by Pasadena Star News

Compiled by Beige Luciano-Adams

Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, R-Hesperia, on Monday filed a referendum to collect signatures in an effort to overturn the California Dream Act – the provision that will make some students, who are illegal immigrants, eligible for government grants.

Gov. Jerry Brown signed the act into law Sunday.

While Donnelly said he’d be relying mostly on social media and talk radio to get his message out, he had no shortage of confidence that he could get the necessary 500,000-plus signatures – indeed boasting that he’ll have more than a million at his disposal.

He’ll get some help in the referendum from Claremont resident Raymond Herrera, who is similarly confident about his own plans to launch a recall of Gov. Jerry Brown.

“Governor Brown, you’re gone,” Herrera crowed Tuesday. “It’s gonna be a snap.”

A former out-of-work contractor and carpenter, Herrera founded and serves as president for We The People.

Herrera, whose firebrand rhetoric mirrors Donnelly’s, said he’ll put money into the recall effort “as much as I can.”

But, he added, “I must tell you I’m very, very well connected…with all the American people all across the U.S … It won’t be about raising money so much as reaching the base…So we’re not looking to spend a whole lot of money, but looking to gather a whole bunch of signatures with volunteerism.”

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Click to read the 7 suggestions

By Tim Donnelly |  @timdonnelly   | Sep 14, 2011

JCPenney landed at the center of a firestorm earlier this month over a shirt it was selling to girls, bearing the slogan: “I’m too pretty to do my homework so my brother has to do it for me.”

Internet commenters registered rage at what they saw as a sexist shirt promoting girls’ looks over their brains by tweeting, e-mailing, and signing online petitions. The pressure forced JCPenney to pull the shirt immediately. But the company did get credit for acting quickly and issuing an apology statement right away.

“We agree that the ‘Too Pretty’ T-shirt does not deliver an appropriate message, and we have immediately discontinued its sale,” the statement says. “We would like to apologize to our customers.”

Knowing how, when, and why to issue a smart apology can be the difference between a public-relations hiccup that can be smoothed over. and a flap that could end up dragging your company into the muck. While the long-term effects on JCPenney aren’t yet clear, observers say the honest and sincere apology may have saved its reputation. What’s the trick? Experts share these tips on crafting the perfect apology.

Read the tips for a good apology

Navy leads the all-time series against the Blue Hens, 9-7, including a 35-18 victory in 2009 when quarterback Ricky Dobbs rushed for five touchdowns. Navy will hit road for a show down with Western Kentucky next Saturday Sept. 10, 2011 in Bowling Green, Ky.

Related articles

• Proctor Leads Navy Past Delaware 40-17 (nytimes.com)
• Proctor leads Navy past Delaware 40-17 (sfgate.com)
• Delaware QB Sasek hurt in 40-17 loss to Navy (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• Proctor leads Navy past Delaware 40-17 (seattletimes.nwsource.com)

Director – Dennis Donnelly

Cast – Cameron Mitchell, Pamelyn Ferdin, Wesley Eure, Nicolas Beauvy, Tim Donnelly, Aneta Corsaut, Faith McSwain

Release Year – 1978

Reviewed by John of the Dead

I was first made aware of this film years ago when Lucky McKee(May) gave us his 2004 remake of this horror classic, which exceeded my expectations on several levels due to sweet direction and a unique storyline. Etched forever in horror lore, The Toolbox Murders is a classic that I rarely hear mentioned regarding horror classics, which does not reflect on the film’s quality or output, but makes for one of the genre’s more under-appreciated efforts.

Loosely based on a true story, we follow the panic and chaos erupting when a masked maniac kills unsuspecting women residing in an apartment complex using the tools he carries in his toolbox. When his sister goes missing, Joey Ballard(Nicolas Beauvy) goes on a vengeance filled search for the masked man.

Slasher films never get old to me, but I really love when they give me unique elements in addition to the standard ones that make this sub-genre so enjoyable for me. I loved the idea of a killer employing tools carried within his toolbox to deliver some gory kills via unsuspecting scandidly clad women living in a single apartment complex, which made for one of the most awesome first acts I have ever seen. The kills written into this film by its three writers were great and definitely came in brutal form, forcing sick smiles across my face on numerous occasions. I loved this killer and how he felt that he needed his tools to fix these women to look better in God’s eyes, although we were never really exposed to why he felt this way – or if his past had anything to do with his dementia, but that was OK with me. While the first act was fast paced and heavy in horror, the second act was definitely much slower and involved the social impact of the killer’s wrath, which was one of the more surprising elements this piece had to offer given I was not expecting a well-written story. Following Joey as he desperately searched for his sister was great, and it ultimately built up to a sweet third act that consisted of numerous developments and jaw-dropping character play, sort of like the final sequences to The Departed, but not as dramatic.

Director Dennis Donnelly did a swell job with this one, his only feature film, giving us great atmosphere and positive execution overall, but most importantly he was fantastic in his deliverance of the horror. The kill sequences were top-notch and his approach to them was full-frontal in every strike to the head and/or body via a plethora of gore-inducing tools. I applaud Donnelly for showing guts (literally and figuratively) in his execution of the kill sequences, which were what ultimately sold this effort to me, unsurprisingly. Cameron Mitchell(Blood and Black Lace, From a Whisper to a Scream, Terror Night, King Fu Cannibals, The Silent Scream) was superb as the killer, both masked and unmasked, which shows the versatility of his character given he uttered no words while masked and was forced to use mannerisms to sell his character, and his unmasked/speaking scenes were equally as creepy as we were finally able to see just how demented this character was. The other actors involved were positive, but Cameron Mitchell stole the show, on his own and with aid from Donnelly in delivering a sweet and gory horror experience that has proven to last.

