Statement of California Democratic Party Chairman John Burton on Use of Military Force in Syria

I agree with the 193 members of the U.S. House of Representatives who are urging the President to seek Congressional approval for any military action with respect to Syria. 
 


Congress should be shown definitive proof concerning the Syrian government’s role in the use of chemical weapons. The memory of weapons of mass destructions that failed to materialize in Iraq – which continues to undergo turmoil long after our departure – is far too fresh in many of our minds to demand anything less.
 


Congress must debate the wisdom of engaging in yet another military adventure in the Middle East after receiving all the independently verified facts.

ATKINS BILL EXPANDING ABORTION PROVIDERS GOES TO GOVERNOR

(San Diego)  AB 154, legislation carried by Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins, has passed the State Legislature and now goes to the Governor for his consideration.  The bill expands the trained healthcare professionals who may perform early abortions to include nurse practitioners, physicians’ assistants, and certified nurse midwives. This expansion will help alleviate a shortage of abortion providers in California, where more than half the counties have no abortion provider.

“Timely access to reproductive health services is critical to women’s health,” says Atkins.  “AB 154 will ensure that no woman has to travel excessively long distances or wait for long periods in order to obtain an early abortion.  I am grateful to my colleagues in the Legislature for their support of women and their families and am hopeful that Governor Brown will sign the bill into law.”

A recent comprehensive study conducted by the University of California San Francisco and published in the American Journal of Public Health showed that trained nurse practitioners, midwives and physicians’ assistants can safely provide early abortions and that women appreciate receiving care in their own communities.  AB 154 includes stringent training and competency requirements for these practitioners.

The bill is sponsored by the California Women’s Health Alliance, a coalition of groups such as Planned Parenthood, California Church IMPACT, California Latinas for Reproductive Justice and Black Women for Wellness.  The Alliance is dedicated to protecting and improving the reproductive health of California women. The bill is also supported by the California Medical Association.

The Governor will have until October 13 to sign or veto the bill.

For S.D. Voters, the "DeMaio Dance" Is in Full Swing

 

Lines Increasingly Shaky Between SuperPAC, Congressional Bid, Mayoral Efforts

As a recent mayoral candidate, current congressional candidate, and likely future mayoral candidate, Carl DeMaio has been revealing an old habit: trying to have it both ways.

Just months after he decided to convert his fundraising network into a bid for Congress, he’s now tiptoeing around campaign laws to advance his second attempt in one year to be Mayor of San Diego. Call it the "DeMaio Dance.” He keeps on going … but San Diegans might ask: What does he really want?

Talk Leadership / Keep a Finger in the Wind

♦ DeMaio has raised nearly $500,000 from supporters this year on the promise that he will “Fix Congress First.” But in recent weeks his congressional campaign website has quietly shifted to a much more local focus, with its “Issues” page titled “Carl’s Bold Plans for Fixing Our City.” For more details, the site points to the same “Pathway to Prosperity” crafted for his first mayoral campaign, apparently not updated since then.

♦ “Reform San Diego” – a DeMaio-controlled City political committee that he describes as a “grassroots SuperPAC” – has raised more than $30,000 this year and spent most of it on consulting and polling. The former chair of San Diego’s Ethics Commission has filed a complaint against DeMaio and the PAC, suggesting he is using it illegally to circumvent federal campaign restrictions.

♦ In July, the County Republican Party’s treasurer inquired into whether Reform San Diego funds could be used to conduct polling in a potential mayoral race. Unlike candidate committees, DeMaio’s PAC can accept unlimited and corporate contributions, but it cannot contribute funds or services to a specific candidate.   

Public Resources / Private Gain

♦ For someone who has made a career out of attacking public workers and services, DeMaio has a knack for benefitting personally from taxpayer-subsidized spending. Even the “Pathway to Prosperity” plan now showcased in his congressional campaign was developed for and promoted by him as a sitting City Councilmember using public staff and resources.

♦ DeMaio’s own substantial personal fortune came from a business he owned, the Performance Institute, which raked in millions from government agencies for training and consulting services.

“New Generation” Label / Old Ideas

♦ The National Republican Congressional Committee commissioned a recent poll suggesting that DeMaio should present himself as a “new generation Republican,” and his campaign messages have included that language. But his actual record puts him squarely in line with the Tea Party base of the GOP.

