The office of Assembly Member Jeff Gorell is now accepting applications for creative, hard-working interns. If you are a college or graduate student interested in broadening your knowledge of state and local government and exploring a career in public service, then you should apply.

Interns in Assemblyman Gorell's office will learn the inner workings of state government, gain firsthand experience in a District office, and provide assistance to families in California's 44th Assembly District. This is a rewarding and highly-educational internship!

Internships are currently available in the Camarillo District Office and the new Oxnard District Office. Part-time unpaid internships are available throughout the school year.

Course credit for internships may be available through your college or university. Prospective interns should discuss academic credit eligibility and requirements with their academic advisor or campus coordinator.

Interns work with Assemblyman Gorell's professional staff on a variety of projects and are also assigned clerical tasks. Qualified candidates must be able to balance multiple projects simultaneously, possess strong writing, reading, and problem-solving abilities; have basic computer skills and ability to use Internet search engines, database management systems, and programs in the Microsoft Office suite; maintain professional etiquette as a representative of an elected state legislator both inside and outside the office.

Applicants are asked to call (805) 482-1904 or email stephanie.butts@asm.ca.gov

SACRAMENTO – George Runner today issued the following statement in response to Governor Jerry Brown’s 2014-15 Budget Proposal:

“A budget that demonstrates fiscal restraint is essential for California to stay on track. The Governor’s high speed rail funding plan shows at least some of his funding priorities are off track.

“Increased revenues are primarily the result of temporary tax increases that will soon expire. California cannot solve its long-term budget problems by relying on temporary solutions that undermine job creation and economic growth.

“A comprehensive plan must prepare for the ending of the temporary tax increases Californians imposed on themselves to get out of the fiscal hole of overspending and recession.

“It is vital to set aside reserves for future shortfalls, or the Legislature may push to make temporary tax increases permanent. A strong rainy day fund is an important part of ensuring our state’s fiscal stability.

“California’s budget challenges will only be truly solved when a strong and healthy private sector is able to create jobs and opportunity for more Californians.”

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.

Oxnard, CA - Candidate for Congress Jeff Gorell announced today his campaign leadership team for the City of Oxnard.

Gorell's Oxnard leadership team includes both prominent Democrat and Republican leaders, reflecting the reform-minded lawmaker's reputation for independence and his bipartisan appeal as a leader who delivers results for the people of Ventura County.

The Gorell campaign announced the following community leaders who will serve as Oxnard co-chairs:
• Bryan MacDonald, Oxnard City Councilman
• Irene Pinkard, Ed.D, Former Oxnard Mayor Pro Tem
• Andres Herrera, Former Oxnard Mayor Pro Tem
• Dean Maulhardt, Former Oxnard Mayor Pro Tem
• Bedford Pinkard, Former Oxnard City Councilman, Oxnard Parks and Recreation Commissioner
• Steven Kinney, President of Oxnard Economic Development Corporation
• Lupe Anguiano, Founding President of Stewards of The Earth
• Geraldine "Gerry" Ferraro Moreno, Community Volunteer
• Pablo F. Ortiz, President of Oxnard Downtowners
• Tila Estrada, Oxnard Business Owner
(Note: Titles are given for identification purposes only)

"The people of Oxnard need Jeff Gorell as our Representative in Congress," declared Oxnard Councilman Bryan MacDonald, a Republican. "Jeff's military background, as well as his proven success in fighting for local jobs, will be a great asset to our City."

"Jeff Gorell has courage to reach across the aisle and achieve common sense solutions," stated former Oxnard Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Irene Pinkard. "He is a leader who is accessible and delivers on his commitments."

"I support Jeff Gorell because he engages the community to bring people together," said Oxnard Community Volunteer Lupe Anguiano. "That's the kind of leadership we desperately need in Washington D.C."

"I'm humbled and encouraged by the support of these respected and dedicated
bi-partisan community leaders," said Gorell. "Their endorsements reflect the growing public desire for a new Congressional Representative who will focus on solutions and results-not on partisan rhetoric or divisive wedge issues. The public is fed up with the intolerable gridlock in Washington and now is the time for results."

