SINGER SONGWRITER KRIS KRISTOFFERSON TO DONATE SIX CONCERTS IN CELEBRATION OF THE UNITED FARM WORKERS 50TH ANNIVERSARY!

RENOWNED AND AWARD-WINNING ARTISTS LOS LOBOS, MARIACHI LOS CAMPEROS DE NATI CANO, NYDIA ROJAS, MARIACHI DIVAS, LOS TEX-MANIACS, MINGO SALDIVAR AND TRIO ELLAS JOIN KRISTOFFERSON IN BENEFIT CONCERT SERIES ACROSS CALIFORNIA.

Keene, CA – In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, the United Farm Workers (UFW) announce the Kris Kristofferson & Friends Concert Series beginning June 15 thru June 22 in cities across California.  The Concert Series will join singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson with renowned Latin artists in the various markets to raise money in advancing the work of the UFW.  Joining Kristofferson in donating their respective performances are: Los Lobos, Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, Mariachi Divas, Nydia Rojas with Trio Ellas, and Los Tex-Maniacs featuring Mingo Saldivar.  Concert Series tickets are on sale now through each venue’s box office. A select number of VIP Artist's Circle seats will be available. The Artist's Circle seats include premium seating within the first eight rows, a limited edition commemorative concert poster, and a meet and greet opportunity with Kris Kristofferson & Friends after the show.  The Concert Series will be produced by LatinPointe and Road Work Entertainment and is sponsored by Southwest Airlines.

The California Concert Series artist line-up and scheduled concert stops include:

Friday, June 15 - San Diego, CA - Spreckels Theatre
8:00 pm, Kris Kristofferson & Mariachi Divas

Saturday, June 16 - Fresno, CA - Warnors Center for the Performing Arts
8:00 pm, 
Kris Kristofferson & Nydia Rojas with Trio Ellas



Monday, June 18 - Stockton, CA - The Bob Hope Theatre,
7:30 pm, Kris Kristofferson & TBD
Tuesday

June 19 - Bakersfield, CA - The Fox Theater,
 8:00 pm, 
Kris Kristofferson & Los Lobos


Thursday, June 21 - Oxnard, CA - Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center
7:30 pm, Kris Kristofferson & Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano



Friday, June 22 - San Jose, CA - San Jose Civic,
8:00 pm, Kris Kristofferson & Los Tex-Maniacs featuring Mingo Saldivar



The 73-year-old Kristofferson has had a distinguished career that has encompassed the authorship of such classic American songs as “Me and BobbyMcGee,” “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” and “Help Me Make It Through the Night”; stardom in such feature films as Lonestar, Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid and A Star is Born; honors including three Grammy Awards and a Golden Globe Award; and years of outspoken political and social activism.  “It’s an honor for me to share my talent with an organization such as the UFW and its cause of advancing the lives of thousands of workers that put food on all of our tables,” said Kristofferson.  “Joining forces with renowned Latino performers through these special performances offer fans great music with a great cause!”


The UFW is the oldest Latino organization to come out of the 1960’s civil rights movement and the largest farm worker organization in America.  The group continues to be at the forefront of protecting America’s farm workers, ensuring a safe and just food supply and a safe working environment, free from intimidation and threats to achieve a higher standard of living for them and their families.  


Other scheduled UFW 50th Anniversary events include the UFW Awards (May 17th) and the UFW 50th Anniversary convention (May 18-20).  Both events will be held in Bakersfield, CA.  A distinguished group of entertainers, public officials, dignitaries and Hispanic national leaders lead by Helen Chavez, wife of founder Cesar Chavez, is co-chairing the 50th Anniversary celebration.

For more information on the Concert Series and all UFW 50th events contact UFW contact Teresa Romero, execoffice@ufw.org  (661) 823-6105 or Sarah Ruiz Chavez, schavez@latinpointe.com  (913) 660-6515.


###

CD 52: 10 days left

 This isn't the U-T. Proofreading is allowed.

There was a rumor a few weeks ago that the Peters campaign was hiring people for a paid walk and phone program. In doing the back of the envelope calculations, he would need as least half a million to make it happen.

This is what has happened and more. According to the latest FEC filings, Scott Peters has loaned his campaign 1.25 million dollars to defeat Lori Saldaña and secure a place in the general election against Brian Bilbray.

That kind of money could fund three campaigns for San Diego City Council. It could revitalize the county Democratic Party. It could be seed money to launch a new generation of progressive operatives through out the county.

Instead, it is going to secure a likely number two position in an open primary. The race between Peters and Saldaña is seen as an inter-party one with Republicans coming home to Bilbray. The chances of a Democratic candidate coming in first with a split Democratic electorate are slim.

