Truckers: California's Backbone

California truckers are the backbone of the state. 

At morning, noon and night, truck drivers of the Golden State log countless miles while keeping California moving in a sometimes lonely and thankless job.

It's time to thank the brave men and women who handle their big rigs in every weather condition, on every California roadway, in the safest and most efficient manner.

In such a dangerous occupation as truck driving, it's comforting to know that truckers are a loyal breed who watch out for, and care for, their own.  Other truckers have your back, so you're never really alone, though the job can seem a little lonely at times.

It's scary to think about a society without truckers.  There's so much that wouldn't be available to consumers and companies.  California's economy would come to a standstill.  Seriously.

Since 1934, the California Trucking Association has represented the interests of California truck drivers through:

• legislative representation 
• regulatory representation
• advocacy
• training
• education
• buying programs
• public relations
• image enhancement
• trade shows
• expositions
• workshops
• networking
• leadership development

Thank you, California truckers, for all you do.

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"Ventura Highway" America

"Ventura Highway" is a 1972 hit song by the pop/rock group, America, about cruising U.S.101 along the California Coast --- with alligator lizards in the air.

America's "Ventura Highway" is a cool classic tune that conjures up memories of open-road freedom during a simpler, more innocent time in the Golden State.

Nothing beats the free wind blowing through your hair, you know.

Ventura Highway in the sunshine.  Oh, yeah.  Back in '72, it was all about a little gas money, a little weed, and a little freedom to roam at 70mph.  Very boss, totally bitchin' and far out, man.

Evidently, though, somebody in the song had been hit by purple rain.  Woah, man.  That's heavy.  Seasons crying --- no despair.  Can you relate?

Upon the first note, "Ventura Highway" instantly sets the mood to loose, mellow and free.  There's just such a natural feel to the song, and the feeling still holds up in the 21st century.

America's casually cool vibe permeates every ear that hears.  "Ventura Highway" is one of the group's timeless classics that is never 'dated'.  I totally dig America.

V e n t u r a   H i g h w a y

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CA Governor Candidates Shocker

"California Governor Candidates".  That, my friends, is the popular search term which has dominated my life throughout 2010.

For what it's worth, here is my perspective on the three leading candidates: 

Jerry Brown served, in my opinion, to the best of his abilities as Governor from 1975-1983.  While not perfect, Brown was passionate about environmentalism (then known as the Ecology Movement).

While I believe that God expects us to be sensitive to this beautiful creation called Earth, I do not agree with the manipulating of laws, statutes, ordinances or constitutions to put any species ahead of the human race.  Human rights are priority #1.

Environmentalism has become a religion.  People are losing rights, income and freedom across California.

In 2010, Jerry Brown has not made his reasons for his third-term candidacy clear.  Brown has not stated, specifically, where he plans to take California over the next four years.

Meg Whitman started out being very positive.  I was a supporter in early 2009 who introduced Whitman to many Californians who had never heard of her.

As a lifelong Republican, I was initially excited about a successful CEO managing California's budget from Sacramento.

In 2010, Meg Whitman's focus got blurred.  The positive vision gave way to defensive attacks, too many paid consultants, and too many lukewarm RINO hangers-on.  When Californians looked a little deeper, we found no real conservative values.

Today, what is remembered out of 20 months of the Whitman campaign are too many commercials, a whole lot of flip-flopping, and a lot of wasted money that could have fed thousands of hungry Californians..

Chelene Nightingale looked a little wacky to me a year ago.  When I heard her talking about grabbing a wrench and forcibly turning the water supply back on to the Central Valley, I laughed --- at first.

Later, when Nightingale was yelling at Tea Party rallies about sending the California State Military Reserve to the Mexican border, I thought she was politically suicidal.

What made me a Nightingale-watcher was when the candidate promised to immediately suspend Schwarzenegger's pride and joy --- the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006.

After interviewing Nightingale several times, meeting her family, and conversing with the many Republicans, Democrats and Independents in her campaign, I started doing my homework.

Chelene Nightingale may be a "pissed-off housewife" (as some have called her), but the first-time candidate has proven to be a compelling teacher to Californians who will listen.  How else could Nightingale attract so many supporters from different parties and ideologies?

I have been waiting for Jerry Brown and Meg Whitman to address the deeper, more substantial issues which face us all --- but nothing yet.  We're all still waiting and Election Day is upon us.

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'CHiPs' for Governor!

Had enough of the California governor's race?  Just turn off those apocalyptically-sleazy TV attack ads and take a cleansing breath.  Chill out.  I've got the perfect write-in candidate(s) for your Election Day voting pleasure...

'CHiPs'.  Yes, I'm talking about that TV show from the '70s.  We need to elect Ponch and Jon as California co-governors.  California Highway Patrol Officers Francis Poncherello and Jonathan Baker are perfect for the job.

