Tale of two Garrick's: RSF GOP Assemblyman stung by Bee for DUI yet perseveres (somehow)

(Garrick, the pride of Solana Beach, pled guilty to being twice as drunk as the legal limit while trying to drive into the state Capitol one balmy day last summer. Yet, he continues to serve out his term with...honor??? Just end it buddy -- Ah-Ha)

Editorial: Lawmakers who break our laws shouldn't get a break

Californians should expect their lawmakers to not only make laws, but follow them. Lately, several in the Legislature have been accused of serious breaches – a trend that is generating far too little alarm in the Capitol.

 In June, Assemblyman Martin Garrick, a Republican from Solana Beach, was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving.

A blood test later found that Garrick had a blood- alcohol level of 0.15 percent – nearly twice the state's legal limit for driving.

(Photo left: Garrick at Mille Fleurs fundraiser where they served mixed drinks and wine and he drove home.)

In October, Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi, a Democrat from Castro Valley, was arrested on suspicion of felony grand theft. She has pleaded not guilty to stealing $2,500 in clothing from a San Francisco department store, claiming she absentmindedly stepped outside with merchandise while taking a cellphone call.

Then, on Wednesday, Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, a Republican from Twin Peaks, was cited on a misdemeanor charge of carrying a loaded .45-caliber handgun into Ontario International Airport.He faces a maximum punishment of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine, and could face larger fines from the Transportation Security Administration.

We're sorry. If you are unaware you are carrying a loaded gun, you shouldn't be carrying one in the first place.

Donnelly is also being less than forthright about whether he had a concealed weapons permit. San Bernardino County officials say they have no record of such a permit. Donnelly needs to answer the question: Did he have a permit or not?

Garrick pleaded no contest to the DUI charge, losing his license for four months. Hayashi and Donnelly will have their day in court.

Yet regardless of outcomes, these recent arrests raise questions about whether authorities are giving California lawmakers preferential treatment.

When Garrick was pulled over, the California Highway Patrol cited and released him, allowing the lawmaker to avoid a night in jail – the usual outcome for misdemeanor DUI suspects. Donnelly also avoided arrest and jail, unlike Shaun Rogers, a Cleveland Browns nose tackle, who was taken to jail in 2010 after the TSA found a handgun in his carry-on bag at an Ohio airport.

Lawmakers who drive drunk, take merchandise out of stores or bring a loaded gun into airports shouldn't be treated lightly.

If authorities want to deter normal citizens from breaking laws, they should set an example with lawmakers who take oaths to uphold them.

State Rep.Martin Garrick, R-Solana Beach, pleads no contest to drunken driving charges

Assemblyman Martin Garrick, R-Solana Beach, will lose his driver's license for four months and perform 48 hours of community service after pleading no contest today to drunken driving charges.

Three California Highway Patrol officers arrested Garrick on June 15 after they saw him speed past a stop sign and red traffic lights near the Capitol. Garrick's plea came more than two weeks before his scheduled Aug. 15 court hearing.

"I have accepted responsibility for my actions and apologized to family, friends and constituents," Garrick said in a statement late Friday. "I will now take the necessary steps to resolve this incident and immediately begin the process of complying with the judgment."

A blood test revealed Garrick had a blood-alcohol level nearly twice the legal limit of 0.08 percent on the night he was arrested. Officers never booked the former Assembly GOP leader into jail because they said in an arrest report that he was suffering from severe vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pains. Garrick's attorney, Don Heller, said Garrick had contracted a stomach flu earlier in the day. An Assembly sergeant-at-arms drove Garrick home.

In addition to the driver's license suspension and community service, Garrick must pay fines and fees totaling $2,416.01 and must log 30 hours at a three-month alcohol treatment program, according to court documents cited in the release.

Full CHP report on Assemblyman Garrick, R-Solana Beach June 15 DUI arrest at state Capitol.

Report Shows Assemblyman Ignored Officers Before DUI Arrest

KCRA-TV, Channel 3, the Sacramento NBC affiliate has reprinted the entire Garrick arrest report. Read Full Report Here...

  SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Assemblyman Martin Garrick ignored CHP officers and sped through two stop lights and a stop sign before his arrest for DUI charged on June 15th, according to a CHP report.

A newly released report by the California Highway Patrol provides details of his arrest.

The report states that after Garrick passed two officers on foot who tried to waive him down he, "accelerated at a high rate of speed".

Aftere following Garrick into the state Capitol parking garage an officer stood by Garrick's driver side window while the Solana Beach republican, "ignored my presence", the report said.

Garrick told officers he drove fast because he was having severe stomach pain and diarrhea. He said he’d just an eaten a spaghetti and meatballs dinner at a friend’s home in Sacramento’s Land Park neighborhood along with three glasses of red wine. 

Read Full Report

The report states the Assemblyman denied feeling intoxicated but proceeded to fail five different field sobriety tests. Blood testing later revealed his blood alcohol level at 0.15, nearly twice the legal limit.

After being arrested he was taken to the Sacramento County jail where he, "continued to regurgitate and vomit into a trash can."

The report says Garrick agreed to a blood test. He was taken to the CHP's capitol office for a blood draw over an hour after his arrest.

The CHP report says Garrick was released to the custody of Derek Radey of the Assembly Special Services Unit by 11:30 p.m., ninety minutes after his arrest.

The arresting officer noted he released Garrick because of his, "condition and the possibility of an extended examination at a local hospital."

The report does not say whether Garrick was actually taken to a hospital or driven to his home.

REPORT SHOWS TOBACCO INTERESTS SPENT NEARLY $100 MILLION IN LAST DECADE TO BUY ELECTIONS...

Assemblyman Martin Garrick, R-Solana Beach, as Republican Leader, took the second-most tobacco pay-offs, totaling $15,600 in 2009-10. Over a longer period, 2003-10, Mark Wyland, R-Solana Beach, took in the most tobacco money among current local lawmakers, $47,743. He is the longest serving local Republican in the Legislature, once an assemblyman now a senator...Cigarette makers and distributors contributed $6.5 million to California state candidates in 2009-10, a $4.5 million increase over the 2007-2008 election cycle...The industry also spent $2.76 million on lobbying, much of it dedicated to defeating new tobacco taxes.

TOBACCO MONEY REPORT SHOWS TOBACCO INTERESTS SPENT NEARLY $100 MILLION IN THE LAST DECADE TO INFLUENCE CALIFORNIA ELECTIONS AND LEGISLATIVE POLICY

The American Lung Association in California's Center for Tobacco Policy & Organizing releases a new report on campaign contributions and lobbying expenditures by tobacco interests

July 19, 2011 (Sacramento, CA)   Tobacco interests spent a total of $9.3 million on campaign contributions and lobbying in California during the 2009-2010 election cycle and have spent nearly $100 million over the last decade, according to a new report by the Center for Tobacco Policy & Organizing, a project of the American Lung Association in California.  

