ARNOLD’S VISITS LEGISLATORS TODAY… EMPTY CHAIRS? OR A SMALLER TABLE? **Note, this morning I incorrectly reported that the Governor would be meeting with legislative Democrats today. That was in error (thanks Richard Costigan for the call, sorry for lighting up your phone this morning). I will bring it up with the Publisher….oh…wait…that’s me…. OK, I will be more dilgent at fact-checking next time…** Today, Governor Schwarzenegger is scheduled to spend some time meeting with Republican legislators…and his first observation might be – where are they? I’ve been talking or e-mailing… Read More

I hope that all FR readers will join me in welcoming Mr. Tom Ross to the talented group of folks that the FlashReport has assembled to help you digest California polical news. Tom, like the rest of the team, will be doing double duty — a least a couple times a week, he will bring you an insight, observation or more on something in the Sacramento area (loosely defined as stretching west-east from the Nut Tree (those of you who are out there know where this is) to the Cal-Neva hotel in Tahoe, and from Modesto to Lassen. So if you live in this area, feel free to send along your story ideas and tips to Tom or his evil-twin, Joe Justin our other Sacramento area blogger. His other duty will be, like the rest of us, to give us timely insights on statewide California political issues, or stuff going on out of his "turf". Tom’s first post is right below this, and you can click on the "i" next to his name to read more about his background, and tap the little envelope to send him a note!

Welcome aboard the team!

Jon Fleischman Publisher… Read More

I’m the last to claim that I am an OC insider, but I think that another look at State Senate seat 35 might be in order. As much as I respect Cunningham, Probolsky, and Fleischman as consummate players in OC, I also believe that their perspective on the race is biased. You see, I don’t think that these folks have ever gotten over the WAY Tom Harman was elected to the State Assembly. I also think these same folks, all of whom are friends, would rally around any candidate who challenged Harman and they thought was capable of beating him. I think that their opinions require a little balance (disclaimer: we are Tom’s consultants, and while I would never play my entire hand, I feel an obligation to at least show one card to get some balance).

A look at Tom’s actual votes in the Assembly demonstrates his Republican record. Lets use the California Republican Assembly’s rankings over the past few years, as an example. I don’t think… Read More

Four years ago only one Republican filed for the Board of Equalization’s Fourth District. The seat is now held by Democrat John Chiang and is heavily Democratic. It encompasses most of LA County (they left out the GOP areas) [Publisher’s note: Are there Republican areas of LA? – Flash]. The Republican nominee got 30% of the vote in the general election. Legislators Judy Chu and Jerome Horton are battling it outon the Democratic side. Chiang is term limited and running for a statewide office This year there are three candidates for the GOP side in what is turning into an interesting race for the Republican nomination. The lone Republican four years ago was businessman Glen Forsch. He is running again this year. He is a traditional conservative … Read More

SHADY BIDDING PROCESS TARNISHES CAPITOL SECURITY PROJECT They are getting ready to install a $6.8 million security fence around the state capitol. Last December, non-union contractors found out that if you aren’t a union-shoppe, you cannot even bid on the work. Is this because of a state policy? No. Was there a law passed? No. Was there a directive signed by the Governor? No. Today’s FlashReport features a an eye-opening exclusive column from Kevin Dayton of the Pacific Research Institute, who explores more about how this major state works project is being guided by legislators — promoting a narrow, ideological agenda. * FR Analysis on the Gov’s pick… Read More

You are reading the subject line of this post and saying "What?!". But it is true, for one night, the City of Fresno and San Joaquin Valley, best known as the raisin capital of the world, gateway to Yosemite, poverty capital of California and home of a pretty good football team, was for three glorious hours the cultural epicenter of the world. Why you ask? Last night over 20,000 sat in awe as the incomparable tenor Andrea Bocelli, in his only West Coast (not LA, not San Fran, not San Diego, not Seattle, not Portland, not Las Vegas, not Beverly Hills) stop on an eight city North American tour, took center stage at the upscale Save Mart Center in a stunning "Royal Christmas" performance that left every patron incredibly satisfied and wanting much more than Bocelli’s two generous encores could ever provide.

With the Royal Philharmonic Concert… Read More

In Orange County’s 35 State Senate District, there is a Special Election taking place to see who will succeed newly-elected Congressman John Campbell. The race is shaping to be a donnybrook between moderate GOP Assemblyman Tom Harman (moderate is probably generous) and Dana Point City Councilwoman Diane Harkey, who is more conservative in her views.

There will be a lot of coverage of this race, given that one of the FR blog team members, Duane Dichiara, is a lead consultant for Harman’s campaign, and of course there are three OC bloggers – Matt Cunningham, Adam Probolsky, and yours truly.Congressman.

In BREAKING NEWS — newly minted Congressman John Campbell has endorsed Diane Harkey… Here is the release…

Congressman John Campbell Endorses Diane Harkey

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It’s just been announced – "Tookie" Williams, who brutally murdered several people, and was sentenced to die….will be executed tomorrow morning at 12:01 a.m. Governor Schwarzenegger has denied a request to grant clemency.

While this may have been a deeply-thought out moral decision for the Governor, it also happens to be a decision that will sit well with the vast majority of California voters. Especially with Republicans.

Here is the AP story:

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger denied clemency to Stanley Tookie Williams, the former gang leader whose case stirred debate over capital punishment and the possibility of redemption… Read More