The Oxnard School District’s Educational Foundation has formed a committee in support of Measure E, the only ballot issue that Oxnard voters will decide on Tuesday, November 3rd.  The committee is in need of and inviting concerned citizens willing to “walk the walk” by actively participating in a campaign to support Measure E, the $99 parcel tax which will mitigate some of the recent cuts to the school district’s budget.  Volunteers are needed for two Saturday canvassing events within the boundaries of the Oxnard School District.  Canvassers will leave literature and ask registered voters to vote “yes” on Measure E.  In addition, one phone-banking event will take place as election day approaches. Then on November 3rd, we will need a cadre of volunteers to drive voters who lack transportation to their polling sites.  If you are willing and able to donate three hours of your time to this worthy cause, please contact Dori Maria Jones at dori.jones55@verizon.net or at 983-0629.

The Oxnard School District’s Educational Foundation has formed a committee in support of Measure E, the only ballot issue that Oxnard voters will decide on Tuesday, November 3rd.  The committee is in need of and inviting concerned citizens willing to “walk the walk” by actively participating in a campaign to support Measure E, the $99 parcel tax which will mitigate some of the recent cuts to the school district’s budget.  Volunteers are needed for two Saturday canvassing events within the boundaries of the Oxnard School District.  Canvassers will leave literature and ask registered voters to vote “yes” on Measure E.  In addition, one phone-banking event will take place as election day approaches. Then on November 3rd, we will need a cadre of volunteers to drive voters who lack transportation to their polling sites.  If you are willing and able to donate three hours of your time to this worthy cause, please contact Dori Maria Jones at dori.jones55@verizon.net or at 983-0629.

I am a baby boomer, born in Oklahoma City, after WWII, where my father, John, was stationed and actually met my mother, Eleanor, at an USO dance.  He was a 7th generation Californian, having descended from one of the founding families of the City of Los Angeles, Jose and Maria Moreno, who arrived by foot in 1781, walking all the way from Rosario, Mexico (New Spain then) and crossing Baja California to Los Angeles.
My father and each of his five brothers were drafted into the armed services during WWII.  No one was seriously injured, thankfully, but my grandmother did have an emotional breakdown.   Now I can really understand why .…. all six sons in harm’s way. As I have had a brother in the army and more recently two nephews in the military—one completing two tours in Iraq— I have a small idea of what she must have gone through.
My father who was Mexican American and my mother, of Swedish, Irish and English stock, were married before my father left for his station with the Army Air Corps near Calcutta. When he returned, they stayed in Oklahoma until he could move his growing family back to California (a much more favorable place for him, due to the prejudices of the day, despite his status as a war veteran.)  A brother, a sister, and I were born in Oklahoma, while the rest were born in the Los Angeles area.
I grew up in a semi-rural area of Pico Rivera, in Eastern Los Angeles County.  We had chickens and even a cow at one time.  Families near us had horses, goats, and other livestock. We lived very near the junction of the Rio Hondo and San Gabriel Rivers. Our playgrounds were the rivers and the wetlands where we spent most of our summers, exploring and playing. I have a deep love of nature, which developed during that time.  We were very poor, although my father worked very hard to support us seven kids.   Schools were good then, so despite our working class poverty, I received a solid education and was able to get a scholarship to the University of San Francisco. I returned to Southern California, and attended California State University, Los Angeles, and then Loyola Law School.
Growing up in an area not too different from Oxnard’s Colonia, I saw a lot of injustice, which I recognized instinctively. I did not imagine that I could become a lawyer because it seemed to be a profession completely out of reach for me as a woman and as a relatively low-income person. However, I was in the right place at the right time—the late 60’s. The civil rights movement brought changes to our nation as did the farm workers’ movement and the anti-war movement that soon followed. I marched, picketed, and helped the grape boycott all over Los Angeles when I was a student and my sympathies are still with these movements.
When an opportunity arose to apply to law school, I did, was accepted, did well, passed the California bar exam on the first attempt and became a legal aid attorney.  I found myself helping people like my own family with problems similar to those that we had experienced.  It was a career that has lasted more than 30 years. In 1978 I came to work at the Legal Aid Association of Ventura County, which expanded to Santa Barbara County, and became Channel Counties Legal Services Association where  I was director for 16 years, from 1982 to 1998.  My colleagues and I dealt with cases involving the lack of affordable housing, due process in getting Social Security and other government benefits, discrimination in employment, consumer rights, educational equity, rights of farm workers, rights of parents, and the right to equal access to the courts.
I continued to do this work as the Coordinator of the Self Help Legal Access Center that the Superior Court set up in the Colonia in Oxnard, the first of its kind in California, serving the needs of unrepresented people, who are primarily Spanish Speaking.  After nine years, I was able to retire, to get back into full time advocacy for the things that will make our Oxnard, our region and the world a better place.  I went to work for CAUSE from 2007 until this past June when the funding for my position dwindled.  Now as a volunteer, I continue to work on those policy issues of importance to us all. Most importantly, I am working with many of you on promoting a prosperous, clean and healthy Oxnard, a complete clean-up of the Halaco super fund site, a restoration of Ormond Beach Wetlands, immigration reform, health care reform, and the capacity of everyone to impact the decisions which will affect their lives and those of their children and grandchildren.  I am single but have 11 nieces and nephews, one great-nephew, and two-great nieces whom I spoil every chance I get. I am inspired by their young lives to work for a better future for them.
I’ve been a member of the GOOD club for many years because it offers the opportunity to express our opinions, have a civil debate, work together for change in our government and to engage our fellow citizens to work for a better tomorrow for future generations by getting involved in the political and electoral process.
Carmen Ramirez

