Written by Robert Spencer

Enraged over the burning of a Koran in Florida, Muslims have murdered about 20 people in Afghanistan and five in Pakistan—none of whom ever burned a Koran or had any acquaintance with the men who did.

These killers are monstrous. They have assassinated innocent people for something that they couldn't conceivably have had anything to do with. And yet instead of calling them monstrous and demanding that Islamic leaders stop inciting and approving of such behavior, Western government and media elites are blaming not the murderers and rioters, but the man behind the Koran-burning, the notorious Christian fundamentalist pastor Terry Jones.

Thus Guardian editor Matt Seaton explained that Jones was to blame because his Koran-burning was “done knowingly involving reckless endangerment, and quite possibly wishing for this kind of bad result.” This assumed that the Muslims who were rioting and killing over the burning of a book half a world away had no control over their reactions, and thus could not be held accountable for them: For enlightened leftists such as Seaton, it is the West's responsibility to make sure the Islamic world behaves in a civilized manner. How paternalistic and ethnocentric of those most committed to multiculturalism.

Barack Obama reacted the same way... http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=42722

Board of Equalization Member Senator George Runner today responded to an announcement by the Tax Foundation that California won't reach Tax Freedom Day until April 16 this year, a full two days later than last year and four days later than the average state.

Senator Runner said, "As a result of the 2009 tax increases, Californians now have to spend two more days of their lives each year working for the government. Yet under the Governor's proposed budget, Californians would be forced to work even longer each year just to pay their taxes. It should come as no surprise that the Governor is having a tough time selling his tax hikes."

Recent polling by the Public Policy Institute of California shows declining support for the Governor's proposed tax increases.

Tax Freedom Day, calculated annually by the Tax Foundation, is the day Americans have earned enough money to pay their annual tax obligations at the federal, state and local levels. The Tax Foundation also calculates a Tax Freedom Day for each state. As a result of Californians' high tax burden, Tax Freedom Day in California is the 6th latest in the nation.

"Californians are overtaxed," added Senator Runner. "We work more than three months—106 days—just to pay the costs of government before we even begin to provide for our own families. Even so, the government still can't live within its means. If we had to pay the full burden of all government spending this year, Tax Freedom Day wouldn't arrive until late May."

More information about Tax Freedom Day is available at www.taxfoundation.org/taxfreedomday.

Elected in November 2010, Senator George Runner represents more than 9 million Californians as a member of the Board of Equalization. For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov/Runner.

Harvard economics professor Gregory Mankiw wrote an article that was published in the NY Times yesterday entitled, “It’s 2026, and the Debt Is Due”. In this article, Mankiw gave a hypothetical Presidential address the President of the U.S. might make in the year 2026 after a failed bond auction. Mankiw’s hypothetical Presidential address takes place in a scenario where in the year 2026, the U.S. Treasury “tried to auction its most recent issue of government bonds” but “almost no one was buying.” According to Mankiw’s hypothetical speech, during this 2026 crisis the President will admit, “The private market will lend us no more.”

Unfortunately, Professor Mankiw fails to understand that the U.S. has zero chance of surviving until the year 2026. What Mankiw predicts will happen 15 years from now is already happening today right under his nose, but somehow he fails to realize it.

The public today has... http://inflation.us/blog/2011/03/nia-responds-to-harvard-economics-profe...

Santa Paula – 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 1st in Santa Paula in front of the Chamber of Commerce from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. Joining district director Ernie Villegas and field representative Adam Haverstock will be Santa Paula Mayor Fred Robinson. Please come by and meet with them in person on Friday, April 1st in front of:

The Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce
200 North Tenth Street
Santa Paula, CA 93060

For complete directions you can visit Google Maps at: http://goo.gl/maps/rjpf

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.

SACRAMENTO, CA. — California Republican Party Chairman Tom Del Beccaro today issued the following statement regarding the latest PPIC poll showing a lack of support for Gov. Jerry Brown's budget proposal:

"The latest PPIC poll indicates what Jerry Brown should have known all along -- Californians will not support more taxes designed to bailout Sacramento. Rather than attempt to tax his way out this mess, Brown should follow the lead of the Democrat Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, and offer real reductions in the state's bureaucracy and pension caps.

"Brown should also take the advice of John Maynard Keynes when he said 'Nor should the argument seem strange that taxation may be so high as to defeat its object, and that, given sufficient time to gather the fruits, a reduction of taxation will run a better chance, than an increase, of balancing the budget.'

