Open Letter to Councilman Herring: Torrance is NOT a Systemically Racist City

Councilman Herring:

I read your editorial published in the Daily Bulletin, entitled "Black Lives Matter, Mr. Mattucci".

I must say that I found the tone and the conclusions of this editorial quite surprising and striking for their serious disregard for facts and evidence.

You claim that "systemic racism that has existed in Torrance since its corporation in 1921."

Would you please explain which systems in the city of Torrance exhibit this racism, and what is your proof of this racism?

Your article did not cite anything specific. In fact, in a city council meeting in 2018, you declared that Torrance could not be a racist city, since the residents had elected you to the city council, and you were the highest vote-getter in the 2016 City Council election.

You assert that "Black Lives Matter is not a terrorist group." However, Black Lives Matter spokesman and activists have talked about taking land from white people in public forums. One of the leaders in New York City stated the following: "If this country doesn't give us what we want, then we will burn down this system and replace it." They have claimed that cities with a multi-ethnic heritage like Carson were founded "white supremacy", and in fact I recall that members of Black Lives Matter call you yourself a white supremacist. They have rallied around and then toppled monuments and statues throughout the United States, including memorials for African-American soldiers who fought for their own freedom and their fellow countrymen during the American Civil War. A number of times, BLM protesters have chanted "Pigs in a blanket, fry 'em like bacon." These phrases were directed at police officers. These are violent statements, implying perverse threats against police officers.

BLM protests have erupted into riots in many cities across the United States. They have destroyed businesses, homes, attacked police precincts. They have even attacked and murdered other black lives. They have repeatedly intimidated elected officials by disrupting public meetings and preventing other citizens from being heard in these public meetings. I personally have been assaulted and my life threatened by these activists. I must remind you that many of the businesses destroyed in these riots were owned by African-Americans.

Violence, acts of intimidation, destruction of property -- are not these behaviors examples of domestic terrorism?

Mr. Herring, you stated the following in your editorial:

"Mr. Mattucci, when we say that Black lives matter, we are not saying that other lives do not matter."

"We are saying that all lives cannot matter until Black lives matter and receive that same justice."

 All lives matter because they are all endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights. The notion that a life matters less because of skin color is antithetical to everything that the United States is founded on. The notion that other lives cannot matter until the lives of one segment of the population matter by receiving the "same justice" is in fact one of the most unjust, racist formulations I have ever read. Justice cannot be a matter of skin color. Justice must be a matter of actions and merits. The very notion that a segment of the population based on skin color has been denied justice because of their skin color requires more rigorous defense than you have provided.

What is your basis for the assertion that black lives are not receiving the same justice as everyone else?

Are you implying that Asian-American lives, which are most often harmed and harassed by black lives, do not matter?

Are you aware that the massive homicide rate in black communities is a result of black-on-black crime?

Are you aware that many black lives are lost because of abortion, and that Planned Parenthood, founded by an embittered racist named Margaret Sanger, deliberately targeted black communities for extermination via abortion?

Are you aware that in predominantly Democrat-run urban areas, most of the black homicides occur?

 Councilman Herring, I have no reason not to take your statements seriously. Precisely for that reason, I found many of your formulations in your editorial to be surprising if not disturbing for their lack of evidence, intellectual rigor, and seriousness. I submit to you that when black lives matter to other black lives, then the import of the larger statement "Black lives matter" will have more integrity. Furthermore, your claim that Torrance is systemically racist is, if I may be so bold, systemically flawed. By what metric can you claim that the city of Torrance is racist?

 Please respond to the questions which I have provided in bold letters above. As a retired city councilman, a pastor, and a retired military official, your reputation and the gravity of your assertions demand a response to the questions I have provided. You all but libeled the city of Torrance and its residents, and such brazen assertions must be challenged.

 Sincerely,

 Arthur Schaper

BREAKING: Councilman Milton Herring Announces Resignation from Torrance City Council

Today is a sad day in Torrance.

Colonel, Pastor, and City Councilman Milton Herring has announced his resignation from the Torrance City Council, which will be effective June 30th, 2019.

Here is the full press release issued by the Torrance City Website:

Post Date:05/23/2019 1:14 PM

Torrance, Calif., May 23, 2019 – On May 22, 2019 Torrance City Councilman Milton S. Herring I. announced his resignation from office effective June 30, 2019.

