The Conscious of the Council.

It has been said that nature abhors a vacuum and in 2010 when Donna Frye left the San Diego City Council a chasm was created. Since her time on the Council, Donna was almost always the consistent voice of leadership and conviction on the council. Sometimes she would irk her supporters from time to time but over all she was seen as someone who would always do what she thought was right and became the voice for those who felt left out of the Downtown power plays and would remind the Council, time and again that there was more to San Diego than Downtown and that there were other issues than redevelopment and the Convention Center.

If the past was any indication of what was to happen in the future then it would be a long time before someone would be that champion again. After all, almost everyone who has been elected to the Council seems to view it as a stepping-stone to a higher political office and seems to position their votes and support with an eye towards that goal of being in the Assembly, State Senate or Congress. So perhaps that saying didn’t apply in San Diego Politics.

Or did it?

In that same year, a small political upset took place when a relatively unknown candidate beat someone who’s family was an institution in the District and was seen as a shoo-in as he had the support of Labor and some big names. Yet even in the face of all those obstacles, David Alvarez was able to beat his opponent, Felipe Hueso by 15%.

During that campaign Alvarez promised that he would serve the full terms and would do his best to provide the District the representation it needed. A promise that resonated with the District but to many political observers it was seen a smart ploy that eventually he would have to reneg on because history was against it.  Possibly only one person served two full terms since 1980’s because either the person moved on to higher political office or had to resign in disgrace.

In his short time, Alvarez has been consistent in his views and his votes that he has fought for his district but, by extension, the communities that have been left out of those Downtown Power Plays. He as been an advocate of stopping needless waste as his efforts with reforming San Diego SAFE program with Lorie Zaph and most importantly was the lone voice against the giveaways to the Convention Center in 2012.

Also he has become a real leader with the other Democratic Councilmembers and yesterday’s meeting at Rules showed that.

It was well known that Alvarez was going to put up a resolution that would support Immigration Reform with a path towards Citizenship to those who have worked and labored in the shadows. With the help of fellow Councilmembers Sherri Lightener and Marti Emerald they were all set to do so but jumping in on the bandwagon for the sake of political survival the four Republicans, with Mark Kersey leading the pack, decided to draft their own resolution, sign it, force it on the docket and blab to the U-T and the media about it and not tell their Democratic Counterparts.

Maybe Kersey thought his watered down, mealy-mouthed resolution would be acceptable to everyone. I mean it calls for “legal status” so maybe he can say he snag some Latino votes in some future City wide run and since it doesn’t say citizenship so he say to the right that they don’t get citizenship. Win-win, right?

Wrong.

Alvarez, at the Rules meeting, called the Republicans out for their attempt at playing politics with their antics of going around the other Councilmembers, drafting a vague resolution and doing so as an act of political survival. He denied Kersey’s attempt to co-opt the resolution he and the other Dems on the Council drafted and so Kersey and Kevin Faulconer voted against the true Immigration Reform resolution and now both go up to the Council for a vote.

So where is Todd Gloria in all this?

You guess is as good as mine.

Will Todd support the sham Republican resolution that in essence would call for a permanent immigrant ambiguous status not fully a part of our society?

Or will he stand with Alvarez, Emerald and Lightner with a resolution that lives up to the creed of this nation and give those who have labored, fought and risked their lives to come to this county a chance to be a part of this country that they have sacrificed so much to be a part of?

I’m not holding my breath…

The Era of Democratic Conciliation is Over?

I think I’m ODing on Schadenfreude.

These past few weeks have had me just in awe in the response of the Downtown Powers-that-be over Mayor Bob Filner’s actions in vetoing the Port and the failure to override, especially the U-T’s editorial. I don’t which I love more. The fact that Bob is exercising the power given to him by the strong mayor position that the Powers-that-be backed or the fact that they thought Democrat that would eventually be elected Mayor would be someone that would follow the unwritten rule that you never, ever, mess around with Downtown and the Downtown interests.

That was always the rules if you were Democrat that wanted electoral success in San Diego. You would either kow-tow to the Powers-that-be and be allowed to do some of your pet projects with the knowledge that when the time came you would support them in some project that they needed to build up Downtown or the Convention Center. Then they would support you when you ran for some office either in Washington or Sacramento.

