Ventura County — The Environmental Defense Center, the Sierra Club, and the Environmental Coalition filed a lawsuit against the City of Oxnard July 28 disputing the City’s decision that new residential, commercial and industrial development at Ormond Beach will not harm sensitive wetlands or the State’s plan to restore the area.

On June 14, the City approved the first of two major developments targeted for the Ormond Beach “Specific Plan” area. The SouthShore Project, a primarily residential development with over 1500 housing units, will pave over a vast open space area that currently protects the wetlands from existing urban development. The second development project (not yet approved by the City) would similarly convert an open space area to commercial and light industrial development, and limit the size of the California State Coastal Conservancy’s planned wetland restoration. The City evaluated the potential environmental impacts of both projects in one Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The environmental groups assert that the City’s EIR and approval of the SouthShore Project violated the California Environmental Quality Act and State Planning and Zoning law.

The lawsuit was filed in the Superior Court of the County of Ventura. Additional information is available online

Jim Dantona Campaign Update

Jim Dantona is running for Ventura County Clerk against Tea Party supporter Mark Lunn.  Jim spoke at the Democratic Club of the Conejo Valley on May 12 and spelled out the strategy against him:  Keep the Democrats home, Democrats won’t bother to vote.  The tens of millions of dollars spent by Whitman and Poisner has got the Republicans riled up and ready to vote.  Where will the Dems be?  Jim encouraged all Democrats to send urgent email alerts to 20 friends to put them on notice that:

1. The June 8th election is not a primary but the same as a general election in the case of the County Clerk race since there are only two candidates and one will be declared a winner on June 8th.

2. Jim wants to use improved technology in order to reduce the time it takes to count absentee ballots - currently as long as three weeks after the election.  Jim has already identified certain vote counting machines that are at issue.

3. Jim want to implement the findings of two grand jury investigations that found deficiencies in how your votes are being counted or possibly not being counted.

4. Jim’s opponent has no specific plan for fixing the vote counting system.  He says he wants to study it once he is elected.

More information about Jim Dantona for County Clerk can be found at www.jimdantona.com.

The House of Representatives just released this list of benefits for our 24th Congressional District that are included in the pending health care reform bill.  Elton Gallegley (R) has indicated that he will vote against this bill.

a) Improve coverage for 476,000 residents with health insurance.
b) Give tax credits and other assistance to up to 106,000 families and 15,000 small businesses to help them afford coverage.
c) Improve Medicare for 95,000 beneficiaries, including closing the donut hole.
d) Extend coverage to 35,500 uninsured residents.
e) Guarantee that 9,300 residents with pre-existing conditions can obtain coverage.
f) Protect 1,000 families from bankruptcy due to unaffordable health care costs.
g) Allow 47,000 young adults to obtain coverage on their parents’ insurance plans.
h) Reduce the cost of uncompensated care for hospitals and other health care providers by $26 million annually.
i) Provide millions of dollars in new funding for 54 community health centers.

~ Source: House of Representatives, Committee on Energy and Commerce

http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_111/health_care/districts/new/CA24.Gallegly.pdf

Simi Valley, CA – On the same day Jim Dantona officially filed to run for Ventura County Clerk and Recorder, he picked up some major endorsements. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell, Congressman Brad Sherman and State Senator Alex Padilla join a growing list of supporters lining up behind Dantona’s campaign.

Joining Dantona at the Ventura County Clerk’s office to file were former Mayor of Ventura and author of SOAR, Richard Francis, California Teachers Association Regional Director Arleigh Kidd and Ventura County Firefighter Association President Chris Mahon.

Francis was emphatic about his support for Dantona. “Jim Dantona has been a person who has dedicated himself to making life better for others. I support his campaign for the Clerk/Recorder’s office in the County of Ventura because I believe he brings the best spirit of improving conditions for all Ventura County voters who use this most important tool of democracy.”

Jack O’Connell previously represented portions of Ventura County as an Assembly Member and has known Dantona for more than twenty years. “Jim Dantona’s vast involvement in the election process is perfect for the role of County Clerk and Recorder. He will oversee voter outreach and be sure that elections are fair, results are timely and the voter is respected. Beyond that, his dedication to young people speaks volumes about his integrity.”

Ventura, CA, Arnulfo “AC” Carbajal announced today that after careful consideration, he has decided to withdraw from the race for County Clerk/Recorder and endorse Jim Dantona.

Carbajal explained that he was motivated to run for County Clerk/Recorder in late 2009 after he saw that the only declared candidate lacked the non-partisanship necessary to effectively run the county’s elections office.  Carbajal described his motivation for running: “Every candidate and every voter must trust the integrity of the elections office and must be 100% certain that the person responsible for elections is independent.  In good conscience, I could not sit by and let an officer in the Republican party take control of this office without voters having a choice.”