Overall, The Toolbox Murders is a horror classic that gives us a sweet slasher tale that gives more than the usual effort. The story is well-crafted and kept me engaged throughout, and the kill sequences were gory, creative, brutal, and overall expertly delivered by the Donnelly/Mitchell combo. Recommended.

Rating: 7/10

The Sacramento Bee and the Los Angeles Times asked  to see the books, the office budget for each Assembly member and were told no.  Both papers have filed lawsuits.

The Assembly in its actions has basically said, taxpayers do not have to right to see lawmakers office budgets.

Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Canada Flintridge) said his budget was slashed after he cast the lone Democratic vote in the Assembly last year against this years controversial budget.

“For us, its a personnel document” said Jon Waldie, Assembly administrator. ” Projections of members current budgets and spendng can change throught the year, can contain private information-such as the name of an employee on maternity leave-and are used in private communications ot legislators.

Current practies do not allow the public to examine whether members budgets are raised or lowered after key votes.

The opening of books could embaress lawmakers.  A few Republican lawmaker have opened their books, Shannon Grove representing Bakersfield, Kristian Olsen  of Modesto,Tim Donnelly of Twin Peaks, Allen Mansoor of Costa Mesa ,with Anthony Portantino being the lone Democrat opening his books.

“The people I represent would wnat to know what their money is spent on-it’s their money”-Shannon Grove.

A spokesperson for Speaker John A Perez said that Perez considers disclosure of Assembly records a priority and announced the creation of a task force to make recommendations on updating disclosure polices before next years session.

“They’re just scrambling to find something”in state law that would allow them to deny disclosure “without getting laughed at and laughed out of court” said Attorney Peter Scheer of the First Amendment Coalition.

Cityfella

The Fair, Accurate, Inclusive and Respectful (FAIR), SB 48 Education Act would amend the Education Code to include social sciences instruction on the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

This is such a HUGE landmark if passed. Definitely something that has been long overdue.

The Bill has been passed through many Committees, most importantly the full assembly on July 6th, 2011 with a 49-25 vote.

Goes to show that the elected representatives in Sacramento HEAR US and see the need for this amendment to be passed in California.

Now its up to the Governor to sign into law

WHY is this so important to adopt?

Well take a look at what happens in schools today. Bullying, harassment, and discrimination (just to name a few) against LGBT students and non. This bill enables us to learn about the LGBT history which is rich, full of stories and experiences that we have yet heard or learned about. I find it narrow minded that some people believe gay history is just about gay sex.

This bill, SB 48, includes and ensure students get a fair and accurate picture of the people and events that have shaped our society, and that fair and accurate portrayals of LGBT people are no longer excluded from classroom discussions. Because if you appose this bill, you’re basically saying that the only RIGHT way, is a heterosexual way.

Ultimately, I hope in the long run, this helps prevent the perpetuating stereotypes about gay people. Do we want to venture and talk about what straight people do? Nah, we already see that in the media and in magazines. LGBT people are just like everyone else, were not different.

The more societies learns about the contributions of the LGBT community, the better the dialog and understanding about what it means to be a part of the LGBT community…however a dialog is rarely even started

To stress about the contributions and history of the LGBT community in California and in the world, well its just not saying enough.

THIS part of our history, culture, lifestyle, but is virtually non-existent. Its as if GAY PEOPLE don’t exist in the world…well at least not in textbooks.

Some Facts

Schools that have included LGBT discussions have been positive, statistics show that only 11% of students reported bullying, but the number doubles to 24% if students say they haven’t learned about LGBT people.

Statistics also show that in 2003, students who have learned about LGBT people at school were more likely to feel they have a voice.

In 2004, 359 CA shcool districts already have LGBT inclusive curriculums, more than 83% report including LGBT issues in their lessons for some or all hs students, 64% do so in middle school, and 54% do so for elementary. This has probably increased as the years have passed. From personal experience, I know that these facts are legit, I’ve experienced this myself. But who cares right?

I was reading the article about SB48 and was disturbed by two representatives, who happen to be republicans. The first, Assemblyman Tim Donnelly.

Just take a long at his website – I find it hard to like the guy if all he talks about is money and not enough about education. He has strong feelings about the “homosexuality agenda” stating “I think it’s one thing to say that we should be tolerant,” Donnelly said. “It is something else altogether to say that my children are going to be taught that this lifestyle is good.”

So you’re telling me, you’re kids don’t have a brain to decide what lifestyle they choose? Shame on you Mr. Donnelly for being so closed minded. How did this guy get into office?

Second, theres Assemblyman Chris Norby, who like some opposed to the bill, agree that such instruction would further burden an already crowded curriculum and expose students to a subject that some parents find objectionable.
Again, you act like your children don’t have a voice themselves, or brain for that matter to decide how they want to live and what to think. You have already done it for them. Take a look at this guys website all he cares about is getting Ca. its money and not enough about education. I think I know what this guys agenda is.

The bill’s author, Sen. Mark Leno, a Democrat, states “Bottom line, it’s only beneficial to share with students the broad diversity of the human experience and that our democracy protects everyone,”

At least we know there are, not just some, but a lot of people in Sac that have a brain and common sense. Again, the Assembly passed this bill 49-25…Now who are those 25?

Now theres also the side that does oppose this bill, so I invite you to read what they have to say. Personally, I think its bullshit and I can’t believe we have people in high office dictating the future of our kids…SHAME. How are these people in office?

Nevertheless the Links will be down below.

Some churches and conservative family groups warned the bill will drive more parents to take their children out of public schools.

I’m sorry, but I went to a catholic school and honestly I felt like it sheltered me from the real world. Parents who would take their children out of public schools if this bill passed are basically lying to their kids saying that LGBT people don’t exist. Secondly, CHRIST LIKE? Really now? To pass judgment on a particular group and condemn them is definitely not CHRIST LIKE. End of discussion.

