California Story
November 21st, 2012
Connie Rice: Mexican Cartels Making L.A. Look Like Italy of 80 Years Ago (Video)
The Los Angeles of today would be a very different place if Connie Rice had not worked so hard on many of the problems we faced in the ’90s. From gangs to reforming the LAPD, she’s been on the front lines. She talks to Madeleine Brand about crime and gangs in L.A. today, and about a new threat from the outside she identifies in her book “Power Concedes Nothing.”
California Story
November 21st, 2012
17 people with ties to Mexican Mafia gang indicted on felony charges
The Mexican Mafia is a prison gang that commits crimes such as killings, extortion, and drug dealing inside and outside prisons. The gang controls many Southern California street gangs.
California Story
November 12th, 2012
Latinos in California Offer Republicans a Glimpse Into Party’s Future
“Republican leaders should look at California and shudder,” says Steve Schmidt, who managed John McCain’s 2008 campaign and anchored former Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s re-election team in 2006. “The two-party system has collapsed.”
California Story
November 4th, 2012
GOP registration dips below 30 percent in Calif.
Democrats make up 43.7 percent of voters, a slight decline from four years ago. The raw number of registered Democrats has been climbing, while the number as well as percentage of Republicans has fallen.
California Story
October 27th, 2012
Murder, Rape, Robbery and Assault Skyrocket In Bankrupt Stockton, California
In Stockton, California, which declared bankruptcy earlier this year, your chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime such as murder, rape, robbery or assault are 1 in 70, which is nearly four times higher than the national average.
California Story
October 27th, 2012
1950: Estimate 100 Subversives in Hollywood
“We know that within the next year motion pictures will once again come under congressional fire because of our Communists.” John Wayne
California Story
October 26th, 2012
Police Press Conference Exposes Radical Raul Ruiz (Videos)
On October 22, 2012 the Palm Springs Police Officers Association held a press conference with fellow officers from Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Indio, San Bernardino, Corona and the FBI to discuss the disturbing comments made by congressional candidate Raul Ruiz in support of convicted cop killers Mumia Abu-Jamal and Leonard Peltier. In this video Nick O’Hara, a law enforcement veteran of 45 years and the retired Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Minnesota Office. He is an expert in the vicious murders of two FBI Agents on the Pine Ridge Reservation committed by Leonard Peltier.
California Story
October 25th, 2012
Hollywood, Interrupted: Insanity Chic in Babylon – The Case Against Celebrity
Hollywood, Interrupted: Insanity Chic in Babylon – The Case Against Celebrity is the title of a book and website authored by Mark Ebner, with co-author Andrew Breitbart. The book was published in 2004 by John Wiley and Sons. The writing focuses primarily on what Ebner sees as the disconnected, self-indulgent nature of Hollywood culture. The book was on the New York Times Best Seller list, and was also a Los Angeles Times bestseller.
California Story
October 25th, 2012
John Wayne Interview: The Duke and Hollywood
“I feel that our country is losing – the thing that we’ve been talking about is personal dignity – our country seems to be losing that dignity.” John Wayne
California Story
October 24th, 2012
1950: Film Producer Walter Wanger Apologizes to John Wayne
“I recognize that time and history have proven the correctness of the judgement of the Motion Picture Alliance and its foresight in recognizing the Communist menace.” Walter Wanger
California Story
October 24th, 2012
Police Officers Associations criticize Ruiz
Mike Soubirous, the president of the Riverside County Peace Officer Memorial Foundation, says, “You just find it offensive when people have made comments such as labeling a man a hero for being a convicted cop killer. That tarnishes the reputation of the lives that are laid on the line by these officers.”
California Story
October 21st, 2012
1959: Reds and Sympathizers Get Film Industry’s Green Light
“The responsibility lies entirely with the producers. All of them who did business with Reds and Fifth Amendment Reds are interested only in the dollar – not their country.” Ward Bond
California Story
October 20th, 2012
Congressional Candidate Supported Convicted Killer of FBI Agents in 1999 Audio Tape
Democratic Congressional candidate Raul Ruiz, who was arrested for his role in a violent protest on Thanksgiving Day, 1997, doesn’t want voters in California’s 36th Congressional District to know what he said at a 1999 “Day of Mourning” rally.
