On the heels of the Governor visiting San Diego in support of the Indian Gaming Compacts, I wanted to take some time to post about the compacts.
While I am all for tribal sovereignty, I do not believe Californians should settle for flawed deals.
In principle, I believe in granting tribes more sovereign rights. However, Californians must ensure that this is done in a fair and equitable manner.
A “no” vote does not eliminate tribal sovereignty, but requires the State Legislature to go back to the table to re-negotiate deals that are fair for all of California’s tribes, casino workers and citizens.
Tribes that stand to gain billions of dollars from these deals should expect to:
1. Ensure that casino employees are afforded the same on-the-job rights that all Californians are afforded, including health care and Cal/OSHA standards.
2. Require an independent auditor to determine the State’s fair share of revenue.
3. Clearly define what revenue will be shared with the State.
4. Require any expansion to follow the same environmental standards as every other California business.
I do not believe this is too much to ask for allowing these four tribes to participate in the largest expansion of gaming in the history of the United States.
Voting “No” on Propositions 94-97 will send our legislature back to the bargaining table to get these deals right.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Monday - Quick Hits
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Dr. Michael Eric Dyson
Positive Engagement: A Speaker’s Series for Global Understanding
Presents: The Hip Hop Intellectual - Dr. Michael Eric Dyson
Tuesday, February 5, 2008, 7:00 pm
Southwestern College Gymnasium
900 Otay Lakes Rd, Chula Vista, CA 91910-7299 [Map]
Tickets: $20 General Admission - $10 Students/Seniors/Military
For ticket reservations: (619) 421-6700 x5684 Online Tickets [Link]
SWC Gymnasium Box Office will open for ticket sales starting at 5:00 p.m.
Doors will open for general admission seating at 6:30 p.m.
What a Shock... Peters considering City Attorney Race!
So, the right wing blogs and the UT suddenly realized what those of us on the left have been talking about for weeks, Scott Peters is considering a run for City Attorney. I must admit, I was a little shocked by the "breaking news" aspect of this realization. I believe we had a post on it over a week ago. So let's fill in the gaps for those who just realized Scott may run.
1) It has been widely known that either Alan Bersin or Scott Peters would jump into the race. Labor and the Democratic Party have been talking about this for weeks, and the CTA folks have even been engaged. Peters has been seen as the clear choice for these groups, as Bersin is too polarizing.
2) Scott Peters actually sent an ambiguous note to the powerful San Diego Democratic Club a weak and a haf ago, asking them to stall the endorsement process until everyone was declared: it worked, the Club (like the Central Committee) voted no endorsement.
3) Every major Democratic constituency has held off on early endorsements for Aguirre. If you ask the players in most of those groups, I am sure they will admit they have had phone calls from a variety of elected officials, labor leaders, and even environmentalists pleading with them to hold off until Peters makes a difinitive decision.
4) Growing political thought even among those who like Mike, is Aguirre is doomed, and the moderate to left can't afford a Jan Goldsmith as City Attorney (remember Casey Gwinn?). So there has been a scramble to encourage Scott Peters to run. He ain't perfect, but he he is a Democrat.
1) It has been widely known that either Alan Bersin or Scott Peters would jump into the race. Labor and the Democratic Party have been talking about this for weeks, and the CTA folks have even been engaged. Peters has been seen as the clear choice for these groups, as Bersin is too polarizing.
2) Scott Peters actually sent an ambiguous note to the powerful San Diego Democratic Club a weak and a haf ago, asking them to stall the endorsement process until everyone was declared: it worked, the Club (like the Central Committee) voted no endorsement.
3) Every major Democratic constituency has held off on early endorsements for Aguirre. If you ask the players in most of those groups, I am sure they will admit they have had phone calls from a variety of elected officials, labor leaders, and even environmentalists pleading with them to hold off until Peters makes a difinitive decision.
4) Growing political thought even among those who like Mike, is Aguirre is doomed, and the moderate to left can't afford a Jan Goldsmith as City Attorney (remember Casey Gwinn?). So there has been a scramble to encourage Scott Peters to run. He ain't perfect, but he he is a Democrat.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
La Opinión - Endorses Obama
La Opinión - The major Spanish language newspaper in Los Angeles has endorsed Barack Obama in the upcoming primary. In an editorial titlted "The Democratic Choice is Barack Obama," it explains why Obama is their choice:
Cross posted at Calitics
Senator Barack Obama represents fundamental change in a campaign in which "change" has become a central theme. Obama’s approach to immigration and his inspiring vision are what the country need to break through the current feeling of political malaise.[Link]The paper list many of Senator Clinton's accomplishments but come to the following conclusion:
On closing out the editorial, the paper reminds us of the historical choices Democrats have this election and why Obama should be that choice:Yet, this is a historic moment and tremendous skills and experience are not enough to inspire a feeling of renewal in our country after eight long years of George W. Bush.
As well, we were disappointed with her calculated opposition to driver’s licenses for the undocumented, which contrasts markedly from the forceful argument in support made by Obama. We understand that this is an extremely controversial issue but we believe there is only one right position and it is that of the senator from Illinois. And, while both senators support comprehensive immigration reform, only Obama has committed to bringing forward new legislation during his first year in office.[Link]
By deciding between a woman or an African American as their presidencial nominee, the Democrats are making history. Barack Obama has the sensibilities of a man from humble beginnings raised in a multicultural home. He is the best option for a truly visionary change.[Link]
Cross posted at Calitics
Friday, February 1, 2008
Friday - Quick Hits
Spending in mayor's race off to a brisk pace, but sluggish spending in the race for city attorney. UT
What a shock, failed effort to repeal alcohol beach ban was largely funded by liquor stores in the beach area. UT
I wonder if they are going to use Lego building block. Legoland begins process to build a hotel on park property. UT
Tri-city hospital district looking to annex Shadowridge. UT NCTimes
Candidate for mayor in Oceanside has already spent $50,000, even though the race isn't until November. UT
SANDAG consider a "quality of life" tax for the 2010 ballot. NCTimes
What a shock, failed effort to repeal alcohol beach ban was largely funded by liquor stores in the beach area. UT
I wonder if they are going to use Lego building block. Legoland begins process to build a hotel on park property. UT
Tri-city hospital district looking to annex Shadowridge. UT NCTimes
Candidate for mayor in Oceanside has already spent $50,000, even though the race isn't until November. UT
SANDAG consider a "quality of life" tax for the 2010 ballot. NCTimes
California SEIU State Council Changes in Mid-Stream
California SEIU State Council, which represents over 650,000 members in California has changed their endorsement from former U.S. Senator John Edwards to U.S. Senator Barak Obama.
- What does this mean for Senator Edwards to have sway over the two remaining main Democratic candidates?
- Will a change of endorsement 4 days before the election make a difference, remember the absentee voters?
- Will there be mailers from the union, phone calls, precinct walks, or some thing else?
- What does U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton, who will be in San Diego today, think about this endorsement?
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Clinton Stays Silent on Unions
Any truly progressive voters that are considering voting for Hillary, should read the following from ABC:
Clinton Remained Silent As Wal-Mart Fought Unions
Tapes Reviewed by ABC News Show Clinton As a Loyal Company Woman
By BRIAN ROSS, MADDY SAUER and RHONDA SCHWARTZ
Jan. 31, 2008—
In six years as a member of the Wal-Mart board of directors, between 1986 and 1992, Hillary Clinton remained silent as the world's largest retailer waged a major campaign against labor unions seeking to represent store workers.
Clinton has been endorsed for president by more than a dozen unions, according to her campaign Web site, which omits any reference to her role at Wal-Mart in its detailed biography of her.
Wal-Mart's anti-union efforts were headed by one of Clinton's fellow board members, John Tate, a Wal-Mart executive vice president who also served on the board with Clinton for four of her six years.
Tate was fond of repeating, as he did at a managers meeting in 2004 after his retirement, what he said was his favorite phrase, "Labor unions are nothing but blood-sucking parasites living off the productive labor of people who work for a living."
Wal-Mart says Tate's comments "were his own and do not reflect Wal-Mart's views."
But Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton and other company officials often recounted how they relied on Tate to lead the company's successful anti-union efforts.
An ABC News analysis of the videotapes of at least four stockholder meetings where Clinton appeared shows she never once rose to defend the role of American labor unions.
The tapes, broadcast this morning on "Good Morning America," were provided to ABC News from the archives of Flagler Productions, a Lenexa, Kan., company hired by Wal-Mart to record its meetings and events.
A former board member told ABCNews.com that he had no recollection of Clinton defending unions during more than 20 board meetings held in private.
The tapes show Clinton in the role of a loyal company woman. "I'm always proud of Wal-Mart and what we do and the way we do it better than anybody else," she said at a June 1990 stockholders meeting.
Clinton would not agree to be interviewed on the subject but now says she no longer shares Wal-Mart's values and believes unions "have been essential to our nation's success."
The videotapes do show that Clinton used her role to push for more environmentally friendly policies and better treatment of women.
"We've got a very strong-willed young woman on our board now; her name is Hillary," said Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton at a 1987 stockholders meeting in describing Clinton's role in pushing for more women to be hired in management positions.
Critics say Clinton's efforts produced few tangible results, and Wal-Mart is now defending itself in a lawsuit brought by 16 current and former female employees.
"I don't doubt the sincerity of her efforts, but we don't see much evidence that conditions for women at Wal-Mart changed much during the late 1980s and early 1990s," said Joe Sellers, one of the lawyers suing Wal-Mart on behalf of the women.
Wal-Mart declined to comment to ABC News about the lawsuit, but the company has said previously that it is confident it did not discriminate against female employees.
Sen. Clinton has recently sought to distance herself from Wal-Mart.
In a campaign speech last year in New Hampshire, Sen. Clinton said, "Now I know that Wal-Mart's policies do not reflect the best way of doing business and the values that I think are important in America."
Her Senate campaign returned a $5,000 contribution from a Wal-Mart Political Action Committee, although ABCNews.com discovered another $20,000 in contributions from Wal-Mart executives and lobbyists.
Clinton spokesperson Howard Wolfson said, "There is no basis to return" the money.
According to the New York Times, Sen. Clinton "maintains close ties to Wal-Mart executives through the Democratic Party and the tightly knit Arkansas business community." The May 20, 2007 article also reported that her husband, former President Clinton, "speaks frequently to Wal-Mart's current chief executive, H. Lee Scott Jr." and held a private dinner at the Clinton's New York home in July 2006 for him.
President Clinton defended his wife's role on the Wal-Mart board last week after the issue was raised by Sen. Barack Obama in a CNN debate.
His wife did not try to change the company's minds about unions, the former Arkansas governor said.
"We lived in a state that had a very weak labor movement, where I always had the endorsement of the labor movement because I did what I could do to make it stronger. She knew there was no way she could change that, not with it headquartered in Arkansas, and she agreed to serve," President Clinton said.
In a written statement, Clinton spokesperson Wolfson said, "As President, she will fight alongside labor to promote the economic growth of America's middle class." He said Clinton strongly believes Wal-Mart workers should be able to unionize and bargain collectively.
He did not directly respond when asked why she did not quit the board over the conpany's anti-union efforts. "Wal-Mart was Arkansas's largest employer when Sam Walton asked Sen. Clinton to join the board," he said. "As the first woman to join Wal-Mart's board, she worked hard to make it a better corporate citizen."
In its statement, Wal-Mart described Sen. Clinton as "a valuable contributor" who "pushed us to be a better company."
Clinton Remained Silent As Wal-Mart Fought Unions
Tapes Reviewed by ABC News Show Clinton As a Loyal Company Woman
By BRIAN ROSS, MADDY SAUER and RHONDA SCHWARTZ
Jan. 31, 2008—
In six years as a member of the Wal-Mart board of directors, between 1986 and 1992, Hillary Clinton remained silent as the world's largest retailer waged a major campaign against labor unions seeking to represent store workers.
Clinton has been endorsed for president by more than a dozen unions, according to her campaign Web site, which omits any reference to her role at Wal-Mart in its detailed biography of her.
Wal-Mart's anti-union efforts were headed by one of Clinton's fellow board members, John Tate, a Wal-Mart executive vice president who also served on the board with Clinton for four of her six years.
Tate was fond of repeating, as he did at a managers meeting in 2004 after his retirement, what he said was his favorite phrase, "Labor unions are nothing but blood-sucking parasites living off the productive labor of people who work for a living."
Wal-Mart says Tate's comments "were his own and do not reflect Wal-Mart's views."
But Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton and other company officials often recounted how they relied on Tate to lead the company's successful anti-union efforts.
An ABC News analysis of the videotapes of at least four stockholder meetings where Clinton appeared shows she never once rose to defend the role of American labor unions.