Take a look a the links below, its very helpful to get a better idea of this bill and again why its important. We need to be educated with such topics and know whats out there. Really, decide for yourself, don’t take my word for it.

On a side note, personally, being an Asian American – the history of Asians in this country in textbooks are rarely talked about or its barely written. More so, Pilipino History is barely talk about or discussed. And trust yal would be like WTF you guys did that, if yal knew.

It wasn’t until college that I learned about my roots and gained a better understanding of who I was as a Pilipino American. What a shame that I had to wait until college to learn about who I was.

I wish this kind of HISTORY would have been taught when I went to elementary school…I probably would have been more proud than ashamed.

Likewise, growing up not knowing about the LGBT community, what certain terms were, me thinking of suicide in hs, bullying, harassment, again just to name a few…if I had a resource in school, a dialogue about what it meant to be gay, a part of a beautiful community. I def. feel that I would have been more proud to be who I was instead of hiding who I am.

This bill, I believe would ultimately help those who are questioning themselves or who know nothing about the LGBT experience. Its about time.

Because

No History
No Self

Know History
Know Self

Lastly, on a different issue, but closely related. if you are a representative, or in government, or in any high place and you’ve done a video that contributes to the IT GETS BETTER PROJECT, and you are still on the fence about gay marriage, I feel like its either you support us or you don’t. Stop letting your party dictate what you know is right. I rather have a representative be firm with their stance on the issue, rather than have someone be 50/50 about it. The only person that loses is your self and your dignity.

California Gay History Bill Headed To Governor

**************

YES, this video is PRO SB48 (with good reason).
YES, this is important in schools
YES, this matters
YES, people have really become more close minded than I thought

**************

Our world needs to REEDUCATE ourselves about what it means to be a part of the LGBT community. Instead of spending HOURS commenting negativity, sit down with someone whose a part of that community and LEARN something. Religion aside, LGBT history has made what you know today YOUR AMERICA. People who pass judgement on the LGBT community has learned nothing from histories past and continue perpetuating what our FORE FATHERS fought for – EQUALITY.

By learning about this history, does not MAKE YOU GAY, YOU CAN’T MAKE anyone GAY, but knowing the PEOPLE in this world that exist is a right that should not be taken away from ANYONE

IF YOUR AMERICA continues to breed HATE against the LGBT, your AMERICA will soon become an AMERICA you no longer will truly be proud of.
THE CHANGE is IN YOU! MAKE a EDUCATED decision and CRITICALLY think about the WORLD you live/want to live in for you and for YOUR KIDS.

**************

SAMPLE LETTER IN SUPPORT OF SB48

http://www.eqca.org/atf/cf/%7B34f258b3-8482-4943-91cb-08c4b0246a88%7D/FAIREDUCATIONACTSAMPLESUPPORTLETTERFINAL.DOC

**************

CONTACT THE GOV.
You may contact Governor Jerry Brown by mail at:
Mailing address:
Governor Jerry Brown
c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 445-2841 
Fax: (916) 558-3160

http://govnews.ca.gov/gov39mail/mail.php

**************

The Articles about SB48

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/05/california-gay-history-bill_n_890846.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003

http://news.yahoo.com/california-lawmakers-pass-bill-teach-gay-history-012938470.html

First off I’d like to say the comments on yahoo are very disturbing, this is our America? It makes me ashamed to call this a part of me being AMERICAN.

SOME COMMENTS FROM YAHOO…

“Andre about an hour ago Gay History? What the heck is that?”
“Corey 2 hours ago I am gay. And this is silly. I don’t need “gay history” or “gay pride month” or any other PC, liberal nonsense. Just let me have my rights, and I’m happy. If you want to throw in “By the way class, one little known fact about X is that he may have been gay,” that’s fine. But all this does is waste time and money, and it divides us further. Seriously, give me a break…”

“Me 51 minutes ago Time to put your kids in private school”
“K C about an hour ago This could well be the most absurd, insane, ridiculous and IDIOTIC thing I’ve EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE!!!!”

**************

The Representatives
Tim Donnelly

http://www.donnellyforassembly.com/principles/

Chris Norby

http://arc.asm.ca.gov/member/72/?p=bio

Tom Amianno

http://asmdc.org/members/a13/biography?layout=item

Mark Leno (One of my sources)

http://dist03.casen.govoffice.com/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={A5A9B2D9-63C6-4859-96A2-0E62A794E30D}

**************

The Bill Introduced (One of my sources)

http://info.sen.ca.gov/cgi-bin/postquery?bill_number=sb_48&sess=CUR&house=B&site=sen

FAIR Education Act: SB48 Information

http://www.eqca.org/site/pp.asp?c=kuLRJ9MRKrH&b=6451639

Protect Our Kids Foundation Information: Opposed

http://www.protectkidsfoundation.org/?page_id=1356

**************

Photo by Chris Rotolo (RCE @ River Roo '11)

Manchester, TN – Although the Toms River, NJ collective, River City Extension, was the first band to step foot on a one of the festival’s major venues, essentially opening the entire festival, River City’s work wasn’t done.

On Thursday evening, the party wasn’t on a main stage, under a tent, or at a silent disco, but at a private party on the festival grounds curated by the Toms River natives Danny Clinch, the world renown Rock N’ Roll photo-journalist and documentarian, and Tim Donnelly, one of the Garden State’s top music writers, producers, creative consultants, and former Asbury Park Press music journalist, and headlined by none other than River City Extension.

“We had River City play today, Nicole Atkins on Sunday, and Danny’s party tonight,” said Donnelly of his hometown’s presence at the festival.  “We’re renaming it River Roo this year.”

Photo by Chris Rotolo (Danny Clinch @ River Roo '11)

Clinch’s role in the gala wasn’t limited to host as he jumped on the makeshift stage, a series wooden planks on a pile of soil with acoustics projected forward by a pair of strategically positioned removable walls, joining the opening acts The Hog Slop String Band and James Wallace & The Naked Light on harmonica.

