Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Names Tony Stewart “District 80 Veteran of the Year”

Chula Vista Veterans Leader Honored This Week in Sacramento for Outstanding Service to Veterans and Returning Military

SACRAMENTO – (Friday, June 28, 2013) – California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) named Chula Vista resident Anthony “Tony” Stewart the “District 80 Veteran of the Year” this week, honoring him for his tireless community service and leadership in developing innovative programs for returning military and their families.

“Ensuring our returning military heroes are afforded the dignity and respect of the services, benefits and support they need is a major priority for San Diego County and Tony has worked relentlessly to make these connections for South Bay’s veterans community,” Assemblywoman Gonzalez said.  “Our region is fortunate to have someone with Tony’s energy and tenacity working on the behalf of veterans and their families.”

Mr. Stewart and other veterans leaders around California were honored at the Assembly Committee on Veterans’ Affairs’ 6th Annual Veterans Recognition Luncheon in Sacramento on Wednesday.

Mr. Stewart is a strong advocate and leader in today’s community service and veterans related causes. Shortly after military service, he worked as a Veterans Service Representative for the Veterans Benefit Administration of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He has served as Post Commander of American Legion Post 434 in Chula Vista at a time when Post 434 has been presented with Top Honors by the California American Legion Convention for its community service and youth programs. Mr. Stewart was honored as the City of Chula Vista’s Veteran of the Year in 2011-12 and 2012-13 and served as Master of Ceremonies for the 2010 Chula Vista Veterans Day celebration. Mr. Stewart is also an avid volunteer and supporter for the Operation Comfort Workers, Wounded Warriors program at Balboa Park’s Naval Hospital, and the Veterans Village of San Diego. He currently serves as a founding member of United States Submarine Veterans and as a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2111 and Fleet Reserve Association Branch 61, both based in Chula Vista.

Mr. Stewart served in the United States Navy from 1987 to 2007, joining the Navy at the age of 19 to serve in the Navy’s Submarine Force. During a distinguished 20 year period, he served onboard four of the Navy’s submarines and three submarine support squadrons during a career in which he moved up the ranks quickly and received nine Navy Achievement Medals, two Navy Commendation Medals, and various campaigns ribbons and medals for professional achievement above and beyond the call of duty.

Mr. Stewart resides in Chula Vista and is the proud father of four daughters and six grandsons. He currently works for the United States Navy as Administrative Officer for Naval Special Warfare Basic Training Command leading the administrative support services department supporting the mission of training future Sea, Air, and Land (SEAL) Special Warfare Operators and Special Warfare Combatant-Crewman (SWCC) Special Boat Operators.

EQUALITY FOR ALL COUPLES IS THE LAW

 

Statement of Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins on Today’s Marriage Equality Rulings

Today, equality for same sex couples became the law of the land for California and the other twelve states that have chosen marriage equality.  It is a great day to be a Californian and a great day to be an American.

Five years ago, almost to the day, our “Summer of Love” began.  For four months in 2008, gay and lesbian couples in California could marry the person they loved and enjoy all the dignity and respect that a legal marriage confers.  But then Proposition 8 took that right from us.  Today, the United States Supreme Court gave it back.

For five long years since the passage of Prop 8, gay and lesbian Californians have had to live with the stigma that their relationships weren’t considered as good as those of heterosexual couples.  For couples married in the other states with marriage equality, the federal government has denied same sex couples more than one thousand important federal benefits.

The Supreme Court has now rejected that notion of second class status and recognized that the federal government should not block gay and lesbian Americans from committing their lives to the person they love and have that commitment respected by society.

As one of the 18,000 couples who were able to marry before the passage of Prop 8, I personally know how important both of today’s rulings are.

Certain rights are fundamental and cannot be taken away at the ballot box.  This is one of the self-evident truths of the American system. I have always believed in the essential fairness of the American people and in the promise of equality that is embedded in the U.S. Constitution. In poll after poll, a majority of Californians say they support marriage equality.  Today’s Supreme Court ruling brings that belief closer to reality. Now we must work to establish equality throughout the nation.

Until then, at least in California, let the weddings begin!

