First a quick thank you to FlashReport publisher and friend Jon Fleischman for allowing me to be the guest commentator for today.

In today’s news… Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials conducted raids throughout the country rounding up 1,187 illegal aliens from the workplace including two locations in CA (Bakersfield and San Bernardino). The announcement yesterday was hailed by some and condemned by others.

I am unimpressed.

The Department of Homeland Security is playing games–shucking and jiving–to make it look like they are doing something when they are falling down on the job. I can walk into the kitchen of… Read More

Are you part of the small private meeting with the President?

LOL – probably not. But find out more details about the President’s itinerary for his California swing on the SF Chronicle’s Politics Blogsite — Carla Marinucci, of course, has ALL of the details…

Ironically, I will be very close to the President twice on his visit. The first time is in the Napa Valley where I’ll be vacationing, and really just hope his motorcade doesn’t mess up traffic-flow. The other time is Monday morning in Irvine (my home town) where he will hold an event and discuss immigration policy. That event I would like to attend, and share with FR readers about my experience. I’ve e-mailed a friend at the Orange County Business Council (who are ‘hosting’ the event) and I’ve emailed a friend who works for the White House. We’ll see if I can get an ‘assist’ from the home… Read More

Congratulations to my Assemblyman and good friend, Chuck DeVore. For many, many years, Chuck has served in the California Army National Guard, dedicating at least a weekend each month towards this major commitment. I am so proud that today Chuck received a promotion to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel – quite an achievement! Here is a photo from the swearing-in ceremony, which features Chuck in his uniform, his wife Diane in the background, their youngest daughter Amy in the fore, and of course, next to the Lt. Colonol is his Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.… Read More

Oakland teaches and the district reached a contract agreement last night after two years of negotiations. The district has been asking the teachers to pay for 50 percent of any future health care premiums increases, a demand to which the union refused to agree. Neither side would reveal the details of the final agreement. I’m sure the final agreement will protect teachers from the rising health care premiums the rest of us pay, but what I found particularly annoying about the deal was that the district and the union announced that parents should keep their kids home today. The teachers had planned to strike today and district administrators said it would be to confusing to hold classes. (Administrators had originally planned to hire strike teachers, but backed down on that plan when the union complained.) If parents sent their kids to school today, the district said that they would be supervised, but not taught.… Read More

I am running out the door this morning as the Orange County Republican Party is hosting a small breakfast reception with none other than northern California Congressman John Doolittle. I’ve known John for many, many years (working for him for a short spell) and he is a fine Congressman. He’s a strong, conservative voice in the House Leadership serving as House Republican Conference Secretary. It will be good to see him, let alone a couple miles from my front door!

Look for some great work the next three days from guest editor Nicholas Romero, who will be filling in for me. Also, look for some FR ‘regular faces’ to be filling in for me on this Daily Commentary page! Today the FR features a column from Assembly Republican Leader George Plescia. Plescia has just assumed the reigns of leadership from… Read More

Actually, the title should be who the elite think are important in LA. If you ever wondered, LA Weekly has profile on the elites you might here about in art, media and politics. See a listing here.It includes a profile of Villaraigosa, several other LA politicos. Have fun.… Read More

I am running out the door this morning as the Orange County Republican Party is hosting a small breakfast reception with none other than northern California Congressman John Doolittle. I’ve known John for many, many years (working for him for a short spell) and he is a fine Congressman. He’s a strong, conservative voice in the House Leadership serving as House Republican Conference Secretary. It will be good to see him, let alone a couple miles from my front door!

Look for some great work the next three days from guest editor Nicholas Romero, who will be filling in for me. Also, look for some FR ‘regular faces’ to be filling in for me on this Daily Commentary page! Today the FR features a column from Assembly Republican Leader George Plescia. Plescia has just assumed the reigns of leadership from… Read More

In LA County the Republican Governor’s appointments to LA Superior Courtrun 2 to 1 in favor of the Democrats. Today he announced three appointments. Ray Jurado, Steve Blades and… Read More