The question remains if this will be enough money to make it happen. If you subtract his personal contribution, Saldaña raised more money than Peters in the most recent FEC filings. She is burning her money at a rapid rate and doesn’t have much of a cushion to fall back on but she has made this race close enough to force Peters to dump a ton of cash for a primary.

With 10 days to go, the campaigns have settled on their basic strategies: Saldaña’s campaign is playing to the base, touting progressive endorsements and working the field while Peters’s campaign has launched a paid walk and phone program, television buys, and at least 20 pieces of mail so far with more to come.

What’s working so far:

Peters – The firefighter robo-call and overall mail strategy. The call about Saldaña and public safety by the firefighters was one of the few instances when a robo-call was a good investment. It amplified Peters’s public safety record and his mail campaign about the same subject. The odd thing is that public safety polls very well with Republican women. Primary elections tend to skew partisan so this gamble at Republicans may not be enough if that is their strategy. As for his mail, there is a lot of it so his name ID has risen.

Saldaña – The hand written letters and her hits on Peters. The hand written letters are very labor intensive but they did the trick. Arriving in mailboxes just as the first batch of campaign literature began dropping they cut through the clutter and reinforced her message as a community-based campaign. Her Enron-by-the-Sea hits on Peters are successful but maybe too successful because Bilbray has begun mailing voters about the same thing.

What’s not working:

Peters –Mail and social media. Mail cuts both ways. The Peters campaign is running too close to having a Meg Whitman-like effect with voters. They are mailing so much that, with the competitive mayoral race in the mix, voters may just toss any mail from any of them into the recycling bin without looking. And Peters’s mail doesn’t stand out amongst the clutter that it must compete with. As for social media, there was a sustained attempt by campaign staffers and volunteers to convince voters on Facebook and Twitter that Saldaña was crazy, a liar, and not to be trusted. They received responses but, as this campaign went on, the same 20 people were talking to the same 20 people. There wasn’t any noticeable traction with this two-month “whisper” campaign and all it did was make the posters look crazy, like liars, and not to be trusted.

Saldaña – Mail and candidate missteps with the media. Having just stated that Peters may be putting out too much mail, Saldaña may not be putting out enough. What she has mailed out has been creative and seems to work but it may be buried in the avalanche of Peters mail and whatever the mayoral candidates are sending. And Saldaña has not had the best of relationships with some media outlets (CityBeat) and they are not afraid to let their readers know. Saldaña’s roughness around the edges when it comes to the media has cost her and campaigns this close don’t need self-inflicted wounds.

Conclusions:

1)   Unifying the Democrats behind either one of these candidates won’t be easy and may not be possible. 

       This race has ripped open a divide within the Democratic base between the “activists” and the “establishment.” Should Peters win, the activist core that has been the backbone of the Saldaña campaign and made this race competitive may not come out to staff Peters’s operation. Should Saldaña win, Democrats in power may not lift a finger to prevent the 52^nd from going Republican. Labor is behind Peters, the state party is staying out and the local party is divided. A union of sorts can be cobbled together but it will take great diplomacy and require a number of people to eat nice slabs of humble pie for it to happen.

2)   D.C.’s influence should be minimized. 

       When D.C. operatives fly in and take over a campaign, they will run the kinds of campaigns they know, hire people they know, and pay lip service to anything the locals may know. The Busby campaign is a great example of this churn and burn. D.C. campaigns are predictable and these are the campaigns that Republicans love to run against because they know the playbook. Either Scott or Lori needs to win and on their terms.

3)   Be ready to roll the day after the primary. 

       There will be all kinds of fence mending to be had. Get to it ASAP because there won’t be time when the Republicans kick into high gear.

4)   The winner between Peters and Saldaña does so by 2-4% points
The polling around the race indicates that, since he began mailing, Peters has cut Saldaña’s lead to within the margin of error but has not overtaken her. His support appears broad but soft while her supporters are solidly behind her and aren’t moving to another candidate. Expect some last minute hits from either or both campaigns because it is that close. This race will likely be decided by their respective ground operations.

California Democratic Council endorses Lori Saldaña for Congress

SAN DIEGO - A statewide association of Democratic Clubs and County Committees, The California Democratic Council (CDC), has endorsed Lori Saldaña in her race to unseat Brian Bilbray in the newly-drawn 52nd Congressional District.

“Congratulations to Lori Saldana, who received 79% of the votes of delegates residing in her district,” said CDC spokesperson Michael McQuary.

During the month of April, the California Democratic Council conducted the first ever online endorsement process for congressional, state assembly, and state senate races throughout California.
Over 1,000 delegates representing more than 19,000 members of more than 400 Democratic affiliated clubs participated in the endorsement process. Thirty-three candidates successfully completed the process resulting in an official endorsement of the California Democratic Council.

Saldaña was delighted with the endorsement.

“The CDC is one of the premier progressive organizations in California,” Saldaña said. “I am extremely grateful to the delegates for expressing their faith in my candidacy.”

