Obama’s call for Romney to releases taxes echoes Saldaña’s challenge to Scott Peters, Brian Bilbray

From the Saldaña campaign:

 

Obama’s call for Romney to releases taxes echoes Saldaña’s challenge to Scott Peters, Brian Bilbray

“It’s time to come clean, gentlemen”

SAN DIEGO – Democratic frontrunner, Lori Saldaña’s said that President Obama’s call for Republican Mitt Romney to release his taxes echoes her own repeated challenge to Scott Peters and Brian Bilbray to make their tax public.

“I share with the President a respect for transparency when running for a public office,” Saldaña said. “And that transparency includes letting people know what percentage of our income we pay in taxes.”

“Elected office is a public trust,” she said. “The public deserves to know whether candidates – especially extremely wealthy ones - play by the same rules as everybody else.”

Saldaña challenged the contenders for the 52nd Congressional District to release their taxes on February 22nd. On March 3rd she released her own tax returns to the San Diego Union-Tribune for publication on their website.

Brian Bilbray has agreed to release his taxes, but has not yet to done so.

Scott Peters - whose vast personal wealth is speculated to match or even exceed Mitt Romney’s - has refused to make his taxes public.

But the April 17th deadline has made the issue especially salient in the minds of the voters.

“This is insulting to the public,” Saldaña said. “We are approaching two months since I challenged Bilbray and Peters to release their taxes,” she said. “It’s time to come clean, gentlemen, about what you make, how you make it, and what you pay in taxes.”

She noted that Peters, Bilbray and Romney know the public is outraged by special tax breaks enjoyed by the extremely wealthy, so she is not surprised that the candidates are playing elaborate games of evasion, hoping the public will forget about it.

“This year, the public is definitely not in the mood to forget about it,” she said.

"I shared my tax return weeks ago. Voters are asking me: When will my opponents do the same? What do they have to hide?"

"It's simple: I believe in transparency," Saldaña continued "When I talk with San Diegans and hear their stories, it's clear many are still struggling as the economy improves. By releasing my tax returns I want them to know: I get it. I hear you loud and clear. My family's a lot like your family."

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Fire Fighters and Progressives Support Scott Peters for Congress!

From the Peters campaign:

San Diego, CA -- The momentum continues to build for the Scott Peters campaign. Late last week, Scott's campaign for the new 52nd Congressional District earned two more important endorsements: The San Diego City Fire Fighters and Progressive San Diego.

“We support Scott because of his steadfast commitment to public safety, and to the brave men and women who risk their lives to serve and protect -- he’s never let us down,” said Frank DeClercq, President, Local 145, International Association of Fire Fighters. “He has always been fair, tough and effective, and we know he’ll be an outstanding U.S. Representative.”

Peters was also endorsed last week by Progressive San Diego, a non-profit advocacy group that works “to create a more equitable and sustainable society in the San Diego region.” In an announcement of its endorsements, the organization said Scott earned their support because he is “guided by deeply held progressive values that will serve his constituency well on the issues he will have to confront on the federal level.”

“I am very grateful to the Fire Fighters and Progressive San Diego for their confidence in me,” said Peters.  “Support from organizations like these is what makes for great grassroots campaigning which is instrumental to our success. I thank both of these organizations; their support means a lot to me.”

Last week the campaign also earned the endorsement of the 60,000-member California Chapter of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiLUNA).

Go to this link to see a video about how Scott, as a City Councilman, worked with the community to repair Fire Station 13. And go to www.scottpeters.com for more information about Scott and his campaign to get Congress working again.

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Nat’l New Democrat Coalition, CA Labor Federation Back Peters for Congress

From the Peters campaign:

Nat'l New Democrat Coalition, CA Labor Federation Back Peters for Congress

He’s the Only Candidate in CA52 With the Broad Support Needed to Beat Bilbray

San Diego, CA -- The national New Democrat Coalition, a group of 42 House members from across the United States, has endorsed Scott Peters in the race for the 52nd Congressional District, his campaign announced today. The coalition works to promote a “common-sense” Democratic agenda that focuses on job creation, education reform, and energizing the U.S. economy. Its California members are Susan Davis (CA-53), Karen Bass (CA-33), Laura Richardson (CA-37) and Loretta Sanchez (CA-47).

 “We are proud to endorse Scott in his bid for Congress,” said Rep. Joe Crowley, New Democrat Coalition Chair.  “Scott has a common-sense style of leadership and a proven record fostering economic growth and competitiveness. He is the perfect fit, and we look forward to welcoming him to Congress and the coalition in November."


Peters was also endorsed this week by the California Labor Federation which promotes and defends the interests of 2.1 million workers and their families. This statewide endorsement makes Peters the recommended candidate to the national AFL-CIO, and is based upon the recommendation of the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council. Last week, Peters was also endorsed by Progressive San Diego, making Peters the only candidate in the race for the 52nd Congressional District with support from Democrats across the party spectrum, which is critical to winning this new swing district.

“Voters are tired of political extremists who make a lot of noise, but can’t build consensus and get things done,” said Peters. “That’s what they’d get by electing Brian Bilbray or the other Democrat in this race. Particularly during times of economic uncertainty, the voters are eager for reasonable, common-sense leaders who put jobs and people first and partisan politics last.”

The newly drawn 52nd Congressional District is a classic swing district - a third Republican, a third Democrat and a third other.  It supported candidate Obama by 12 percentage points in 2008, but also candidate Meg Whitman by eight points in 2010. It is impossible for any candidate to win this seat without broad-based support across party lines. Since he was the first Democrat elected to represent City Council District One, Peters has consistently drawn support from across the political spectrum. He is the only candidate in this race with meaningful support from progressives, moderates, labor, business and independent San Diegans who care more about results than pure party politics. 

For more information about Scott Peters for Congress, go to www.scottpeters.com.

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San Diego City Firefighters IAFF Local 145 Endorses Sid Voorakkara for State Assembly

From the Voorakkara campaign:

San Diego, CA — Workforce program director Sid Voorakkara’s campaign for Assembly today rolled out an exclusive endorsement from the San Diego City Firefighters IAFF Local 145.

The San Diego City Firefighters IAFF Local 145 is the largest association of firefighters in Assembly District 79, representing over 800 city firefighters.

“Sid Voorakkara is the clear choice for State Assembly,” said Frank De Clercq, President, San Diego City Firefighters IAFF Local 145. “Sid understands the challenges our firefighters face everyday and is committed to the safety of our families and neighborhoods. He is an intelligent, common sense leader who has always put forth smart solutions and has a proven ability to bring people together to get results. Sid will be an outstanding member of the legislature and we are committed to supporting him in every way we can.”

Support from firefighters organizations is highly sought after. Winning an exclusive endorsement gives Voorakkara’s already surging campaign yet major jolt of momentum. In recent weeks, Voorakkara has enjoyed a series of major victories on the campaign trail. In late March, campaign finance reports, which are a key indicator of a campaign’s strength, showed Voorakkara in a commanding position over all opponents. Since then Voorakkara has announced major endorsements from the California Nurses Association, SEIU California State Council, and the California League of Conservation Voters. In addition, the campaign has marshaled an aggressive grassroots operation, having contacted over 7,000 voters in the district.