Block: ‘Celebrate wedding bells and bells of liberty’

Sacramento – State Senator Marty Block issued the following statement today upon the U.S. Supreme Court decisions in two cases involving same-sex marriage:

“At long last, loving and committed partners of the same sex can celebrate both wedding bells and the bells of liberty.

“Martin Luther King Jr. correctly foretold the history of civil rights in our country when he observed, ‘The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.’”

Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Cheers Supreme Court Decisions on Marriage Equality Cases

SACRAMENTO – (Wednesday, June 26, 2013) – California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) made the following statement today in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decisions to strike down the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and to reject the appeal by proponents of Proposition 8 in California:

“Equality has rarely been achieved easily, but it's a value Americans know is worth fighting for. I am elated to know that same-sex couples now have the opportunity to marry and look forward to celebrating with friends who are no longer legally barred from pursuing their own happiness, regardless of who they love. Today is a great day to celebrate a renewed commitment to equal treatment and respect of one another, but I pledge to defend equal rights for all people as the injustice created by inequality still persists in many corners of our society.”

A Tale of Two Mayors (and Two City Attorneys)

Its been awhile since I posted to this site, but I'd like to talk about a special relationship that's brewing Downtown - the relationship between Mayor Bob Filner and City Attorney Jan Goldsmith.  To call it frosty would be an understatement.  We're pretty much in open warfare.

Now, this breakdown in the relationship is both ironic and completely not surprising.  Let's start with the not surprising part.  Jan Goldsmith is a conservative Republican who's been part of the San Diego Downtown establishment for many years.  According to this wikipedia page, Goldsmith is the former mayor of Poway, who then went to the State Assembly (where he worked to legalize ferrets and sounds like he did good for juvenile justice), and then after failing a bid to become the State Treasurer, was a judge for nine and a half years.  Given all of this, you can tell that Goldsmith is part of the old boys network that ran San Diego for years.

Bob Filner, meanwhile, is a liberal Democrat.  In the 1960's, he was a Freedom Rider, then became a history professor at San Diego State.  From there, he successfully ran for School Board of San Diego City Schools (also known as San Diego Unified School District), and then was elected to Congress in 1993, a position he held until December of 2012.  In contrast to Goldsmith, Filner's base of support has been from Labor Unions, the Democratic Party, and other progressive groups.  These groups have largely been out of power in San Diego.  So, Filner represents the new power base in San Diego, and Goldsmith represents the old.  Which is pretty much why there was bound to be a conflict.

But here's the ironic part of the conflict - Goldsmith ran for City Attorney in 2008 on the basis that he got along with the Mayor and City Council.  At the time, as some of you may remember, Mike Aguirre was City Attorney, and Mike believed that the City Attorney should be an independent voice for the people of San Diego, and fight against special interests and corruption.  Of course, Mike was exceptionally undiplomatic about his efforts, as is his wont.*  Goldsmith, meanwhile, ran on the vision that the City Attorney should act as the attorney to the Mayor and City Council and provide both with good legal advice.  Naturally, at the time, Jerry Sanders (Republican, but generally good guy) was Mayor.

Fast forward four years, and suddenly its Jan Goldsmith holding press conferences attacking the Mayor's office of improprieties in the same way that Mike Aguirre used to do.  Only this time, its a Republican City Attorney attacking a Democratic Mayor, rather than a Democratic City Attorney attacking a Republican Mayor.

Of course, since Goldsmith has ties to the old boys' network that is used to running things in San Diego, there are editorials by the Union Tribune attacking Filner for being, essentially, the asshole in the argument.  And make no mistake, Filner is kind of an asshole.  The thing is, everyone knows this.  It was an issue during the campaign (in sort of a kettle meets pot kind of a hit piece by Carl DeMaio).  Its been an issue in other campaigns.  So everyone knows Filner is an asshole, and for the most part, we're all okay with it.  Better to have an asshole who gets things done than a nice guy who doesn't.  This too has lead to awesomeness, such as when Filner interrupted one of Goldsmith's press conferences.

But for all of his faults, Filner is getting a lot done.  He renegotiated the City's leases, saving taxpayers millions of dollars, he figured out how to clean the guano from La Jolla Shores (we think), and he figured out how to close Plaza de Panama to parking.  These were all issues that dogged the City for years.  At the end of the day, will the public side with Filner or Goldsmith?  I honestly don't know. 