California Democratic Council (CDC) ensures every California Democrat is served by a visible, organized, broadly-based geographic Democratic club that reaches out year-round to its community; recruits quality Democratic candidates for every appointed and elected position in its purview; and supports those officials in advocating for Democratic Party values both as candidates and in their sworn public roles.

The CDC helps Democratic clubs communicate their policy messages and positions on issues in a democratic manner and at the appropriate level to provide information and guidance to appointed and elected officials and candidates.

This endorsement underscores Saldaña’s support among grassroots Democratic activists in her district. She has also received the support of all of the regional Democratic clubs who have endorsed in the 52nd primary, as well as the backing of the San Diego Democratic Women’s Club and the Veterans Democratic Club of San Diego.

###

RJ Hernandez is Top Pick for Women's Group

 

SAN DIEGO – May 14, 2012 – State Assembly Candidate Ruben (RJ) Hernandez has achieved backing from the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States, the National Organization for Women (NOW) after receiving support from Congressman and Mayoral Candidate Bob Filner at a Cinco de Mayo fundraiser last week. NOW has successfully lobbied the federal government, as well as state and local policymakers, to make laws protecting equal rights for women.

“I'm honored to have the endorsement of the National Organization for Women and stand with them as they fight for equal pay, affordable health care, reproductive rights, educational opportunities, and human rights for women both here in California and around the world,” Hernandez says.

Hernandez earned a great advantage with NOW’s endorsement, as women make up 54 percent of District 77, with more than 75 percent of households having female voters. Increasingly moderate and Hispanic, the region is also at the core of key population shifts, voting for Democratic presidential candidate Barak Obama in 2008. The businessman is showing he can compete with rivals for North County as a representative who stands by women in the workplace, education, healthcare, and other instrumental areas of life.

The National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter, and the Poway, Black Mountain and Rancho Santa Fe Democratic Clubs signed on board with him since the state party endorsed Hernandez in February. Other key supporters include the Latino Legislative Caucus and the San Diego Young Democrats.

Hernandez is out to claim a region comprised of Poway, Rancho Bernardo, 4S Ranch, Rancho Penasquitos, Rancho Santa Fe, Carmel Valley, Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch, Tierrasanta, Kearny Mesa, and North and East Clairemont. Find out more about District 77 and RJ Hernandez at http://www.rjhernandez.org.

###

Int’l Association of Fire Fighters Endorses Scott Peters for Congress

 

Peters is the only Democrat in the 52nd Backed by Public Safety Professionals

San Diego – The Scott Peters for Congress campaign today announced the endorsement of another international association: The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).  IAFF joins the San Diego City Fire Fighters Association and former City of San Diego Fire Chief Jeff Bowman in backing Peters, making him the only Democratic candidate in the race for the 52nd Congressional District to be backed by public safety professionals.

“While on the City Council, Scott got new fire and police stations built and boosted public safety budgets to reduce emergency response times, all without raising taxes,” said MaryAnne Pintar, Peters Campaign Communications Director.

“They know first-hand that when it comes to public safety, Scott gets it and gets it done for them, and for the communities they risk their lives to protect,” she said.

Headquartered in Washington, DC, IAFF represents more than 300,000 full-time professional fire fighters and paramedics who protect 85 percent of the nation’s population.

For a complete list of Scott’s endorsements, go to www.scottpeters.com.

###

Have a Wonderful Memorial Day

Dear Friends,

Memorial Day is a time to remember the courage and sacrifice of the brave men and women who have served and protected our country. I am proud to have served in a variety of capacities for the U.S. Air Force in the Pentagon and in Germany from 1980 - 1989.  I helped to create the TRICARE military healthcare system for our fighting forces, their families and retirees, and believe we must continue to do all that we can to support our troops and their families as well as our veterans.  My family and I want to wish you and your family well on this important holiday weekend.

Dave

Floundering, Peters attempts to buy election with personal wealth

 

Scott Peters Gives campaign $1.25 million of his own money

SAN DIEGO - The most recent FEC filing report shows that Scott Peters, who is consistently trailed in the polls, has poured $1.25 million of his own money into his campaign in the last two weeks. 

Upon hearing the news Joe Kocurek, Lori Saldaña's Communications Director, reacted:



"This is outrageous," Kocurek said. "This blatant attempt to purchase the election is an insult to the democratic process."



Kocurek said that Peters' personal wealth is estimated to be around a quarter of a billion dollars.



"Congress shouldn't be a exclusive privilege of the 1%, he said. “San Diego is not for sale and I have faith that the voters will not let Peters buy this election.”



Kocurek said that, in stark contrast to Mr. Peters’ campaign finances, Lori Saldaña's campaign is supported by small dollar donors and grassroots supporters, not personal wealth,” Kocurek said.

