Speculation on a blog site is all well and good, but here is a list of those who have actually filed to run for City Council in San Diego:
DISTRICT 2
Kevin Faulconer
Patrick Finucane
Ian Trowbridge
DISTRICT 4
No one yet
DISTRICT 6
Stephen Hadley
Howard Wayne
DISTRICT 8
David Alvarez
Remy Bermudez
Joseph Brown
Tim Gomez
Lincoln Picard
This list is far from complete as people will enter and drop out but this is where the field stands.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
District 6
Donna Frye is termed out of her City Council seat leaving an opening that could really mold the future of San Diego. Names that have emerged as possible successors:
Howard Wayne
An attorney and a former legislator, this guy has the chops to really make a difference at City Hall. He knows the workings of legislation, is wickedly smart and wonkish enough to engage activists and professionals on policy issues and politics. He has done a lot just below the radar with a lot of people in a positive way that will help him in his run. His old Assembly District never really was part of the 6th but his work in the community is real for a long term resident of the district
Steve Hadley
Unlike Frye’s Chief of Staff who recently sold his home in San Marcos to move into this district in order to run for his boss’s seat. The scuttlebutt was that Frye had to talk him into it. Hadley seems like a nice guy but will need to put together one heck of a campaign operation, which may be difficult if Frye runs for Supervisor, in order to overcome the carpetbagger tag. Should Frye run both she and Hadley will be pulling from the same groups of volunteers and resources.
Laurie Zaph
Which won’t be a problem if you’re the token Republican in this race. Word is that Zaph is getting pressure to run so the “usual suspects” have someone to throw their money at. The problem is, especially the City Council level, you really have to want it because of the grueling pace it will put you and your family through. She has a family that she would like to spend time with but the party is knocking.
Bill Sheffler
And if Zaph says no, then Sheffler may get the nod. There is a website under development stating “Bill Sheffler is a small businessman who is running for City Council because he wants city government to work for you again!” He didn’t get reappointed to the San Diego pension board and this looks like as good an outlet as any.
Conclusion
If no candidate grabs an early fundraising / endorsement / local buzz lead, which looks likely, then I think you’ll see a repeat of the last District 2 race in terms of the blood to be shed and money to be spent. The Republicans aren’t going to let this one slide and they will pour money that won’t be going into Districts 2, 4, and 8, into 6 thereby forcing the local Dems to ante up with either Wayne or Hadley. Time will tell.
Howard Wayne
An attorney and a former legislator, this guy has the chops to really make a difference at City Hall. He knows the workings of legislation, is wickedly smart and wonkish enough to engage activists and professionals on policy issues and politics. He has done a lot just below the radar with a lot of people in a positive way that will help him in his run. His old Assembly District never really was part of the 6th but his work in the community is real for a long term resident of the district
Steve Hadley
Unlike Frye’s Chief of Staff who recently sold his home in San Marcos to move into this district in order to run for his boss’s seat. The scuttlebutt was that Frye had to talk him into it. Hadley seems like a nice guy but will need to put together one heck of a campaign operation, which may be difficult if Frye runs for Supervisor, in order to overcome the carpetbagger tag. Should Frye run both she and Hadley will be pulling from the same groups of volunteers and resources.
Laurie Zaph
Which won’t be a problem if you’re the token Republican in this race. Word is that Zaph is getting pressure to run so the “usual suspects” have someone to throw their money at. The problem is, especially the City Council level, you really have to want it because of the grueling pace it will put you and your family through. She has a family that she would like to spend time with but the party is knocking.
Bill Sheffler
And if Zaph says no, then Sheffler may get the nod. There is a website under development stating “Bill Sheffler is a small businessman who is running for City Council because he wants city government to work for you again!” He didn’t get reappointed to the San Diego pension board and this looks like as good an outlet as any.
Conclusion
If no candidate grabs an early fundraising / endorsement / local buzz lead, which looks likely, then I think you’ll see a repeat of the last District 2 race in terms of the blood to be shed and money to be spent. The Republicans aren’t going to let this one slide and they will pour money that won’t be going into Districts 2, 4, and 8, into 6 thereby forcing the local Dems to ante up with either Wayne or Hadley. Time will tell.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Villaraigosa staying put?
The Sac Bee announced that Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa may not be up for the Governor’s race:
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa may be unwilling to totally kill off speculation he is going to run for governor. But a vote by the United States Conference of Mayors today suggests that he has other plans.
In the mayors' national convention in Providence, Villaraigosa was elected as the organization's second vice-president for 2009-2010. Under the guidelines of the Conference, he would then become first vice-president in 2010-2011 and president of the organization in 2011-2012.
"Everybody understands that once you get elected, you automatically move up," said Elena Temple, communications director for the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
And
There may still be time for Villaraigosa to bolt the gig. But some political consultants privately suggest that Villaraigosa has already waited too long to raise enough money to kick off a gubernatorial run. His election by Conference of Mayors will only increase talk that he is not interested in moving up in California.
The biggest hurdle for Villaraigosa has been if he can emerge from Los Angeles relatively unscathed or at least with an issue or two he could claim as his own to increase his name identity out side of southern California.
However, Villaraigosa has always been a labor man and labor is currently engaged in trench warfare within Sacramento. The capital has become a poster child for adult dysfunction and Los Angles is not far behind. Vested interests are vesting for themselves and this does not bode well for any real compromise, let alone progress..
Villaraigosa may be looking at Sacramento but not with the eagerness he once did. By remaining in Los Angeles, he can work on the basic issues of economics, quality of life, and the environment in a dynamic city that does reward success.