“I am honored to have earned the support of the San Diego City Firefighters,” said Sid Voorakkara. “The service they provide our community each and everyday is invaluable. In the State Assembly, I will fight tooth and nail to support these brave men and women and help them keep our families safe.”

Sid Voorakkara is running for the California State Assembly District 79.

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Sid Voorakkara is a nonprofit director and workforce program manager with extensive experience in improving the quality of life for underserved individuals and communities by bringing people and organizations together to improve healthcare access, job training and employment opportunities. For almost seven years, Sid has worked for The California Endowment, a private, statewide health foundation that makes grants to organizations and institutions that directly benefit the health and well being of the people of California. Working closely with high schools within the 79th Assembly District, San Diego’s hospital and community clinic systems, and numerous immigrant and refugee organizations, Sid has improved healthcare access for San Diego’s most vulnerable citizens and provided opportunities for students to pursue high-growth, high- wage jobs. Sid created the San Diego Workforce Funders Collaborative, which leverages philanthropic resources with government and the private sector to get San Diegans the training they need for today’s job market.

Pala Band of Mission Indians Endorse Dave Roberts for Supervisor

From the Roberts Campaign:

(San Diego, CA)  Today, the Pala Band of Mission Indians has announced their endorsement of Third District County Supervisor candidate Dave Roberts.

"San Diego County needs elected officials like Dave Roberts who understand the importance of working with tribal communities in mutually beneficial ways," stated Tribal Chairman Robert Smith.  "We are pleased to offer him our endorsement as someone who will take the time and effort to listen to our issues and concerns."

The Pala Band of Mission Indians is located in northern San Diego County. The tribe is very active in charitable programs from the environment to education. Members live on a 12,273-acre reservation.

"I am very proud to receive the endorsement of the Pala Band of Mission Indians," said Dave Roberts.  "They are an extremely important part of our County's history, and I look forward to having the honor of working with them.

Roberts launched his campaign for Third District Supervisor on January 10, 2012, and the primary election is on June 5, 2012.

Dave Roberts is a two-term councilmember and Deputy Mayor of the City of Solana Beach. He is a past chairman of the San Dieguito River Valley Park Joint Powers Authority and helped lead the efforts to rebuild the park when over 60 percent was destroyed by the 2007 fires.  He has received the endorsement of the Sierra Club, the League of Conservation Voters and the Friends of the San Dieguito River Valley.

For more information about Dave's campaign for the Board of Supervisors, visit his web site at www.DaveRobertsForSupervisor.com.

Cal Labor Fed Endorsements

From Cal Labor Fed:

United States Representatives in Congress
49  Jerry Tetalman (D)
50  No Endorsement
51  Juan Vargas (D)
52  Scott Peters (D)
53  Susan Davis (D)

United States Senator
Dianne Feinstein (D)

California State Assembly  
73  No Endorsement
74  No Endorsement
75  No Endorsement
76  No Endorsement
77  Greg Laskaris (D)
78  Toni Atkins (D)
79 DUAL: Shirley Weber (D)/Sid Voorakarra (D)
80  Ben Hueso (D)

Newsom endorses C.A.S.E.

Earlier today, we announced our strong endorsement of the CASE Act -- because California needs to fight back against human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of women and children in our state.

Simply put, it’s time for California to do the right thing for our girls and women. It can be difficult to believe that slavery is going on right now in this state, but there is no denying that human trafficking is a reality. The CASE Act will help us protect our kids online, and give women who have survived being trafficked access to key services so they can have a second chance at life.

That’s why we are strongly endorsing the CASE Act -- it’s time to take a stand and say that we won’t tolerate the sexual exploitation of children by human traffickers. And you can play your part by adding your name to our efforts:

Please forward this email to five friends right now -- urge them to visit www.CASEAct.org so they can get involved and help us reach One Million Strong Against Human Trafficking!

In California, many vulnerable women and young girls are held against their will and forced to sell their bodies. The victims are often girls as young as 12 who are sexually exploited for the financial gain of human traffickers. They are afraid for their lives and abused – sexually, physically, and mentally.

We cannot allow women and children in California to be trafficked online or on our streets. The CASE Act will help prevent these horrific crimes by increasing penalties against human traffickers and online predators, and requiring convicted sex traffickers to register as sex offenders.

California must lead the nation in protecting women and children from the despicable criminal enterprise of human trafficking -- and by passing the CASE Act, we will.

Please help us spread the word about this vital initiative by forwarding this email to your friends today -- then share it on Facebook and Twitter!

Human trafficking is said to be one of the fastest growing criminal enterprises in the world -– and it is taking place right here in our own backyard. We can’t let this continue, which is why we strongly endorse the CASE Act and will be working for its passage this fall.

Thank you,
Gavin Newsom and Jennifer Siebel Newsom

San Diego Firefighters Endorse Mat Kostrinsky for City Council District 7

From the Kostrinsky campaign:

San Diego Firefighters Endorse Mat Kostrinsky for
City Council District 7

San Diego, CA – April 12, 2012 –Local firefighters have voted to endorse Mat Kostrinsky for San Diego’s 7th District City Council seat.

“We support Mat because he believes in making public safety a priority for the residents of the 7th District, a district that has been ravaged by two historic fires in the recent past,” said Frank De Clercq, president of San Diego City Firefighters Local 145, referring to the 2003 and 2007 wildfires that swept through the region.

The latest endorsement marks the third time in recent weeks that a public safety group has opted to back Kostrinsky in his bid to represent a redrawn district that includes Tierrasanta, Mission Valley, Linda Vista, Serra Mesa, Allied Gardens, Grantville, Del Cerro and San Carlos. San Diego police and lifeguards had earlier voted to endorse the candidate.

The firefighters union represents some 800 San Diego firefighters.

“Crime and public safety is a concern of everyone in every neighborhood, and I am committed to doing everything I can to ensure that San Diego has the best police and fire departments in the state,” Kostrinsky said.

Kostrinsky grew up in the San Diego communities of San Carlos and Del Cerro.  He attended Pershing Middle School, Patrick Henry High School and graduated from San Diego State University.  Mat and his wife, Jen, a family practice physician, are raising their two children in the same neighborhood where Mat grew up. For more information , visit www.Mat4CityCouncil.com.
The 7th District is currently represented by City Councilwoman Marti Emerald, who is running to represent the newly created 9th council district.

An Open Letter To Wal-Mart

From the Labor Council:

An Open Letter to Wal-Mart

Aaron Rios
Senior Manager for Public Affairs & Government Relations
Wal-Mart
aaron@walmartsandiego.com

To Wal-Mart:
Upon hearing of Wal-Mart’s plan to open a store in Logan Heights’ and Sherman Heights’ iconic Farmer’s Market building on Imperial Avenue between 21st and 22nd Streets, we as community; residents, non-profit organizations, faith, and labor leaders began the process of soliciting the community's input on the proposed store. As part of that process, we have compiled a list of priorities for prospective business partners.

On March 29th, we met with Wal-Mart and its consultant to deliver the community’s expectations. We specifically asked that these commitments be addressed in a legally binding community benefits agreement.