The openers drew such onlookers as the budding comedian, burgeoning Rapper, and star of the NBC comedy Community, Donald Glover, Wavves vocalist and guitar maestro Nathan Williams and Country songstress Abigail Washburn who not only swung on the dirt dance floor with any man willing to take her hand, but joined both acts for backing vocals as well as banjo plucking.

Photo by Chris Rotolo (RCE @ River Roo '11)

The evening came to an aflamed climax when River City Extension ripped into a series of cuts from the groups full-length, including the crowd pleasing “Mexico”  and “Something Salty, Something Sweet,” the audience engulfing the stage in dance during the latter.

Photo by Chris Rotolo (Super Jam @ River Roo '11)

Clinch’s backyard carnival commenced with a Super Jam as members of both The Hog Slop String Band and James Wallace & The Naked Light ran through a triplet of Swamp-Rock classics including Bob Dylan’s “You Ain’t Going Nowhere,” and camp-wide sing along of “She’ll Be Coming Around The Mountain When She Comes.”

More Photos From River Roo ’11:

Hogslop String Band

Hogslop String Band

Danny Clinch w/James Wallace & The Naked Light

Danny Clinch on harmonica

James Wallace w/Abigail Washburn

Abigail Washburn

Dan Morain, Senior Editor, Sacramento Bee

Here’s a portrait of two bills that are worlds apart, and two very different veterans of the political wars who have come to gain a common understanding.

A week ago, on Cesar Chavez Day, a hundred farmworkers marched down a Capitol hallway chanting, “Sí, se puede,” and celebrating the California Senate’s vote approving legislation intended to revive the United Farm Workers union.

Democratic strategist Richie Ross who marched with Chavez and for decades has been chief strategist for the farmworkers union, stood off to the side, soaking it in.

“This is about power,” Ross said later.

On Monday, Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, a first-term Republican from San Bernardino County, stood on the north steps of the Capitol with seven other Republican Assembly members. Before being elected, Donnelly had been part of the Minutemen, the group that claims to combat illegal immigration by patrolling the U.S.-Mexico border.

Donnelly announced that he was pushing Arizona-style legislation to make illegal immigration a crime under California law. As an added attraction, Donnelly brought a special guest, Arizona state Sen. Russell Pearce, who last year authored the anti-illegal immigration law.

About 50 people, most of them of retirement age and wearing red Tea Party Patriot T-shirts, hooted their approval when Pearce declared that states must “protect against this invasion.”

Republican strategist Marty Wilson watched it all.

“Very counterproductive to the expansion of the Republican base,” Wilson told me.

Wilson is no squishy Republican. He managed Carly Fiorina’s U.S. Senate run last year and was key to Pete Wilson’s campaigns, including his 1994 re-election.

That was the year that the former governor embraced anti- illegal immigration Proposition 187 and aired the “And they keep coming” ad, with its grainy footage depicting illegal immigrants dashing across the boarder.

Wilson, 56, and Ross, 61, cannot think of a single campaign in which they worked on the same side. But like Ross, Wilson understands that California has become a very different place.

Not long ago, Wilson read an article that Ross wrote recalling how a trucking company owner who is a third-generation citizen of Mexican descent told him that Arizona’s anti-illegal immigration law spurred him to vote – vote against Republicans.

“That is the guy who should be a Republican,” Wilson said of the trucking company owner. “But the politics of his ethnic background supersedes his economic interest. That concerns me.”

Wilson knows Republican candidates cannot win statewide office without the support of Latinos. Donnelly’s event and his bill damage chances Republicans have of attracting Latino voters.

Donnelly’s bill had no chance of passage. In its first and only hearing Tuesday in the Democratic-controlled Assembly Judiciary Committee, the measure failed by a vote of 3-7. Republicans cast the three yes votes.

Wilson is glad it failed and said Republican leaders should “take (Donnelly) to the woodshed.” That won’t happen. Current GOP leaders don’t seem to see much wrong with Donnelly’s concept.

Wilson also is disdainful of the legislation approved last week by the state Senate granting “card check” authority to the farmworkers union to help it organize farm laborers.

But he sees the broader point of the bill, and the significance that the measure’s author is Darrell Steinberg, the Sacramento Democrat who as Senate president pro tem is one of the two most powerful legislators in the state.

“Darrell Steinberg is one of the leaders of his party and sees the importance of courting the Latino constituency,” Wilson said. “We have some back-bencher whose 20 minutes of fame occurred (Monday).”

Agricultural interests, traditionally among the most loyal Republican supporters, will fight hard to block Steinberg’s legislation. Ross will fight back. He is prepared to bring thousands of farmworkers to the Capitol to rally for the bill.

“Absolutely, we’ve polled it,” Ross said of Steinberg’s bill, SB 104. “Absolutely, it resonates.”

Its support will only grow. A majority of Californians younger than 18 are Latinos. As part of Cesar Chavez Day, a holiday that Ross helped bring about by pushing legislation a decade ago, all schoolchildren now learn about Chavez in class.

Republican legislators, their numbers waning, will vote against the farmworker bill. But they will be powerless to block it, in no small part because of events like the one Monday and because they are on the wrong side of the history now being written in this state.

Read at: SacBee.com, The Sacramento Bee, “Dan Morain: Stuck in silo, one party writes off Latino vote” by Dan Morain, 7 Apr 2011.

Tim Donnelly - photo by Kevin Scanlan

Originally published in the Daily Censored for Project Censored

Nationwide, Republicans have elected extremists, whose radical agenda is now becoming apparent. It should come as no surprise that the most radical of Republicans are those that garnered Tea Party support.

