If you had told me a few months ago Meg Whitman would have a shot at getting the (R) nomination I would have told you it was a long shot.

Poizner could match her dollar-for-dollar, had run statewide races and was a serving official with an “inside” for his party nomination.

I’m surprised how ineffective his campaign has been and that he seems to be on the verge of collapse.

Promises to be an interesting fall…

You’ll see me with the petitions for the state ballot initiative!

Andy Klein stepped up to the City Council dias and go to work right away.  Congratulation to Bob Grassilli and Matt Grocott for their successful re-elections.

Randy Royce will serve as our next Mayor and I look forward to working with him as Vice Mayor.

Yesterday a sick and deranged act took place in which 13 people lost their lives and dozens more were injured.

I am incredibly angry at what the alleged perpetrator did. To be clear, he

• Betrayed his country
• Betrayed his oath
• Betrayed the armed services
• Betrayed the muslim community

A reporter recently informed me that I was the only Muslim to hold elected office in California. I don’t know if that is still true – but a response as a community leader (who happens to be Muslim) is warranted.

After being elected, many approached me to ask earnest questions. Our media is not often the best tool for education. While I do not want to turn this into a discussion of Islam; compassion, mercy and charity are points of the faith I draw particular strength and comfort from.

Islam is pretty clear: criminal acts involving murder are forbidden explicitly. As a community leader, and as a Muslim, I condemn these acts.

I neither know what put the gun in the shooter’s hand nor what drove him to pull the trigger. Anyone claiming an Islamic justification for his criminal action is flat out wrong.

Like other faith-groups, Muslims are looking for ways to raise families and live the American dream. Today, the American Muslim community feels like all Americans do: outraged, betrayed and demanding justice be served quickly.

In addition to offering condolences to the families of the fallen, we must reassert our solidarity with everyone serving our country in uniform.

My thoughts go to the more than 20,000 current active-duty Muslim servicemen and women who will have to try even harder in the wake of this shooting to prove their loyalty to their fellow service personnel. Dozens of Muslim-Americans have already given their lives in the service of their country just in Iraq and Afghanistan. Those currently in the services don’t deserve to face hostility from two fronts.

I’ve had some interesting reactions from folks following Tuesday’s elections.  Many have offered their interpretation of what voters wanted to tell the council.  A few folks asking if we “are really going to make cuts.”  Some have asked me to resign because I supported Measure U.

The process of how the budget is built and will be dealt with is about as transparent as it gets.  There will be a mid-year review coming up shortly.  If you wish additional details please sign up for the E-Notify system of alerts or subscribe the city’s Twitter feed to know when new materials are posted.  You will be able to review the numbers yourself and should avail yourself to make comments and write to council as we move the process forward.

It has been stated before: the money the city receives from property taxes and sales taxes combined do not cover the costs of fire and police protection.  While many feel “entitled” to particular services (or level of services), a new way of thinking will be required moving forward.