The tapes, broadcast this morning on "Good Morning America," were provided to ABC News from the archives of Flagler Productions, a Lenexa, Kan., company hired by Wal-Mart to record its meetings and events.
A former board member told ABCNews.com that he had no recollection of Clinton defending unions during more than 20 board meetings held in private.
The tapes show Clinton in the role of a loyal company woman. "I'm always proud of Wal-Mart and what we do and the way we do it better than anybody else," she said at a June 1990 stockholders meeting.
Clinton would not agree to be interviewed on the subject but now says she no longer shares Wal-Mart's values and believes unions "have been essential to our nation's success."
The videotapes do show that Clinton used her role to push for more environmentally friendly policies and better treatment of women.
"We've got a very strong-willed young woman on our board now; her name is Hillary," said Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton at a 1987 stockholders meeting in describing Clinton's role in pushing for more women to be hired in management positions.
Critics say Clinton's efforts produced few tangible results, and Wal-Mart is now defending itself in a lawsuit brought by 16 current and former female employees.
"I don't doubt the sincerity of her efforts, but we don't see much evidence that conditions for women at Wal-Mart changed much during the late 1980s and early 1990s," said Joe Sellers, one of the lawyers suing Wal-Mart on behalf of the women.
Wal-Mart declined to comment to ABC News about the lawsuit, but the company has said previously that it is confident it did not discriminate against female employees.
Sen. Clinton has recently sought to distance herself from Wal-Mart.
In a campaign speech last year in New Hampshire, Sen. Clinton said, "Now I know that Wal-Mart's policies do not reflect the best way of doing business and the values that I think are important in America."
Her Senate campaign returned a $5,000 contribution from a Wal-Mart Political Action Committee, although ABCNews.com discovered another $20,000 in contributions from Wal-Mart executives and lobbyists.
Clinton spokesperson Howard Wolfson said, "There is no basis to return" the money.
According to the New York Times, Sen. Clinton "maintains close ties to Wal-Mart executives through the Democratic Party and the tightly knit Arkansas business community." The May 20, 2007 article also reported that her husband, former President Clinton, "speaks frequently to Wal-Mart's current chief executive, H. Lee Scott Jr." and held a private dinner at the Clinton's New York home in July 2006 for him.
President Clinton defended his wife's role on the Wal-Mart board last week after the issue was raised by Sen. Barack Obama in a CNN debate.
His wife did not try to change the company's minds about unions, the former Arkansas governor said.
"We lived in a state that had a very weak labor movement, where I always had the endorsement of the labor movement because I did what I could do to make it stronger. She knew there was no way she could change that, not with it headquartered in Arkansas, and she agreed to serve," President Clinton said.
In a written statement, Clinton spokesperson Wolfson said, "As President, she will fight alongside labor to promote the economic growth of America's middle class." He said Clinton strongly believes Wal-Mart workers should be able to unionize and bargain collectively.
He did not directly respond when asked why she did not quit the board over the conpany's anti-union efforts. "Wal-Mart was Arkansas's largest employer when Sam Walton asked Sen. Clinton to join the board," he said. "As the first woman to join Wal-Mart's board, she worked hard to make it a better corporate citizen."
In its statement, Wal-Mart described Sen. Clinton as "a valuable contributor" who "pushed us to be a better company."
Thursday - Quick Hits
Because they have done such a good job. Advisory panel recommends a 49% and 66% percent pay raise for the mayor and city council. UT
Navy blame for Chollas creek sewage in 2006. UT
ROV will be open on Saturday for early voting for Tuesday's primary. UT
County Board caves in to developers, lowers fee that was designed to road improvements. UT
Mayor Sanders and Councilmember Atkins endorse report recommendations for new management structure for Balboa Park. UT
City Council postpones decision to tap emergency funds to correct city general fund imbalance for fiscal year. UT
State Senate bill would require climate change to be taught as part of the science curriculum. UT
Over the objections of the planning group, board of supervisors approves controversial Elfin Forest project. NC Times
Navy blame for Chollas creek sewage in 2006. UT
ROV will be open on Saturday for early voting for Tuesday's primary. UT
County Board caves in to developers, lowers fee that was designed to road improvements. UT
Mayor Sanders and Councilmember Atkins endorse report recommendations for new management structure for Balboa Park. UT
City Council postpones decision to tap emergency funds to correct city general fund imbalance for fiscal year. UT
State Senate bill would require climate change to be taught as part of the science curriculum. UT
Over the objections of the planning group, board of supervisors approves controversial Elfin Forest project. NC Times
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Labor takes on District 3
I heard from a number of people that the Labor Council held their endorsements in District 3 today. I haven't heard an outcome yet. This is a huge endorsement for any Democratic candidate, but especially important in the worker-friendly 3rd District. Any word?
Brian Bilbray's Economic Stimulus Plan: Create Our Own Poverty
Cross-posted at DailyKos
Drawn from CarlsbadDem's diary with permission
Last night Congressman Bilbray hosted a constituent teleforum- a sort of hybrid robocall/conference call. One of the contributors at Calitics was on the call and caught one of the more honest moments of the Congressman's recent career. The conversation turned towards a discussion over whether undocumented immigrants perform manual labor that citizens otherwise would not perform. Congressman Bilbray, needless to say, does not see this as either an excuse or a problem. All it takes is some good old fashioned American ingenuity to overcome the challenge. Or, maybe, exactly the opposite. As closely as blogger CarlsbadDem could get it down:
That's right. Create our own poverty. So there you have it, boiled down nice and easy. All the United States needs to do is stop educating people. No fuss, no muss, and market forces will drive out all those immigrants. The problem is just that we aren't competing for the jobs because we're too busy pursuing college degrees and jobs that would pay rent.
This fits rather nicely with many of Bilbray's other political positions. Like not funding SCHIP healthcare for children (if they're healthy, they'll go to school and get all uppity about graduating). Like opposition to lower interest rates on student loans (college graduates are bad for the economy- they won't do manual labor). Like opposing a cost of living increase to the minimum wage (a remotely living wage will empower too many people). Like supporting warrantless spying (if people have rights, they'll want to use them). Like opposition to hate-crime legislation (hate is healthy, it gets people elected). Like tax breaks for the rich (they can hire more of our new virtuous class of uneducated native-born citizens).
It's one of the most fundamental pieces of governance that a population kept insecure is easier to control. Keep them poor, sick, hungry, uneducated and desperate and they're docile. They'll turn on each other instead of turn on their government. We've seen this theory in action for the last seven years, if not for nearly 40. Heck, Brian Bilbray's entire platform is "blame the guy next to you, not me." It's rare though that anyone is this blatant about their deeper intentions.
When Bilbray was first in Congress from 1995-2001, he was one of the more moderate members of the GOP. That reputation played no small part in his winning the special election to succeed Duke Cunningham in California's 50th district in 2006. But he spent his years away from Congress as a supershady lobbyist and, as may be clear by now, the guy is a total nutjob.
Nick Leibham is the Democrat aiming to send Bilbray back to the K Street breadlines. I'm guessing he wouldn't mind some scratch.
Oh, and I called Bilbray's office hoping to hear the comments for myself and was informed that the call was not recorded (very odd), so confirming the exact wording is probably impossible. But CarlsbadDem says "is my sincere best recollection, that I believe to be accurate in all significant ways." I have no reason to doubt that.
Drawn from CarlsbadDem's diary with permission
Last night Congressman Bilbray hosted a constituent teleforum- a sort of hybrid robocall/conference call. One of the contributors at Calitics was on the call and caught one of the more honest moments of the Congressman's recent career. The conversation turned towards a discussion over whether undocumented immigrants perform manual labor that citizens otherwise would not perform. Congressman Bilbray, needless to say, does not see this as either an excuse or a problem. All it takes is some good old fashioned American ingenuity to overcome the challenge. Or, maybe, exactly the opposite. As closely as blogger CarlsbadDem could get it down:
What those people are really saying is that we aren't producing enough unskilled, poor workers. They're saying that we aren't producing enough poverty in this country. Well, my answer is that the federal government could produce a lot of poverty if it wanted to. We spend billions on education and training. We could create our own.
That's right. Create our own poverty. So there you have it, boiled down nice and easy. All the United States needs to do is stop educating people. No fuss, no muss, and market forces will drive out all those immigrants. The problem is just that we aren't competing for the jobs because we're too busy pursuing college degrees and jobs that would pay rent.
This fits rather nicely with many of Bilbray's other political positions. Like not funding SCHIP healthcare for children (if they're healthy, they'll go to school and get all uppity about graduating). Like opposition to lower interest rates on student loans (college graduates are bad for the economy- they won't do manual labor). Like opposing a cost of living increase to the minimum wage (a remotely living wage will empower too many people). Like supporting warrantless spying (if people have rights, they'll want to use them). Like opposition to hate-crime legislation (hate is healthy, it gets people elected). Like tax breaks for the rich (they can hire more of our new virtuous class of uneducated native-born citizens).
It's one of the most fundamental pieces of governance that a population kept insecure is easier to control. Keep them poor, sick, hungry, uneducated and desperate and they're docile. They'll turn on each other instead of turn on their government. We've seen this theory in action for the last seven years, if not for nearly 40. Heck, Brian Bilbray's entire platform is "blame the guy next to you, not me." It's rare though that anyone is this blatant about their deeper intentions.
When Bilbray was first in Congress from 1995-2001, he was one of the more moderate members of the GOP. That reputation played no small part in his winning the special election to succeed Duke Cunningham in California's 50th district in 2006. But he spent his years away from Congress as a supershady lobbyist and, as may be clear by now, the guy is a total nutjob.
Nick Leibham is the Democrat aiming to send Bilbray back to the K Street breadlines. I'm guessing he wouldn't mind some scratch.
Oh, and I called Bilbray's office hoping to hear the comments for myself and was informed that the call was not recorded (very odd), so confirming the exact wording is probably impossible. But CarlsbadDem says "is my sincere best recollection, that I believe to be accurate in all significant ways." I have no reason to doubt that.
Wednesday - Quick Hits
CCDC president gets pay raise, but loses out on bonus. UT
City Council moves closer to requiring RVs and trailers to have permit to park overnight on city streets. UT
County moves closer to long overdue countywide fire service. UT
The first of seven workshop on Sunrise Power link held last night. UT
New magnet high school opening in Vista may be delayed due to budget crisis. UT
O.C. Board of Supervisors vote to pursue lawsuit to cut sheriff deputies pensions. UT
County home prices fell by 13.4% in 2007, second highest drop in nation. NCTimes VOSD
City Council moves closer to requiring RVs and trailers to have permit to park overnight on city streets. UT
County moves closer to long overdue countywide fire service. UT
The first of seven workshop on Sunrise Power link held last night. UT
New magnet high school opening in Vista may be delayed due to budget crisis. UT
O.C. Board of Supervisors vote to pursue lawsuit to cut sheriff deputies pensions. UT
County home prices fell by 13.4% in 2007, second highest drop in nation. NCTimes VOSD
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Tuesday - Quick Hits
Caltrans has decided to relocate the Minutemen "adopt-a-highway" from the I-1 to route 52. UT
Faculty and students at UCSD will be participating in four days of Climate Awareness discussions. UT
City of Vista marks 45th anniversary of incorporation. UT
City attorney Mike Aguirre informs SEC that he's concerned about city's actions. UT
Foreclosures in Riverside county skyrocket. Up 50% from month before and up 300% from same time last year. UT
Faculty and students at UCSD will be participating in four days of Climate Awareness discussions. UT
City of Vista marks 45th anniversary of incorporation. UT
City attorney Mike Aguirre informs SEC that he's concerned about city's actions. UT
Foreclosures in Riverside county skyrocket. Up 50% from month before and up 300% from same time last year. UT
Monday, January 28, 2008
Prop 93 - Do we have to go there?
We have received two mailers, one from Vote Matters and another from Citizens for Accountability and Legislative Reform, both asking for my partner to vote Yes on Prop 93 but for rather strange reasons.
You see, my partner has a Latino surname and these mailers are asking for his vote because Latino representation is under threat should Prop 93 fail.
Huh?
Given how gerrymandered the state is, thanks to our Democratic majority seeking job security and the Republican minority seeking relevance, I don’t see how Latinos “lose” representation.
In the Vote Matters mailer, which looks like a Christmas card addressed to “Our Sons & Daughters / Nuestrtos Hijos y Hijas”, we are asked to support our sons and daughters in the State Legislature so they can continue to work for better schools, health care, and jobs. It doesn’t say a word about the proposition or its affects, just that these Latino lawmakers could lose their jobs.