"Californians intuitively understand that taxes are killing their jobs; it's about time Jerry Brown agreed with them."

SACRAMENTO, CA. – The office of Assembly Member Jeff Gorell today honored Janice Parvin as the 2011 Woman of the Year for the 37th Assembly District during a special Assembly ceremony at the State Capitol. Janice Parvin is currently the Mayor for the City of Moorpark and is serving her second term.

“I am delighted that we were able to honor Mayor Janice Parvin as our Woman of the Year for 2011,” said Ernie Villegas, District Director for Assemblyman Gorell.

During her tenure representing the city of Moorpark, Mayor Parvin has become an active voice within the region. She is the Chair for the Ventura County Council of Government, and Vice-Chair of Ventura LAFCO. Janice is also is on the board of the California League of Cities.

“I am grateful to have been selected for this by Assembly Member Gorell,” stated Parvin. “It is such an honor to spend the day with so many talented women from throughout the state.”

Held annually, the Woman of the Year ceremony celebrates California’s extraordinary women. Started in 1987 to help commemorate Women’s History Month, the event has become an annual Capitol tradition to salute community service. Honorees are presented with a framed certificate from the State Assembly recognizing their outstanding contributions during a special ceremony in the Assembly chambers.

Assembly Member Jeff Gorell (R-Camarillo) represents the 37th Assembly District in the California Legislature. As of March 18, 2011, Gorell has been called back to active duty status with the U.S. Navy to serve a one-year deployment to Afghanistan, during which time he is taking a leave of absence from the California State Assembly.

Board of Equalization Member Senator George Runner issued the following statement today in response to the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee's party line approval of Assembly Bill 153 (Skinner):

"I am disappointed by the Committee's decision to move forward with a tax measure that will cost California jobs and hurt state revenues. There are as many as 25,000 internet affiliate businesses based in our state that could be wiped out by this bill.

"Leading online retailers, including Amazon and Overstock, have informed me that passage of this bill will force them to terminate their relationships with their California-based affiliates.

"Out-of-state retailers, with no physical presence in the California, have no legal obligation to collect California’s sales or use taxes. AB 153 is trying to redefine 'physical presence' to include the use of online affiliate advertisers based in California.

"The bill simply won’t work. Out-of-state retailers will cut ties with their California affiliates and continue selling to California consumers. The only thing AB 153 does is kill up to 25,000 affiliate jobs in California. That’s the last thing we need."

Elected in November 2010, Senator George Runner represents more than 9 million Californians as a member of the Board of Equalization. For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov/Runner.

Sacramento, CA. - Sen. Strickland introduced Senate Constitutional Amendment 10 today, which aims to fix California’s $26.6 billion budget deficit.

Almost 20 years ago voters approved the Gann Spending limit, which set a cap on expenditures based on the combined annual increase in inflation and population growth. While the Gann limit remains on the books today, there have been so many exemptions created, it’s been rendered basically worthless.

Sponsored by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, SCA 10 amends the California Constitution to create a spending cap in place of the existing Gann Spending limit. SCA 10 would require excess revenues be allocated to a reserve account, to the State School fund, and also to taxpayers.

“The Legislature has an appetite for spending - this measure will put them on a diet,” Sen. Strickland said. “During a time when we’re facing an over $26 billion budget shortfall and the second-highest unemployment in the nation, we need to spend within our means, just like every other Californian.”

“This spending cap will help get us out of this budget mess without raising taxes and in the long-term, will set aside money for a much-needed rainy-day fund, as well as allocate excess money for education and to be reimbursed to the taxpayers,” Sen. Strickland added.

“Families across the state are living paycheck to paycheck and deserve to have their tax dollars spent as efficiently as possible. SCA 10 is a good first step in setting up budget reform that will last for years to come.”

Sen. Strickland is available to the media for an interview or comments.

RELATED AUDIO: http://cssrc.us/lib/uploads/19/110316_Strickland.MP3

Tony Strickland is Co-Chairman of the Taxpayers Caucus and represents California Senate District 19, which includes portions of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties.