Eventually a Democrat would be elected Mayor so the powers-that-be hopes were that it would be a go-along-get-along Dem that they loved dealing with like a Tony Young or a Todd Gloria. I mean the recent Port vote reeked of the typical go-along-get-along deals that permeated for years in the Council.

But I think the Mayor and some of the City Council have done the math and made the conclusion that with a Democrat being elected in the Fourth District later this year that the Era of Democratic Conciliation is Over and that Democrats must be the voice of those who see San Diego as more than just a Convention Center and an Embarcadero. That there are communities north of Laurel St, east of 16th St and south of Imperial Ave.

And I think this message will resonate as long as the Mayor and some on the Council continue in the strong resolve that they have been showing.

And watching the Powers-that-be flip out is just a huge bonus. 

U-T Editoral Board Endorse In San Diego City Races

In a complete surprise to everyone the UT's Editorial Republican Board followed suit with the San Diego County Republican Party in endorsing in all the city races.  Well, where the San Diego County Republican Party did not provide them guidance of an endorsement, then they were forced to endorse the Democrat.

• Mayor: Carl DeMaio best protects the Republican brand and they think can best beat Representative Bob Filner
• District 1: Ray Ellis "has the best shot at toppling the incumbent"
• District 3: Todd Gloria drew no Republican challengers
• District 5: Mark Kersey is the "single candidate [that] stepped forward in this district"
• District 7: Scott Sherman "recruited to the race by April Boling"
• District 9: Marti Emerald drew no Republican challengers

Read the editors sound reasoning here for Mayor and here for city council.

Lets look back to see how well the Union Tribune's Editorial Republican Board did in their 2008 endorsements for these same cycle (except of course it would not have included the additional of  District 9):

San Diego City Council (only a 33% win ratio)

• Lost - Philip Thalheimer, District 1 (Democratic Opponent)
• Won - Todd Gloria, District 3 (Democratic Opponent)
• Lost - April Boling, District 7 (Democratic Opponent)

Again, these endorsements matched the San Diego County Republican Party where there was a Republican in the city race.

U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein Endorses Mat Kostrinsky for City Council District 7

U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein Endorses Mat Kostrinsky for City Council District 7

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kimber Tabak (619) 500-3580

San Diego, CA – March 5, 2012 – U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, one of California’s most respected elected officials, endorsed Mat Kostrinsky for City Council District 7.

"I have known Mat Kostrinsky for more than a decade, and relied on his counsel on matters in San Diego. He’s strong and independent,” said Senator Dianne Feinstein. “I’m confident Mat will make sure city government is working for you, and all the people of District 7,” added Feinstein.

"It is an honor to be endorsed by Senator Feinstein. She has an incredible record of bringing together people with diverse opinions to solve problems and get results," said Mat Kostrinsky. “I look forward to working with her to ensure we support our veterans, strengthen our economy, and keep San Diego safe.”

In addition to being supported by Senator Feinstein, Kostrinsky has also been endorsed by former San Diego Councilmember Donna Frye and current Councilmembers Todd Gloria, David Alvarez and Marti Emerald.

Kostrinsky grew up in the San Diego communities of San Carlos and Del Cerro. He attended Pershing Middle School, Patrick Henry High School and graduated from San Diego State University. Mat and his wife, Jen, a family practice physician, are raising their two children in the same neighborhood where Mat grew up. For more information, please go to his website at www.Mat4CityCouncil.com

# # #

City Council by the Numbers!

Here is the breakdown of the City Council 2012 races, which reported by 9:44 pm on Tuesday, Jan 31, 2012:

District 1

Ray Ellis

Total Contributions Received:	$151,105.00
Total Expenditures Made:	$47,948.59
Burn Rate	31.73%

NOTES: This is without any loans by a person with the financial means to put their own money into the race. Very impressive. However, we need to remember money has not equated to a win for candidates, especially those challenging an incumbent at the city level. Ray will have a tough road to defend his support for Prop D to his conservative base and his pension settlement vote to the general public.

Sherri Lightner

Total Contributions Received:	$117,808.00
Total Expenditures Made:	$47,720.54
Burn Rate	40.51%

NOTES: This is a very good report for Sherri in a normal period. Looking at previous reports of incumbents this number is par for the course. Also, she will have her incumbency to lift her up even more. In addition, talk is she will be a hard person for the opposition to lock down as favoring any certain interest group. She has shown an independent streak, which did very well for Scott Peters, when he was challenged from the right by a wealthy individual too.