Which is more than can be said about Sacramento.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa may be unwilling to totally kill off speculation he is going to run for governor. But a vote by the United States Conference of Mayors today suggests that he has other plans.
In the mayors' national convention in Providence, Villaraigosa was elected as the organization's second vice-president for 2009-2010. Under the guidelines of the Conference, he would then become first vice-president in 2010-2011 and president of the organization in 2011-2012.
"Everybody understands that once you get elected, you automatically move up," said Elena Temple, communications director for the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
And
There may still be time for Villaraigosa to bolt the gig. But some political consultants privately suggest that Villaraigosa has already waited too long to raise enough money to kick off a gubernatorial run. His election by Conference of Mayors will only increase talk that he is not interested in moving up in California.
The biggest hurdle for Villaraigosa has been if he can emerge from Los Angeles relatively unscathed or at least with an issue or two he could claim as his own to increase his name identity out side of southern California.
However, Villaraigosa has always been a labor man and labor is currently engaged in trench warfare within Sacramento. The capital has become a poster child for adult dysfunction and Los Angles is not far behind. Vested interests are vesting for themselves and this does not bode well for any real compromise, let alone progress..
Villaraigosa may be looking at Sacramento but not with the eagerness he once did. By remaining in Los Angeles, he can work on the basic issues of economics, quality of life, and the environment in a dynamic city that does reward success.
Which is more than can be said about Sacramento.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Chairman Burton on Offshore Oil Drilling
From the CDP: My opposition to new offshore drilling
Dear fellow activists,
I oppose any statute that would make it easier to approve oil-drilling leases off California’s coast – opening the coastline to new drilling for the first time in 40 years.
The potential environmental damage that could be wrought by new offshore drilling isn’t worth it. And the financial benefits from it would do little to nothing to solve California’s current or systemic fiscal problems.
Putting the state’s precious coastline in jeopardy while padding the pockets of an oil company is no way for California to put its fiscal house in order. California’s coast cannot be up for sale to the oil industry.
The current proposal to drill new wells just beyond state waters off the Santa Barbara coast should appall anyone who lived through the devastating 1969 oil spill off Santa Barbara’s coast.
I urge the Legislature to reject any such proposal.
Peace and friendship,
John
Dear fellow activists,
I oppose any statute that would make it easier to approve oil-drilling leases off California’s coast – opening the coastline to new drilling for the first time in 40 years.
The potential environmental damage that could be wrought by new offshore drilling isn’t worth it. And the financial benefits from it would do little to nothing to solve California’s current or systemic fiscal problems.
Putting the state’s precious coastline in jeopardy while padding the pockets of an oil company is no way for California to put its fiscal house in order. California’s coast cannot be up for sale to the oil industry.
The current proposal to drill new wells just beyond state waters off the Santa Barbara coast should appall anyone who lived through the devastating 1969 oil spill off Santa Barbara’s coast.
I urge the Legislature to reject any such proposal.
Peace and friendship,
John
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Young Democrats in San Diego
Locally, a lot of people think of the Young Democrats as the group that put on the largest Obama inauguration night in San Diego (cleverly titled “Farewell to W at the W”). But the Young Democrats are more than just a social club for young progressives. They’re the youth arm of the Democratic Party. That’s the party line, so to speak.
The short and technical definition of the Young Dems are registered Democrats between the ages of 14 and 36, who work to advance progressive values and elect Democratic candidates. Young Dems also like to have a good time. They mix something of a social scene with their political activism.
In San Diego, there are a number of Young Democrat organizations. The most established is the San Diego County Young Democrats (SDCYD). They’re mostly young professionals, folks out of college, or graduate school. But they have some members who are still in school, or who didn’t choose the college route. All of the local Young Democrat clubs are affiliated with the state-wide California Young Democrats, and the nation-wide Young Democrats of America.
When young people ask me how to get involved in politics, or how to start working for campaigns, I tell them to join the Young Dems. It’s an open organization, and anyone with a commitment to progressive Democratic ideals can join.
Membership in the Young Democrats has value. Campaigns routinely come to Young Dem meetings courting endorsements to put on their websites and mail pieces. Elected officials come looking for appointees to local boards and commissions. When Vice President Joe Biden was visiting San Diego last month, a group of Young Democrats were invited to meet him at the Coronado Navy Base. Joining the Young Democrats is the easiest way for young folks to inject themselves into the political scene in San Diego. Young Dem clubs are up and running at the local colleges, and at some of the law schools. Recently, they’ve been popping up at the community colleges and even at a few high schools.
There’s also the Stonewall Young Democrats, a spin-off from the LGBT-oriented San Diego Democratic Club.
The SDCYD is the largest club in San Diego. They have monthly business meetings, currently held on the fourth Monday of each month at the Gordon Biersch in Mission Valley. Sure there’s beer served, but the business meetings are for business. They’re to plan out community service events and political actions, to endorse candidates, and to collect dues.
Over the last few years, the SDCYD has branched out, adding a monthly rotating social meeting on the second Thursday of each month. Month to month, they move from one swank bar to another. The crowds get bigger every time, and on occasion, someone even sends a professional photographer. Besides the politics, people join the Young Dems to meet people, and to have a little fun.
The real work for the Young Democrats, however, happens on the weekends, between the meetings and the socials. Young Dems plan community service projects, walk precincts, and organize fundraisers all to advance progressive values in the San Diego community.
