Sins Of Commission in West Hollywood International Film Festival
It’s official, SINS is in.
I would like to publicly say thank you to Martin Deluca the Director / Producer of the West Hollywood International Film Festival for having the courage to screen controversial films from around the world like ours.
Embrace the controversy! Revel in the process of Free Speech. This is Democracy! Use it or loose it as the saying goes.
Whether you agree with SINS OF COMMISSION or not is irrelevant to me as a filmmaker.
What is relevant to me, as a filmmaker, is that Americans are not stopped from being able to choose what to read, or watch.
KNBC reporter Cary Berglund asked the California Coastal Commission’s lawyer [Christina Bull Arndt] in the Attorney General’s Office, (because that’s who defends the Triple C -to the tune of $2 Billion a year…is that right?) why they want a copy of the film.
The assistant A.G said that it is “discovery”, and that the commission is casting a “wide net for information.”
I know how tough things are in California financially right now so rather than burden the state with more costs, I’d like to offer to buy a ticket for Attorney General Edmund Brown Jr. Unfortunately, sir, you would have to provide your own transportation. I know, with the recent gas tax hike it is kind of expensive but it maybe more cost effective in the long run.. Can you cover your own parking?
Governor Schwarzenegger has a place in Malibu, maybe you can crash there and save the people the cost of a hotel. Come to think of it, I’ll spring for two tickets - Arnie can go too…call it a guys night out kind of thing.
For more information about the festival, SINS OF COMMISSION, and the other fabulous controversial films from around the world please visit the film festival Site
SINS OF COMMISSION - KNBC Los Angeles 6 O’clock News
SINS OF COMMISSION, the documentary film expose of the California Coastal Commission broke into the mainstream news.
The documentary film expose of the secretive commission aired at the top of the hour in the number 2 television market in the US.
A subphoena for a work print of the film has been issued by the commission and Richard Oshen, the filmmaker plans to vigorously defend wht he calls ” a blatant attempt” by the commission to silence the film.
No matter what the commission says regarding their demand for the film… the commission’s history, revealed for the first time in SINS OF COMMISSION, clearly shows how the California Coastal Commission obscures their real motives and objectives.
They simply want the film blocked, and will go to any length to accomplish their goal - eiven if it means violating the 1st amendment of the US Constitution to do it.
SINS OF COMMISSION filmmaker Richard Oshen talks to the camera tonight 6pm KNBC, Los Angeles TV 4.
People in California need to know the real story, from both sides…what is going on right now, in their name - and what has been going on for decades.
Richard Oshen, SINS OF COMMISSION, filmmaker
The televised interview follows hot on the heels of a this morning’s interview with Doug McIntyre on KABC 790 AM TALK RADIO.
It seems to me that the people, all the people need to revisit the California Coastal Commission, which they have not done in over 30 years to see how it can to be restored to “fairness and balance”, a cornerstone of the Coastal Act and our system of government.
The people can’t do this as it now stands because of the way the commision has been isolated from the electoral process… and…the legislature seems to be unwilling to step in.
SINS OF COMMISSION airs on McIntyre In the Morning Show
Los Angeles radio station KABC 790 AM TALK RADIO becomes the first radio station int the United States to investigate decades of highly controversial action by the California Coastal Commission.
Popular morning drive time host Doug McIntyre invites Filmmaker Richard Oshen to talk about SINS OF COMMISSION the first documentary expose on the Triple C.
Richard will be Doug’s guest at 6.30 AM PDT Tuesday morning June 16, 2009.
SINS OF COMMISSION, an award winning documentary film by Southern California filmmaker Richard Oshen, is facing legal action by the California Coastal Commission, which has in fact just served Mr. Oshen with a subpoena in order to obtain a copy of the film.
The revealing expose follows ordinary citizens who have come up against the unelected Commission’s autocratic actions wielded, surprisingly, without accountability or oversight.