Gorell will be announcing endorsements and leadership teams in each city in the district throughout the month of January. Early public endorsements already include House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy; Congressman Elton Gallegly (ret.); Michael Reagan; Congressman Howard "Buck" McKeon, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee; Congressman Robert J. Lagomarsino (ret.); Ventura County District Attorney Michael D. Bradbury (ret.); Ventura County Supervisor Peter Foy; Moorpark Mayor Janice Parvin; Port Hueneme Mayor Tony Volante (ret.); Ventura County Auditor-Controller Christine Cohen (ret.); Santa Paula City Councilmember Jim Tovias; Simi Valley Mayor Bob Huber; Ventura City Councilmember Jim Monahan and Santa Paula City Councilmember Bob Gonzales.

Assemblyman Gorell was elected to the legislature in 2010 and currently serves as vice chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee. Gorell is also an intelligence officer in the Navy Reserve. A decorated veteran of two tours to Afghanistan, Gorell was recently selected for promotion to Commander. He is also on the faculty of California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks where he been an adjunct professor of public policy since 2006. He is teaching a course on California Policy Process this winter semester.

Sacramento, CA – Assembly Budget Committee Vice-Chair Jeff Gorell today warned the legislature of the dangers of relying on volatile revenues without a solid “rainy day fund,” pointing out that personal income tax revenues now make up 75 percent of general fund sources, a historic high.

“California relies on revenues from the personal income tax more than ever before,” stated Assemblyman Gorell. “This is one of the most volatile revenue sources available. Relatively small shifts in the economy and decisions by a handful of high income earners can result in wild up and down swings to state revenues. We need to be saving the surplus revenues now if we expect to have a safety net during the next recession. The failure to save today means that in the lean years we will again have to cut programs and services, which is harmful to Californians and our economy.”

The LAO recently reported that with Proposition 30 tax increases, personal income tax had now jumped to become the source of 75 percent of California’s general fund. By comparison, the personal income tax share of the revenues had exceeded 60 percent only once prior in California history – at the collapse of the “dot-com” boom in 2000-2001.

“The legislature and Governor must resist the temptation to spend the surplus,” said Gorell. “And we need a real “rainy day fund” in our Constitution to avoid the collision course with deficits we will inevitably face.”

Written By Julian Hattem

A federal court has tossed out a lawsuit trying to prevent the government from searching laptops, cellphones and other devices at U.S. border checkpoints.

The circuit judge’s decision to uphold the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy on Tuesday was a blow to civil liberties groups that argued the practice violated the Constitution’s protection against unreasonable search and seizure.

According to government documents, officials at the border search and copy the contents of thousands of people’s devices each year. Border agents are allowed to look into the devices and detain them for a short period of time without a reasonable suspicion that the traveler has committed a crime.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers filed a lawsuit challenging the DHS policy in 2010, on behalf of the National Press Photographers Association and Pascal Abidor, a French-American man whose laptop was confiscated at the Canadian border.

But in his opinion... http://thehill.com/blogs/hillicon-valley/technology/194200-court-upholds...

Camarillo, CA - California State Assemblyman Jeff Gorell announced today that he intends to run for the House of Representatives in California's 26th Congressional District. Gorell has opened a committee and begun raising funds for the race and intends to make a more formal public announcement in January.

"Partisan games and gridlock in Washington are crippling our great nation. I'm sick and tired of it, as are most Americans." said Gorell. "We need real leadership, not political posturing, to fix our broken Congress. The challenges facing both this community and America are too critical to leave to anyone who retreats into the trenches of party politics or lacks the vision, passion and leadership to be a champion for people of the 26th Congressional District."

"We deserve a congressional representative who will focus on uniting the community" continued Gorell. "In the Legislature, I have built a reputation as an independent leader capable of working across the aisle. By placing people above parties, we achieved results on the important issues facing the district such as protecting homes in Port Hueneme against beach erosion; helping position our port to be more globally competitive and energy efficient; enacting new state tax incentives to protect our local manufacturing jobs; and launching the bi-partisan 'Gold Team California' to attract new jobs."

"It's this vision and level of leadership that will be required to address the important federal issues that will face our community in the near future. For example, it's almost a certainty that our local Navy Base Ventura County will be threatened for closure in 2015 along with the elimination of thousands of jobs there. The people of Ventura County need and deserve a true champion to unite the community around defending this important defense and economic asset. On this and other key issues, I intend to prove to voters that I am that champion."

