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San Bernardino Sun
May 20, 2012

California Crashing

California's deficit getting ugly is a kind description of our state's social, political and environmentalist thugs with lengthy rap sheets of over-reaching government, insane regulations, punishing taxation and legal predators decimating the middle class.

Adding insult to injury, California has been slowly crashing after many years of raiding the treasury to pay for invitational welfare, the education and health care for illegal aliens, and crushing businesses and people's income with unreasonable environmental regulations raising the cost of living.

Indeed, if it were not for California's grossly incompetent and expensive miseducation system, environmental hostility toward business, habitual government malfeasance, and voter-assisted economic suicide, there might be hope of stopping the bleeding.

But not with a hopeless deficit that mysteriously grows from $9 billion to $16 billion in three months. Alas, California's gold is in fact, fool's gold.

Daniel B. Jeffs
Apple Valley

San Diego Union-Tribune
May 16, 2012

California's budget

California's deficit fiasco is a kind description of our state's social, political and environmentalist thugs with lengthy rap sheets of over-reaching government, insane regulations, punishing taxation and legal predators decimating the middle class.

But not with a hopeless deficit that mysteriously grows from $9 billion to $16 billion in three months. Unfortunately, when naīve voters passed Proposition 98, which guaranteed public education nearly half of the annual budget, it gave the Governor Jerry Brown-facilitated teacher's union bullies and the miseducation establishment license to steal taxpayer dollars and rob students of their education.

Alas, California's gold is, in fact, fool's gold.

Daniel B. Jeffs
Apple Valley

The San Bernardino Sun
May 5, 2012

Justice undetermined

Re: "D.A.s split on measure," May 1

Coupled with the anti-death penalty proposition, the 'Three Strikes' overhaul measure signature drive fueled by the likes of 'open society' billionaire, George Soros comes as no surprise. Backing by some district attorneys does.

As a former deputy sheriff with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for 20 years, and a public defender investigator for 21 years, I have experienced the evolutionary corruption of the criminal and civil court systems from the Warren Supreme Court to the liberal California courts.

Indeed, the overall selfish interests of legal profession, and predatory lawyers, have undermined the civil and criminal justice system to such an extent, that it has adversely affected the people's peace, security and freedoms, and severely increased the cost of living -- particularly in California.

It's bad enough that California government, vexing lawyers and the courts have arbitrarily refused to carry out the law and execute the 720 inmates on death row, and adding insult to injury, spending $millions on death row housing and endless appeals.

But when the will of the people is summarily rejected, and their security is ignored, that is tantamount to criminal behavior. Sadly, though voters may end the death penalty, and/or take the teeth out of the 3-strikes law, it will not be because it is the will of the people. Like with the environmentalists, it will be the result of the insidious indoctrination of the unknowing.

Contrary to popular socialist and selfish moneyed interest belief, Article II, Section 1 of the California Constitution was wisely instituted for the people to be able to alter or reform government by initiative and referendum when the best interests of the people are at stake. If the criminal justice system cannot do any better than the unconscionable costs of incarceration to protect the people, maybe it's time for tent prisons with pink-stripped jump suits and high electrified walls.

Daniel B. Jeffs
Apple Valley

The San Diego Union-Tribune
May 4, 2012

Death Penalty

Reponse to "Death penalty is not justice" (Opinion, April 26):

Daniel B. Jeffs
Apple Valley

The San Francisco Examiner
May 1, 2012

Death penalty foes defying will of people

Re: End death penalty and reform three strikes
Editorial

Daniel B. Jeffs
Apple Valley, CA

The Wall Street Journal
April 28, 2012

Re: The Great California Exodus
Weekend interview with Joel Kotkin by Allysia Finley
WSJ, April 21, 2012

Like Joel Kotkin, my parents were Truman Democrats when they moved to California and I began kindergarten in 1944 in Pasadena. My 41-year career in the criminal justice system began with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in 1960, after which I experienced the transformation of California from the Golden State, to the sad state it has since fallen into.

Indeed, Joel Kotkin's experienced assessment of California's problems should serve as an eye-opener to the middle class, dwindling from the unrelenting expansion of government, insane taxes, laws and regulations by the left-wing Democrat majority in the Legislature.

California Democrats, indeed are responsible for California crashing with -- of course -- the help of clueless voter-assisted economic suicide. Beyond setting the bad national example for taxing and regulating people and business out of the state, California's delusional Democrats are responsible for the state's failed public education money-pit, and inviting freeloaders into the state to take advantage of the overly generous welfare system.

Adding insult to injury, California lays out the welcome mat for illegal aliens to burden taxpayers with more welfare, plus education and health care -- not to mention raising the cost of crime, incarceration and the gang infestation of neighborhoods.

[edited for length]

As if Democrats' insatiable appetite for extreme environmental laws wasn't bad enough for the economy -- raising the cost of business and living -- Governor (Moonbeam) Jerry Brown is up to his old tricks deceiving voters to increase taxes, again. Clearly, with the City of Los Angeles on the verge of bankruptcy, California's reckless road to ruin seems almost certain, dragging the nation down with it to an avoidable economic implosion.

Hopefully, the 2012 elections will be the onset of the voter-government-reckoning needed for the road to recovery, prosperity and freedom -- regardless of moonbeams and Party affiliations.

Daniel B. Jeffs
Apple Valley, Calif.

The San Bernardino Sun
April 26, 2012

Re: Norco Prison set to close

Snollygoster government

The closure of the state prison in Norco, housing 3,800 inmates will set in motion the additional early release of 300 to 400 felons added to the flood of others throughout the state, and substantially increase the populations of county jails, which in turn must release prisoners to provide bed space.

As if it were not bad enough that opening the prison and jail gates for criminals to invade our cities, towns, communities and neighborhoods, to comply with misguided court orders to reduce the number the number of state prison inmates, incompetent state government adds insult to injury to the people and taxpayers by failing to comply with their constitutional duty as instituted to provide protection and security to the people of the State of California pursuant to Article II, Section 1.