California Story
October 14th, 2012
Bono Mack, Ruiz unleash accusations
“You cannot deny that you walked people to Plymouth Rock and said ‘Crush this and all that it stands for’ … Dr. Ruiz, who are you? Because we do not know who you are,” Mary Bono Mack said, adding she was “truly frightened” by what she found out about Ruiz and that he was “one of the most far-left candidates ever to seek office.”
California Story
October 13th, 2012
Report: Illegal Drivers Behind High Hit-And-Run Rate In LA
LAPD Chief Charlie Beck told a group of Los Angeles Times reporters in February that the state of California should issue driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants to help reduce the number of hit-and-run accidents.
California Story
October 11th, 2012
1954: Hollywood Purges Reds, But is it Permanent?
The problem that the anti-Communists feel that they face is somehow the Communist treasury in Hollywood will be restored. Anti-Communists activity is at a standstill and the Communists are taking advantage of it wherever they can.
California Story
October 10th, 2012
Film reveals prevalence of gangs in Butte County
One interviewee compared gang involvement to a terminal illness that parents can prevent or stop, and many urged community action in Chico.
California Story
October 5th, 2012
Video: Sex Trafficking Ring Bust
Los Angeles, California – A total of 8 alleged affiliates of the Rollin’ 60?s street gang have been charged in a sex trafficking ring bust.
California Story
October 2nd, 2012
Illegal Aliens Cost L.A. County $100 Million in June/July – 22% of TOTAL Welfare Expenditures
Had enough, California? Well apparently many have: according to a recent study, 225,000 Californians are fleeing the state each year, stripping the state of billions in critical income, as residents move to illegal alien-crackdown states like Arizona, which has received $400 million per year of that income.
California Story
October 1st, 2012
Diverse Rioting in Victorville High School
Students at a high school in Victorville said violent fights have been breaking out between African-Americans and Latinos for the past two days.
California Story
September 29th, 2012
Workers give up in Los Angeles
Just over 100,000 of workers have left the Los Angeles labor force since the beginning of the year, according to seasonally adjusted data from the California Employment Development Department.
California Story
September 27th, 2012
California Businesses Protest Forthcoming Cap-and-Trade Program
Many California officials were initially anticipating that the state’s carbon trading scheme would catch on and trickle to other Western states; however, not a single other state has agreed to institute any form of a cap-and-trade system. To California businesses, this is a severe impediment, as industries operating in other states won’t be slapped with the carbon limits, leaving Golden State firms at a harsh competitive disadvantage.
California Story
September 26th, 2012
Californians flee for better-run states, study finds
The U.S. Census reported last year that residents of California are fleeing the state at a faster rate than people leaving any other state. The most common state-to-state move in 2010 was California to Texas, according to the Census.
California Story
September 3rd, 2012
California To Become Nation’s First Illegal Alien Sanctuary State
“The California Legislature has demonstrated, yet again, that protecting illegal aliens takes precedence over every interest in the state, including the safety and security of law abiding citizens. AB 1081 will put deportable criminals back onto the streets of communities all across California.”
California Story
September 3rd, 2012
California Sheriffs Protest Anti-Secure Communities Bill
Between October 2008 and July 2011 aliens released because of the Obama administration’s prioritization scheme went on to commit 58,000 new crimes. California’s Trust Act would likely have the same consequences.
California Story
August 25th, 2012
The Cowboy Code And The New California
Sondoval-Marin spoke up quickly. “Roy Rogers? He doesn’t mean anything. There’s a revolution going on out there and it don’t include no Roy Rogers or Bob Hope.”
California Story
August 18th, 2012
There Is No California by Victor Davis Hanson
How to explain the seemingly inexplicable? “California” is a misnomer. There is no such state. Instead there are two radically different cultures and landscapes with little in common, the two equally dysfunctional in quite different ways. Apart they are unworldly; together, a disaster.