City of Fillmore

CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2011 6:30 P.M. FILLMORE CITY HALL CENTRAL PARK PLAZA 250 CENTRAL AVENUE FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA 93015-1907 (805) 524-3701

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 – None.
6. Public Comments
7. Consent Calendar
Recommendation for Items A. through D. is to Approve.
A. Warrant List for March 22, 2011.
B. Minutes of March 8, 2011 Regular Meeting.
C. Designating “Day Out with Thomas” and “Fourth of July Sespe Creek Car
Show and Chili Cook Off” Events as “Community Events” in the City of
Fillmore.
D. Approve a credit or payment to the owner of 341 Central Avenue towards
future sewer service billings in the amount of $21,600 for previous
collected sewer services billing from 8/1/08 to 12/10/10 when the building
sewer lateral was not connected to the City’s sewer collection system
subject to the payment of outstanding charges in the amount of $1,789.73.
The net amount would be $19,810.27.
8. Public Hearing
Building and Safety
A. Conduct First Reading of Ordinance No. 11-826: Adopting the 2010
California Building Code Update for Construction and Fire Code Updates.
Recommendation: 1.) Conduct first reading of Ordinance No. 11-826,
Adopting the 2010 California Building Code Update for Construction and
Fire Code Updates.
Fillmore City Council Meeting Agenda – March 22, 2011
Page 4
9. Department Reports – City Council
City Manager’s Office
A. Adopt and Read by Title Only Ordinance No. 11-825: Amending
Ordinance No. 08-804, Assigning Oil, Gas, and Other Hydrocarbon
Substances or Water Pipelines Franchise to New Owner (Seneca
Resources Corporation).
Recommendation: 1.) Adopt and read by title only Ordinance No. 11-
825: Amending Ordinance 08-804, assigning oil, gas, and other
hydrocarbon substances or water pipelines franchise to Seneca
Resources Corporation.
Community Services
B. Proposal for Additional Hours for Use of High School Track and
Installation of Side Access Gate.
Recommendation: 1.) Comment and provide direction to staff on the
proposed gate concept.
City Manager’s Office
C. Consideration of Proposed Town Hall Meeting to be scheduled in
September or October and Direction to staff.
Recommendation: Provide direction to staff in scheduling a Town Hall
meeting and feedback on what format and set a date, if the Council
wishes to proceed.
Community Services
D. Introduction to the Initial Southern California Association of Governments
Integrated Growth Forecasting.
Recommendation: 1.) Receive and file report in preparation for future
forecasting discussion within a year.
10. Department Reports – Joint City Council and Redevelopment Agency
Finance
A. Receive 2010/11 Midyear Budget Review Staff Report and Adopt City
Council Resolution No. 11-3280, Amending the City of Fillmore 2010/11
Fillmore City Council Meeting Agenda – March 22, 2011
Page 5
Budget and Resolution No. 11-250, Amending the Fillmore
Redevelopment Agency Budget.
Recommendations:
1.) Adopt City Council Resolution No. 11-3280: Approving and Adopting
the Midyear Municipal Budget for Fiscal Year 2010-11.
2.) Adopt Redevelopment Agency Resolution No. 11-250: Adopting the
Midyear Adjustments to the Final Budget for Fiscal Year 2010-11.
11. Committee, Commission, and Board Reports
12. City Council Reports, Recommendations, and Comments
A. City Councilmember Travel Requests/Brief Reports
B. Any Councilmember May Propose Items for Placement on Future Agenda
C. Council Referrals/Brief Comments
13. City Manager
A. Follow-Up on Requests from the Public/City Council
B. Announcements and Upcoming Issues
14. Closed Session
A. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation (subdivision (a) of
Section 54956.9): El Dorado Estates v. City of Fillmore, Case No. 56-
2009-00358555-CU-WM-VTA, Ventura Superior Court.
15. Adjournment: City Council adjourns to a Regular City Council Meeting
scheduled for Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall,
250 Central Avenue.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Upcoming Meetings and Related Agenda Items (Info Only)
April 12, 2011 Regular City Council Meeting
Agenda Posted: March 17, 2011, 5:00 p.m.

As of this Friday, March 18th, Assembly Member Jeff Gorell (R-Camarillo) has been called back to active duty with the U.S. Navy mobilized to serve a one-year tour of duty “boots on the ground” in Afghanistan. Assemblyman Gorell, who currently holds the rank of Lt. Commander with the Navy (Reserve) is an intelligence officer and has previously served a tour of duty in Afghanistan shortly after the events of 9/11.

In his absence, legislation authored by Gorell will continue to be guided through the legislature by his Chief of Staff, Mark Timmerman; his legislative director, Samuel Chung; and a bipartisan group of co-authors that have joined him in introducing his bills. In the district office, District Director Ernie Villegas will continue to take the lead in responding to constituent affairs and conducting community outreach.