The community’s list of priorities includes local hire, affordable health benefits, traffic mitigation, safety improvements, and investment in community programs. All of the issues included are considered vital commitments to meeting the needs of local residents and important for any large retailer interested in being a partner in the success of our community. We believe that the only way to truly commit to those priorities is with a legally binding agreement with the community.

Wal-Mart has asked us to be given until April 12th to review this request and provide a response to community leaders. Wal-Mart’s history does not suggest it is willing to partner with communities in this fashion, but we remain steadfast in our belief that if Wal-Mart is serious about its promises to this community, there should be no problem with making those promises legally enforceable. We look forward to Wal-Mart’s response and to working together on an agreement that makes the community a full and equal partner in their new Sherman Heights store.

Wal-Mart’s ultimate decision this week will guide us going forward. This is a community that deserves real business partners and the respect that comes with a legally binding agreement. We'll help this community stand up for what we deserve. It's now up to Wal-Mart to choose to be that partner.

Signed,
Casa de Vecinos De Organizados
Center on Policy Initiatives (CPI)
Empower San Diego
Environmental Health Coalition (EHC)
Father Robert Fambrini, Pastor, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Logan Heights
Historic Barrio District CDC
Ironworkers Union, Local 229
Justice Overcoming Boundaries (JOB)
Laborers Union, Local 89
Logan Heights Neighborhood Council
Occupyrcorner San Diego
Raza Rights Coalition
San Diego Labor Council
Save Our Barrios Committee
Sherman Heights Community Center
Sherman Heights Neighborhood Council
Unión del Barrio
United Domestic Workers
United Food and Commercial Workers, Local 135
United Service Workers West
UNITE-HERE, Local 30

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San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council
The San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO represents more than 192,000 union workers in the region and advocates for an economy with more jobs, better jobs and better lives for all workers in the region - union and non-union.
www.unionyes.org

Good morning

From the internet today:

SEIU California State Council Endorses Sid Voorakkara for State Assembly District 79

From the Voorakkara campaign:

SEIU California State Council Endorses Sid Voorakkara for State Assembly District 79

Voorakkara’s campaign continues to build major momentum with yet another endorsement from a major statewide labor organization

San Diego, CA – Days after campaign finance reports showed Sid Voorakkara with a sizable cash-on-hand and fundraising advantage over his opponents, his campaign today announced winning an endorsement from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California State Council.

The SEIU California State Council represents over 700,000 social workers, nurses, classroom aides, state workers, security officers, home care workers, janitors, and other workers throughout California

The endorsement from SEIU California State Council adds to the growing momentum behind Voorakkara’s campaign.  In recent weeks he secured an exclusive endorsement from the California Nurses Association.  In addition, campaign finance reports filed with the Secretary of State last week showed Voorakkara with a strong cash-on-hand lead, a key indicator of the strength and viability of his campaign going into the final two months before the June primary election.

 “I am honored to have the support of such a distinguished organization,” said Sid Voorakkara. “SEIU has been a strong voice for workers in the face of serious political opposition. Protecting our workers health and retirements is vital to getting California back on the path to economic strength. I look forward to working closely with the SEIU to put worker’s needs back on the table in the State Legislature.”

SEIU California State Council now joins the California Nurses Association, the California API Legislative Caucus, State Board of Equalization Member Betty Yee, Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski, Assemblymember Mike Eng, Senate Majority Leader Ellen Corbett, Senator Jim Beall, Jr., and dozens of local elected leaders in backing Voorakkara’s campaign.

Sid Voorakkara is running for the California State Assembly District 79.  

####

Sid Voorakkara is a nonprofit director and workforce program manager with extensive experience in improving the quality of life for underserved individuals and communities by bringing people and organizations together to improve healthcare access, job training and employment opportunities. For almost seven years, Sid has worked for The California Endowment, a private, statewide health foundation that makes grants to organizations and institutions that directly benefit the health and well being of the people of California.  Working closely with high schools within the 79th Assembly District, San Diego’s hospital and community clinic systems, and numerous immigrant and refugee organizations, Sid has improved healthcare access for San Diego’s most vulnerable citizens and provided opportunities for students to pursue high-growth, high-wage jobs. Sid created the San Diego Workforce Funders Collaborative, which leverages philanthropic resources with government and the private sector to get San Diegans the training they need for today’s job market.

A desperate Scott Peters, trying to divert attention from his refusal to release his taxes, attacks Saldaña

From the Saldaña campaign:

Behind in the polls and struggling to jumpstart his floundering Congressional campaign, Scott Peters tried to divert attention from his refusal to release his taxes with an attack on former Speaker Pro Tem Lori Saldana.

The attack, based upon old newspaper articles, criticized Saldana's support for labor and consumer-backed legislation, claiming she supported "special interests."
“Everything cited in the Peters’ press release has been public for years. Yet Mr. Peters doesn’t believe in applying transparency to himself,” Joe Kocurek, a Saldaña spokesperson, said.

"This is a smear by a candidate who is losing the campaign and who is facing a growing chorus of public criticism for refusing to subject his tax returns to public scrutiny," he said. “Just this week, President Obama signed a bill to ban insider trading by members of Congress.

“The public has the right to know what Mr. Peters’ sources of income are; what tax breaks and loopholes he has utilized; and how much tax he pays,” he said.
Several weeks ago, Ms. Saldana made her tax returns public and asked the other candidates in the race to do the same.

“Congressman Bilbray has responded to former Speaker Pro Tem Saldana’s challenge to release his taxes," Kocurek stated. "Even Mr. Peters’ La Jolla neighbor, Mitt Romney, released his taxes.”

Peters attack on Saldana cited two trips she took. "No taxpayer dollars were ever used by Ms. Saldana on her trade missions," Kocurek said."Their purpose was to help expand and grow California’s economy. This is in stark contrast to the $660,000 in taxpayer money Mr. Peters spent on legal fees when he was found grossly negligent by the SEC for mismanaging the city of San Diego’s budget.”

On one mission, Ms. Saldana, a co-author of California's landmark Greehouse Gas Reduction Act, visited a rural swine farm in Brazil in order to examine the latest technology for creating methane gas as an alternative fuel.

The spokesman said that Ms. Saldana is proud of her 100% Sierra Club record and her support for consumer-backed bills, including the two cited by Mr. Peters.
One bill to expand public access to broadband internet to low-income familes, was supported by the California Labor Federation and the American Heart Association and passed the Assembly unanimously, 77-0.

 The second bill, to target green energy efforts on low income rental units, was supported by the Western Center for Law and Poverty, the consumer group TURN, and passed the Assembly.

"Mr. Peters’ press release is filled with factual inaccuracies and mischaracterizations." Kocurek stated.

“The candidate who is behind in the polls is always the first to attack,” he said.

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Peters Campaign Calls on Saldaña to Explain $39,000 in Gifts/Trips from Special Interests

From the Peters campaign:

San Diego, CA – Today the Scott Peters for Congress campaign called on candidate Lori Saldaña to release her expense reports, receipts, itineraries, agendas, correspondence and all other information pertaining to the more than $39,000 in gifts and trips she received from well-funded special interests from 2005-2009 while serving as a member of the California State Legislature.