Before California began crashing under the weight of big government, unreasonable union salaries and benefits, a failed money-pit of public miseducation, extreme environmental laws, rules and regulations, and taxation crushing businesses, private property and individual incomes, and raising the cost of living, Democrat Governors and Legislatures practiced unrelenting socialist engineering, with Section 8 welfare homes and criminal group homes infecting neighborhoods, raising crime rates and unconstitutionally reducing private property values throughout the state.

Coupled with the State of California permitting and encouraging an out-of-control litigious culture of class-action lawsuits raising the cost of everything, and insane environmental and conservation lawsuits -- where the only winners are zealots and lawyers -- and the losers are private enterprise, working people, property owners, California's snollygoster government in Sacramento is collectively guilty of nonfeasance, misfeasance and malfeasance -- which should be punishable by removal from office, and in some cases, housing in the soon-to-be empty prison in Norco.

The Los Angeles Times
April 25, 2012

Governor Brown's fool's gold state

Governor Brown's miscalculation of the budget deficit comes as no surprise, particularly when he dances around California's budget crisis by announcing he will eliminate 718 state reports ranging from meaningless bureaucratic "busy work" to those having an impact on our security, such as the "Gang Violence Suppression Program."

California's economic crisis will surely deepen unless Governor Brown and the Legislature get their acts together to stop the exodus of businesses to business-friendly states, and skilled worker taxpayers to tax-friendly states. Indeed, they can begin by lowering taxes instead of raising them with stupid ballot measures, abandoning the insanties of AB-32's crushing impact on business and the cost of living, and incurring $billions in public debt for the worthless high speed rail fiasco.

Punishing smokers again with Proposition 29, as was done with Proposition 10, for a $billion here and a $billion there -- mostly impacting those who can least afford it -- to fund pet projects that have nothing to do with smoking-related health problems, is the same mentality of the $billions wasted on the stem-cell research boondoggle.

If California's economically suicidal government and misguided voters hope to keep California from crashing, they must re-direct their efforts from extreme environmental, commercial and medical litigation, predatory lawyers -- and repressive laws that raise the cost of everything -- to reducing the size, scope and power of government and the welfare state.

Surely, If California is ever going to restore itself to the Golden State, the road to socialism must be re-paved with the golden rules of freedom, fairness, self-reliance, real education and limited government. If not, the fool's gold state will slide into social, political and economic bankruptcy.

Sacramento Bee
April 19, 2012

California crashing -- voter-assisted economic suicide

Democrats, indeed are responsible for California crashing with -- of course -- the help of clueless voter-assisted economic suicide. Beyond setting the bad national example for taxing and regulating people and business out of the state, California's delusional Democrats are responsible for the state's failed public education money-pit, and inviting freeloaders into the state to take advantage of the overly generous welfare system.

Adding insult to injury, California puts out the welcome mat for illegal aliens to burden taxpayers with more welfare, plus education and health care -- not to mention raising the cost of crime, incarceration and the gang infestation of neighborhoods.

Hopefully, the 2012 elections will be the onset of the voter-government-reckoning needed for the road to recovery, prosperity and freedom -- regardless of moonbeams and Party affiliations.

The Daily Press
April 16, 2012

Trouble dead ahead

As if California voters were not deceived enough by approving a $9 billion bond measure for the proposed bullet train from Northern to Southern California, the estimated $45 billion cost has more than doubled to $98 billion, and would surely double again by the time it was completed in 2022.

Indeed, in these dire economic times, the bullet train is a luxury debt taxpayers can least afford and should be axed altogether. In terms of our basic needs, improving water resources from the California Water Project should be at the top of the list. However, Governor Brown and the Legislature are hesitant to pursue the proposed $11 billion water bond for fear of voters rejecting their tax increase ballot measure.

California is crashing. If voters don't exercise damage control, the statists will take us down all the way down to absolute rule by the socialist elite. And once again, as California goes so goes the nation -- under the rule of President Obama and the Democrat elite. The 2012 election will be the day of reckoning, one way or the other: the freedom of our constitutional republic or the tyranny of the socialist states of America.

Daniel B. Jeffs
Apple Valley

(Original letter)

However, considering the 'wagging the dog' history of Governor Brown and the Democrat Legislature, there should be an indefinite moratorium placed upon any increases in state spending and tax increases until government misfeasance is brought under control by repealing bad law, rules and regulations.

Surely, state government should be completely reformed by voter initiatives to reduce taxes and regulations strangling business and workers, to break the grip of teacher unions and the money-pit spending on failed public education; to break the grip of environmental zealots on the economy; to stop illegal aliens and those from other states from feeding on our generous welfare state; and to stop the insanity of AB 109 from unleashing criminal infestations on our counties, cities, towns and neighborhoods.

The Wall Street Journal
March 26, 2012

Re: Governor 13.3% - editorial

The WSJ editorial regarding Governor Brown is painfully correct. Indeed, California government is the advance state for President Obama's transformation of America.

Transforming America costs a social, political, economic and constitutional bundle. But that's not half of the damage already inflicted by the president's transformation plans.

President Obama's unemployment con job, coupled with costly health and financial reforms, his Occupy storm trooper's class warfare, and his intentional energy crisis define his attempts to transform America.

Indeed, throwing $200 billion down the green sink hole, pushing the failed Chevy Volt, and approving the tail end of the Keystone Pipeline are meaningless. Particularly, while stifling coal energy and domestic oil resources

Still, the president insists on wagging the public dog with high gas prices, government growth and insurmountable debt, which will surely damage the dollar, weaken the nation, and stoke the fires of inflation.

Transform America? Yes. Out of the clutches of progressive aggression. If we are to survive, President Obama's re-election is not an option. A Republican president and Congress with the determination to reduce the size, scope and power of government are the only hope to restore America as intended by the Constitution.

Hopefully, the same goes for Governor Brown and the Democrat Legislature. But I'm not holding my breath beyond 2014, the point of no return.

Los Angeles Times
March 15, 2012

Re: Brown takes tougher tack on wealthy
L.A. Times front page
March 15, 2012

Governor Brown buckles to teacher union pressure

It's bad enough that California is crashing on all fronts, socially, economically, educationally and politically. However, when the pilots in the Governor's office and Legislature hand over wagging the public dog to teacher union hijackers, it's simply more than the people of California can handle.