."Furthermore, our nation is at a crossroads. Americans have lost faith in federal health care. Local families are losing their insurance, premiums are skyrocketing, and many Californians will soon be losing their choice of doctors.

I am running for Congress to fix the health care mess in Washington and preserve Americans' ability to choose their own health insurance and keep their doctor," declared Gorell. "I am looking forward to running an honorable campaign and ultimately serving the people of the 26th Congressional District," said Gorell

Gorell intends to release a full list of campaign co-chairs and supporters in January. Early public endorsements already include House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy; Congressman Elton Gallegly (ret.); Michael Reagan; Congressman Howard "Buck" McKeon, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee; Congressman Robert J. Lagomarsino (ret.); Ventura County District Attorney Michael D. Bradbury (ret.); Ventura County Supervisor Peter Foy; Moorpark Mayor Janice Parvin; Port Hueneme Mayor Tony Volante (ret.); Ventura County Auditor-Controller Christine Cohen (ret.); Santa Paula City Councilmember Jim Tovias; Senator Tony Strickland (ret.); Simi Valley Mayor Bob Huber; Ventura City Councilmember Jim Monahan and Santa Paula City Councilmember Bob Gonzalez.

Assemblyman Gorell was elected to the legislature in 2010 and currently serves as vice chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee. Gorell is also an intelligence officer in the Navy Reserve. A decorated veteran of two tours to Afghanistan, Gorell was recently selected for promotion to Commander. He is also on the faculty of California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks where he been an adjunct professor of public policy since 2006. He is teaching a course on California Policy Process this winter semester.

SAN FRANCISCO – Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s announcement that it will hear Kathleen Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc.:

“Under the Affordable Care Act, all Americans have the right to access affordable, quality healthcare, including contraception,” Attorney General Harris said. “For profit companies should not be able to deny women access to healthcare based on the religious beliefs of the company’s owners. The 10th circuit ruling should be reversed by the U.S. Supreme Court.”

In October, Attorney General Harris filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the U.S. Supreme Court asking the court to take up this case and was joined by ten states including Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.

A copy of the first brief is attached to the electronic version of this release at oag.ca.gov/news.

# # #

You may view the full account of this posting, including possible attachments, in the News & Alerts section of our website at: http://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-kamala-d-harris-i...

Port Hueneme, CA – In a letter to Republican leaders in Washington D.C., Assemblyman Jeff Gorell (R-Camarillo) today asked Congress to support amendments to a water resources bill that will help repair major erosion damage to Hueneme Beach and prevent a recurrence of this year’s expensive disaster.

“The money sitting in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund should have been used last year to prevent the disaster that has occurred to Hueneme Beach,” stated Assemblyman Gorell. “Rep. Brownley’s amendments will help to make sure that the problems we are facing now will not be repeated in the future. I have asked my fellow Republicans to help the city of Port Hueneme by including these amendments in the final water resources bill.”

A lack of funds was the reason cited last year by the Army Corps of Engineers when sand replenishment efforts at Hueneme Beach were halted early. Subsequent erosion rapidly erased the beloved local beach and threatened the homes and businesses beyond. The city of Port Hueneme has already spent $1 million in an emergency effort to begin construction of a boulder barricade against the relentless tides, a project which will be completed before winter with an additional $2 million in emergency state funds. Assemblyman Gorell led the effort in Sacramento to bring this issue to the attention of state legislators and to secure the emergency funding.

Unlike typical beach erosions in other areas, the rapid sand erosion problem on the Hueneme coast is a man-made phenomenon. Prior to the construction of the Port of Hueneme in 1939, the shoreline of Ventura County between what is now Port Hueneme and Point Mugu was considered to be stable. However, with the construction of the port’s channel and jetties, the natural migration of sand down the coast was disrupted, resulting in severe erosion problems at Hueneme Beach, Ormond Beach and Point Mugu Beach.

The problem was dealt with in the 1950s when the federal government built an offshore trap to store migrating sand and began conducting biennial dredging programs to move the captured sand back to the beaches where it belongs. In 1996, additional federal legislation recognized that the responsibility for the expense of this dredging and sand bypassing belongs to the federal government.

A PDF of Assemblyman Gorell’s letter is attached to this release.