Saldaña accepted the majority of the $39,000 in the form of lavish trips to exotic destinations. She traveled to places such as Vietnam, China, Venezuela and Chile where she stayed at posh hotels, enjoyed expensive meals and even had her own personal wait service during a stay in Argentina.  These luxurious junkets were funded by oil, gas and utility companies such as Chevron, Pacific Gas and Electric, AT&T and Sempra Energy.  All of these corporations wanted her support for legislation that affected their bottom lines. And, she voted in their favor, both before and after the opulent travel.

“Lori Saldaña accepted luxurious junkets funded by big corporations who had legislation before her that affected their bottom line. She accepted the trips and the corporations received the support from her they were seeking,” said Peters’ Campaign Manager Robert Dempsey.

 “If Lori Saldaña is for transparency, as she claims, she should release all documentation related to these expenses and explain to the voters how this isn’t a blatant conflict of interest,” he added. “The taxpayers deserve to know where she went, who went with her, who paid her way and what they got in return for their generosity.”

From 2005 through 2009, Saldaña reported receiving $22,058 in travel as gifts, including a 2006 trip to South America. During the trip she stayed at exclusive hotels such as the Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, and the five-star Ritz-Carlton in Santiago Chile. While staying at the spectacular Alvear Palace Hotel in Buenos Aires, she even had her own personal butler to attend to her.

 The 2006 South America trip was paid for by an organization funded by Chevron, AT&T, Sempra Energy, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), Comcast and Northern Star Natural Gas. She was joined on the trip by representatives from oil, gas and electricity companies and others.

“Why would any legitimate fact-finding trip require such luxurious accommodations and a private butler?” questioned Dempsey. “Compare Saldaña’s record on this to Scott Peters who was recently highlighted in a U-T San Diego article because he pays all his own travel and meal expenses at the Port. The voters want a representative who isn’t beholden to special interests bearing gifts.”

Saldaña’s fondness for expensive gifts from special interests caught the attention of the Fair Political Practices Commission in 2010 when it fined her for failing to report meals, as required by law. They included meals paid for by the California Manufacturers and Technology Association, the Pechanga Band of Indians, and a $110.00 lunch from Bank of America. There was no record that these expenses ever were reimbursed.

 
BACKGROUND:
In August 2006, Saldaña voted for AB 2987 which allowed telephone companies to compete and offer cable television services without signing cable franchise agreements for the cities or counties in which they operated.  News accounts reported that AT&T was in support of the bill. The City of San Diego registered its opposition to this bill. In a June 19, 2006 vote the San Diego City Council unanimously passed a resolution urging the state to amend the bill.


In June 2009, Saldaña voted for AB 413, which would have eliminated rate freezes for residential customers of electric utilities, a bill supported by PG&E, Sempra Energy and Southern California Edison.  The bill would have lifted some measures enacted in 2001 during the state’s energy crisis that capped and restricted the energy rates paid by customers.  The bill later died in the Senate Rules Committee.

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Lightner supports Proposition B or the DeMaio/Dumanis/Fletcher “Comprehensive Pension Reform” (CPR) Measure

All quotes from the SDUT

A little more than a month ago, Lightner’s prime opponent in the race, Republican Ray Ellis, sent out a campaign mailer saying he was the only District 1 candidate in support of the measure, an assumption Lightner said was wrong.

Though the pension reform measure has been in the local political spotlight for six months, Lightner had yet to publicly state her position on it until talking to a reporter on Tuesday.


This sounds like a decision made on the fly. Lightner has had more than enough time to consider the issue and concluding that supporting the measure now would be a good thing for the campaign only serves to baffle the activist base and her supporters.


“I am in support of it, but the devil is in the details,” she said. “It means continuing to work with our employees closely.”


So she supports the idea but is not offering any solutions. The timing of her statement appears opportunistic. It looks like she’s grasping at the caboose of the Prop B train hoping to ride the rails through to the run off.

Unfortunately, joining the chorus of  “me too” this late in the game does not gain you supporters but it does attract derision.

Great editorial by Alex Kreit & Howard Wayne in today's Union-Tribune

Justice delayed is justice denied:

SDUT Editorial: Crisis in the Courts

Stonewalling on Taxes by Scott Peters and Brian Bilbray Feeds Public Suspicions, Saldaña says

From the Saldaña campaign:

Stonewalling on Taxes by Scott Peters and Brian Bilbray Feeds Public Suspicions, Saldaña says

“What are they hiding?”

SAN DIEGO – A month after she released her taxes to the public, Democratic frontrunner Lori Saldaña said that the stonewalling by the other candidates for the 52nd Congressional District is fueling public suspicions about what they are hiding.

“This year, people are angry and demand to know whether candidates have enjoyed tax breaks that are not available to the average middle-class voter,” Saldaña said. “The public rightfully believe that, if elected, they will perpetuate these tax policies at the expense of the middle class.”

“Do Mr. Bilbray and Mr. Peters pay a lower tax rate than a teacher, a machinist or a barista? Are they hiding funds tax free in the Cayman islands?”

“Voters need to know that the Buffet Rule applies to the people they elect to Congress,” Saldaña said.

Saldaña released her taxes to the San Diego Union Tribune on March 3rd and challenged the other candidates to do the same.

The leading Republican contender, Brian Bilbray, originally agreed to release his returns, but so far has not done so.

Scott Peters, - whose vast personal wealth is estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars - has refused repeated calls to make his tax returns public.

Saldaña noted parallels between Peters’ intransigence and multimillionaire Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney who, when he finally released his taxes, was found to only pay l3.9 percent of his income in taxes, a lower tax rate than most middle-income Americans.

"It's simple: I believe in transparency," Saldaña stated. "When I talk with San Diegans and hear their stories, it's clear many are still struggling even as the economy improves. By releasing my tax returns I want them to know: I get it. I hear you loud and clear. My family's a lot like your family."

"If they have nothing to hide, Mr. Bilbray and Mr. Peters should release their taxes and put the public's suspicions to rest," she said.

Saldaña is leading the other challengers to unseat the long-term Republican Congressman Brian Bilbray in the new-drawn 52nd District, which includes La Jolla, Poway, Mira Mesa, Clairemont, Pacific Beach, Point Loma, Downtown San Diego and Coronado.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

Lori Makes "EMILY's List"!

Lori Makes "EMILY's List"!

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, announced it is placing Lori Saldaña, a candidate for California’s 52nd congressional district, “On the List.”

The EMILY’s List community now stands at more than one million members strong. These supporters are getting their information earlier, quicker, and on the web and they’re ready to take action now. “On the List” is a new way for EMILY’s List members to engage with and support promising candidates early in an election cycle. By putting Saldaña “On the List,” EMILY’s List is ensuring that she has access to this powerful network of supporters.

“Lori is a strong and enthusiastic leader who we are thrilled to put ‘On the List’,” said Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY’s List. “As an environmental leader and a state Assemblywoman, Lori has proven herself to be a tireless advocate for working families, the environment, and California’s veterans. We need Lori’s strong voice in Washington standing up for women and families against the radical Republican agenda. The EMILY’s List community is proud to stand with Lori every step of the way.”

A San Diego native, Saldaña has always recognized the importance of giving back to her community. She graduated from San Diego State University and has had a long career in education, with a focus on workforce development programs for at-risk youth. In the California State Assembly, Saldaña fought to protect the environment, improve access to healthcare, and adequately fund public schools. Drawing on her experience as the daughter of a career Marine, Saldaña has also fought hard for California’s military families and veterans.