Indeed, teacher union extortion to increase Governor Brown's 'tax-the-wealthy' (small business job creators) measure not only aids and abets the state's economic suicide, it yields credibility to California's malfeasant, miseducation money-pit.

Hopefully, California voters have suffered enough from the power and greed of government to just say "NO" to any and all tax increases and the stranglehold of the failed education establishment. And say "YES" to any and all measures which remind government who they work for, and return California's gold to those who can make it the Golden State again.

Los Angleles Times
March 3, 2012

Wag the dog California politics

California Attorney General Kamala Harris is conducting partisan manipulation of ballot summaries, which is a vivid example of 'wag the dog' politics to favor Democrat-controlled government and special interests, while preventing genuine public interest ballot measures from gathering sufficient voter signatures to qualify.

Indeed, it's bad enough that Proposition 23 delaying the implementation of economy-crushing AB 32 was defeated by manipulation and $19 million from teacher unions, and by the same means, Proposition 25 passed allowing the Legislature to pass the budget and other matters with a simple majority vote.

While Governor Brown and the Democrat legislature are attempting to limit the people's Constitutional right to alter or reform government with ballot initiatives, Harris' summaries for the Governor's sales and income tax increases blatantly favors the measures, which will undoubtedly be financially supported by selfish interests, government employee and teacher unions.

Surely the solvency of our state and the people are increasingly in peril. And it cannot be turned around, unless the ballot initiative process is strengthened by truthful nonpartisan ballot summaries, and reducing the enormous cost of qualifying ballot measures. That can easily be done by allowing the people to obtain ballot initiative signatures, and to vote, by means of a secure voting network on the Internet.

Governor Brown, Attorney General Harris and all California elected representative and officials should be reminded that they are the 'tail,' voters are the 'dog,' that we wag our own tails, and that 'wagging the dog' is malfeasance.

San Bernardino Sun
February 5, 2012

A Reasonable Move

In our miserable state of the state of California, it certainly is a big state with little fixes simply because of the stranglehold of liberal ideology's fixation on extreme environmentalism, the highest of taxes, most unreasonable regulations, and the high cost of government. Of course, the high cost of living is going to be exacerbated by AB-32's carbon taxes on business and industry, which Governor Brown says he can use to pay for the growing cost of the stupid high speed rail project.

As Forrest Gump's mother says, "Stupid is as stupid does," seems to be the rule of California government, bent on raising sales and income taxes yet again. That is, unless voters wise up and don't do something stupid, like pass the tax initiative. Meanwhile, the governor is doing a little something reasonable.

Indeed, Governor Brown's recent actions to shortcut the permit process for onshore oil extraction from old wells is a single, but long overdue step relaxing unreasonable and over-reaching regulations inhibiting business in the state. State oil tax revenues are, of course, a lucrative source of income for the state, yet blinded by extreme environmentalists, California government chooses keep the lock on development of new oil and gas resources on and off shore -- stupid!

Daniel B. Jeffs
Apple Valley

Sacramento Bee
January 31, 2012

Brown is open to drilling

Re: "Browns backdoor tax hike is a business shakedown" (Viewpoints, Jan. 30):

The high cost of living is going to be exacerbated by Assembly Bill 32 and the carbon taxes on business and industry it will impose. Governor Jerry Brown says he can use to pay for the growing cost of the stupid high speed rail project.

Meanwhile, the governor is doing a little something reasonable. His actions to shortcut the permit process for onshore oil extraction from old wells is a long overdue step. State oil tax revenues are a lucrative source of income for the state.

Blinded by extreme environmentalists, California government chooses keep the lock on development of new oil and gas resources on -- and off shore.

Daniel B. Jeffs
Apple Valley

(Original letter)

Governor Brown does something reasonable

San Diego Union-Tribune
January 4, 2012

Brown's tax plan gets thumbs down

It's bad enough that over 40,000 new laws went into effect January 1st throughout the states, and that over 80,000 more pages of legislation came out of Congress, heaping more regulations on businesses and the people, from prohibiting incandescent light bulbs in favor of mercury-filled tubes, to regulating toilets and home fire alarms.

Indeed, 745 more laws went into effect in California. Social and economic engineering laws from Cap and Trade taxes on fuel -- raising the cost of gas -- to the mandating the teaching of gay/lesbian history in schools, to the Dream Act for illegal aliens' college education, to prohibiting local governments from requiring E-Verify for private employment.

Now, Governor Brown expects the voters to pass his ballot initiative to raise taxes for the continued mismanagement of California government, which will damage the economy more than it already is. Surely, if such a tax measure passes, the voters who pay no taxes or who are on the state payroll will be responsible for higher taxes on the rest of us.

If California's governor and state Legislature, the President and Congress work for the best interests of the people, they would declare a moratorium on passing new laws, and work for however long it takes to review and repeal all over-reaching and unnecessary laws -- which are most of them.

Daniel B. Jeffs
Apple Valley

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/jan/04/seaport-village-remodel-marine-thank-you-browns-ta/

San Bernardino Sun
December 1, 2011

Clear Danger

Re: Increase in county jail prisoners

As if California's looming $20 billion budget deficit, hostile business climate, high unemployment, mortgage foreclosures, rising college tuition, failed public education, and stupid environmental laws making it worse were not bad enough -- county jails are facing an unconscionable rise in state prisoners, and the early release of uncontrolled criminals throughout the state.

Indeed, with a head-in-the-sand governor and Democrat-controlled Legislature running a dysfunctional government -- and with their blatant complicity in the steady rise in illegal alien criminals and opportunists draining our resources and revenues on prisons, welfare, health care and education -- local government and the good citizens of California are in a clear and present danger.

Surely, it's past time for California voters to defend and protect themselves with their constitutional right to ballot initiatives, referendums and recalls under Article II, Section 1. of the California Constitution, to wit: "All political power in inherent in the people. Government is instituted for their protection, security, and benefit. and they have the right to alter or reform it when the public good may require."