Could Ponch and Jon share the California governor's job?  Of course.  They're always together like they're joined at the hip anyway, right?  Partners forever.  Aren't two heads better than one? --- especially when blow-dried and meticulously styled?

California needs to double-up on efforts to get fully back on track, so there you go.  The choice is obvious.  Besides, the Golden State needs its disco soundtrack back.  Vote for Ponch and Jon!

Just think how many of California's problems could easily be solved by the guys from 'CHiPs':

• That heroine-addicted hooker-turned-adult-actress could simply be softly lectured by Jon as his Malibu blond hair gets tousled by the Pacific breeze.  He could tell the wayward gal that she deserves a better life as some cheesy fake surf music plays in the background.  Then, at just the right moment, he gets freeze-framed in a perfect, toothy white smile flash at the big music crescendo.  The girl sees the light!
• Those hard-core crack-dealing gangland killers could share a basketball game with Ponch, who would 'set them straight' about how dangerous street life is --- in hip, ghetto-liscious terms of course --- and then just flash his gigantic, blinding teeth in a magazine cover smile as the obligatory 'funk-note' accents his freeze-frame.  California crime problem solved!

Imagine the both of them, Ponch and Jon together, addressing the California Legislature.  The constantly-flashing teeth, the relentless freeze-framed half-laughs, and the incessant disco beat in the background would hypnotize lawmakers into doing what's right for The People.

California's skies would be bluer, grass would be greener, dogs would smile, and only the most beautiful people would be stopped for traffic citations.  Paradise!

One officer looks kind of like a Democrat and the other looks sort of Republican, so everybody's happy.  'CHiPs' for California governor.  That's the ticket.

The only concern, though, might be with campaign financing.  Personally, I'd keep an eye on how much in contributions is coming from the toothpaste makers.  "Trust but verify", you know?  California is not for sale.

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Yahoo! Hears Californians on Economy

California's own Yahoo! is interested in what average Californians have to say about the Golden State's biggest issue:  The California Economy.

Yahoo! News got out into the streets of Los Angeles to get reactions from concerned California citizens during the final days of the 2010 campaign season.

The public's reactions were on:

• Jobs
• Economy
• Marijuana

The public opinions gathered by Yahoo! reporters were interesting and varied, with folks wanting a good job in a thriving economy supported by tax revenue from pot sales.

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Carly Fiorina Bounces Back

Carly Fiorina, the conservative California U.S. Senate candidate, has been released from the hospital, is back on the campaign trail, and is moving up in the polls.

Carly is back in the saddle and firing away at liberal incumbent Barbara Boxer.

The Republican senatorial candidate spent two days in the hospital due to a common infection associated with her reconstructive surgery after a breast cancer mastectomy.

"I'm in this race to win it for Californians who have put up with too much for too long from a career politician who has overstayed her welcome in Washington.  I'm energized, I feel terrific, and I'm fighting for my fellow Californians harder than ever," Fiorina declared.

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Guess the CA Governor Candidate

California governor candidates Jerry Brown, Chelene Nightingale and Meg Whitman are the three leading contenders in the 2010 governor's race.

Through all of the similarities and differences in each candidate's political platform, what makes one uniquely stand out to voters?

Out of the top three candidates for California governor, which one stands against the status quo?  Which gubernatorial candidate is for:

• the low man on the totem pole
• the underdog
• the guys pulling 3rd shift
• the single mom raising kids
• the preachers on their knees
• the sinner who finally believes
• the farmer with dirty hands
• the soldiers who fight for our land
• the Bible
• the flag
• the working man

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California's Miracle Arrives

California, a land of miracles, has been in need of a miracle of its own.  Today, indeed, miracles are happening.

Compassion.  Sharing.  Togetherness. Trust.  Love.

For too long, busy Californians have unknowingly perpetuated a society of alienation, distance, mistrust and loneliness.  Recent hard times have encouraged folks to ask others for help, and to help those who ask.

Through painful feelings of isolation, many Californians waited for some kind of a personal miracle to give them hope.  Pride had previously prevented any honest sharing of fears and insecurities.

That has all changed.

Once people started opening up to others, fears were shared, tears were shed, and HOPE really started making a comeback in California.

Facing reality together has unified us in strength.  We are beginning to feel free being who, what, when and where we are.

The future somehow doesn't feel so dreadful when we're in it together.  Things are gonna be okay.  Tomorrow is gonna be totally cool.

We Californians are now making our OWN miracles happen and, together, we are unstoppable.

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California 2011: Global Solar Capitol

A 1,000-megawatt solar power plant on public lands in the Mojave Desert in Southern California has been officially approved for construction.  The Golden State is about to become the solar energy production capitol of the world.

The project, which will double America's solar output, will be the world's largest solar farm and will generate enough clean electricity for 300,000 homes.

U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar gave German developer Solar Millennium the go-ahead to construct the 7,000-acre project near Blythe, in extreme Southern California.  It will create 1,100 jobs during construction and 225 permanent jobs at full operation.