“Discounting Peter's own personal contribution, Ms. Saldaña outraised Mr. Peters by nearly $30,000 this filing period."

###

Two More International Worker Advocacy Associations Back Scott Peters for Congress!

 

San Diego -- Two more international worker advocacy associations have endorsed Scott Peters for Congress in the new 52nd Congressional District, the campaign announced today. The Teamsters and the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers have added their names to the very long list of worker advocates backing Peters in his bid to unseat entrenched Republican incumbent Brian Bilbray. They join the AFL-CIO, the National Education Association, Service Employees International, and dozens of others.

“Members of these organizations have decades-long histories of supporting and advocating on behalf of middle-class Americans,” Peters said. “I’m proud to have their confidence and look forward to fighting for these hard-working men and women and their families in Washington.” 

The International Association of Teamsters boasts 1.4 million members worldwide. It is organized under 21 different divisions that that include almost every occupation imaginable in the both professional and non-professional, private and public sectors.

The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers represents about 70,000 workers in the construction, shipbuilding, railroad, manufacturing, mining, and emergency medical service industries throughout the United States and Canada.

For a complete list of Scott’s endorsements, go to www.scottpeters.com.

###

Dave Roberts responds to Steve Danon's hypocrisy on Slush Funds at the County Board of Supervisors:

 

"The rules and regulations of the Neighborhood Reinvestment Program must be revised to include more public transparency.  The application process must also be revised, with strict guidelines.

I support a total ban on gifts of any kind to supervisors or their staff members.

In my view, the Neighborhood Reinvestment Program is a valuable program that reinvests tax dollars back into our communities.  The fund ultimately benefits families who pay the taxes that fund the program.

I think the taxpayers deserve to see improvements to their parks, libraries and youth programs from this tax money, instead of sending more money into a black hole in Sacramento.

It is the height of hypocrisy that career politician Steve Danon would call today for termination of the Neighborhood Reinvestment Program which provides critical funding to programs in our neighborhoods.

Danon has worked at the County for a number of years in senior policy making positions for two Supervisors and never once has he been on record advising the Board of Supervisors to terminate the program.

Danon has spent virtually his entire professional career on the public payroll enjoying all of the perks and privileges at the taxpayers' expense.

Over the last three years, while he has been campaigning for public office on a full-time basis, Danon has been one of the highest paid staffers on the entire Federal Government payroll, making more than the chief of staff to the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

For Danon to now call for the end of a program that benefits Girl and Boy Scouts, senior programs, libraries, parks, animal shelters, the arts and culture is disingenuous and a smokescreen to cover up his own failed record of living off of the generosity of the taxpayers for decades."

###

U-T San Diego Endorses Scott Peters

Peters is "the stronger candidate" of the two Democratic Challengers to Bilbray ~ U-T San Diego Editorial

San Diego – In a surprise dual endorsement yesterday, U-T San Diego endorsed a runoff between Scott Peters and Brian Bilbray in the primary election for the new 52nd Congressional District, calling Peters “the stronger candidate” between the two Democrats challenging entrenched Republican incumbent Brian Bilbray.

The editorial said that while the Editorial Board has “generally supported Bilbray in the past…his “high-profile stance” and “opposition to comprehensive immigration reforms continues to give us pause.”

Of Peters, the write up said, “we have been impressed in recent years with his ability to work in bipartisan fashion to get things done.” The editorial also noted influential business and public safety leaders that have endorsed Peters over Bilbray.

“Our campaign has said from the beginning that it is going to take more than just Democrats or Republicans to win this seat,” said Campaign Communications Director MaryAnne Pintar. “Only Scott brings the broad-base of support, and the bi-partisan, consensus-building reputation needed to take to win a district whose voters span the political spectrum, and still leans slightly Republican.”

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.

Peters, the first Democrat elected to represent City Council District One, is the only candidate in this race with demonstrated ability to win in a swing district like this one, which is one of the reasons San Diego’s leading progressive newsweekly, CityBeat has also endorsed Peters. 

Also, today, a writer for the very progressive OB Rag had this to say:  “Scott Peters has a reputation for being a consensus builder; for being someone who can work to resolve complex differences and achieve results. Lori Saldaña has a reputation for being combative and divisive. The last thing San Diego needs in a representative in Congress is someone who will further divide this county. We already have one of those. We don’t need another.”

“Our campaign has said from the beginning that it is going to take more than just Democrats or Republicans to win this seat,” said Campaign Communications Director MaryAnne Pintar. “Only Scott brings the broad-base of support, and the bi-partisan, consensus-building reputation needed to take to win a district whose voters span the political spectrum, and still leans slightly Republican.”

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. 

For more information, go to www.scottpeters.com.