In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List raised more than $38.5 million to support its mission of recruiting and supporting women candidates, helping them build strong campaigns, and mobilizing women voters to turn out and vote. With a community of more than 1,000,000 members across the country, EMILY’s List is one of the largest political action committees in the nation. Since its founding in 1985, EMILY’s List has worked to elect 87 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 16 to the U.S. Senate, nine governors, and hundreds of women to the state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and other key local offices. In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List had the largest number of members and donors in our 27 year history.

For more information please visit the  EMILY’s List website.

City Council by the Numbers!

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

District 1

Ray Ellis

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

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

Sherri Lightner

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

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

District 3

Todd Gloria

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

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

District 5

Mark Kersey

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

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

District 7

Mat Kostrinsky

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

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

Scott Sherman

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

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

District 9

Marti Emerald

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

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

Dirty DeMaio: Will Carl DeMaio eliminate police pensions?

After months of waiting, on Friday San Diego finally got its first mayoral debate featuring all four leading candidates. And it didn't disappoint.

Things started off simply enough, by asking Carl DeMaio whether, in light of steadily improving pension numbers driven by a steadily improving economy, he still felt that police officers should eventually be transitioned to 401k. DeMaio caved on including police officers in his ballot measure, but assured San Diego that he still planned to take away police pensions down the line. DeMaio had a lot to say in response to the debate question, but despite being pressed, refused to answer the question.

Read the post here.

Soldiers for the Cause: San Diego Occupiers Stranded in Texas by Greyhound Anti-Occupy Bus Driver

13 occupiers from San Diego en route to Washington D.C. to attend Occupy Congress were left stranded in Amarillo, Texas. The bus driver, Donald Ainsworth, locked the occupiers in the bus and called the police to have them removed because of his anti-occupy beliefs.

Read the post here.

SDUT: Mayoral debate includes pension humor

Filner called the initiative a fraud that throws public employees under the bus for the disastrous decisions made by previous mayors — Republicans, he noted — that created a nearly $2.2 billion pension deficit. He is offering an alternative plan that would cap pensions at about $106,000, reach a five-year labor deal with workers and refinance the pension debt with low-interest municipal bonds. Filner said it would free up $500 million over the next few years, although he has yet to release specifics.

Read the article here.

Another candidate enters the race for D7

Nathan Elbert Johnson, American Independent Party

San Diego City Clerk page.

Two Cathedrals: 5 years on, CPUC issues new fire prevention rules

From Two Cathedrals:

The California Public Utilities Commission unveiled new rules this week — reacting to lessons of the 2007 wildfires to toughen regulations that hopefully will prevent power lines from starting fires in the future. The rules are welcome, since otherwise SDG&E was under absolutely no obligation to change its practices — the practices that started the Witch Creek fire.

Arcing power lines, buffeted by Santa Ana winds, were blamed by investigators for the Oct. 21, 2007, Witch Creek fire. Ignited near Santa Ysabel, that fire eventually merged with the Guejito fire, which had begun early Oct. 22 in the San Pasqual Valley and quickly burned into Rancho Bernardo. More than 1,600 structures were lost in the fires.

Power lines were also blamed for the Rice Canyon fire that burned hundreds of homes in Fallbrook later that week and, farther from San Diego, the Malibu Canyon fire.

Two state investigations concluded that SDG&E equipment, and to a lesser degree Cox Communications, caused the Witch Creek/Guejito fire and the Rice Canyon fire.

There are still hundreds of 2007 fire victims waiting to get their settlement, and that it’s taken four and a half years to address the practices that caused the devastation is amazing. The City of San Diego is among those still waiting for its settlement. If your home was destroyed by the fire, the ship has long since sailed on getting a settlement in a timely manner, but if and when SDG&E finally finishes this process depends in part on the huge rate hike it’s seeking.

The relationship is so tight between SDG&E and its regulatory agency that it’s the SDG&E press shop that gives statements to the media defending the independence of the CPUC, the absurd irony of which remains stunning.

So it’s against this backdrop that SDG&E seeks upwards of a billion dollars in rate hikes — hikes to pass on the cost of fire damage to customers and undermine the growing solar industry. It’s perhaps worth remembering as they ask for a billion dollar handout from the general public that, not only was SDG&E was responsible for devastation that has still not been remedied five years later, but that its parent company Sempra doubled its profits in the third quarter of 2011 and announced last month that it will significantly exceed its annual profit projections.

Of course, if SDG&E doesn’t get the rate hike that allows the cost of fire settlements to be passed on to the public, it has to pay out of pocket and all those amazing profit figures are going to take a hit. Meaning that the calculation is whether the cost of the fire caused by SDG&E practices should be born by its stock price on Wall Street or by San Diegans who had to wait four and a half years to get a ruling that amounts to ‘we’ll try not to do it again.’

An easy choice for the corporation, which succeeds by protecting profits. But the public interest? That might be a little different.

by Lucas O’Connor

Carl DeMaio's hollow veterans jobs plan

From Dirty DeMaio:

Carl DeMaio rolled out a new veterans proposal yesterday ahead of today's first mayoral debate to feature all four candidates. It makes sense strategically since he's running against Bob Filner, who's worked on veterans issues for years in Congress, and Nathan Fletcher, a decorated veteran who released a veterans plan months ago.

But reading through it, it turns out DeMaio's veterans plan does not include any step in which jobs are created. In fact, you'd be forgiven if you thought it was just his campaign's "Job Creation" page with the word 'veteran' thrown in a few times to narrow the focus. It's impressive at least for its consistency, since his Job Creation plan doesn't have a step where jobs are created either.

For someone who claims to be so driven by data and trackable performance and careful measure of outcomes and tough accountability, you would think there would be something remotely resembling a tangible goal here. But the sort of hard, trackable goals that usually indicate seriousness aren't anywhere to be found in this plan.

And since its a jobs plan that doesn't create jobs, it just means DeMaio's plan is to promote hiring certain people over others -- instead of having enough good jobs for everyone. That probably makes a certain sense for DeMaio, since he thinks the private sector is "good enough" already.

This plan that doesn't create any jobs was released from his city council office, not through his campaign. So it will be interesting to follow along and see, compared to his previous Pathways and Roadmaps, how much effort DeMaio actually puts into campaigning on the taxpayer-funded proposal and how much time he devotes to actually trying to pass any of it as a current member of the council.
He hasn't had much luck actually passing any of the items in any of the previous elaborate, taxpayer-funded policy packages, and you'd be hard pressed to see evidence of him trying. But given how much trouble Carl DeMaio has showing up to his day job or even keeping track of what goes on when he's playing hooky, maybe there just isn't enough time in the day.

Hard to justify calling DeMaio a 'taxpayer watchdog' who's 'cleaning up City Hall' when he's struggling to show up or push his very own agenda -- while making sure he spends every taxpayer dime he can on campaign fodder. Just like it's hard to take a jobs plan seriously that doesn't even include the step of actually creating jobs.

Rancho Bernardo Patch: DeMaio, Dumanis and Fletcher Talk Veterans

The three mayoral candidates have each offered plans for helping veterans. 