In 2008, Young Dems organized two fundraisers for Barack Obama's presidential campaign, including one featuring his sister Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng. The SDCYD hosted two fundraisers for Todd Gloria's successful San Diego City Council campaign. We walked to the homes of thousands of San Diegans to turn out votes for candidates we endorsed. Recently, members of Young Dems organizations hosted a fundraiser for San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, and we took lots of pictures. This week, the San Diego County Young Democrats are co-hosting their monthly social with the Stonewall Young Democrats. It’s on Thursday, June 11th at 8 p.m. at The Office Bar in North Park. Happy hour prices from 8 to 10. According to the event’s Facebook page, it should be packed.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Port Commission: It’s Burdick
How it went down:
Hueso – Burdick
Young – Burdick
DeMaio – Burdick
Gloria – Takvorian
Frye – Takvorian
Emerald – Burdick
Faulconer - Burdick
Lightner – Takvorian
Observations:
• The Lightener switch was a pleasant surprise
• SDUT editorial was a mixed bag. Saying that Burdick was not a fan of PLA’s thereby making here a “consensus builder” in their eyes was another example of the UT’s tortured logic and feeble attempt to nudge the newbie Burdick into knifing Labor.
• Burdick made a big deal about PLAs but I see it as window dressing. Labor will have a door to her because of her desire to move up the ladder.
• Takvorian was the most obviously qualified candidate but was scutted for Hueso’s career. If a “consensus builder” means unqualified yet moldable then the Port and the region will pay the price of being used by interests that won’t have San Diego in their best interest.
• Young remains “above the fray”
• Emerald’s attempt to cover herself fell flat. Again, she needs a better strategist.
• On the Port, Peters gains a second vote.
It’s not a bad outcome. As is typical, San Diego bypassed the right thing for mediocrity but if it didn’t then we wouldn’t be living where happy happens among other things.
Hueso – Burdick
Young – Burdick
DeMaio – Burdick
Gloria – Takvorian
Frye – Takvorian
Emerald – Burdick
Faulconer - Burdick
Lightner – Takvorian
Observations:
• The Lightener switch was a pleasant surprise
• SDUT editorial was a mixed bag. Saying that Burdick was not a fan of PLA’s thereby making here a “consensus builder” in their eyes was another example of the UT’s tortured logic and feeble attempt to nudge the newbie Burdick into knifing Labor.
• Burdick made a big deal about PLAs but I see it as window dressing. Labor will have a door to her because of her desire to move up the ladder.
• Takvorian was the most obviously qualified candidate but was scutted for Hueso’s career. If a “consensus builder” means unqualified yet moldable then the Port and the region will pay the price of being used by interests that won’t have San Diego in their best interest.
• Young remains “above the fray”
• Emerald’s attempt to cover herself fell flat. Again, she needs a better strategist.
• On the Port, Peters gains a second vote.
It’s not a bad outcome. As is typical, San Diego bypassed the right thing for mediocrity but if it didn’t then we wouldn’t be living where happy happens among other things.
Friday, June 5, 2009
City Council's Port Appointment
From UnionYes:
Join us this Monday as we show our SUPPORT FOR DIANE TAKVORIAN and our OPPOSITION TO BILL EVANS, as the San Diego City Council picks our next Port Commissioner.
What: Port Commissioner Hearing
When: Monday, June 8 at 2 p.m.
Where: City Hall Council Chambers, 202 C Street, 12th Floor, San Diego 92101
Diane helped lead the fight against Proposition B, which would have destroyed the Working Waterfront.
Diane worked with Labor to stand up for environmental protection and sustainable jobs on the Chula Vista Bayfront.
Diane has led the Coalition for Clean and Safe Ports to cut diesel emissions and increase renewable energy on the Port.
Diane is fighting to ensure energy stimulus money is used to generate good LOCAL jobs.
Bill Evans does not share our core beliefs.
Bill Evans does not believe in strong unions that can lift us out of poverty. Bill Evans runs non-union hotels and has even sued the hotel workers union. Bill Evans is a multi-millionaire and the son of a multi-millionaire who does not understand the belief of expanding opportunities for workers, immigrants and underprivileged communities.
Bill Evans is an unacceptable choice to represent San Diegans as a Port Commissioner.
Diane Takvorian is the voice for the community, environment and workers.
Join us this Monday as we show our SUPPORT FOR DIANE TAKVORIAN and our OPPOSITION TO BILL EVANS, as the San Diego City Council picks our next Port Commissioner.
What: Port Commissioner Hearing
When: Monday, June 8 at 2 p.m.
Where: City Hall Council Chambers, 202 C Street, 12th Floor, San Diego 92101
Diane helped lead the fight against Proposition B, which would have destroyed the Working Waterfront.
Diane worked with Labor to stand up for environmental protection and sustainable jobs on the Chula Vista Bayfront.
Diane has led the Coalition for Clean and Safe Ports to cut diesel emissions and increase renewable energy on the Port.
Diane is fighting to ensure energy stimulus money is used to generate good LOCAL jobs.
Bill Evans does not share our core beliefs.
Bill Evans does not believe in strong unions that can lift us out of poverty. Bill Evans runs non-union hotels and has even sued the hotel workers union. Bill Evans is a multi-millionaire and the son of a multi-millionaire who does not understand the belief of expanding opportunities for workers, immigrants and underprivileged communities.
Bill Evans is an unacceptable choice to represent San Diegans as a Port Commissioner.
Diane Takvorian is the voice for the community, environment and workers.