Just Say No to Wildfire Recovery Rate Increases

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) recently held hearings to evaluate a request by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) that could result in rate increases to recover costs from wildfires not covered by insurance.

SDG&E says it had $1.1 billion in insurance coverage in 2007 but has incurred $62 million in costs beyond that from 2007's San Diego County wildfires. As much as $400 million could be added to that from several hundred lawsuits still in process, the utility said.

The request before the California Public Utilities Commission is to establish a mechanism to increase rates to recover those kinds of costs. I recently testified before the Commission in opposition to this request.

SDG&E provides a high-demand service that must be provided at a regulated, reasonable cost. Few businesses in our region are faced with the public decisions that utilities must make. Public utilities must answer to ratepayers and stockholders in the face of government oversight and public scrutiny.

Yet without a doubt, the end result must be that the ratepayers come first. The CPUC is charged with protecting the public from decisions that are not in their best interests. And the request before the Commission does not serve the public interest. Ratepayers expect the clean and fast delivery of service that SDG&E provides. But they also have the right to expect that they will be treated fairly - not as a financial failsafe in the event of mistakes such as equipment failure or lack of brush clearing.    And like all businesses, utilities must be held accountable.  Otherwise, should we expect that we will be in another hearing in two years over similar issues?

No one expects any utility to be perfect. But we do expect them to own up, just like we would, when they make mistakes. We expect them to rebuild just as we would. And we expect them to do it by tightening their belts, making spending adjustments and attending to the bottom line.

SDG&E would be better served - and more admired - by taking their lumps and moving on without raising the rates of the hard working people of San Diego County.  Just say "no" to wildfire recovery rate increases.

Dave Roberts is the Deputy Mayor of the City of Solana Beach and is a candidate for Board of Supervisors in the Third District.

###

Community and Education Leaders Call for a Solution to Lay-off Crisis at San Diego Unified School District

 

Amid continued budget challenges, both sides must re-commit to finding best solution for students and teachers

WHAT:          
Community leaders will join Lorena Gonzalez to discuss the teacher layoff crisis facing San Diego Unified School District. As our schools face the dire prospect of losing one-in-five teachers next year and crippling cuts to nursing, custodial, bus and other vital support services, all parties must take another look at resolving this crisis.

EVENT:         
Leaders will call on both the school district and teachers to overcome the current impasse and begin talking with a renewed commitment to providing the best possible education to our students in dire economic times. In the face of this funding crisis, we must come together and continue a productive dialogue in order to find solutions, while respecting our teachers and giving our students the best we can.

WHO:             
Lorena Gonzalez, Secretary-Treasurer/CEO, San Diego Labor Council; David Valladolid, Parent Institute for Quality Education; Cindy Marten, Principal, Central Elementary School in City Heights; Sandy Mattson, Parent Leader, McKinley Elementary School; Linda LeGerrette, Cesar Chavez Service Club; Philip Liburd, NAACP.  All will be available to speak with media.

WHEN:          
Thursday, May 24, 2012                      
11:30 a.m.
 
WHERE:        
United Labor Center, 3737 Camino del Rio Drive South, San Diego, CA 92108

CONTACT:   
Patrick Pierce
619-807-0850 Cell
ppierce@unionyes.org

San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council
3737 Camino del Rio South, #403, San Diego, CA 92108
619-228-8101 Office
www.unionyes.org
# # #

San Diego Janitors Return to UTC On The Last Day of Negotiations with Contractors

San Diego Janitors Return to UTC On The Last Day of Negotiations with Contractors

San Diego, CA - As contract expiration looms, San Diego janitors will march once again at UTC – home to some of the wealthiest biotech companies and commercial real estate properties -- to take on the same companies that helped settle contracts throughout the state but who are not stepping up to the plate for hard working janitors here in San Diego.  Throughout Southern California, USWW janitors will be doing solidarity actions at companies like The Irvine Company and Alexandria Real Estate Equity that insist on withholding health care solutions for our San Diego janitors and their families.

“Last week we fasted, held prayer vigils, and protested for our families.  As parents, grandparents and spouses, there is nothing that we wouldn’t do for them.  If we have to keep marching at UTC, downtown San Diego, La Jolla or the Suburbs, we will.  We will not be held back any further,” says Martha Gomez, a janitor at Ilumina for 4 years and member of the bargaining committee.

For the past couple of months, San Diego janitors have been negotiating a contract that includes a modest wage increase and family health care for janitors and their families.  In cities like Los Angeles and Orange County, and others in Northern California, companies like The Irvine Company and Alexandria Real Estate Equity already offer those janitors a family medical plan.  San Diego has fallen behind the rest of the state.

In 2012, 30,000 of USWW’s 40,000 members’ collective bargaining contracts expire, including the 1,800 office, tech and biotech janitors from San Diego and Inland Empire counties which are set to expire on May 30th.