"Big Tobacco continues to use its vast financial resources for campaign contributions and lobbying expenditures to oppose bills and ballot initiatives that would benefit public health by reducing tobacco use," said Jane Warner, President & CEO of the American Lung Association in California.   

Tobacco Money in California Politics shows that tobacco interests contributed more than $6.56 million to candidates and members of the California Legislature, constitutional officers and political committees and spent $2.76 million on lobbying expenditures during the 2009-2010 election cycle.

The data used in producing Tobacco Money in California Politics is derived from the semiannual contribution reports and the quarterly lobbying reports filed by the tobacco interests with the Secretary of State that cover the period January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010.

Highlights from Tobacco Money in California Politics include:

• Sixty percent of the total contributions made during the 2009-2010 election cycle were to political committees in support of Proposition 26 and in opposition to Proposition 25, which were both passed by California voters in the November 2010 general election.  Proposition 25 changed the vote requirement for passing a state budget from a two-thirds vote to a simple majority and Proposition 26 reclassified many types of fees as taxes, subjecting them to a two-thirds vote requirement.
  
  
• Of the 122 state legislators (more than 120 due to vacancies and special elections), tobacco interests made campaign contributions to 59 members, or 48 percent, similar to the total from pervious election cycles.
• Philip Morris USA Inc. spent more than $750,000 on lobbying in the second quarter of 2009 (April through June), a record amount for lobbying expenditures in one quarter by any tobacco interest over the last decade.  During those three months, the legislature voted on two budget bills that contained a tobacco tax increase and another tobacco tax bill that was moving forward in the legislative process.

"The numbers in this report are clear, Big Tobacco is spending to protect their vast financial interests in California," Paul Knepprath, Vice President of Advocacy and Health Initiatives, American Lung Association in California. "Despite the tobacco industry spending millions, smoking rates continue to drop and the state and local governments continue to pass policies that reduce tobacco's impact on our state."

A full copy of Tobacco Money in California Politics is available atwww.Center4TobaccoPolicy.org/tobaccomoney. The Center also maintains a searchable database of campaign contributions that the public can use to learn if their own State Assembly Member or Senator received campaign contributions available at www.Center4TobaccoPolicy.org/database

 Below are the report documents, as well as a database of campaign contributions to Members of the California Legislature that contains data from the 2001-2002 election cycle to the present and is searchable by name, legislative district and county.

Tobacco money to sitting lawmakers 2003-2010*

• Senator/Assemblyman Mark Wyland, R-Solana Beach, $47,743

• Senator/Assemblywoman Mimi Walters, R-Lake Forest, $30,600

• Assemblyman Martin Garrick, R-Solana Beach, $29,100

• Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher, R-San Diego, $25,100

• Senator/Assemblyman Joel Anderson, R-La Mesa, $23,900

• Assemblyman Kevin Jeffries, R-Lake Elsinore, $20,300

• Assemblywoman Diane Harkey, R-Dana Point, $19,000

• Assemblyman Brian Jones, R-Santee, $3,900

*Some numbers reflect donations for different offices and can vary by number of years in office. No sitting Democrat from San Diego County received direct contributions.

Source: American Lung Association inCalifornia

Tobacco Money in California Politics

Tobacco Money in California Politics: Highlights of the Report

Tobacco Money in California Politics: A Decade of Influence

Database of Campaign Contributions of Tobacco Interests 

Press Release

Below are past tobacco money reports:

2009-2010 Election Cycle

Lobbying Expenditures of Tobacco Interests in California: January 2009 - March 2010 

Campaign Contributions and Lobbying Expenditures of Tobacco Interests in California: January-December 2009

Lobbying Expenditures of Tobacco Interests in California: January-September 2009 

Campaign Contributions and Lobbying Expenditures of Tobacco Interests in California: January-June 2009

Lobbying Expenditures of Tobacco Interests in California: January-March 2009

2007-2008 Election Cycle

Tobacco Money in California Politics: Report for the 2007-2008 Election Cycle

Tobacco Money in California Politics: Highlights of the Report 

Lobbying Expenditures of Tobacco Interests in California: January 2007 - September 2008

Campaign Contributions and Lobbying Expenditures of Tobacco Interests in California: January 2007 - June 2008

Lobbying Expenditures of Tobacco Interests in California: January 2007 - March 2008

Campaign Contributions and Lobbying Expenditures of Tobacco Interests in California: January- December 2007

Lobbying Expenditures of Tobacco Interests in California: January-September 2007

Campaign Contributions and Lobbying Expenditures of Tobacco Interests in California: January-June 2007

Lobbying Expenditures of Tobacco Interests in California: January-March 2007

2005-2006 Election Cycle

Tobacco Money in California Politics: Report for 2005-2006 Election Cycle

Lobbying Expenditures of Tobacco Interests in California: January 2009 - September 2010 

Campaign Contributions and Lobbying Expenditures of Tobacco Interests in California: January 2009 - June 2010

Assemblyman Martin Garrick, R-Solana Beach was too sick to be held in jail when busted for DUI, report says 

Assemblyman Martin Garrick (Photo left at Mille Fleurs fundraiser) was quickly released from custody after being cited on suspicion of drunken driving last month because he was severely sick, an arrest report released Thursday shows, according to the Sacramento Bee 'Capitol Alert' blog. Visit the 'Capitol Alert' here for more polticial coverage.

Vomiting and suffering from stomach pains and diarrhea, the Solana Beach Republican could barely produce a measurable breath test., said the Bee's Paresh Dave. "He eventually agreed to a blood test, which later revealed his blood-alcohol level was nearly twice the legal limit of 0.08 percent. California Highway Patrol officers released him into the custody of an Assembly sergeant-at-arms." Garrick's arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 15.

Three bicycle officers flagged him down June 15 just before 10 p.m. when they saw him speed past a stop sign at 11th and O streets. He eventually drove his state-owned vehicle into the Capitol garage before officers tracked him down as he left the car. They described Garrick as having "slurred mumbled" speech, a "strong" scent of alcohol and "red, watery" eyes.

Garrick told officers he had been eating spaghetti, meatballs and bread at a friend's house. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Garrick said he had three glasses of red wine during the course of the previous three hours. He struggled through field sobriety tests.

The report says Garrick "denied feeling intoxicated at the time of the stop and stated he was driving expeditiously because he was having severe stomach pain and diarrhea."

Officers took him to Sacramento County's main jail to get a chemical sample of his breath, but ultimately had to take a blood sample.

The arresting CHP officer ultimately determined that "due to Garrick's condition and the possibility of an extended examination at a local hospital," a member of the Assembly's special services unit would provide for Garrick's safety, the report said.

For more Ah-Ha Rancho Santa Fe News coverage, visit YOU'VE BEEN WEINERED! -- Rep. Martin Garrick, R-Solana Beach, arrested for DUI at SacCity.

YOU'VE BEEN WEINERED! -- Rep. Martin Garrick, R-Solana Beach, arrested for DUI at SacCity, according to reports confirmed by his office. He was trying to drive into the state Capitol building after 9 p.m. when...

