The Donnelly Dispatch: May 2012

In Memoriam
Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry

As many of you have heard, The United States Senate passed a resolution, long overdue, that would honor the heroic life and ultimate sacrifice that border patrol agent, Brian A. Terry made in 2010 when he was killed on the border, in the line of duty.

Even more tragic, was that the bullet that prematurely ended this valiant Patriot's life was fired from a gun provided to Mexican drug cartel thugs by the United States government in a process known as "gunwalking". This recognition is the least we can do in the light of such a dereliction of duty by the Department of Justice and the misguided attempt of the "Fast and Furious" program. His death is a symbol of the government's betrayal of the people as they refuse to enforce the simplest of immigration and border protection laws while they allow these incredibly powerful weapons, such as the one used to senselessly murder Agent Terry, to fall into enemy hands. Not one single elected official has been held accountable for this tragedy and although the passage of this act is a step in the right direction, Agent Brian Terry's legacy will not be properly honored until those responsible are brought to justice.

As Memorial Day draws closer, we are reminded of the supreme sacrifice that so many of our service men and women, including Agent Terry, and we must strive to be worthy of that sacrifice made in our honor.

Honoring Those Who Serve

Remembering Sgt. Brian L. Walker

On Friday, Assemblyman Donnelly adjourned in the memory of Sgt. Brian L. Walker. Sgt. Walker, from Lucerne Valley, was only 25 years old and on his 2nd deployment. He was the commander of his vehicle when it was destroyed by an IED, killing him and one other member of his  team. He is survived by his wife, Ashley Walker, who is also serving in the armed forces and immediate family. A memorial service will be held on June 2nd at Crossroads Chapel Foursquare Church in Lucerne Valley. During this Memorial Day weekend, please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers. 

The Repeal of the Fire Fee

AB 1506 Dies in Committee

Today in the Appropriations committee, AB 1506, the repeal of the fire fee, was killed. Committee Democrats used a procedural maneuver and held the bill in committee on the deadline for all bills to pass that committee. They effectively killed the bill without ever having to vote on it, allowing the illegal fire fee to move forward without any discourse. The fire fee, actually an illegal tax, was passed without the 2/3's vote required by Prop. 26. The Howard Jarvis Taxpayer's Association has vowed to file a lawsuit on those and other grounds once the tax bill has been sent to homeowners.

In the District

Desert Valley Hospital Expansion

In the middle of one of the toughest economies facing our nation, it is great to be able to celebrate the expansion of one of the top rated health care facilities in our area, Desert Valley Hospital in Victorville. Assemblyman Donnelly attended the ribbon cutting along with Drs. Prem Reddy and Margaret Peterson as well as Mayor MacEacheron, Congressman Buck McKeon, and Hesperia City Councilman "Smitty" Smith. He also had the honor of presenting a Joint Resolution commemorating the occasion to Dr. Reddy during the celebration and helping to open the doors to a new level of cardiac care in the region.

Republican Leaders Mourn the Loss of Agua Caliente Chairman Richard Milanovich

SACRAMENTO, CA – Longtime Chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Richard Milanovich passed away yesterday, after battling cancer for many years. Milanovich is revered in many communities as an influential leader and motivator, and will be remembered for his impact and tireless work on tribal affairs.

“Our deepest condolences and heartfelt thoughts go out to the family of Chairman Milanovich,” said CRP Chairman Tom Del Beccaro. “Richard was a very selfless and compassionate man, who worked non-stop to inspire a new generation of leaders; he will be deeply missed.”

State Senator Bill Emmerson, who represented Milanovich in California’s 37th Senate District added, “Richard was a true visionary who enabled the Aqua Caliente tribe to attain self-sufficiency through education, housing and healthcare programs while still retaining the tribe's rich cultural heritage. He was a true gentleman.”

Milanovich served in the Army during the Cold War, where he was stationed in Germany and assigned to long-range reconnaissance patrol. He became a member of the Agua Caliente Tribal Council in 1978 and was elected as chairman in 1984.

"The passing of Richard Milanovich is a great loss to Agua Caliente and to our community. Chairman Milanovich will be remembered as one of the most influential leaders in California history,” said Assemblyman Brian Nestande, who represented Milanovich in California’s 64th Assembly District.

Milanovich is survived by his wife, Melissa, and six children: Scott, Reid, Trista, Sean, Travis and Tammy.