District 3

Todd Gloria

Total Contributions Received:	$127,903.65
Total Expenditures Made:	$51,241.01
Burn Rate	40.06%

NOTES: There is no challenger and anyone that would get into the race would be behind the money, even if they self finance their race. In addition, incumbency has its power for city council races.

District 5

Mark Kersey

Total Contributions Received:	$120,229.00
Total Expenditures Made:	$41,219.02
Burn Rate	34.28%

NOTES: There is no challenger and anyone that would get into the race, except for a self financing candidate that is conservative, then there would not be a steep fundraising climb ahead.

District 7

Mat Kostrinsky

Total Contributions Received:	$76,106.00
Total Expenditures Made:	$20,106.89
Burn Rate	26.42%

NOTES: Several items jumped out at me in this report from Mat. He has the lowest burn rate of the entire field of candidates running for city council, including those without an opponent. If you look into his report he has more cash on hand then Scott and he should be taken serious looking that he went into this race with a sizable early loan. Though, this race will be expensive without name ID and require a more heavier fundraising number reported at the next period.

Scott Sherman

Total Contributions Received:	$61,890.00
Total Expenditures Made:	$37,469.35
Burn Rate	60.54%

NOTES: Scott's numbers were released a few weeks ago, so the number are not new, but the amount he has spent is very surprising with most not going towards voter ID, but consultant fees and fundraiser fees. A little high for someone claiming to be a business person. If he runs his business or will run his council office like he is running his campaign, then we should look at what business model he uses. We should expect with the recent court ruling and this report the Republican Party has already started to prop Scott's campaign up with party money going into his campaign.

District 9

Marti Emerald

Total Contributions Received:	$70,399.25
Total Expenditures Made:	$30,449.88
Burn Rate	43.25%

NOTES: There is no challenger and anyone that would get into the race, except for a self financing candidate, then would have a steep fundraising climb ahead. Though, they would need to add incumbency, which makes this a lock for Emerald to win election.

Tuesday - Quick Hits

Street Scene set to return to the downtown streets that give it its birth back in 1983. UT

Not a good sign, Agurrie falls short on fundraising. Has only raised $7400 between Jan 1 and Mar 17. UT

Council approves mini-dorm ordinance. UT

Scripps Research Institute plans first new medical school in U.S. in 40 years. UT

City council committee pushes forward with recommendation to hire 17 more auditors. UT

Marti Emerald raises more money than April Boling in D7, Steve Whitburn barely out raises Todd Gloria in D3. UT

Steve Francis is outspending Jerry Sanders 4 to 1 in mayoral race. UT

President of Vista Unified School Board to run for Oceanside city council. UT

SD City Council 7: Who’s on first?

After what appeared to be a sustained campaign to stick something on her, the right-wingers won in getting the Emerald campaign to reveal her donors.

I’m not here to debate the merits of whether what Marti did was right or wrong. What concerns me is that she responded to this matter in a way that the accusers wanted her to. In doing what was asked, her campaign has become reactive rather than active.

In letting the Republicans set the tone, the Boling campaign could lead the Emerald campaign into a place it doesn’t want to be in and pull out a win. I believe it was The Art of War that emphasized never letting your enemy set the battlefield otherwise they will set it to their advantage and you will lose.

Remer is know for wasting a lot of money on mail and getting it out late, not cultivating strategy and building winning coalitions. As far as I know, Jacobson has never run a race.

I am now raising a flag of warning to the Emerald camp that this is their race to lose. The early signs are there. This is far from over and I hope that this post won’t forecast the future.

Nevertheless, as someone who reflexively spits out Kool-aid, I have to call this one as I see it, without the sugary-sweetened goggles on.

OOOH, AHHH!

Well, I hope the naysayers on the Right are happy. Troubleshooter Mart Emerald released all of her donors under $100 today and clearly there wasn't much to write home about. As expected, her low-end donors included a couple dozen retirees, about half a dozen union organizers and business agents, a handful of non-profit types, a couple of independent writers, and a few interesting Republicans. (Do the names Horsman or Roth sound familiar?) The funny thing was how few $99 donations she received. Most under $100 looked legit... $25 or $50.

Some other interesting things to note: 3 EDCO (Trash Haulers) executives gave at $95 each (Is $95 the new $99?)

