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Dateline Sacramento (10/15/2009)

Dateline Sacramento
News with a View from the California Capitol
October 16, 2009
How Low Can They Go?
Approval Ratings for Governor Schwarzenegger and the Legislature Hit An All-time Low
Now that the Legislature is in recess for the 2009 session, and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has just signed hundreds of bills into law, The Field Poll released its latest approval ratings for the governor and our elected state representatives. Citizens have weighed in, and the numbers are abysmal.
The Poll released on Monday found that 27 percent of voters approve of Schwarzenegger’s job performance, and 65 percent disapprove. Even lower, still, is the electorate's opinion of the state Legislature. Just 13 percent approve of lawmakers’ job performance and 78 percent disapprove – the worst since the Field Poll began keeping track in 1983.
The survey showed a growing frustration with the Democratic-controlled Legislature across all political affiliations, with 72 percent of registered Democrats expressing disapproval, 86 percent of Republicans, and 77 percent of nonpartisan registered voters.
"Right now the public is very frustrated with what the state is facing and the budget. The impact of the cuts is causing the drop," said Mark DiCamillo, director of the Field Poll. "The public also has the view that there is a lot of waste and inefficiency (in government), and that not enough has been done about it," he added.
Senator Bob Dutton, R-Rancho Cucamonga, blamed the low marks on the Legislature's Democrat leaders and the Schwarzenegger administration, and what he called their indifference to growing the state's economy. "Too many legislators, and frankly, people in the governor's office, are just out of touch," he said.
Schwarzenegger spokesman Aaron McLear said: "It's clear the worldwide economic crash has affected all elected officials' poll numbers, even the president's."
In fact, according to the Field Poll, a large majority of Californians want to see lawmakers tackle two of the state’s most vexing problems in special sessions: 73 percent of respondents favor a special session to deal with California’s water woes, and 62 percent want a session dedicated to tax reform.
Even though Schwarzenegger supports water and tax policy overhauls, many analysts are skeptical that he can achieve such ambitious changes, especially with such low ratings.
According to the Field Poll, only one other governor has had lower job-approval ratings in the past 50 years. That was former Gov. Gray Davis in August 2003, just weeks before voters recalled him and elected Schwarzenegger.
Another factor for the low ratings of elected representatives may the obvious and intentional disregard for the will of the people they are sworn to serve.
Just last November the people voted to protect traditional marriage with the passage of Proposition 8. In response, the Democrat-controlled Legislature flexed its muscles, and on a strict party-line vote passed Senate Bill 54. Authored by Mark Leno, an openly homosexual state senator from San Francisco, SB 54 requires California to recognize out-of-state same-sex marriages performed before November 5, 2008. This is in direct conflict with the state’s constitution and the obvious intent of people. The people rightly expected the governor to protect their vote and veto the bill. Instead, Gov. Schwarzenegger ignored the state’s majority of voters, sided with special interests, and signed SB 54 into law.
These poll numbers are a stinging indictment of the people we have elected to serve us. Voters share some responsibility in this circumstance, as we have neglected our role in holding elected officials accountable. Networks and coalitions across California are becoming active in the identification of candidates who share their values, and those same coalitions are submitting to education on how the electorate is to practice encouragement and exhortation with those elected. Stay tuned for more information as plans are underway.
“The people of California have the right to practice caution”
U.S. District Court Judge Vaughan Walker heard arguments Wednesday in the Northern District of California (San Francisco) courtroom, where defendants of California’s constitutional definition of marriage sought a summary judgment to dismiss the case against Proposition 8.
The hearing included two hours of legal arguments, with significant dialogue between Judge Walker, Charles Cooper (the defendants’ lead attorney), and Theodore Olson, co-lead attorney for the plaintiffs.
Arguing on behalf of the proponents of Proposition 8, Cooper objected to the plaintiffs’ claims that traditional marriage “serves no societal interest, and has been historically motivated by hatred and bigotry.” The judge rendered his decisions to a packed courtroom Wednesday afternoon, and denied all of the defendant’s requests for full dismissal or partial dismissal of aspects of the plaintiff’s claims.
Two weeks ago, Judge Walker also delivered an order for the defendants of Proposition 8 to disclose a broad array of internal documents for review by the plaintiffs, who have claimed that Proposition 8 and the protection of traditional marriage was motivated from animosity toward homosexuals.
In reality, Proposition 8 was motivated by the positive benefits provided to children, families, and societies by the special legal recognition of man-woman marriage. The institution of traditional marriage:
·         Fosters fidelity and commitment between parents who naturally procreate, benefiting society and its children,
·         Supports the natural family as the best standard for the healthy development of children, and
·         Protects the rights of conscience of parents, who are ultimately responsible for imparting a worldview to their children.