            WHAT:               March & Rally by SD Janitors for Health Care at UTC

            WHEN:             Wednesday, May 23, 2012 | 12PM

            WHERE:             UTC, Corner of Executive Dr. and Towne Center Dr.

            WHO:               SD Janitors, community members & religious leaders.


Contact:  Martín Terrones, (310) 597-1011

###

Rally for Homeowner Bill of Rights Tomorrow

Rally for Homeowner Bill of Rights

2:00pm
Home of Africa Bravo

3086 Clay Ave. San Diego, CA 92113

Homeowners, activists and local families will be joined by staff of area legislators and Congressman Bob Filner in calling upon the California Legislature to stand up to big banks and support the Homeowners’ Bill of Rights, a landmark package of bills to protect families against improper and unfair foreclosure. Please arrive at 2pm. Event will start promptly at 2:30pm.

Rally Tonight with Bob Filner, Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom, and Donna Frye

 

This is it -- time to get fired up and ready to go for Election Day! In two weeks, with your help, San Diego will be a big step closer to electing a Democratic mayor for the first time in two decades.

Join mayoral candidate Bob Filner, Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, former San Diego City Councilmember Donna Frye, and other special guests for a rally tomorrow to take back City Hall.

The event on Wednesday, May 23, will begin at 4:30 p.m. at Rich's, located at 1051 University Ave. in Hillcrest (92103). The ticket price of $20 will support Bob Filner's mayoral campaign in the final stretch of the primary election race. A $250 contribution will include a VIP photo op with Newsom and Filner at 5:40 p.m.

This will be the last mayoral rally before June 5, so don't miss it! For details, call the campaign at (619) 231-6200 or email win@bobfilnerformayor.com.

Justice for Janitors Rally and March

EMERGENCY Rally & March in UTC area

Based on janitors negotiations right now, Tomorrow WED is now an emergency ACTION.
PLEASE ATTEND TOMORROW

All participation Welcome, Community Leaders Especially needed here- This is now the most urgent event please attend.



Wednesday May 23 at 12 noon / Miercoles 23 de mayo de 2012 – 12pm


Emergency March at UTC / Marcha de Emergencia en UTC



Location/Lugar:


9200 Towne Centre Drive
San Diego, CA 92121


Intersection of Towne Centre Drive & La Jolla Village Drive

Wear your hats, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes!

Democracy for America Endorses Lori Saldaña

 

Chair Jim Dean, Governor Howard Dean cite Saldaña’s integrity and outstanding progressive accomplishments

SAN DIEGO – Solidifying her position as the progressive Democratic frontrunner, Democracy for America (DFA), the grassroots organization founded by former Presidential candidate Howard Dean and his brother Jim Dean, has endorsed Lori Saldaña in her bid to represent the people of the 52nd Congressional district.


Democracy for America has over one million members nationwide.


Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America: “What can't we say about Lori Saldana? She's got great instincts and really showcases the core values of the progressive movement. California's 52 District needs a representative who isn't afraid to do what's right and dig in to strengthen the middle class - and I know that is exactly what Lori will do."


Howard Dean: "Lori is the progressive Democrat we need to face the extremists in Congress. She is fiercely principled and willing to ruffle a few feathers to do what is right,” Governor Dean said.


“Lori was named to the first "Dean Dozen" in 2004 along with Barack Obama because I saw in her the combination of integrity, solid progressive values, a background in activism and the perspective of an establishment outsider.


“Eight years later, she has an outstanding legislative record on the issues Democrats care about: green jobs, single-payer healthcare, protecting the social safety net and marriage equality. If you want a government that the supports a healthy, expanding middle class, we need people like Lori Saldana in Washington; that’ s why I have given her my endorsement for Congress."


Lori Saldaña: "I'm thrilled. I've known Howard and Jim for many years and we have always stood for the same thing, encouraging active grassroots participation in our democratic process. Democracy for America members helped me in my efforts to serve the State of California, and their support will be essential in my run for Congress."

Democracy for America adds to Saldaña local and national progressive support including:

• Former City Councilmember Donna Frye

• City Councilmember Marti Emerald

• School Board Trustee Richard Barrera

• Former President of the San Diego Democratic Club, Stephen Whitburn

• Former President of the San Diego Democratic Club, Andrea Villa

• Former San Diego Democratic Party Chair Kennan Kaeder

• School Board President John Lee Evans

• San Diego Chapter of Democracy for America

• The Progressive Change Campaign Committee

• MoveOn.org

###

I finally got noticed!

So after all that money and endorsements she's still dead last. But she showed up to the NBC debate and began attacking everyone because at this point what else does she have. I mean Bob Filner's beating her so you gotta go some where. Now I know she wanted to be the establishment candidate but at this point no one wants one. Maybe her campaign will change up these last 15 days and but her as someone who has been fighting corruption but then that opens up to how ineffective she has been in those endeavors and how she seems to target specific people of a certain political party (Democrats) and ethnicity (Latino) so we'll see how that goes...