"The Blythe Solar Power Project is a major milestone in our nation’s renewable energy economy and shows that the United States intends to compete and lead in the technologies of the future," Secretary Salazar officially stated.

The massive solar project will cost $6 billion and construction will commence in 90 days.  It will begin producing electricity in 2013.  Approval of another solar project in California is expected within the next few weeks.

Concerns over the world's largest solar project were environmental, regarding a desert tortoise.  Conservation groups worked with the developers and government agencies on the solar project.  Things appear to be worked out favorably.

It is the government's first approval of a parabolic trough power plant, which uses curved mirrors to direct solar heat towards a pipe containing a heat transfer fluid, creating steam that powers turbines. 

Solar Millennium, a German corporation, plans to build four plants in the Southern California desert with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts.  The European company said it has enough cash for the first wave of construction but it is dependent on government incentives and pending loans as well.

Solar Millennium CFO Oliver Blamberger stated, "This is also good news for our advanced talks with the US Department of Energy on the loan guarantees for which we have applied. A successful conclusion of this process would secure more than two thirds of the financing volume of the first two planned power plants through the American Federal Financing Bank."

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April Winter-Bruno: California Survivor

April Winter-Bruno, like many Californians, has faced many challenges during the last few years.  The Conejo Valley mother is in the battle of her lifetime, though, after being forced into two new roles:

Quadriplegic, and single mother of two.

April's compelling story was brought to my attention by a couple of new friends of mine in Newbury Park who, like other local folks, have been helping in any way they can out of love.

April Winter-Bruno's life, beforehand, was seemingly charmed.

April, a credentialed special education teacher, enjoyed living out her passion for improving the lives of autistic children and their parents in Southern California.  She was married to a handsome doctor with whom she had two sons.

After choosing to focus on her young family, April contributed her talents in children's ministries at her church while assisting her husband in setting up a practice.  Life was busy yet fulfilling for April.

In 2005, April and her family took a much-welcomed break with a trip to Mammoth.  On a sunny, clear and heavenly California day, April was introduced to hell.

Another motorist T-boned her family's vehicle in a horrific collision that left her family lucky to be alive.  Her husband and her young sons healed from their injuries, but April was left paralyzed from the neck down.  Forever.

The years since then have been an ongoing nightmare of operations, hospitals, economic hardship, blinding pain and severe heartache.  Most who share similar experiences will tell you that, at times, simply 'checking out' can seem easier than enduring the torture.

April made a conscious choice to continue.  She is a survivor.

As if being stabbed with nearly impossible circumstances wasn't enough, the knife was twisted all the way into April's life when she was suddenly introduced to single motherhood.  (I have been asked to "leave it at that".  I will, out of respect for her kids' dignity.)

Caring for one's self, along with two children, as a quadriplegic is absolutely UNIMAGINABLE to most of us.  April's friends and her community have been stepping in to help fill the gaps.  The California Recession has added one more equation to circumstances, but April keeps going like a champion.

With her focus still on children, April volunteers in her sons' classrooms, serves as a team mom, and helps with Vacation Bible School.  She uses the tiny bit of movement her body still has in order to serve others.  Unbelievable!

April's medical, caregiving, equipment and home modification costs are huge and will extend over her lifetime.  To help offset these costs a fundraising campaign has been established with the NTAF for April Winter-Bruno.

The National Transplant Assistance Fund (NTAF) is a nonprofit charitable organization that has been assisting the transplant community and those who have sustained a catastrophic injury for over 25 years.

Californiality urges all to visit the NTAF April Winter-Bruno page on their national website and CONTRIBUTE.  Also, be sure to sign April's Guestbook and leave her a word of encouragement.

April's friends have set up a Facebook page called April's Angels for a woman who, to many, is a champion and a HERO.

April Winter-Bruno is definitely a California survivor who inspires all who face struggles against all odds.  Hope is very much alive.

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The Mind of Carly Fiorina

Carly Fiorina, the 2010 Republican nominee for the United States Senate, has made a successful name for herself in California --- but what makes the Texas native tick?

What's it like inside the complex mind of Carly Fiorina?

The famous former CEO of Hewlett-Packard is, first and foremost, an expert administrator who excels through hard work.  Fiorina is well-known in business circles as a results-driven workhorse.

A Stanford University graduate, young Carly started out as a receptionist for a Los Angeles real estate firm before moving on to bigger successes.  Fiorina speaks of her days as a receptionist with pride.

"Any honest work is honorable work," Fiorina declares.  (Having heard that exact quote from my family members all my life, I could not agree more.)  While her mind is creative and very imaginative, Carly is a serious 'bottom-liner'.

'Pie in the sky' is never good enough for this businesswoman and senatorial candidate.  Carly needs to know where things are headed, an accurate ETA estimate, how much the investment of time and resources will be, and what the return will be.