First of all, these people are older than we are so I don’t buy the immediate familial connection, maybe as distant cousins or uncles and aunts. Second, so long as local school boards rule, I don’t know what Sacramento can really do--short of throwing more money at education. Third, State Sen. Kuehl has been pushing healthcare for quite sometime. Speaker Nunez didn’t jump in until late in the game. This calls into question his priorities. Fourth, as for jobs, I think employment is a state issue and not a Latino majority district one. Finally, politicians should spend some time in the real world and not the one they inhabit in Sacramento, with taxpayer paid staff, vehicles, and offices. This way they can get a serious reality check on the state they govern.
In short, this appeal to Latinos strikes me as wrongheaded and a bit underhanded. To quote my partner, if he didn’t know any better he would have tossed it because it looks like a Christmas card sent too late to matter..
As for the Citizens for Accountability and Legislative Reform, this is a standard, 8.5 x 11 sheet letting us know that “Now is the time to be heard.” Given that all but one of the 8 photos on the back are of Latino legislators from Los Angeles, I’m assuming that this is another Latino targeted piece, especially because it’s addressed to my partner. We are told that Prop 93 protects our communities from special interests by electing our leaders, means better representation, and means real reform. Again, nothing is said of what Prop 93 is or might do.
I choked on my coffee when I read this. It appears to me that special interests already elect our leaders and that Prop 93 ensures that those who are bought remain bought for a longer amount of time thereby denying communities the opportunity to elect someone else. So much for better representation. And real reform? By real, do you mean positive? Because I’m having trouble in seeing how gaming the system to extend your term in office represents positive reform.
I was already biased against Prop 93 because of the underwhelming performance of Nunez as speaker. Now, with this “divide and conquer” strategy, as is evidenced by these mailers, in play as a gambit to win, I’m becoming solidly against it.
It obvious to me what is happening. The proponents can’t win on the merits and need to go “racial” to turn the vote out. Which means that those who opposed to the prop don’t have to do much to knock it over.
Way to go, Sacramento. You could say vote yes because it’s about better government instead of keeping our Latino familia in power. I have nothing against the latter argument, but I think it’s the wrong one to make. Even in a targeted mailing.
You see, my partner has a Latino surname and these mailers are asking for his vote because Latino representation is under threat should Prop 93 fail.
Huh?
Given how gerrymandered the state is, thanks to our Democratic majority seeking job security and the Republican minority seeking relevance, I don’t see how Latinos “lose” representation.
In the Vote Matters mailer, which looks like a Christmas card addressed to “Our Sons & Daughters / Nuestrtos Hijos y Hijas”, we are asked to support our sons and daughters in the State Legislature so they can continue to work for better schools, health care, and jobs. It doesn’t say a word about the proposition or its affects, just that these Latino lawmakers could lose their jobs.
First of all, these people are older than we are so I don’t buy the immediate familial connection, maybe as distant cousins or uncles and aunts. Second, so long as local school boards rule, I don’t know what Sacramento can really do--short of throwing more money at education. Third, State Sen. Kuehl has been pushing healthcare for quite sometime. Speaker Nunez didn’t jump in until late in the game. This calls into question his priorities. Fourth, as for jobs, I think employment is a state issue and not a Latino majority district one. Finally, politicians should spend some time in the real world and not the one they inhabit in Sacramento, with taxpayer paid staff, vehicles, and offices. This way they can get a serious reality check on the state they govern.
In short, this appeal to Latinos strikes me as wrongheaded and a bit underhanded. To quote my partner, if he didn’t know any better he would have tossed it because it looks like a Christmas card sent too late to matter..
As for the Citizens for Accountability and Legislative Reform, this is a standard, 8.5 x 11 sheet letting us know that “Now is the time to be heard.” Given that all but one of the 8 photos on the back are of Latino legislators from Los Angeles, I’m assuming that this is another Latino targeted piece, especially because it’s addressed to my partner. We are told that Prop 93 protects our communities from special interests by electing our leaders, means better representation, and means real reform. Again, nothing is said of what Prop 93 is or might do.
I choked on my coffee when I read this. It appears to me that special interests already elect our leaders and that Prop 93 ensures that those who are bought remain bought for a longer amount of time thereby denying communities the opportunity to elect someone else. So much for better representation. And real reform? By real, do you mean positive? Because I’m having trouble in seeing how gaming the system to extend your term in office represents positive reform.
I was already biased against Prop 93 because of the underwhelming performance of Nunez as speaker. Now, with this “divide and conquer” strategy, as is evidenced by these mailers, in play as a gambit to win, I’m becoming solidly against it.
It obvious to me what is happening. The proponents can’t win on the merits and need to go “racial” to turn the vote out. Which means that those who opposed to the prop don’t have to do much to knock it over.
Way to go, Sacramento. You could say vote yes because it’s about better government instead of keeping our Latino familia in power. I have nothing against the latter argument, but I think it’s the wrong one to make. Even in a targeted mailing.
Monday - Quick Hits
Both Democratic and Republican state lawmakers vow to fight Governor's proposed closing of 48 State Parks. UT
Analysis by SDSU professor finds San Diego jury pools lacking in Latinos. UT
Homeowners who invest in new water conservation equipment can receive rebates from county water agencies. UT
City Council is planning on overhauling the HUD block grant program. UT
Homeless Shelter task force doesn't have anyone who works with the homeless on it. UT
Analysis by SDSU professor finds San Diego jury pools lacking in Latinos. UT
Homeowners who invest in new water conservation equipment can receive rebates from county water agencies. UT
City Council is planning on overhauling the HUD block grant program. UT
Homeless Shelter task force doesn't have anyone who works with the homeless on it. UT
Saturday, January 26, 2008
What do you get for dropping out of the City Attorney's Race?
Well, I guess if you are Republican William Gentry and you bow down to the right wing, you get appointed judge.
Isn't it amazing how the right wing works? They decided the wanted the field clear for Goldsmith, so they bribe Gentry out of the race with a judicial appointment.
I just wonder if Chula Vista City Councilman John Mcann feels a little cheated. When he was asked to bow out of the 78th for David Bejarano, he was just sent packing with his tail between his legs. Then, when Bejarano took a pass, the Republican establishment asked him to come back in as sloppy seconds. Maybe McCann should take a negotiating lesson from Gentry.
Isn't it amazing how the right wing works? They decided the wanted the field clear for Goldsmith, so they bribe Gentry out of the race with a judicial appointment.
I just wonder if Chula Vista City Councilman John Mcann feels a little cheated. When he was asked to bow out of the 78th for David Bejarano, he was just sent packing with his tail between his legs. Then, when Bejarano took a pass, the Republican establishment asked him to come back in as sloppy seconds. Maybe McCann should take a negotiating lesson from Gentry.
Friday, January 25, 2008
More Great State Budget Ideas
Our state grapples with a growing budget deficit this year that has reached the tens of billions of dollars. It will require serious attention and a true budget review. However, some members just don't get it.
It seems freshman Assemblymember Joel Anderson has proposed savings $34 million a year by eliminating 117 state boards, committees and commissions. Boards and commissions like:
I don't think these are the first steps, but the last ones. Instead let's call for a real review of each dollar the state spends and each dollar of revenue it has coming into its coffers.
It seems freshman Assemblymember Joel Anderson has proposed savings $34 million a year by eliminating 117 state boards, committees and commissions. Boards and commissions like:
- Contractors State License Board
- Medical Board of California
- Board of Pharmacy
- Board of Podiatric Medicine
- Board of Psychology
- Registered Nursing Board
- Veterinary Medical Board
- Board of Forestry and Fire Protection
- Building Standards Commission
- California Inspection and Maintenance Review Committee
I don't think these are the first steps, but the last ones. Instead let's call for a real review of each dollar the state spends and each dollar of revenue it has coming into its coffers.
Friday - Quick Hits
Mingei Museum in Balboa Park one of five museums in California targeted by FBI regarding stolen artifacts. UT
Chula Vista and PUC clash over bay front power plant. UT
Nanny State at work, Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges to ban smoking on campuses. UT
The UT give too much space to crazy anti-tax activist in Rancho Penasquitos. UT
Next month's Coastal Commission meeting on toll road move to Del Mar Fairgrounds to accommodate anticipated high attendance for meeting. NCTimes
Chula Vista and PUC clash over bay front power plant. UT
Nanny State at work, Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges to ban smoking on campuses. UT
The UT give too much space to crazy anti-tax activist in Rancho Penasquitos. UT
Next month's Coastal Commission meeting on toll road move to Del Mar Fairgrounds to accommodate anticipated high attendance for meeting. NCTimes
San Diego Dem Club Takes a Pass
I hear that the powerful San Diego Democratic Club chose to not endorse in the City Attorney's Race as of yet. Lee Burdick, Dan Coffey and Mike Aguirre were all on hand, but the club voted overwhelmingly to wait on taking a position. Word has it that the decision was highly influenced by the possibility that Scott Peters may enter the race before the filing deadline.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Marti Emerald Leads April Boling in Poll
Last week there was mention here as San Diego Politico of a recent poll taken in District 7 race for city council. This evening I received a copy of the poll conducted January 7-9 by Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin & Associates showing some stunning results.
Marti Emerald begins the campaign for the 7th District City Council seat with an overwhelming lead, demonstrating initial support and favorable ratings that exceed anything we have seen in an open-seat race. Emerald has 84 percent name recognition and 64 percent of voters give her a personal rating of “very” or “somewhat favorable” (compared to 9% unfavorable). Marti Emerald receives nearly 60 percent of the vote, while April Boling is at just 16 percent in an initial ballot test preceding any information about the candidates. . . .
The support Marti Emerald garners in the districts also cuts across partisan lines. She has a 54% to 22% support among Republicans, 56% support among DTS voters and an overwhelming 63% support among Democrats.
It is plainly obvious that Marti Emerald's years as the "Troubleshooter" is viewed very positively among district voters and that she doesn't suffer from some of the same baggage that other candidates running for office have to address.
Thursday - Quick Hits
Police Officers Union joins the long list of "any one but Mike" crowd. UT
Women's Health Clinic open in Mission beach to serve women who are struggling with the high cost of health care. UT
Attempt to limit eminent domain in city charter fails City Council committee vote. UT
The GJ indicts an Encinitas man for UCSD bomb hoax. UT
Mortgage default in Riverside county up 119% in 2007 over 2006. UT
Women's Health Clinic open in Mission beach to serve women who are struggling with the high cost of health care. UT
Attempt to limit eminent domain in city charter fails City Council committee vote. UT
The GJ indicts an Encinitas man for UCSD bomb hoax. UT
Mortgage default in Riverside county up 119% in 2007 over 2006. UT
Peters may be our only hope
As the City Attorney's race heats up, those of us on the left should be VERY worried about the shape of the race.
As of now, we have a far-right nut job with Jan Goldsmith, an empty-suit conservative with Brian Maienschein, an all-over-the-map, union hating democrat with Mike Aguirre and two candidates who can't seem to get traction.
Lee Burdick is actually quite sensible and would be a great candidate if anyone knew her, but conventional wisdom says she will need a lot of money to compete in this field. And I hear, she can't pull the fundraising.
So who does that leave for us? Anti-worker former school-tyrant Alan Bersin is threatening (and I do mean threatening) to enter the field. His likelihood of getting a dem party or labor endorsement is on par with Republican Maienschein.
So what do we do? Encourage Scott Peters to run for City Attorney. Sure, he over-waters his lawn and hasn't been a favorite of labor or the party in the past, but he is a lot better than the alternatives. His "big" negative of the pension mess is going to get lost with another Councilmember in the race. I have never been one to advocate for the moderate, but he does seem to be the only Democrat that could garner enough support from labor, elected officials, enviromentalists, maybe even the Party and present a united front against the nightmare match-up of Goldsmith / Aguirre. He has proven himself on a number of key issues this year, including marriage equality and wal-mart, and holds a decent record with coastal environmentalists. Let's not forget this guy was an Environmental Attorney and is a former Coastal Commissioner. He even took a courageous stand on toilet to tap. Best of all, he has the money to self fund. Sources close to the Councilmember say he is considering it.
It may be an unconventional choice, but Peters may be our only hope.
As of now, we have a far-right nut job with Jan Goldsmith, an empty-suit conservative with Brian Maienschein, an all-over-the-map, union hating democrat with Mike Aguirre and two candidates who can't seem to get traction.
Lee Burdick is actually quite sensible and would be a great candidate if anyone knew her, but conventional wisdom says she will need a lot of money to compete in this field. And I hear, she can't pull the fundraising.
So who does that leave for us? Anti-worker former school-tyrant Alan Bersin is threatening (and I do mean threatening) to enter the field. His likelihood of getting a dem party or labor endorsement is on par with Republican Maienschein.