The California Coastal Commission may try to silence the film because it reveals strong links between California’s increasingly catastrophic wildfires and the Coastal Commission’s prohibition of critical brush clearance.
-Richard Oshen,writer, director, SINS OF COMMISSION
SINS OF COMMISSION examines decades of the Commission’s land use policies and questions how a government body could and, indeed did, unilaterally extend its jurisdiction from 1000 yards landward of the coastline to 5 miles inland.
No matter what your politics, this isn’t America if a quasi-governmental body is going to dictate whether you have the right to see a film. This is a very chilling development, and does not bode well for documentary filmmakers or freedom of speech.
SINS OF COMMISSION is ” a work in progress”. For a governmental body to demand a work print is like asking a journalist for their notes, or an author for a copy of their book before publication.
To think, if the government doesn’t like what the see or read - they could issue an injunction and prevent a story from getting out is scary… very scary.
-Richard Oshen,writer, director SINS OF COMMISSION
Scores of California families and individual landowners have been required to forfeit their constitutional and property rights as a condition for residential development, and in many cases, to avoid arrest and fines reaching the millions.
Help support freedom of speech for all films.
I will vigorously defend SINS OF COMMISSION. Thisis an out-and-out assault on FREEDOM OF SPEECH and the future of all expose documentary films hangs in the balance.
I urgently need your help. SINS OF COMMISSION is a fiscally sponsored by the International Documentary Association, a 501 c3 non profit organization. Support SINS OF COMMISSION, freedom of speech, documentary film making, and the International Documentary Association all in one fell swoop.
If you’ve been following my blogs, you know I’ve continually addressed wildfires and public safety with the simple question:
“What are we going to do in 2009 that is different from 2008, and 2007?
The answer seems to be nothing, because the California Coastal Commission still prohibits brush management in the coastal zone in large areas under their control, and as long as they do there… will be huge fires.
That’s the plan- that’s their goal.
My theory is that the California Coastal Commission wants Californians out of the California Coastal Zone - just ask the folks at Laswon’s Landing.
Any school kid knows: Action speak louder than words.
And if the California Coastal Commission can’t regulate California families out, bankrupt them, or force them out, as I say in the film… “they rock on their heels and wait” - knowing they’ve created a system of brush mis-management guaranteed to burn them out.
I’ve said so for years. I’ve said it in the documentary film SINS OF COMMISSION, and I’m saying it again now. Scott Franklin, a retired LA COUNTY fire officer is saying it - but no one can hear us, because there seems to be a concerted effort to block our message - no film festival in the state of California will screen SINS OF COMMISSION.
The only one responsible for fire safety under the constitution of California is the state fire marshal, not these bozos.
-Richard Oshen, Director- SINS OF COMMISSION
How a land regulatory agency usurped that authority is beyond me… that’s a different discussion for other people called legislators - but its high time we take from them what was never supposed to be theirs.
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Overnight helicopter water drops and calming wind helped crews Wednesday hold off a wildfire that forced the evacuation of 1,200 homes.
Some 2,000 homes were threatened by the 400-acre fire north of the city that portended an early start to California’s annual wildfire siege.
Less than six months ago, a wind-driven, 2,000-acre blaze destroyed more than 200 homes in Santa Barbara and neighboring Montecito.
By changing course in incremental, small steps, over a long period of time, no one saw the Coastal Commission’s changes to the BIG picture along the coast of California. Everyone’s attention was skillfully diverted to the beach. No one thought to turn around and look the other way at the thievery in Broad Daylight going on in the hills.
Since most actions involved individual homeowners, and the commission has case-by-case discretion how to apply its arsenal of dirty tricks the California Coastal Commission’s inconsistencies on a case-by-case could not be proven…Until SINS OF COMMISSION.
If the California Coastal Commission made a statement it was taken as fact. For instance. A pothole in a road in the coastal zone becomes a wetland or a mud puddle on a farm where cows roll on a hot summers day is also deemed a wetland.