I am a baby boomer, born in Oklahoma City, after WWII, where my father, John, was stationed and actually met my mother, Eleanor, at an USO dance.  He was a 7th generation Californian, having descended from one of the founding families of the City of Los Angeles, Jose and Maria Moreno, who arrived by foot in 1781, walking all the way from Rosario, Mexico (New Spain then) and crossing Baja California to Los Angeles.
My father and each of his five brothers were drafted into the armed services during WWII.  No one was seriously injured, thankfully, but my grandmother did have an emotional breakdown.   Now I can really understand why .…. all six sons in harm’s way. As I have had a brother in the army and more recently two nephews in the military—one completing two tours in Iraq— I have a small idea of what she must have gone through.
My father who was Mexican American and my mother, of Swedish, Irish and English stock, were married before my father left for his station with the Army Air Corps near Calcutta. When he returned, they stayed in Oklahoma until he could move his growing family back to California (a much more favorable place for him, due to the prejudices of the day, despite his status as a war veteran.)  A brother, a sister, and I were born in Oklahoma, while the rest were born in the Los Angeles area.
I grew up in a semi-rural area of Pico Rivera, in Eastern Los Angeles County.  We had chickens and even a cow at one time.  Families near us had horses, goats, and other livestock. We lived very near the junction of the Rio Hondo and San Gabriel Rivers. Our playgrounds were the rivers and the wetlands where we spent most of our summers, exploring and playing. I have a deep love of nature, which developed during that time.  We were very poor, although my father worked very hard to support us seven kids.   Schools were good then, so despite our working class poverty, I received a solid education and was able to get a scholarship to the University of San Francisco. I returned to Southern California, and attended California State University, Los Angeles, and then Loyola Law School.
Growing up in an area not too different from Oxnard’s Colonia, I saw a lot of injustice, which I recognized instinctively. I did not imagine that I could become a lawyer because it seemed to be a profession completely out of reach for me as a woman and as a relatively low-income person. However, I was in the right place at the right time—the late 60’s. The civil rights movement brought changes to our nation as did the farm workers’ movement and the anti-war movement that soon followed. I marched, picketed, and helped the grape boycott all over Los Angeles when I was a student and my sympathies are still with these movements.
When an opportunity arose to apply to law school, I did, was accepted, did well, passed the California bar exam on the first attempt and became a legal aid attorney.  I found myself helping people like my own family with problems similar to those that we had experienced.  It was a career that has lasted more than 30 years. In 1978 I came to work at the Legal Aid Association of Ventura County, which expanded to Santa Barbara County, and became Channel Counties Legal Services Association where  I was director for 16 years, from 1982 to 1998.  My colleagues and I dealt with cases involving the lack of affordable housing, due process in getting Social Security and other government benefits, discrimination in employment, consumer rights, educational equity, rights of farm workers, rights of parents, and the right to equal access to the courts.
I continued to do this work as the Coordinator of the Self Help Legal Access Center that the Superior Court set up in the Colonia in Oxnard, the first of its kind in California, serving the needs of unrepresented people, who are primarily Spanish Speaking.  After nine years, I was able to retire, to get back into full time advocacy for the things that will make our Oxnard, our region and the world a better place.  I went to work for CAUSE from 2007 until this past June when the funding for my position dwindled.  Now as a volunteer, I continue to work on those policy issues of importance to us all. Most importantly, I am working with many of you on promoting a prosperous, clean and healthy Oxnard, a complete clean-up of the Halaco super fund site, a restoration of Ormond Beach Wetlands, immigration reform, health care reform, and the capacity of everyone to impact the decisions which will affect their lives and those of their children and grandchildren.  I am single but have 11 nieces and nephews, one great-nephew, and two-great nieces whom I spoil every chance I get. I am inspired by their young lives to work for a better future for them.
I’ve been a member of the GOOD club for many years because it offers the opportunity to express our opinions, have a civil debate, work together for change in our government and to engage our fellow citizens to work for a better tomorrow for future generations by getting involved in the political and electoral process.
Carmen Ramirez