California Story
August 4th, 2012
California: The Road Warrior Is Here by Victor Davis Hanson
Protection is found only in self-help. To stop the Road Warriors from stripping the copper cable from your pump or the community’s street lights, civilization is encouraged to put in a video camera, more lighting, more encasement, a wire protective mesh — all based on the premise that the authorities cannot stop the thieves and your livelihood is predicated on the ingenuity of your own counter-terrorism protocols.
California Story by Mark Stradley
May 21st, 2012
Here’s My Courage, New Hampshire Storyy
I entered Colony Bay Production’s Facebook contest for best article and won. The Rules: you need at least 100 FB friends, you need to post the attached link, you need to tell your friends why they should spend a few dollars on Courage, New Hampshire, and most important, you need to tell them why history is important.
“Examine History, for it is ‘Philosophy teaching by Experience.'” ~ Thomas Carlyle, Essay: “On History”
Last year, it was my good fortune to attend the premiere of Courage, New Hampshire: The Travail of Sarah Pine. As a history buff this series had particular appeal to me. Billed as “the tale of a shire town on the western border of New Hampshire in the years prior to the Revolutionary War, when the sons of liberty carried out frontier justice in a struggle against royal tyranny.” The experience was quite unique as this was the first premiere I had ever attended and I knew the writer/Director James Riley. I was the first to leave the theater, and outside stood James Riley waiting to greet the audience and get their reaction. I extended my hand and congratulated him. He asked me what I thought, and lacking a more insightful response I replied; “A great start. I look forward to more.”
James Patrick Riley and Mark Stradley on the set of Courage, New Hampshire Episode 2: The Sons of Liberty
My second experience with Courage was when I saw an open call for extras for Courage, NH 2: The Sons of Liberty on Courage’s producer Jonathan Wilson’s Facebook page. My son Dean and I went to Riley’s Farm where the shoot was and were outfitted by wardrobe as New England farmers. We were in only one scene, and that was the hanging of a counterfeiter and the branding of a burglar. Andrew Breitbart was the High Sheriff and oversaw the proceedings.
My son Dean on the set of the Courage, N.H. II shoot
“My son should study much history, and meditate upon it, for it is the only true philosophy.” ~ Napoleon Bonaparte
It was my great pleasure to shake hands with and talk to Andrew Breitbart on that day. The three brief conversations I had with him are a story unto itself and outside the scope of this “experience.” I must tell you, that while on the set, we were well fed and looked after like we were family by both Riley and Wilson, as were all the crew, staff, stars and extras.
Mark Stradley and Andrew Breitbart on the set of Courage, N.H. II
Another part of my second experience with Courage was writing about it on my blog. See here: http://independentfilmnewsandmedia.com/peasant-king-media/. Watch the videos in that blog post for greater insight on Courage.
Dean Stradley, Victoria Jackson and Jonathan Wilson at the Reception for the Premiere of Courage, N.H. III
My third experience of Courage was at the premiere of Courage, NH 3: A Snake in the Grass, May 6th, 2012. You may note that I haven’t mentioned any of the plots of these episodes so far. I don’t wish to spoil things for the viewers. I will say, though, that I am fascinated by the theme of redemption. In Episode 1, a man finds redemption through love of wife and child. In Episode 2, a man finds redemption through pain and regret. And, in Episode 3, a man may or may not find redemption through fear and mercy. A future episode may answer the question.
Back to the premiere: As Episode 3 ended, the credits rolled on the screen. Cheers and applause erupted for all. Myself, I was particularly touched by the last credit. “In Memory of Andrew Breitbart 1969-2012.”
Catherine and Mark, with James Riley behind at the Reception for the Premiere of Courage, N.H. III
The reception after the show was a thing unto itself, a veritable Ode to Joy. A celebration of accomplishment and conviviality. James Riley quipped later that he wished it didn’t have to end. A sentiment of many I am sure.