In his resignation letter, Herring writes, “Serving on the Torrance City Council has been an honor and privilege. Public service is an honorable calling, and I have been blessed to help lead the City during the past 3 years […] It is with a heavy heart that I, with the support of my wife, have made the difficult decision to step down from my position as Councilmember to dedicate more time to my family, and enjoy watching my grandchildren grow up.”

Herring serves as Chair of the Strategic Plan Committee, as well as the alternate Council liaison to the Torrance Sister City Association, as a member of the Finance and Governmental Operations and Transportation Committee, Armed Forces Day Committee, State Legislative Advocacy Committees, as well as the alternate for the South Bay Cities Council of Governments. Prior to his resignation he served as chairman of the Transportation Committee, as a member of the Citizen Development and Enrichment and the Strategic Plan Committee. He has been credited with advocating for our military and veterans and assisted in creating an Annual Veterans Appreciation Celebration and Social Services Commission. Earlier this year with concurrence from City Council, Councilman Herring participated in the creation of the City’s Torrance SERVES campaign, a month-long citywide celebration of service leaders. Aligned with Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, the celebration honored the service leaders of past and present with intentions of empowering the community to bring volunteers together for service projects that honor the spirit of giving, public service, and volunteerism.

Herring’s resignation immediately creates a vacancy on the Torrance City Council.  The six-member City Council may choose to have a special election or appoint a new councilmember to fill the vacancy. Councilman Herring was elected into office on June 7, 2016.

I imagine that more information will be forthcoming on this matter. A special election would cost a minimum of $100,000. It's expensive!

On the other hand, an appointment might awaken frustrations or a sense of insider power-politicking. If there is an appointment, let's hope that it won't awaken a sense of "starter advantage" for the upcoming city council elections, which will be held next March.

Open Letter to Torrance City Councilman Milton Herring: Why No Action on SB 54?

Dear Pastor -- and Councilman -- Herring.

My name is Arthur Schaper, a proud American, life-long Californian, and a fervent believer in Christ Jesus, as are you.

For the last three months, I have been working with an incredible, influential community of conservative Christians and pro-family activists in Ventura, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties. Those numbers have recently expanded to include Monterey, Santa Barbara, Siskiyou, and San Diego Counties. 

We have been attending city council and county board meetings with local and county stakeholders to get every elected board to opt out of SB 54, the notorious Sanctuary State Law.

There is still no action from you andyour colleagues to opt out of SB 54 in the city of Torrance. Need I remind you that this law is endangering law enforcement, our national and state sovereignty, and is patently unconstitutional.

Simi Valley voted to join an amicus brief against this terrible law. The city of Camarillo is already putting an agenda item forward to oppose that law, too. Carlsbad just opted out, and so will Tulare County.

But as councilman on the Torrance City Council, you have still done nothing.

All authority comes from God, as you well know:

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." (Romans 13:1)

In the United States, our constitutional republic determines that We the People are the powers, which we have received from Almighty God.

You serve as a representative for the citizens of Torrance. At this time, however, you are not serving as subject to those higher powers, i.e. the people who elected you, and more importantly your oath of office.

I am very displeased with your lack of leadership to stand up to Sanctuary State lawlessness in your city.

There is no excuse for this behavior. If you refuse to take a stance, then you should resign. Your oath of office mandates that you recognize the Constitution as "The Supreme Law of the Land" (Article VI, Sect. 2). SB 54 violates Article I, Section 8, which recognizes immigration as a power delegated expressly to the federal government. Any state law or state constitution which frustrates federal law and the United States Constitution is null and void, which includes SB 54.

I will continue to communicate with fellow voters and urge them to hold you accountable on this matter.

You have a responsibility before God and man to respond to the needs of your community and fulfill your oath of office.

I will communicate with you further on this matter shortly.

Thank you

Sincerely,

Arthur Schaper.

Fighting Communistic Anti-Choice Aggravation (CCA): Torrance CA

March 21, members of the Beach Cities Republicans went to the Redondo Beach City Council meeting to speak out against Community Choice Aggregation, or what I like to all Communistic Anti-Choice Aggravation.

It does not help the community, it does not promote choice and it aggregates power to the few at the expense of the rest.

This program is a drama of Big Green greed colluding with government interventionism, and all of it is based on false premises about climate change, as if it's the next catastrophe requiring massive government intervention, as well as eroding individual liberty and city sovereignty.

This program is bad.

We successfully lobbied against this terrible program, since the Redondo Beach City Council voted 1 against, 1 abstain, and two for the program. The City Manager announced that the measure failed.

But now the Redondo Beach City Attorney claims that the vote would signal that the program passes.