In California, one such radical extremist is newly elected Assemblyman of the 59 District, Tim Donnelly. Donnelly’s history should have been a tell tale sign of his extremism. In the early 90’s, Donnelly and his wife, a woman of Filipino heritage, moved to Twin Peaks, California. Twin Peaks is a beautiful area located just outside Lake Arrowhead. At the time, the community was mostly white. However, over the next decade or so the Latino student population doubled, to approximately 20 percent.

According to an in-depth article on Donnelly by the LA Weekly, when an 11 year old Latino boy allegedly sexually harassed a white girl of his same age, Donnelly became so outraged he began spreading malicious rumors about the boy and his family. Using his internet site, Donnelly wrote of how the boy “molested” and terrorized at least 11 girls. Donnelly claimed these details came from the Education Department report, when in fact the unsubstantiated rumors came from the girl’s mother. Donnelly also claimed the boy’s parents were illegal immigrants, although that too was never proved.

Soon after, Donnelly heard on talk radio Jim Gilchrist, founder of the Minutemen Project, call for volunteers to help monitor the Arizona boarder for illegal immigrants. Donnelly found his calling. Within days of hearing Gilchrist, Donnelly had packed up his guns, kissed his wife goodbye, and headed off to Tombstone.

Donnelly quickly befriended Gilchrist. Donnelly decided that the best way for him to help the Minutemen would be put himself in front of the cameras and reporters. He continued to spin his embellished tales about Latinos raping women. He even began to insert himself into the fabricated stories. Here for example is how Donnelly described one night out in the Arizona desert:

“I thought the wailings we heard at night were the coyotes barking at the moon,” he told The Washington Times. “I didn’t know until later that those sounds were the cries of women being raped in the Mexican desert, some less than 100 yards away from the border. There was absolutely nothing anyone could do about it. It’s something you never forget.”

However, Donnelly wasn’t even there. He had originally heard the story from another Minuteman supporter who gave no evidence to support such claims. Nonetheless, Donnelly became a bit of a Minuteman darling. In California, he formed his own Minuteman chapter, which has grown to be the largest chapter in the country.

During these years, Donnelly’s mentor, Jim Gilchrist, had befriended Shawna Forde. To help raise money for the Minutemen, Forde and two accomplices planned an armed robbery of a Latino household which Forde believed was selling drugs. Two Minutemen, pretending to be U.S. Marshalls shot up the front door of the house, broke in, and demanded $12,000. After taking the contents of the family lockbox, Forde’s accomplices shot and killed the man and his 9 year old daughter.

The Minutemen movement has a well documented history of racism. In September, 2008, David Niewert, published an investigative piece on the Minutemen, financed by The Nation Investigative Fund and published in The American Prospect. Niewert points out that while Gilchrist and company have spoken out against the racist elements in their movements, they continue to flirt with known white-supremacist and neo-Nazi groups:

“While Considering that the Minutemen were largely built on the sort of nativist appeals long favored by racist organizations, it’s no surprise that racist and white-supremacist elements have been entwined with the movement since its inception. Gilchrist and Simcox both made loud noises about weeding out racist members, though in reality their “background checks” were mostly shams and covert white supremacists were silently tolerated. But even the stigma against overt racism appears to be disappearing among their organizations’ successors. One border-watch group, headed by a former Minuteman Project official named Laine Lawless, went so far as to indulge in an e-mail exchange with a neo-Nazi organization offering tips on how to harass Latinos the old-fashioned way: steal from them, beat them up, mistreat their children, make death threats. This behavior has started to infect the main Minutemen organizations themselves. The MMP’s official Las Vegas chapter, Americans4America, recently co-hosted an anti-immigration strategy session with officials from the white-supremacist Council of Conservative Citizens.”

The Council of Conservative Citizens have also been welcomed to Tea Party gatherings, alongside the Koch bothers funded Americans for Prosperity and the Tea Party Express rallies. And so has Tim Donnelly. In this video, provided by LA Weekly, Donnelly stands in front of a Tea Party Express bus and promises if elected, “I am not going there to reach across the aisle and make friends. I am going there to reach across the aisle to the enemies of freedom and annihilate them and pound them into the ground and take back our power…I’m sorry, I don’t worship at the altar of global warming and rabid environmentalism…We don’t stop until Americans are back in power.”

Donnelly has warned on his internet site, “It is not a stretch to picture a revolt in Los Angeles, whose population is comprised of over 50 percent illegal aliens.” He has also written: “The facts are incontrovertible that allowing an illegal invasion of the United States will destroy the American Southwest, and very probably wipe out the freedoms we American Christians enjoy, as Muslim Extremists blend in with the so-called ‘innocent’ illegal aliens, and eventually proselytize them.” For these comments, and others, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has listed Donnelly an extremist with a dangerous ideology. SPLC describes Donnelly as, “an antigovernment “Patriot” who grossly exaggerates the criminality of undocumented immigrants (who studies have shown are on average much less criminal than native-born Americans).”

As a newly elected assemblyman, Donnelly’s first order of business has been to introduce an Arizona-style immigration bill. According to the Sacramento Bee:

“Donnelly’s bill would, among other things:

• Ban public officials and agencies from restricting the enforcement of immigration laws or the sharing of a person’s immigration status.

• Make it a misdemeanor to be present on public or private land while in violation of federal immigration laws. The crime would escalate to a felony if the suspect is in possession of dangerous drugs or lethal weapons.

• Prohibit employers from knowingly or intentionally employing an illegal immigrant.

• Require employers to verify the employment eligibility of employees through a federal program, called E-Verify.

• Make it a misdemeanor to transport, harbor, shelter or conceal a person that you know is an illegal immigrant.

• Make it a misdemeanor to encourage or induce someone to enter the state illegally.”