Read the article here.

Donna Frye Endorses Mat Kostrinsky for City Council District 7

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          

 Donna Frye Endorses Mat Kostrinsky for City Council District 7

Champion of Open Government and Environmental Protection Supports Longtime Community Leader

San Diego, CA – January 12, 2012 – Donna Frye, respected leader of the San Diego City Council for over a decade, has endorsed Mat Kostrinsky to represent San Diego’s newly formed Council District 7.  District 7 is comprised of the eastern San Diego communities of Allied Gardens, Del Cerro, Grantville, San Carlos and Tierrasanta, as well as communities that were previously represented by Frye during her term as a councilmember; Birdland, Mission Valley, Serra Mesa, and southern portion of Linda Vista.

Donna Frye has long been recognized as a reformer and was honored by the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) San Diego Pro Chapter’s 2011 with the Sunshine Award for her tenure on city council from 2001 to 2010.  SPJ stated, “[Frye] was dedicated to open government, boycotting closed council sessions until city council rewrote its policy on such sessions, forcing the lifting of limits on public comment at meetings, forcing the public release of a study that determined the true costs of providing sewer service and showed that residential customers were partially subsidizing service for businesses, and helping pass a ballot measure that improved access to city records, among other efforts.”

During her time in office, Frye made the right decisions for the right reasons and put the public interest first.  “I am proud to be endorsed by a leader who took such bold action: when she saw a problem, she spoke out and tried to fix it, just like I will on behalf of the community.” Kostrinsky said.

“Mat Kostrinsky has already proven himself to be a community leader in District 7.  He knows the residents, he understands the issues, and he knows how to bring people together to achieve results for the community,” stated Frye.  “Mat grew up in District 7.  For years he has been involved in projects and issues that have made our neighborhoods a better place for our community and our children.  Now we need him on the City Council to help improve our entire City,” continued Frye.

Kostrinsky grew up in the San Diego communities of San Carlos and Del Cerro.  He attended Pershing Middle School, Patrick Henry High School and graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science. Mat has shown his dedication to our neighborhoods through volunteerism, representing them on numerous community boards, working on numerous projects in the district and improving the district through beautification projects such as Lake Murray Playground Project. Currently, Mat is a Home Health Advocate for UDW, ensuring that our State’s elderly and disabled receive the respect and care they deserve in their own homes.

# # #

Labor Council Response to Mayor Sanders’ 2012 State of the City Address

 
For Immediate Release
January 11, 2012

Labor Council Response to Mayor Sanders’ 2012 State of the City Address

SAN DIEGO - San Diego Labor Council Secretary-Treasurer Lorena Gonzalez made the following statement in response to tonight’s State of the City address:

“Mayor Sanders’ speech tonight was the equivalent of a spoonful of lukewarm porridge. San Diego is tired of lukewarm vanilla porridge.

“Instead, our city was looking for answers to the important questions facing them. How will he put San Diegans back to work in good jobs? What assurances will the city make to employ local workers on the projects he’s been proposing? And what is the city doing to keep city residents in their homes when foreclosures are wrecking families and blighting neighborhoods?

“Tonight’s speech sounded a lot like the same ‘to do’ list that Mayor Sanders has given us in every single State of the City address since he was elected. It’s disappointing he won’t be able to have more accomplishments checked off when he leaves office in 11 months.”

###
San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council
The San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO includes 134 affiliated labor groups in the region with a membership of more than 192,000 working families.  Founded in 1891, the Labor Council advocates for more jobs, better jobs and better lives for all of San Diego’s workers – union and non-union.
www.unionyes.org             

"Kicking Ass for the Middle Class" rally! postponed

Stay tuned for details.

SDNR: Lawyer who sued city last week says he will run for City Council

A lawyer who recently sued the city of San Diego to have the Children's Pool in La Jolla closed during harbor seal pupping season said today he will run for a seat on the San Diego City Council.
 
Bryan Pease said he would officially enter the race to challenge incumbent Sherri Lightner in District 1 on Thursday.

Read the article here.

The Honorable Dede Alpert Endorses Scott Peters for Congress

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: MaryAnne Pintar 

maryanne@scottpeters.com

 

The Honorable Dede Alpert Endorses Scott Peters for Congress

"More than ever, Washington needs thoughtful, compassionate leaders like Scott"

San Diego – The Scott Peters for Congress campaign announces another endorsement today from one of San Diego’s most popular elected leaders. Former State Senator Dede Alpert has endorsed Peters, calling him a “thoughtful and compassionate” leader.

“I’ve known and worked with Scott for several years, while he was on the City Council, and during his volunteer public service to our community and I very gladly endorse his candidacy for Congress,” Alpert said.

“He is thoughtful, compassionate and smart, and is one of the most skilled consensus builders I’ve ever worked with,” she said.  “His reasonable, determined style of leadership is sorely needed in Washington right now where the rancor has become so intense it is harming our country. I urge San Diegans in the new 52^nd District to support him and send a new style of leadership to Washington.”

Alpert had a long career as an elected representative in the San Diego region, beginning in 1983 when she was elected to the Solana Beach School Board. In 1991, she was elected to the California State Assembly, and in 1996, to the California State Senate.  During her 14 years of legislative service she was best known for championing laws that improved public education and protected victims of domestic abuse.

“When people ask me who I look to as a mentor or model for how elected officials should, I tell them I learned from Dede,” Peters said. “She is practical and sensible and was always willing to listen to all sides in order to forge compromise and make progress,” he said. “I am honored to have her endorsement.”

For more information about Scott Peters or his campaign to bring common sense back to Washington, go to www.scottpeters.com.

 

 

DirtyDeMaio.com Launched Anew to Provide Dirty Details About Extremist Mayoral Candidate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lucas O'Connor
Cell #: 703-864-4619
E-Mail: dirtydemaio@gmail.com

DirtyDeMaio.com Launched Anew to Provide Dirty
Details About Extremist Mayoral Candidate

Web and Social Media Campaign Will Serve As Information Center for San Diego’s Voters

SAN DIEGO – (Wednesday, January 11, 2012) -- As the 2012 election sprint heats up, Too Extreme for San Diego today is re-launching DirtyDeMaio.com, an information hub for voters and media to get the whole story on mayoral candidate Carl DeMaio.

A one-stop clearinghouse on DeMaio's history, extreme policy record, and campaign tactics, DirtyDeMaio.com will provide news, analysis, and background research to finally give voters the whole picture about Carl DeMaio in one place in order to make an informed decision.

“We believe voters deserve to really see Carl DeMaio's full record," said San Diego Labor Council Secretary-Treasurer Lorena Gonzalez. "We may not be able to force DeMaio to face the tough questions that will reveal what kind of mayor he'd really be, but we can at least give San Diegans the opportunity to make an informed decision.”

Most San Diegans haven't heard anything close to the full story on Carl DeMaio yet, which is why DirtyDeMaio.com is such an important tool for this campaign. DeMaio has spent his entire adult life in professional politics, adding up to nearly two decades inside the conservative machine in Washington DC and now in San Diego.

“For too long, DeMaio has successfully evaded tough scrutiny and largely written his own story for San Diegans.” Gonzalez continued. “But his history of extreme policies, stark hypocrisy, and reckless self-promotion is out of step with San Diego and will be put before voters.”