Fiorina is not a spontaneously frivolous person.  She is a planner, an achiever and, ultimately, a hard-earned success story.  'Follow-through' is a big thing with Carly.  She is meticulously thorough about details while keeping an eye on the 'big picture'.

On a personal level, Fiorina is one of the most dynamic communicators, dedicated executives and magnetic personalities I have ever known.  Before I blow all objectivity out the window, I'll let someone else speak.

Duane Bentzen, a California businessman in the tech industry, spoke to Californiality on his professional and personal feelings about Carly Fiorina.

"I didn't necessarily start off as a Carly fan, though I've watched her in Silicon Valley business circles for years.  She is a fighter and an expert strategist, for sure.  Carly has proven to be very effective in a male-dominated field but, somehow, she manages to communicate in soft, respectful tones while laying out the issues in a fearless manner."

Bentzen continued, "Since Carly began running for the U.S. Senate, I've kept up with developments in her campaign.  At this point, I can honestly say that Carly has EARNED my vote --- which is not an easy thing to do.  I feel confident that she will be a very productive and accomplished senator for California."

I asked Duane Bentzen what he likes most about Carly Fiorina.

"Well, I guess I'd say it's the way she communicates what's on her mind.  Carly is very clear, concise, and no-nonsense in her style.  She instills confidence in people by keeping things real.  People instinctively know when someone is real.  Her growing support is no surprise," stated Bentzen.

Carly Fiorina

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Candidates for Governor of California

What motivates a person be a candidate for California governor?  What lies in the hearts of the leading candidates for governor of California?

The State of California has seen many gubernatorial candidates, many negative campaigns, and an overwhelming number of frustrated voters in 2010.

Here's what California voters really want to know:  What are the personal motives of the three major candidates for California governor?

Jerry Brown is a candidate for governor of California, once again, to finish what he started in the 1970s.  What Brown perceived as social inequities back then, he continues to fight today as Attorney General.  His privileged upbringing contrasted the plight of the most vulnerable members of society, and Jerry noticed.

What motivates Brown is the struggle against social injustice.  'Fighting for what's right' is his motivating drive.  In the legacy years of his political career, candidate Jerry Brown desires the opportunity to continue the same fight as California's chief executive from a seasoned and experienced perspective.

Chelene Nightingale is a candidate for Governor of California to bring California back to conservative constitutional principles.  To Nightingale, protecting California's sovereignty is her life's mission.  The conservative candidate feels that the fight for freedom, liberty and constitutional rights should never stop.

Nightingale's ambition is to be the governor who puts California back on the path laid out by the Founding Fathers, which shows deference to California's rights as a state.  The dream of a strong, formidable, prosperous California society is what drives Chelene Nightingale to inform, educate and empower Californians.

Meg Whitman is a candidate for Governor of California to do for Californians what she has successfully done for several companies, including her own eBay.  Whitman is an expert troubleshooter who can restructure and optimize an organization to its maximum level of health.  She is a 'fixer'.

As someone who originally studied to be a doctor, and is married to a doctor, Meg has a natural ability to diagnose and treat conditions.  Her goal is to fix what ails California, starting with the basic structure of economics, government and education.  A 'New California' is the dream of candidate Meg Whitman.

Read more on all six candidates for California governor:  California Governor 2010 Candidates

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Fitz and The Tantrums

Fitz and The Tantrums are a six-member pop/rock/soul group from Los Angeles, formed in 2008.

My new L.A. pop music favorite, totally.

Two hot lead singers.  Hip bandmates.  Catchy songs.  Groovy organ.  Cool saxophone.  California vibe.  Tight instrumentation.  Flashy retro L.A.-style bubblegum Motownesque feel.

David Cassidy 1972 meets Diana Ross 1966 meets ABC 1982 meets Daryl Hall 1977 meets Chaka Khan 1974 meets Robert Palmer 1985.  I love it.

Fitz and The Tantrums are:

• Fitz (dude vocals)
• Noelle Scaggs (chick vocals)
• John Wicks (drums)
• James King (saxophone, flute)
• Ethan Phillips (bass)
• Jeremy Ruzumna (keyboards)

FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS

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CA Governor Candidates Shocking Poll

Candidates for California governor Chelene Nightingale, Meg Whitman and Jerry Brown are locked in a three-way battle for victory on November 2nd, but which candidate is really leading?

In a new Topix Poll, the results are a reversal of what has been sold to the news media over the last few months.

It really makes a voter wonder what polls are real and which ones are fake.  Who to believe? 

In this poll, which samples average internet users, the results are extremely surprising to many and are being passed around the Internet in classic viral fashion.

Chelene Nightingale, the most conservative candidate, is winning in an EXTREME LANDSLIDE.

POST-ELECTION 2010 UPDATE

Chelene Nightingale won the Topix Poll by a landslide but came in at #3 behind Brown and Whitman on election day.

To see how many votes each California governor candidate received in the general election, visit California Governor 2010 Candidates.

