Last year, Michael Crichton wrote a novel called State of Fear, in which a fictional environmental organization called the National Environmental Research Fund cyncially stokes fears about global warming in order to sustain it’s fund-raising efforts.

I was reminded of Crichton’s book by this e-mail yesterday from Orange County public affairs consultant Meg Waters:

Matt –

A few weeks ago I was with friends in San Clemente and one of the leaders of the anti toll road group joined us. I told him that I supported the road and had worked with TCA on it. I ribbed him about the wild claims that the road would ruin Trestles beach – because in fact, it will… Read More

As Legislative Republicans continue to express their doubts about the Governor’s massive bond proposal, Gov. Schwarzenegger turned to one of the state’s top Democrats for support for his new spending program. Schwarzenegger appeared today with Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa at an event at Los Angeles’ Union Station, where, according to a Governor’s Office news release, the two men "explained how investing wisely in California’s transportation infrastructure will decrease commute times, speed freight delivery, improve air quality and create jobs, as the state prepares for its projected growth."

What a difference three months and a two-hundred-billion dollar spending package makes. Just last October, Villaraigosa was trashing the governor in the media.

"I’m opposed to all of his initiatives," Villaraigosa told the press.… Read More

Today is the 25th Anniversary of President Ronald Reagan’s First Inaugural Address. Below is the text of that speech. Reading it is a great way to honor the memory of a truly great man, and a great President:

Inaugural Address West Front of the U.S. Capitol January 20, 1981 This speech was delivered to the nation when President Reagan was inaugurated to his first term of office. … Read More

Today is the 25th Anniversary of President Ronald Reagan’s First Inaugural Address. Below is the text of that speech. Reading it is a great way to honor the memory of a truly great man, and a great President:

Inaugural Address West Front of the U.S. Capitol January 20, 1981 This speech was delivered to the nation when President Reagan was inaugurated to his first term of office. … Read More

Excerpts from Thursday’s North County Times Article "Activists Seek Term Limit for Supervisors" by Gig Conaughton:

Angered by county supervisors’ decision to challenge California’s medical marijuana law, and backed by a national marijuana advocacy organization, local activists Wednesday filed letters of intent to start a voter-initiative to impose term limits on supervisors. Medical marijuana proponents say the five county supervisors, all of whom have served at least three consecutive four-year terms, are "out of touch" with voters and that term limits could eliminate the problem.

"These supervisors have been running unopposed, and they (feel) they can do anything they want," said Claudia Little, one of the activists who signed papers at the county Registrar of Voters office. "They’re insulated … and their attitude is just arrogance. We need to stop this dangerous activity of them not listening to their constituents."

County supervisors voted unanimously in December to sue the state to try to overturn California’s 9-year-old, voter-approved medical marijuana law,… Read More

Contested Republican primaries are tricky things. They can be divisive and explosive. Add a mix of 10 GOP candidates and the dynamics get more interesting. Factor into that mix that at least four and maybe more of these candidates will have a lot of resources with which to engage their opponents. A perfect storm? Not yet, add one more element. At a time when scandals, indictments, and a resignation are plaguing the Republicans in Congress, the ‘perfect storm’ I’ve outlined is taking place in the 50th Congressional District, where Randy ‘Duke’ Cunningham plead guilty to taking seven figures in payoffs – resigning his seat in disgrace… waiting for a jail sentence.

At a time when conventional wisdom would be to disassociate with the besieged GOP establishment, there is one candidate for whom that is not an option. Brian Bilbray, one of the leading candidates is not only a former Member of Congress, but is currently a federal lobbyist.

Interestingly, Bilbray’s… Read More

The Los AngelesCounty Planning Commission has approved regulations for "pot" clubs. This bake sale is a little differentfrom your mom’s PTA bake sale. The feds say no pot, the state’s voters said why not. See the article here.This is classic conflict between state and national interests, libertarian and traditional conservatives.

Good news for some: JackIn TheBox is open 24 hours.… Read More

This week Martin Garrick’s campaign for the open 74th Assembly District (disclosure – Coronado Communications client) announced more than $370,000 raised, along with a partial list of a formidable finance committee. In the last few weeks, Garrick has announced the endorsements of former United States Senator and California Governor Pete Wilson, State Senator Tom McClintock, San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, San Diego County Treasurer Dan McAllister, San Diego Assessor Greg Smith, and a host of former California Republican Party and San Diego Republican Party Chairmen, among others. Rumors have Scott Packard, son of former Congressman Ron Packard, considering an entrance into the race.

Meanwhile, in the 50th Congressional District self-financing businessman Alan Uke continues his television ad campaign. I’ve personally seen the ad several times, and I don’t really watch much besides the Simpsons, the Office, and the news. My guess is of the three, Nygren is aiming at the news watchers. Brian Bilbray earned the endorsement of neighboring Congressman Darrell Issa, who is burning up the phones. Gilliard has been brought on by the… Read More