The Castle Coalition, a project of the Institute for Justice recently released a report written by Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle on how cities can grow, even in their urban cores, without the use of eminent domain.

Pringle and Anaheim are the model for this sort of activity with their highly successful Platinum Triangle development centered around the city’s baseball stadium. But Anaheim has also had similar success in redeveloping its downtown, again without the use of any government taking or the threat of taking.

Anaheim does not have a corner on the market for urban infill. In fact in Irvine there is a similarly significant activity with private land owners recognizing the value they can reap from changing land uses and building up. Irvine too… Read More

THE BUDGET NEEDS AN $8 BILLION HAIRCUT Today, according to the California Constitution, is the technical deadline for passing a balanced state budget. The lack of a budget agreement is actual a good thing for California taxpayers, because it means that fiscally responsible Republican legislators are resolved to see some reigning in of California’s out-of-control ballooning state budget. We here at the FlashReport support the efforts of State Senate Republican Leader Dick Ackerman and Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines to impose curbs in discretionary state spending. If anything, our biggest challenge is that state government spending is so out-of-whack that none of the proposals for cuts come even close to addressing the massive over-spending. If you read our featured column today from John Seiler, you would conclude that the starting point in budget negotiations should be finding an immediate $8 billion in spending cuts. ___________________________… Read More

THE BUDGET NEEDS AN $8 BILLION HAIRCUT Today, according to the California Constitution, is the technical deadline for passing a balanced state budget. The lack of a budget agreement is actual a good thing for California taxpayers, because it means that fiscally responsible Republican legislators are resolved to see some reigning in of California’s out-of-control ballooning state budget. We here at the FlashReport support the efforts of State Senate Republican Leader Dick Ackerman and Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines to impose curbs in discretionary state spending. If anything, our biggest challenge is that state government spending is so out-of-whack that none of the proposals for cuts come even close to addressing the massive over-spending. If you read our featured column today from John Seiler, you would conclude that the starting point in budget negotiations should be finding an immediate $8 billion in spending cuts. ___________________________… Read More

This oped by Congressman David Dreier appeared in today’s Inland Valley Daily Bulletin: Giuliani’s The Man To Secure Our Borders

Rudy Giuliani understands the problems of illegal immigration. He knows that without securing our border and knowing who is in our country, we will not be able to keep our citizens safe.

That is why I am pleased that Rudy has been at the forefront of this border security debate by advocating a tamper-proof card tied to a common database that government agencies would be able to access, allowing us to know who is in the country, why they are here, and where they are. Immigrants who overstay their visas will be able to be… Read More

UPDATE…some additional input from another source:

Anyone who was there last night (and just about every major donor in San Diego was) witnessed an incredible start to Nathan Fletcher’s campaign for the 75th State Assembly District. More than 150 donors attended, raising over $100,000. Not bad for your first fundraiser. Even Pete Wilson joked that the event was bigger than his kickoff for his first run for governor. The catered event at the home of Gene and Taffin Ray was a class act. With the backing of Republican leaders like Gov. Pete Wilson, Duncan Hunter, George Plescia, Mark Wyland, and countless others (not to mention Barry Jantz – ok, that was my insert), Nathan Fletcher is well on his way.

—————————————————- 75th AD candidate Nathan Fletcher’s campaign kickoff was last nite, and although I had other commitments (I am supporting Nathan for the George Plescia term-limited seat), I do have my… Read More

Read about it here.… Read More

Care to read comments, or make your own about today’s Daily Commentary?

Just click here to go to the FR Weblog, where this Commentary has its own blog post, and where you can read and make comments.… Read More

Yesterday, I had the distinct pleasure of attending one of the Pacific Research Institute’s reliably superb events: a seminar on the Middle East given by Dr. Daniel Pipes. I can honestly say that I’ve never seen such a brilliant man carry his expertise as effortlessly and devoid of pretense as Dr. Pipes did at the PRI luncheon. My feeble attempt to summarize his presentation for FR readers is like trying to squeeze a basketball into a Coke bottle, and there is no way I can possibly replicate the experience of seeing Dr. Pipes in person, but I’ll do my best to give you all a snapshot.

His presentation was entitled, “The Five I’s – Iraq, Iran, Israel, Islamism, and Islam in Europe.”

On Iraq: He advocates “staying the course, but changing the course.” Dr. Pipes is not in favor of a date-specific timeline for withdrawal, but he recommends turning over more responsibility to the Iraqi government faster. He said our troops need to be pulled out of the tactical… Read More