The Sacramento Bee is reporting that California's former Assembly Republican leader was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving after his state car allegedly was observed speeding Wednesday night in downtown Sacramento.

(Photo: Garrick with former Gov. Schwarzenegger and Nancy Reagan at Ronald Reagan 100th year birthday commission announcement at the Reagan Library. Garrick, arrested on suspicion of DUI, sponsored legislation in the state Assembly called "Sara's Law" AB 182, that would have deported illegal immigrants if they were found guilty of DUI. Should Garrick be deported to a rehab center, at least? You decide.)

Martin Garrick, R-Solana Beach, did not attend today's Assembly floor session but released a written statement, saying that driving after drinking alcohol is dangerous and apologizing for his "lapse of judgment," according to the Sacramento Bee. He was alone and headed home at the time, he said.

"I apologize to my family for the embarrassment I have caused them, and I hope they will forgive me for my actions," he said. "I also apologize to my constituents. They have the right to hold their elected representative to a high standard, and I regret that it was one I failed to meet last night."

"I will strive to never let them down again. Last night's incident was isolated, but it served as a stark wake-up call. I promise my family and my constituents in the 74th District that I will never drink and drive again."

Assemblywoman Connie Conway, a Tulare Republican who replaced Garrick as Assembly GOP leader this year, said she was unaware of the details but "my heart and prayers go out to Mr. Garrick and his family during this difficult time."

"We all understand how serious these situations can be," she said.

California Highway Patrol reports said that Garrick was spotted by bicycle officers traveling north on 11th Street at about 45 mph -- 20 mph over the posted speed -- shortly after 9:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Garrick failed to obey a stop sign at O Street, failed to acknowledge officers who were asking him to stop, and proceeded to make a right turn at N Street and drive into the Capitol basement, said Sean Kennedy, CHP spokesman.

The CHP bicycle officers followed Garrick to the Capitol, observed signs of intoxication, conducted field sobriety and chemical tests, then cited and released the legislator on a charge of drunken driving, Kennedy said.

Kennedy declined to discuss why Garrick was not booked into Sacramento County Jail. He said the law precluded him from elaborating other than to say it had nothing to do with his status as a state official.

Elected to the Assembly in 2006, Garrick will be termed out next year. He served briefly as Assembly GOP leader before stepping down last year.

Garrick's arrest Wednesday came hours after the Legislature approved a state budget, through a majority vote by Democrats, after months of bickering between the state's two major parties. Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed that budget plan today.

The former Assembly Republican leader was elected to the Assembly in 2006 and will be termed out next year. He represents the 74th District including Carlsbad, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos, Vista, and portions of San Diego, Escondido and Oceanside.

State Assemblyman Martin Garrick forms exploratory committee for state Senate bid

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss department?

State Rep. Martin Garrick, R-Solana Beach, this week announced he was forming an exploratory committee to pursue the 38th state Senate District seat being vacated in 2014 by close friend, and confidante, Mark Wyland, R-Escondido, who must leave due to state term limits.

Garrick must vacate the 74th state Assembly District due to -- guess what -- term limits.

San Diego Rostra, a Republican Party advocacy blog, is reporting the move.

"Garrick’s campaigns have been helmed by Revolvis consulting, which is led by Duane Dichiara and Jason Roe of San Diego.

Garrick rose to become the Assembly Minority leader last year and proudly wears the label of “Reagan Republican.”

-- Jim Sillis, San Diego Rostra

Going Political: U.S. Rep. Bilbray House votes to extend Patriot Act; state Rep. Garrick survey bad news for city of Del Mar proposed Fairgrounds purchase... 

SPECIAL BONUS PLAY. LEARN MORE ABOUT FILIBUSTERS COURTESY OF JOSH KALVEN'S DYNAMIC NEWSBOUND HIGH CONCEPT GROUNDBREAKING EXPLORATORY WEB SITE. FOR MORE VISIT HERE...

Filibustery: Episode One from Newsbound on Vimeo.

SURVEY SEZ: Hands off Fairgrounds, city of Del Mar...

 This report presents the findings of a survey I conducted in my district regarding proposed legislation to sell the Del Mar Fairgrounds and race track -- California Assemblyman Martin Garrick, R-Solana Beach. 

SURVEY RESULTS

Del Mar Fairgrounds and Race Track Sale

This report presents the findings of a survey I conducted in my district regarding proposed legislation to sell the Del Mar Fairgrounds and race track. The purpose of the survey was to provide constituents with an opportunity to share their thoughts on the potential sale of the venue to the City of Del Mar for $120 million.

Back in October 2010, my office was inundated with callers who discovered that the City of Del Mar worked out a deal with former Governor Schwarzenegger to buy the 400-plus acre property from the state.  While that deal failed, Senator Christine Kehoe recently introduced SB 1, which authorizes the sale and is currently circulating in the state legislature.

Reports of the possible sale of the fairgrounds struck a deep, emotional chord with many citizens who shared their affection for this regional treasure. Many who conduct business at the site felt their income would be lost while others emphasized their desire for a more open and transparent process.

A total of 4,497 survey responses were submitted and the findings are summarized below.

With 71% of respondents opposed to the sale, it was overwhelmingly clear that most citizens did not want the state to sell the Fairgrounds to the City of Del Mar.

  81% of constituents felt that they should be able to weigh in on any proposed sale.

   71% of respondents were highly concerned about private investors deciding the fate of this regional asset.

   When asked who should manage the Fairgrounds, a majority responded that the State of California should continue to operate it through the 22nd DAA.

   Not surprisingly, 77% felt that horseracing should continue on the property.

I will continue to share updates on legislation and the proposed sale of the Del Mar Fairgrounds as additional details become known.

In this Congress.org MegaVote for California's 50th Congressional District: Recent Congressional Votes Upcoming Congressional Bills For more from Congress.org, visit here...

Recent House Votes

Patriot Act Extensions - Vote Failed (277-148, 9 Not Voting) Under a vote that required a two-thirds majority, the House failed to pass this bill that would extend through Dec. 8, 2011, three provisions of the anti-terrorism law known as the Patriot Act. The bill is likely to be voted on this week under regular voting procedures. Rep. Brian Bilbray voted YES......send e-mail or see bio  United Nations Tax Equalization Refund Act - Vote Failed (259-169, 6 Not Voting) Under a vote that required a two-thirds majority, the House failed to pass this bill that would establish as United States policy that the United Nations should return $179 million overpaid into the U.N. Tax Equalization Fund as of Dec. 31, 2009, and that the U.S. should press the U.N. to change its fund assessment procedures to reduce discrepancies. The future of the bill is unclear. Rep. Brian Bilbray voted Not Voting......send e-mail or see bio

EDITOR'S DESK: Elucidating and repudiating the myths of Ronald Reagan's legacy

Ah-Ha Rancho Santa Fe News last year published a package, including story, video and photo, about the unveiling of the Reagan Centennial at the Reagan Presidential Library. Link to our story: http://bit.ly/949ywl.