So what do we do? Encourage Scott Peters to run for City Attorney. Sure, he over-waters his lawn and hasn't been a favorite of labor or the party in the past, but he is a lot better than the alternatives. His "big" negative of the pension mess is going to get lost with another Councilmember in the race. I have never been one to advocate for the moderate, but he does seem to be the only Democrat that could garner enough support from labor, elected officials, enviromentalists, maybe even the Party and present a united front against the nightmare match-up of Goldsmith / Aguirre. He has proven himself on a number of key issues this year, including marriage equality and wal-mart, and holds a decent record with coastal environmentalists. Let's not forget this guy was an Environmental Attorney and is a former Coastal Commissioner. He even took a courageous stand on toilet to tap. Best of all, he has the money to self fund. Sources close to the Councilmember say he is considering it.
It may be an unconventional choice, but Peters may be our only hope.
A Progressive City Attorney
Warning: Super-nerdy wonkishness ahead
Last night I attended the inaugural event by the San Diego chapter of the American Constitution Society; a panel exploring What Is a Progressive View of the City Attorney's Office? Since I don't know enough about the inner workings, hopes and fears of the current city attorney's race (just that it's likely to be an 18-way slapfight), it seemed like a good place to start getting geared up. If the streets are going to run with the blood of the nonbelievers, I should be prepared. And prepared I am now approaching.
It got pretty deep into the wonky legal weeds of theory, so occasionally I was out of my depth on jargon or tangents, but I think the fundamental discussion can be broken down pretty simply. Essentially the question is whether, by nature, the "public interest" can be served by a city attorney. Given that the public interest means different things to different people, does the pursuit of such service inherently lead to the office being overtly and entirely political as the city attorney picks which version of "public interest" will be served? The argument put forth by one of the panelists- Professor David McGowan- that a city attorney should "aim low" for a role cleaning up messes but not being proactive about policy seemed to be the most ripe as a jumping off point as it seems to lay bare all the apparent contradictions in how the city attorney position has been conceived in the first place.
The construct of the city attorney's office in San Diego names the City of San Diego as the "client." That is, in inelegant corporate terms (and I suppose at least partly in my opinion), the city attorney protects the brand name- not necessarily the employees of the company (government officials) or necessarily the customers (citizens). Given that the role of the city attorney is not directly to serve the general public (and sometimes to work directly against them presumably), this would seem to make the city attorney unique among other elected offices. From President to State Assembly to Judge and Sheriff, every other elected official is put into the job directly in service to the people. Keep them safe from crime or injustice in the non-political aspects, direct policy that protects life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness on the legislative and executive side. But the city attorney does not exist to serve the public as an inherent or necessary function of the job.
So how should voters be utilizing the city attorney when weighing candidates? It seems to me that the notion of aiming low and cleaning up the messes as they come can be extrapolated into a notion that the city attorney should strive to be as apolitical as possible. A proactive, politicized city attorney, the argument goes, puts policy discretion in inappropriate hands. But the inappropriate-ness seems to be a semantic issue. The simple title of "mayor" or "councilmember" or "city attorney" carry no inherent value- it is what people make it out to be. And certainly one thing we've seen at the national, state and local levels over the past decade is that the balance of power is fluid. The relative power of executive, legislative and judicial branches within any political unit is in a constant state of motion and relative ascendancy/decendency. Some units might have a strong mayor now after a strong legislature four years ago, some might be going the other direction. So as long as the city attorney is an elected position serving an autonomous role in the city government, it seems to me that the office is an element of the power structure that voters must use to maintain the desired balance of power.
None of this really gets to the question of what is a progressive view of the City Attorney's office? The underpinning of the notion of a City Attorney seems to be that a healthy civic brand is the unifying public interest of a community. That is, by protecting the integrity of the city as an entity all the competing political views within are enabled to healthily and properly work themselves out. And the progressive in me certainly likes that notion. So how does a city attorney actually do that in practice? I'm wary of the notion that being apolitical is progressive, although I don't think that progressivism is inherently ideological in itself. I have a difficult time with the notion that removing onesself from the political process can help to bring about a particular sort of political end. Minimizing influence as a way of maximizing influence the notion would be, and I'm just not ready to buy onto that theoretical train.
So that leaves me with a progressive role that's about as close to clearly defined and uncontrovertial as any political role can be. Not just clean, but open government. This isn't meant to be the only role of the City Attorney. Rather the only political role of the City Attorney. Ensuring no closed doors, no unreasonably restricted public commentary, no string of last-minute location changes for charter review committee meetings (cough), and when feasible, working to ensure a healthy adversarial relationship between the executive and legislative branches of government. The City Attorney ought not have a direct role in determining the conception or the application of policy, but in certain respects the public most certainly should.
Part of protecting the "brand" of the city is ensuring a vital and functional government, and it just so happens to also serve the collective public interest (by keeping their government in front of their noses) and progressive interests (hamstringing attempts at runaway concentration of power).
Cross posted at Calitics
Last night I attended the inaugural event by the San Diego chapter of the American Constitution Society; a panel exploring What Is a Progressive View of the City Attorney's Office? Since I don't know enough about the inner workings, hopes and fears of the current city attorney's race (just that it's likely to be an 18-way slapfight), it seemed like a good place to start getting geared up. If the streets are going to run with the blood of the nonbelievers, I should be prepared. And prepared I am now approaching.
It got pretty deep into the wonky legal weeds of theory, so occasionally I was out of my depth on jargon or tangents, but I think the fundamental discussion can be broken down pretty simply. Essentially the question is whether, by nature, the "public interest" can be served by a city attorney. Given that the public interest means different things to different people, does the pursuit of such service inherently lead to the office being overtly and entirely political as the city attorney picks which version of "public interest" will be served? The argument put forth by one of the panelists- Professor David McGowan- that a city attorney should "aim low" for a role cleaning up messes but not being proactive about policy seemed to be the most ripe as a jumping off point as it seems to lay bare all the apparent contradictions in how the city attorney position has been conceived in the first place.
The construct of the city attorney's office in San Diego names the City of San Diego as the "client." That is, in inelegant corporate terms (and I suppose at least partly in my opinion), the city attorney protects the brand name- not necessarily the employees of the company (government officials) or necessarily the customers (citizens). Given that the role of the city attorney is not directly to serve the general public (and sometimes to work directly against them presumably), this would seem to make the city attorney unique among other elected offices. From President to State Assembly to Judge and Sheriff, every other elected official is put into the job directly in service to the people. Keep them safe from crime or injustice in the non-political aspects, direct policy that protects life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness on the legislative and executive side. But the city attorney does not exist to serve the public as an inherent or necessary function of the job.
So how should voters be utilizing the city attorney when weighing candidates? It seems to me that the notion of aiming low and cleaning up the messes as they come can be extrapolated into a notion that the city attorney should strive to be as apolitical as possible. A proactive, politicized city attorney, the argument goes, puts policy discretion in inappropriate hands. But the inappropriate-ness seems to be a semantic issue. The simple title of "mayor" or "councilmember" or "city attorney" carry no inherent value- it is what people make it out to be. And certainly one thing we've seen at the national, state and local levels over the past decade is that the balance of power is fluid. The relative power of executive, legislative and judicial branches within any political unit is in a constant state of motion and relative ascendancy/decendency. Some units might have a strong mayor now after a strong legislature four years ago, some might be going the other direction. So as long as the city attorney is an elected position serving an autonomous role in the city government, it seems to me that the office is an element of the power structure that voters must use to maintain the desired balance of power.
None of this really gets to the question of what is a progressive view of the City Attorney's office? The underpinning of the notion of a City Attorney seems to be that a healthy civic brand is the unifying public interest of a community. That is, by protecting the integrity of the city as an entity all the competing political views within are enabled to healthily and properly work themselves out. And the progressive in me certainly likes that notion. So how does a city attorney actually do that in practice? I'm wary of the notion that being apolitical is progressive, although I don't think that progressivism is inherently ideological in itself. I have a difficult time with the notion that removing onesself from the political process can help to bring about a particular sort of political end. Minimizing influence as a way of maximizing influence the notion would be, and I'm just not ready to buy onto that theoretical train.
So that leaves me with a progressive role that's about as close to clearly defined and uncontrovertial as any political role can be. Not just clean, but open government. This isn't meant to be the only role of the City Attorney. Rather the only political role of the City Attorney. Ensuring no closed doors, no unreasonably restricted public commentary, no string of last-minute location changes for charter review committee meetings (cough), and when feasible, working to ensure a healthy adversarial relationship between the executive and legislative branches of government. The City Attorney ought not have a direct role in determining the conception or the application of policy, but in certain respects the public most certainly should.
Part of protecting the "brand" of the city is ensuring a vital and functional government, and it just so happens to also serve the collective public interest (by keeping their government in front of their noses) and progressive interests (hamstringing attempts at runaway concentration of power).
Cross posted at Calitics
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Wednesday - Quick Hits
Housing crisis continues, home foreclosers in county increase by 353% last over year before. UT
More on housing crisis, county property tax delinquencies are up 20%. UT
City of El Cajon faces a $6 million budget shortfall. UT
Federal wastewater officials weigh two options to treat Tijuana's sewage. UT
City council approves $320 million worth of clean-water programs, but has no idea where the money will come from to pay for them. UT
City of San Marcos delays mini-dorm decision. UT
Even though Chula Vista is more interested in potential Gaylord Entertainment project, city agrees to go ahead with a study about proposed Chargers Stadium project. UT
More on housing crisis, county property tax delinquencies are up 20%. UT
City of El Cajon faces a $6 million budget shortfall. UT
Federal wastewater officials weigh two options to treat Tijuana's sewage. UT
City council approves $320 million worth of clean-water programs, but has no idea where the money will come from to pay for them. UT
City of San Marcos delays mini-dorm decision. UT
Even though Chula Vista is more interested in potential Gaylord Entertainment project, city agrees to go ahead with a study about proposed Chargers Stadium project. UT
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Last Day to Register to Vote for Feb 5th Primary
Today is the last day to register to vote, if you want to cast a ballot in the February 5th Presidential primary. Registration can be dropped off at the Country Registrar of Voters by 5:00p.m. or they can be postmarked today and mail to Registrar of Voters, P.O. Box 85656, San Diego, CA 92186-5656.
Tuesday - Quick Hits
San Diego Unified new superintendent hitting the ground running. UT
Lt. Governor Garamendi is urging students to protest propsed university budget cuts. UT
Regional Airport Authority to hold community meeting Thursday on proposed changes to Lindbergh Field. UT
Judge rules that UCANN can solicit fund from San Diego water and sewers customers in order to perform an independent audit. UT
California Energy Commission will conduct two public workshops regarding proposed changes to Encina Powerplant in Carlsbad. UT
City of San Marocs to address mini-dorm issue. NCTimes
Palomar College to weigh increasing out-of-state tuition rate. NCTimes
Miracosta College will be only slightly be affected by proposed budget cuts to state community colleges. NCTimes
Lt. Governor Garamendi is urging students to protest propsed university budget cuts. UT
Regional Airport Authority to hold community meeting Thursday on proposed changes to Lindbergh Field. UT
Judge rules that UCANN can solicit fund from San Diego water and sewers customers in order to perform an independent audit. UT
California Energy Commission will conduct two public workshops regarding proposed changes to Encina Powerplant in Carlsbad. UT
City of San Marocs to address mini-dorm issue. NCTimes
Palomar College to weigh increasing out-of-state tuition rate. NCTimes
Miracosta College will be only slightly be affected by proposed budget cuts to state community colleges. NCTimes
Monday, January 21, 2008
Monday - Quick Hits
Citizens qualify a building height initiative in Chula Vista for the June election. UT
Coronado settles suit to woman, accidentally run over by lifeguard truck on beach. UT
La Mesa considers the option of raising sales tax to offset declining revenues. UT
LA Times fires editor after dispute with publisher over newsroom cuts. UT
Emergency water plan moves closer to becoming a reality. NC Times
Hate crimes in San Diego for the last year increase. VOSD
Coronado settles suit to woman, accidentally run over by lifeguard truck on beach. UT
La Mesa considers the option of raising sales tax to offset declining revenues. UT
LA Times fires editor after dispute with publisher over newsroom cuts. UT
Emergency water plan moves closer to becoming a reality. NC Times
Hate crimes in San Diego for the last year increase. VOSD
Saturday, January 19, 2008
What's Going on in the 78th?
For the past couple of weeks there have been rumors swirling around that former 78th Democratic Assembly candidate from 2006, Maxine Sherard was considering another run for the seat. It seems these rumors are true.
Yesterday, I received an email from a friend who checked at the ROV and confirmed that Maxine Sherard has pulled papers to run. My friend also heard from a local printer that she had recently had printed personal cards listing her as a candidate for assembly.