However, that cannot be accomplished without first passing a ballot initiative requiring a state-wide electronic voting network connected to voters' homes for conducting elections, and collecting signatures for ballot initiatives, referendums and recall. That's why Article II was passed, and why it's the only way to remove selfish, moneyed interests from compromising Article II, the public good, and the inherent political power of the people.

Daniel B. Jeffs
Apple Valley

San Francisco Examiner
October 13, 2011

Dream Act hurts students

Gov. Jerry Brown and the California Legislatures Democratic Party cartel are making it painfully clear that U.S. citizens residing in California must sit in the back of the bus, while being forced to pay the fare for illegal immigrants riding on the taxpayers dime.

Indeed, its bad enough that we must foot the bill for the illegals housing, welfare, health care and education. But when hopeful citizen college students are pushed down the line in favor of the Dream Act recently passed by the cartel and signed by the governor, our constitutional protections and citizen sovereignty are seriously diminished.

And nothing among the rash of bill signings could be more politically glaring about the abuse of government power than AB622, which limits and intimidates California grand jury investigations with the forced presence of attorneys representing witnesses during questioning.

Daniel B. Jeffs, Apple Valley

The Sacramento Bee
September 25, 2011

Solyndra highlights energy folly

Re "Solyndra isn't reason to kill clean energy" (Editorials, Sept. 18): The $535 million Solyndra solar panel company scandal showcases what President Barack Obama showcased in dumping $25 billion into renewable energy firms, promising about 650,000 jobs. Instead, only about 3,500 jobs were created. California got in the act by giving Solyndra $24 million in tax breaks after which the company shed about 1,100 jobs in its bankruptcy, leaving all taxpayers on the hook for Solyndra's loan.

Adding insult to injury, AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, was and is a very bad idea that will surely sink California's economy. Indeed, as if California wasn't crashing enough, the energy and cost-of-living explosion with the implementation of AB 32 could not have come at a worse time in what will be a protracted nationally depressed economy.

Surely, the federal and state malfeasance over energy is tantamount to punching the American and California economies in the face.

Daniel B. Jeffs,

Apple Valley

Federal and state malfeasance over renewable energy

The $535 million Solyndra solar panel company scandal showcases what President Obama showcased in dumping $25 billion into renewable energy firms, promising about 650,000 jobs. Instead, only about 3,500 jobs were created at a taxpayer cost of about $5 million per job. California got in the act by giving Solyndra $27 million in tax breaks, after which the company shed about 1,100 jobs in its bankruptcy, leaving all taxpayers on the hook for Solyndra's loan.

Adding insult to injury, the AB-32 Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 was and is a very bad idea that will surely sink California's economy. Indeed, as if California wasn't crashing enough -- with over-reaching government, out of control entitlements, and money-pit miseducation -- the energy and cost of living explosion with the implementation of AB-32 could not have come at a worse time in what will be a protracted nationally depressed economy.

Blindly requiring 33 percent of our electricity to come from renewable energy -- wind and solar -- will double or triple electricity costs, not to mention the unreliability of renewables. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent over the next 9 years is little more that holding business hostage with cap and tax beginning in 2012 -- all on the basis of global warming alarmists and the proliferation of a massive hoax.

Surely, the federal and state malfeasance over energy is tantamount to punching the American and California economies in the face.

Daniel B. Jeffs
Founder, DDC
September 17, 2011

San Bernardin Sun

September 13, 2011

Over-reaching

Gov. Brown and the Democrat Legislature's push to limit ballot initiatives comes as no surprise. Coupled with legislation limiting the fundamental operations of county grand juries, it is simply another government power move against the California Constitution, Article II, Section 1, and what is supposed to be the inherent power of the people to alter or reform government.

The only legislation that is needed regarding ballot initiatives is to limit selfish/special/moneyed interest initiatives by allowing the people to obtain signatures for ballot initiatives, and to vote, by means of a secured voting network on the Internet.

Big, over-reaching socialist California government is driving our state into bankruptcy with over-regulation, over-spending, punishing taxation, failed money-pit miseducation, businesses leaving the state, rising cost of living, and the loss of jobs and our liberties.

We need less tyrannical government and more self-governing democracy to recover California and survive.

DANIEL B. JEFFS
Former Grand Jury member
Apple Valley

Riverside Press Enterprise
September 8, 2011

Let initiatives work

The Democrat's proposal to limit ballot initiatives comes as no surprise ("Ballot gambit," Our Views, Aug. 31).

Coupled with legislation limiting the fundamental operations of county grand juries, it is simply another government power move against the California Constitution, Article II, Section 1, and what is supposed to be the inherent power of the people to alter or reform government.

We need less tyrannical government and more self-governing democracy to recover California and survive.

Daniel B. Jeffs
Apple Valley, Calif.

Stop Democrat's push to limit ballot initiatives

Governor Brown and the Democrat legislature's push to limit ballot initiatives comes as no surprise. Coupled with legislation limiting the fundamental operations of county grand juries, it is simply another government power move against the California Constitution, Article II, Section 1, and what is supposed to be the inherent power of the people to alter or reform government.

We need less tyrannical government and more self-governing democracy to recover California and survive.

Daniel B. Jeffs, founder
DDC
September 6, 2011

The San Francisco Examiner

August 23, 2011

Prison release gambles with Californians safety

When the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed a court order for reducing Californias 140,000 prison inmates by 46,000, the strongly contested 5-4 decision brought dissenting Justice Samuel A. Alitos prophetic warning, The majority is gambling with the safety of the people of California.

Apparently 13,000 inmates have already been given early releases, leaving 33,000 inmates for the state to shed over the next two years.

Instead of contracting with private jail facilities, Gov. Jerry Browns AB-109 law will inject many of those inmates into county jail facilities as of Oct. 1, forcing local authorities to release county inmates to offset the mandated increase of state inmates. Inevitably, some of the early-released state and county inmates will be housed in group homes.