Statement of CA Democratic Chairman on the Passing of Longtime Democratic Activist Gerald "Jerry" Hill

California Democrats lost a great activist and an even greater person when Jerry Hill passed away in San Rafael last week. As President of the California Democratic Council in the late 1960s, Jerry spoke out against the War in Vietnam and instantly became one of the leaders of the anti-war movement at the time. He was instrumental in the effort to draft Senator Eugene McCarthy into running for the presidency in 1968 and sadly, was present when Senator Robert Kennedy was assassinated in Los Angeles later that year.

Jerry and his wife Kathleen were married for more than 42 years and taught American government and politics together at Sonoma State University. Our condolences go out to his wife Kathleen and all of their family.

Governor Brown Issues Statement on the Death of Steve Jobs

SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued the following statement regarding the death of former Apple CEO and co-founder Steve Jobs.

"Steve Jobs was a great California innovator who demonstrated what a totally independent and creative mind can accomplish. Few people have made such a powerful and elegant imprint on our lives. Anne and I wish to express our deepest sympathy to Steve’s wife, Laurene, and their entire family."

CRP Statement on the 10th Anniversary of 9/11

SACRAMENTO, CA – CRP Chairman Tom Del Beccaro issued the following statement in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and United Flight 93 on September 11, 2001:

"Ten years ago, the world witnessed a horrific attack on American soil -- an attack that left our nation more somber and steadfast, more resilient and unified. This weekend, in the midst of prayers and silent moments, we must all remember that freedom must be won anew in every generation.

"Please join me in honoring the lives of those who perished that fateful day, along with the brave citizens who selflessly put themselves in harm's way to aid in the heroic rescue and recovery efforts. As we commemorate the preservation of the American spirit, let us also pledge our support for America's soldiers and first responders as they continue to protect this great nation."

Source: CA GOP

Governor Brown Issues Proclamation Declaring "Patriot Day"

SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. today issued a proclamation declaring September 11, 2011, as Patriot Day in the State of California.

The text of the proclamation is below:

PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

Ten years have now passed since the terrible events of September 11, 2001. On that day, Al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners to use as suicide missiles against major American landmarks, including the Pentagon and New York’s World Trade Center, where most of the nearly three thousand victims perished.

Since that day, we have struggled to find words to speak of the unspeakable, understand the unimaginable and respond to the unanswerable. While there is no redemption to be found in such a heinous act of aggression, we shall always remember the courage of the First Responders who ran into the burning buildings, the resolve of the thousands who volunteered to serve our country in the wake of the attacks, and the solidarity of ordinary citizens who put aside all differences and united in their mourning.

On this somber anniversary, I urge all Californians to commemorate the lives we lost and the bravery of those who responded. I have ordered all flags on state buildings to be flown at half-staff, and I hope that others will follow the same observance at their homes and places of business.

NOW THEREFORE I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2011, as “Patriot Day.”

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 9th day of September 2011.

Governor and First Lady Honor Four California Servicemen

SACRAMENTO – On behalf of all Californians, Governor Brown and First Lady Anne Gust Brown honor four California servicemen who bravely gave their lives in service to our state and nation. The Governor and First Lady extend their deepest condolences to their family and friends at this difficult time.

In memorial, Governor Brown ordered that flags be flown at half-staff over the State Capitol today. The families of the servicemen will receive a letter of condolence from the Governor.

The following California servicemen died August 6 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when their CH-47 Chinook helicopter crashed. They were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

• Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL) Darrik C. Benson, 28, of Angwin, CA

• Staff Sgt. Andrew W. Harvell, 26, of Long Beach, CA

• Special Warfare Operator Master Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Louis J. Langlais, 44, of Santa Barbara, CA

• Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL) Jesse D. Pittman, 27, of Ukiah, CA

Statement of California Democratic Party Chairman John Burton on Passing of Richard Floyd

Last night, California lost one of the most colorful and memorable legislators in our state's history, Dick Floyd. Dick was a blue-collar Democrat -- and a fiercely partisan one at that. He always let you know where he stood and often did so with flair.

Dick is responsible for passing our state's motorcycle helmet law, and he did so over fierce, and at times fearsome, opposition.

As a member of the State Assembly, he represented the constituents of his south Los Angeles district well.

Our sympathies go out to his daughters, Lorene and Rikki.