Late this afternoon, I received an email from a South Bay Democratic activist confirming that Sherard has indeed pulled papers and is intent on running again. According to this person, she believes that since she has already been the Democratic nominee, her name recognition is good enough for her to win the primary.
On a final note, Arlie Ricasa has yet to pulled papers. She still has plenty of time to file to run, but one has to consider if she is having second thoughts about running.
Yesterday, I received an email from a friend who checked at the ROV and confirmed that Maxine Sherard has pulled papers to run. My friend also heard from a local printer that she had recently had printed personal cards listing her as a candidate for assembly.
Late this afternoon, I received an email from a South Bay Democratic activist confirming that Sherard has indeed pulled papers and is intent on running again. According to this person, she believes that since she has already been the Democratic nominee, her name recognition is good enough for her to win the primary.
On a final note, Arlie Ricasa has yet to pulled papers. She still has plenty of time to file to run, but one has to consider if she is having second thoughts about running.
Marti Emerald for Mayor?
I have had a number of people tell me that the polling on the District 7 April Boling / Marti Emerald Race was incredible. Apparently, Marti's name ID and favorables are higher than Mayor Sanders in this right-leaning district. Head-to-head April doesn't have a chance, unless Marti commits murder between now and election day. I hear that there are even some even considering asking her to abandon the 7th and run for Mayor instead. Wouldn't that shake up the Mayor's race?
Friday, January 18, 2008
City Atty. Race: WTF?
With Councilmember Brian Maienschein throwing his hat into the ring for City Attorney I can only ask the obvious; “Why?” Does he really think he stands a chance in this field?
Here are my thoughts on why he’s doing this:
1) Mike supporters are mostly Republican.
I base this bit of conjecture on the fact that if the Republicans were anti-Mike, their instinctive attraction to order would link them to a single candidate to carry the day. That doesn’t seem to be the case otherwise they wouldn’t have so much trouble fielding a candidate. Look, if you have unified party behind you in San Diego, you win, especially on the Republican side because at least they vote. The fact that people are shying away from this tells me there is more going on below the surface and the most obvious “candidate” is that Mike pulls from the Republicans in such a high number that, short of the Democrats endorsing him, they can’t make a partisan appeal.
So a more moderate influence is needed. Enter Brian betting, correctly I think, that his name recognition is higher in the City than Jan’s and, even if Mike pounds him into the sand, he can say he fought the good fight and stood up when none else did
2) Brian needs a job.
Our termed out councilman needs something to hang his hat on because the last thing legislators want to be is termed out. You lose the taxpayer paid staff, you’re not treated “special” and you don’t have access to the money chambers you once did. And the last thing anybody who was (they think) somebody wants to become is a nobody.
At minimum, by being a pain in Goldsmith’s hide he can burnish his credentials in being the anti-Goldsmith, whatever that becomes, as the race progresses. Any press is good press.
3) This is what happens when you’re in a city filled with big mouths and no guts.
A constant refrain from this race is the Aguirre needs to go, but those who would publicly say so or act towards this refuse to because they’re afraid of him. Last time I checked, I thought we lived in America where you could say what you wanted. Oops! I’m in San Diego where speaking your mind is a no-no unless approved from the oligarchs that run the city.
I’m overstating the case here but the point is that this race, like many others, will attract the second stringers and has-beens unless those who can make difference dare speak out for what they believe. Short of that, San Diegans deserve what they’ll get: four more years of Sanders and Aguirre.
Because if this race were to be taken seriously, Brain wouldn’t have dreamed of entering.
Here are my thoughts on why he’s doing this:
1) Mike supporters are mostly Republican.
I base this bit of conjecture on the fact that if the Republicans were anti-Mike, their instinctive attraction to order would link them to a single candidate to carry the day. That doesn’t seem to be the case otherwise they wouldn’t have so much trouble fielding a candidate. Look, if you have unified party behind you in San Diego, you win, especially on the Republican side because at least they vote. The fact that people are shying away from this tells me there is more going on below the surface and the most obvious “candidate” is that Mike pulls from the Republicans in such a high number that, short of the Democrats endorsing him, they can’t make a partisan appeal.
So a more moderate influence is needed. Enter Brian betting, correctly I think, that his name recognition is higher in the City than Jan’s and, even if Mike pounds him into the sand, he can say he fought the good fight and stood up when none else did
2) Brian needs a job.
Our termed out councilman needs something to hang his hat on because the last thing legislators want to be is termed out. You lose the taxpayer paid staff, you’re not treated “special” and you don’t have access to the money chambers you once did. And the last thing anybody who was (they think) somebody wants to become is a nobody.
At minimum, by being a pain in Goldsmith’s hide he can burnish his credentials in being the anti-Goldsmith, whatever that becomes, as the race progresses. Any press is good press.
3) This is what happens when you’re in a city filled with big mouths and no guts.
A constant refrain from this race is the Aguirre needs to go, but those who would publicly say so or act towards this refuse to because they’re afraid of him. Last time I checked, I thought we lived in America where you could say what you wanted. Oops! I’m in San Diego where speaking your mind is a no-no unless approved from the oligarchs that run the city.
I’m overstating the case here but the point is that this race, like many others, will attract the second stringers and has-beens unless those who can make difference dare speak out for what they believe. Short of that, San Diegans deserve what they’ll get: four more years of Sanders and Aguirre.
Because if this race were to be taken seriously, Brain wouldn’t have dreamed of entering.
Friday - Quick Hits
Three hour long fire fight between law enforcement and drug cartels in Tijuana leaves six dead. UT
Misconduct at San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant has led to five employees fired and two others disciplined. UT
Governor visits town yesterday to explain, how his mismanagement of state budget now needs to be slashed. UT
Local GOP not too happy with Maienschein's entry into city attorney race. UT
Continuing to investigate City Attorney Aguirre, State bar has issued subpoenas in its investigation. UT
City on Encinitas has decided to purchase iconic boat houses. UT
If it passes a safety check, Sprinter rail service could start on Jan 27. UT
State Sen. Kehoe has requested that the Public Utilities Commission hold a public hearing regarding Sunrise Powerlink in the City of San Diego. NC Times
Misconduct at San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant has led to five employees fired and two others disciplined. UT
Governor visits town yesterday to explain, how his mismanagement of state budget now needs to be slashed. UT
Local GOP not too happy with Maienschein's entry into city attorney race. UT
Continuing to investigate City Attorney Aguirre, State bar has issued subpoenas in its investigation. UT
City on Encinitas has decided to purchase iconic boat houses. UT
If it passes a safety check, Sprinter rail service could start on Jan 27. UT
State Sen. Kehoe has requested that the Public Utilities Commission hold a public hearing regarding Sunrise Powerlink in the City of San Diego. NC Times
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Debra Bowen 1 : County of San Diego 0
This afternoon a Superior Court judge tentatively ruled on behalf of Secretary of State Debra Bowen rejecting the lawsuit brought by the County of San Diego. The county brought suit against the Secretary of State, claiming that the office didn't have the authority to require a 10% hand count of ballot in elections were the winner wins by 1/2 percent or less. The judge in expected to announce the final ruling early next week.[Link]
Thursday - Quick Hits
NIMBYism at is finest, proposed Rose Canyon bridge continues to generate controversy. UT
The process to find a permanent homeless shelter downtown, begins this afternoon with city council committee hearing. UT
Chula Vista residents to decided in November on whether city attorney should become an elected office. UT
City of Oceanside advances plans for luxury beach front hotel. UT
Mayors from 10 Southrern California cities meet to discuss water problems, but fail to come to a consensus. NC Times
The process to find a permanent homeless shelter downtown, begins this afternoon with city council committee hearing. UT
Chula Vista residents to decided in November on whether city attorney should become an elected office. UT
City of Oceanside advances plans for luxury beach front hotel. UT
Mayors from 10 Southrern California cities meet to discuss water problems, but fail to come to a consensus. NC Times
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Now Maienschein for City Attorney!
Duncan Hunter to Soldier on to Republican Convention
With his quixotic campaign for the Republican nomination only receiving on 1.3% of Republican primary voters to date, Duncan Hunter continues to fight on.[Link] So far Hunter has collected just one delegate, far short of the 1191 needed to obtain the nomination.[Link] He might want to step up the campaign if he wants to win the nomination.
Schwarzenegger Says: Toll Road Good for the Environment
Today, Governor Schwarzenegger has decided to end his neutral stance regarding the controversial Foothills South tollway project. In a letter to the Coastal Commission the governor states, "I have concluded that this project is essential to protect our environment and the quality of life for everyone in California,." he further claims, "[t]he project can be built in a manner that will enhance and foster use of the coast and protect coastal resources."[Link]
Schwarzenegger's position regarding the protection of San Onofre State Beach should come as no surprise here. It was just last week the governor proposed closing 48 state parks as part of his plan to balance the state budget.[Link] This governor like to talk about the environment, but it actually comes to action his ring hollow.
Cross-posted at Calitics
Schwarzenegger's position regarding the protection of San Onofre State Beach should come as no surprise here. It was just last week the governor proposed closing 48 state parks as part of his plan to balance the state budget.[Link] This governor like to talk about the environment, but it actually comes to action his ring hollow.
Cross-posted at Calitics
Bush to Marine Mammals: Screw You!
Wednesday - Quick Hits
It is official, Steve Francis announces his candidacy for mayor. UT VOSD
One-year long Alcohol Ban goes begins on city beaches. UT
Demolition of UCSD Chancellor's House has had another setup back. UT
Another high-ranking Tijuana police official and his family have been killed. UT
Continuing signs of housing crisis, foreclosures in county increase 328% from year before. NC Times
Council has settled Mt. Soledad Cross suit, will pay legal fees of activist that brought suit. VOSD
One-year long Alcohol Ban goes begins on city beaches. UT
Demolition of UCSD Chancellor's House has had another setup back. UT
Another high-ranking Tijuana police official and his family have been killed. UT
Continuing signs of housing crisis, foreclosures in county increase 328% from year before. NC Times
Council has settled Mt. Soledad Cross suit, will pay legal fees of activist that brought suit. VOSD
"Green Builders Meet in San Diego" featuring Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi
SoCal Rebuilding Summit
WHERE FIRE SCIENCE MEETS BUILDING SCIENCE
Date: Friday, January 25th, 2008
Time: 8:00am - 5:30pm
Location: San Diego Natural History Museum Balboa Park, 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA[Map]
Summit: Objective: An improvement in the successful understanding and implementation of structures and sites that are fire resistant, resilient, and appropriate.
Summary: This Summit is about planning, design, construction, operation & maintenance in the context of sustainable development within the built environment and is NOT about fire response/suppression.
KEYNOTES Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council, John Garamendi, Lt. Governor, State of California
TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE
OVERVIEW How can we take advantage of the best practice technologies, techniquesand talents to rebuild after Southern California's recent wildfires in asustainable manner?
What conflicting requirements and barriers exist to overcome between fire resistance, codes and green buildings/sustainability?
What new programs, initiatives and organizations are available to addressrebuilding in a manner that allows owners and their design/construct teamsto "rebuild it right the first time?"
Come join government officials, scientists, professionals as well as various stakeholders, planners, and other experts as we explore and resolve how toeffectively address these challenges. An initial work plan will be produced,and a Rebuilding White Paper will accompany this Summit.
WHERE FIRE SCIENCE MEETS BUILDING SCIENCE
Date: Friday, January 25th, 2008
Time: 8:00am - 5:30pm
Location: San Diego Natural History Museum Balboa Park, 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA[Map]
Summit: Objective: An improvement in the successful understanding and implementation of structures and sites that are fire resistant, resilient, and appropriate.
Summary: This Summit is about planning, design, construction, operation & maintenance in the context of sustainable development within the built environment and is NOT about fire response/suppression.
KEYNOTES Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council, John Garamendi, Lt. Governor, State of California
TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE
OVERVIEW How can we take advantage of the best practice technologies, techniquesand talents to rebuild after Southern California's recent wildfires in asustainable manner?
What conflicting requirements and barriers exist to overcome between fire resistance, codes and green buildings/sustainability?
What new programs, initiatives and organizations are available to addressrebuilding in a manner that allows owners and their design/construct teamsto "rebuild it right the first time?"
Come join government officials, scientists, professionals as well as various stakeholders, planners, and other experts as we explore and resolve how toeffectively address these challenges. An initial work plan will be produced,and a Rebuilding White Paper will accompany this Summit.