Rancho Santa Fe state Rep. Martin Garrick, also the firmer state Assembly Republican leader, sponsored the assembly bill creating a privately-funded, Reagan Centennial Commission. This group made plans to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 40th president's birth, which was on Feb. 6, 1911.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the bill with Nancy Reagan and a group of dignitaries on hand. Mr. Garrick, a former Reagan aide, also addressed the group.

The event gave me great pause. A lot of what people were saying, as is their right, I found misstated. As myself, and others, including most historians, attest, much of what has seeped into the public consciousness about Reagan, and his presidency, is political myth rather than historical fact.

In discussing the Reagan years this week, we offered Mr. Garrick the opportunity to present his case, while I presented mine. Mr. Garrick declined, his office citing continued work trying to balance California's $19 billion budget deficit as the reason.

Fair enough, however, here is my take on the Reagan years. As a courtesy, following my column, I've reprinted the remarks Mr. Garrick made addressing the Reagan years at the Reagan Presidential Library.

Enjoy!

-- Editor (that's me) note. Dan Weisman

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ELUCIDATING AND REPUDIATING RONALD REAGAN'S LEGACY

-- Dan Weisman, Ah-Ha Rancho Santa Fe founder/editor

With all due respect, the overblown hype surrounding Ronald Reagan's presidency on the part of Republican stalwarts is long overdue for a much needed reality check and historical correction.

Reagan's legacy of eliminating government and empowering self-interest -- and by extension, greed -- of neglecting the many rungs of society in favor of "trickle-down" chimeras ultimately is what brought America to its current condition, on the mat and greatly in need of a massive makeover.

The so-called "Reagan Revolution" was nothing more than an attempt by those with power and money to keep what they have and get as much more as possible. Obviously, it worked well for them since the disparity of wealth from rich to poor is the greatest in U.S. history since the 1880s, the Gilded Age when excess ruled, and the 1920s, followed as it were by the correction of the Great Depression.

Another great correction is in order. It needs to take place in all aspects of American life, from the externalities of government and the use of power to the very innards of the American soul.

Part of this process is calling out history, placing proper perspective on historical facts rather than political fictions.

One of the biggest fictions of all is this attempt by ultra-conservative partisans to paint the Reagan administration and Reagan years as a time of great achievement and template for society.

Let us examine the actualities and their consequences as we debunk the Reagan mythology that brought us to this moment of economic ruin and foreign adventurism.

Reagan and the cult of personality

Reagan had the force of personality perfect, as it turned out, for the newly emerging age of mass communication where picture trumped platform. Even he joked often about his B-movie career that morphed into leadership of the actor's union and a huge popularity bump as television host.

Reagan's purely political career took off as he prominently supported Richard Nixon in 1960, then very actively campaigned on behalf of Barry Goldwater's 1964 reactionary push-back to equal rights at home and morality in foreign affairs. Those speeches and campaigning on Goldwater's behalf catapulted Reagan to national political prominence.

Running against an unpopular California governor, riding the backlash against the University of California Berkeley free speech movement, as well as minorities and so-called permissive liberals, Reagan won a million vote landslide in 1966.

Fast-forwarding past LBJ and Vietnam, Nixon and Watergate, the Reagan public relations machine emerged as the conservative alternative to progressive thought in the 1970s. But that, in itself, was not enough to get past public perception of him as an actor turned political wannabe with credibility issues.

Reagan very narrowly failed to dislodge Gerald Ford as Republican standard-bearer in 1976, not surprising since Ford had the power of the presidency at his back. But that campaign, followed by the ambiguity and lack of focus of the Carter presidency put Reagan in the catbird's seat for a 1980 presidential run.

Two events in 1979 set the stage for Reagan's ascension to the presidency. Neither had anything to do with his so-called philosophy, personal charisma or political competence.

The Arab oil crisis resulting in massive gasoline shortages, lines and rationing coupled with the storming of the U.S. Embassy in Teheran completely derailed an already shaky Carter administration.

While Reagan can't be implicated in the energy crisis, we now know there was an arms-for-hostages quid pro quo allowing that all-consuming issue to fester during the 1980 presidential campaign, virtually ensuring Reagan's election. He got 51 percent of the vote. The hostages, in fact, were released mere minutes after he took the oath of office, Jan. 20, 1981.

 Lessons of the 1980s

The 1980 election had nothing to do with conservative philosophy or the desire of Americans to dismantle the FDR-JFK-LBJ legacy of a government helping people, working with people to improve their lot. But the American people got the Reagan acolytes and their cynically selective use of government to suit their own purposes, mainly greed and the permanent retention of political power.

The 1980s are widely recognized as an era of excess, Wall Street run amuck, so famously encapsulated in Oliver Stone's Gordon Gecko "greed is good" mantra. In most matters political, the Reaganites talked about government being the problem with private enterprise the solution.

Again in fact, that governmental disdain only went so far. It went as far as the poor and disenfranchised as the Reagan administration curtailed programs costing pennies to aid the unfortunate and downtrodden, even as it spent massive dollars on defense including harebrained missile systems that never worked, but cost billions.

For all their talk about ending government interference in people's lives, the Reaganites sought to use government to enforce their concepts of morality, perhaps best personified by their simplistic, even racist Just Say No drug campaigns targeting minorities.

The Reagan years can be appreciated all the better in retrospect. The Cold War provided an external threat distracting people from internal problems, a sort of sleight-of-political-hand job. Reagan's powerful personality and simplistic world view allowed his minions to overcome potential economic disconnects with working class and middle-class White voters who proved the difference-makers in keeping him in office. Demographics, while changing, continued to favor older, more conservative candidates. The Democratic Party was in disarray.

A 1984 election landslide gave the Reagan "Revolution", rather a counter-revolution, the numbers in Washington to do as they would. They carried on well enough even to elect George Bush, our first, who was, people forget, a fairly unpopular figure at the time. But the Reagan apparatus, dedicated to preserving influence, rode the Reagan name into a figurative third term.

 The Reagan "Tear down this wall" Berlin myth debunked: Reagan to Bush I to what?

We can appreciate now the entire sequence of Reagan-to-Bush I had nothing to do with the proposition government was evil and should get out of people's lives, as hypocritical as was that position. All today agree many people voted for the public, and popular, image of Reaganism, even when it ran counter to their own economic self-interest.

Masters of public relations, in effect turning around the Nixon mistakes with a vision of self-aggrandizement, the Reagan PR machine churned out messages fine-tuned to their target audience, whether, or not, the message had a basis in actuality.

Coincidental with all this, the Soviet Union collapsed. This was a result of decades of internal pressure, and a geopolitical grasp loosened by Pope John Paul II and the Solidarity Movement in Poland that swiftly altered the political equation throughout Eastern Europe. The removal of the imbalance of economic design propping up Sovietism through its Eastern European colonies caused its demise, not Reagan policies.

Perhaps the greatest myth of all about this time period is that the "Bring down this wall" speech given by Reagan at the Berlin Wall on June 12, 1987 somehow was responsible for the wall coming down.