Board of Equalization Member George Runner today issued the following statement in response to the Governor’s signing of Assembly Bill 1412, which fully reversed a controversial Franchise Tax Board staff decision to seek millions in retroactive taxes from California taxpayers:

“It’s no secret I’ve been highly critical of the Franchise Tax Board’s decision to assess five years and more than hundred million dollars in retroactive taxes against California small businesses and start-up investors.

“Thankfully this wrong was finally righted today with the Governor’s signature of Assembly Bill 1412.

“AB 1412 is the product of rare bipartisan legislative cooperation. It will ensure that taxpayers who followed the law in good faith will not be taxed retroactively for doing so.

“I commend all involved for their hard work in bringing about a fair and reasonable outcome for California taxpayers.”

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.

Editor’s note: Runner’s letters urging action on this issue are available online as pdfs: 2/5/13, 4/26/13, 5/30/13 and 9/23/13.

SACRAMENTO – George Runner announced today that Governor Brown has vetoed Senate Bill 582 but has pledged to move the idea forward anyway. Sponsored by Runner and authored by Senator Steve Knight (R-Antelope Valley), SB 582 was designed to increase efficiency for taxpayers.

“It’s not easy doing business in California. One major challenge is most business owners must pay taxes to three separate state tax agencies,” said Runner. “Our legislation was designed to make life easier for taxpayers by simplifying this process.”

SB 582 would have required the Board of Equalization, Franchise Tax Board and Employment Development Department to examine how to consolidate their websites, creating a one-stop shop for taxpayers to visit for all of their tax services. The goal was to streamline filing requirements by providing taxpayers with up-to-date integrated access to accounts with all three tax agencies.

In his veto message yesterday Governor Brown expressed support for the bill’s concept, stating the problem needed to be addressed immediately, rather than studied. He instructed his office to examine “if taxpayer service can be improved in a cost effective manner with a single state Webpage for all state taxes” and then move forward with implementation measures.

“I see this resolution as a step forward for taxpayers. I applaud Governor Brown’s commitment to this necessary policy change and look forward to working with his office to ensure it happens,” said Runner.

SB 582 received unanimous, bipartisan support through both the Senate and Assembly. A complete copy of the Governor’s veto message can be found here.

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.

SACRAMENTO – George Runner today announced he will continue to seek relief from California’s “Fire Prevention Fee” for residents who find themselves the victim of a natural disaster.

In his response to Runner’s letter Cal Fire Director Ken Pimlott stated, “the Fire Prevention Fee statute, as written, provides no authority for Cal Fire to waive fees due to the loss of structures from natural disasters of any kind, nor authority to provide refunds for victims under these circumstances.”

“I am disappointed Cal Fire declined my request to halt billing to fire victims. At a time like this, taxes are the last thing they should be worrying about,” said Runner. “That’s why I’m asking local legislators to introduce urgency legislation to waive fees and provide refunds for fire victims who have lost their homes.”

Runner also sent a letter informing his constituents of his plan and of the limited relief options currently available.

Victims of natural disasters may request additional time to pay their bills. They may also request relief of penalties and interest under certain circumstances. These options are available online at boe.ca.gov/elecsrv/erelief or by calling 1-800-400-7115.

Runner noted that these individuals may also wish to file an appeal within 30 days of the bill date to protect their standing for a possible refund in the event the courts rule this fee unconstitutional.

Elected in November 2010, George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a member of the State Board of Equalization. Runner keeps taxpayers informed of the latest fire tax news and information at calfirefee.com.

FULL TEXT OF RUNNER LETTER

Dear Taxpayer:

According to the information we’ve received, I understand your home may have been damaged or destroyed by the Clover Fire.

As your taxpayer advocate and elected member of the Board of Equalization, I’m deeply sorry for your loss. I understand that you and your loved ones face many challenges as you seek to rebuild your lives.

At a time like this, taxes are among the least of your concerns. That’s why I sent a letter to Cal Fire seeking permission to cancel the “Fire Prevention Fee” bills scheduled to mail to fire victims in Shasta County on October 16.

Unfortunately, Cal Fire declined my request, informing me that the “Fire Prevention Fee statute, as written, provides no authority for Cal Fire to waive fees due to loss of structures from natural disasters of any kind, nor authority to provide refunds for victims under these circumstances.”