If I peed on the dirt, that too woud be a wetland as defined by the California Coastal Commission. Roman law had a phrase for this same standard, still in use today: Ipse Dixit. Literally, ‘he himself said it’. In other words, ‘because I said so.”
SINS OF COMMISSION approached many people living in coastal California who’ve had dealings with the commission, to see if they would talk about their experience on camera. Even today - people refuse because they had a case before the commission, or are about to begin one. Nobody wants to exacerbate their current predicament nor be dragged up and down the coast, meeting after meeting, only to be postponed or dismissed at the whim of the commission.
When People fear government there is Tyranny… When Government fears People there is Liberty.
-Thomas Jefferson
Extortion by any other name…
US Supreme Court
In Nollan v. California Coastal Commission U.S. 825 (1987) The United States Supreme Court found the California Coastal Commission guilty of extortion and specifically prohibited the commission from conditioning building permits in exchange for land.
However, the commission found a way to circumvent the court’s ruling.
By inventing a new requirement for permit approval called a “dedication of property,” the commission was able to continue exacting land without fear of legal recourse nor loss of property tax revenue.
SINS OF COMMISSION also found out that previous attempts to restore balance and fairness to the commission by acts of legislature, no matter how slight, were greeted with the loudest howls from those who stand to lose should the lopsided system find balance.
Impunitas semper ad deteriora invitat
-Impunity always leads to greater crimes.
For instance -
In 1988, AB 4122, a bill that would prohibit Coastal Commission members from engaging in political fund-raising activities, was introduced by Tom Hayden. It was defeated.
In yet another glaring example of the coastal commission’s deceptive self-serving practice, Senator Denise Ducheny, a Democrat, Introduced SB 1295
BILL NUMBER: SB 1295 INTRODUCED
BILL TEXT
INTRODUCED BY Senator Ducheny
FEBRUARY 19, 2008
An act to amend Section 30625 of the Public Resources Code,
relating to coastal resources.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST
SB 1295, as introduced, Ducheny. California Coastal Act of 1976:
coastal development permit: appeal.
The California Coastal Act of 1976 provides for the planning and
regulation of development, under a coastal development permit
process, within the coastal zone, as defined. Existing law provides
that, after certification of a local program, any appealable action
on a coastal development permit or claim of exemption for any
development by a local government or port governing body may be
appealed to the California Coastal Commission by an applicant for a
permit, any aggrieved person, or any 2 members of the commission.
This bill would revise that provision to eliminate an appeal by 2
members of the California Coastal Commission.
Why should a commission be able to appeal itself? Doesn’t that makes sense?
That’s why it was defeated.
Unfortunately for all Californians, underhanded craftiness, malevolent intentions, and criminal trespass is how the California Coastal Commission has been able to hoodwink everyone, get away with what they do - like fill in a the Temescal Swimming Pool in The Santa Monica Recreation Area and why, I surmise, they didn’t want me to photograph them at a “inspection”.
Coercion in the darkness is Its always easier for the California Coastal Commission.
Imagine my surprise when I saw SINS OF COMMISSION ranked #1 aboveWikipedia and the always ready to toss out defenseless kids and elders out of Temescal swimming pool - so their supporters can park their butts and picnic after an arduous hike across other people’s property, California Coastal Commission.
How is this tossing people out of a pool consistent with the California Coastal Commission’s stated mission:
To protect, conserve, restore, and enhance the environment of the California coastline.
Thought that’s why the called it the SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS RECREATION AREA. You know, there are other ways to recreate other than hiking. Swimming is recreating, Volley Ball is recreating, Baseball is recreating, Soccer is recreating, flying a kite, etc., etc.
We also landed on page two with our recent blog about how the California Coastal Commission screwed over yet another local community.
Think I’ll run an encore presentation of a recent clip to remind every one about the California Coastal Commission’s evil intent and dastardly deeds - Just for the heck of it…as a reminder of what’s really going on along the treacherous California Coast.