UT Continues to Hemorage
Don Bauder reports that Union-Tribune announces 27 more positions to be laidoff and another 18 positions to be outsourced.[Link] Back in December the company announced its desire to eliminate 43 positions from the news room, 29 individuals took the opportunity for a buyout of their positions. If the UT continues to hemorage, at what I wonder will it become and acquisition target by another firm.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Tuesday - Quick Hits
City Council unanimously approved mini-dorm ordinance. UT
Better luck next time, attempt to lift Alcohol Beach Ban fall short on valid signatures. UT
Opponents of Fanita Ranch development in Santee miss critical ballot deadline, now take their effort to court. UT
After months of speculation, Steve Francis is going to formally enter the mayor's race today. UT
City Council decided to split charter changes across two elections. UT
Two environmental groups to take California Coastal Commission to court over decision on Carlsbad desal project. UT
Supporters of Prop 92 rallied at Palomar College yesterday. NC Times
Better luck next time, attempt to lift Alcohol Beach Ban fall short on valid signatures. UT
Opponents of Fanita Ranch development in Santee miss critical ballot deadline, now take their effort to court. UT
After months of speculation, Steve Francis is going to formally enter the mayor's race today. UT
City Council decided to split charter changes across two elections. UT
Two environmental groups to take California Coastal Commission to court over decision on Carlsbad desal project. UT
Supporters of Prop 92 rallied at Palomar College yesterday. NC Times
Another Living Wage Violation Filed Against City Contractors
Question:
What do the janitor for the Carmel Mountain Ranch and Rancho Penasquitos branch libraries, the Kroll Report, cost overruns with outside attorneys and Prudential Overall Supply have in common?
Answer:
They all highlight the City of San Diego's inability to properly manage its contracts.
For the second time in less than seven months, a Living Wage Ordinance violation has been filed against a company contracted by the City of San Diego.
At this morning's City Council meeting, Kenneth Wells, a janitor employed by Jani-King of California to keep the Carmel Mountain and Rancho Penasquitos branch libraries clean, testified that the company blatantly violated its contract with the City by paying him below the law’s minimum wage.
In a complaint filed with the City’s Purchasing and Contracting Department and the State of California’s Department of Industrial Relations, Wells says the company paid him $2,460.08 below the minimum stated by the law from June 21 to September 30 of last year.
San Diego’s Purchasing and Contracting Department has just one employee working part-time despite a recommendation that it takes five full-time employees to accurately monitor the City’s contracts. The department has struggled to enforce the City’s many contracts since being the first department under Mayor Jerry Sanders’ administration to be “streamlined.”
If the City is unable to enforce a contract on a simple issues such as pay, how can it be depended on to manage the more complex issues in a contract?
What do the janitor for the Carmel Mountain Ranch and Rancho Penasquitos branch libraries, the Kroll Report, cost overruns with outside attorneys and Prudential Overall Supply have in common?
Answer:
They all highlight the City of San Diego's inability to properly manage its contracts.
For the second time in less than seven months, a Living Wage Ordinance violation has been filed against a company contracted by the City of San Diego.
At this morning's City Council meeting, Kenneth Wells, a janitor employed by Jani-King of California to keep the Carmel Mountain and Rancho Penasquitos branch libraries clean, testified that the company blatantly violated its contract with the City by paying him below the law’s minimum wage.
In a complaint filed with the City’s Purchasing and Contracting Department and the State of California’s Department of Industrial Relations, Wells says the company paid him $2,460.08 below the minimum stated by the law from June 21 to September 30 of last year.
San Diego’s Purchasing and Contracting Department has just one employee working part-time despite a recommendation that it takes five full-time employees to accurately monitor the City’s contracts. The department has struggled to enforce the City’s many contracts since being the first department under Mayor Jerry Sanders’ administration to be “streamlined.”
If the City is unable to enforce a contract on a simple issues such as pay, how can it be depended on to manage the more complex issues in a contract?
"San Diegans for City Hall Reform" Exposed During City Council Charter Changes
At last night's special City Council meeting the truth about the convenient connections between members of the City's Charter Review Committee and the group "San Diegans for City Hall Reform" became a little bit clearer. Though I have written about this issue several times in the past, some other individuals started to do a little digging last night, especially after the two co-chairs of the City's Charter Review Committee spent more time talking about San Diegans for City Hall Reform plans rather than what the Charter Review Committee recommended. John Davies sounded very much like he was making a threat or a challenge to the council to either do what the San Diegans for City Hall Reform want or they will put it on the ballot anyway.
Additionally, the night shed some light as to how many members of the City's Charter Review Committee are also on the group San Diegans for City Hall Reform. Tony Young asked one of the members how many people serve on both and received the answer of 5. Yes, 5 committee members out of the 15 (1/3) that served on the City's Charter Review Committee are on this Independent Expenditure (I.E) group that has over $111,000 in the bank and the Mayor right behind them. How is it possible that the city and media still let this absurdness continue? Clearly the Mayor has some ulterior motives and wants to make a swift power grab.
Though the Council is planning on discussing these issues again at a future meeting, they had some discussion on almost all of the issues and here is a brief overview of the votes:
Additionally, the night shed some light as to how many members of the City's Charter Review Committee are also on the group San Diegans for City Hall Reform. Tony Young asked one of the members how many people serve on both and received the answer of 5. Yes, 5 committee members out of the 15 (1/3) that served on the City's Charter Review Committee are on this Independent Expenditure (I.E) group that has over $111,000 in the bank and the Mayor right behind them. How is it possible that the city and media still let this absurdness continue? Clearly the Mayor has some ulterior motives and wants to make a swift power grab.
Though the Council is planning on discussing these issues again at a future meeting, they had some discussion on almost all of the issues and here is a brief overview of the votes:
- Strong Mayor to be placed on the 2010 Ballot -- Passes Unanimously
- Adding a 9th city council district if Strong Mayor is made permanent in 2010, it would be placed on the ballot in 2010 -- Passes
- Expansions of the council 6 out of 9 Veto Override -- Passes 6-1 with district 4 against, but the motion to make the current council Veto Override needing 6 members did not pass - 4-3 with districts 3, 4, and 6 against.
- CFO, took recommendation of Charter Rev. Comm. -- Passes Unanimously
- Audit Committee, took recommendations of Charter Rev. Comm. -- Passes 5-2 with districts 4 and 6 against
- Internal Auditor, took recommendation of Charter Rev. Comm. with slight difference -- Passes 6-1 with district 4 against
- Salary Setting, took recommendations of Charter Rev. Comm -- Passes 5-2 with districts 4 and 5 against
- IBA, took recommendations of Charter Rev. Comm -- Passes Unanimously
- Contract with Emergency Services -- Passes 6-1 with district 4 against
- Balance Budget -- Passes 6-1 with district 4 against
Monday, January 14, 2008
Thoughts on the City Attorney Race
Gentry out
Chalk it up to yet another misfire by the office of Dumanis in her quest for increasing political clout on her ill-advised march to the Attorney Generals office in Sacramento. Gentry seems like a nice guy, but when your own party’s establishments coaxes a judge to leave his cushy gig to take on Mike, you’ve got to smell, if not see, the writing on the wall to bail while you can.
Aguirre
Since when does a sitting City Attorney give a counter State of the City address? Look, I think Mike has done some good and that his heart is in the right place, but when he spends his time playing like he wants to be mayor but lacks the balls to actually run you’ve have to question his motives. Especially given his increasing bipolar behavior in relation to the City Council and Mayor.
Coffey
I’m developing a soft spot for this guy. He’s everywhere you want to be and he’ll bury you with anti-Mike facts that do check out. The problem is that he goes into “passion mode” and turns into an angry white fanatic who turns people off. He needs to focus and tone it down lest he be tuned out.
Burdick
Who? Her reasons for running seem to barely pass muster but her motives don’t seem all that pure. In fact, she appears to be more of a front for Jim’s Air and as a siphon for Democratic votes, given how reliable they have been in the past. If you want to keep Brown Field in the background, there are better ways to do this than to send out a sacrificial lamb.
Goldsmith
It’s odd, yet wouldn’t be unheard of, for some consultants somewhere launching Burdick at the Dems to bleed Mike but the most ardent Mike supporters, IMHO, are Republicans. He appeals to their kind of crazy. As such, I wish Jan the best of luck. His old Assembly District never offered him the kind of street fight that Mike can bring. And Gentry’s clearing the field doesn’t make this effort any easier. Remember that is always better to take down a bear is said bear is attacked by a pack of wolves rather than a few
Bersin
Why do moneyed Dems in San Diego think that they must ape their Republican counterparts to be players? I ask the ether of the internet this question because I don’t know of anyone else who is salivating at a Bersin run. The teachers are still (rightfully) pissed and, even though he won’t need a solid Dem bloc to win, he’ll have a hard time convincing the Dems giving the rising power of labor in the city. His resume is one that a consultant would love in that it screams “non-partisan” even though it can be argued that he is a partisan of convenience.
These are my thoughts. (Hand outstretched) What are yours?
Chalk it up to yet another misfire by the office of Dumanis in her quest for increasing political clout on her ill-advised march to the Attorney Generals office in Sacramento. Gentry seems like a nice guy, but when your own party’s establishments coaxes a judge to leave his cushy gig to take on Mike, you’ve got to smell, if not see, the writing on the wall to bail while you can.
Aguirre
Since when does a sitting City Attorney give a counter State of the City address? Look, I think Mike has done some good and that his heart is in the right place, but when he spends his time playing like he wants to be mayor but lacks the balls to actually run you’ve have to question his motives. Especially given his increasing bipolar behavior in relation to the City Council and Mayor.
Coffey
I’m developing a soft spot for this guy. He’s everywhere you want to be and he’ll bury you with anti-Mike facts that do check out. The problem is that he goes into “passion mode” and turns into an angry white fanatic who turns people off. He needs to focus and tone it down lest he be tuned out.
Burdick
Who? Her reasons for running seem to barely pass muster but her motives don’t seem all that pure. In fact, she appears to be more of a front for Jim’s Air and as a siphon for Democratic votes, given how reliable they have been in the past. If you want to keep Brown Field in the background, there are better ways to do this than to send out a sacrificial lamb.
Goldsmith
It’s odd, yet wouldn’t be unheard of, for some consultants somewhere launching Burdick at the Dems to bleed Mike but the most ardent Mike supporters, IMHO, are Republicans. He appeals to their kind of crazy. As such, I wish Jan the best of luck. His old Assembly District never offered him the kind of street fight that Mike can bring. And Gentry’s clearing the field doesn’t make this effort any easier. Remember that is always better to take down a bear is said bear is attacked by a pack of wolves rather than a few
Bersin
Why do moneyed Dems in San Diego think that they must ape their Republican counterparts to be players? I ask the ether of the internet this question because I don’t know of anyone else who is salivating at a Bersin run. The teachers are still (rightfully) pissed and, even though he won’t need a solid Dem bloc to win, he’ll have a hard time convincing the Dems giving the rising power of labor in the city. His resume is one that a consultant would love in that it screams “non-partisan” even though it can be argued that he is a partisan of convenience.
These are my thoughts. (Hand outstretched) What are yours?
Monday - Quick Hits
Steve Francis to make it official, that he is running for mayor tomorrow. VOSD
Still no news on new Superintendent of San Diego Unified, Board will meet again on Thursday. VOSD
National City agrees to increase the pay to consulting firm that is working on new land-use plan for city. UT
D.A. Bonnie Dumanis joins other D.A.s from around country in amicus brief on behalf of D.C. handgun ban. UT
"America's Sheriff" Mike Corona is retiring to focus on his corruption case. UT
Still no news on new Superintendent of San Diego Unified, Board will meet again on Thursday. VOSD
National City agrees to increase the pay to consulting firm that is working on new land-use plan for city. UT
D.A. Bonnie Dumanis joins other D.A.s from around country in amicus brief on behalf of D.C. handgun ban. UT
"America's Sheriff" Mike Corona is retiring to focus on his corruption case. UT
Sunday, January 13, 2008
The Mayor Attempts Power Grab
Special City Council Meeting
Consideration of the Recommendations of the Charter Review Committee
Monday, January 14, 2008 at 6:00pm
City Administration Building
Council Chambers -- 12th floor
202 C Street
Check out the Mayor's Charter Review Committee Final Proposal here.
President Peter's Recommendations
Take the following action: Receive the recommendations of the Charter Review Committee. Provide direction to draft ballot language for any items to be placed on the June 2008 ballot. Such ballot language and actual placement on the ballot to be voted on at a later City Council meeting.
The recommendations that are being presented will completely change the make-up and the system of checks and balances set up in City Hall. Let your voice be heard!
Click here to see the City Council Agenda for the special session.
Consideration of the Recommendations of the Charter Review Committee
Monday, January 14, 2008 at 6:00pm
City Administration Building
Council Chambers -- 12th floor
202 C Street
Check out the Mayor's Charter Review Committee Final Proposal here.