A limited number of relief options are still available. You may request an extension to pay your bill. You may also request relief of penalties and interest under certain circumstances. These options are available online at boe.ca.gov/elecsrv/erelief or by calling 1-800-400-7115.

You may also wish to file an appeal within 30 days of your bill date to protect your standing for a possible refund in the event the courts rule this fee unconstitutional. For your convenience, I’ve enclosed a copy of the appeal petition.

I’ve also asked your local legislators to introduce urgency legislation to waive the fees and provide refunds for fire victims and others who may have lost their homes due to natural disaster.

Since the fee is based upon “habitable structures” it is only fair to exempt those whose homes have been destroyed.

I look forward to working with your legislators to provide relief to all Californians who suffer the loss of homes and property due to disasters. I’ll be providing updates on our efforts at www.calfirefee.com.

Again, I deeply regret your loss. If I can be of assistance in any way as you seek to rebuild, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 916-445-2181.

Sincerely,
GEORGE RUNNER
Second District

SACRAMENTO – Board of Equalization Member George Runner will host a telephone townhall for restaurant owners on Monday, October 28 at 10 a.m. The event, co-hosted by the California Restaurant Association, will provide specific information on tax issues important to the dining and beverage industry.

“Restaurants play a vital role in California’s economy, providing more than one million jobs across the state,” said Runner. “To be successful, restaurant owners need to understand California’s complicated tax laws. As their elected taxpayer advocate, I want to hear their concerns and answer their questions.”

Those wishing to participate may register online at www.boe.ca.gov/townhall or by calling 916-445-3032.

Individuals who pre-register will receive a telephone call at the start of the event inviting them to connect to the townhall.

Among the many tax challenges facing restaurant owners, caterers, and food truck operators are the “80/80 Rule” and tax rates for hot and cold food, food sold “to-go”, tips and gratuity charges, beverage sales, employee meals and complimentary food and beverages.

Further information on these and other relevant tax issues is available at www.boe.ca.gov/restaurants.

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.

CITY OF FILLMORE
FINANCE/LOAN REVIEW COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETING
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
8:30 A.M.
FILLMORE CITY HALL
CONFERENCE ROOM
250 CENTRAL AVENUE
FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA 93015-1907

AGENDA
IF YOU WISH TO SPEAK: Oral Communications is the time for citizen presentations or comments on items not on the agenda, but within the responsibility of the Finance/Loan Review Committee. Please complete an Audience Participation Form prior to the beginning of oral communications and hand it to a committee member if you wish to speak. Please stay within the time limit indicated by the committee member. If you wish to speak on an item on this agenda, please fill out an Audience Participation Form and hand it to a committee member prior to that item.
AUDIBLE DEVICES: Please ensure all audible devices (pagers, telephones, etc.) are off or otherwise not audible when the meeting is in session. Thank you.
MEMORANDUMS: Memorandums relating to agenda items are on file in the City Clerks Office. If you have questions regarding the agenda you may call City Hall at (805) 524-3701 or come to City Hall for information. Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Finance/Loan Review Committee after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection in the City Clerks office at City Hall during normal business hours. Such documents are also available on the City of Fillmore’s website at www.fillmoreca.com subject to staff’s ability to post the documents before the meeting.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at (805) 524-3701. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title II).
Finance/Loan Review Committee Agendas are posted on the Web at: www.fillmoreca.com
1. Call to Order & Introductions
2. Oral Communications – This is the time for citizen presentations or comments not related to items appearing on this Agenda, but within the responsibility of the Finance Committee or Loan Review Committee. For items appearing on the agenda, comments may be made during consideration of that item. Please do not exceed 5 minutes.
3. Business/Discussion Items – Loan Review Committee - Review the Refinance and Subordination Request for 627 Fernglen Circle and Provide Direction to staff on Recommendation to City Council.
4. Business/Discussion Items – Finance Committe
5. Information - Other information of interest to the Finance or Loan Review Committees.
6. Adjourn - to the next meeting called of the City Council Finance Committee and Successor Agency Loan Review Committee.

Ventura, Calif. – The Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC), in cooperation with other jurisdictions, agencies and organizations in Ventura County, is preparing a Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) to address compatibility planning around Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), including NBVC Point Mugu, NBVC Port Hueneme, and NBVC San Nicolas Island. The goal of the JLUS is to reduce current and potential compatibility issues between NBVC and surrounding areas while accommodating new growth and economic development, protecting public health and safety, and sustaining the operational missions of NBVC.