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Greener Roads in California

California's roadways are turning green.  No, not green with envy, although other states and nations might be a little envious of our innovative California spirit once again.

The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, also known as CalRecycle, has launched a totally cool new program called Green Roads.

California is the innovative national leader in waste reduction and diversion.  The Golden State efficiently recycles paper, plastic, cans, computers, bottles, food scraps and batteries along with 75-percent of California's waste tires.

What happens to the other 25-percent of those grungy old tires, though?

It all ends up in landfills, dumped or stockpiled illegally.  The CalRecycle Green Roads program considers waste tires to be a beneficial resource and an earth-friendly solution to previously challenging engineering problems.

California generates 40-million scrap tires each year --- or one tire for every Californian annually.

Scrap tires can be ground-up and combined with asphalt to pave California roadways, or shredded and used for embankments and landslide repairs.  The Green Roads program keeps thousands of tires out of California's landfills, which is very cool.

Using tire-derived products creates big economic and energy savings and it helps the State of California reach a respectable goal of recycling 90-percent of the state's old, worn-out tires.

The Green Roads program promotes the use of shredded or ground scrap tires in paving and construction projects, as inexpensive backfill behind retaining walls, and as an asphalt additive that provides durability and noise reduction.

Using recycled tires to build greener roads is something which should have been going on for decades, really.  I mean, come on, this is CALIFORNIA.

CalRecycle has built a new Green Roads website that offers information about tire derived products and its Green Roads campaign, with online resources that are useful, informative, and definitely California cool.

Special thanks to my friend, Jill, for bringing this great California state program to the attention of Californiality.

You don't have to be a total tree-hugging, granola munching flower child to appreciate greener roads in the Golden State --- but, yes, you can hug the roads if you want to.

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God Endorses Nightingale for CA Governor

God Almighty has endorsed candidate Chelene Nightingale for California governor, it seems.  How do I know?  His people are heeding The Call and quickly mobilizing massive support behind the conservative gubernatorial candidate.

When the Christian Coalition, the Black Republican Women's Council, and 187 California church congregations all endorse a particular candidate, it is time to take notice of a powerful trend --- the exact same trend that catapulted George W. Bush into the Texas governor's mansion in 1994 in the final weeks of his campaign.

I know.  I was there in '94 to witness Bush, a politically inexperienced candidate for governor, in his uphill battle against Ann Richards, the popular incumbent who was almost guaranteed re-election.  Voters of faith made all the difference in the final days of the campaign.  The rest is world history.

California's Christian community is now solidly behind Chelene Nightingale, the most conservative candidate for governor, in an arena which her gubernatorial rivals simply cannot compete.

After months of trying to get a solid glimpse inside Chelene Nightingale's campaign, the candidate finally let me accompany her on a typical day of campaigning.  Based on my months of fair treatment of her campaign on Californiality, Nightingale trusted me enough to let me tag along.

I was worn out by her schedule, though the experience was very exciting.  Even our lunch in Los Angeles was dramatic, complete with a delusional stalker who was obsessed with Nightingale.  Before her escorts removed the nut-case, Nightingale handled the stalker herself in a way which showed fearless leadership --- and a really strong faith in God's protection.

Let me tell you, folks, I witnessed hard-core faith in ACTION.

Needless to say, just in my first hour with the candidate, I was completely blown away by her ability to handle a potential nightmare.  In a recent John and Ken Show interview, Nightingale had stated that her Christian parents raised her to have "balls of steel".  I can attest, unequivocally, to the truth of that statement.  I was there, with my mouth hanging open.

Nightingale insisted that I leave my car at the restaurant and ride with her to an appearance at an Orange County church.  The commute was a blur of phone calls, texts, and chatter about poll numbers, schedules, interviews and appearances.  Nightingale is a whiz at multi-tasking.  I was exhausted just watching her in action.  She has no shortage of energy.

When we arrived at Eagle's Nest Ministries in Santa Ana, we were warmly greeted by Senior Pastor Dr. Gary Greenwald.  I had heard Greenwald on the radio many times, so it was exciting to finally meet him in person.  The church members welcomed us with hugs and blessings of the Lord.  We were made to feel very comfortable in a congregation which expresses praise and worship very creatively.

Most of the church members simply assumed that Nightingale and I were a new "couple" who was checking out their ministry.  They later laid hands on us in prayer, and some of their elders spoke words of prophecy over Nightingale, who they did not yet know was running for governor of California.

The "words of knowledge" and "words of prophecy" spoken on Nightingale's behalf sent chills down my spine:

• Challenges
• Opposition
• Warrior
• Woman of God
• Deborah
• Joan of Arc
• Surprising victory
• Leadership
• Accomplishment
• National acclaim
• Constitutional heroine
• Commander of troops

The whole congregation was completely blown away by the Spirit of God in the room, and every believer in the room stretched out their hands in prayer toward Nightingale, believing God for Nightingale's victory in "whatever she may be engaged in".  They would soon hear her speak, and they would know exactly WHAT they had all trusted God for.