♦ DeMaio has avoided taking a position as a congressional candidate on many controversial subjects. On key issues such as immigration, though, his past statements and actions come right from the old Republican playbook. He has opposed the DREAM Act, wants local law enforcement involved in policing immigration status, and was the lone councilmember to vote against a resolution denouncing Arizona’s extremist anti-immigrant law.

♦ Even as an openly gay public figure, DeMaio has been largely silent on equality issues and has embraced the support of anti-gay activists. He refused to comment on Proposition 8 as a councilmember, accepted money and endorsements in 2012 from some of the biggest funders of the anti-gay-marriage measure, and just last month touted the financial backing of the same Republican House leaders who spent taxpayer money to defend the Defense of Marriage Act.

Governor signs Block measure to save courts time and money

 

SB 378 would allow courts to use electronically digitized copies

SACRAMENTO – Gov. Jerry Brown has signed legislation today to allow electronically digitized copies of conviction records as evidence to the same extent as paper copies of the original record or a certified copy are admissible.

Senator Marty Block (SD-39) introduced the measure at the request of San Diego District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis. “SB 378 will save processing time, paper and costs by using what is now common technology,” Block said.

In supporting SB 378, the California Judges Association stated that the bill is expected to create efficiencies that decrease processing times and assist with case management. The Judicial Council of California, in their letter of support, wrote that courts can save “significant money” by using the digitized copies instead of producing and certifying multiple hard copies.

Prosecutors need court-certified copies of prior convictions in many cases, but court staff reductions have made the processing of requests for this information more time consuming and expensive even as prosecutors must still meet mandated timelines for bringing defendants to hearing.

An electronic digitized copy includes a scanned or photographed copy or any exact reproduction stored in a digitized format that includes the certifying entity’s electronic signature or watermark.

Block said, “This bill allows our justice system to catch up to the 21st Century. Technology such as scanning and e-mail can increase efficiencies in our financially-strapped courts.”

SB 378 is also supported by the California District Attorneys Association.

ATKINS BILL EXPANDING ABORTION PROVIDERS ADVANCES IN STATE SENATE

(San Diego)  AB 154, legislation carried by Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins, has passed its last significant legislative hurdle with today’s passage by the State Senate.  This bill will include nurse practitioners, physicians’ assistants, and certified nurse midwives among the healthcare professionals authorized to perform early aspiration abortions after receiving training in the procedure.  This expansion will help alleviate a shortage of abortion providers in California.

“All women should have timely access to reproductive healthcare regardless of whether they live in urban or rural areas and without excessive expense or travel,” says Atkins.  “AB 154 will help fill the gap created by the fact that over half of California’s counties lack an abortion provider.”

A recent comprehensive study conducted by the University of California San Francisco and published in the American Journal of Public Health showed that trained nurse practitioners, midwives and physicians’ assistants can safely provide early abortions and that women appreciate receiving care in their own communities.  AB 154 includes stringent training and competency requirements for these practitioners.

The bill is sponsored by the California Women’s Health Alliance, a coalition of groups such as Planned Parenthood, California Church IMPACT, California Latinas for Reproductive Justice and Black Women for Wellness.  The Alliance is dedicated to protecting and improving the reproductive health of California women. The bill is also supported by the California Medical Association.

AB 154 now returns briefly to the State Assembly for concurrence in amendments made in the Senate before moving to the Governor’s desk in the next several weeks.

STATEMENT OF ASSEMBLY MAJORITY LEADER TONI ATKINS REGARDING DECISION NOT TO RUN FOR MAYOR OF SAN DIEGO

(San Diego) Today, Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins issued the following statement regarding her decision to not run for Mayor of San Diego:

“In the past few weeks many people have contacted me encouraging me to run for Mayor of San Diego should the office become vacant. Now that Mayor Filner has resigned, I wanted to share with you my decision – reached after much careful consideration – that I will not be a candidate for Mayor.

I am deeply committed to helping the city heal and move forward. But I also take very seriously my responsibility to the people who elected me to represent the 78th Assembly District in Sacramento and to my colleagues in the Assembly, whom I have the privilege of serving as Majority Leader.

The simple truth is that I love the job I have now—being able to help advance San Diego’s interests and concerns in the Legislature and being able to have a statewide impact on vital issues like increasing access to health care, growing our economy and honoring the debt we owe to our veterans.

I want to sincerely thank everyone who encouraged me to run. I am deeply honored to have your trust and respect and I share your faith that we can move San Diego past these difficult times.”