Its bad enough that so many of our neighborhoods are terrorized by burglaries, thefts, assaults and sex crimes, which have increased because of the recession and job losses. But when the state surreptitiously adds more criminal group homes to residential areas, it is unconscionable.

Daniel B. Jeffs
Apple Valley

Original letter:

Forced release of inmates threatens our safety

When the Supreme Court affirmed a 3-judge federal court-ordered the reduction of 46,000 of California's 140,000 inmates, the strongly contested 5-4 decision came with dissenting Justice Samuel A. Alito's prophetic warning, "The majority is gambling with the safety of the people of California." Apparently, 13,000 of those inmates have already been given early releases, leaving 33,000 inmates for the state to shed over the next two years.

Instead of contracting with private jail facilities, effective October 1, 2011, Governor Brown's AB-109 law will inject many of those inmates into county jail facilities, which will force local authorities to release county inmates to offset the mandated increase of state inmates. Either way, some of the early released state and county inmates will be housed in group homes.

It's bad enough that so many of our neighborhoods are terrorized by burglaries, thefts, assaults and sex crimes -- which have increased because of the recession and job losses. But when the state surreptitiously adds even more criminal group homes to residential areas, it is unconscionable. Indeed, our home values have already suffered from foreclosed vacant homes.

Adding insult to injury, more criminal group homes further diminish home values -- and worse, pose serious threats to our safety, property and privacy. Alas, it wasn't that long ago when a criminal walked away from a group home and murdered an elderly couple in their nearby home -- in our town.

The Daily Press
Press Dispatch
August 21, 2011

Global warming

The AB-32 Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 was and is a very bad idea that will surely sink California's economy. Indeed, as if California wasn't crashing enough -- with over-reaching government, out of control entitlements, and money-pit miseducation -- the energy and cost of living explosion with the implementation of AB-32 could not have come at a worse time in what will be a protracted nationally depressed economy.

At least Proposition 23, if passed in 2010, would have suspended the implementation of AB-32 until California unemployment was reduced to 5.5 percent for one year. Unfortunately, foolish, indoctrinated voters blocked the proposition with a 61 percent NO vote, essentially contributing to what will become voter-assisted economic suicide.

With a California's environmental extremist, Democrat-controlled legislature, along with former RINO governor Schwarzenegger, and current Governor Jerry Brown leading the economic demise -- and running business and jobs out of town to safer and lower-taxing states -- they will soon zip up what is left of the state into an economic body-bag.

Daniel B. Jeffs
Apple Valley

San Diego Union Tribune

August 9, 2011

Gay history should include Frank fiasco

As if Californias public schools were not indoctrinated enough with a liberal agenda at the expense of core academics, Gov. Jerry Brown is taking it another step further. He signed a law requiring the inclusion of the contributions of sexual minorities in California public school history lessons and textbooks to sensitize students as early as kindergarten.

Surely, the history lessons and textbooks should begin with the contributions of Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., for being largely responsible for the affordable housing bubble that burst and took the housing and financial industry down with it, causing the collapse of the economy, loss of jobs and the deepening recession currently upon us.

Daniel B. Jeffs

Apple Valley, Calif.

Los Angeles Times
Opinion LA
June 4, 2011

Re: Will Jerry Brown provide the leadership California needs?
California Fix

What would it be like without Proposition 13?

If voters had not engaged in a constitutional initiative tax revolt and passed Proposition 13 in 1978, the economic conditions in the liberal Democrat-dominated state of California would be inconceivable.

Ironically, current governor, Jerry Brown was the 1978 governor who railed against Prop. 13 as a budget and education buster that would sink California's ship of state -- something he later had to recant simply because it didn't happen. Instead, it has been the only thing keeping us afloat. He was wrong and the voters were right.

However, it hasn't kept the public education establishment and the tax and spenders in Sacramento from keeping tax limitations under unrelenting siege. So much so, that careless voters gave in to scare tactics and allowed tax increases to creep under our economic skin as ideological infections.

It's bad enough that California has the worst business climate, highest corporate taxes, costly-unreasonable environmental regulations, 12 percent unemployment, increased mortgage and foreclosure crisis -- and is hanging from the economic cliff by a thread.

Governor Brown and the Democrat Legislature are abusing their corrupted power to extend personal, sales and vehicle taxes -- even to the point of passing the buck down to counties and cities to impose their own vehicle taxes -- to relieve the state's $9.6 billion deficit.

Instead of cutting the economic thread, voters should seriously consider using the power of the initiative to remove the state's grip on most taxes and education funding, and transfer those responsibilities to local government and voter control -- to reduce bureaucracy and costs.

Daniel B. Jeffs
Apple Valley, Calif.

San Bernardino Sun
May 15, 2011

Point of View (guest commentary)

Credit grand jury, D.A. for rooting out political corruption

The people of San Bernardino County should be grateful to their Grand Jury and District Attorney Ramos for tirelessly investigating and rooting out the political corruption that has plagued our County for so long. Indeed, those who seek political power, seemingly for noble purposes, are too easily corrupted by exercising, then abusing that power.

Most people believe that the purpose of grand juries is to hand down criminal indictments. However, most grand jury work is accomplished by the county civil grand jury of 19 members -- serving a one year term -- which investigates county and city government operations, including special districts and elected boards of public entities. For those who do not fully understand the importance of grand juries, they are the volunteer citizen watchdogs for the people's interests in maintaining honest, efficient and effective local government.

Lest we forget, it was our grand jury that investigated and issued a critical report against former supervisor, then County Assessor, Bill Postmus, which ultimately resulted in criminal complaints and criminal grand jury indictments in the 'Colonies' corruption cases.

However, there is a clear and present threat to California's grand jury system. As a former grand jury member, I am deeply concerned by Assemblyman Roger Dickinson's AB 622 -- proposed legislation that would amend Section 939.1 of, and add Sections 939.5 and 939.22 to the Penal Code, relating to grand juries - which would seriously undermine grand juries and change the way they operate.

An April 7, 2011 Sacramento Bee editorial, "Bill to undercut Civil Grand Jury is Misguided," correctly noted that "civil grand juries play a vital watchdog role over local government. They have exposed corruption, protected taxpayers and spotlighted important issues." The editorial criticized AB 622, pointing out that during Dickinson's "17 years as a Sacramento County supervisor, was on the receiving end of seething grand jury reports."