*Editor's Note - Given San Diego was called "Enron by the Sea" when Aguirre was first elected, Aguirre wasn't exactly wrong about being undiplomatic. 

MAJORITY LEADER TOP SUSHI ROLLER IN THE CAPITOL

(Sacramento)  Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins today won the coveted samurai sword top honors at the Capitol Rollers sushi making competition at the Circle of Life reception, sponsored by the California Rice Commission.  Atkins’ winning entry was a California Roll.

“This event was great fun and I am looking forward to displaying the samurai sword,” says Atkins.  “Even more important is the spotlight this event puts on California’s rice farmers, who provide an important staple in our diet and whose product is part of virtually every piece of sushi made in the U.S.”

The Circle of Life reception celebrates California rice, which generates $1.8 billion each year for California’s economy and provides habitat for 230 wildlife species.

Atkins’ signature headgear gets her in the right mood
for creating a prize-winning California Roll

STATE BUDGET IS RESPONSIBLE BLUEPRINT FOR STRENGTHENING CALIFORNIA AND ITS PEOPLE

Statement of Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins on Adoption of State Budget

(Sacramento) The State Legislature today adopted a balanced, on-time state budget for the coming fiscal year.  The Legislature’s budget will next be reviewed by Governor Brown by the June 30th  constitutional deadline for the new fiscal year that begins July 1st.

Following is the statement of Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins on today’s action:

Today the California State Legislature adopted a state budget that is balanced, on-time, and fiscally responsible.  This budget is a blueprint for a state government that promotes growth and provides essential services through the prudent and responsible use of taxpayer money.  It reflects our state’s values – continuing a cautious approach to spending and revenue projections as we come out of a serious recession, setting the stage for establishing a rainy day fund, strengthening the middle class, and prioritizing the effective and efficient delivery of state government services to businesses and individuals.

Elements of next year’s budget that will be of particular interest to my constituents include:

Fiscal caution: The budget is balanced, with a reserve of $1.1 billion.  It is based upon a conservative estimate of state revenues rather than more optimistic projections that some have urged.  The budget pays down $5.2 billion in budget debt and also budget anticipates the placement on the 2014 ballot of a proposal to establish a Rainy Day Fund to protect against future economic downturns.

Education funding: In a reversal of the financial pressure experienced by schools for the past several years, this year every school district will receive a funding increase.  School districts with high concentrations of  English learners and poor families will receive additional funds.  Student costs at community colleges and the state’s universities will also be stabilized through increased budget allocations.

Middle Class Scholarships:  Implementation of this program will begin next year.  When fully in place, students whose families earn under $100,000 will be eligible for scholarships to cover 40% of fees at the California State University and University of California.

Veterans Services: The budget provides $3 million for state staff to assist the federal government in processing disability claims for California veterans and $3 million for County Veteran Service Officers to outreach to veterans regarding services.

Improved Programs for Families Striving for the Middle Class:  In addition to strengthening our educational system and improving access for all students, the budget adopted by the legislature increases funding for child care to assist parents in returning to work and for the CalWORKS Child Poverty Adjustment. Other modifications to the CalWORKS program stabilize families and support employment.

The budget also re-establishes a modified Medi-Cal Adult Dental program, a benefit that was completely eliminated through drastic budget cuts during the recession.  Medi-Cal will also be slightly expanded to provide access to healthcare for the working poor.
 
Delivering Effective, Efficient Services for Californians: The budget follows through on the Assembly’s action this Spring to permanently cut the length of time for the Secretary of State to process business filings from over 60 days to no more than 5 days.  In addition, $4 million is allocated for Local Coastal Plans to be updated for streamlining and improving coastal zone changes in accordance with the Coastal Act.

San Diego Items:

Preserving Historic San Diego Old Town Site: I was successful in securing the transfer of the abandoned CalTrans headquarters near Old Town to the state park system in order to keep the site in public hands and preserve the archaeological treasures buried beneath the building.

Protecting Scripps Pier: $5 million was included in the state budget to replace the aging 50-year old Nimitz Marine Facility (MarFac) pier maintained by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego. The pier is home base for more than 90 Scripps research vessels studying climate change and the ocean environment.