AC Carbajal is a registered Democrat but has never served on the central committee or in any position within the party and has never raised funds for either party.  He has always believed and acted independently of either party.

Carbajal went on to explain his reasons for stepping aside.  “When Jim Dantona entered this race, I investigated his experience and credentials much like I investigated Mark Lunn.  Jim Dantona has never served on any party central committee and has truly been an independent voice in Ventura County politics.  In addition, Dantona has excellent experience in elections, management and serving the community.  When I realized that we shared a deep respect for independent elections, I decided that the stakes were too high to have three candidates in this race.  For these reasons, I have decided to step aside and support Jim Dantona.  I intend to work hard for him and for the people of Ventura County to elect the most independent person in this race who will best protect taxpayer dollars.

Jim Dantona is an independent small businessman who runs a legislative and governmental consulting firm.  An dedicated youth advocate, community leader and philanthropist, he founded Baseballers Against Drugs in1989, helping over 60,000 young people to fight drugs and gangs and stay in school. The organization was awarded the 2003 Volunteer Organization of the Year and Dantona was honored by the FBI with the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award.

“I am honored to have AC Carbajal standing beside me in this race,” states Dantona.  “We are both passionate about protecting the American democratic process as we have both seen examples in the county of Election Day mistakes, needless delays of election results and poor investments of our hard-earned tax dollars,  With AC’s help, I will fight for a county-wide voter outreach while working to prevent voter fraud.”

Ventura, CA, Arnulfo “AC” Carbajal announced today that after careful consideration, he has decided to withdraw from the race for County Clerk/Recorder and endorse Jim Dantona.

Carbajal explained that he was motivated to run for County Clerk/Recorder in late 2009 after he saw that the only declared candidate lacked the non-partisanship necessary to effectively run the county’s elections office.  Carbajal described his motivation for running: “Every candidate and every voter must trust the integrity of the elections office and must be 100% certain that the person responsible for elections is independent.  In good conscience, I could not sit by and let an officer in the Republican party take control of this office without voters having a choice.”

AC Carbajal is a registered Democrat but has never served on the central committee or in any position within the party and has never raised funds for either party.  He has always believed and acted independently of either party.

Carbajal went on to explain his reasons for stepping aside.  “When Jim Dantona entered this race, I investigated his experience and credentials much like I investigated Mark Lunn.  Jim Dantona has never served on any party central committee and has truly been an independent voice in Ventura County politics.  In addition, Dantona has excellent experience in elections, management and serving the community.  When I realized that we shared a deep respect for independent elections, I decided that the stakes were too high to have three candidates in this race.  For these reasons, I have decided to step aside and support Jim Dantona.  I intend to work hard for him and for the people of Ventura County to elect the most independent person in this race who will best protect taxpayer dollars.

Jim Dantona is an independent small businessman who runs a legislative and governmental consulting firm.  An dedicated youth advocate, community leader and philanthropist, he founded Baseballers Against Drugs in1989, helping over 60,000 young people to fight drugs and gangs and stay in school. The organization was awarded the 2003 Volunteer Organization of the Year and Dantona was honored by the FBI with the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award.

“I am honored to have AC Carbajal standing beside me in this race,” states Dantona.  “We are both passionate about protecting the American democratic process as we have both seen examples in the county of Election Day mistakes, needless delays of election results and poor investments of our hard-earned tax dollars,  With AC’s help, I will fight for a county-wide voter outreach while working to prevent voter fraud.”

The Ventura County Democratic Party chose Brian Leshon as its new central committee chairman Tuesday night, party officials announced today.

Leshon lives in Ventura and owns an Internet marketing company. He has been the Democratic Central Committee’s acting chairman for the past month, since the last chairwoman, Jill Martinez, resigned her post.  Leshon has also been first vice chairman for the past six months and is chairman of the committee’s communications subcommittee.

Leshon won the vote of 22 of the 29 Central Committee members who voted at Tuesday night’s meeting, according to a statement released this morning.

The Central Committee governs the local Democratic Party and has 44 members. Twenty-four are voted onto the committee in Democratic primary elections, and the rest serve because they have won Democratic nominations for office or are presidents of local Democratic clubs.

~ Tony Biasotti, the Ventura County Star

On February 22, 2010, having pulled papers with the Ventura County Elections Division, Ed Summers announced his candidacy for Ventura County Treasurer-Tax Collector. Summers enters the race with top qualifications among competitors in the field with a background that includes educational, professional and elected service in finance and banking. A broad base of community and business leaders including former Ventura County Supervisor Susan K. Lacey and former Ventura County Supervisor Judy Mikels, and Mayor Bill Fulton have formally endorsed the candidate praising the strength of Summers’ community service in addition to a strong financial background.

Summers spent a career in financial services and community banking after earning a bachelor’s degree in business finance at the University of Southern California and a master’s degree in business administration from Claremont Graduate School. He is a 20-year resident of Ventura, and spent four years as a city council member beginning in 2005. Summers has a strong record of community activities and service.