When IEs Misfire, Take 2.1

It looks like there was more than one mailing into D1 bashing Kostrinsky and promoting Sherman. Multiple mailings into the wrong district coming from a pro-business group sounds like bad business to me unless I'm the consultant or mail house that made a tidy sum from this screw up.

When it comes to organizing business and educating voters, Lincoln Club members can take heart knowing that their monies went to benefiting a few businesses and educating the right voters about the wrong candidates.

Keep it up guys! Cheers!

Fiesta del Sol, Solana Beach, June 2 and 3.

 

Fiesta del Sol, an annual Solana Beach community celebration, has become one of the largest festivals in San Diego County. The free event returns the weekend of June 2 and 3.


The 33nd annual fiesta will take place adjacent to Fletcher Cove in Solana Beach within the area bordered by South Sierra Avenue and Acacia Avenue. The two-day event opens each morning at 9 a.m. with the arts & crafts fair and closes each evening at 9 p.m. after the conclusion of the last musical performance.

Among the many attractions will be a wide range of continuous live musical performers booked by the famed Belly Up Tavern, plus an eclectic array of arts and crafts exhibits, merchant booths, children’s activities, a gourmet food truck court and an adults-only beer and wine beverage garden.

This year the Chamber has partnered with a software company, Antengo. Antengo will provide the users of its APP with all the points of interest (stage times, parking, etc.), and most importantly, a listing of participating merchants who are offering “Fiesta Deals” in their stores during the Festival. All merchants displaying the Antengo/Fiesta poster in the window will be participants.

Coaster and Amtrak are both offering two-for-one deals on tickets and the Chamber is giving away “goodie bags” to the first 150 persons who come by train or bike to help make the event the launch of a “car-free vacation” program.

There is plenty of free parking in shuttle lots on Stevens Avenue and lots along south Sierra – which will have PediCabs available.

For more information, check out the official Fiesta del Sol website at fiestadelsol.net

When IEs Misfire, Take 2

Word on the street is that the Lincoln Club has started launching their oversized mail pieces to voters. Alas, much like our last IE misfire, pieces meant for one mailing universe have gone to another. This time it was two mailings: San Diego City Council District 7 pieces have landed in Ditsrict 1 and vice-versa.

Residents of Tierrasanta may be surprised to discover that Ray Ellis is also running in D7 and La Jollans may wonder who Scott Sherman is.

People, this is not rocket science. Maybe TJ is getting lazy or the consultants they hired don't care about the details. DETAILS MATTER! IT's a waste of money but it's a waste of Republican money. Lightner and Kostrinsky draw a lucky break on this one.

Vargas endorsed by New Democrat Coalition PAC

Sen. Juan Vargas' campaign for CD 51 reports an endorsement from the New Democrat Coalition PAC, "a group of 42 House members from across the United States" with an "agenda that focuses on job creation, education reform, and energizing the U.S. economy by investing in technology and encouraging innovation." Vargas, a Democrat, currently represents SD 40.

The San Diego Mayoral race: Two weeks left

The cards above have been found littering downtown this weekend.

Dumanis is still in the race and, although she shows no sign of winning, shows that she can still make an impact through taking votes away from Filner.

Downtown is an interesting place where Democratic residents seem to believe that Bonnie is “a Democrat at heart” and it is OK to support her. This line is an old one and her actions have spoken louder than her heart. However, Filner hasn’t done much to defend his brand beyond the deepest blue parts of the city.

What Filner does have in his favor is that most voters know where he is coming from. Dumanis has never recovered from her hesitancy in supporting Proposition B among Republicans and most voters still don’t know anything about her, illegal sign postings notwithstanding. This is why she can still do her party a favor and take votes from Filner the longer she stays in the race. They are few in number but they have the potential to swing this election. And Dumanis is all about moving up the ladder.

While we have a Republican with a “Democratic heart” bleeding support from the only Democrat in the race, San Diegans are blessed with another Republican who, through mailings, is attacking from the left the former Republican now independent candidate who also appears to have a “Democratic heart.”

This is how you know that DeMaio must be terrified even though he is a solid for coming in first in June. His career (only in San Diego would it even have been possible) has been guided by the star that is the Mayor’s office. To have that crowning achievement stolen by a former Republican is heresy and must be dealt with by any means necessary. Because when you base your reality on ignoring key facts of existence the only solutions that make sense are the fantastic. DeMaio going after Fletcher from the left is batty on the face it but may gain traction from most of our citizens caring more about American Idol than the upcoming election.

