee’s expertise in reviewing costs is very helpful, it is also important for the citizens to be able to participate in the decision making process. And, while cutting expenses is our goal, that is only half the equation. We may need to look at increasing revenues. So the City has prepared a survey asking the citizens for feedback to prioritize the core services that the community wants to keep and, which are optional at this time. The survey also asks your opinion on increasing revenues. The survey is available at the City website: www.fillmoreca.com. The survey can be taken online or printed out and mailed or dropped off at City Hall. Copies are also available at City Hall and the Fillmore Library. In addition, budget workshops and public hearings will be held June prior to final adoption. The City Council believes that your input is important. Residents are encouraged to provide specific recommendations or ideas. Financial sustainability is key to our future. You can view past City budgets at: http://www.fillmoreca.com/mb-doc-dl.htm Or contact the Finance Department at 524-1500. |