Indeed, the Reagan Presidential Library video promoting the recently instituted privately-funded Reagan Centennial Commission to plan events celebrating the birth of the 40th president, which happened Feb. 6, 1911, showed Reagan's famous speech excerpt followed immediately by video of the Berlin Wall being taken down.

The wall came down more than two years after the speech and the speech had nothing to do with it. In fact, Reagan never saw the wall fall during his presidency.

As every historian acknowledges, and people at the time knew, the wall came down by accident. Bush I famously is documented at the Oval Office, acknowledging later in interviews, being completely surprised by the event, meeting with advisors who didn't know how to respond. They did nothing at the time, fearing any action would damage relations with the Soviet Union, which were improving rapidly due to Gorbachev's policy of Glasnost, or openness.

This is what actually happened: The East German government, due to pressures surrounding the collapse of Soviet-organized Eastern Block governments, as well as internal pressures, decided to allow a trickle of refugees to go to the West.

Many refugees very publicly were escaping through Austria at newly opened Hungarian borders as well as, a bit later, newly opened Czechoslovakian border crossings, and through other means. This created a tremendous public perception problem for the iron-fist government.

Meanwhile, East German public protests fueled by students, emboldened by the example of Chinese students at Tienanmen Square a few months earlier, were gaining traction. Statements by military officials they would shoot protestors in the streets a'la the Chinese military response, created widespread consternation on the part of citizens as well as many government leaders.

East German leaders decided to create an orderly process whereby a few refugees could pass through the Brandenberg Gate to West Berlin.

However, a wild accident of history took place at the news conference announcing the policy. The East German official announcing the policy -- actually, a lower-level press functionary -- took questions from journalists. One journalist asked if this new policy meant East Germans were free to go to the West. Without thinking, the official simply said yes, the wall is open, not repeating the information about the orderly, government-controlled exit plan.

East Germans flocked to the Berlin Wall in incredible numbers as word immediately got out about this amazing statement. Within days, not only did the massive number of people overwhelm border guards, but most guards joined the movement.

The East German goverment effectively had collapsed and the people tore down the wall around Nov. 9, 1989, more than two years after the Reagan speech. Not one person on the ground at that time cited Reagan's speech as a factor in any way.

As historical accidents would have it

However, due to the historical accident of Reagan happening to be president around that time, and the landmark removal of the Berlin Wall, the Reagan-Bush PR machine claimed they had won the Cold War. This extreme fallacy continues to be a pillar in the Reagan and GOP mythology, although most historians know better.

Bush I couldn't overcome his own lack of popularity and lack of achievement in 1992. Bill Clinton brilliantly coupled more traditional Democratic Party advantages in what we now call blue states with a favorite son pull in Southern red states into a powerful win.

While we may continue to argue about Clinton as liberal v. conservative in values, we can not dispute a more natural return to government as a tool to aid people rather than enemy during his terms in office. Clinton's downfall in effectiveness had nothing to do with this philosophy. It had everything to do with issues of morality and Republican Party partisanship, cynically using personal issues to regain their stranglehold on power in order to generate personal or collegial gain.

Which brings us to George W. Bush III. In an America deeply divided by personal politics, not philosophy, Bush lost the popular vote, but won the presidency through the 18th Century device of an overriding electoral college, and a one vote Supreme Court decision.

Bush, the lately, didn't win in the least on a mandate of dismantling government to its very core. But that's who, and what, we got along with a Republican majority in Congress, whose disastrous legacy we now are in the process of possibly unraveling, although yet another arcane rule of law allowing 40-vote filibusters in the U.S. Senate has stalled progress.

And now, the future

The Bush years of government neglect have ended. This horrific group encouraged the seeds of economic greed and ruin, massively debilitating federal debt, public and foreign policy drift, disgrace and tortuous political and personal immorality; not to mention legacy of torture as policy, Katrina, lying the nation into war, spying without authorization on its own citizens, disregard for the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution and, well, a seemingly endless list of malfeasance, misfeasance and whatever other nonfeasance we now know or will discover in time.

The Reagan "government is the problem" mantra was never the sentiment of the American people. Government is an important, overwhelming force that can be a wave lifting up the people when applied with honesty, intelligence and good purpose.

Government is not the problem. It is the grand hope. Just ask our Founding Fathers who gave us a Constitution creating a more perfect union on Sept. 17, 1787. Just  ask Joe Workingman and Jane Workingwoman who desperately need its help today.

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Assembly Republican Leader Martin Garrick 

Prepared Remarks -- Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Bill Signing Ceremony Wednesday, July 28, 2010:

Thank you Governor.

Mrs. Reagan.  It’s almost surreal for me to be standing here next to you to honor one of my heroes. 

It is truly an honor for me to share the stage with you.

Thank you to everyone at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library for all that you do. 

To all my friends and fellow Reaganites in the audience - we need to get together more often!

I spoke at a graduation ceremony last month for the Army & Navy Academy in my district. 

As I prepared to address a group of cadets and their families, I thought about the first time I heard Ronald Reagan speak in person.

It was at the Marlboro High School graduation in Los Angeles in 1974, the last year he was Governor. 

In this speech, the Great Communicator spoke of the price of freedom in America.  

He spoke of a golden hope for mankind.  And he spoke of American exceptionalism in the face of socialism and communism. 

He reminded the graduating students that his generation had gone from a horse and buggy to the moon! 

He also noted that he, then at the age of 63, had already lived 10 years longer than his life expectancy at birth. This – he joked – was: “a source of aggravation in certain circles…”

Governor Reagan’s speech left quite a mark on me as a young man, then only 21 years old, and on the rest of the audience.  Little did we know at the time just how much this great leader would achieve for our state and our nation in his lifetime.

Six years after this speech, I was fortunate enough to join forces with some of the faces that I see in the crowd today.

It was one of the greatest honors of my life to work on the President’s 1980 campaign, on his White House transition team, and in his Administration.

Today I am deeply honored to be able to play a role in honoring Ronald Reagan’s legacy as a Californian and an American.

As you know, President Reagan was California’s first -- “Movie Star Governor.”  He starred in 53 films during his career.  Now how many have you starred in Governor . . . 30?  I think you have some catching up to do….

But he did more than just conquer Hollywood.

He is the first, and only, person to serve as Governor of California and President of the United States.  He handed over the Horseshoe to Jerry Brown … and took over the Oval Office from Jimmy Carter.  Even though his political opponents set a very low bar… he far exceeded any and all expectations.

President Reagan inherited a country stuck in stagnation, and unleashed the greatest peacetime economic expansion in American history. 

He dared to dream not only of a peaceful end to the Cold War, but also the destruction of the Evil Empire. And he achieved both.  Within a year of leaving office, the Berlin Wall came down . . . and Soviet Communism crumbled.

President Reagan restored pride and power to our military.  He once again made our nation a beacon of hope, freedom and opportunity for all of the world. 

February 6, 2011, will mark the 100^th Anniversary of Ronald Reagan’s birth. 