STATEMENT OF ASSEMBLY MAJORITY LEADER TONI ATKINS ON RESIGNATION OF SAN DIEGO MAYOR BOB FILNER

(San Diego) As someone who served as acting Mayor during a period of crisis in our city, I understand what needs to be done to manage the City during a difficult time and hopefully position our next Mayor for success.  I offer my support and assistance to Acting Mayor Gloria in any way I can.  Like many of you, I am relieved Mayor Filner put the City's needs ahead of his own and resigned.  While San Diego can now move forward to its next chapter, we should remain mindful that today’s action does not resolve matters for the victims of the former Mayor’s sexual harassment.   

Block: San Diego must move forward

State Senator Marty Block (SD-39) today issued the following statement following the resignation of San Diego Mayor Bob Filner:

“The Mayor’s resignation will begin to close a sad chapter in San Diego’s long city history. Just as importantly, it validates the victims who courageously stepped forward. City staff who have served the people of San Diego over the last eight months deserve our thanks and appreciation for their service under very difficult conditions.

Democratic Party Reaction to San Diego Mayor Bob Filner's Resignation

Following the announcement today of Mayor Bob Filner's resignation as part of a settlement with the City Council, San Diego County Democratic Party Chair Francine Busby has issued this statement:

“I share the relief of most San Diegans that Bob Filner has accepted the calls for his resignation from the Democratic Party and others. It’s time to put this painful chapter in the City’s history behind us.

“The women who have spoken out with stories of mistreatment deserve our appreciation, compassion, and support. No one should have to endure the behavior they reported, including the disrespect that Mr. Filner has already acknowledged.

“As for the legal process, the parties involved will have their day in court. On a human level, Mr. Filner has admitted to profound personal failings, and I urge him to continue to seek whatever treatment he may need.

“The rest of us must now work to ensure that the urgent business of San Diego will carry on. The City Council will soon set the date for a special election. Despite the difficult time that the City has faced in recent weeks, I hope voters will participate and turn out in force to give our City’s next leader the support to move us forward.
              
“Last November, San Diegans didn’t just choose someone to be the Mayor. They endorsed a Democratic vision for the future. From investing in renewable energy to highlighting our role as a border community, from standing up for working families to embracing the diversity of our people and the strength of our neighborhoods, they voted for a distinctly progressive agenda. That mandate is greater than any one person, and now it remains our responsibility and privilege to see it through.”

Statement by San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council Secretary-Treasurer Richard Barrera on Resignation of Mayor Bob Filner

SAN DIEGO – Richard Barrera, Secretary-Treasurer of the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council, made the following statement today following the resignation of San Diego Mayor Bob Filner:

“It is time to move forward. Today, we close a painful chapter for San Diego and the paralysis that has gripped City Hall can be brought to an end. We hope that those who have been hurt by Bob Filner’s behavior will receive the respect and closure they deserve.

“As we look to the election of a new Mayor, the Labor Council will continue to be a strong advocate for San Diego's working families and for our Middle Class. The power and importance of working San Diegans remains as strong as ever and the work of providing good jobs, good schools and better lives continues. We are fully committed to championing an agenda for America’s Finest City that accomplishes all of this; that celebrates the importance and dignity of working people; that believes in providing quality services to every single neighborhood; and that ensures that the voices at City Hall reflect the broad diversity of our city.

“We will participate fully in the public debate as the city seeks new leadership; and we will absolutely not allow right-wing radicals like Carl DeMaio and his divisive politics to take over our city when we need inclusion, unity and consensus.

“Our commitment to building a better San Diego is undiminished. And so too, we believe, is that same commitment from San Diego’s voters.”

###

San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council

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

www.unionyes.org

Wonder Where Carl DeMaio Stands? New Web Site Helps Californians Check – with the Tea Party

Carl DeMaio proudly claims to be a “new generation Republican,” echoing Washington Republicans’ message-tested slogan. But on the issues that matter to San Diegans, Carl DeMaio’s record and the Tea Party’s agenda in Washington are one and the same.

To highlight the truth behind DeMaio’s Tea Party record, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee launched the web site www.newgenerationrepublican.org. There, Californians can see for themselves just how closely DeMaio’s record aligns with the Tea Party’s priorities.

“San Diego voters are fed up with a dysfunctional government that isn’t working for them, and sending Carl DeMaio to Washington would only make the gridlock worse,” said Matt Inzeo of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “Carl DeMaio wants to push the Tea Party’s priorities that harm San Diego and will continue to put gridlock and obstruction ahead of progress on issues like jobs.”