Behind current hot-button controversies there is a common, usually unmentioned, thread: the dominant role of mega-corporations and their impact on our freedom under a rule of law.  Three current examples should prove the point:
The current Supreme Court case of Hillary, the Movie, in which corporations seek exemption from campaign finance regulation as violations of their First Amendment rights of free speech.  Their claim rests on specious interpretation of an 1886 case in which the court struck down a California effort to regulate the Pacific Railroad and on the later Valeo decision that equated personal political contributions with free speech.
The same issue looms in the pending re-regulation of Wall Street.  As corporate seats replaced partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, global consortia and interlocking directorates have generated legal persons of gargantuan size, overwhelming the states that chartered them. As regulators were removed or co-opted by the regulated, competition shifted the system’s wealth and profits to those least regulated, inflating a self-destructive bubble that jeopardized the entire global economy. According to the BBC, governments poured $11 trillion into bailouts to save it, but those Wall Street firms that received government capital still reject regulation.  Alan Greenspan, their idol, categorically denies its ability to avert or reduce future catastrophe, even though surviving remnants of the New Deal certainly mitigated the impact of the most recent meltdown.  Is Wall Street free to bring the rest of us down?
Health care insurance reform produces similar conflicts. Maximum protection against epidemics depends upon public health, a division of government.  Experience with basic health care delivery abroad indicates the necessity of taking the profit motive out of basic health care insurance.  But the for-profit health insurance corporations in the United States are flexing their political power to get universal for-profit basic health care insurance.  The mere threat of competition from a “public option” incites their street minions to cry  ”socialism” and  “socialized medicine.”  But the “private” insurers welcome government coercion to bring millions into their client list.
To define government simplemindedly as the problem, not part of the solution, may have some ideological appeal, but does not contribute to finding the urgently needed equitable solutions.
Allen Dirrim

Behind current hot-button controversies there is a common, usually unmentioned, thread: the dominant role of mega-corporations and their impact on our freedom under a rule of law.  Three current examples should prove the point:
The current Supreme Court case of Hillary, the Movie, in which corporations seek exemption from campaign finance regulation as violations of their First Amendment rights of free speech.  Their claim rests on specious interpretation of an 1886 case in which the court struck down a California effort to regulate the Pacific Railroad and on the later Valeo decision that equated personal political contributions with free speech.
The same issue looms in the pending re-regulation of Wall Street.  As corporate seats replaced partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, global consortia and interlocking directorates have generated legal persons of gargantuan size, overwhelming the states that chartered them. As regulators were removed or co-opted by the regulated, competition shifted the system’s wealth and profits to those least regulated, inflating a self-destructive bubble that jeopardized the entire global economy. According to the BBC, governments poured $11 trillion into bailouts to save it, but those Wall Street firms that received government capital still reject regulation.  Alan Greenspan, their idol, categorically denies its ability to avert or reduce future catastrophe, even though surviving remnants of the New Deal certainly mitigated the impact of the most recent meltdown.  Is Wall Street free to bring the rest of us down?
Health care insurance reform produces similar conflicts. Maximum protection against epidemics depends upon public health, a division of government.  Experience with basic health care delivery abroad indicates the necessity of taking the profit motive out of basic health care insurance.  But the for-profit health insurance corporations in the United States are flexing their political power to get universal for-profit basic health care insurance.  The mere threat of competition from a “public option” incites their street minions to cry  ”socialism” and  “socialized medicine.”  But the “private” insurers welcome government coercion to bring millions into their client list.
To define government simplemindedly as the problem, not part of the solution, may have some ideological appeal, but does not contribute to finding the urgently needed equitable solutions.
Allen Dirrim

The October 1st meeting of the Democratic Club of Camarillo will feature Mr. Stan Mantooth, Ventura County Supt. of Schools.  Mr. Mantooth will speak about current issues in education in Ventura County. Stan Mantooth was appointed Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, effective September 1, 2008.  Mr. Mantooth has over 34 years of practical, educational, and management experience in K-12 school districts, including 12 years as Associate Superintendent for Administrative Services with the Ventura County Office of Education.  The meeting will also include special guest, Area 3 School Board Trustee, Mark Lisagor.

Socializing will begin at 6:15 p.m. The club meets in the Orchid Building, 816 Camarillo Springs Road, which is located at the Camarillo Springs Exit from the South 101. The meeting is free and open to the public.  Call 805/469-3749 for additional information.

The Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association and Oxnard Police Chief John Crombach have endorsed Susan Jordan for the 35th District State Assembly race in 2010.

“Susan is honest, direct and a great communicator. Her record pushing Sacramento to make the tough decisions for the right reasons demonstrates that she is the best candidate, hands down. Now is the time we need representatives like Susan Jordan,” said Matt Findlay, President of the Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association.