What a total TRIP!

When Chelene Nightingale was introduced as a candidate for governor of California, I could hear gasps of surprise from people around me.  Most had not yet heard of Nightingale nor her campaign.  When Nightingale spoke, the room was FULLY ENGAGED.  I was amazed that every person there stated afterward that they were voting for her on November 2nd.

From there, many email campaigns were started from church to church, Christian to Christian, and --- since then --- similar viral campaigns have started up from Hebrew synagogue to synagogue.  God's people have taken up the mantle in the final days of the 2010 California governor's race, vowing to "get a constitutional conservative into the California governor's office".

Like I previously stated, it's just like what happened for George W. Bush in '94.  It's amazing how history is repeating.  Simply amazing.

After many emotional and tearful farewell hugs, Nightingale and I were off to a dinner invitation with a big group of Christians who all became instant friends.  Wonderful people.  The conversation was alive with miracles, politics and Bible prophecy.  Every person there was actively concerned and involved in making California a better place for all.

Nightingale and I were both surprised when a Christian woman insisted on giving the candidate a stunning, multi-stranded pearled and jeweled arm bracelet.  Nightingale refused, politely.  The woman insisted, stating that God had instructed her to present it to Nightingale as an accessory to wear at her INAUGURATION in January as a gift from God's people.

These were people of strong faith, let me tell you, and my own faith was GREATLY increased through the day's experiences.  Just one day with Chelene Nightingale was life-changing and totally transforming.  No, I did NOT expect anything like it at all.

On the way back to my car in Los Angeles (1:30 AM), I asked Nightingale why she exhausts herself EVERY DAY with such a hectic schedule.

"Mark, the time is short.  This may be California's last call.  We've got to seize the opportunity that the Lord has provided for us to stand up and put our state back on the right track.  I am giving all I have in this race and, you know what?  I can't count how many like-minded supporters are giving everything they've got too.  That's really what keeps me going," said Nightingale.

I asked the candidate about the people who aren't necessarily 'people of faith' who want to support her campaign.

"Everyone in California is welcome to take part in strengthening our state.  This is NOT about joining a religion.  It's about coming together to create a society in which we ALL can thrive and prosper," Nightingale declared.

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CA Tops U.S. Home Price List

The state of California has America's most expensive real estate markets, and the Golden State dominates most of the Top-10 in the latest report from Coldwell Banker.

Michigan has the cheapest real estate markets in the U.S., with Detroit having the lowest average listings in America at $68K --- the price many Californians pay for a car.  Go figure.

When I was a kid, Detroit was Motown and the epicenter of the mighty General Motors empire.  Now it's the bottom of the barrel in U.S. real estate?

Sounds like the people of Michigan have some political and economic housecleaning to do.  Just sayin'.

Newport Beach, the oh-so-glamorous Southern California beach city, has the highest average real estate listing value, at more than $1.8M --- but nobody is surprised, really dahling.

The numbers, from the 2010 Coldwell Banker Home Listing Report, provide a picture of this year's U.S. real estate market.  Results are based on prices for 4-bedroom, 2-bath homes listed from February to August of this year in 300 American real estate markets.

Many people are willing to pay more to live near the ocean. All 10 of the highest-priced markets were by the beaches, including the six in California.

All ten of the least expensive markets were in the Midwest, where weather is more extreme.

The average listing in America was $353K. Eighty-five of the 300 markets covered by the study averaged $200K or less. The top 10 markets were priced over $1 million and 25 areas in the study averaged $750K+.

Joining Newport Beach, CA in the Top-5 were Palo Alto, CA, San Francisco, CA and La Jolla, CA, with Rye, NY the only non-Californian outsider at #3.

The cheapest markets included old industrial cities in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, but also Farm Belt communities in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.

The Top-10 costliest and cheapest for a 4-bedroom, 2-bath home:

#          Most Expensive:                          Least Expensive:
1          Newport Beach, CA   $1.82M          Detroit, MI             $68K
2          Palo Alto, CA             $1.47M         Grayling, MI            $84K
3          Rye, NY                    $1.32M          Sioux City, IA         $85K
4          San Francisco, CA     $1.32M          Cleveland, OH         $87K
5          La Jolla, CA               $1.21M         Muncie, IN               $100K
6          Greenwich, CT          $1.19M          Norfolk, NE             $107K
7          Wellesley, MA           $1.08M          Kansas City, MO      $112K
8          Pasadena, CA           $1.04M          Canton, OH             $114K
9          Honolulu, HI              $1.02M          Port Huron, MI        $116K
10        Santa Barbara, CA     $1.02M         Topeka, KS             $116K

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Redemption, California Style

Run away from home, and you can be found.  Run from the law, and you can be arrested.  What happens, though, if you run away from yourself?  Can you ever be found?