Port Commission: Final Countdown
Last week, I predicted that the vote for San Diego Port Commissioner would be as follows:
Hueso – Burdick
Young – Burdick
DeMaio – Burdick
Gloria – Takvorian
Frye – Takvorian
Emerald – Burdick
Faulconer - Burdick
Lightner – Burdick
Labor is doing a final push for Takvorian and I will give them props in that they have their bases covered.
If it’s Takvorian, awesome! A true progressive gets on the Port. If Burdick, Labor still gets a seat at the table from a Democrat who wants to be pro-business but also wants a career and won’t anger potential future allies. If Evans, Labor loses out and Emerald, like Frye before her, gets played. Marshall may not have a chance because of Burdick.
All in all, Monday should be a good day and Marti should get a better strategist.
Hueso – Burdick
Young – Burdick
DeMaio – Burdick
Gloria – Takvorian
Frye – Takvorian
Emerald – Burdick
Faulconer - Burdick
Lightner – Burdick
Labor is doing a final push for Takvorian and I will give them props in that they have their bases covered.
If it’s Takvorian, awesome! A true progressive gets on the Port. If Burdick, Labor still gets a seat at the table from a Democrat who wants to be pro-business but also wants a career and won’t anger potential future allies. If Evans, Labor loses out and Emerald, like Frye before her, gets played. Marshall may not have a chance because of Burdick.
All in all, Monday should be a good day and Marti should get a better strategist.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Statement from California Democratic Party Chairman John Burton on the Proposed May Revise
Cruel doesn’t even begin to describe the cuts proposed in the revised May budget to eliminate California’s $24-billion budget deficit.
Nearly two million Californians will lose health insurance if the Healthy Families program for children is eliminated and Medi-Cal is cut by $1 billion. More than 1 million women and children will be left without any means of subsistence if the CalWORKS program is ended. California kids and young adults will suffer if the Cal Grant program is axed and billions more dollars are cut from public education. Another 5,000 people will land on our unemployment rolls, struggling to pay rent and buy groceries, if plans go forward to lay off 5,000 state workers. The grim list goes on.
The defeat of five budget-related propositions on the May 19th special election ballot was not a mandate for a cuts-only or mostly-cuts budget that will force the aged, blind, and disabled further into poverty. Nor was it a mandate for a budget that will hurt everyone from school kids to park lovers.
Rather, California voters sent the message that they want lawmakers and the governor to work together toward a budget that realistically looks at the services we all need and how to pay for them.
Last December, legislative Democrats passed an $18-billion plan to reduce the state deficit. If the governor had not vetoed that sensible package, California would have no need to even discuss the Draconian proposals now on the table.
This only underscores why it’s so critical to elect a Democratic governor in 2010. The California Democratic Party will do everything in its power to make this happen.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Sheriff Candidates
This race has been seen as a Republican sandlot. Given the candidates this time around, the playground may be the most apt metaphor for this race.
William Gore
Bill Kolender decided to retire and circumvent the will of the people and the political process by giving a leg up to his Undersheriff William Gore. In making Gore his replacement, Kolender placed him in a good, not great, position to win. That beacon of democracy, the County Board of Supervisors (5-0 Republican) which is not above manipulation for personal gain (Horn), avoiding taking tough stands lest they lose their job (Jacob) or just unable to gain employment anywhere else (Roberts), voted unanimously to coronate Gore’. With the endorsement of three of the five supervisors for his election prior to the vote (Horn, Slater-Price and Cox) he should be a shoo-in.
James Duffy
But won’t be. Unlike Gore, who appears to be wrapping himself in the badge, Duffy has been making the rounds and is building support outside of the Board of Supervisors. Endorsed by his boss, Supervisor Roberts, and assembling a decent campaign team, Duffy has the background with his stint at the Sheriff's Department and could possibly pick up the Labor endorsement given his past with the Sheriff’s Association.
David Bejarano
All of which may be for naught. Bejarano has good name ID, has proven that he can work with both sides of the political aisle, and is enough of a moderate to pick up the missing non-Republican half of the vote in this race. He looks formidable but it remains to be seen if he can motivate the moderates to vote and drag this race out of the partisan cesspool that it has been mired in.
Jay LaSuer
Otherwise, why would a termed-out legislator run for Sheriff? This tent-city business generates press for Maricopa County, AZ but little else. Given his past stands on social and political issues, I don’t perceive the advantage in having the Sheriff’s Department helmed by a throwback to the 20th Century.
Bruce Ruff
Coming out of retirement to run for office is noble, but against this field Ruff needs to have the prior four candidates self destruct in order to pull out a win.
Conclusion:
Gore has the establishment, Duffy has the Republican establishment that isn’t East County, Bejarano has the middle, and LaSuer and Ruff have East County.
A Republican sand fight. Popcorn, anyone?
William Gore
Bill Kolender decided to retire and circumvent the will of the people and the political process by giving a leg up to his Undersheriff William Gore. In making Gore his replacement, Kolender placed him in a good, not great, position to win. That beacon of democracy, the County Board of Supervisors (5-0 Republican) which is not above manipulation for personal gain (Horn), avoiding taking tough stands lest they lose their job (Jacob) or just unable to gain employment anywhere else (Roberts), voted unanimously to coronate Gore’. With the endorsement of three of the five supervisors for his election prior to the vote (Horn, Slater-Price and Cox) he should be a shoo-in.
James Duffy
But won’t be. Unlike Gore, who appears to be wrapping himself in the badge, Duffy has been making the rounds and is building support outside of the Board of Supervisors. Endorsed by his boss, Supervisor Roberts, and assembling a decent campaign team, Duffy has the background with his stint at the Sheriff's Department and could possibly pick up the Labor endorsement given his past with the Sheriff’s Association.