Assembly Bill 1911, with the Governor’s signature, creates California’s Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission.  It will celebrate and honor one of the most influential Californians and Americans in history.

In keeping with President Reagan’s distrust of big government, we made sure that this bill won’t use taxpayer dollars and won’t grow the bureaucracy!

Just as Ronald Reagan taught the next generation about the greatness of America, 

I look forward to helping to teach future generations about Ronald Reagan’s character, optimism, ideals, and enduring legacy.

This commission – and the celebration of his 100^th birthday – will help us ensure President’s Reagan’s proper role in history.  Thank you very much.

Let Rancho Santa Fe's 74th California Assembly District Speculation Begin: Hodges announces; Waldron, Emblem, Muir?

A comprehensive first look into the race to succeed Martin Garrick, of Solana Beach, who is in his final term in the State Assembly..

EDITOR'S NOTE: 

 Retired 16-year La Mesa councilman Barry Jantz has become an active conservative blogger. He turned his sights, and sites, Tuesday, Feb. 8 to the unfolding, and enfolding, question of who will succeed Martin Garrick as representative of the 74th California Assembly District.

Garrick, of Solana Beach, the former Republican caucus leader, is retiring due to term limits. So is the 74th District for that matter. A special people's commission will redraw state districts based on the 2010 census.

Let the speculation begin then.

Jantz looks at the race from the Republican perspective in a redrawn 74th District, or its equivalent across Rancho Santa Fe and North County.

On the Democratic side, many analysts believe the front-runner is Tracy Emblem, an Escondido attorney who ran a strong first race in the 50th Congressional District last year and has a column at Ah-Ha Rancho Santa Fe News.

For more from Jantz, follow his Twitter account  at http://twitter.com/#!/barryjantz which provides links to his various blogs.

-- Dan Weisman

Hodges First to Announce in Garrick’s Term-Limited 74th Assembly District — Are there Other Possible Contenders?

An open Assembly district would typically have a host of “for sure” candidates at least talking themselves up at this point, but with redistricting looming many are hesitant to say anything about a seat they’re not sure will include their homes, nor even guaranteed the number “74.”

The exception is Hodges, who on Friday confirmed that she will announce her campaign on February 17.  The move may result in some other currently cautious potential candidates to get more aggressive about their intentions, even if it may mean the reapportionment rug getting pulled out from below their places of residence later this year.

 Sherry Hodges’ Support and Background

Hodges has not so quietly worked the area hard the last several months.  She released a list of supporters, proving she has wasted little time on the proverbial endorsement drill.  She reports she has locked up State Senators Mimi Walters, Tony Strickland and Ray Haynes, Assemblymembers Diane Harkey and Jim Silva, and County Treasurer Dan McAllister.

She also notes she has the support of a number of local officials, some of whom might otherwise have been considered contenders for the seat themselves.  The list includes Mayors Matt Hall of Carlsbad, Jim Desmond of San Marcos, Judy Ritter of Vista, and Encinitas’ Jim Bond, as well as City Councilmembers Ann Kulchin (Carlsbad), Rebecca Jones and Kristal Jabara (San Marcos), John Aguilar (Vista), Kristin Gaspar (Encinitas), Jerry Kern, Gary Felien and Jack Feller (all of Oceanside), San Diego County Republican Party 1st Vice President Mike McSweeney, and Republican activist Mindy Fletcher.

Hodges started work as chief of staff to Assemblywoman Diane Harkey in neighboring AD 73 just last week, after serving as district director in Garrick’s office. She has also worked for then-Assemblyman Mark Wyland and as then-Assemblywoman Mimi Walters’ district director, also assisting Walters in her election to the State Senate.

From 1990 to 1994, Hodges served on the San Dieguito Union High School Board, where she gained a reputation rallying parents and community groups to fight against tax increases and to advocate for higher academic standards.  In 1995, State Assemblyman Howard Kaloogian honored her as his “Woman of the Year.”

Hodges currently represents AD 74 on the Republican Central Committee, also serving as 2nd Vice Chair of the Party.  She resides in Encinitas with her husband of over 30 years, and is the mother of four grown children.

“My background and passion comes from the grassroots,” said Hodges, ”fighting tax increases, working to reform our schools and increase government accountability. Add to that the experience I’ve gained in state government with Mark Wyland, Mimi Walters, Martin Garrick and Diane Harkey, and you’ve got a dedicated conservative who can have an impact in Sacramento from day one.  Now is the time to fight for the common good, the America we love.  To live on the side lines is not my style.  I am willing to get in the trenches, and my values are strong and unwavering.  I am determined to join conservatives in Sacramento in the on-going fight for limited government, self responsibility, and the freedom from personal and financial intrusion.”

“While it is very early,” said FlashReport Publisher Jon Fleischman,” and unclear what the boundaries of the 74th District will be, with the field of candidates yet to be determined, Hodges will be a formidable candidate.  Sherry has worked selflessly for many conservative candidates and causes for decades.  This kind of investment in time and energy can really pay off.”

Marie Waldron May Join the Fray

Longtime Escondido City Councilmember  Marie Waldron, who finished second to Garrick for the seat in the 2006 primary, may also consider a campaign effort.  “I am forming an exploratory committee to look at a run for the 74th Assembly in 2012,” she said. “Bolstered by overwhelming support, I have the encouragement of many people to consider a run for the seat.  I will continue to spend time listening to people in the district and I am looking forward to that opportunity!  I feel my experience as a successful business owner and city councilmember would enable me to represent the district well, especially in the areas of making our State business-friendly, cutting taxes and balancing the budget.”

Escondido City Councilwoman Marie Waldron has formed an exploratory committee for a possible run for state Assembly in 2012.

Waldron ran for Assembly in 2006, but lost to Martin Garrick of Solana Beach in the Republican primary. Term limits will force Garrick to leave the Assembly in 2012, giving Waldron another shot at the 74th District seat.

"Because the seat is up in 2012, I wanted to make sure I took an earnest look to see how I might fit in that district," Waldron said. "We're just taking a look and weighing the pros and cons."

-- North County Times, Feb. 8

Waldron is a conservative firebrand that – despite intense opposition from those disagreeing with her high profile positions on immigration and other lightning rod issues — enjoys substantial support throughout Escondido.  On Sunday, in a recap of the November city council elections, the North County Times noted the “popularity of Councilwoman Waldron” city-wide.

“Of the 65 precincts in the city where votes were cast in the council race, Waldron got the most votes in 48,” wrote NCT reporter David Garrick, “…but she received relatively strong support everywhere in the city…”

Assuming Escondido is included — and that’s not a definite — the city could be one of the most populous areas of a redrawn AD 74, further bolstering Waldron’s chances.

It’s safe to say that a potential matchup between conservatives Hodges and Waldron in the 2012 primary would be quite a race to watch.  Yet, of course, there may be a boat load of other contenders.

Other Potential Candidates

 Also said to be seriously eying a run is Mark Muir, a three-times elected board member of the Olivenhain Municipal Water District and fire chief of the recently consolidated City of Del Mar, Encinitas, and Solana Beach departments.