Dickinson's legislation would require sworn testimony be taken in public, and would allow those testifying under oath to have their lawyers present. In other words, sweeping changes that would reverse much of grand jury authority and the necessary closed sessions of grand jury operations.

Surely, Dickinson's assertion that grand juries are a secret "star chamber" system abusing their power is absurd. Indeed, the abuse of power more aptly describes what too many legislators and other elected officials do when gaining the personal power of public office. Power that is too often subject to conflicting selfish interests.

It is more than apparent that Dickinson's allies, including the Conference of Bar Associations, have members who would clearly benefit from representing those called before grand juries to give testimony. That conflict and other unnecessary costs of open sessions would further drain the limited budgets of grand juries.

Certainly, the people's interests are well-served by grand jury watchdogs over local government operations. Grand jury systems throughout the country have been under attack by questionable interests of elected and unelected government officials who resist public accountability -- no less than the attacks on the people's right to voter initiatives and referendums.

The legislature should not pass AB 622. Indeed, people in government should be reminded that, California's Constitution, Article II, Section 1 (Purpose of government) clearly states that "All political power is inherent in the people. Government is instituted for their protection, security, and benefit, and they have the right to alter or reform it when the public good may require."

Fortunately, the Assembly Appropriations Committee has just indicated that because of the costs of the bill, AB 622 has been placed in 'Suspense File' where it can languish forever, or move out to a vote. Credit must be given to the California Grand Jury Association for extended efforts in opposing AB 622. If it were not for concerned citizens calling our elected officials to task, this power-grab might have slipped by into law. If we don't defend ourselves, who will? California's failure is the prime example of insidious government 'wagging the dog -- and we pay for it.

Indeed, under the dire economic and budget circumstances of inept California government, now would be the appropriate time for a voter initiative to allow voter signatures to be collected over a secure internet system to qualify voter-initiated propositions for the ballot, and to vote on them. Among the first ballot initiatives should be proposition to strengthen California's civil grand juries on behalf of the people.

Daniel B. Jeffs lives in Apple Valley

NewsMax Magazine
April 2011 Issue

Re: Arnold He wasnt so bad, Baby. December issue)

Farewell Governator

Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger should simply fade away into his liberal fantasyland at home.

His record is a betrayal of why he was elected.

Indeed, Arnolds performance was the antithesis of a job well done.

Daniel B. Jeffs
Apple Valley, Calif.

Los Angeles Times
February 25, 2011

Re: Brown: $25 billion in cuts if tax effort fails
Re: Green energy bill advances

Governor Brown's threat to cut $25 billion in state services if the tax increases are not extended is a challenge that ought to be called. Indeed, it's doubtful that California voters can be intimidated to extend the taxes when so many people are under worsening economic stress. Republicans seem ready to give in if Gov. Brown and the Democrats agree to curb and cut state pension costs.

Adding insult to injury, Californians will be facing large increases in the cost of electricity if the recently passed Senate bill nearly doubling the use of green energy is passed by the Assembly and signed by the governor. California is a great place to live, but not at any cost. Particularly, when gas prices are on the rise again, and government won't budge on producing more domestic oil.

On the other hand, with voters foolishly supporting AB32 by voting down Proposition 23, it seems that environmental zealotry has unduly frightened people into believing in the global warming hoax enough to be self-destructive by driving more business out of the state, driving up the cost of living, and driving our economy into the ground. Indeed, it's simply a stupid dilemma, absent common sense.

San Bernardino Sun
January 16, 2011

Insanity runs deep

Gov. Brown's proposed cuts in spending notwithstanding, he certainly cannot expect voters to approve extending the tax increases on income, vehicles, and sales tax for 5 years. Indeed, attempting to tie tax extensions to protecting K-12 school funds simply won't cut it.

Particularly, when teacher unions funded Brown's election, and the education establishment refuses to rise above mediocre.

It should be clearly be noted that the defeat of Proposition 23, allowing the economy-busting-effects of implementing global warming (AB 32) to happen with no tax relief will surely wreak even more havoc in the worst of times.

Hopefully, misguided voters will understand that unreasonable environmental laws, rules and regulations have already contributed heavily to California's economic demise and job losses -- with businesses moving out of state to avoid punishing taxation -- and the painful cost of living rising.

There will be no restoration of voters' faith in California government's habitual malfeasance without restoring sanity to government. Unfortunately, that's unlikely to happen any time soon -- despite Governor Brown's efforts -- simply because it's too deeply engrained in the selfish-interest establishment.

Daniel B. Jeffs
Apple Valley

Los Angeles Times
January 13, 2011

Tough budget choices

Brown's intended cuts in spending notwithstanding, he certainly cannot expect voters to approve extending the tax increases on income, vehicles and sales.

Indeed, attempting to tie tax extensions to protecting school funds simply won't cut it, particularly when teachers unions funded his election and the education establishment refuses to rise above failing.

There will be no restoration of voters' faith in the state government without complete reform. The defeat of Proposition 23, and the voter-assisted economic suicide that will be AB 32's implementation, will see to that.

Daniel B. Jeffs
Apple Valley

Original letter:

Re: Gov. seeks cuts, tax extensions
L.A. Times - January 9, 2011 - A33

Governor Brown's intended cuts in spending notwithstanding, he certainly cannot expect voters to approve extending the tax increases on income, vehicles, and sales tax.

Indeed, attempting to tie tax extensions to protecting school funds simply won't cut it. Particularly, when teacher unions funded his election, and the education establishment refuses to rise above failing.

There will be no restoration of voters' faith in California government's habitual malfeasance absent complete reform. The defeat of Proposition 23 by the voter-assisted economic suicide-effects of implementing global warming AB-32 will certainly see to that.