Meals for Seniors: Due to federal sequestration, senior nutrition programs such as those provided by San Diego Senior Community Services face a $10 million statewide loss.  Under this budget, the state will backfill some of this loss by providing $1 million for  “meals on wheels” type programs and $1.7 million for group senior meals.

Court Funding:  Court funding was seriously impacted during the recession, with the effect of limiting access to our state system of justice. The legislature added $63M to Governor’s proposal for a modest restoration of funds. San Diego courts will receive enough additional funding to avoid employee furloughs that were imminent. Funding for the new San Diego courthouse remains in next year’s budget.


Additional information about the budget adopted today by the legislature is available at http://asmdc.org/issues/budget-blueprint/.

ASSEMBLYWOMAN LORENA GONZALEZ ON PASSAGE OF THE 2013-14 CALIFORNIA STATE BUDGET

Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, D-San Diego, made the following statement following passage of the 2013-14 fiscal year budget for the State of California:

“Today, the California Legislature approved the state budget for the coming fiscal . After years of difficult cuts, this year’s budget is on-time, fiscally sound and restores funding for the programs that matter to San Diego County’s families.

“My colleagues and I advocated for this year’s budget to expand educational opportunities for our children and young adults, to reduce unemployment and rebuild the Middle Class by creating more jobs in the private sector, and to strengthen the state’s safety net for health and human services.

“Here are some of the highlights that I am most proud to have supported in this year’s state budget:

• Restores funding for public K-12 education for all schools in the state but also improves funding for School Districts like ours in the South Bay and Mid-City that serve low-income and English-learning students.
• Maintains funding for Regional Occupation Programs and Adult Education that are vital to training our future workforce.
• Increases funding for early care and preschool programs.
• Expands Medi-Cal to provide wider access to healthcare for the working poor as well as basic dental care for adults.
• Increases the incentives used to put residents back to work through welfare-to-work programs.
• Cuts the processing time for business filings at the Secretary of State from over two months to a maximum of 5 days.
• Allows local governments to more easily invest in critical infrastructure projects that can improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods and grow our economy.
• Provides $1 million over the next three years to maintain the Goat Canyon sediment basins in Border Field State Park to prevent debris and other pollution from flowing into the Tijuana Estuary.
• Funds the California Veterans Service Officer programs to improve timely access to federal benefits for local military vets.

“This budget represents a step forward in improving  our schools, higher education and state services so that they are befitting of our Golden State.”

…..
To learn more about the 2013-14 state budget process, visit: http://www.asmdc.org/issues/budget-blueprint/.

Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez represents California’s 80th Assembly District, located in southern San Diego County and including the cities of San Diego, Chula Vista and National City.

MAJORITY LEADER ATKINS SPEARHEADS PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC SAN DIEGO SITE

(Sacramento)  Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins announced today that she has successfully persuaded the Legislature’s Joint Budget Committee to transfer the former CalTrans headquarters near Old Town State Park in San Diego to the state parks system.  This move will ensure the preservation of historic structures and artifacts known to be below the building’s foundation and that the site will remain in the public’s hands.

“This is a three-way win for the people of California and San Diego,” says Atkins.  “This action preserves a site rich with our heritage and removes an eyesore from the historic center of our city, all without cost to taxpayers.”

CalTrans abandoned the 2.4 acre site in 2006, when it moved to a new headquarters building.  The building sits on the location of the first permanent European settlement in California and of a Kumeyaay Native American village dating back to AD 500.  The Committee’s action ensures that it will remain in the hands of the people and will not be sold for private development.

The decision by the Joint Budget Committee opens the door for creating an historic park that is part of or adjacent to Old Town State Park.  Local community open space and preservation activists envision this piece of land as a new entry way to Old Town State Park that would tie together the San Diego River, the Kumeyaay village, and the early California settlement in an integrated interpretive display.

“I am grateful to the leaders of the State Assembly for prioritizing this transaction within the state budget process and for effectively communicating its importance to the entire legislature,” says Atkins.

The Joint Budget Committee’s recommendation will be reviewed by the entire legislature as part of the state budget and will then be sent to Governor Brown.

Block names Ocean Beach Hotel as Small Business of the Year

Proprietors Rich and Donna Grosch join honorees to celebrate California Small Business Day

 SACRAMENTO – State Senator Marty Block (SD-39) recognized on Monday the Ocean Beach Hotel as his district’s California Small Business of the Year as part of an annual event which honors small businesses across the state.