Encinitas Councilmember Jerome Stocks, also a Rostra blogger, has long been considered a potential candidate for higher office, and he did consider running for AD 74 in 2006.  However, he said he will not run for Assembly in 2012.  “My role as an actively involved dad to my age six-year-old daughter and 15-year-old son preclude me from staying in Sacramento four or five days each week,” said Stocks.  “I will continue to advocate for improvements locally and regionally, as well as for our state as an Encinitas councilman, a North County Transit District board member, and chairman of the San Diego Associations of Governments.”

A look at the seven cities largely making up the current 74th district — Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, Escondido, San Marcos, Solana Beach and Vista — and taking into account Hodges has support from five of the mayors and a handful of councilmembers in those communities, it’s difficult to ascertain what other local Republican elected officials remain that would both be interested in running and bring a formidable name to the race.

Certainly, newly elected Escondido Mayor Sam Abed would be a credible name, but just coming off a hard fought mayoral victory in his city may mean he has no interest only two years into office.

Interestingly, some analysts conjecture that neighboring Assembly District 73, represented by Assemblymember Diane Harkey, could be wholly swallowed up by Orange County in the upcoming reapportionment.  About one-third of AD 73 currently overlaps San Diego County, with nearly all of the City of Oceanside included within its boundaries. If the 73rd District does indeed move north, the newly drawn AD 74 could include Oceanside.  Again, however, Hodges’ endorsement list already includes Republican Oceanside Councilmembers Kern, Felien and Feller (as noted above).

Yet, following the original iteration of this piece appearing on theFlashReport yesterday, Councilman Kern contacted me.  “I have been approached by some prominent business interests here in North County asking me to consider running for the 74th AD IF Oceanside is included in the redrawn lines for the District,” he said.  “I did endorse Sherry Hodges several weeks ago well before I was approached by these potential backers.  As for right now I am weighing my options and waiting to see how the district is drawn.”

Vista Unified School District Board Member Jim Gibson, as a prior Assembly candidate, could also be expected to mull a run if Oceanside lands in the 74th district.

Former Del Mar Councilmember Crystal Crawford, the Democratic nominee defeated by Garrick in 2010, has filed papers to run again next year, as previously reported by Jim Sills on Rostra. She clearly hopes redistricting will provide a more competitive seat in which to run, after losing 55-38 percent in the current GOP stronghold.

Other Others, Anyone?

 As we’ve come to expect, the names of any potential contenders not mentioned here could be of significant interest.  The surprise candidates often flesh out the final field, especially if they are viable and/or bring financial resources to a race. If I failed to mention you or you’re aware of someone considering a run in AD 74 — wherever it may end up — please email me here.

Lastly, it should be mentioned that not included on Hodges’ current list of supporters is incumbent Garrick, who himself may be cautious about endorsing in a seat with to-be-decided boundaries.  He may also simply want to sit this one out, given the likelihood he vies for State Senate in 2014.  Clearly, if and when he decides to support a candidate, that will be of substantial interest.  I will of course try to break that news on these pages.

News the politically inclined can use: Bilbray votes, Garrick y Reagan, Wyland et Hoover...

Recent House Votes

Non-Security Discretionary Spending Limit - Vote Passed (256-165, 13 Not Voting) The House approved this resolution directing the chair of the Budget Committee to reduce non-security spending to 2008 levels for the remainder of the 2011 fiscal year. The Budget Committee sets spending levels but does not appropriate funds. The continuing resolution currently funding government operations expires on March 4, 2011. Rep. Brian Bilbray voted YES......send e-mail or see bio  Presidential Campaign Fund Termination - Vote Passed (239-160, 35 Not Voting) The House voted to end a program put in place in 1976 that provides taxpayer funds to presidential candidates and the major parties for their nominating conventions. The bill's future in the Senate is unclear. Rep. Brian Bilbray voted YES......send e-mail or see bio

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CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY

WWW.ASM.CA.GOV/GARRICK

 ASSEMBLYMEMBER.GARRICK@ASSEMBLY.CA.GOV

This Sunday, I am proud to celebrate with you the 100th anniversary of the birth of Ronald Reagan - one of the most influential Californians in state history, a remarkable man who served as the 33rd Governor of California and the 40th President of the United States.

As California's governor, Ronald Reagan worked tirelessly to make California a better place for future generations and change business as usual in state government.

Although he began his first term with a $200 millionbudget deficit, he was able to submit a budget with a $1 billion surplus seven years after he took office.

As the President of the United States, President Reagan's dedication to freedom shaped the future of our nation and the entire world.  His vision of "peace through strength" led to the end of the Cold War, the reunification of Germany, the destruction of the Berlin Wall, and the democratization of the USSR.

Over the course of his presidency, he worked in a bipartisan manner to enact his bold agenda of restoring accountability and common sense to government, which led to an unprecedented economic expansion and created 20 million new jobs.

While there have been many great public servants in the histories of both California and the United States, no single individual in my view has made a bigger impact on the people of this great state than Ronald Reagan. From winning the Cold War to turning around an economy in severe recession, few individuals have left as meaningful a legacy for our nation as Ronald Reagan.

I was honored last year to have authored AB 1911, legislation to help celebrate Ronald Reagan's life by honoring, promoting, and remembering his achievements for this state and country.

This legislation establishes California's Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission.  In keeping with President Reagan's ideals, the commission is advancing programs to help teach future generations about Reagan's character, optimism and enduring legacy without the use of taxpayer dollars.

As California honors the legacy of Ronald Reagan on his birthday, I hope you will join me in taking a moment on Sunday to remember President Reagan and his accomplishments which helped shape our great state, our nation and the entire world.

To learn more about the official Reagan Centennial celebrations, visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library at reaganfoundation.org.

Thank you for the honor to serve you as the California State Assemblyman representing the 74th District.

The state Senate Rules Committee appointed Sen. Mark Wyland, who represents Rancho Santa Fe and the area's 38th Senate District, to the Little Hoover Commission, a nonpartisan agency studying major issues and delivers reform recommendations to the governor and Legislature.

The Solana Beach Republican said he plans to use his role to attack barriers to jobs growth.

“I am particularly looking forward to the commission’s work on regulatory reform so we can revitalize our economy and create more jobs in California,” Wyland said in a statement.

The unpaid commission's most recent reports focused on charter school and water project governance.

BREAKING NEWS 8:30 P.M. - Garrick, Steinberg announce end to state budget impasse over balancing a $19.1 billion deficit. Details to follow later...

Just before 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 1 after emerging from five hours of closed-door talks between Gov. Shwarzenegger and state legislative leaders, Rep, Martin Garrick, who represents Rancho Santa Fe and is the Assembly Republican Leader, announced an end to the state $19 billion budget-in-deficit question.

"Legislative leaders and the Governor have finally reached an agreement on a no-tax budget that protects California jobs," Garrick said. "Staff will be drafting the budget language and bills in the coming days, and we plan to have a public hearing on Wednesday and a vote on Thursday.”