San Francisco Examiner
January 11, 2011

California will soon learn error of its voting ways

To all the voters who elected Jerry Brown governor, and Kamala Harris attorney general at the campaign-financed behest of teacher's unions, other public employee unions, and the SEIU -- and/or based upon misguided ideology -- it will be too late for self-inflicted voter remorse when California finally crashes with Brown and the Democrat Legislature behind the wheel in the driver seat of their joy ride.

As Brown said, at this stage of his life, he will make the painful state budget cuts in all the wrong places and dump it on local governments, save the miseducation money pit to pay his union debts, call on the same voters to approve tax increases, and drive more businesses and jobs out of the sinking state.

And as former San Francisco Mayor, now Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom once said, "Like it or not," you will accept our rules. And as Attorney General Harris vowed, she will vigorously enforce environmental laws, including the AB32 cap-and-tax economy-buster.

Indeed, there are no unintended consequences of the failures of good intentions when they result in careless harm to the public good. Hopefully, truthfully informed voters won't forget the survival alternatives of ballot initiatives and recall.

Daniel B. Jeffs
Apple Valley

Riverside Press Enterprise
January 6, 2011

Losing governor no loss

Former RINO Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger should simply fade away into his liberal fantasyland at home. His record is a betrayal of why he was elected. And he finished it off by commuting the 16-year sentence of former Assembly speaker Fabian Nunez's son -- who was convicted of participating in a gang stabbing murder -- to seven years ("Commuted sentence draws DA protest," Jan. 4).

It was a blatant injustice, and an unconscionable quid-pro-quo to political ally Nunez for helping Schwarzenegger get cap-and-tax global warming AB 32 passed -- which will certainly exacerbate California's government-induced failing economy.

Indeed, Arnold's performance was the antithesis of a job well done.

Daniel B. Jeffs
Apple Valley

San Bernardino Sun - A7
December 1, 2010

Insult to injury

When Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected governor in the Governor Gray Davis recall election, it was because Davis mishandled the California energy crisis and raised taxes, all of which was a devastating blow to California's economy and its people.

Since being re-elected Schwarzenegger betrayed the voters with tax increases and a potentially worse blow to the economy with the passage of AB-32 Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. Then -- in the face of an already mortally wounded economy -- he was instrumental in defeating Proposition 23, which would have delayed implementation of the Act until unemployment was reduced to at least 5.5% for a year.

Adding insult to injury, the governor is still crusading for highly questionable claims of global warming, with his "Governors' Global Climate Summit 3," which was held recently at UC Davis.

Like most environmental zealots, Schwarzenegger's shameless push for costly carbon regulation and unreasonable green energy requirements will only serve to devastate California's economy further. Still, the irony is that it didn't deter the hapless majority of voters from electing Jerry Brown to lead his newly elected wrecking crew in knocking down the state, and grinding the people into the ground of economic ruin.

Alas, the only thing worth looking forward to is not having to spell Arnold's last name anymore, and letting him be known as just another political jerk. In this case, a RINO Republican with a lot of liberal baggage at home, and the audacity to suggest amending the Constitution so he can run for president. Amend the Constitution? Yes. With a series of amendments restoring the strict constitutional limitations on the federal government, power to the states and to the people.

Daniel B. Jeffs
Apple Valley

Los Angeles Times
November 26, 2010

California crashing

The results of the 2010 election makes it painfully clear that California is unduly influenced by a superficial society of socialist aggression, political chaos, selfish interests and extremes. Indeed, coupled with over-reaching government, punishing taxes, rules and regulations -- and a failed miseducation system of factories of ignorance and warehouses of indoctrination -- the once Golden State is sinking into the depths of deception replete with fools' gold and tarnished ideals.

All of which was corroborated by the elections of the liberal cabal headed by Governor Jerry Brown, Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom, and Attorney General Kamala Harris -- along with the re-election of U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer -- and the passage of the wrong Propositions and the defeat of the right Propositions.

Hopefully, as California goes, the nation will not follow into the clutches of a one-party totalitarian state. Hopefully, the Tea Party-influenced majority in the House of Representatives, with gains in the Senate, and an imploding Obama presidency will preclude a total collapse of America before the 2012 election. Meanwhile, we must hold on to our liberty and keep a tight grip on our freedom.

San Francisco Chronicle
November 18, 2010

Shame on Governor Schwarzenegger

Adding insult to injury, the governor is still crusading for highly questionable claims of global warming, with his "Governors' Global Climate Summit 3," which was held this week at UC Davis.

San Diego Union-Tribune
November 18, 2010

Shame on Governor Schwarzenegger

Adding insult to injury, the governor is still crusading for highly questionable global warming claims, with his "Governors' Global Climate Summit 3," which was held this week at UC Davis.

Like most environmental zealots, Schwarzenegger's shameless push for costly carbon regulation and unreasonable green energy requirements will only serve to devastate California's economy further. Still, the irony is that it didn't deter the majority of hapless voters from electing Jerry Brown to lead his newly elected wrecking drew in knocking down the state, and grinding us to economic ruin.

Alas, the only thing worth looking forward to is not having to spell Arnold's last name anymore, and letting him be known as just another political jerk.

Los Angeles Times
November 17, 2010

Re: Charles Rangel

Too much personal power corrupts. That's what happened to Rep. Charles Rangel -- and too many people holding public office -- simply because government is too big and over-reaching at nearly every level.

Each house of Congress is supposed to police itself. It hasn't worked because they have become the political elite in the most exclusive clubs.

Rep. Rangel should be expelled from the House, but that won't happen. Government is supposed to police itself, but it seldom happens.

The American people and the states are the only safeguard, however, we are too limited by the corrupted institutions which have compromised our Constitution and usurped power from the states: Congress, the presidency, and the federal judiciary.

We must look out for ourselves, which will take a few serious amendments to restore the Constitution. Congress won't do it. Only the states can make that happen. It's a matter of survival, liberty and freedom. We need a Tea Party of the states and a constitutional convention.

San Bernardino Sun
November 16, 2010

Revolution is on

Deeply concerned and frustrated voters swept out many Democrats in the nation's congressional elections Nov. 2, clearly signaling that the Tea Party revolution is under way.

