Friday, August 2, 2013

Statement by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez on Supreme Court Decision To Release Prisoners Early


SAN DIEGO – (Friday, August 2, 2013) – California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) made the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to deny the State of California’s attempt to block the court-mandated early release of prisoners.

“It is very unfortunate that Supreme Court has risked the safety of our communities in this recent decision. As the state noted in its argument, no data suggests that a sudden release of inmates with these characteristics can be done safely and no state has ever done it. I believe the state demonstrated a very strong case against early release, both in improved prison conditions but also in the negative impacts that realignment has had on public safety in California. It’s one thing to maintain a fair standard for the men and women who are incarcerated, but our state should not be expected to risk all of our essential public safety needs for the well-being of criminals. A long-term solution to prevent this false choice is needed.”


Monday, July 29, 2013

State Assemblymember Shirley Weber Hosts Public Forum to Discuss Additional School Funding (LCFF) and the Key Role of Parents


San Diego, CA: California State Assemblymember Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. will convene a public forum consisting of educators, administrators, parents and other community members, Tuesday, July 30th, 2pm-4pm at the San Diego County Office of Education to discuss Additional School Funding- Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and the key role of parents.

The LCFF is an equitable, accountable and common-sense approach to update our archaic school funding system in California. It will increase funding for every school district across California while providing additional funding for school districts with high populations of low-income students, English learners, and foster-care students.  One of the most important elements of the proposal is the power shift from the State to ensure districts have the ability to address unique community dynamics and respond quickly to changing student needs. The LCFF will eliminate many of the hoops districts have had to jump through for years and give them the power to make decisions for their own students.

However, the promise and success of the LCFF rests in the ability of local stakeholders and leaders to be engaged and vocal about how this money will be spent. I am personally committed to work with parents, voters and community members to ensure that the school districts I represent (San Diego Unified, Chula Vista Elementary, National City, Lemon Grove, La Mesa-Spring Valley, Grossmont and Sweetwater) will distribute new funding equitably and according to the needs and priorities of each school in the district.

Panelists participating in the forum will include:
·         Assistant Superintendent Lora Duzyk, San Diego County Office of Education
·         Superintendent Brian Marshall, La-Mesa-Spring Valley School District
·         Superintendent Chris Orem, National School District
·         Communications Officer Anthony Millican, Chula Vista Elementary School District
·         Executive Director of District Relations Moises Aguirre, San Diego Unified School District.

Event:
Public Forum to Discuss Additional School Funding (LCFF) and the Key Role of Parents

Date: 
Tuesday, July 30 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Location:  
San Diego County Office of Education, 6401 Linda Vista Road, Room 401-402
 ,San Diego, California  92111





Sunday, July 28, 2013

No Change in Democratic Party's Position on Filner


Clarification: The San Diego County Democratic Party's call for Mayor Bob Filner to step down (issued July 25, below) remains in place despite Filner's most recent public statement. The Party has no plans to revisit its position.

San Diego County Democratic Party Calls on Filner to Step Down


The San Diego County Democratic Central Committee on July 25 held its second special meeting in a week to discuss the allegations against San Diego Mayor Bob Filner. In that meeting, 34 members supported a motion for Filner to step down; 6 voted against. Chair Francine Busby has issued the following statement:

"With heavy hearts but clear minds, the members of the San Diego County Democratic Central Committee met this evening. We affirm our commitment to a vision of San Diego as a city of diverse, vibrant communities where every neighborhood is a priority; every man, woman, and child is treated with respect; and quality public services enhance the lives of all San Diegans. As Democrats, we are committed to making that vision a reality.

"We have listened to Democrats with strongly held views on all sides of the controversy that has arisen in the past two weeks. The one thing those Democrats have in common is that they continue to support the progressive agenda that we elected Mayor Filner to champion.

"We respect the legal process that is now unfolding and believe that the Mayor and his accusers will have their fair hearing. We are not here to determine guilt or innocence. However, in the best interest of the city, the San Diego County Democratic Party has voted to ask Mayor Filner to step down, seek the personal help that he needs, and allow San Diego to move forward."