Dan Walters had a column in the Sac Bee yesterday highlighting some of the reasons why levees and flood control systems are not up to par. Governor Schwarzenegger is given due credit for declaring emergency conditions on the then 29 critical erosion sights, that number growing after receded waters and a summer spent surveying, discovered many more…over 100 and counting. $190 million in emergency funds plus $500 million more in an appropriation we passed in the legislature will carry us past the funding needed for the 100 critical erosion sights.

Dan points out that beyond fixing eroded sights also required isfixing the way government engages the problem. He lists several reasons that may be problematic but the fact that environmental extremists blocklong term flood control work is the point that is not discussed much in polite company.

Building new homes in flood plains is listed as an issue. Not mentioned is that new housing is needed and demanded and due to environmental concerns, land to build homes elsewhere is rare and difficult to obtain due to fairy shrimp, vernal pools, meadowfoam, and other… Read More

Tony Strickland is beating his opponent, former IRS attorney John Chiang, in all aspects of their campaign.

First, he beat Chiang in the critical slate battle, having maneuvered to appear on about 50% more slates than Chiang.

Now, Strickland has beat Chiang up onto the air for a final TV blitz.

Tony is up with two good “bookend” spots (15-second, as opposed to 30-second ads to get more bang for the buck), one even featuring an endorsement from Rudy Guliani.

Tony’s campaign tells me that the ads have started in the LA market, and will stay up until Election Day. And, even with the plethora of IE’s playing in this race, Tony’s will be the ONLY ads in the Controller’s race to play in the LA market – which makes up some 40% of the electorate.

Plans are for the ads to spread further throughout the state.

That’s where FlashReport leaders can make a difference.

The ads will only spread as far as Tony has money to air them. And as Tony likes to say on the stump, his campaign is fully funded –… Read More

In his new television spot, Secretary of State Bruce McPherson pushes on an issue that definately separates him from his opponent — he supports having to show valid ID to vote, and she doesn’t. Check out the spot here: … Read More

We’ve been following the donnybrook out in California 80’s Assembly District, where incumbent Republican Bonnie Garcia is battling off a stiff challenge from long-retired Democrat Assemblyman Steve Clute. If case you needed a reason (or a few) to oppose Clute’s candidacy, check out this television spot… … Read More

FR friend Chuck Poochigian, the Campaign Manager for Chuck Poochigian, the GOP nominee for Attorney General has released the following campaign strategy memorandum:

Assemblywoman Judy Chu should get on the phone right away with Assemblyman Joe Coto, the Chairman of the Assembly Latino Caucus with the news — La Opinion newspaper is RACIST! Apparently they hate latinos, or hadn’t you heard??

You see… La Opinion has endorsed Steve Poizner over Cruz Bustamante…

Of course, La Opinion is NOT racist, but using the same flawed logic that Chu has used to say that Indian Tribal leaders are racist for opposing John Chiang’s campaign for State Treasurer (apparently if you oppose someone of a particular race, you clearly must be opposing them because of their race??) Flawed logic — but see what I wrote about this last night.

So the question is whether the same logic applies. Perhaps Judy Chu can get everyone together — Chu can get all Asians to drop their subscriptions to La Opinion (there are a ton, I’m sure) and Coto can get latinos to stop going to Indian Casinos.

This post is meant to be… Read More

This morning, there was an event at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library commemorating the 40th Anniversary of Ronald Reagan’s first election to office – as Governor of California. There were many luminaries on hand at the library — including Nancy Reagan and many alumni of Reagan’s time as Governor and as President. (Reagan is pictured to the right being sworn in as California’s Governor.)

The keynote address for this important event was given by our own Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who often has referred to Ronald Reagan as a role-model for his own life. Courtesy of your tax dollars, there is a streaming video of the event, and the Governor’s speech, available on the Governor’s official website. You can see the entire event… Read More

OK, so as a member of Congress, I don’t often write about local city council races. But, I cannot sit by and watch my city councilwoman Christina Shea (pictured to the right) be so unjustly attacked by the left.

As a resident of Irvine for over 28 years, I can tell you that Christina has represented this city with honesty,integrity and dedication over many years. She has no agenda other than to serve Irvine’s residents ably in the future as she has in the past. She has been too often a lonely but needed voice for integrity and reason in the operation of Irvine’s government. A voice that some powerful interests seem determined to silence.

I’m going to vote for her. If you live in Irvine, I hope you will too.… Read More