During the time that he will be on active duty with the Navy, Gorell will not be receiving his legislative salary or benefits.

Sacramento, CA. – Assemblyman Jeff Gorell today announced AB 1339, an emergency preparedness bill designed to encourage gas station owners to equip their facilities with backup generators that will allow continued operation even during a natural disaster, a lesson learned in the wake of hurricane Katrina.

“America runs on electricity,” stated Gorell. “It powers our homes and businesses; it drives manufacturing and communications; and during a crisis, electricity is necessary to keep the emergency services responders working. While serving on the board of directors for the Red Cross of Ventura County during the Katrina disaster I had the opportunity to be a part of the national response and have learned valuable lessons.”

The aftermath of hurricane Katrina demonstrated a weak link in providing emergency service to an area stricken by disaster. Emergency services vehicles were unable to refuel, not because of a lack of fuel, but because of a lack of electricity to run the fuel pumps. As the Red Cross and other volunteer relief groups responded, fuel stations were unable to provide gasoline to the emergency response vehicles due to the power outage. Relief efforts stalled because the emergency relief vehicles were unable to deliver essential items such as food and water. Thousands of hot meals that were being prepared daily could not reach the victims for days.

“Witnessing the tragedy unfold in Japan, we must ask ourselves if we are fully prepared for a major disaster,” said Gorell. “The ability to refuel emergency vehicles needs to be a part of that plan.”

Assembly Bill 1339 offers a 50% tax credit for gas station owners to purchase and equip their stations with an environmentally friendly backup generator.

Japan’s recent earthquake and tsunami have offered a terrifying worst case scenario of what happens when a natural disaster damages the infrastructure that provides lifesaving electrical power.

Jeff Gorell served on the board of directors for the American Red Cross of Ventura County from 2003 until 2009, serving as vice chair of the board from 2007 until 2009.

Washington, D.C. - Representative Peter King’s hearings today on “homegrown” Muslim extremism resulted in death threats against the New York Congressman, who has been courageous in his search for a candid dialogue on this issue. But King is not the only person who has sought to use legitimate legal means to address the issue of Muslim extremism and collaboration with terrorist interests in the United States.

In October of last year, Vincent Forras, with the assistance of Larry Klayman, founder of Judicial Watch and Freedom Watch, brought a simple “nuisance” lawsuit in the lower court in Manhattan to have the so-called Ground Zero mosque stopped. Mr. Forras is a highly decorated First Responder who was buried under the rubble at Ground Zero immediately after the attack on 9/11 and nearly died. The plans for the Ground Zero mosque not only caused him, and other members in this class action lawsuit, great emotional distress, but the mosque itself presents a new security threat to the neighborhood, which has been attacked numerous times, not just on 9/11. Even President Obama and Attorney General Holder have admitted to this, and as a result agreed to move the criminal trial of the mastermind of 9/11, Kahlid Sheik Mohammad outside of Ground Zero, which is where the federal courthouse is located. And, the Ground Zero mosque Imam Faisal Rauf stated on CNN that if he does not get to build his mosque, that more terrorism is likely there.

After the suit against... http://www.freedomwatchusa.org/ground-zero-mosque-plaintiff-and-counsel-...

Arlington, VA - On February 15th, the U.S. Department of Education answered Congresswoman Virginia Foxx’s October Letter of Inquiry, which was prompted by an August Students for Life of America campaign at the University of North Carolina. The letter asked the Department if they were aware of the abortion coverage included in the University of North Carolina System’s mandatory student health care policy and if they could prove that taxpayer funds were not paying for the abortion coverage.

In the Department’s response, the Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan wrote, “…the Department has not issued any regulations, guidance, or other official policy with regard to the Hyde amendment, nor has the Department relayed any information regarding the Hyde Amendment to colleges and universities that participate in the Title IV and HEA programs.”

Upon the receipt of the letter, Kristan Hawkins, Executive Director of Students for Life of America (SFLA), commented,

“The Department of Education is not upholding federal law which clearly states that taxpayer money is not to be used to pay for elective abortions. By not providing oversight, the Department of Education is allowing taxpayer money to fund elective student abortions at the University of North Carolina as well as in dozens of others universities across the country. Abortion is not health care and should not be a pre-requisite for learning.”

