Friday, January 18, 2013

Congressman Peters Urges Comprehensive, Common-Sense Approach to Reducing Gun Violence

Washington, D.C. -- Congressman Scott Peters today announced his support for a comprehensive approach to reducing gun violence in America and urged Congress to have a reasoned discussion that focuses on results.

“In the wake of the horrific tragedy in Newtown - and Aurora, Columbine, and Tuscon before that - there is just no way we can not do those things in our power to prevent these massacres,” Peters said. “We must have a rational and nonpartisan discussion that leads to lower rates of gun violence,” he said.

Peters said he supports a comprehensive plan, such as the one proposed by President Obama. Peters supports:

    •    Better enforcement of existing gun laws and background checks on all gun purchases so guns don’t fall into the hands of criminals and those      prone to violence;
    •    Reasonable restrictions on the types of guns and ammunition, originally intended for our military, available to civilians;
    •    More attention to mental health awareness and treatment; and
    •    Giving local law enforcement the tools they need to reduce gun violence and to keep our schools, families and neighborhoods safe.



“I fully support the Second Amendment and the right of individuals to own guns for sporting, collection, or self-protection,” Peters said. “However, law enforcement officials agree that there’s no reason for civilians to have weapons of war which end up on our streets and in our neighborhoods.”

Peters urged Congress to act now saying, “Let’s not lose this opportunity to stand up for the families of Newtown, and for all our kids and our families.”

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United Food and Commercial Workers Western States Council Endorses Lorena Gonzalez for Assembly District 80

Largest Private Sector Union Commends Pro-Jobs Democrat's Commitment to Livable Wages and Benefits for Workers


SAN DIEGO – (Friday, January 18, 2013) – The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Western States Council has endorsed Lorena Gonzalez for the 80th Assembly District, her campaign announced today.


The UFCW Western States Council is the regional governing body of 11 UFCW local unions representing over 200,000 workers in California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah. The Council is a part of the 1.2 million-member-strong UFCW International Union, which represents the most private sector employees of any union in the United States.

“Lorena Gonzalez has put her heart and soul into making the San Diego region a better place for working families," said Mickey Kasparian, President of UFCW Local 135 in San Diego County. "When it comes to protecting the middle class and working people, there is no one who is willing to stand up for what's right like Lorena. Just as she she has put everything into supporting affordable health care, livable wages and businesses that help whole communities thrive, we will stand beside her because Lorena is a leader that will make California proud."

Lorena is a candidate to replace Assemblyman Ben Hueso. The 80th Assembly District includes the Chula Vista, National City and the City of San Diego neighborhoods of San Ysidro, City Heights, Barrio Logan, Sherman Heights, Otay Mesa, Paradise Hills and Golden Hill.

Learn more about Lorena’s campaign at www.VoteLorena.com or by e-mail VoteLorena@gmail.com.

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Thursday, January 17, 2013

Busby Elected San Diego County Democratic Chair

Durfee Named ‘Chair Emeritus,’ Will Continue As Board Member and DNC Member

Francine Busby was elected Tuesday night to serve as Chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party, the organization representing California’s second-largest population of Democrats and a growing plurality of all voters countywide. She succeeds Jess Durfee, who led Democrats to become the dominant political party in San Diego during his unprecedented nine years as Chair.

A resident of Cardiff by the Sea, Busby has been a leader in the Democratic Party since her first campaign for Congress in the 50th District in 2004 – when she ran against Randy “Duke” Cunningham – and in subsequent high-profile campaigns against former Rep. Brian Bilbray.

Busby has served as the North County Vice Chair of the County Party and has represented the Party in other leadership roles ranging from fundraising and strategic planning to candidate training. She is also the Executive Director of Run Women Run, an organization that mentors, trains, and supports pro-choice women for elected office.

“I am honored to follow in Jess Durfee’s footsteps,” said Busby. “I hope to build on our success to bring positive and progressive change that will benefit all San Diegans.”

Durfee’s tenure culminated in the historic 2012 elections, in which 71% of the County Democratic Party’s endorsed candidates were victorious, including Bob Filner for Mayor of San Diego, Dave Roberts for County Supervisor, and Scott Peters for Congress. With a $2.5 million budget last year, the SDCDP delivered hundreds of thousands of voter contacts for its candidates through precinct walks, phone banks, direct mail, and other campaign programs.

“In the past decade, San Diego County has transformed from a Republican stronghold into a diverse and dynamic region that increasingly votes Democratic,” said Durfee. “I am proud of the work we’ve done and confident that Francine will lead our Party to achieve even more in the years ahead.”

The County Democratic Central Committee has voted to grant Durfee the title of Chair Emeritus. He will remain an active member of the SDCDP’s Executive Board and will continue as San Diego’s sole elected member of the Democratic National Committee.

For more information, please contact Francine Busby at (760) 807-0399 or chair@sddemocrats.org.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Labor Council Response to Mayor Filner’s 2013 State of the City Address



SAN DIEGO - San Diego Labor Council Secretary-Treasurer Lorena Gonzalez made the following statement in response to tonight’s State of the City address:

“Good stuff.”

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 San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council
The San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO includes 135 affiliated labor groups in the region with a membership of more than 200,000 working families.  Founded in 1891, the Labor Council advocates for more jobs, better jobs and better lives for all of San Diego’s workers – union and non-union




Monday, January 14, 2013

Congressman Peters to Serve on House Committee on Science, Space and Technology

Washington, D.C. – The Democratic Caucus earlier this month approved additional committee assignments for Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) has been assigned to serve on the House Science, Space and Technology committee.



“San Diego has one of the highest concentrations of scientific and high-tech research institutes and companies of any region in the country,” said Peters. “Some of the most advanced work in the life sciences, in marine biology, in the defense and aerospace industry and in renewable energy sources occurs right here; much of this work happens in the 52nd district.



“Our economy is largely driven by these innovation industries which generate tens of thousands of high-skill, high wage jobs,” he added. “Being on this committee enhances my ability to help with issues critical to their work such as patent protections and federal funding for scientific research.

”



The Committee on Science, Space and Technology “has jurisdiction over all energy research, development, and demonstration, and projects therefor, and all federally owned or operated non-military energy laboratories; astronautical research and development, including resources, personnel, equipment, and facilities; civil aviation research and development; environmental research and development; marine research; commercial application of energy technology; National Institute of Standards and Technology, standardization of weights and measures and the metric system; National Aeronautics and Space Administration; National Science Foundation; National Weather Service; outer space, including exploration and control thereof; science scholarships; scientific research, development, and demonstration, and projects therefor. The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology shall review and study on a continuing basis laws, programs, and Government activities relating to non-military research and development.”



Peters was elected to the U.S. Congress in November 2012. He was took the oath of office with the other members of the 113th Congress at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 3. Last month he was also assigned to serve on the House Armed Services Committee.