Dozens of small businesses and legislators participated in the celebration. Small businesses contribute 75 percent of California’s Gross State Product. California Small Business Day was created by Assembly Resolution 5 in 2000. Volunteer small business organizations throughout the state work together to host the event in Sacramento.

            “Even through the challenges of the recession and the toll that took on our tourism industry, Rich and Donna Grosch practiced creative marketing to keep the rooms occupied and bring tourism into Ocean Beach,” Block said in recognizing the Groschs and their hotel.

            In addition, the high quality restoration and repair of the OB Hotel has catalyzed the redevelopment and revitalization of the entire Ocean Beach community.

            Block praised Rich Grosch for his history in developing and enhancing the quality of life in Ocean Beach. “As chair of the Ocean Beach Community Development Corporation, Rich led the effort to create a pedestrian park at the entrance to the Ocean Beach community, created two business improvement districts and developed a comprehensive development plan for the district.”

            Grosch’s civic and business accomplishments include his current service as President of the Board of Trustees of the San Diego Community College District.

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Proudly representing the cities and communities of San Diego, Del Mar, Solana Beach, and Coronado

$30 million approved in joint budget plan for disabled and disadvantaged community college students

Block led effort to fund programs through his budget subcommittee

SACRAMENTO – Senator Marty Block (SD-39), chair of the Senate Budget Subcommittee #1 which deals with education financing today issued the following statement following approval of $30 million dollars for disabled and educationally disadvantaged students:

“I was heartened and excited today by action taken to assist the most vulnerable community college students by the Legislature’s Joint Conference on the Budget.

“Although I sought a larger amount, I know this funding will mean more tutors, note takers, counselors, audio books, and other services for students who have cognitive or physical disabilities or who have overcome tremendous obstacles to attend college. Many are also disabled veterans struggling to transition successfully to civilian life after service to their country.

“The committee approved $15 million each for the Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) and the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (DSPS).

The committee, charged with reconciling the Assembly and Senate actions on the state’s fiscal plan for 2013-14, recognized that these students have been especially hard hit by the cuts to community colleges. While community colleges have suffered approximately a 12 percent cut in recent years, services to the disabled and disadvantaged have been reduced by about 40 percent.

            “I will continue to work towards restoring services to these students. As the governor noted, treating unequals equally is not justice. He is right.”

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Proudly representing the cities and communities of San Diego, Del Mar, Solana Beach, and Coronado

Joint Budget Committee approves land transfer for San Diego Old Town State Historic Park

Swap would preserve Native American and early settler artifacts at San Diego Old Town historical park

SACRAMENTO – State Senator Marty Block (SD-39) announced today that the Joint Budget Conference Committee approved transfer of a former, now vacant, Caltrans office site located in San Diego’s Old Town State Historic Park to the state parks system. Transferring the 2.4 acres will result in improvements and cultural preservation at the park and save California $80,000 a year it now spends in annual upkeep for the vacated building.

            Block proclaimed it a “win-win” for both the park and Caltrans. “The Department of Transportation will save hefty maintenance costs that total $500,000 to date, and the park and people of California gain an opportunity to enhance and preserve a historic and cultural treasure,” Block said.

            In a recent letter to Senate Budget Committee Chair Mark Leno (SD-11), Block argued for the land transfer because of its historic value to the area and state. The historic park is the site of California’s first permanent European settlement and a Native American village dating to A.D. 500.

            Located on the southwest corner of Juan and Taylor Streets, adjacent to the Old Town park, the Caltrans buildings sit atop historic structures and cultural resources that could be unearthed and made available to the public.

            “Retaining the site in public ownership has statewide significance because of its historic, archaeological and interpretive significance,” Block said. He credited his predecessor, former State Senator Christine Kehoe and other local officials and residents who have worked for years to realize the site transfer.

            “The joint budget action was a major step forward in securing the property and preserving this significant site in California’s history.”

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Proudly representing the cities and communities of San Diego, Del Mar, Solana Beach, and Coronado

Block: Protect San Diego’s leadership in worldwide climate research

SACRAMENTO—Senator Marty Block today announced that $5 million was included in the state budget by the Joint Conference Committee to replace the aging Nimitz Marine Facility (MarFac) pier maintained by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego.