So, the Redondo Beach City Council has to revote. We will ensure that more people who support individual liberty and want to stop government boondoggles will be there.

Two weeks later, the Beach Cities Republicans challenged CCA in Torrance, CA again.

Remember when Mayor Pat Furey had shouted at me that this program was not on the horizon?

Well, I guess he wasn't telling the truth, was he?

So, here we were again speaking against CCA in Torrance:

Here are some video clips from the meeting:

Check out what the Chief Sustainability Officer for Los Angeles County had to say, too:

Here are more reasons to say No to CCA:

Members of the city council offered a number of probing questions all of which shed light on why this proposal should be cancelled.

Councilmembers Herring and Ashcraft spoke out:

Here are Councilman Geoff Rizzo's deep concerns:

Councilman Mike Griffiths talked about the fudiciary responsibilities of the city council.

It only got worse when it was crystal clear to the audience that the CCA promoters had not provided enough information to the public about what is really going on:

Then came public comment.

Perry Johnson took the Big Greenies to school:

Perry Johnson droppped two huge bombs on the whole proposal.

1. The "functional" CCAs still rely on conventional--i,e, dirty--energy, especially Marin County.

2. Joe Galliani is going to get a six-figure salary if the JPA is formed. Follow the money!

This Torrance resident spoke in favor of CCA:

Other proponents proceeded from the argument that the Torrance refinery needs to be shut down.

This whole program is about forcing a Big Green Agenda, eroding our rights and undermining our financial base.

It's wrong, and we cannot have this.

For the final vote, the city council agreed with staff's recommendations to continue study into CCA.

Milton Herring was the lone no vote, and I commend his wisdom to vote "No!"

I am not happy with the other six councilmembers.

Following the comments from four of the city councilmembers, four votes should have shut down this program altogether

Time to stop CCA.

Contact the Torrance City Council, and urge all of them to reject Communistic, Corrupt Aggravation!

Find their contact information here.

My Opening Comments to Torrance City Council--June 14th, 2016

Good Evening Torrance City Council:

My name is Arthur Schaper, long-time resident, life-long citizen.

First, I want to celebrate and congratulate Milton Herring, Mike Griffiths, and Geoff Rizzo on their electoral victories.

I am particularly glad for Pastor Milton Herring’s election. He was in third place during the early part of the ballot count, and then vaunted to first place.

His election is historic, not just because he is an African-American, and a Republican, but because of his moral backing and the widespread support he received in this community.

I underestimated his campaign last year, and I am glad that he stayed in and won.

This city is looking for new, moral leadership, where our elected officials serve in the public’s best interest, not just for the financial well-being of special interests.

I also welcome Mr. Griffiths independence and Mr. Rizzo’s measured appreciation for issues as they face the council in the years to come.

I want to further remark that the last-minute machinations of Congresswoman Maxine Water came to nothing, as the candidate whom she had endorsed was ultimate exposed as disloyal and untrustworthy.

No, the reason why these three men won on Election Day has nothing to do with race, bigotry, or narrow-mindedness, but an indication from Torrance residents who want good government, integrated representatives, and a respect for our balanced, conservative values.

Last of all, I wish to share my deep condolences for the tragic massacre which took the lives of forty-nine Americans, and wounded many more following the Islamic Terrorist attack on the Pulse Night club Sunday evening.

Regardless of their personal choices, or their, these men and women did not deserve to die.

LIE-Lani endorsed By the Crazy Black Lady

This terrible act of terrorism in Orlando Florida was not the result of gun ownership. Gun Control will not solve this problem. Imagine if more individuals in that club had possessed a concealed-carry permit. Where law-abiding citizens can exercise their Second Amendment rights, you will find more law-abiding citizens, since wicked miscreants like Omar Mateeen would think twice about attacking any place where someone possess a firearm.

This massacre is a result from the ongoing pattern of despicable political correctness, practiced by our current President and the media at large.

The assassin was a devout, radical Muslim. Twice the FBI had profiled this man. He had professed his radical adherence.

It’s time for people in this county to put aside the skittish political correctness which has silenced so many from speaking the truth.

We are not just talking about radical Islam, or a few lone-wolf fanatics. Islam itself has a problem.

And I am not saying this myself. From atheist Bill Maher to the Egyptian leader to the son of the Founder of Hamas, Mossab Youseff-who is now a devout Christian—Islam has a problem.

For now, though, I will just congratulations to Milton Herring, Geoff Rizzo, and Mike Griffiths for their Election win.

Thank you.

Beach Cities Republicans, June 16th, 2016 Invite

Hello, South Bay Conservatives!