Residents throughout Ventura County will have an opportunity to provide their input at several points during the development of the JLUS. In order to develop a JLUS that is responsive to local needs, input from the public is critical. The first workshop will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at the Camarillo library (4101 E. Las Posas Road). It will begin at 6:30 pm and last up to two hours.

Funded by the Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment, the NBVC JLUS is intended to foster collaboration between the NBVC and the surrounding community regarding land use while preserving NBVC’s ability to perform both current and future missions. Potential topics of discussion include land use, safety zones, noise, air quality, sensitive biological resources, and roadway capacity.

“Naval Base Ventura County is one of the county's greatest economic resources. The Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC), in its role as the Airport Land Use Commission, looks forward to engaging the Ventura County community in constructive dialogue supporting the continued economic vitality of NBVC. By facilitating dialogue with the surrounding communities as well as the general public, we can work collaboratively to identify areas of current or future concern and develop viable solutions,” noted Darren Kettle, VCTC Executive Director. “While the upcoming public workshops are an important starting point for discussions regarding the future of NBVC, persons interested in the NBVC JLUS can also monitor project progress and share their opinions by visiting the project website at www.nbvcjlus.org,” added Kettle.

The Ventura County Transportation Commission is the regional transportation planning agency committed to keeping Ventura County moving. Program information is available at goventura.org.

Written by Wynton Hall

A new study by University of California-San Diego economics professor James Hamilton finds that the United States has over $70 trillion in off-balance sheet liabilities--an amount nearly six times the on-balance-sheet debt figure.
The Treasury debt outstanding is $16.74 trillion. Of that, $4.84 trillion is money the U.S. owes itself. For that reason, explains Matt Phillips of Quartz, “many analysts tend to focus on the $11.91 trillion in debt that is publicly available to be traded.”

Hamilton’s study, however... http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2013/08/04/Study-U-S-Debt-Obliga...

Limoneira Ranch recently sponsored a Ventura County Economic Development Association (VCEDA) mixer attended by members and their guests. Special guest was Peter Foy, Chairman of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors.

Limoneira Public Relations Director John Chamberlain hosted the mixer that was designed for VCEDA members to develop a deeper understanding of the businesses and their industry. VCEDA Chair Ellen Brown of Volt Workforce Solutions told guests about its mission to advocate for businesses in Ventura County and help them in any way with legislative matters, permitting and outreach.

Agromin President and CEO Bill Camarillo spoke, sharing his company’s plans for a biogenetic energy park that will convert food waste into renewable energy. Agromin, which currently operates a 9.6-acre facility at Limoneira where it tests new soil amendments processed from yard waste, recently submitted an application to expand the facility to 40 acres, Camarillo told approximately 60 attendees.

Camarillo added the proposed project with strategic partners Limoneira and Harrison Industries will increase landfill diversion from the current 80,000 tons per year to 140,000 tons a year. It also will assist the County of Ventura and cities in the county to achieve a 75 percent recycling rate, Camarillo said, and comply with the mandates of Assembly Bill 32 that requires cities and counties to reduce greenhouse gases by 29 percent by 2020.

In addition, Limoneira’s Chamberlain discussed the ranch’s plans for a new master-planned community on approximately 500 acres that in addition to 1,500 homes will include services, schools, hiking trails and athletic facilities.

Peter Foy talked to the crowd about what was happening in the county and also gave a thumbs-up for the new County Chief Administrative Officer Mike Powers. Foy said Powers is effectively dealing with economic vitality in a business friendly way – helping new and concerned businesses through the many government processes. Foy stayed to individually talk to VCEDA members and to answer questions and concerns.

VENTURA - State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) will be holding sidewalk office hours on Wednesday, July 24th and Thursday, July 25th 2013 in the cities of Fillmore, Santa Paula, and Oxnard.

The Senator will be on hand at each of these events to meet with residents and discuss their concerns. The office hours provide a more convenient way for Ventura County residents can also get assistance and share their issues and concerns with their State Senator. In addition, Senator Jackson has a district office in Ventura County located in Oxnard.