Donnelly’s bill just died in committee. However he has vowed to reintroduce it. Donnelly has already caused a bit of a stir amongst our states Latino population, and those that support loosening up current immigration laws. Some have pointed to Donnelly’s and the Minuteman movement’s affiliations to known racist organizations. They support their position by pointing to Donnelly’s own statements, where he has embellished stories in order to drum up fear and false impressions about Latinos and Muslims.

Donnelly, on the other hand, says he is only concerned with the rule of law, as he interprets it. Donnelly often points to his Filipino wife as proof he is not a racist. It is clear Donnelly believes in his “rule of law” rhetoric. Whether racism plays a part in Donnelly’s world view or not is hard to tell. His own words and actions seem to indicate that racism and bigotry does play a part. Nonetheless, there is no doubt that some of the groups he has associated with have openly expressed dangerous, racist ideology. And that fact, by itself, should tell people something about Donnelly’s motivations.

UPDATE:

April 7, 2011;

Yesterday, I published a brief editorial on California’s Tea Party/Minuteman assemblyman Tim Donnelly.  The article links Donnelly to both the Tea Party and the Minuteman Project, the vigilante boarder patrol organization. The article also questions the racist and bigoted ties to the two organizations.

Today I received an email from Jim Gilchrist:

“There they go again.”  This column is so full of untruths and misinformation I can understand why this abominable propaganda never made it to the mainstream media.

Laine Lawless runs her own group.  She was not part of the Minuteman Project.
Nor was Shawna Forde.

Finally, Tim Donnelly has been married for about 20 years to an Asian woman.  Don’t lie to the public with innuendos referring to him as a racist.

Neither you, nor Niewart, are credible sources of truth.  After all, the first casualty of propaganda is the truth.

Sincerely Yours,

Jim Gilchrist, President, The Minuteman Project

In Gilchrist’s email, he makes three claims which he somehow believes proves one of my sources, David Niewart, writing for The Nation Investigative Fund, is not credible, and therefore, neither and I.

So, let’s take a look at Gilchrist’s three claims.

Claim # 1:

JG: “Laine Lawless runs her own group.  She was not part of the Minuteman Project.”

DW: Quoting Niewart, “One border-watch group, headed by a former Minuteman Project official named Laine Lawless,”

Niewart writes in on his own blog: “The e-mail from Lawless, who was also an original member of Chris Simcox’s vigilante militia before it morphed into the Minuteman Project in early 2005, detailed 11 suggestions for ways to harass and terrorize undocumented immigrants, including robbery and “beating up illegals” as they leave their workplace.”

Niewart goes on to state: “Lawless was featured in numerous media reports on the first Minuteman Project campaign in April 2005, during which she patrolled side-by-side with Minuteman vice-president Carmen Mercer. Lawless also traveled to Texas to join the Texas Minutemen in October, when she was quoted in The Austin Chronicle saying she gets an “intellectual and political orgasm” from spying on pro-immigration groups. In that interview, she accused one pro-immigration activist of inserting chants of “White Power!” into an audiotape of Minuteman rallies to discredit the movement.”

That fact is, while Gilchrist may have cut off his personal ties with Lawless in June of 2005 over her emails, Lawless became, and still is an active part of the vigilante boarder patrol movement. However, it is incorrect for him to claim, “She was not part of the Minuteman Project.”  She was part of the campaigns surrounding the early months of the Minuteman Project.

http://dneiwert.blogspot.com/2006/04/oh-those-merry-minutemen.html

Claim # 2:

JG: “Nor was Shawna Forde.”

DW:  I wrote in the article: “Jim Gilchrist, had befriended Shawna Forde. To help raise money for the Minutemen, Forde and two accomplices planned an armed robbery of a Latino household which Forde believed was selling drugs.”

Now, here is a conservative organization called American’s for Legal Immigration. The organization  warned on their website, in February of last year, about their members  associating with Gilchrist, due to his connection with Forde and his “continued bizarre and damaging behavior.” Here is an extended excerpt from their website:

“Jim Gilchrist’s Border Operations Manager charged with murder including the death of a 9 year old girl.  Please notify all media and candidate contacts that Jim Gilchrist’s Minuteman Project Border Ops Director is in jail awaiting trial.

Allied Leaders, Thank you for your previous understanding and response to our advisory not to circulate the suspicious story and photos released by Jim Gilchrist’s Minuteman Project officer, Shawna Forde. After we advised you about problems with Shawna’s credibility, story, and photos most groups in our movement stopped promoting her claims, except for Shawna’s own group and Jim Gilchrist’s Minuteman Project.

Shawna Forde is the MMP ‘Border Operations Organizer’ for Jim Gilchrist according to claims we found online and appears to be a member of his inner circle, along with Steve Eichler and the few other activists who remain with MMP, despite the groups beleaguered reputation and Gilchrist’s continued bizarre and damaging behavior…”

Claim # 3:

JG: Finally, Tim Donnelly has been married for about 20 years to an Asian woman.

DW:  I wrote, Donnelly and his wife, a woman of Filipino heritage, moved to Twin Peaks, California.” And, “Donnelly often points to his Filipino wife as proof he is not a racist…. Whether racism plays a part in Donnelly’s world view or not is hard to tell.”

I also point out Donnelly’s history of embellishing  the facts and his own statements which lead many people to believe, right or wrongly, he may have some bigoted and racist tendencies. Just because someone has no racist views towards “Asians,” doesn’t mean they might not share  racist views towards Blacks or Latinos. Racism is often localized to one specific group. Racism is a complex problem, but this fact  is not that difficult to understand.

State Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, a tea party member from San Bernardino County, presented two bills to the Assembly Judiciary Committee, which voted 7-3 against both Tuesday. The votes were along party lines.

The main bill, AB26, would have allowed residents to file lawsuits against so-called “sanctuary cities,” which do not cooperate with federal immigration officials. It also would have required employers to verify applicants’ citizenship.