Too Extreme for San Diego is a campaign to oppose extremist candidate Carl DeMaio in the San Diego Mayor’s race in 2012. For more information, visit www.DirtyDeMaio.com or check us out on Facebook and Twitter.

SDUT: Suit seeks to block SD pension vote

Attorney Hud Collins is mounting a long-shot bid to be the next mayor of San Diego, but his biggest contribution to the coming election season may be a lawsuit he filed that, if successful, could prevent a proposed pension initiative from going before city voters.


Collins sued the city last month to prevent the City Council from putting the “Comprehensive Pension Reform” initiative — which would replace guaranteed pensions with 401(k)-style plans for most new city hires — on the June ballot. He is arguing the initiative isn’t an amendment to the city charter, as supporters have described it, but rather a sweeping charter revision.

Read the article here.

KPBS: Ex-City Councilman Finally Headed To Prison

The U.S. Supreme Court has denied a request by former San Diego City Councilman Ralph Inzunza for a new hearing in the notorious case known as "Strippergate."

The decision means Inzunza’s appeals are over and his 21-month prison sentence must begin.

Read the article here.

SDUT: Supervisor Roberts named board chairman

Read the article here.

Labor Council Response to U-T San Diego Column on Chargers Stadium Search

For Immediate Release                                                                                                
Contact: Patrick Pierce
January 9, 2012  

Labor Council Response to U-T San Diego Column on Chargers Stadium Search

SAN DIEGO - San Diego Labor Council Secretary-Treasurer Lorena Gonzalez made the following statement today in response to Nick Canepa’s column in U-T San Diego:

“While the San Diego Labor Movement is generally supportive of both expanding the Convention Center and building a new Chargers Stadium, we feel there are a host of community benefits that need to be addressed before either move forward.

“Plans for both projects will require the use of taxpayer dollars and public land and, we believe, such substantial investment by the San Diego community must be met with an equally significant benefit for the community.

“To ensure the community a return on its investment, we believe there must be a written agreement requiring the use of local workers on those projects along with training opportunities in the construction trades for our city’s unemployed. We believe that there must be a discussion and commitment to raising the job quality of the tourism jobs that would be created as a result of either project to stop the race to the bottom seen in the service sector. And we are absolutely opposed to any change of operations or marketing of the Convention Center Corporation that would lead to the privatization of this public asset due to turning over control of the board to wealthy hoteliers.

“As of now, neither project addresses these concerns, but we look forward to working with any groups that are willing to encourage responsible economic growth.”

###

San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council
The San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO represents more than 192,000 union workers in the region and advocates for an economy with more jobs, better jobs and better lives for all workers in the region - union and non-union.
www.unionyes.org      

SDUT: Canepa: Chargers to stay in '12, but new stadium still needed

“We will continue to work closely with the mayor on developing the East Village bus maintenance site in downtown San Diego,” said Mark Fabiani, the Chargers general counsel and point man on new stadium development. 

Read the article here.

Occupy San Diego Legal Team: Arrested Outlaw Occupella Singer Stephanie Jennings and other unlawfully arrested

Press Release for Conference on Monday, 1/9/2012 @ 3:30 p.m. at Civic Center Plaza.

Subject: 
Targeted and unlawful application of the law against peaceful protesters, and the expansion of the Occupiers' Federal TRO for an injunction to stop the the false, arbitrary and overly broad charges of "Illegal lodging & encroachment" by SDPD.

Lawyers for the Occupiers (Byran Pease, etc.) and unjustly arrested Occupiers Stephanie Jennings, Michael Garcia, Ray Lutz and John B. Kenney will be in attendance, as well as other eye-witnesses and singers of the notorious Outlaws Occupella SD Gang.

Occupy member and Occupella singer Stephanie Jennings is one of two women man-handled, bruised and arrested by SDPD officers for singing at Civic Center on Saturday night, where several hundred Occupiers were peacefully celebrating the three month anniversary of the Occupy Movement in Civic Center Plaza. Ms. Jennings, a self-employed mother and founder of the Women Occupiers Group, was charged an outrageous $10,000 for 243(B) PC, " battery committed against the person of a peace officer".  Ms. Jennings, and numerous eye-witnesses deny the charges. She will be filing an official complaint.

Ms. Jennings and Michael Garcia, arrested on Friday night for having a folding chair in the Plaza, just 1 hour before he was scheduled to speak at a Labor event celebrating the 100 year anniversary of San Diego police oppression and numerous killings against Emma Goldman and Free Speech and Workers' Rights History Month at the Centro Cultural Del Raza at Balboa Park, are just the latest in a long suffering string of arrests on specious charges targeted at the peaceful protesters in San Diego Civic Center.

YouTube video of the incident shows SDPD officers arresting two women, and throwing one of them to the concrete Plaza floor. Many protesters can be heard chanting, “Shame on you,” at the SDPD officers man-handling the women.

Attorneys for the Occupiers will address the various legal aspects of the Federal case, and the expanded causes of action for the TRO/injunction.

See also YouTube at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMOutjoxqow&feature=youtube_gdata_player
[ Footage of Stephanie Jennings, picking up the action just after the initial assault and battery by the SDPD Sgt., is between 5 and 18 seconds on the left side of the screen. The bald cop, believed to be Sgt. Malano(?), later pushing the other woman, is the same one that assaulted Ms. Jennings.]

For more information contact John B. Kenney at OccupySD.jbk@gmail.com, or (619) 674-1858.

"Kicking Ass for the Middle Class" rally!

January 14, 2012 at 1:00pm
351 Broadway, San Diego 92101 (in front of Horton Plaza)

Come on down!

SDUT: Pension election rhetoric to ramp up

There’s also a possibility that the City Council’s Democratic majority, at the urging of mayoral candidate Bob Filner, could place a competing measure on the same ballot that would keep guaranteed pensions in place but include other changes to ease the financial strain on the city’s budget.

Read the article here.

SGGP: U.S. Representative arrives in Vietnam to support victims of Agent Orange

U.S. Representative Robert Earl Filner arrived in Ho Chi Minh City on January 4 on an eight day tour of Vietnam to monitor programs being conducted in various provinces for victims of Agent Orange. 

Read the article here.

SDUT: Mayoral candidates burnish distinct images

Each has a familiar face. Each has a compelling story to tell. Each has a solid base of ardent supporters to draw upon. Each is willing to give up a relatively safe political office to become the next mayor of San Diego. And, of course, each is expecting to win.

Read the article here.

SDUT: Political Notebook: Frye endorses Saldaña

Former Democratic Assemblywoman Lori Saldaña, who is challenging Republican Rep. Brian Bilbray, has announced the endorsement of former San Diego City Councilwoman Donna Frye.

Read the article here.

Examiner.com: Dems Candidate Stands By Community Record Heading Into Election Year

San Diego City Council Candidate Mat Kostrinsky is carrying last year’s early momentum into 2012 by identifying his strong track record of community involvement as the key to him winning District 7. 
Kostrinsky lists rebuilding the Lake Murray playground and the new performing arts center at Patrick Henry High School as examples of what can be achieved when a strong local voice brings together the community to achieve real outcomes. 