“Ventura County voters can feel confident in my experience, passion, and commitment to serving them as treasurer-tax collector,” says Summers. “I will provide more than good stewardship for Ventura County – the role of treasurer-tax collector is about the voters entrusting me to look out for the taxpayer funds that flow into our County’s cities and schools as well. Being treasurer-tax collector means working together in non-partisan fashion to ensure prosperity for Ventura County in the long term.”

Summers continues: “I’ve spent my life managing finances – in the private sector, in the community as former chair of the Economic Development Collaborative of Ventura County and Ventura County Economic Development Association, and in public service on the Ventura City Council’s Finance, Audit, and Budget Committee.” Summers noted that, while on the City Council’s Finance, Audit, and Budget Committee, the City succeeded in having its debt rating improved by ratings agencies despite the national economic downturn.

Of Summers’ candidacy, former Ventura County Supervisor Susan K. Lacey says, “Ed Summers is the kind of finance professional that Ventura County needs to steer it in the right direction. When he gives his word, you can take it to the bank.”

For more information, please contact Ed Summers’ campaign at 805-644-5122, edsummers4countytreasurer@gmail.com, or 3875A Telegraph Road #107, Ventura, CA 93003.

Jim Dantona, an independent businessman and veteran of local, state and national government, has announced his candidacy for the office of Ventura County Clerk and Recorder.  Promoting fair elections, fiscal responsibility and protecting our future, Dantona has already secured the endorsement of the Ventura County Firefighters.

Dantona acknowledges “The average voter may not realize just how important is the work of Clerk and Recorder.  Besides recording and securing vital public records, the Elections Division is ultimately responsible for guaranteeing fair elections and timely results. In recent years, I think we’ve seen mistakes that call into question whether or not Ventura County has always accomplished that.”

Dantona’s government experience includes work with both Democratic and Republican leadership which he sees as a major advantage in this non-partisan position. “I have always said we do not need new taxes. What we need is new leadership and strict fiscal accountability to halt the waste of taxpayer dollars.  I will work to create more efficiency and embrace competent, proven technology that saves money and protects our records and our votes. And if Sacramento comes knocking on Ventura County’s door, I have the ability, the contacts and the guts to oppose them for trying to cover their own mismanagement of taxpayers dollars by raiding Ventura County funds.”

Dantona says he relates to many county residents today who are struggling through personal and professional hardship. “Believe me, I have been there and my past opponents have tried to exploit that fact, but I know that leadership, hard work and determination are what will ultimately get us through.”  A single parent, Dantona raised his three children on his own, founded an award-winning non-profit organization dedicated to keeping young people off drugs, in school and out of gangs, and was honored by     the FBI for doing so.  He has also managed large staffs for the State of California and consulted for two U.S. Presidents.

Come to the local campaign kick-off for the California Fair Elections Act! Join Assemblymembers Pedro Nava and Julia Brownley, Ventura County Supervisors Steve Bennett, Kathy Long, Linda Parks, & John Zaragoza, campaign chair Trent Lange, and others so you can help pass Fair Elections that money can’t buy!

WHEN: Sunday, March 14 from 2pm-4pm
WHERE: Camarillo Library. 4101 Las Posas Road., Camarillo
RSVP: www.yesfairelections.org or 818-889-1039

The California Fair Elections Act (CFEA) represents fundamental election reform that will allow candidates and elected officials to get out of the money game and get back to solving California’s problems by creating a pilot project for a voluntary Fair Elections public financing system of campaigns similar to those in seven other states.

Assemblymembers Pedro Nava and Julia Brownley and Ventura County Supervisors Steve Bennett, Kathy Long, Linda Parks, and John Zaragoza — all endorsers of the California Fair Elections Act — will talk about why they support it and why all Californians should!

Trent Lange, Chair of Californians for Fair Elections, will talk about how the system works and the statewide campaign to pass the proposition.

We will end with a brainstorming and organizing session for the new local grassroots coalition to support the campaign by building support locally.

Please invite anyone you know who is sick of the outrageous amount of money in politics and might be interested in helping bring about Fair Elections.  Imagine what California could be if our elected officials could focus on governing instead of fundraising!

SPONSORS: California Clean Money Campaign, California Common Cause, California Nurses Association, League of Women Voters of California, SOAR, Rainbow Alliance, Midtown Ventura Community Council, Democratic Clubs of Conejo, Ojai, Oxnard, Ventura, Simi, Santa Clara Valley, Conejo Womens Council, Ventura County National Women’s Political Caucus, PDA of VC, Social Action Committee Ventura Unitarian Church, DFA of VC, Arts 4 Action, VC Young Dems, VCCool, Stonewall Dems, Los Padres Sierra Club plus additional groups joining every day.  To find out about adding your organization to the list, contact ventura-info@caclean.org