Indeed, Republicans took the majority in the House, and narrowed the gap in the Senate. However, if they don't hold fast and true to our founding constitutional principles, they will be replaced with those who do.

Surely, the same goes for President Obama and many Democrats who were barely re-elected, and those in the Senate who are up for re-election in 2012.

If the president, the Congress and for that matter, the Supreme Court, don't take the pathway to right the wrongs they've done to society, the economy, our constitutional democracy and the American people, they should certainly be voted out of office and/or otherwise impeached and removed from office.

Alas, the Tea Party revolution is unlikely to keep California lemmings from blindly running off the cliff and pushing the rest of us with them.

DANIEL B. JEFFS
Apple Valley

Riverside Press Enterprise
November 4, 2010

Voters choose suicide

As if voters aren't suffering enough from the economic crash, the worst case scenario for California is the election of Jerry Brown and the slate of Democrats in the executive branch, the retention of a large Democrat majority in the Legislature, the passage of Prop. 25, and the defeat of Prop. 23's delay of the AB32 global warming law.

This certainly amounts to voter-assisted, job-killing suicide when coupled with the state implementing forced Obamacare and enforcing AB32's skyrocketing energy costs, which will raise the cost of living to new heights.

Indeed, driving the national economy into a ditch will be mild compared to our state government and political zealots driving California's economy over a 2,010-foot cliff, in a union-driven green machine. Problem is, the indoctrinated and deceived majority of voters are pulling the rest of us over the cliff with them.

Daniel B. Jeffs

Apple Valley

Los Angeles Times
Opinion L.A.

November 4, 2010

The Tea Party revolution is on

Deeply concerned and frustrated voters swept-out many Democrats in the nation's congressional elections November 2nd, clearly signaling that the 'Tea Party' revolution is underway. Indeed, Republicans took the majority in the House, and narrowed the gap in the Senate. However, if they don't hold fast and true to our founding constitutional principles, they will be replaced with those who do.

Surely, the same goes for President Obama and many Democrats who were barely re-elected, including those in the Senate who are up for re-election in 2012. If the President, the Congress and for that matter, the Supreme Court, don't take the pathway to right the wrongs they've done to society, the economy, our constitutional democracy and the American people, they should certainly be voted out of office and/or otherwise impeached and removed from office.

Even though there was also a Republican shift in state governments, New York and other hopeless states held fast to their liberal decline. Indeed, clueless Californians kept Sen. Boxer and elected hapless Jerry Brown to lead the Sacramento Democrat hole-in-the-wall-gang, as a defiant gesture of voter-assisted economic suicide. Alas, the Tea Party revolution is unlikely to keep California lemmings from blindly running off the cliff and pushing the rest of us with them.

Los Angeles Times
Opinion L.A.
November 3, 2010

California's worst case scenario: Voter-assisted economic suicide

As if voters aren't suffering enough from the economic crash -- and Washington-aggravated aftermath -- the worst case scenario for California is the election of Jerry Brown and the slate of Democrats for the executive branch, the retention of a large Democrat majority in the Legislature, the passage of Proposition 25, and the defeat of Proposition 23's delay of the AB-32 Global Warming laws.

Coupled with the State implementing forced Obamacare -- and enforcing AB-32's skyrocketing energy costs -- raising the cost of living to new heights, that certainly amounts to voter-assisted -- job-killing -- economic suicide.

Indeed, driving the national economy into a ditch will be mild compared to our state government and political zealots driving California's economy over a 2010-foot cliff, in a union-driven green machine. Problem is, the indoctrinated and deceived majority of voters are pulling the rest of us over the cliff with them.

Los Angeles Times
October 28, 2010

Voter-assisted economic suicide

As if voters aren't suffering enough from the economic crash -- and the Washington-aggravated aftermath -- the worst case scenario for California will be the election of Jerry Brown and the slate of Democrats for the executive branch, the retention of a large Democrat majority in the Legislature, and the passage of Propositions 19, 21, 24, 25 and 27.

Indeed, driving the national economy into a ditch is mild compared to our state government and political zealots driving California's economy over a 2010-foot cliff, in a union-driven green machine. If voters don't at least pass Proposition 23 and defeat Proposition 25, that would certainly result in voter-assisted economic suicide.

San Bernardino Sun
October 26, 2010

California's worst case scenario

Though there is hope on the horizon for congressional elections, hopefully, California's worst case scenario won't materialize as a result of the people's vote November 2, 2010. Indeed, as it is often said, as California goes, so goes the nation. However, since the national social, political and economic meltdown jerked most people to their senses, California government has played its usual suspects role of Mad Magazine's Alfred E. Neuman's, "What? Me worry?

Unfortunately, California has a long decaying history of progressive political ideology, more so than most of the country. Alas, if it were not for a few bright spots such as Governor Ronald Reagan, the Proposition 13 backlash, and the energy crisis recall of Governor Gray Davis -- California would be even further along to becoming a socialist state under the indoctrination of bureaucrats, public education's factories of ignorance, extreme environmentalists, and the entitlement culture. In effect, under the benevolent dictatorship of the ruling elite.

As if voters aren't suffering enough from the economic crash, the worst case scenario for California will be the election of Jerry Brown and the slate of Democrats for the executive branch, the retention of a large Democrat majority in the Legislature, and the passage of Propositions 19, 21, 24, 25 and 27. That would certainly amount to voter-assisted state suicide, and ensure the demise of the California economy. Surely, the worst scenario would not be complete without remembering the gross mistake of electing RINO, Arnold Schwarzenegger as governor instead of Tom McClintock.

On the other hand, there is a better case scenario of electing Meg Whitman and the Republican slate, plus passing only Propositions 20, 22, 23, and 26 as a matter of survival. Clearly, the best case scenario would be to break the progressive stranglehold on Sacramento, including the public miseducation money-pit, with a voter initiative repealing Proposition 98's grip on half of the state budget. As always, it's up to we the people to be self-sufficient and responsible, and limiting government to only that which is necessary to ensure our security, liberty and freedoms. I, for one, have already voted to survive.

Los Angeles Times

Opinion L.A.

October 26, 2010

California's worst case scenario