I enjoin all of you to watch all three episodes of Courage. I think it is more than entertainment. It is an education. Buy the DVDs or watch the streaming video over the Internet at this link: http://www.colonybay.net/w/index.php/buy-dvd/
Support quality entertainment: Support Courage!
Join the Courage, New Hampshire Fan Page here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Courage-New-Hampshire/214406558590726
Hit the “Like” button and share with others. Courage can be contagious.
California Story
May 17th, 2012
California nightmare by Ted Nugent
This isn’t California dreamin’ but rather an American nightmare. It’s a blinding statement of the obvious, but California’s financial nightmare (and the nation’s) is a terminal addiction to bloated and expensive government completely out of control, with zero accountability.
California Story
March 24th, 2012
Joel Kotkin: The Great California Exodus
A leading U.S. demographer and ‘Truman Democrat’ talks about what is driving the middle class out of the Golden State.
California Story
March 16th, 2012
Who’s to Blame For California? by Victor Davis Hanson
Just 1 percent of California taxpayers are already providing 45 percent of the state’s income tax revenue. And such income taxes now fund half the budget. But unfortunately, in recent years the number of upper-income earners in California has radically shrunk — by a third between 2007 and 2009 alone.
California Story
February 23rd, 2012
California losing more residents than gaining
Despite a burst housing bubble, as seen here with Manhattan Beach (Los Angeles County) homes for sale, many in California still can’t afford to live here and are opting to leave the state.
California Story
February 23rd, 2012
A Vandalized Valley by Victor Davis Hanson
While the elites make excuses, citizens cope with theft and destruction. In short, all the stuff of civilization — municipal buildings, education, religion, transportation, recreation — seems under assault in the last year by the contemporary forces of barbarism.
California Story
December 6th, 2011
A Real American Remembers California
The Farmer finds more of his time occupied with crime and criminals – ranging from theft (of produce, tools, even a manuscript of Mexifornia); trespassing (with arms); littering and abandoning vehicles…”These roving criminals offer a stark contrast to their hard-working fathers and mothers – and make us wonder what is wrong with Mexico or America, or both.”
California Story
November 9th, 2011
Video: Pioneers! O Pioneers! by Walt Whitman
A promise to California,
Or inland to the great pastoral Plains, and on to Puget sound and Oregon;
Sojourning east a while longer, soon I travel toward you, to remain,
to teach robust American love,
For I know very well that I and robust love belong among you,
inland, and along the Western sea;
For these States tend inland and toward the Western sea, and I will also.Walt Whitman – Leaves of Grass
California Story by Mark Stradley
October 3rd, 2011
The Peasant and the King of New Media
“And my entire business model is saying it’s not about me, it’s about you. It’s telling you that for the last 15 years the internet has developed to be the number one tool of what I think is going to be that which saves the United States of America, because it’s going to do an end run around ABC, CBS, NBC, New York Times, Washington Post, you name it, Politico, all of them.” – Andrew Breitbart
Andrew Breitbart’s Big Hollywood
Andrew Breitbart’s Big Government
Andrew Breitbart’s Big Journalism
Breitbart TV
Breitbart.com
Mighty Oak Trees
Andrew Breitbart is known as the King of New Media because of the undercover ACORN videos. Syndicated radio host Michael Savage called this “the biggest corruption scandal in 50 years, half a century in this country, I don’t know of a bigger one, you’d have to go back to the Teapot Dome scandal to come to something like this.” ACORN was defunded by congress as a result of this brand of Citizen Journalism.
Citizen Journalists James O’Keefe and Hannah Giles, who created the ACORN videos, met with great success because of what Breitbart called ACORNs ubiquity. That is to say, ACORN was so corrupt, you could point a camera in any direction and reveal it’s true nature. Of course, this success is tied to the internet.
Breitbart emphasizes the point:
“And my entire business model is saying it’s not about me, it’s about you. It’s telling you that for the last 15 years the internet has developed to be the number one tool of what I think is going to be that which saves the United States of America, because it’s going to do an end run around ABC, CBS, NBC, New York Times, Washington Post, you name it, Politico, all of them.”