Mayor of Lemon Grove - Mary Sessom - lists educator as her job, as does Lemon Grove School Board Member George Gastil. Guess they don't want to fess up?

Desperation on the far Right

Has anyone else noticed the desperate and extreme measures being deployed by the far Right in the campaign for District 7 of the City Council. Duane Dichara and his cult of young republicans are in an unusually frenzied attempt to salvage a campaign for ethically-challenged April Boling that is quickly swirling down the drain. Their latest attacks?

Marti spent too much on campaign consultants (note: this is a great argument for any future or current Coronado Communications client to use against their consultants' fees.)

Marti won't disclose her under $100 donors. (Yes, I am sure April Boling urged all her ethically-challenged clients in the past to disclose all their donors. Mayor Murphy? Kevin Falconer? The Lincoln Club?) I guess the far right wants to see if there is anyone else they should be trying to shake down in this race... I think my Grandpa gave Marti $50.00, I hope you will spare him.

They have even rolled out good ole Scott Barnett to claim Marti must be corrupt. Scott, who admits he is for sale to the highest bidder, has worked for every special interest group in town until they have been upset by his desire to sell out to the opposition. (Have to love that Taxpayers report against Wal-Mart, right Scott?)

Now, Red County is reporting a poll that puts April within striking distance. Right. Anyone that has walked in District 7 lately (yes, Marti actually has volunteers walking for her) can tell you this race will be an embarrassment to April and her attack dogs. Give up. Go home and make sure you can hang on to the Mayor's race. I hear that Floyd Morrow might actually be a threat.

Marti Emerald Leads April Boling in Poll

Last week there was mention here as San Diego Politico of a recent poll taken in District 7 race for city council. This evening I received a copy of the poll conducted January 7-9 by Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin & Associates showing some stunning results.

Marti Emerald begins the campaign for the 7th District City Council seat with an overwhelming lead, demonstrating initial support and favorable ratings that exceed anything we have seen in an open-seat race. Emerald has 84 percent name recognition and 64 percent of voters give her a personal rating of “very” or “somewhat favorable” (compared to 9% unfavorable). Marti Emerald receives nearly 60 percent of the vote, while April Boling is at just 16 percent in an initial ballot test preceding any information about the candidates. . . .

The support Marti Emerald garners in the districts also cuts across partisan lines. She has a 54% to 22% support among Republicans, 56% support among DTS voters and an overwhelming 63% support among Democrats.

It is plainly obvious that Marti Emerald's years as the "Troubleshooter" is viewed very positively among district voters and that she doesn't suffer from some of the same baggage that other candidates running for office have to address.

Marti Emerald for Mayor?

I have had a number of people tell me that the polling on the District 7 April Boling / Marti Emerald Race was incredible. Apparently, Marti's name ID and favorables are higher than Mayor Sanders in this right-leaning district. Head-to-head April doesn't have a chance, unless Marti commits murder between now and election day. I hear that there are even some even considering asking her to abandon the 7th and run for Mayor instead. Wouldn't that shake up the Mayor's race?

More Aguirre Follies

Last night before the San Diego County Democratic Party Central Committee meeting, city firefighters and other city employees held a thank you demonstration for the members of the central committee who back in November voted to deny City Attorney Mike Aguirre an early incumbent endorsement. The demonstrators held signs along city streets and in front of the State building where the committee meets.[Link]

According to my source who sent me the above photo, during the central committee meeting both Lee Burdick and Dan Coffey, who are declared candidates for city attorney, took strong anti-Aguirre positions when speaking to central committee members. I'm told the response from the members was respective, but not overwhelming.

In other news from last night's meeting, both Marti Emerald and Sherri Lightner received early party endorsements for district-7 and district-1 city council races.

Some End of the Week Reflections

Last night at the San Diego County Democratic Party - Central Region meeting, Both Marti Emerald in city council district 7 and Sherri Lightner in city council district 1 were recommended for early endorsement to the Central Committee meeting in January.

With the announcement earlier this week that TaxpayersAdvocate.org Scott Barnett is dropping out of the race for Mitz Lee school board seat, leaves John Lee Evans as the only announced candidate to fill the seat. The word on the street is that Barnett is going to be involved in one of the Republican campaigns for City Attorney?

Speaking of the City Attorney, I have heard this week that Mike Aguirre has retained the services of Al Ducheny, the husband of State Senator Denise Ducheny, to manager his re-election campaign.