Under the second bill, AB1018, the same verification would have been required for anyone applying for public benefits.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

State Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, a tea party member from San Bernardino County, presented two bills to the Assembly Judiciary Committee, which voted 7-3 against both Tuesday. The votes were along party lines.

The main bill, AB26, would have allowed residents to file lawsuits against so-called “sanctuary cities,” which do not cooperate with federal immigration officials. It also would have required employers to verify applicants’ citizenship.

Under the second bill, AB1018, the same verification would have been required for anyone applying for public benefits.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services may have contributed to this report.)

The bill by Republican state Assemblyman Tim Donnelly of San Bernardino County would go after so-called sanctuary cities and employers who hire illegal immigrants. The Assembly Judiciary Committee was expected to consider the bill Tuesday.

It has little chance of surviving the Democratic-controlled Legislature.

AB26 does not include language similar to the most high-profile provision of the Arizona law, which directed law enforcement officers to check the citizenship status of anyone they suspect of being in the country illegally. Critics said that provision encourages racial profiling.

The sponsor of the Arizona bill, state Senate President Russell Pearce, said at a rally Monday with Donnelly that his proposal was not divisive and merely enforces the law.

“Controversial with who? Those who support the law versus those who don’t?” said Pearce, a Republican.

Most portions of the Arizona law are on hold as it is being contested in federal court.

Donnelly, a state Minuteman founder who has been shown on TV constructing a border fence, said he is not anti-immigrant.

“One of the things I’ve always been in favor of is more legal immigration,” he said, adding that his wife descended from immigrants.

The lawmaker said the influx of immigrants should compel the United States to help Mexico tackle structural problems that encourage its citizens to migrate north.

He also raised the possibility of bringing in immigrants to work for part of the year before returning them to their home countries.

Other provisions of his bill would increase punishment of sex and drug traffickers and other smugglers. It calls for penalties to discourage day laborers who are in the country illegally and requires citizenship verification for anyone applying for public benefits.

The rally outside the Capitol included Los Angeles resident Jamiel Shaw, who told the crowd he backs the legislation after a criminal who was in the country illegally shot his son to death three years ago.

“Here we are giving you the American dream,” Shaw, 50, said of illegal immigrants, “and you’re giving us an American nightmare.”

A little more than 100 supporters, some from Southern California and members of the tea party, turned out on the Capitol steps. For much of the rally, shouts of “Si, se puede,” (“Yes, we can”) could be heard from a sizable group of protestors not far away.

Assemblyman Gil Cedillo, of Los Angeles, also objected to Donnelly’s legislation. But the Democrat, who has tried multiple times to pass a law that would allow illegal aliens to get drivers’ licenses, showed no apprehension that this latest proposal would last long.

“It’s a bill that we’re not interested in, in California,” Cedillo said.

When asked about his slim odds, Donnelly said he had “faith” in Democrats.

“I’m always optimistic, and I never assume or speak for other people,” he said. “I assume they will take a thoughtful look at it and do the right thing.”

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services may have contributed to this report.)

The rally was held on April 3, 2011, at the steps of the state Capitol in Sacramento.

“Our hope is that the strong support of the bill will draw attention to the Legislature to a critical issue that affects every Californian,” Donnelly said. “We hope this won’t be just a party-line vote and that the legislators on the committee will see how critical the issue is to the state of California.”

According to Donnelly’s office, the bill aims to help law-enforcement officers manage illegal immigration in California.

The bill would forbid cities from enacting “sanctuary” policies to protect illegal immigrants and would force employers to follow immigration laws. This would free up jobs for citizens and eliminate incentives for people who come here illegally, Donnelly said.

A.B. 26 would also make it a misdemeanor to be found in the United States illegally and increase the penalty for criminals who traffic illegal immigrants into California for the purposes of sexual slavery.

I met Tim several times on the campaign trail. I also consider him a friend. He will fight to stop illegal immigration and unfair spending in California.

(Nicole McFeely)

Writers. Its time to turn off your disconnect. On February 10^th Sam Sax, Nic Alea, and Andrew Paul Nelson assumed control as the hosts of the Poetry Mission reading series. The free event, now dubbed New Poetry Mission, will occur on the second and fourth Thursdays of every month from 7-9 PM at Viracocha.  However, that’s pretty much all audiences can expect to remain the same.

This isn’t your run of the mill reading series. The show’s primary goal isn’t to entertain an uninvolved audience but to create a space for writers to speak to and critique other writers. In doing so, it not only seeks to nurture and improve the work of those involved but push poetics and language to new levels. The series challenges its writers to speak up and answer the question: is poetry an affliction? And, if not, then why are we bothering to write at all?

The first feature of the revamped series—Kim Johnson—turned in a dynamic performance, highlighting the caliber of work the series expects to produce. Next week’s feature—Lauren Wheeler—can certainly be expected to do more of the same. Excited yet? Then get writing! Every second Thursday will be themed and every fourth will be all about new shit, so come prepared.

Timid poets beware: participants can expect some tough criticism, possibly even in the form of peanuts. But don’t let that scare you … it’s all out of love. If you want to become a part of this crucial new conversation, feel free to show up and sign up, but you’d better be there early as spots are limited.

For more information check out the facebook event page or contact missionpoetry@gmail.com.

Below, you can check out all of the readers from the show’s first installment:

Tim Donnelly

Daphne Abattoir

Justice Sweet

Colin Fischer

Vinnie the Leon

Johno

Alyssa

Charlie Getter

Dusty Rose

Duo Von Dagrate

Nagba Soul

Kim Johnson

FROM THE DUES: Preston Hill expelled, buttdragged from CUSD

After the Expulsion committee suggested the expulsion of Preston Hill Tuesday, the CUSD School Board dotted the Is and crossed the Ts to expel Preston Hill from Buchanan High School.