“I am proud to have helped with coordinating a diverse group of friends and neighbors to restore a community asset that sat in disrepair for years.  Just as this playground will once again serve as a gathering place for neighbors, I look forward to helping City Hall once again serve as a place where real solutions are achieved for San Diego at-large.”

Kostrinsky was instrumental in helping raise more than $185,000 to rebuild this important social infrastructure at Lake Murray – which has local residents excited of what he might be able to deliver in Council.

Continue reading on Examiner.com

VOSD: How to Run the City Without Taking Sides

San Diego City Council President Tony Young said he knows the challenges he'll face in 2012.
For the first time in seven years, San Diego will have a mayoral election without an incumbent. 

The majority of City Council seats will be up for grabs, too. It's not, Young said, the best environment to make major decisions.

Read the article here.

SDUT: Stadium, new city hall to be discussed

In a New Year message released Wednesday, Young quoted John Lennon’s “Imagine” in challenging his colleagues to re-imagine how they govern and serve the city’s 1.3 million residents.

“We will be re-imagining how we address the budget, how we implement projects, how we form impactful partnerships with other entities and how we strengthen our local economy and improve our vibrant communities,” Young wrote.

Read the article here.

SDUT: Sen. Anderson edged out for GOP leader

State Senate Republicans elected a new leader Wednesday, but it wasn’t Joel Anderson of La Mesa.
Sen. 

Bob Huff of Diamond Bar, after wrapping up commitments from a majority of the GOP caucus earlier, will take over.

Read the article here.

100th Anniversary Free Speech Exhibit Debuts in San Diego

***MEDIA ALERT***MEDIA ALERT***MEDIA ALERT***

100th Anniversary Free Speech Exhibit Debuts in San Diego

WHAT:          
Community-wide Celebration to honor 100-Year Anniversary of San Diego’s Free Speech Fight. Local labor, community, and educational groups from around San Diego will gather to remember San Diego’s role in the American free speech movement that hit a fever pitch in January 1912 based on a San Diego City Council ordinance banning speech in public around 5th Avenue and E Street.

EVENT:         
Opening night activities include: photo display of the San Diego Free Speech Fight; a reading from FLASH (a book based on the San Diego Free Speech Fight) by author Jim Miller; live music by Gregory Page, The Proles, and the People’s Revolutionary Choir; and more. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be provided. 

WHO:             
San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council, ACLU – San Diego Chapter, San Diego City College Labor Studies Program, Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice, University of San Diego Department of Communications and History Graduate Program, National University Center for Cultural and Ethnic Studies, and Federation of Retired Union Members. All will be available to speak with media.

WHEN:          
Friday, January 6, 2012
                       
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

WHERE:        
Centro Cultural de la Raza, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101


For additional information and a detailed event listing of the San Diego Free Speech Fight 100-Year Anniversary activities, please visit: www.aftguild.org/free_speech

# # #

SD CItyBeat: The U-T's connections to Carl DeMaio and the Lincoln Club

And to continue harping on The San Diego Union-Tribune—shit, done it again—U-T San Diego: Last month, the San Diego Daily Transcript reported that City Councilmember and mayor candidate Carl DeMaio has a history with the new owners of the city’s main daily newspaper, hotelier Doug Manchester and broadcaster John Lynch. In 2005, Manchester donated $100,000 to a DeMaio-run political committee, while Lynch’s radio station provided the committee with $38,400 in free air time.

Read the article here. 

Two Cathedrals: A leaderless movement can still be led

Read the original at Two Cathedrals

In its editorial last week, CityBeat tried to kickstart a conversation about the future of the Occupy movement, particularly in San Diego. The gist is that the physical occupation side of things has run out of steam and distracted from the original goals of raising awareness and building consensus around the economic and political disparities in San Diego, the country, the world. That’s probably right, although as much as the physical occupation was important because of its impact on others around it, it also worked because it was such a low, opt-in bar for potential activists to clear in order to participate. That’s what makes ‘graduation’ tricky.

The more difficult needle to thread is what comes next? CityBeat recommends joining the system to save the system from itself, a strategy that’s been around forever in equal parts co-option and Crashing the Gate, depending on who’s talking. Especially in San Diego, a more engaged citizenry with higher expectations is a desperately needed step, but it isn’t an end in itself to just make a list of other people who don’t do enough. Occupy has kicked the door open and created opportunity, now it’s everyone’s job to go through it.

Here’s the piece that so few seem to understand — or want to. Occupy was never about occupiers taking over the system. They aren’t aspiring to write new bills, or hold elected officials accountable, or be the next generation of reform politicians. They are think tank policy wonks. They aren’t journalists. They aren’t legislators. They already have vocations and already have lives. They’re protesting the disruption of those vocations and lives because policy, elected officials, watchdogs aren’t keeping up their end of the bargain. They aren’t looking for a new gig — they just want their original gig back. There are plenty of people who have run for office, who have started or joined community organizations, who have invested themselves in the stuff of making our communities stronger, who now must rise to the occasion.

It’s a tough concept to grasp across the spectrum. For every conservative seeking to discredit the objections of the 99%, there are Democrats dodging behind the ‘where’s their plan?’ tut-tut. Scott Peters is waiting to be led. Bob Filner wants to know where the itemized list of demands is and compares with nostalgia to his heroic time as a Freedom Rider. It’s still just four months since Occupy began; it was more than three years between the Freedom Riders departed and the Civil Rights Act was passed. The Voting Rights Act took another year — and after those four years activists were still getting beaten bloody on the road to Selma. They’re running to solve the same problems that Occupiers and their allies are are raising, so solve them. Leadership is earned by example.

Stephen Lerner has been one of the sharpest leaders on this point, identifying the need and the opportunity before there even was an Occupy, emphasizing both the need for an effort shaped like Occupy eventually was and the need of innovative leadership to grow into the bigger issues that the effort has exposed. Now, “Lerner is neither in nor of Occupy Wall Street…Be that as it may, his name is very near the top of that lamentably short list of strategists of how to rebalance power in America so that the 99 percent have more of it.” But he’s helped make clear that economic justice shouldn’t be a difficult concept to champion; leadership should not have trouble rising to meet this occasion.

Everyone needs to maintain and build on this momentum, but it isn’t the time to demand that Occupiers lead everyone else (though they’re welcome to it, and let’s take leadership wherever we can get it). It’s time to demand that all the people who signed up to be our erstwhile leaders to snap out of their reverie and actually do the job. They can do it; they know how. We’ve seen a couple early steps towards challenging the inertia of concentrated money and political power. There’s popular support served up on a platter for anyone willing to earn it.

To their credit, CityBeat declares itself an ally in this effort. But at some point, it has to stop always being someone else’s job to go first. That’s how we found ourselves in this spot to begin with — waiting for someone else to take responsibility. The strength of the Occupy effort is in its work outside the system: Bank Transfer Day moved $4.5 billion into community credit unions. Occupy Our Homes is forcing the country to confront the never-ending foreclosure crisis in new ways.

The opportunity isn’t to turn the 99% into politicians. This moment is when we’ll find out whether any of our politicians are ready to be leaders for the 99% — and whether there’s still room for populism to work at all.

by Lucas O’Connor