David Bejarano
All of which may be for naught. Bejarano has good name ID, has proven that he can work with both sides of the political aisle, and is enough of a moderate to pick up the missing non-Republican half of the vote in this race. He looks formidable but it remains to be seen if he can motivate the moderates to vote and drag this race out of the partisan cesspool that it has been mired in.
Jay LaSuer
Otherwise, why would a termed-out legislator run for Sheriff? This tent-city business generates press for Maricopa County, AZ but little else. Given his past stands on social and political issues, I don’t perceive the advantage in having the Sheriff’s Department helmed by a throwback to the 20th Century.
Bruce Ruff
Coming out of retirement to run for office is noble, but against this field Ruff needs to have the prior four candidates self destruct in order to pull out a win.
Conclusion:
Gore has the establishment, Duffy has the Republican establishment that isn’t East County, Bejarano has the middle, and LaSuer and Ruff have East County.
A Republican sand fight. Popcorn, anyone?
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Yesterday’s march: No Carl or Bonnie?
Unless anyone else saw them, there was no sighting of Councilmember DeMaio nor San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis at the Prop 8 yesterday.
Marching may be beneath them but they could have shown up at the end.
Hmmm…..
Marching may be beneath them but they could have shown up at the end.
Hmmm…..
Statement from California Democratic Party Chairman John Burton on President Obama’s nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court
I commend President Obama’s historic nomination today of Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Judge Sotomayor’s story is one that many Californians can relate to. She is the daughter of Puerto Rican immigrants raised in a housing project in the South Bronx. Judge Sotomayor’s mother, a widow, worked two jobs and scrimped to send Sonia and her brother to Catholic schools.
Sonia Sotomayor earned a scholarship to Princeton, graduating second in her class, and went on to Yale Law School where she edited the Yale Law Journal. Her legal and judicial experience is vast and varied.
When confirmed, Judge Sotomayor will be the first Latina to serve on the United States Supreme Court and only the third female justice ever.
Judge Sotomayor’s story is one that many Californians can relate to. She is the daughter of Puerto Rican immigrants raised in a housing project in the South Bronx. Judge Sotomayor’s mother, a widow, worked two jobs and scrimped to send Sonia and her brother to Catholic schools.
Sonia Sotomayor earned a scholarship to Princeton, graduating second in her class, and went on to Yale Law School where she edited the Yale Law Journal. Her legal and judicial experience is vast and varied.
When confirmed, Judge Sotomayor will be the first Latina to serve on the United States Supreme Court and only the third female justice ever.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
STATEMENT OF SENATOR BARBARA BOXER ON CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT DECISION
Unfortunately, with this decision, I am concerned that we are back to square one on the issue of equal rights for same-sex couples.
This ruling sets up a very unfair reality in California where some same-sex couples will have their marriages affirmed, while many more will be denied their fundamental rights.
I remain committed to working actively with people across the state to make sure that same-sex couples have equal rights under the law.
This ruling sets up a very unfair reality in California where some same-sex couples will have their marriages affirmed, while many more will be denied their fundamental rights.
I remain committed to working actively with people across the state to make sure that same-sex couples have equal rights under the law.
###
Statement of Senator Feinstein on the California Supreme Court Decision to Uphold Proposition 8
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, May 26, 2009
"I know today’s decision is a tremendous disappointment for many people. But I also know that the opinions of Californians are changing on this issue, and I believe that equal marriage rights will one day be the law in this state. This is already the case in Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont. So, I believe this issue will come before the voters again, and I am very hopeful that the result will be different next time.
Today's State Supreme Court ruling also declares that the 18,000 same-sex marriages that have already taken place in California are valid, and I believe these marriages will allow people to see for themselves that marriage equality is a step forward for California and not a step back."
Monday, May 26, 2009
"I know today’s decision is a tremendous disappointment for many people. But I also know that the opinions of Californians are changing on this issue, and I believe that equal marriage rights will one day be the law in this state. This is already the case in Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont. So, I believe this issue will come before the voters again, and I am very hopeful that the result will be different next time.
Today's State Supreme Court ruling also declares that the 18,000 same-sex marriages that have already taken place in California are valid, and I believe these marriages will allow people to see for themselves that marriage equality is a step forward for California and not a step back."
# # #
Statement from California Democratic Party Chairman John Burton on today's California Supreme Court ruling on Proposition 8
Today's decision, while heartbreaking, doesn't end the historic struggle for marriage equality. It renews our dedication to making sure all California families can again enjoy the dignity, commitment and responsibility of marriage.
I commend the California Supreme Court for validating the rights of the 18,000 lesbian and gay couples who married last year before Proposition 8 passed. These couples and their children will continue to enjoy the full security and legal protection of marriage.
Within the next few years, I know California will restore legal, civil marriages for gay and lesbian couples. The California Democratic Party will play a leading role in ending marriage discrimination in California and I look forward to the day when that happens.
I commend the California Supreme Court for validating the rights of the 18,000 lesbian and gay couples who married last year before Proposition 8 passed. These couples and their children will continue to enjoy the full security and legal protection of marriage.
Within the next few years, I know California will restore legal, civil marriages for gay and lesbian couples. The California Democratic Party will play a leading role in ending marriage discrimination in California and I look forward to the day when that happens.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Port Commission: The Vote
Here’s my prediction on how the vote for San Diego Port Commissioner will go down.