Background:
 DeMaio is Using GOP Poll Tested Term “New Generation Republican.” “A new GOP poll tested former San Diego City Councilman Carl DeMaio, an openly gay Republican and potential congressional candidate, as a ‘new generation Republican’ in the highly competitive 52nd District...‘The data from this survey shows that DeMaio could be very successful in a congressional race portraying himself as a ‘new generation Republican,’” said Tarrance Group pollster Dave Sackett. [Roll Call, 5/01/13]

Assemblywoman Gonzalez Introduces Bill To Prevent Fraud on the Pathway to Citizenship

AB 1159 Empowers 2.5 Million Californians Who Seek Immigration Reform Services Under Pending Federal Law

SACRAMENTO, CA – (Monday, August 19, 2013)  – California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) will introduced legislation today to prevent payment for immigration reform services until federal immigration reform is enacted and to ensure other basic consumer protections are provided to immigrants pursuing a pathway to U.S. citizenship under the federal immigration reform act pending in Congress.

Assembly Bill 1159 (Gonzalez) would require that lawyers and consultants performing services under the pending federal immigration reform act abide by common sense business practices that will protect more than 2.5 million potentially eligible Californians from the unauthorized practice of law by non-lawyers, fraud, and unnecessary mistakes that could jeopardize a client’s pursuit of citizenship or – worse – result in deportation.

“As millions of California families face the historic opportunity of improving their lives by pursuing a pathway to citizenship, the state must be ready to ensure immigration services are performed by competent professionals and include anti-fraud protections,” Assemblywoman Gonzalez said. “AB 1159 prepares California for this upswing in demand by creating more accountability and transparency in an otherwise daunting process for immigrants, who are already targets of fraud now.”

AB 1159 will be considered today by the Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development. Assemblywoman Gonzalez has asked that the Legislature act with urgency – requiring a higher vote threshold – in order to crack down on the unscrupulous practice by some professionals to demand payment for immigration reform services based by promising that clients could “cut to the front of the line” when federal immigration reform is eventually enacted by paying now.

AB 1159’s goal of empowering immigrants during their pursuit of citizenship by:

PROHIBITING THE USE OF TERM “NOTARIO”:  Expands current law to apply to “anyone who is not an attorney” from advertising as a “notario,” not just notaries public. This ban prevents confusion that has oftentimes been capitalized upon by non-attorneys hoping to present themselves as attorneys, as a “notario” in many Latin American nations is a type of lawyer. It will be unlawful to use any translated word that may imply that a person is an attorney, including the literal translation of the word “notario”.

PROHIBITING EARLY CLIENT SOLICITATION AND TRUST ACCOUNT REQUIREMENT:  The bill will make it illegal for attorneys or consultants to demand money from clients seeking immigration reform act services before the federal reform bill becomes law and is enacted. AB 1159 will also require immigration consultants to deposit into a client trust account all funds received from a client of immigration  reform services prior to performing those services. Requires both consultants and attorneys to utilize a trust account when funds were collected during the window of time after this bill goes into effect but before federal immigration reform is enacted. These provisions clamp down on a fraudulent practice of advising clients on a law for which the exact regulations have not become law yet.

REQUIRING A CONTRACT:  Attorneys and consultants must provide a client with a written contract in the client’s language under AB 1159. Contracts must describe the services being performed for the client, the attorney’s or consultant’s compensation for the services, and where a client can report complaints for unsatisfactory or fraudulent performance of those immigration reform act services. This requirement is to provide transparency to what services a client would be paying for and, equally important, what is not provided for in the contract.

Additionally, non-attorneys performing immigration reform act services are required to itemize each service to be performed; an explanation of the purpose of each service; and the cost of preparing each document specified in the contract.

REQUIRING A BOND FOR NON-ATTORNEYS: AB 1159 increases the required bond for consultants performing immigration reform act services from $50,000 to $100,000 to allow immigrants to recover damages related to immigration fraud.

AB 1159 has gained early support from the State Bar of California, labor groups, the faith community, and organizations dedicated to advocating for immigrant rights and equitable access to justice. Letters in support of AB 1159 are available upon request.

Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez represents California’s 80th Assembly District, located in southern San Diego County including the cities of San Diego, Chula Vista and National City. For more information, visit http://asmdc.org/members/a80/.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No Change in Democratic Party's Position on Filner

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

San Diego County Democratic Party Calls on Filner to Step Down

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

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

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

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

DEMOCRATS FOR EQUALITY STATEMENT CALLING FOR THE IMMEDIATE RESIGNATION OF MAYOR FILNER

The San Diego Democrats for Equality, after hearing the credible public testimony of a number of women, who have described multiple acts of sexual harassment and abuse of power in the workplace by Mayor Bob Filner, voted 34 - 4 at its July 25 meeting to censure Mayor Filner and demand his immediate resignation from public office. At this point anything less than resignation holds hostage the business of the City and the needs of its residents.