We have a great evening scheduled for everyone this Thursday, June 16^th!

Congratulations to Beach Cities Republicans’ three endorsed candidates for Torrance city council:

1. Milton Herring

2. Geoff Rizzo

3. Mike Griffiths

From the left; BCR VP Tracy Hopkins
Milton Herring, Mike Griffiths, and Geoff Rizzo

Our efforts and outreach are paying off here in the South Bay, and we have three more conservatives, and a Republican majority, back on Torrance City Council.

Conservatives are winning local races, and pushing back against the liberal, progressive machines which have dominated this area for so long.

Now let me tell you about our guests for our upcoming meeting.

Kent Hori

1. Kent Hori, Hawaiian born native, long-time South Bay Resident—and Republican—will be sharing about his story as a young Japanese-American who joined the GOP, and his successful efforts to reach out to fellow Japanese-Americans to support our Assemblyman David Hadley in the general election this November!

And …

Who says conservatives can’t have fun? Or take a joke!

Eric Golub

Well-known, nationally-renowned conservative comedian Eric Golub will share with us a great night of laughter with his politically (right) leaning routine.

Also, at the outset of the meeting, I would like to have a brief discussion about the current Prop 14 jungle primaries here in California. We as a club should take into account that a number of key races in the state will not have ANY Republican competing in the general election.

Let’s discuss what can be done about this frustrating state of affairs for the California Republican Party.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

All the best,

Arthur Schaper

President, Beach Cities Republicans

Election 2016: More Torrance City Council Race Takeaways

I have shared my preliminary happiness about the Torrance City Council race outcomes.

This was a Presidential election year, with an incredibly high Democratic turnout.

Yet in spite of the largely liberal bent of the voters, Three Republicans won the three open council seats.

Good, solid, reform-minded, action-oriented conservatives.

Independent thinking is a must in Torrance.

We need to not just stop the Big Green agenda trying to work its way through the city.

We need leaders in Torrance who will stand up to the labor unions, demand the best for our local businesses, who will ensure that public safety and economic development remain top notch.

The success of the June 7th turnout was a real relief for me:

I had already shared about the signature victory of electing the first African-American to the Torrance City Council.

The greater achievement, however, rests in his service to our country and the ministry of the Gospel. What a wonderful combination we have received in Milton Herring!

Mike Griffith's victory is noteworthy because the mayor's political machinations were determined to remove him. Why? Griffiths had the smarts to call out the mayor, suggesting that he should have recused himself on account of the pro-McCormick spending big money on his election big in 2014. I have heard the store from a number of sources that ...

Mayor Furey attacked Mike Griffiths in front of his colleagues shortly after the McCormick vote. That was wrong. That is evil.

Furey still snaps and mocks people who do not agree with him. His time is short.

Griffiths received no union-backing, either, and yet he won! Good for him. We need common-sense fiscal prudence free of Big Labor interventions.

Also ...

LIE-lani Kimmel Dagostino bit the dust, big time.

I had long-standing contacts with her throughout the election cycle. Shortly after her untimely loss in 2014, when she was within a few hundred votes of making it into the Top Four.

Then she went to the dark side.

First, she started bad-mouthing other people in the city.

She told me that the other candidates running were saying nasty things about the police department, fire department, etc.

She gossips a lot.

Then she allied herself with Pat Furey. I learned so much about what was going on behind the scenes in the city through her.

She had informed me of the mayor's attempt coup to place Ray Uchima on the city council, even though he had not run for office, and was basically trying to buy influence through ethnic peddling.

For all her efforts to bring reform and balance in the beginning, all of it fell away within the last six months.

I saw her at the ExxonMobil meeting in January, and she walked passed me without talking to me. I told how snubbed I felt, and it seemed at the time that she understood how I felt.

Then the news hit the headlines about Pat Furey and son engaging in illegal practices with McCormick Ambulance, and the Fire Department PAC, too.

By then, I had asked Leilani what she was going to do next. She needed to drop Pat Jr. as her consultant and campaign manager.

She was very evasive at that point, stopped returning my calls, and even unfriended me on Facebook.

She drifted further and further away from any kind of principled leadership and campaign integrity at that point.

Then she posted this "endorsement":

Leilani "endorsed" by Maxine "Tea Party Can Go Straight to Hell" Waters

This was too much for many, including me, although by this time I had given up on supporting her.

She was covering up for Pat Jr which according to the campaign filings was still working for her, but under a different company heading.