Round 1: Everyone sticks to their nominees
Hueso – Burdick
Young – Burdick
DeMaio – Burdick
Gloria – Takvorian
Frye – Takvorian
Emerald – Evans
Faulconer - Evans
Lightner – Merrifield
Round 2: Decisions
I predict that Lightner lets Marshall go and sides with Burdick. Burdick has ties to Peters and Lightner fancies herself a moderate.
I also predict that Gloria and Frye stick to their guns. They have little to lose by doing so.
So who throws Evans under the bus? My gut says Faulconer. This is a guy who, like Mayor Sanders, would rather kick hard choices down the road until someone else can deal with them or has no choice but to act at which point he will then dive headlong with the prevailing winds. I say he’s the 5th vote.
Leaving Emerald. Does she stay or go with Evans? This will be telling. I give her a 60% chance that she’ll screw Labor out of pride and go for Burdick. She put the progressive community on notice with her choice and won’t back off from the ledge she has placed herself on. The justification will be that Burdick is a Democrat.
Hueso – Burdick
Young – Burdick
DeMaio – Burdick
Gloria – Takvorian
Frye – Takvorian
Emerald – Burdick (?)
Faulconer - Burdick
Lightner – Burdick
Either way, Burdick gets a jump start on her political career in the pockets of others.
The Spin
That the Takvorian nomination was ideologically extreme so it forced a moderate to be drafted to balance the competing interests on the Port Commission.
The thing is, if Hueso and his staff weren’t so blinded by their hatred of the Environmental Health Coalition, a true progressive could have been selected.
There is still time, but as it stands right now, this is how I see the vote.
Round 1: Everyone sticks to their nominees
Hueso – Burdick
Young – Burdick
DeMaio – Burdick
Gloria – Takvorian
Frye – Takvorian
Emerald – Evans
Faulconer - Evans
Lightner – Merrifield
Round 2: Decisions
I predict that Lightner lets Marshall go and sides with Burdick. Burdick has ties to Peters and Lightner fancies herself a moderate.
I also predict that Gloria and Frye stick to their guns. They have little to lose by doing so.
So who throws Evans under the bus? My gut says Faulconer. This is a guy who, like Mayor Sanders, would rather kick hard choices down the road until someone else can deal with them or has no choice but to act at which point he will then dive headlong with the prevailing winds. I say he’s the 5th vote.
Leaving Emerald. Does she stay or go with Evans? This will be telling. I give her a 60% chance that she’ll screw Labor out of pride and go for Burdick. She put the progressive community on notice with her choice and won’t back off from the ledge she has placed herself on. The justification will be that Burdick is a Democrat.
Hueso – Burdick
Young – Burdick
DeMaio – Burdick
Gloria – Takvorian
Frye – Takvorian
Emerald – Burdick (?)
Faulconer - Burdick
Lightner – Burdick
Either way, Burdick gets a jump start on her political career in the pockets of others.
The Spin
That the Takvorian nomination was ideologically extreme so it forced a moderate to be drafted to balance the competing interests on the Port Commission.
The thing is, if Hueso and his staff weren’t so blinded by their hatred of the Environmental Health Coalition, a true progressive could have been selected.
There is still time, but as it stands right now, this is how I see the vote.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Port Commission: It’s on!
The Voice of San Diego is reporting that Lee Burdick has been nominated by Councilmembers Hueso, Young and DeMaio.
What does this mean?
First of all, Burdick is an attorney looking for a public office. Her run for City Attorney never made sense in that she couldn’t come up with a solid reason as to why she was running other than she wasn’t Aguirre. Her performance was awkward and it felt like she had been talked into being a stalking horse. She has business ties and is in need of a leg up politically. This nomination could be payback because she’s been “a good sport” in the past.
It’s convenient for everyone involved: Hueso because Burdick doesn't hurt him in the South Bay, Young can show he’s nobody’s puppet, and DeMaio can act bi-partisan in supporting a pro business Democrat. In this sense, she is a consensus builder. At least she admits she’s not anybody’s best candidate.
Emerald’s play at being the bridge between the Republicans and Democrats on the City Council gets blown up. Her slap at Labor in nominating Bill Evans was noticed and we’ll see if this nutty play earns her any chits on the other side.
But would Emerald come home and support Diane Takvorian? Should she break free of the leash her COS has her on, I think she just might. Gloria and Frye have done this region a service in nominating an outstanding candidate for the position. It’s unfortunate that her qualities are trashed for the personal ambitions of others but this was not going to be easy.
Leaving Lightner and Faulconer. I will pray that both of them can put aside the false “business vs environment” argument that is so 20th century and join the 21st in supporting Diane.
We’ll see. Given the circus in Chula Vista after Najera's resignation, we need some adults on the Port Commission who are more concerned with the port and less with their political futures.
What does this mean?
First of all, Burdick is an attorney looking for a public office. Her run for City Attorney never made sense in that she couldn’t come up with a solid reason as to why she was running other than she wasn’t Aguirre. Her performance was awkward and it felt like she had been talked into being a stalking horse. She has business ties and is in need of a leg up politically. This nomination could be payback because she’s been “a good sport” in the past.
It’s convenient for everyone involved: Hueso because Burdick doesn't hurt him in the South Bay, Young can show he’s nobody’s puppet, and DeMaio can act bi-partisan in supporting a pro business Democrat. In this sense, she is a consensus builder. At least she admits she’s not anybody’s best candidate.
Emerald’s play at being the bridge between the Republicans and Democrats on the City Council gets blown up. Her slap at Labor in nominating Bill Evans was noticed and we’ll see if this nutty play earns her any chits on the other side.