Lead attorney Charles Cooper stated it very well in the courtroom: the state has an existential interest in the survival of society, and should ensure that the natural mother and father will provide a stable environment, rather than the burden falling to the government. “The people of California have the right to practice caution relative to creating an untested social paradigm such as same-sex marriage,” said Cooper.
The trial date has been set for January 11, 2010, although the proponents of Proposition 8 have appealed Judge Walker’s order for disclosure to the 9th District Court of Appeal. Stay tuned, and please be in active prayer for the legal team representing the protection of Proposition 8 and natural marriage.    
Governor Signs Homosexual Bills over Vocal Objections
Sunday night, as the constitutional deadline approached for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to sign or veto bills approved by the Legislature, the governor signed two pro-homosexual bills into law that dishonor California families and voters. Over the objections of tens of thousands of Californians who contacted the governor’s offices seeking his veto, Schwarzenegger approved Senate Bills (SB) 54 and 572, authored by Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco), a homosexual politician.
SB 54 requires the State of California to validate and recognize same-sex marriages performed outside the state prior to November 5, 2008, in direct violation of the express intent of the voters and Article I, Section 7.5 of the California Constitution, which state “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” 
Although Governor Schwarzenegger claimed in his signing message that SB 54, “honors the will of the People in enacting Proposition 8,” the unambiguous language of the Proposition clearly refutes that claim. His signing of SB 54 demonstrates the governor’s complete abandonment of the people who elected him. Voters elected Schwarzenegger based on his campaign promises to stand up to special interests and return governing to the people. Sunday evening’s action was another departure from his pledges, and a complete capitulation to the homosexual special interest.
Further demonstrating his disregard for California families, Schwarzenegger also signed SB 572. SB 572 requires the Governor of California to annually proclaim May 22 as “Harvey Milk Day” and encourage schools to conduct “commemorative” services and programs focused on Milk’s contributions, a politician who served less than one year in office. Overriding his previous veto, Governor Schwarzenegger’s signature further demonstrates his failure to stand against special interest agendas and protect the interests of parents and students.
Regrettably, California families and students will pay the price for the governor’s decision to side with homosexual activists over the People of California. The passage and signing of SB 54 and 572 illustrates the lack of commitment by our governor and the Democrat-led Legislature to protect the values of the majority of Californians, the sovereignty of our vote, and the safe education of our children. Until California citizens elect representatives that reflect our values, the agendas of the few will dictate law over all Californians.
Local Links
San Juan Capistrano – Exodus International presents an “equipping event” on October 24 at Ocean Hills Church. Intended for pastors, ministry leaders, and anyone desiring to become better equipped in providing ministry support to individuals struggling with or affected by same-sex attraction, Exodus International has provided sound counsel throughout the world for 33 years.
Topics will include the root causes of male and female homosexuality, responding to and addressing homosexuality both inside and outside the Church, and practical strategies on providing help to those within the body of Christ who may be struggling with unwanted same-sex attractions.
For more information or to register, call 1-888-264-0877 or link here
LOS ANGELES – A conservative Los Angeles-area church that broke away from the Episcopal Church over theological differences and the consecration of a gay bishop is giving up its site and buildings. The property of St. Luke's Anglican Church in La Crescenta is being returned Monday to the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. A judge ordered the move and the state Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal. Read more in the Sacramento Bee.
LOS ANGELES – As the 150th anniversary of Charles Darwin's landmark book on evolution approaches, a brouhaha has erupted in Los Angeles County over a planned series of events exploring the conflict between his theories and "intelligent design" advocates.  A group that favors "intelligent design" had planned to premier a new documentary film at the California Science Center in Los Angeles later this month, but the center later canceled the event.  Read more in the Los Angeles Daily News or here at CNSNew.com.
Truth Project Opportunities
RIVERSIDE – California Family Council continues to expand its offerings of the acclaimed Truth Project group leader training seminars. Training in biblical worldview is a prerequisite to living out authentic Christianity in today’s postmodern culture, with its subjective claims of truth. 
The next Truth Project group leader training seminar:
 
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Spanish Language Training
9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Host Church: Iglesia Amigos (Southern California)
5211 Lakeview Avenue
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
 
Saturday, November 14, 2009
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Host Church: Neighborhood Church of Anderson and Cottonwood (Shasta County)
4684 Rhonda Rd., Anderson, CA 96007
 
Saturday, November 21, 2009
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Host Church: Calvary Chapel, Paso Robles (Central Coast)
1615 Commerce Way #A, Paso Robles, 93446-3614
 
For more information on attending or hosting a seminar, call the California Family Council at 951.354.8362 and ask for Trudy. Register online for seminars at: www.californiafamily.org.
 
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