A lot of concerned conservative voices in the city feared that many women voters would vote for Leilani because ... she was a woman. A number of her supporters were convinced that she would do very well because of her gender.

I am so glad that the voters in Torrance were paying attention to all the facts.

The Daily Breeze even reported the disturbing facts about her campaign. Leilani had boasted to me that she would probably raise $60,000 by January.

She didn't. She had to loan herself a lot of money, and she depended on donations from outside of the city, too!

Now that's just sad.

It was good to see integrity and honesty win out in this election.

It also spells further doom for Pat Furey and his corrupt connections throughout Torrance.

He will probably not remain mayor for much longer, either.

Torrance City Council Election 2016: Success and Restoration

Election Night, June 7th, 2016.

The national and statewide races were not the most compelling element of the evening for me.

Two Democrats running for US Senate.

Dem on Dem fights throughout the state.

I was not as dismayed about David Hadley's second place showing. After all, the turnout throughout the state was huge for Democrats.

Things will not go so well for them in November, I fear, if the civil between Bernie Sanders socialist-activists and the pro-establishment Hillary Clintonites dos not heal.

But right here in Torrance, CA, a restoration of good government and positive principles won out.

Check out the final tally:

At 11:00pm on Election Night, Milton Herring was in third place.

At the end of the final tally, Milton Herring--father, pastor, retired military officer--was in FIRST place.

Incredible.

Milton Herring

From what I have heard, Herring was the last political client for consultant Paul Nowatka, who has served as a Torrance police officer, city councilmember, state assembly candidate, and Republican party central committee chairman.

What a way to end a storied career in The Balanced City! Thanks for your great work, Paul!

Now, Councilman Herring!

He is also the first African-American elected to the Torrance City Council.

More importantly, he holds strong, solid principles.

I also want to stress that he is a Republican!

Here are some of his comments about his political affiliation:

I am a Republican because I believe in the prosperity of America and believe that the Republican Party’s approach is the most prudent one. I believe in strong families are the foundational social order and defining marriage between a man and a woman is the Capstone of the family. I believe in the support of Israel. It is the party that was founded to prevent slavery from spreading into the new Territories and it is called the party of Lincoln. We promote limited government, and maximum freedom. This party led to fight for the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendment to the Constitution.

Wow! Milton makes me feel proud to be a Republican.

I look forward to his leadership and representation on the Torrance City Council.

We have longed for honest government in our city. Since the fallout over Mayor Pat Furey's corrupt practices and disrespect to voters and homeowners in the city; plus the fallout over his corrupt son's campaign lawlessness, the residents of Torrance are looking for honesty and integrity once again.

Sandra Goetz could not have said it better: "The residents of Torrance elected an ordained minister to city council, and he won with the most votes. The city sent a clear message to the city council. We want good government."

Yes, indeed.

Geoff Rizzo

I candidly share that I had concerns about Rizzo. I respect very much his service to the city, including his long career as a police officer and member.

He is also receiving a pension from the city of Torrance. Six figures!

The city needs to address its long-term pension obligations. Certain reforms have been effective, but leadership needs to ensure that public revenue goes toward addressing all public needs.

I have remarked also that he has taken bolder steps to address concerns about public safety and integrity in the city. He is thoughtful and deliberate. He has repeatedly taken time to sit down with me and share his concerns.

I do not see him as corrupt or badly influence in regards to the McCormick vote. Please keep in mind that Councilwoman Heidi Ashcraft wanted to end the contract, but did not receive enough time to review the other bidders.

He is respectful and knowledgeable, and he cares about this city. I had no reservations voting for him.

Mike Griffiths

This candidate has been the most surprising and welcoming of all.

I had not given Griffiths a great deal of hope or attention during Election 2014.

I had sent out a series of questionnaires to a number of candidates, and he did turn in his answers to me on time (I admit I had not articulated a clear deadline).

To see a candidate who had finished in eighth place, then receive an appointment to the council--I thought something fishy was going on.

Or at least that this process was unfair.

And yet Griffiths has articulated the need for a number of key reforms. He has sought ticket forgiveness for city residents who park on the street during the widespread street-sweeping days. He called out Mayor Furey for his controversial, now corrupted, vote for ending the city contract with Gerber and taking on McCormick,

He also aided with the push to remove Patrick Furey Jr. from the Torrance traffic commission.

I underestimated Griffiths, and I am glad that he won his seat in his own right.

Final Reflection

Election 2016, June 7th was a good night for this Torrance Republican!

Congratulations, Milton, Mike, and Geoff!

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