(This item is cross-posted from RedCounty.com–please bear in mind when reading the RC references below)

The political and legal troubles facing San Bernardino County offer valuable lessons including some that touch directly on RedCounty.com and our readers, writers and those who post comments.

At the top of the list: electronic memory is forever. San Bernardino County computers were seized, data analyzed, and data corroborated with interviews. While interviews and testimony can be discredited and refuted; electronic data is impersonally objective.

So what does it mean for RedCounty? Be careful what you post because it might not be so "anonymous."

How do I know? Because in a brief moment of curiosity back in 2007 I learned (in 30 seconds of work on a public internet registry database) that a blog reply critical of me had been posted using a IP address registered to the County of San Bernardino. I did not publicly reveal who the commenter was,… Read More

Native Californian and Editorial Board Member of the Wall Street Journal John Fund participated in an interview on California’s financial crisis that is worth four minutes of your time… … Read More

That may be where we are headed. Almost-billionaire Meg Whitman will apparently be at the Irvine Hyatt for an event with a big price tag — a "suggestion donation of $10" — nice.

Perhaps almost-billionaire Steve Poizner will up her one, and hold events where he pays you $10 to come and listen to his pitch.

Tom Campbell? Peter Foy? How much will you pay me to come hear you?… Read More

SB 572, this years version of the "Harvey Milk Day" semi-state holiday bill which Governor Schwarzeneggervetoed last year, is on the file for a possible Senate Floor vote, as soon as this morning. May 22 would be the offical day that "suitable Harvey Milk commemorative exercises" would be urged to be held around the state, including the school system, if the bill were to pass. Although it wouldn’t take effect in 2009, there will likely be a push to get it out of the Senate by May 22, should it not be taken up on today’s floor vote.

Call the State Senators offices that may be inclined to vote for such a bill [hint: Most Republicans won’t need this call] and let em know what you think about SB 572 and yet another "commemorative day"that Sean Penn and Co. would like. Especially since we consolidate heroic Americans into such holidays as "Presidents Day" Light up those Capitol switchboards this morning!… Read More

BLAKESLEE COUNTERS VILLINES ON 1A There are a number of key differences between outgoing Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines and his chosen successor, Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee. But the most start distinction worth mentioning now, as opposed to when the official handing of the conch shell takes place on June 1st, is their position on Proposition 1A on the May 19th Special Election ballot. Villines helped draft 1A, and has been advocating its passage. Blakeslee opposes it, and urges Californian’s to reject the measure and the $16 billion in higher taxes that are triggered if it were to pass.

As FR readers know quite well by now, the text of Proposition 1A contains a revenue "smoothing" measure designed to try and guide California politicians into saving money during good times to then have reserves to spend during tough times. There is a vibrant debate as to whether the… Read More

BLAKESLEE COUNTERS VILLINES ON 1A There are a number of key differences between outgoing Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines and his chosen successor, Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee. But the most start distinction worth mentioning now, as opposed to when the official handing of the conch shell takes place on June 1st, is their position on Proposition 1A on the May 19th Special Election ballot. Villines helped draft 1A, and has been advocating its passage. Blakeslee opposes it, and urges Californian’s to reject the measure and the $16 billion in higher taxes that are triggered if it were to pass. As FR readers know quite well by now, the text of Proposition 1A contains a revenue "smoothing" measure designed to try and guide California politicians into saving money during good times to then have reserves to spend during tough times. There is a vibrant debate as to whether the measure… Read More

Assemblyman Gilmore is front and center on the Wall Street Journal’s lead page today with a story about the coveted fifth floor capitol annex office he occupies.

A link to the story is here.

An office of distinction!… Read More

It may seem counter intuitive for me to be asking this question of Legislative Republicans, as opposed to the liberal Democrats that make up the majority of state legislators – but here it is – are you ready to make serious and deep cuts in state government spending?

I ask this question because as we can all see from the very serious funding shortfall that exists with the adopted budget, upwards of over $20 billion, there is a severe problem, and I think that it is fair to anticipate that California voters are going to reject not only new taxes, but also the various schemes on the ballot to throw more revenues at this problem. The message from the public will be clear – reduce state spending to available revenue.

I direct this commentary to Republicans because it is widely anticipated that the Governor will present a May Revision of the existing budget that includes some very tough spending cuts that will have a huge, material impact on the role and function of California government.

Republicans need to be ready to move beyond the talk, and embrace the cuts, and stand with the Governor when he is doing the right thing.

No one is saying… Read More