The funding is from Proposition 40, approved in 2002. Proposition 40 allowed the state to borrow up to $2.6 billion for parks and other projects. The $5 million will be used to draw down federal funds.

“MarFac has served well beyond its original lifespan,” Block said. “It was constructed more than 50 years ago and designed to serve 25 to 30 years with the U.S. research fleet mission requirements of the time. Today, replacement is critical to meeting future research demands and to support the U.S. Navy’s R.V. Sally Ride which is scheduled for delivery in 2015.”  The Sally Ride will engage in a broad scope of science studies in physics, chemistry, biology, geology and climate science, including research missions with Navy relevance.

 

Scripps’ pier and wharf play a valuable role in marine research and education because of their geographical, logistical and infrastructure advantages. Each year, more than 1,200 UC scientists sail on Scripps research vessels on more than 90 individual research missions.

Currently, MarFac employs more than 150 technicians, engineers, crew and administrators for ship operations. A proposed pier and wharf restoration project is expected to support approximately 440 direct jobs and include up to 150 onside construction jobs. Other benefits to the state include:

·         The California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI) which studies the marine environment along California’s coast and monitors El Niño and climate change.

·         The UC Ship Funds Program – unique to California that offers students leadership opportunities at sea and supports the development of the next generation of UC-trained scientists.
 

 “San Diego is a vital part of the state and nation’s science hubs; we are the idea incubators and job creators of the future,” Block said. “MarFac is a key element of our research prowess, and we must maintain its ability to serve the needs of the many scientists, educators and students who use the facility to benefit California and the U.S.” 

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Proudly representing the cities and communities of San Diego, Del Mar, Solana Beach, and Coronado

SOUTH PARK WINE PUB HONORED BY MAJORITY LEADER TONI ATKINS

Assembly Majority Leader honored The Rose Wine Pub owner Susan Prise during Small Business Appreciation ceremonies in Sacramento

(Sacramento)  The Rose Wine Pub, a small neighborhood establishment in the South Park neighborhood of San Diego, was honored today by Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins as the Small Business of the Year for the 78th Assembly District.  The recognition was celebrated at a special luncheon and ceremony in Sacramento, attended by the pub’s owner, Susan Prise, and the Majority Leader.

“Rose Wine Pub is place to gather and relax with neighbors and friends in a pleasant, warm atmosphere of good food and drink,” says Atkins.  “This local establishment captures the essence of the surrounding area and exemplifies why San Diego is known as a cosmopolitan city of neighborhoods.”

The Rose Wine Pub is named for the historic location it occupies, the restored 1927 Rose Grocery building, and in honor of the owner's grandmother, Rose Miranda. The wine storage was constructed by a local craftsman and made from the reclaimed redwood of a historic South Park home.

Designed to encompass aspects of all four seasons, The Rose envelops customers in a mixture of materials such as reclaimed wood, stone, and metal. The wine selection features many small productions vineyards all over the world, offering customers the opportunity to taste options they may not find elsewhere.

 

San Diego Employers Expect to Hire at a Solid Pace for Third Quarter 2013

Anticipated local hiring rate below state level, but above Los Angeles

 June 11, 2013 — San Diego — According to the Manpower Employment Outlet Survey, employers in San Diego County expect to hire at a solid pace during the third quarter of 2013.

From July to September, 19% of companies interviewed plan to hire more employees, while 69% expect to maintain their current workforce levels. On the other end of the job spectrum, 8% of area companies expect to reduce staff and 4% are simply not certain of their hiring plans. All of this action yields a net employment outlook of 11%.

“Employers’ hiring expectations for the third quarter are the same compared to second quarter when the outlook was also 11%,” said Manpower San Diego President Phil Blair. “Compared to one year ago when the net employment outlook was 13%, employers are slightly less optimistic about their staffing plans.”

On the state level, 21% of California companies interviewed plan to hire more employees, while 70% expect to maintain levels and only 6% plan to reduce staff.

Results from neighboring Los Angeles reveal that 13% of companies surveyed in its metropolitan area expect to increase staff levels, while 74% plan to maintain current staff levels and 6% plan to reduce staff.