Association members are active and retired sworn law enforcement personnel of both the Ventura County Sheriffs’ Department and the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation. Members also include deputy sheriff trainees, provisional deputy sheriffs, and reserve deputies.

Chief Crombach, a well-respected member of the local law enforcement community, also expressed his confidence in Jordan’s ability as a statewide leader.

“After getting to know Susan, I am impressed with the breadth and depth of her experience in public policy,” Crombach said. “More importantly, she has a fire in her core and commitment to fight on the issues that are critical to our communities. While others talk about the challenges in the future, Susan sees a host of opportunities. We need strong leadership in Sacramento and Susan Jordan will provide us with that leadership.”

After a successful career in the private sector, Jordan founded the California Coastal Protection Network (CCPN) in 1999 and serves as its executive director. CCPN is considered one of the top environmental advocacy organizations in the state and Jordan has received numerous awards for her precedent-setting work. She was also Chair of the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission.

“I have tremendous admiration for the work our law enforcement officials do. Every day they risk their lives to protect our communities,” Jordan said. “So I am very deeply honored to receive the endorsement of the Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association and Chief John Crombach.”

For more information, email Jordan4assembly@gmail.com.

You are invited to a Campaign Kick-Off Fundraiser for Tim Allison, candidate for the CA 24th Congressional District, 2010.

Meet the Candidate with the experience to win in 2010.

Join host Melissa DeMarco on Friday, October 2nd from 7 to 9 pm, 5396 Calarosa Ranch Road, Camarillo, CA.

Melissa and her family have opened their spectacular Camarillo Estates home so we may enjoy gourmet hors d’ oeurves, a full bar, great conversation, networking, and a speech from the candidate in fabulous surroundings.

Tim Allison will tell us his positions on the issues we are faced with locally, and nationally. Talk directly with the candidate about the political issues affecting all of us.

Others who will join us at this event:
Sue Broidy, Director, Region 10 of the California Democratic Party
Jill Martinez, Chair, Ventura County Democratic Party
Brian Leshon, First Vice Chair, Ventura County Democratic Party

Co-chair, Co-host & Sponsorship opportunities are available:
Co-Chair: $2,400 Co-Sponsor: $1,000 Co-Host: $500 Friend: $250 Guest: $50

Please RSVP by visiting ActBlue.com/page/AllisonFRCamarillo

For information call 805-482-7115 or email missydemarco@aol.com.

Paid for by the Friends of Tim Allison
David Thompson, Treasurer, FEC# C00464347

The Ventura County Democratic Central Committee Bylaws
do not allow the endorsement of any candidate until after the 2010 primary on June 8.

Susan Jordan, a candidate for State Assembly District 35, has earned the endorsement of two highly respected women’s organizations, the Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee (SBWPC) and the National Women’s Political Caucus (NWPC).

Beth Schneider, President of the SBWPC board, praised Jordan as a “highly competent candidate with broad knowledge in key areas of concern to the citizens of Ventura and Santa Barbara and with a 16-year history as an advocate for women’s health and reproductive justice.”

The Santa Barbara group, which can endorse both women and men, chose to sponsor Jordan’s candidacy. The highly coveted Sponsorship is reserved for those candidates who show they are strong and proactive leaders on the issues of importance to the organization and its membership. SBWPC commended Jordan for her work as a health care advocate, statewide environmental leader, successful businesswoman, and as the former chair of the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission.

“Susan has been an effective advocate for key environmental laws and policy, including defeat of an LNG project in Ventura County, and legislation on coastal land use,” the SBWPC wrote.

In the early 1980s, as a volunteer for the National Women’s Health Network, Susan led a seven-year campaign to gain FDA approval for a barrier method of birth control still in distribution today. After a successful career in the private sector, Jordan founded the California Coastal Protection Network (CCPN) in 1999 and serves as its executive director. CCPN is considered one of the top environmental advocacy organizations in the state and Jordan has received numerous awards for her precedent-setting work.

Jordan also has gained the endorsement of the National Women’s Political Caucus,  a multi-partisan, multicultural grassroots organization dedicated to increasing women’s participation in the political field and creating a political power base designed to achieve equality for all women.

“We need women like Susan Jordan in Sacramento today,” said Celeste Weingardt, immediate past president of the California NWPC.  “Her incredible work ethic and experience will serve her district and the women of California well.” Weingardt pointed out that women make up a small minority of the Assembly today and their numbers are dwindling.

Jordan is deeply honored to be recognized by these two well-respected and effective groups. “I am very grateful for their commitment to my candidacy and I intend to honor that commitment by mentoring other women candidates. The Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee has a long and distinguished history in the community and NWPC’s excellent advocacy has benefited women across the U.S.”

For further comment, please email jordan4assembly@gmail.com or call (805) 252-6271.