Read more at the Dues

Condi: ‘Couldn’t imagine running for office’

Condoleezza Rice, former Secretary of State under George W. Bush, told Piers Morgan that she would not consider running for public office. Rice noted that it was quite different now that she was out of power and now teaching at Stanford Unviersity. Along with the dichotomy between the State Department and the West Coast’s top school, Rice points out that both of her jobs, Secretary of State and Political Science professor, aren’t very different.

More at CNN

California Assemblyman tears Brown’s Budget

Download: schneidau_jewelmurders1w_morn_110118.mp3|titles=Trial%20Beginning%20In%20Connecticut%20Jewelry%20Store%20Murders%20-%20WCBS%20880%20Connecticut%20Bureau%20Chief%20Fran%20Schneidau%20has%20the%20story.|artists=WCBS%20880

The capital felony and murder trial of former Queens resident Christopher DiMeo is set to begin Tuesday in Bridgeport Superior Court. DiMeo has pleaded not guilty to the fatal shootings of Tim and Kim Donnelly during a robbery at their Fairfield store.

DiMeo faces the possibility of the death penalty if convicted. He’s already serving a life prison sentence in New York for killing Long Island jewelry store owner Thomas Renison in 2004.

DiMeo’s former girlfriend, Nicole Pearce, has pleaded guilty to felony murder for her role in the Fairfield killings. She awaits sentencing.

Authorities say Kim Donnelly was shot six times and her husband was shot five times.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

actually, I can't tell how many thumbs he has from this pic

From today’s Google News alert e-mail alone:

Sigh for the woes of an all-too common name in a world increasingly based on recognizable bylines, because I get a lot of wandering internet traffic from California of people most likely looking for this guy (with whom I did exchange e-mails once while working on a minuteman-related story in South Carolina).

But a reminder to all aspiring freelancers, writers, solo musicians, artistic people or anyone who hopes to have people find them easily in the post-SEO age: buy your domain name, and don’t. let. that. ish. expire. EVER. Seriously folks: even if you don’t do anything with it right away, it costs $10 a year. You’ll regret it if someone else snatches it up, especially if it’s some pesky Right Coast freelancing journalist foiling your campaign for state assembly.

Delaware Back up QB (#14) Tim Donnelly and RB (#34) Walter Davis celebrate a late touchdown run by Walter Davis. Photo By: Saquan Stimpson

Delaware DB (#26) Ricky Tunstall hammers Towson WR (#16) Erron Banks knocking the ball loose. Photo By: Saquan Stimpson

Delaware WR (#8) Mark Mackey attempts to gain extra yards after the catch as Towson LB (#28) Donte Blackey attempts to stop him. Photo By: Saquan Stimpson

Delaware LB (#11) Matt Marcorelle battles LT (#71) Eric Pike. Photo By: Saquan Stimpson

Related Articles

• Delaware blanks Towson 48-0 (sfgate.com)
• Colonial Athletic Association Volleyball Teams Weekly Report – OCT. 25 (volleyballvoices.com)

About alligators…:

Consult The Experts: Gator Aid

So you’re in town from Ohio, quietly enjoying your week on the beach and devouring page after page of “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” when you glance up to see a GIANT GATOR emerging from the ocean. This, most likely, was not in the brochure. Luckily, Clemson associate professor Richard Blob can help.

Q. Do you think a reality show about alligator wranglers would be a hit?
A. You see some of these videos where people are sticking their head and their arms in there. It’s like, “C’mon! No!” I would not advocate a reality show about alligator wranglers. That’s something that should not be encouraged in any way. Maybe like one episode of “Dirty Jobs” might be enough.
READ THE REST BEFORE YOU ARE EATEN TO DEATH

And business trends…:

How to Master Multiple Brand Management (Inc, 10/25)
How to Build a Board of Directors (Inc, 10/20)
How to Open a Business in Miami (Inc, 10/10)

And, uh, free beer…:

What bars do you want… in the Brokelyn Beer Book 2.0!?

(Brokelyn, 10/26) How do we know Brooklyn loves beer? It’s not from digging through your trash, collecting cans (which… we’ll tell you about soon). It’s because when we unveiled the Brokelyn Beer Book back in February, the colorful coupon packets for 25 beers at 25 Brooklyn bars (for $25) sold out in a matter of hours. For those who swooped-in early, it’s been six months of beers on the book. For those who missed out, it’s been one long wait for this moment: the announcement of the second Brokelyn Beer Book! This time, as we prepare this next awesome deal for you, we’re doing it a little differently. We’re bowing to the democratizing power of beer, ignorant of economic and editorial status, and asking: What bars do you want?

READ THE REST and leave good ideas!

Wait, that last one wasn’t me! But this guy has been wreaking havoc on my google news alert of late. If he wins, I expect even more confused emails than usual.

Doppelgangers!!

The Defense well be led be Senior Line backer Matt Marcorelle who is making the Switch from Defensive end to Linebacker this season, Coach Nick Rapone will be calling the plays from the sideline this season after replacing Coach Ben Albert whom resign recently to take a position with the National Football League’s  Jacksonville Jaguars.  Delaware will try to rebound from a 6-5 finish during the 2009 campaign,  with over 80 players taking part in drills on the two UD field turf practice, No position is safe come hard or go home.

The Blue Hens football team will play it’s annual Blue-White Spring Game Friday, April 23 at 7 p.m. at Delaware Stadium, The Blue Hens’ 2010 schedule will feature five teams who were ranked in this year’s final Top 20 poll, including No. 1 Villanova FCS 2009 National Champion, No. 4 William & Mary, No. 5 Richmond No. 7  New Hampshire, and No. 11 South Dakota State.

SEE MORE ACTION PHOTOGRAPHY

@ monsterphotoiso.com

OR JUST CLICK HERE