Somalia has their pirates… and California has theirs!
The Sterling family proudly wears the Sins of Commission hat, and you can too.
Check out the SINS OF COMMISSION Store.
Dan Sterling & Family - photo Credit: Nina Pellegrini
Tired of living in fear along the California coast?
Like what we’re doing?
We could sure use your help.
Why not consider making a tax deductible contribution to our fiscal sponsors, the International Documentary Association, a 501 c3 non profit foundation.
Support SINS OF COMMISSION, documentary filmaking and Freedom of Speech in one fell swoop.
California Coastal Commission’s boots were made for walking over California’s coastal families… like the song says:
One of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you.
With regulatory commissions like the California Coastal Commission bulldozing what is left of our freedom and constitutional rights at every turn, Is it any wonder that California ranks 47th out of the 50 states in terms of overall freedom?
According to a recently published study, Californiaaggressively interferes in the personal lives of its citizens. Political science professors William Ruger, of Texas State University, and Jason Sorens, of the State University of New York, accounted for factors including regulations, state fiscal policies and the protection of rights.
We develop and justify our ratings and aggregation procedure on explicitly normative criteria, defining individual freedom as the ability to dispose of one’s own life, liberty, and justly acquired property however one sees fit, so long as one does not coercively infringe on another individual’s ability to do the same.
Only residents of Rhode Island, New Jersey and New York were classified as having less freedom than Californians.
The three freest states, in order, were New Hampshire, Colorado and South Dakota.
California ranked 48th in the nation on economic freedom, 46th on regulatory policy freedom, 44th on fiscal policy freedom, and 37th on personal freedom.
Categories most out of line with the rest of the country are public safety, natural resources and environment, and administration.
For over 30 years the California Coastal Commission has overzealously pursued a clear-cut course of action to control private property. The latest example: A big-home ban limiting the size of beach homes, orchestrated by Santa Cruz County, was upheld by Coastal Commission.
Pleasure Point residents Barry and Susan Porter sued [Santa Cruz] county two years ago, claiming that [a county] ordinance was unfair, but their lawsuit was put on hold while the ordinance made its way through the approval process.
The Porter argue the ordinance unfairly strips property owners of developable space.
The effort to trim home sizes is not over. County supervisors face a legal challenge to their ordinance, which reduces the amount of land on which a coastal property owner can build.
Every form of tyranny begins by destroying property rights.
The coastal commission's idea of a dream home.
Once the Triple C gets a legal toe-hold and can cut back the size of one home today, they’ve established a precedent,and you can bet your bottom dollar they’ll push for more next year, more the year after, and so on until they force people out of the coastal zone completely.
Give ‘em an inch, and they’ll take 5 miles inland.
When agencies of other states see the CCC get away with this, they’ll try it too - and perhaps they’ll try it right where you live…perhaps they’ll even try your house.
Machiavellian schemes like these, often hatched by non-government corporations, foisted upon the public, and enforced by government agencies and commissions with unlimited legal resources, weaken what remains of our liberty.
Policies like these are usually implemented without public knowledge and more importantly voter input. Driving a single family into bankruptcy goes unseen.
If the right to life is the source of all rights, the right to property is their only implementation. Without property rights, no other rights are possible. Since man has to sustain his life by his own effort, the man who has no right to the product of his effort has no means to sustain his life.
- Ayn Rand
Perhaps there needs to be an organization of people? People who live in homes and are tired of coastal commission’s abusive actions.
A recent discussion about SINS OF COMMISSION on TALK ABOUT, a blog of the HALF MOON BAY REVIEWgot so heated, it was closed on February 25th. There were well over 300 comments to that thread, making it the second most commented-on thread ever on TALK ABOUT.
Perhaps then, it is possible. People can stop the California Coastal Commission, and other quasijudicial agencies like them whatever state they are in, from destroying one of our essential freedoms along the way- the right to own property and be secure one’s home.
If one freedom goes, so do all the others - eventually.