Simultaneously, Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, a Sacramento Democrat, also announced an end to the impasse, ending the budget dispute that ran a record 93 days after the state fiscal year began on July 1.

Republicans and Democrats disagred on a number of issues including, pension benefits and taxes. A slightly improving economic climate plus proceeds from the sale of state office buildings may have been key to balancing the budget, according to analysts.

No further details were released. Both houses of the Legislsture must approve the agreement before the governor signs it into law.

Schwarzenegger did not come out to address reporters, according to Associated Press. His spokesman Aaron McLear declined to give details but noted the governor has demanded pension and other budgetary reforms all along.

"He will not sign a budget that increases taxes," McLear said. "He still feels exactly the same way."

Rancho Santa Fe state Rep. Martin Garrick stood beside Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Nancy Reagan at 11 a.m. today, Wed. July 28, at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, announcing the creation of the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission.

Garrick, state assembly Republican leader, and former Reagan aide, carried Assembly Bill 1911 creating the privately-funded commission celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of the nation's 40th president, which took place on Feb. 6, 1911. Gov. Schwarzenegger signed the bill into law just before noon.

"Ronald Reagan is my hero," Gov. Schwarzenegger said.

Garrick said: “Today, I am deeply honored to be able to play a role in honoring Ronald Reagan’s legacy as a Californian and an American. In keeping with President Reagan’s distrust of big government, we made sure that this bill won’t use taxpayer dollars and won’t grow the bureaucracy.”

“It was one of the greatest honors of my life to work on the President’s 1980 campaign, on his White House transition team, and in his administration,” Garrick added.

Now representing Rancho Santa Fe in the state Assembly, a young Garrick followed his work on the 1980 Reagan campaign and White House transition team with a number of positions in the administration, including a stint as deputy Senate-House liaison.

The Reagan Centennial Commission will have nine members as it moves forward to provides resources and events celebrating the former president's 100th birthday next year.

Wednesday's events culminating in the governor signing Garrick's bill which along with Senate Bill 944 creating the commission, were open to the public and concluded around noon.

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Assembly Republican Leader Martin Garrick

Prepared Remarks -- Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Bill Signing Ceremony Wednesday, July 28, 2010:

Thank you Governor.

Mrs. Reagan.  It’s almost surreal for me to be standing here next to you to honor one of my heroes. 

It is truly an honor for me to share the stage with you.

Thank you to everyone at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library for all that you do. 

To all my friends and fellow Reaganites in the audience - we need to get together more often!

I spoke at a graduation ceremony last month for the Army & Navy Academy in my district. 

As I prepared to address a group of cadets and their families, I thought about the first time I heard Ronald Reagan speak in person.

It was at the Marlboro High School graduation in Los Angeles in 1974, the last year he was Governor. 

In this speech, the Great Communicator spoke of the price of freedom in America.  He spoke of a golden hope for mankind.  And he spoke of American exceptionalism in the face of socialism and communism. 

He reminded the graduating students that his generation had gone from a horse and buggy to the moon! 

He also noted that he, then at the age of 63, had already lived 10 years longer than his life expectancy at birth. This – he joked – was: “a source of aggravation in certain circles…”

Governor Reagan’s speech left quite a mark on me as a young man, then only 21 years old, and on the rest of the audience.  Little did we know at the time just how much this great leader would achieve for our state and our nation in his lifetime.

Six years after this speech, I was fortunate enough to join forces with some of the faces that I see in the crowd today.

It was one of the greatest honors of my life to work on the President’s 1980 campaign, on his White House transition team, and in his Administration.

Today I am deeply honored to be able to play a role in honoring Ronald Reagan’s legacy as a Californian and an American.

As you know, President Reagan was California’s first -- “Movie Star Governor.”  He starred in 53 films during his career.  Now how many have you starred in Governor . . . 30?  I think you have some catching up to do….

But he did more than just conquer Hollywood.

He is the first, and only, person to serve as Governor of California and President of the United States.  He handed over the Horseshoe to Jerry Brown … and took over the Oval Office from Jimmy Carter.  Even though his political opponents set a very low bar… he far exceeded any and all expectations.

President Reagan inherited a country stuck in stagnation, and unleashed the greatest peacetime economic expansion in American history. 

He dared to dream not only of a peaceful end to the Cold War, but also the destruction of the Evil Empire. And he achieved both.  Within a year of leaving office, the Berlin Wall came down . . . and Soviet Communism crumbled.

President Reagan restored pride and power to our military.  He once again made our nation a beacon of hope, freedom and opportunity for all of the world. 

February 6, 2011, will mark the 100^th Anniversary of Ronald Reagan’s birth. 

Assembly Bill 1911, with the Governor’s signature, creates California’s Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission.  It will celebrate and honor one of the most influential Californians and Americans in history.

In keeping with President Reagan’s distrust of big government, we made sure that this bill won’t use taxpayer dollars and won’t grow the bureaucracy!

Just as Ronald Reagan taught the next generation about the greatness of America, I look forward to helping to teach future generations about Ronald Reagan’s character, optimism, ideals, and enduring legacy.

This commission – and the celebration of his 100^th birthday – will help us ensure President’s Reagan’s proper role in history.  Thank you very much.

Say what one will about the California Legislature's 100-plus day inability to balance a state budget that has a $19 billion deficit, legislators found an issue they could agree on unanimously.

State representatives and senators unanimously voted to approve legislation authored by Rancho Santa Fe representative, and Assembly Republican leader, Martin Garrick to outlaw motorcycle theft devices designed to by-pass factory-installed ignitions.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on July 19 signed into law the bill that passed both houses of the Legislature earlier this month.

The rare bipartisan show of support resulted in closing a legal loophole that allowed possession of such theft tools as "pig tails," a kind of picklock designed to jack cycles in 20 seconds, and other burglary tools more commonly associated with auto theft. These devices were illegal to possess if a person intended to steal a vehicle, but perfectly legal to use to get someone else's motorcycle.

“As a fellow motorcycle owner, and enthusiast,... (more)

Oh, didn't they ramble as a record crowd, and record number of participants, painted Paseo Delicias red, white and, obviously,  blue for the 29th Annual Fourth of July Parade & Picnic organized by the Rancho Santa Fe Polo Club, a club with no ponies, fields or even polo players.

"This was a very, very good parade," said Larry Steinberg, retired physician and one of the polo club founders, now "in the alumni," he said.

Upwards of 3,000 people lined Rancho Santa Fe's main commercial boulevard for the event with about 400 people taking part in the parade per se.

The crowd witnessed sports celebrities such as golf legend Phil Mickelson and former Major League Baseball star Steve Finley, who live in the community; politicians such as California House Republican Leader Martin Garrick, Francine Busby, the Democratic candidate for Congress, and San Diego County Supervisor Bill Horn;  as well as a host of family, friends and neighbors, float down the flag-lined street to celebrate the U-S-of-A's 234th... (more)