In August, Students for Life of America discovered that the UNC System was automatically enrolling their students in a health care plan that covered elective abortions. After working with UNC students and leading an effective grassroots campaign, SFLA forced the UNC Administration to modify its policy and allow students to “opt-out” of the abortion coverage. SFLA is continuing to coordinate with pro-life students at UNC to work towards eliminating their abortion health care coverage .

In January, SFLA released a health care study of the 200 largest universities in the US. Of the 200 schools, 194 had school-sponsored health care plans for students. Eighty-six (44%) of the 194 school sponsored plans covered elective abortions, and 38 schools automatically enrolled their students in an abortion health care plan. To view the full study, visit http://noabortioninhealthcare.com.

For more information about taxpayer-funded student abortions, visit the SFLA site: http://noabortioninhealthcare.com.

To speak with Kristan Hawkins about the Department of Education Response Letter or the SFLA University Abortion Health Care Study, contact Mary Powers, Communications Director at Students for Life, at mpowers@studentsforlife.org or by phone: 703-351-6280.

Kristan Hawkins, Executive Director of Students for Life of America, the largest pro-life student organization in the nation, has been featured on Fox News and CNN and has had articles featured in The Washington Times, The Daily Caller, The Washington Examiner as well as in many other publications.

Students for Life of America (SFLA) works to provide students, from high school to graduate school, with the resources they need to save lives and abolish abortion on their campuses and throughout the nation with 563 pro-life college groups in 48 states.

Board of Equalization Member Senator George Runner today issued the following statement in response to the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee's decision to move Assembly Bill 153 (Skinner) to its suspense file:

"I am encouraged by the Committee's decision to hold Assemblywoman Skinner's Affiliate Nexus tax legislation for further study. Close scrutiny of the bill will show that it does nothing to create jobs, nor increase state revenues.

"What's worse is that this measure puts 25,000 affiliate-based businesses in California at risk. As a result, the state could actually lose money when these businesses are forced to leave the state.

"Existing law is clear. California cannot require out-of-state retailers to charge sales tax. Instead California consumers are required to pay use tax on purchases they make from out-of-state retailers."

Elected in November 2010, Senator George Runner represents more than 9 million Californians as a member of the Board of Equalization. For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov/Runner.

City of Fillmore

CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 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
A. Proclamation Recognizing Outgoing Planning Commissioner Diane McCall.
B. Presentation by Mr. Bruce Stenslie, Economic Development Collaborative of Ventura County – Grow Ventura Campaign.
6. Public Comments
7. Consent Calendar
Recommendation for Items A. through D. is to Approve.
A. Warrant List for March 8, 2011.
B. Minutes of February 22, 2011 Regular Meeting.
C. Review and File Update on Potential Community Garden and/or City Dog Park.
D. Consideration and Adoption of City Council Resolution No. 11-3277, Amending Resolution No. 11-3275: Request for Employment Extension per Government Code 21221(h) for Linda J. Pappas (Diaz).
8. Public Hearing
Community Development Department
A. Conduct CONTINUED »

Written by Conn Carroll

The Washington Post reports today that “the daunting tower of national, state and local debt in the United States will reach a level this year unmatched just after World War II and already exceeds the size of the entire economy, according to government estimates.” But there are a number of big differences between our national debt now and the debt in 1946. The Post reports: “State and municipal governments from Sacramento to Madison to Harrisburg have racked up about $2.4 trillion in debt, or more than 15 percent of GDP.”

And even this total is understating the problem. Recent studies show that state and local governments are severely underestimating their pension and benefit promises, including a $574 billion shortfall for the nation’s top major cities and a possible $3.4 trillion shortfall for the states. The cause of these crippling pension and benefit obligations is no secret. The Post explains: “Public employees often enjoy more generous pension and health-care benefits, and these are at the root of the long-term budget problems confronting many states.”

How did this happen? Why did... http://blog.heritage.org/2011/02/23/morning-bell-government-unions-vs-am...

WHO:
Sen. Tony Strickland and the Ventura County Animal Services

WHAT:
Every day, thousands of cute, loyal dogs and cats are surrendered to our nation’s shelters. Not because they’re bad, but because their owners just couldn’t take care of them anymore. To encourage pet adoption, Sen. Strickland will be joining the Ventura County Animal Services at this adopt-a-pet event.