Are self-betrayal, self-abuse and self-abandonment beyond redemption?

Absolutely not.  Redemption is always closer than your shadow.  All you have to do is change your mind.  That's it.

Mary Anne, a lifelong Californian, will tell you how possible it is from her own personal experience.

Raised in a well-educated, respectable suburban household, Mary Anne was a sheltered and innocently naive girl.  A little further down life's road, she would ask herself how she wound-up in volatile relationships with men who led her out of her own Garden of Eden --- and straight into hell.

Suddenly, Mary Anne's existence became a spinning whirlpool of drugs, crimes, fears and failures.  The dotted lines on the road of life blurred into a path leading to confusion, incarceration, probation and rehabilitation.

Mary Anne did not yet know her own power.

In a startling moment of clarity, she realized that --- as much as she always loved helping others --- she could not give what she no longer had.  Mary Anne knew that she was loving her neighbor exactly as she loved herself --- destructively.

Since meeting her a few months ago, I have gotten to know Mary Anne as an intelligent, attractive soul who counsels many young people as a 'mom' figure in her community.  She is valued and respected by others, including myself, and she's just totally cool.

We have become friends.

Earlier today, I saw Mary Anne outside of her place of work with a piece of paper in her hand.  She seemed a little preoccupied.  When I asked how she was, Mary Anne hesitated, took a deep breath, looked me right in the eye, and then handed me the piece of paper.

I read a letter from her boss which described what an excellent employee she is, how caring and concerned Mary Anne is with the public, and how he would really love to give her a promotion and a much-needed pay raise, but that he could not.

The letter was a request, on Mary Anne's behalf, to end her court-ordered criminal probation.

I looked into Mary Anne's eyes, which seemed to be searching mine for any sign of acceptance, understanding or forgiveness.  She was reaching out, and it felt so raw.

Under a stark-blue California sky, amid a picture postcard paradise setting, I suddenly became Adam to her Eve; Christ to her Magdalene; a father to a prodigal daughter.  I would --- apparently --- be answering a silent plea from one who had sinned.

The eternity of the few passing seconds prompted Mary Anne to begin divulging her past in utterly candid detail; the novice confessing to the Mother Superior.  No excuses, rationalizations nor justifications emerged.  All cards were abruptly on the table.

I could almost feel ghosts congregating around us, picking up stones to cast.

As sports cars and tanned weekenders swirled around the two of us,  I saw two reflections of my own face in Mary Anne's watery eyes --- the face of a judge turned co-defendant, and an image turned graven with guilt.

I, too, have sinned.

Instantaneously aware of the horizon full of palm trees, wildflowers and songbirds, I realized that we were two prototypes representative of all Californians who have fallen --- and gotten back up --- over and over again.

This is the Eden we have co-designed with the Creator --- on Earth as it is in Heaven --- where forgiveness heals our Paradise of bitterness and strife.  We are Californians.  We move on. 

Mary Anne's revelation to me was the best thing she could have ever told me.  She is totally free.

She became a little girl who was merely telling me that she had found her way back --- on her own --- after running away from herself.  She was lost, but now she's found.  She was blind, but now she sees.

Mary Anne shares the wisdom of her hard-won progress through service to others.  She has truly moved onward and upward and, today, she inspires all whom she meets.

Redemption was closer than her own shadow.  All she had to do was change her mind.

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Victor Perez: California Hero

Central Valley resident Victor Perez is a hero.  The laid-off construction worker from Fresno is being applauded for risking his life to rescue an eight year old girl who was kidnapped and raped by a criminal gang member.

This past Monday evening the eight year old girl was abducted from her front yard.  An Amber Alert was issued across California and Nevada, and an all night search began.

The next morning, Victor Perez spotted the girl and her kidnapper in a reddish-brown pick-up truck with a white stripe on each side.  He recognized the vehicle from TV news reports.

"I thought, that could be the truck," said 29 year old Perez, who is a father himself.

Victor Perez began following the truck.  He cut-off the driver a few times, and he finally forced the truck to stop.  The little girl escaped and ran for her life when the truck quickly took off.

"I was yelling but I kept cutting him off so he would get off the road.  The second time I cut him off, the little girl stuck her head out. That’s when I said, 'OK, that ain't your girl right there' because he was hiding her — like pushing her down," Perez recounted.

Police Chief Jerry Dyer said Victor Perez helped lead to the arrest of Gregorio Gonzalez, 24, of Fresno, 45-minutes later at a Fresno apartment complex.  Gonzales is being charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment and sexual assault --- and there may be more charges.

Gonzalez, a gang member, has been arrested many times and was on probation for a felony domestic violence conviction.

It is an absolute miracle that the eight year old girl is alive.  The girl's mother had nearly lost her mind, fearing the worst.  Victor Perez aggressively got involved and stopped the child from becoming a murder statistic.