The King has spoken.
The Peasant
Now, I was a Citizen Journalist before I had even heard the term. My local media had long pointed their cameras at good guys and called them bad and at bad guys and called them good. I felt I had no choice but to take my cameras, point them at the bad guys, and make every attempt to show people what they were really like. To show the public what the bad guys actually said, did and believed.
It didn’t take long for my efforts to be noticed by those who want to hide their agenda. Soon, these chameleons were marching downtown and to the congressman’s office, demanding that my very first video be taken down from Youtube. (You can follow this story as it unfolds here.)
Mark Stradley and Andrew Breitbart on the set of
“Courage, New Hampshire.”
So, when I met the King of New Media at Riley’s Farm, the first thing I mentioned was my video, and the story behind it. He seemed very interested and asked me to forward it to him. Consider the implications.
I was at Riley’s Farm that day to be an extra in episode 2 of the ongoing series, Courage, New Hampshire. Wardrobe outfitted me as a New England farmer (peasant) and Andrew Breitbart outfitted as the High Sheriff.
Below: Andrew Breitbart in his screen debut, Sons of Liberty, Episode 2 of Courage, NH.
James Patrick Riley and I on the set at Riley’s Farm
Culture War
“I want a Center-Right nation to fight for it’s soul, and it’s soul is represented in the arts, it’s soul is represented in a world in which media is everything. … I want the Right to enter the world to the extent, and invest in the media the way that the Left does.” ~ Andrew Breitbart – Hoover Institute Interview
The proposed 500 episode television series Courage, NH is the opening salvo in the Culture War launched from Colony Bay Productions. Colony Bay is headed up by Tea Party patriots Jonathan Wilson and James Patrick Riley. Their website describes them thus:
Colony Bay Productions is dedicated to telling the adventurous, heroic and exceptional story of America in a way that both challenges and inspires the audience. We’re a small group of professional filmmakers, writers, actors and editors who love the independent way of bringing the story to the public, and you can help us continue to do that by purchasing our stories and subscribing to our web “back stage.”
Below: Producer/Director Jonathan Wilson on Fox News.
Keep Your Day Job
Pressing matters require my attention, so I must finish this article in part 2.
This is the official opening day of my new website and it is incumbent upon me to solicit your contribution.
I sign off with this video of James Patrick Riley suggesting why you should buy a copy of Courage, New Hampshire.
On the set of Courage, New Hampshire, August 27th, 2011. A sign of things to come…
The Peasant and the King of New Media
California Story by Mark Stradley
October 3rd, 2011
A Native Son Recounts His Tale …
To begin my story I record that I was born in Southern California in the late 1950’s. But this California Story isn’t just about me. It’s about friends, family and those Californians who came before us and those who will follow.
“The flashing and golden pageant of California,
The sudden and gorgeous drama, the sunny and ample lands,
The long and varied stretch from Puget sound to Colorado south,
Lands bathed in sweeter, rarer, healthier air…” ~ Walt Whitman
My Brother and I amongst the California wild flowers….(Early 1960’s.)
Over time, here in this blog, in bits and pieces, one post at a time, I shall tell the California Story.
To give you some idea of the California I experienced as a young child, I present the following videos:
1950s
1955
1956
1960s
Therefore, since brevity is the soul of wit,
And tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes,
I will be brief.
~William Shakespeare, Hamlet
California Story
September 23rd, 2011
Video: Families Packing Up and Leaving California
A talk with Sean about his families journey through the economic crisis and there plans to relocate from California.
California Story
September 13th, 2011
Video: Exit Interview – Another Middle Class Family Leaves California
Lana Zwygart’s story is the story of middle class Californians and business owners that have simply had enough of the declining quality of life and no longer have any faith that Sacramento and Washington will act to secure the border and protect American citizens.
California Story
September 1st, 2011
Video: White People are Leaving California
“The census won’t tell you this, but anecdotally, California favors people of color.”