The survey is conducted quarterly to measure employers’ intentions to increase or decrease the number of employees in their workforces during the next quarter.

About Manpower San Diego
Manpower of San Diego was started in 1977 and is owned by Phil Blair and Mel Katz. The franchise consistently ranks as one of the largest employers in San Diego and southern Riverside Counties and supports businesses through their many offices. Each day, Manpower has approximately 2,500 skilled associates on jobs in office, retail, industrial, technical and healthcare areas. All Manpower offices are registered and certified to ISO 9002 by the Quality Management Institute (QMI). ISO 9002 is one of five standards associated with the ISO 9000 series, the international standard of quality for all businesses.

Assemblymember Weber Recognizes Diamond Pacific Construction As Exceptional California Small Business

SACRAMENTO, CA-   In an official ceremony today hosted by the California Small Business Association, Assembly Member Shirley N. Weber (D-San Diego) honored City of La Mesa’s Gregg Torwick of Diamond Pacific Construction, Inc. at the Sacramento Convention Center.  The California Small Business Association sponsors this annual event to provide a platform for legislators to recognize the significant contributions small businesses make to California.

“I am proud to recognize the continued dedication and efforts of Navy veteran Gregg Torwick and the Diamond Pacific Construction, Inc. to bring jobs and commerce to the 79th District. Small businesses are the driving force of our economy:  local, state and nationwide,” stated Assembly Member Weber. 

Mr. Torwick has garnered multiple awards from the construction community, including the AGC Specialty Contractor Award, the ABC Excellence in Construction Award and the AGC Build San Diego Award in his strive for excellence, safety and community awareness. He is also an active member of both the City of San Diego Unified School District Outreach Council and the City of San Diego-Citizens Equal Opportunity Council.  Mr. Torwick is currently the San Diego Chapter President to the Elite Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business.

The Diamond Pacific Construction Executive team brings 80 years of construction combined experience, on more than $250 million of projects, including demolition, site work, utilities, concrete placement, and horizontal & vertical construction.  It also has completed projects throughout California’s 79th District that include Sharp Hospital Chula Vista, San Diego State University and the San Diego Academy in National City.

STATEMENT OF ASSEMBLY MAJORITY LEADER TONI ATKINS ON ANNOUNCED CLOSURE OF SAN ONOFRE NUCLEAR GENERATING STATION

(San Diego) Assembly majority Leader Toni Atkins issued the following statement regarding today’s statement by Southern California Edison that San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) will be shut down:

“Given the safety concerns and uncertainty surrounding operation of SONGS, I applaud Edison's decision. Ever since the facility shut down, I have advocated for a transparent process that does not saddle ratepayers with the costs of operating a non-functioning plant.  As SONGS winds down its operations, it will be important that safe handling of nuclear material be a priority, that both ratepayers and employees be treated fairly, and that we continue to work to ensure an adequate power supply for Southern California.”


Majority Leader Atkins represents the 78th Assembly District, which includes the central and coastal San Diego area from Imperial Beach to Del Mar.

The Audacity of Todd

As those of you that have followed my posts recently I haven't been a fan of Todd Gloria. He makes me believe that apparently it's 1996 and that Republicans still control the city and the Dem victories of 2012 are some sort of fluke and we must kowtow so that when the natural order of a GOP led council and mayor returns to San Diego at least he'll get some sort of thanks for keeping the other Dems at bay. At least by what he's been doing since becoming Council President, that is what he has lead me to believe. That or he's cut a deal with the GOP but again I refer you to my previous post.

But today I am blown away by what happened during a City Council Committee hearing that took place earlier in the week. Now granted this was a PS&NS (Public Safety and Neighborhood Services) Committee Hearing and not even the Voice of San Diego covers those but if they did on June 5th they would have gotten this nugget.

Now I guess John Lamb from City Beat has now posted this as well which is great but so far not a peep from anyone. Anyway, I wonder how Todd will spin this one?(Maybe by calling Will Moore a liar.) I mean he'll arm twist the pro bono legal advisor to the local Democratic Party but will play footsie with Mark Kersey and flaunt him all round town?

At the rate this is going maybe Todd will do a reverse Nathan...

Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Appoints Chief of Staff and District Director

Evan McLaughlin to serve as New Assemblywoman’s Chief of Staff; Humberto Peraza appointed District Director

SACRAMENTO – (Wednesday, June 5, 2013) – California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) announced today the appointments of Evan McLaughlin as Chief of Staff and Humberto Peraza as District Director for the 80th Assembly District.

McLaughlin was most recently the Political and Legislative Director for the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO, a federation of 135 local unions representing 200,000 workers in the region. He served the Labor Council from 2008 to 2013 as the chief deputy to Ms. Gonzalez on matters involving public policy, electoral campaigns and community organizing when she headed the Labor Council. McLaughlin also served as Campaign Manager to Ms. Gonzalez’s campaign for State Assembly in 2013. McLaughlin co-founded the San Diego chapter of the New Leaders Council and serves on the boards of directors for the League of Conservation Voters of San Diego, San Diego Leadership Alliance and Empower San Diego. McLaughlin was an award-winning politics and government reporter at Voice of San Diego from the nonprofit news website’s inception in 2005 until 2008. McLaughlin resides in City Heights but will be moving to Sacramento with the new position.

Peraza is an elected member of the Southwestern College District Governing Board and has been a longtime advisor to elected officials in the region. Peraza served as Policy Advisor to San Diego City Council President Ben Hueso; District Chief of Staff to Congressman Bob Filner; San Diego & Imperial Counties Area Director/Statewide Latino Director for U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer; and also worked for Congressman Xavier Becerra in both Los Angeles and Washington D.C. Most recently, Peraza was owner of Counter Point Government Relations LLC, where he advised private sector clients on matters of public safety, education and business development. Peraza has also served on the City of Chula Vista’s Charter Review Commission and on the boards of League of Conservation Voters San Diego, MOVE San Diego, Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest and its Action Fund. He resides in Chula Vista.

“My goal to rebuild the middle class through the creation of good-paying jobs, expanded educational opportunities and access to affordable health care is going to take a real team effort,” Assemblywoman Gonzalez said. “With the addition of the Evan, Humberto and the staff they will supervise, the residents of the 80th district have the team they need to best represent Southern San Diego County in the State Capitol.”

The 80th District includes Chula Vista, National City and the San Diego neighborhoods of San Ysidro, City Heights, Golden Hill, Sherman Heights, Barrio Logan, Logan Heights, Paradise Hills and Otay Mesa. More information about 80th Assembly District is available at http://asmdc.org/members/a80/.

ASSEMBLY MEMBER SHIRLEY WEBER HOSTS BUDGET TOWN HALL MEETING

 

San Diego, CA -   Assemblymember Shirley N. Weber (D-San Diego) will convene a budget town hall meeting in her district to discuss how the State Budget impacts San Diegans.  The revised budget proposal assumes $98.1 billion in revenue and $96.4 billion in expenditures and includes a $1.1 billion reserve.  In the next couple of weeks, the Legislature and the Governor will work together to pass a responsible on-time budget by June 15, 2013. Each year State Legislators are tasked with the difficult job of balancing our state budget. This includes defining how much money will be available for public services like education, health and human services, and determining how much we pay in taxes.  Please join Assemblymember Weber for an interactive town hall to discuss your priorities for California's Budget.


WHO:
Assembly Member Shirley N. Weber is hosting this event.   Dr. Brian R. Sala, Acting Director of the California Research Bureau, will provide an overview of the California State Budget.  Local representatives participating include: Stan Dobbs, Chief Financial Officer of the San Diego Unified School District; Dr. Albert G. Alt, Chief Financial Officer and Mr. Manuel Rubio, Director of Grants and Communications, from the Sweetwater Union High School District; as well as Barbara Jimenez, San Diego County Deputy Director/General Manager for Health and Human Services .
Also invited are Dr. Constance Carroll of the San Diego Community College District, as well as the City of Chula Vista’s Director of Finance Maria Kachadoorian and Budget and Analysis Manager Angelica Aguilar.
WHAT: 
State Budget Town Hall Meeting
WHEN: 
Saturday, June 8, 2013, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: 
Montevalle Community Center (840 Duncan Ranch Road; Chula Vista, CA 91914)

For information and to RSVP, please contact George Gastil at (619) 462-4848 or register online at http://asmdc.org/members/a79/.