But would Emerald come home and support Diane Takvorian? Should she break free of the leash her COS has her on, I think she just might. Gloria and Frye have done this region a service in nominating an outstanding candidate for the position. It’s unfortunate that her qualities are trashed for the personal ambitions of others but this was not going to be easy.
Leaving Lightner and Faulconer. I will pray that both of them can put aside the false “business vs environment” argument that is so 20th century and join the 21st in supporting Diane.
We’ll see. Given the circus in Chula Vista after Najera's resignation, we need some adults on the Port Commission who are more concerned with the port and less with their political futures.
California Community College Leaders React to Election
From a press release sent over last night:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2009
California Community College Leaders React to Election
Cuts to community college budget will limit access for neediest Californians
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Now that it seems certain the ballot propositions have gone down in defeat, California Community College leaders are predicting students and the state’s economic recovery efforts will face dire consequences. Jointly, they have released the following statements -
California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott – “Our community colleges are on the front lines providing real time solutions for millions of Californians. Many of our students are reeling from the shockwaves resulting from the global financial meltdown, high unemployment rates and a difficult job market. We’ve added more than 150,000 additional students this year alone and are serving 140,000 of them without any additional funding. As the chancellor leading our 110 colleges, it is my job to inform state leaders we simply cannot continue to be an effective safety net for displaced workers, train our nation’s nurses and firefighters and retool workers to serve in green jobs if the proposed cuts are enacted. As it stands now, our classrooms are full, waiting lists to get into classes are long and many students cannot access the courses they need to progress.
“Having worked in and around community colleges most of my life, I fear students will find themselves without options and ill prepared to meet our state’s current and emerging workforce needs.”
Los Angeles Community College District Chancellor Marshall Drummond -- “The recent preview of proposed budget cuts landed a devastating blow to the community colleges. The idea that the community colleges can cut $85 million from our current budget, weeks prior to the fiscal year ending, is not realistic. Extrapolating from the governor's numbers, the Los Angeles community colleges could lose up to $80 million, the equivalent of the entire operating budgets of two of our smaller colleges. It is simply not possible to dismantle our many contractual and institutional obligations in such a short period of time, while staying in line with state law and mandates.
“The amount of proposed cuts to programs such as student counseling, assessment and placement and career technical education would almost certainly eliminate opportunities for disadvantaged students and place them at an even greater risk. The ultimate result of these actions will be a lower quality of life in our most challenged neighborhoods and a severe decline in a well trained workforce.”
Los Rios Community College District Chancellor Brice Harris -- “We are very concerned for our students and our community. The proposed budget cuts for community colleges are the worst we have ever seen and would severely limit our ability to meet the educational and workforce needs of our region.”
San Diego Community College District Chancellor Constance Carroll -- “San Diego is bracing to make additional cuts of enormous magnitude. Due to poor policy decisions made at the state level, we will be forced to consider reducing student access and the number of classes we offer our students, continuing our current hiring freeze, and making a wide range of reductions. I personally view this as tragic. This is a time when we should be expanding opportunities to assist putting people back to work and training students for a new economy and emerging vocations.”
City College of San Francisco Chancellor Don Griffin – “Today’s election results will make it impossible for City College of San Francisco to maintain its current levels of services and student access. Our district serves 105,000 students and if the budget scenarios recently unveiled are enacted our summer school enrollment will be reduced by up to 85 percent and our student services programs will be dramatically cut by as much as 50 percent. These services include admissions and enrollment, and disabled student programs. Major reductions in course offerings will also result in a loss of access for 10,000 students in our district. We will be forced to reduce our hours of operation and there will also be a 15 percent loss of part-time faculty and administrative positions.”
The California Community Colleges is the largest higher educational system in the nation comprised of 72 districts and 110 colleges with more than 2.7 million students per year. Community colleges are the largest workforce provider in the state and offer more than 175 degree and certificate programs in hundreds of fields such as, advance manufacturing, biotechnology, business and computer science. The system trains more than 70 percent of nurses and 80 percent of the fire, law enforcement and emergency medical technicians in California. The Chancellor’s Office provides leadership, advocacy and support under the direction of the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges. For more information about the community colleges, please visit www.cccco.edu.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2009
California Community College Leaders React to Election
Cuts to community college budget will limit access for neediest Californians
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Now that it seems certain the ballot propositions have gone down in defeat, California Community College leaders are predicting students and the state’s economic recovery efforts will face dire consequences. Jointly, they have released the following statements -
California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott – “Our community colleges are on the front lines providing real time solutions for millions of Californians. Many of our students are reeling from the shockwaves resulting from the global financial meltdown, high unemployment rates and a difficult job market. We’ve added more than 150,000 additional students this year alone and are serving 140,000 of them without any additional funding. As the chancellor leading our 110 colleges, it is my job to inform state leaders we simply cannot continue to be an effective safety net for displaced workers, train our nation’s nurses and firefighters and retool workers to serve in green jobs if the proposed cuts are enacted. As it stands now, our classrooms are full, waiting lists to get into classes are long and many students cannot access the courses they need to progress.
“Having worked in and around community colleges most of my life, I fear students will find themselves without options and ill prepared to meet our state’s current and emerging workforce needs.”