Abuse of power at any level of government by any elected official regardless of their political affiliation is unacceptable and a betrayal of the public's trust. The Democrats for Equality consider Mayor Filner incapable at this point in time of conducting the people's business in a manner commensurate with his role as an elected official. We support the San Diego LGBT Community Center in its call for the leaders of  the City of San Diego, "to take any and all appropriate steps on behalf of the women who have reported being harassed, intimidated and/or blatantly disrespected by Mayor Bob Filner."

The San Diego Democrats for Equality believe that any public official who undermines the dignity and self-worth of anyone has no rightful place in political leadership. We support the advancement of women in all areas of society and expect, at the very least, the fair and equitable treatment of women in every aspect of public life.

Democrats for Equality will now seek to support a candidate that upholds these principles and who is committed to a fair and equitable distribution of City resources for all of its citizens.

The mission of the San Diego Democrats for Equality is  to secure for all gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people the equal human rights guaranteed to all citizens by the Constitution of the United States; to foster the ideals of the Democratic Party; and to contribute to the Party's growth and influence.

STATEMENT OF ASSEMBLY MAJORITY LEADER ON DECISION BY SAN DIEGO DEMOCRATIC PARTY TO CALL ON MAYOR BOB FILNER TO RESIGN

I applaud the members of the County Democratic Party for making what I know must have been a painfully difficult decision.  San Diego’s Democrats are Mayor Filner’s victims, too.  He has forced us to choose between a woman’s right to work for or do business with the City without fear of unwanted sexual advances and the progressive vision for our city that caused us to support his election in the first place.

Unfortunately, the Mayor is now doing more harm than good to that vision and there is no effective mechanism other than his resignation to remove him from office without further tearing the city apart.  Having spoken with several of the victims personally, and in light of today's stunning revelations from prominent San Diego women, I continue to stand with the women who have been victimized by the mayor.

This is a critical time for San Diego and I will remain actively engaged in protecting the City's interests at the state level and in ensuring our communities are taken care of.

San Diego County Democratic Party Calls on Mayor Bob Filner to Step Down

The San Diego County Democratic Central Committee this evening held its second special meeting in a week to discuss the allegations against San Diego Mayor Bob Filner. Since the last meeting, multiple women have come forward publicly with specific claims of harassment, including one who has filed legal charges. Tonight, 34 members supported a motion for Filner to step down; 6 voted against. Chair Francine Busby has issued the following statement:

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

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

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

STATEMENT OF ASSEMBLY MAJORITY LEADER TONI ATKINS ON FILING OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT SUIT AGAINST SAN DIEGO MAYOR BOB FILNER

Irene McCormack, who today sued Mayor Bob Filner for sexual harassment, is a respected professional in our community.  I applaud her bravery in coming forward.

I want to encourage any other woman who believes she has been harassed by the Mayor to report their complaints to the hotline established by the San Diego County Sheriff at 619-481-0220.  In addition, any woman who needs assistance and support with sexual harassment or assault can get help from the Center for Community Solutions at their 24-hour crisis hotline at 1-888-385-4657.

Statement by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Against San Diego County Clerk’s Lawsuit Challenging Same-Sex Marriage in California

SAN DIEGO – (Friday, July 19, 2013) – California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) made the following statement in response to San Diego County Clerk-Assessor-Recorder Ernie Dronenburg’s lawsuit challenging the State of California’s order to county clerks to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

“The Courts have spoken strongly and the State of California has acted swiftly in ensuring the people will never again be discriminated against when it comes to the right of marriage equality. Mr. Dronenburg should reconsider this hurtful lawsuit and walk away from it.

“The lawsuit filed by our County clerk is an affront to residents of San Diego County who have waited too long for their equal rights to marry the one they love.

“We appreciate the clarification from County officials that this is not the official position of the County of San Diego or the Board of Supervisors but rather the action of one rogue official whose duty is to administer the law of the land, not turn back the clock on our residents’ civil rights.”

Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez represents California’s 80th Assembly District, located in southern San Diego County including the cities of San Diego, Chula Vista and National City. For more information, visit http://asmdc.org/members/a80/.