President Peter's Recommendations
Take the following action: Receive the recommendations of the Charter Review Committee. Provide direction to draft ballot language for any items to be placed on the June 2008 ballot. Such ballot language and actual placement on the ballot to be voted on at a later City Council meeting.
The recommendations that are being presented will completely change the make-up and the system of checks and balances set up in City Hall. Let your voice be heard!
Click here to see the City Council Agenda for the special session.
Hey CalTrans! What's Next Adopt-A-Highway by the KKK or the Nazi Party?
The UT reported this morning that Caltrans has allowed the neo-racist group the Minutemen to participate in its Adopt-A-Highway road-cleanup program. By coincidence the portion of highway adopted by the Minutemen happens to be along the I-5 near the San Clemente border check.[Link]
I have no idea who the Caltrans official was that granted approval to the Minutemen, but it is obvious to me that they have made a major mistake.
I have no idea who the Caltrans official was that granted approval to the Minutemen, but it is obvious to me that they have made a major mistake.
Wingnut Myths
Via Kevin Drum at Washington Monthly Five Conservative Myths:
I would like also like to add another one to the list: Missle Defense Technology will protect us from all rogue states.1. A 30% national sales tax is a workable substitute for all income and payroll taxes in the United States.
2. Global warming is not primarily caused by human activity. In fact, global warming might not even exist.
3. Intelligent design is a viable scientific theory that ought to be taught in biology
classes.
4. Even with marginal tax rates at current levels, reducing taxes will increase revenues.
5. Saddam Hussein was behind 9/11.
Friday, January 11, 2008
End of The Week Notes...
With the buzz surrounding the presidential races this week following the New Hampshire primary, it is hard to forget that there are plenty of local races that will be decided in June.
In the San Diego City Council District 3 race, Steve Whitburn pickup the endorsement from Congressman Bob Filner. Both of San Diego's Democrats in Congress have now weighed in on the District 3 race. It is interesting that both Assemblywoman Lori Saldaña and State Senator Christine Kehoe have yet to endorse in this race.
Also this week, I heard that Auday Arabo easily won the endorsement of the Chicano Democratic Association. In the coming weeks both the San Diego County Young Democrats and the Eastlake-Bonita Democratic Club will be having endorsements in the 78th Assembly race. It will be interesting to see where their endorsements go.
In the San Diego City Council District 3 race, Steve Whitburn pickup the endorsement from Congressman Bob Filner. Both of San Diego's Democrats in Congress have now weighed in on the District 3 race. It is interesting that both Assemblywoman Lori Saldaña and State Senator Christine Kehoe have yet to endorse in this race.
Also this week, I heard that Auday Arabo easily won the endorsement of the Chicano Democratic Association. In the coming weeks both the San Diego County Young Democrats and the Eastlake-Bonita Democratic Club will be having endorsements in the 78th Assembly race. It will be interesting to see where their endorsements go.
Friday - Quick Hits
Mayor lays out an ambitious agenda for city in his state of the city address. UT
State Utilities Commission approves security plan for NCTD Sprinter rail service. UT
Valley Center-Pauma Unified School District to weigh closing the last one-room schoolhouse in the county. UT
Robert J. Watkins was re-elected as president of the San Diego County Board of Education. UT
Potero Planning Board delayed vote on Blackwater. UT
City Council in Encinitas approves a 10% raise for council to take effect in December. UT
Tri-city Hospital Board approves master board. NC Times
Typical conservatives condemning proposed firefighting fee as a new tax. NC Times
State Utilities Commission approves security plan for NCTD Sprinter rail service. UT
Valley Center-Pauma Unified School District to weigh closing the last one-room schoolhouse in the county. UT
Robert J. Watkins was re-elected as president of the San Diego County Board of Education. UT
Potero Planning Board delayed vote on Blackwater. UT
City Council in Encinitas approves a 10% raise for council to take effect in December. UT
Tri-city Hospital Board approves master board. NC Times
Typical conservatives condemning proposed firefighting fee as a new tax. NC Times
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Pick Your President: Online Progressive Poll
Full Disclosure: I work for the Courage Campaign
There have been five votes so far in the presidential nomination process. And five winners: Obama and Huckabee in Iowa, Romney in Wyoming, Clinton and McCain in New Hampshire. Projections and pollsters have been put to shame by people actually thinking independently. And Californians are starting to receive absentee ballots already for the February 5 primary. So in the midst of this mixed up jumble of a race where almost anything could still happen, Courage Campaign has partnered with organizations throughout the country in an informal poll of presidential preference.
Anyone can vote and there are state-specific breakouts for California, Colorado, Michigan, Ohio, Washington, Wisconsin. Both Democratic and Republican polls are being taken, though so far turnout has been heavier on the Democratic side just as in Iowa and New Hampshire.
Vote now for your candidate here.
Regardless of what candidate you might support, one thing is for sure. With the concentration of the primary schedule, no campaign will get as many voter contacts as it would like. Which means that when you vote in a poll like this, you push your candidate out there. When you tell your friends and family to take part, you get a convenient excuse to remind them how important this election is and how much you like your candidate. And if you help lead your preferred candidate to victory, you get one more thing to crow about. And just like that, that's two voter contacts for every person on your radar.
And while it helps your candidate, it goes even further to reallocate the power in politics squarely with the grassroots. In the shorter term though, the margin so far is short, so you can definitely make a difference. Click here or follow the graphic to speak it loud.
Here is the current California order:
1. Sen. John Edwards
2. Sen. Barack Obama
3. Rep. Dennis Kucinich
4. Sen. Hillary Clinton
5. Gov. Bill Richardson
6. Sen. Mike Gravel
And here is the national order:
1. Sen. Barack Obama
2. Sen. John Edwards
3. Rep. Dennis Kucinich
4. Sen. Hillary Clinton
5. Gov. Bill Richardson
6. Sen. Mike Gravel
There have been five votes so far in the presidential nomination process. And five winners: Obama and Huckabee in Iowa, Romney in Wyoming, Clinton and McCain in New Hampshire. Projections and pollsters have been put to shame by people actually thinking independently. And Californians are starting to receive absentee ballots already for the February 5 primary. So in the midst of this mixed up jumble of a race where almost anything could still happen, Courage Campaign has partnered with organizations throughout the country in an informal poll of presidential preference.
Anyone can vote and there are state-specific breakouts for California, Colorado, Michigan, Ohio, Washington, Wisconsin. Both Democratic and Republican polls are being taken, though so far turnout has been heavier on the Democratic side just as in Iowa and New Hampshire.
Vote now for your candidate here.
Regardless of what candidate you might support, one thing is for sure. With the concentration of the primary schedule, no campaign will get as many voter contacts as it would like. Which means that when you vote in a poll like this, you push your candidate out there. When you tell your friends and family to take part, you get a convenient excuse to remind them how important this election is and how much you like your candidate. And if you help lead your preferred candidate to victory, you get one more thing to crow about. And just like that, that's two voter contacts for every person on your radar.
And while it helps your candidate, it goes even further to reallocate the power in politics squarely with the grassroots. In the shorter term though, the margin so far is short, so you can definitely make a difference. Click here or follow the graphic to speak it loud.
Here is the current California order:
1. Sen. John Edwards
2. Sen. Barack Obama
3. Rep. Dennis Kucinich
4. Sen. Hillary Clinton
5. Gov. Bill Richardson
6. Sen. Mike Gravel
And here is the national order:
1. Sen. Barack Obama
2. Sen. John Edwards
3. Rep. Dennis Kucinich
4. Sen. Hillary Clinton
5. Gov. Bill Richardson
6. Sen. Mike Gravel
Thursday - Quick Hits
The pro-toll road Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency, fired back a response to the California Coastal Commission Report regarding the environmental impact of the proposed project. NC Times
Federal Prosecutors in City Pension case seek removal of presiding judge over violations of the Political Reform Act over 10 years ago. UT
California Regional Water Quality Board has requested NCTD to present plan to show how it will deal with pollution runoff pertaining to Sprinter rail line. UT
Chargers want Chula Vista consent before they move forward with a team-funded study on how the new stadium will be paid for. UT
Santee expected to see huge changes in Fanita Ranch development takes place. UT
Ordinance to restrict mini-dorms advances for City Council. UT
Federal Prosecutors in City Pension case seek removal of presiding judge over violations of the Political Reform Act over 10 years ago. UT
California Regional Water Quality Board has requested NCTD to present plan to show how it will deal with pollution runoff pertaining to Sprinter rail line. UT
Chargers want Chula Vista consent before they move forward with a team-funded study on how the new stadium will be paid for. UT
Santee expected to see huge changes in Fanita Ranch development takes place. UT
Ordinance to restrict mini-dorms advances for City Council. UT
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
More Aguirre Follies
Last night before the San Diego County Democratic Party Central Committee meeting, city firefighters and other city employees held a thank you demonstration for the members of the central committee who back in November voted to deny City Attorney Mike Aguirre an early incumbent endorsement. The demonstrators held signs along city streets and in front of the State building where the committee meets.[Link]
According to my source who sent me the above photo, during the central committee meeting both Lee Burdick and Dan Coffey, who are declared candidates for city attorney, took strong anti-Aguirre positions when speaking to central committee members. I'm told the response from the members was respective, but not overwhelming.
In other news from last night's meeting, both Marti Emerald and Sherri Lightner received early party endorsements for district-7 and district-1 city council races.
Nick Leibham and Wrong Way Bilbray
Photos by Chris Rothwell - SEOwell.com
So last night I made my way up to Encinitas in the heart of CA-50 for the official launch of Nick Leibham's congressional campaign. The event managed to fill the Bullpen Bar and Grill, and my best guess after huddling with several guests was that the number was at least 300. One way or another, the group was bumping up against max capacity. Among the assembled throng was CA-52 candidate Mike Lumpkin, San Diego City Council candidate Stephen Whitburn, San Diego Drinking Liberally chief Jesse Rubin, and Calitics' CarlsbadDem. And of course, Francine Busby to introduce Nick Leibham.
Against the backdrop of New Hampshire primary results running across screens throughout the bar, Leibham talked about the failures both big and small of Brian Bilbray's political career. He pledged to actually live in the district, not in Imperial Beach, or in Virginia, or with his mother. More seriously and most importantly though, he pledged to really represent the district. Something that, as far as I and everyone else in the building are concerned, has been sorely lacking for a number of years.
He whipped up the crowd, hitting on many of the core issues that Democrats will rally around this year: He blasted Bilbray for supporting Bush's plan in Iraq, for supporting Bush's destruction of the Constitution, for refusing to fund children's health care through SCHIP. He talked about the fundamental failure of the Republican party and the myriad ways in which Brian Bilbray has been complicit in that failure. Most of all, he helped explain how those Republican failures hurt the 50th district. And he led the crowd in chants of "Wrong Way Bilbray!" as he listed off just some of the seemingly countless ways Rep. Bilbray has failed to serve this district.
For me, the most exciting part of the evening was the size, diversity, and depth of the crowd. I spoke with activists from all over the district and throughout San Diego. We talked about Blackwater's invasion of Potrero and other San Diego issues, but most of all, we talked about how desperate people are to get a government that better reflects their values. And for so many of them, it starts in the 50th. After watching the record Democratic turnout in Iowa and New Hampshire, the energy to seize on this election seems to be everywhere.
It is, of course, a tough district. Francine Busby ran a spirited campaign last year with support from the DCCC and still ultimately came up short. But as the Republican party has continued to fight against good policy at every turn and Brian Bilbray has revealed himself to be an extremist even within his own party, dynamics change. These crowds and this energy really paints an encouraging picture as one more front is opened in the battle to reclaim this country. Nick Leibham is the rallying point in the 50th, and it sure looks like he's positioned to be the beneficiary of an incredible amount of support. We're in for a real race.
Crossposted from Calitics
So last night I made my way up to Encinitas in the heart of CA-50 for the official launch of Nick Leibham's congressional campaign. The event managed to fill the Bullpen Bar and Grill, and my best guess after huddling with several guests was that the number was at least 300. One way or another, the group was bumping up against max capacity. Among the assembled throng was CA-52 candidate Mike Lumpkin, San Diego City Council candidate Stephen Whitburn, San Diego Drinking Liberally chief Jesse Rubin, and Calitics' CarlsbadDem. And of course, Francine Busby to introduce Nick Leibham.
Against the backdrop of New Hampshire primary results running across screens throughout the bar, Leibham talked about the failures both big and small of Brian Bilbray's political career. He pledged to actually live in the district, not in Imperial Beach, or in Virginia, or with his mother. More seriously and most importantly though, he pledged to really represent the district. Something that, as far as I and everyone else in the building are concerned, has been sorely lacking for a number of years.