Los Angeles Community College District Chancellor Marshall Drummond -- “The recent preview of proposed budget cuts landed a devastating blow to the community colleges. The idea that the community colleges can cut $85 million from our current budget, weeks prior to the fiscal year ending, is not realistic. Extrapolating from the governor's numbers, the Los Angeles community colleges could lose up to $80 million, the equivalent of the entire operating budgets of two of our smaller colleges. It is simply not possible to dismantle our many contractual and institutional obligations in such a short period of time, while staying in line with state law and mandates.
“The amount of proposed cuts to programs such as student counseling, assessment and placement and career technical education would almost certainly eliminate opportunities for disadvantaged students and place them at an even greater risk. The ultimate result of these actions will be a lower quality of life in our most challenged neighborhoods and a severe decline in a well trained workforce.”
Los Rios Community College District Chancellor Brice Harris -- “We are very concerned for our students and our community. The proposed budget cuts for community colleges are the worst we have ever seen and would severely limit our ability to meet the educational and workforce needs of our region.”
San Diego Community College District Chancellor Constance Carroll -- “San Diego is bracing to make additional cuts of enormous magnitude. Due to poor policy decisions made at the state level, we will be forced to consider reducing student access and the number of classes we offer our students, continuing our current hiring freeze, and making a wide range of reductions. I personally view this as tragic. This is a time when we should be expanding opportunities to assist putting people back to work and training students for a new economy and emerging vocations.”
City College of San Francisco Chancellor Don Griffin – “Today’s election results will make it impossible for City College of San Francisco to maintain its current levels of services and student access. Our district serves 105,000 students and if the budget scenarios recently unveiled are enacted our summer school enrollment will be reduced by up to 85 percent and our student services programs will be dramatically cut by as much as 50 percent. These services include admissions and enrollment, and disabled student programs. Major reductions in course offerings will also result in a loss of access for 10,000 students in our district. We will be forced to reduce our hours of operation and there will also be a 15 percent loss of part-time faculty and administrative positions.”
The California Community Colleges is the largest higher educational system in the nation comprised of 72 districts and 110 colleges with more than 2.7 million students per year. Community colleges are the largest workforce provider in the state and offer more than 175 degree and certificate programs in hundreds of fields such as, advance manufacturing, biotechnology, business and computer science. The system trains more than 70 percent of nurses and 80 percent of the fire, law enforcement and emergency medical technicians in California. The Chancellor’s Office provides leadership, advocacy and support under the direction of the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges. For more information about the community colleges, please visit www.cccco.edu.
###
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Thoughts about Yesterday’s Wipeout
"Obviously, it's disappointing, but I think the voters are sending a message that they believe the budget is the job of the governor and Legislature. We probably need to go back and do our job." - Noreen Evans, Chairwoman of the Assembly Budget Committee
If there was more evidence necessary to prove the disconnect between Sacramento and the state, yesterday provided it. All of the propositions went down except for the punitive 1F.
• An upshot of this taxpayer-funded debacle has been the focus on the Governor and his lack of leadership. Coming from a party that preaches responsibility, his flight to Washington was cowardly at best. Rather than working to cobble together a middle way, he too often has relied on his star status and its inability to motivate voters this time has been telegraphed throughout the world with the failure of these propositions.
• Predictably, the anti-tax factions and the State Republicans will claim victory for having pushed the state over the cliff. Predictably as well, they will overplay their hand (as they always do) when their ideology again crashes into reality. They don’t have real solutions and don’t know what to do if their base isn’t motivated by anger directed at their opposition.
• This time, I think being part of the problem will break the back of the California Republicans. Unless a gubernatorial candidate can shift this, the Republicans in office are part of the same legislature that facilitated this mess and will be recognized for their efforts in the “throw the bums out” sentiment I predict shall occur in 2010.
• And the Democrats won’t be immune. The inability of the majority party to create the conditions necessary to change the 2/3rd majority required for budget passage is an expected result of term limits and a weak speaker. The fact that they were held hostage and then went forth to sell this mess to the public is FUBAR. A mediocre governor has played the opposition party and this has awakened a public that would rather watch American Idol than do the job the legislature was elected to do.
• Public anger is seething and this will only get worse with the cuts that the governor will make.
Take a day off, California, because there is going to be a long tough slog in the months ahead.
If there was more evidence necessary to prove the disconnect between Sacramento and the state, yesterday provided it. All of the propositions went down except for the punitive 1F.
• An upshot of this taxpayer-funded debacle has been the focus on the Governor and his lack of leadership. Coming from a party that preaches responsibility, his flight to Washington was cowardly at best. Rather than working to cobble together a middle way, he too often has relied on his star status and its inability to motivate voters this time has been telegraphed throughout the world with the failure of these propositions.
• Predictably, the anti-tax factions and the State Republicans will claim victory for having pushed the state over the cliff. Predictably as well, they will overplay their hand (as they always do) when their ideology again crashes into reality. They don’t have real solutions and don’t know what to do if their base isn’t motivated by anger directed at their opposition.
• This time, I think being part of the problem will break the back of the California Republicans. Unless a gubernatorial candidate can shift this, the Republicans in office are part of the same legislature that facilitated this mess and will be recognized for their efforts in the “throw the bums out” sentiment I predict shall occur in 2010.
• And the Democrats won’t be immune. The inability of the majority party to create the conditions necessary to change the 2/3rd majority required for budget passage is an expected result of term limits and a weak speaker. The fact that they were held hostage and then went forth to sell this mess to the public is FUBAR. A mediocre governor has played the opposition party and this has awakened a public that would rather watch American Idol than do the job the legislature was elected to do.
• Public anger is seething and this will only get worse with the cuts that the governor will make.
Take a day off, California, because there is going to be a long tough slog in the months ahead.
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