Wednesday, July 24th
Fillmore: 9:30 am-11:00 am
Fillmore City Hall Council Chambers
250 Central Ave., Fillmore, CA 93015

Santa Paula: 12:30 pm -2:00 pm
Santa Paula City Council Chambers
971 E Ventura St., Santa Paula, CA 93060

Office of Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, District 19
300 E. Esplanade Dr. Suite #430
Oxnard, CA 93036
(805) 988-1940

Jackson represents the 19th Senate District, which includes all of Santa Barbara County and most of Ventura County.

TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013
6:30 P.M.
FILLMORE CITY HALL
CENTRAL PARK PLAZA
250 CENTRAL AVENUE
FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA 93015-1907

AGENDA
1. Call to Order:
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call: Councilmembers Douglas Tucker, Diane McCall, Steven Conaway, Mayor Pro
Tem Manuel Minjares and Mayor Rick Neal
4. Approval of Agenda
5. Presentations and Announcements
6. Public Comments
7. Consent Calendar
Recommendation for Item A. is to Approve by voice vote.
A. Warrant List for JULY 23, 2013.
A brief recess will be called to hold a Successor Agency meeting.
8. Department Reports
City Council
A. Discussion of Revising 2013 City Council Meeting Schedule.
Recommendation: Discuss and provide direction to staff on whether the Council
will remain dark on August 13, 2013 or hold a regular City Council meeting.
B. Appointments to the Planning and Parks and Recreation Commissions.
Recommendation: 1) Mayor, upon recommendation from the Interview Selection
Committee, appoint one person to a term to expire January 2017 on the Planning
Commission. 2) Mayor, upon recommendation from the Interview Selection
Committee, appoint one student representative to a one year term on the Parks
and Recreation Commission.
Finance
C. Consideration to authorize the Acting City Manager to terminate existing copier
lease agreement with Ricoh USA, Inc. and enter into an agreement with
DocuProducts and Canon Financial Services, Inc.
Recommendation: 1) Authorize the Acting City Manager to terminate its current
contract with Ricoh USA, Inc. and enter into a new copier lease agreement with
DocuProducts and Canon Financial Services, Inc.; or 2) Deny the request for
authorization to terminate its current contract with Ricoh USA, Inc. and enter into a
new copier lease agreement with DocuProducts and Canon Financial Services,
Inc.
D. Consideration and Adoption CONTINUED »

San Diego, CA – Assemblyman Jeff Gorell (R-Camarillo), was pleased to join Governor Jerry Brown at Takeda California, Inc., a pharmaceutical manufacturing company, for the signing of Senate Bill 90 and Assembly Bill 93, which together represent the state’s new job creation program and enterprise zone reform.

The two bill package has been applauded by businesses and manufacturers throughout California as the most important economic development legislation passed in more than a decade.

"California needs long-term manufacturing investment and the eight-year sales tax exemption will help level the playing field for manufacturers to grow in California. The collective manufacturing community thanks the Assemblyman Gorell for his leadership and crucial negotiations on this issue," said Jack Stewart, President of the California Manufacturers and Technology Association. "The Assemblyman worked hard to get this package right for manufacturers and, in the end, offered a critical vote to get it passed," he went on to say.

“I am excited at the opportunity to stand by the governor for this signing of this historic job creation legislation,” stated Assemblyman Gorell. “This tax credit is a key element to our Gold Team effort here in Ventura County and it was an honor to participate in the development of this bipartisan compromise.”

AB 93 and SB 90 received bipartisan support in the Legislature establishing the Governor’s Economic Development Initiative. This initiative will help bolster California’s business climate and put Californians to work by establishing a statewide sales tax exemption on manufacturing equipment, hiring credits for businesses in areas with the highest unemployment and poverty, and providing additional investment incentives.

[The thrust of this letter applies to the American Congress in general. It’s past time to sift the cat box by way of term limits as the author admonishes. Martin Farrell]

April 3, 2013

Senator Patty Murray
Senator Maria Cantwell
Washington , DC , 20510

Dear Senator:

I have tried to live by the rules my entire life. My father was a Sergeant Major, U.S. Army, who died of combat related stresses shortly after his retirement. It was he who instilled in me those virtues he felt important - honesty, duty, patriotism and obeying the laws of our various governments. I have served my country, paid my taxes, worked hard, volunteered and donated my fair share of money, time and artifacts.