Perez admits he was scared, like most of us would have been, but a genuine hero steps up to the plate despite the fear.  Victor Perez is a true hero who has made Californians extremely proud.

"I thank God He put me here to help out that little girl, that’s for sure," proclaimed Perez.

I thank God for Victor Perez being there too.  My eyes are a little misty knowing that California still has Good Samaritans like this outstanding, heroic and brave Central Valley gentleman.

Thank you, Victor.  You are a hero to EVERY California citizen.  May the luckiest company in California HIRE YOU IMMEDIATELY.

Victor Perez: California Hero

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Sheriff Joe Endorses Nightingale for CA Governor

Sheriff Joe Arpaio, "America's Toughest Sheriff", has officially endorsed conservative Chelene Nightingale for governor of California.

The world's most famous sheriff is no stranger to controversy, and the fearless Arizona law enforcement official has named California governor candidate Chelene Nightingale as his favorite in the California governor's race.

While rumors and claims of a Sheriff Joe endorsement of Nightingale have been swirling around for the past month, the endorsement is now official through a statement made to Californiality.

"Chelene Nightingale is, absolutely, the best choice of anybody running for governor in California.  Arizonans know her as a popular Tea Party speaker on illegal immigration, and many in our state would love for her to run for governor here in Arizona.  Chelene's years of work as an activist have prepared her for a larger leadership role," stated Sheriff Arpaio.

Arpaio continued, "Chelene is very pro-military, pro-veteran, and pro-law enforcement.  I like that.  She's a tough lady who you wouldn't want to mess with.  Her aggressive plan to stop the illegal invasion of California is the best plan of anyone running for governor.  She will be a great governor."

Nightingale has been invited to speak at several Tea Party rallies and immigration events in Arizona due to her reputation as a tough immigration reformer.  Sheriff Joe Arpaio was in the audience and liked what he heard.

Chelene Nightingale expressed her feelings about the Sheriff Joe Arpaio endorsement:

"I can't fully express what a tremendous honor it is for someone of his stature to endorse my campaign.  Sheriff Joe is a leader who has never backed down, and he never will.  He truly is an inspiration.  I will honor his endorsement as he has greatly honored me.  I am deeply moved by Sheriff Arpaio's confidence in me," said Chelene Nightingale.

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KFI's John & Ken Endorse Libertarian for CA Governor

KFI radio's conservative John and Ken Show has officially endorsed Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Dale Ogden for California governor.

John and Ken's influential radio program invited all six candidates for California governor to appear on the #1 California radio talk show --- which, of course, earned them the Californiality seal of approval for their spirit of fair and fearless political discourse.

This California blog has stated, all year long, that all six certified California governor candidates must be heard from equally.  The John and Ken Show respectfully supports this view for the benefit of California voters.

Since the John and Ken Show's fantastic interview of conservative California governor candidate Chelene Nightingale last week, rumors were flying up and down the state that John and Ken were about to endorse Nightingale for California governor.

However, I distinctly remember that, a few weeks ago, John and Ken expressed disappointment in both the Republican and Democratic parties, and that they might "just vote for the Libertarian guy" in the November 2nd gubernatorial election.

Though their endorsement of Libertarian Dale Ogden is shocking to many, it's not all that surprising, really.  They did sort of give their radio listeners a 'heads-up' weeks ago and, besides, John and Ken have long endorsed the smaller government plan which the California Libertarian Party promotes.

I had the pleasure of hanging out with Dale Ogden at his June 8th California Primary Night victory party as he won the Libertarian Party nomination for California governor.  As we talked about issues and candidates, I found Ogden to be very intelligent, fully engaged, authentic, and very down-to-earth as a gubernatorial candidate.

Dale Ogden and Chelene Nightingale have consistently spoken highly of each other all year long, and the two candidates know each other personally.  While both candidates agree on many issues which burn in the minds of California voters, they differ on the subject of illegal immigration.

Ogden supports the concept of open borders while Nightingale is famously opposed to it.  Ogden is against the type of illegal immigration legislation passed in Arizona while Nightingale enthusiastically supports the efforts of Arizona Governor Jan Brewer.

Chelene Nightingale had this to say about the John and Ken Show's endorsement of Dale Ogden for California governor:

"I think everyone knows that I love Dale.  He's an outstanding candidate and a tremendously informed person.  I am so happy that John and Ken endorsed him for governor over Jerry and Meg.  John and Ken really treated us with a lot of respect on their show in front of a million listeners and I respect them even more now."

Nightingale continued, "Dale and I agree on so many things but, yes, we have different philosophical viewpoints on illegal immigration policies and drug legalization policies.  I just cannot consider ever legalizing drugs like heroin in California.  Our state needs laws on certain things.  While Dale and I disagree on a few issues, I think his campaign is so much more sincere than Brown's and Whitman's are."

Get a quick Californiality overview on all six candidates by reading California Governor 2010 Candidates.

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