He whipped up the crowd, hitting on many of the core issues that Democrats will rally around this year: He blasted Bilbray for supporting Bush's plan in Iraq, for supporting Bush's destruction of the Constitution, for refusing to fund children's health care through SCHIP. He talked about the fundamental failure of the Republican party and the myriad ways in which Brian Bilbray has been complicit in that failure. Most of all, he helped explain how those Republican failures hurt the 50th district. And he led the crowd in chants of "Wrong Way Bilbray!" as he listed off just some of the seemingly countless ways Rep. Bilbray has failed to serve this district.
For me, the most exciting part of the evening was the size, diversity, and depth of the crowd. I spoke with activists from all over the district and throughout San Diego. We talked about Blackwater's invasion of Potrero and other San Diego issues, but most of all, we talked about how desperate people are to get a government that better reflects their values. And for so many of them, it starts in the 50th. After watching the record Democratic turnout in Iowa and New Hampshire, the energy to seize on this election seems to be everywhere.
It is, of course, a tough district. Francine Busby ran a spirited campaign last year with support from the DCCC and still ultimately came up short. But as the Republican party has continued to fight against good policy at every turn and Brian Bilbray has revealed himself to be an extremist even within his own party, dynamics change. These crowds and this energy really paints an encouraging picture as one more front is opened in the battle to reclaim this country. Nick Leibham is the rallying point in the 50th, and it sure looks like he's positioned to be the beneficiary of an incredible amount of support. We're in for a real race.
Crossposted from Calitics
Wednesday - Quick Hits
Greg Cox voted chairman of the County Board of Supervisors. UT
Port Commission votes to approve Lane Field projects as waterfront continues to be overdeveloped. UT
Continuation of the nanny state, city of El Cajon to consider making it harder for minors to purchase tobacco paraphernalia. UT
Viejas tribe partners with major concert promoter to delevop amjor concert venue. UT
Business in Oceanside along Sprinter Rail line blame it for flooding. UT
City of San Marcos creates University Village task force. NC Times
Port Commission votes to approve Lane Field projects as waterfront continues to be overdeveloped. UT
Continuation of the nanny state, city of El Cajon to consider making it harder for minors to purchase tobacco paraphernalia. UT
Viejas tribe partners with major concert promoter to delevop amjor concert venue. UT
Business in Oceanside along Sprinter Rail line blame it for flooding. UT
City of San Marcos creates University Village task force. NC Times
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Tuesday - Quick Hits
Potero Planning Board to reconsider previous board's approval of Blackwater camp. UT
Developers of two hotels on Lane Field property seek coastal permit from Port Commission today. UT
Chula Vista city council to decide on rezoning church property so developer can build subdivisions. UT
Kiplinger's rated UCSD 11th on a national list of 100 best values in public education. UT
Start of North County Sprinter service to be delayed. UT
Attempt by San Diego tribe to build off reservation casino has major setback. UT
Developers of two hotels on Lane Field property seek coastal permit from Port Commission today. UT
Chula Vista city council to decide on rezoning church property so developer can build subdivisions. UT
Kiplinger's rated UCSD 11th on a national list of 100 best values in public education. UT
Start of North County Sprinter service to be delayed. UT
Attempt by San Diego tribe to build off reservation casino has major setback. UT
Monday, January 7, 2008
San Diego's Observance of Int'l Day of Action to Shut Down Guantánamo
Join San Diego's Observance of Int'l Day of Action to Shut Down Guantánamo
Friday, January 11th NOON - 1pm
In front of the San Diego Federal Bldg and Courthouse
880 Front Street (near Broadway)
This will be a simple vigil in solidarity with organizations and individuals across the world to observe the "International Day of Action to Shut Down Guantanamo" -- spearheaded by Witness Against Torture, Amnesty International and National Religious Campaign Against Torture with a permitted demonstration on the National Mall in Washington DC.
In San Diego, we will echo the plan in DC with a simple vigil around a core of "prisoners" dressed in orange jumpsuits and black hoods (and maybe blacked-out goggles and earphones, ala Jose Padilla). We will have signs emphasizing the Shut Down Guantanamo theme, including No on Torture and Yes to Habeas Corpus/Rule of Law. At a minimum , we will stretch along the Front Street public sidewalk in front of the Federal Building and Courthouse (near Broadway).
We're doing this during the Noon lunch hour for maximum visibility to pedestrians and passersby downtown.
Friday, January 11th NOON - 1pm
In front of the San Diego Federal Bldg and Courthouse
880 Front Street (near Broadway)
This will be a simple vigil in solidarity with organizations and individuals across the world to observe the "International Day of Action to Shut Down Guantanamo" -- spearheaded by Witness Against Torture, Amnesty International and National Religious Campaign Against Torture with a permitted demonstration on the National Mall in Washington DC.
In San Diego, we will echo the plan in DC with a simple vigil around a core of "prisoners" dressed in orange jumpsuits and black hoods (and maybe blacked-out goggles and earphones, ala Jose Padilla). We will have signs emphasizing the Shut Down Guantanamo theme, including No on Torture and Yes to Habeas Corpus/Rule of Law. At a minimum , we will stretch along the Front Street public sidewalk in front of the Federal Building and Courthouse (near Broadway).
We're doing this during the Noon lunch hour for maximum visibility to pedestrians and passersby downtown.
The Chickens are Coming Home to Roost
Via Brave New Films:
For year conservatives have played up the "angry white man." Constantly drumming up meaningless issues into a mob frenzy. I find it funny that some of the mob has turned on their conservative brethren.
Here is the video of some angry Ron Paul supporters chasing down Sean Hannity chanting "Fox News Sucks"! See what happens when the mob turns on you.
For year conservatives have played up the "angry white man." Constantly drumming up meaningless issues into a mob frenzy. I find it funny that some of the mob has turned on their conservative brethren.
Here is the video of some angry Ron Paul supporters chasing down Sean Hannity chanting "Fox News Sucks"! See what happens when the mob turns on you.
Evan McLaughlin Named Political Director of the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council
The San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council has hired award-winning political reporter Evan McLaughlin as its new political director.
McLaughlin, who covered San Diego City Hall and local politics for voiceofsandiego.org since 2005, fills the position vacated by Lorena Gonzalez. Gonzalez was unanimously named secretary-treasurer of the Labor Council last month.
“I’m excited for this opportunity,” said McLaughlin. “For the last three years I was fortunate enough to learn about the region’s government. This position is a natural extension of that work.”
Several media groups, including the San Diego Press Club and the San Diego chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, have recognized McLaughlin for his political reporting.
McLaughlin’s hiring is the only notable change in the Labor Council under the leadership of Gonzalez.
“We had a lot of great candidates interested in the position,” said Gonzalez. “It was a tough decision for our executive board’s hiring committee, but Evan’s experience made him the clear choice.”
A graduate of UCSD, McLaughlin interned for Rep. Pete Stark (D – Calif.) and Stephens Media Group’s Washington bureau.
The San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council is a coalition of 119 local unions that represent 120,000 working families in the region. The Labor Council strives to ensure that all workers in the region earn a fair wage and health care for their families.
McLaughlin, who covered San Diego City Hall and local politics for voiceofsandiego.org since 2005, fills the position vacated by Lorena Gonzalez. Gonzalez was unanimously named secretary-treasurer of the Labor Council last month.
“I’m excited for this opportunity,” said McLaughlin. “For the last three years I was fortunate enough to learn about the region’s government. This position is a natural extension of that work.”
Several media groups, including the San Diego Press Club and the San Diego chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, have recognized McLaughlin for his political reporting.
McLaughlin’s hiring is the only notable change in the Labor Council under the leadership of Gonzalez.
“We had a lot of great candidates interested in the position,” said Gonzalez. “It was a tough decision for our executive board’s hiring committee, but Evan’s experience made him the clear choice.”
A graduate of UCSD, McLaughlin interned for Rep. Pete Stark (D – Calif.) and Stephens Media Group’s Washington bureau.
The San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council is a coalition of 119 local unions that represent 120,000 working families in the region. The Labor Council strives to ensure that all workers in the region earn a fair wage and health care for their families.
Duncan Wanders onto MSNBC Show
Via TPM: This morning Duncan Hunter walked onto the MSNBC show Morning Joe to plug the fact that he had won one delegate Saturday in the Wyoming Caucus. Classy move Duncan!
Monday - Quick Hits
When a fishwrap actually turns into a fishwrap, UT newsroom down 10%. VOSD
New City Hall project down to two out-of-town developers. UT
Students want to ride their bikes on SDSU campus again. UT
Budget shortfall in Chula Vista forces city to delay construction of two parks. UT
Board of Education to consider placing on the ballot two measures that would require both Sweetwater Unified and Chula Vista Elementary schools districts to have geographic boundaries for trustees. UT
Suspects in Tijuana kidnapping of businessman, turns out to be agents for Mexico's Federal Investigation Agency. UT
State High Court reaffirms, lower court decision regarding free speech at malls. UT
New City Hall project down to two out-of-town developers. UT
Students want to ride their bikes on SDSU campus again. UT
Budget shortfall in Chula Vista forces city to delay construction of two parks. UT
Board of Education to consider placing on the ballot two measures that would require both Sweetwater Unified and Chula Vista Elementary schools districts to have geographic boundaries for trustees. UT
Suspects in Tijuana kidnapping of businessman, turns out to be agents for Mexico's Federal Investigation Agency. UT
State High Court reaffirms, lower court decision regarding free speech at malls. UT
Sunday, January 6, 2008
An Open Letter to the Community of Chula Vista
Via La Prensa San Diego:
An Open Letter to the Community of Chula Vista
An elected City Attorney for Chula Vista . . .
“To be, or not to be: that is the question.” This often cited quotation from William Shakespeare’s Hamlet is fitting here. Soon the Chula Vista City Council will have another opportunity to grant the residents of Chula Vista the right to vote on a ballot initiative that seeks to change the city attorney to an elected post.
In less than one year, concerned citizens have twice collected over 20,000 signatures to place this initiative on the ballot. The initial signatures were disqualified when a San Francisco attorney threatened litigation due to a technicality involving the
publication of the notice of intent to circulate the petition. The City’s actions only furthered the resolve of community residents to have an elected City Attorney in office and we quickly went back to the streets and collected 20,000 more signatures to place the initiative on the 2008 ballot.We strongly believe that Chula Vista has outgrown its current form of government. Our city is no longer a small suburb of San Diego as it was 30 years ago when I moved there with my husband and young family. It is now one of the fastest growing cities in the country that deserves an evolved form of city government. Chula Vista needs an attorney who will represent and be responsible to the people and act in the best interests of the public, not solely in the interest of the Mayor and City Council.
Although it is important to ensure that someone in City Hall is looking over our City Council and City staff, we also want to make certain that the checks and balances are in place to oversee an elected City Attorney as well. The initiative rightfully specifies that the City Council has to approve all lawsuits filed on behalf of the city by the City Attorney.
Chula Vistans deserve the opportunity to decide whether or not we want a City Attorney that is responsible and accountable to city residents, not merely to the Mayor, City Council and other City officials. The Mayor and Council will soon decide whether or not to put this important issue on the ballot. We urge you to contact them and tell them to Let Chula Vista Vote . . . “Ay, there’s the rub.”
Norma A. Cazares Chula Vistans for an Elected City Attorney
Political Journalist Richard Reeves to Speak at City Club
The City Club & The San Diego Public Library Proudly Present:
A Great American Writers Series Program Featuring:
Richard Reeves – One of America’s Greatest Journalists
Speaking on: A Force of Nature: The Frontier Genius of Ernest Rutherford
Thursday, January 17, 2008, 7:30 PM
Point Loma Library
3701 Voltaire Street [Map]
Phone Reservations: 619-687-3580
This is a Free Public Event – But Reservations Required
California's Turn
Tomorrow, Registrar of Voters throughout the state will be mailing out over 4 million absentee ballots for the upcoming February 5th election. "The use of mail-in ballots has grown rapidly in California in recent years, and analysts predict it could hit a record in 2008."[Link]
For the presidential primary in 2004, votes from absentee ballot made of 34.31% of the total votes cast. In 2006 primary that number increased to 46.90% of the total numbers of votes. With campaigns focusing more on absentee voters than ever before, I wouldn't be surprise if absentee votes make up over 50% of the total in February election.
For the presidential primary in 2004, votes from absentee ballot made of 34.31% of the total votes cast. In 2006 primary that number increased to 46.90% of the total numbers of votes. With campaigns focusing more on absentee voters than ever before, I wouldn't be surprise if absentee votes make up over 50% of the total in February election.
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