Today, as I approach my 79th birthday, I am heart-broken when I look at my country and my government. I shall only point out a very few things abysmally wrong which you can multiply by a thousand fold. I have calculated that all the money I have paid in income taxes my entire life cannot even keep the Senate barbershop open for one year! Only Heaven and a few tight-lipped actuarial types know what the Senate dining room costs the taxpayers. So please, enjoy your haircuts and meals on us.

Last year, the president spent an estimated 1.4 $billion on himself and his family. The vice president spends $millions on hotels. They have had 8 vacations so far this year! And our House of Representatives and Senate have become America 's answer to the Saudi royal family. You have become the "perfumed princes and princesses" of our country.

In the middle of the night, you voted in the Affordable Health Care Act, a.k.a. "Obama Care," a bill which no more than a handful of senators or representatives read more than several paragraphs, crammed it down our throats, and then promptly exempted yourselves from it substituting your own taxpayer-subsidized golden health care insurance.

You live exceedingly well, eat and drink as well as the "one percenters," consistently vote yourselves perks and pay raises while making 3.5 times the average U.S. individual income, and give up nothing while you (as well as the president and veep) ask us to sacrifice due to sequestration (for which, of course, you plan to blame the Republicans, anyway).

You understand very well the only two rules you need to know - (1) How to get elected, and (2) How to get re-elected. And you do this with the aid of an eagerly willing and partisan press, speeches permeated with a certain economy of truth, and by buying the votes of the greedy, the ill-informed and under-educated citizens (and non-citizens, too, many of whom do vote) who are looking for a handout rather than a job. Your so-called "safety net" has become a hammock for the lazy. And, what is it now, about 49 or 50 million on food stamps - pretty much all Democrat voters - and the program is absolutely rife with fraud with absolutely no congressional oversight?

I would offer that you are not entirely to blame. What changed you is the seductive environment of power in which you have immersed yourselves. It is the nature of both houses of Congress which requires you to subordinate your virtue in order to get anything done until you have achieved a leadership role. To paraphrase President Reagan, it appears that the second oldest profession (politics), bears a remarkably strong resemblance to the oldest.

As the hirsute first Baron John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton (1834 - 1902), English historian and moralist, so aptly and accurately stated, "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men." I'm only guessing that this applies to the female sex as well. Tell me, is there a more corrupt entity in this country than Congress?

While we middle class people continue to struggle, our government becomes less and less transparent, more and more bureaucratic, and ever so much more dictatorial, using Czars and Secretaries to tell us (just to mention a very few) what kind of light bulbs we must purchase, how much soda or hamburgers we can eat, what cars we can drive, gasoline to use, and what health care we must buy. Countless thousands of pages of regulations strangle our businesses costing the consumer more and more every day.

As I face my final year, or so, with cancer, my president and my government tell me "You'll just have to take a pill," while you, Senator, your colleagues, the president, and other exulted government officials and their families will get the best possible health care on our tax dollars until you are called home by your Creator while also enjoying a retirement beyond my wildest dreams, which of course, you voted for yourselves and we pay for.

The chances of you reading this letter are practically zero as your staff will not pass it on, but with a little luck, a form letter response might be generated by them with an auto signature applied, hoping we will believe that you, our senator or representative, has heard us and actually cares. This letter will, however, go on line where many others will have the chance to read one person's opinion, rightly or wrongly, about this government, its administration and its senators and representatives.

I only hope that occasionally you might quietly thank the taxpayer for all the generous entitlements which you have voted yourselves, for which, by law, we must pay, unless, of course, it just goes on the $17 trillion national debt for which your children and ours, and your grandchildren and ours, ad infinitum, must eventually try to pick up the tab.

My final thoughts are that it must take a person who has either lost his or her soul, or conscience, or both, to seek re-election and continue to destroy this country I deeply love and put it so far in debt that we will never pay it off while your lot improves by the minute, because of your power. For you, Senator, will never stand up to the rascals in your House who constantly deceive the American people. And that, my dear Senator, is how power has corrupted you and the entire Congress. The only answer to clean up this cesspool is term limits. This, of course, will kill the goose that lays your golden eggs. And woe be to him (or her) who would dare to bring it up.

Sincerely,
Bill Schoonover
3096 Angela Lane
Oak Harbor , WA 98277