WHEN:
Saturday, February 26, 2011 ~ 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

WHERE:
Ventura County Animal Services
600 Aviation Drive
Camarillo, CA 93010

CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 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: Councilmembers Brooks, Conaway, Sipes, Walker and Mayor
Washburn
4. Approval of Agenda
5. Presentations and Announcements
A. Proclamation Commending Esteban Luna Almazan, Eagle Scout B.S.A.
Troop 406.
6. Public Comments
7. Consent Calendar
Recommendation for Items A. through D. is to Approve.
A. Warrant List for February 22, 2011.
B. Minutes of February 8, 2011 Regular Meeting.
C. Consideration and Adoption of City Council Resolution No. 11-3276:
Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2010-11.
D. Consideration and Adoption of Updated Joint Use Agreement between the
City of Fillmore and the Fillmore Unified School District as Approved by
the FUSD Board on October 5, 2010.
8. Public Hearing – None.
9. Department Reports – City Council
Community Development Department
A. Conduct First Reading of Ordinance No. 11-824: An Interim Ordinance
Citywide Moratorium on Establishment and Operation of Medical
Marijuana Dispensaries for 1 year.
Recommendation: 1) Conduct first reading of Ordinance No. 11-824, an
Ordinance Extending a Citywide Moratorium on the Establishment and
Operation of Medical Marijuana Dispensaries.
City Engineer
B. Approval of Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) and Direction to
Staff to Complete On-line Certification.
Fillmore City Council Meeting Agenda – February 22, 2011
Recommendation: 1) Approve the Sewer System Management Plan and
direct the City Engineer to complete the online certification of the plan.
10. Committee, Commission, and Board Reports
11. City Council Reports, Recommendations, and Comments
A. City Councilmember Travel Requests/Brief Reports
B. Any Councilmember May Propose Items for Placement on Future Agenda
C. Council Referrals/Brief Comments
12. City Manager
A. Follow-Up on Requests from the Public/City Council
B. Announcements and Upcoming Issues
13. Closed Session
14. Adjournment: City Council adjourns to a Regular City Council Meeting
scheduled for Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall,
250 Central Avenue.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Upcoming Meetings and Related Agenda Items (Info Only)
March 8, 2011 Regular City Council Meeting
Agenda Posted: February 17, 2011, 6:30 p.m.

Santa Ana – Earlier this week, in United States District Court in Santa Ana, before Judge Andrew J. Guilford, a Placentia, CA man was sentenced for evading income tax.

Joseph Usunubu Aluya was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison. Aluya is a registered tax return preparer with the California Tax Education Council and holds a masters degree from the University of Phoenix. Aluya has been preparing tax returns for many years operating two Schedule C businesses, Joseph Usunubu Aluya Paradigm Financial and Paradigm Realty in Placentia, California.

On June 23, 2010, Aluya pled guilty to four counts of tax evasion and one count of possessing stolen government money. According to the plea agreement, from approximately 2003 through 2007, Aluya devised a scheme that defrauded his clients by preparing two sets of federal income tax returns for each client, and convinced his clients to file an electronic return. On the tax return Aluya provided to his client, Aluya usually inflated the amount of tax which would make the refund amount lower than it should be. Aluya would then file a correct tax return with the IRS which showed a higher refund amount. Aluya received the higher refund amount from the IRS and then he paid out the lower refund amount to his client. He kept the difference in the refund amounts for himself. Aluya carried out his scheme without the clients’ knowledge and consent. The plea agreement states that Aluya agrees to pay full restitution to victims estimated at $380,705.39.

Joseph Usunubu Aluya received a substantial amount of income each year, but each year he reported very little income or loss for his return preparation business, Paradigm Financial, on his own self-prepared Form 1040 tax return for the tax years 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006. The plea agreement states, Aluya received $196,312.96 of unreported income for the tax years 2003 to 2006, which resulted in an additional tax due of $59,213.00 for the defendant’s tax years 2003 to 2006 respectively, to the Internal Revenue Service. Aluya agrees to cooperate with the Internal Revenue Service in the determination of defendant’s tax liability for the tax year 2007 and is liable for the fraud penalty.

IRS-CI is very serious in enforcing the laws directed at those who attempt to defraud our nation’s tax system. “Monday’s sentencing is another example of IRS-Criminal Investigation’s commitment to investigate those individuals who choose to undermine the honesty of our tax system for their personal financial gain," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Joel P. Garland for IRS-Criminal Investigation in Los Angeles. As we approach tax filing season, those who might consider preparing false tax returns should consider the consequences.

The investigation and prosecution of Aluya was conducted by IRS - Criminal Investigation and the Treasury Inspector General’s Office for Tax Administration in Laguna Niguel in conjunction with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.