Finally, Auday Arabo will get to face Democratic activists for the first time in January. The Chicano Democratic Association has scheduled their 78th Assembly candidate interviews for January 9th.

Marti Emerald Interview

Over at the VOSD, occassional contributor Seth Hettena has a must read interview with former Channel 10 reporter turned District 7 candidate Marti Emerald.[Link] The interview does a very good job capturing those special qualities that make Marti Emerald a formiable candidate.

How does your experience as a TV reporter qualify you for public office?

First of all, being a good listener. I think that’s underrated these days. Knowing how to take a lot of information and figure out the so what about it. That’s really important. Secondly, I’m very good with helping to bring people together. For the last 22 years, I’ve been doing conciliation work, mediation. I’ve had mediation training. Maybe it’s underrated but when you look at what’s going on downtown with people who are not listening to each other, who are not on the same page, who don’t seem to want to arrive at a solution -- that’s the public perception anyway -- I think that’s real important. I cut through stuff. I mean business. Anybody, who’s had to meet as many deadlines as I do, and solve problems like I have, I think I’ll be a good representative for the 7th District.[Link]

Read the whole thing, it is quite worth it.

Candidate Marti Emerald fights for District 7 residents

Channel 8 last night had a story about district 7 candidate Marti Emerald, who is already fighting for the residents of the district. Today, she is going up to Long Beach to urge the CSU Trustees to delay the vote on the SDSU expansion plans. You can see the video to the story here.

Week Wrap-Up

Things have been especially quiet on the Democratic political front these past few weeks. But are looking to heat up soon.

** Next week the Democratic Central Committee is scheduled to vote on an early endorsement of Mike Aguirre. Quite a few Central Committee members are balking at the idea because of Mike's increasingly erratic behavior. A few people are even suggesting a possible Scott Peters run would be more acceptable to party insiders. The big unknown is if labor will take a position before Tuesday.

** Apparently Marti Emerald's name id may be helping Marty Block in his Assembly Race for the 78th AD. A poll that has been circulated shows Block with unusually high name id, especially in areas where the 78th and the 7th City Council District overlap, and some are speculating it has to do with voter confusion. I am sure Marty will take the a primary win anyway he can get it.

** San Diego's City Council Presidency looks like it will stay with a Democrat. According to the VOSD article today, Scott Peters will retain his position as Council President rather than letting a Republican take over the reigns. Kudos to the Dem Party for insisting the Dems on the Council act like Dems for once, maybe this will become a trend.

** Another Steve Francis sighting. This time, Francis was seen at the progressive environmental dinner for San Diego Coast Keepers. I guess he is really going for a full make-over. Maybe Jim Bell will drop out of the Mayoral race and endorse Francis.

** According to our conservative counterparts at Red County, San Diego City Councilman Brian Maienschein is considering a challenge to incumbent County Supervisor Pam Slater-Price. The best part of the post, which was up yesterday, were the now deleted comments. According to bloggers, Maienschein is getting a divorce and has been having an affair with a city hall staffer. I am all for free speech, so if anyone knows more FACTS, feel free to post here.

The Week in Review

I usually wait until Monday mornings to post a wrap-up of the political rumors rolling around at the week's end, but I am headed out of town for a few days. Here are a few interesting morsels:

With all the buzz about Jerry Butkiewicz's potential run for Mayor at the CPI dinner on Thursday, a few juicy details about the dinner were left out.

I was shocked to see Republican candidate for Mayor, Steve Francis in attendance. He was definitely making the rounds and pressing flesh with labor leaders, enviros and other progressives. He looked eerily at ease in this left-leaning crowd. Less surprising, Republican candidate for School Board Scott Barnett was also seen in the crowd AND even bought an ad in the dinner book.

Also seen in the crowd, former Assemblyman Juan Vargas - sitting with Firefighter's Union Prez Ron Saathoff. I had heard the firefighters were courting him to run for City Attorney, maybe his sudden public appearance means something.

One of the funnier sites of the evening, was City Attorney Mike Aguirre standing up to be recognized when Donald Cohen asked all of the San Diego City Employees to rise for an applause. I don't think that is what Cohen had in mind.

Finally of note, I saw a very relieved looking Toni Atkins giving what looked like a congratulatory hug to Labor Council's political director Lorena Gonzales. If the press accounts prove true, Gonzales, who was planning to run against Atkins in 2010 for the 76th AD, will stay with labor and Atkins may have a free-ride for the Democratic nomination.

I got a call from a Republican family member of mine that lives in Tierrasanta, it seems Marti Emerald walked to his door on Saturday. Good to know she is walking, I had heard rumors about a back injury.

I hear there is a new potential Democratic candidate in San Diego's 1st district. Lobbyist and strong mayor proponent Adrian Kwiatkowski is allegedly considering throwing his hat in the ring.

Don't You Just Love Mondays?

I love Mondays. I really do. My favorite part of the day is hearing the tidbits of gossip that made the rounds over the weekend. Here are some of my favorites to start the week:

1) The Republicans are trying to encourage Maxine Sherard to throw her hat in the ring for the 78th. They figure that her name recognition, as a result of the millions spent last year, would make her the front-runner for the Dem nomination. Why would they want that? She would be a much easier candidate in the general compared to a Marty Block or Arlie Ricasa. Especially now that former Police Chief David Bejerano has decided to wait it out for Sheriff instead, and all they have is their "yes man" John McCann. If the Black Caucus wants a candidate in the 78th, I doubt it will be Maxine Sherard, I would say San Diego City Councilmember Tony Young is much more likely a candidate. Although, neither have expressed much interest.

2) Republican Luis Acle, I hear, will not be running for re-election on the San Diego City Schools Board of Trustees. That will leave that position wide open for Democrat Richard Barrera.

3) Republican Shirley Horton is planning to return to Chula Vista for a City Council run against Steve Castenada. Gotta love how the Republicans eat their own. I hear she wants to set herself up for a 2012 run for Greg Cox's seat. However, Senator Denise Ducheny and Councilmember Ben Hueso have also previously expressed in interest in that seat.

4) There has been some talk about the Republican elected officials who WON'T be supporting ethically-challenged April Boling's run for District 7 City Council. Among those past and present Republican electeds who supposedly have a beef with Boling: the entire County Board of Supervisors, former Mayor Dick Murphy, former Councilwoman Judy McCarty, current Councilman Jim Madaffer, La Mesa Mayor Art Madrid, County Treasurer Dan McCallister, (need I continue). I'll be interested to see if Marti can pull endorsements from any of the above, or if they will eventually fall in line with the Downtown Establishment. Seems Boling has a hard time making and keeping friends, even among her base.

Its Just a Fish Wrap....

One commentor yesterday suggested this article regarding the District 7 race between Marti Emerld and April Boling. The suggested article, happens to be written by Johnnie Perkins, a well known lobbyist, Republican operative, and often discussed candidate for the District 7 seat. The article is also published in the Mission Times Courier, whose Editor and Publisher is Sally Ortega Madaffer the wife of District 7 councilman Jim Madaffer.

As reported in VOSD back in July of 2006, councilman Madaffer and his wife have:

[f]or nearly a decade, ... owned the Mission Times Courier, which offers blurbs about the happenings of nearby schools, planning groups, youth sports leagues and new construction projects. Rarely does a story about City Hall pass without at least a passing reference to Madaffer's efforts, if not a friendly pat on the back. The councilman can be seen smiling with police officers and girl scouts or handing checks to community leaders in the periodical's photographs.

It is also reported that the freely distributed Mission Times Courier reaches an estimated 25,000 homes and businesses throughout most of the communities that are north of I-8 within Madaffer's district. [Link]

As the campaign season moves forward, it will be interesting to see how far this community paper the Madaffer's own is prepared to slant its coverage on behalf of April Boling. In the meantime, I suggest that the paper makes for a good fish wrap for your catch after a day fishing at Lake Murray.

Marti Makes it Official

Just got a call from a friend who confirmed that Marti Emerald has officially filed papers to run for City Council, District 7. I am sure ethically-challenged April Boling is peeing her pants about now. I anticipate an UGLY campaign, since the downtown establishment will spend ever last cent of their developer money to try to attack the true-reformer Emerald. But, if anyone saw the 22-year retrospective on Marti that aired last night on KGTV, I doubt there is any about of money that can undo the fact that people know all of the positive change she has already made in San Diego.

Score one for the good guys.

UPDATE:

For those who missed KGTV farewell to Marti click on the [Link] to watch it.