What Demaio needs is Filner face-off. This scenario allows DeMaio to fight a classic Left-Right battle with an electorate that tilts his way and an opponent who may not have the resources to pull off what should be a moderately easy win. The “Downtown establishment” would suck it up and go with DeMaio and many of the larger political names may grudgingly go with Filner for fear of a DeMaio victory. Demaio taking Filner down would establish him as the new rising star for Republicans nationally. Were DeMaio to lose to Filner, he could shift blame to the national climate (assuming Obama wins), the registration numbers (San Diego is Democratic in registration), Labor (why not) or anything else and still have a place in the local political establishment.

If DeMaio draws Fletcher then he is in for the fight of his life. Democrats who have been lukewarm behind Filner would go rabid for Fletcher; he fits the Kenndy-esque image Democrats have been conditioned to fall in line after. What ever is left of Dumanis and Filner operations would line up against DeMaio. Under this scenario, it is difficult to see Fletcher losing. Were DeMaio to lose to Fletcher, his career in San Diego would be over because this loss would cut deep into the Republican Party base and his cult of followers. I predict he would have to move to Arizona and rebuild there because I don’t know how he would recover locally.

But Fletcher, like Dumanis, suffers from political inconsistencies and reputation for backroom dealing. This is what makes attacks on the both of them from a policy standpoint effective. DeMaio and Filner are known politically and you would have some idea of what direction they would like to steer the municipal ship.  Dumanis wants to stay put and Fletcher wants to stay the course; neither of which seem wise as the storm clouds of economic uncertainty gather.

We’re entering a critical time for campaigns. With two weeks remaining, this is when campaigns break from the pack or get broken in the process. Get your popcorn out. This promises to be a game-changer.

Cease and Desist Letter Sent to Peters’ Campaign

News Release
Contact:
Ajay Kwatra
858-539-1820

Cease and Desist Letter Sent to Peters’ Campaign

SAN DIEGO – A cease and desist order has been sent to Scott Peters’ congressional campaign after a local woman found her image was illegally used in the candidate's negative campaign materials.

A photo of La Jolla resident Anita Simons was widely disseminated without her permission on a Peters campaign door hanger accompanied by accusations against another Congressional candidate, Lori Saldaña.

“It was bad enough to see my photo on a hit piece of Peters’, but even worse were the unsavory claims Peters was making about Ms. Saldaña,” Simons said. "This implied to my friends and neighbors that I somehow supported Peters’ claims.”

The photo was taken on private property and was distributed without permission. Simons’ attorney, Ajay Kwatra, sent a demand Friday for the Peters campaign to cease and desist from the use of Simons’ likeness on any campaign materials.

“Like many of my fellow citizens, I’m sick of all the campaign hit pieces,” Simons said. “It’s obvious to me that the more money a candidate has, the more slick hit pieces they will mail out.”

“That’s one of the reasons I support Ms. Saldaña who wants to reverse Citizens United and get money out of politics.”

###

LGBT Hero Joseph Rocha Endorses Saldaña

 

Cites Saldaña's fighting spirit and willingness to stand up for what is right 

SAN DIEGO – Joseph Christopher Rocha, a Naval veteran who made headlines for his efforts to repeal ‘Don’t Ask’ Don’t Tell,’ has endorsed Lori Saldaña’s run for Congress.

Rocha, who left the Navy after long-term abuse because of his sexuality, said he supports Saldaña because she stands on a proven record of serving the underprivileged and underrepresented.

“It is Saldaña’s heart, her fighting spirit, and her willingness to stand up for what is right that allows me to confidently endorse her,” he said.

Rocha lives in San Diego and has recently reentered the service as a candidate for officer selection in the Marine Corps.

“As a veteran returning to service, I would be proud knowing that the city I love is represented by a politician with the moral integrity of Lori Saldana.”

Saldaña said she was honored by Rocha’s support.

“Anybody who meets Joseph Rocha can’t help admiring his character, his unyielding commitment to public service and his willingness to rejoin the military after what he’s has been through,” Saldaña said. “I am deeply touched to have the support of this remarkable young man.”

Saldaña has been recognized by Equality California for twice co-authoring the nation’s first marriage equality legislation as well to other bills expanding legal protections for LGBT Californians.

Rocha adds to the growing list of LGBT elected officials and civil rights leaders who have endorsed Saldaña including:

Nichole Murray-Ramirez - City of San Diego Human Relations Commissioner, LGBT Activist
State Senator Mark Leno - author of California’s Marriage Equality legislation
Former State Senator Sheila Kuehl - first openly gay member of the California Legislature
Assembly Member Tom Ammiano – leader of the fight to defeat the anti-gay Briggs Initiative

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Protecting Our Natural Resources

I understand the importance of preserving our environment, coastline, lagoons, and open spaces while fostering an economic climate that puts people to work.  As a candidate for County Supervisor in the Third District and as the Deputy Mayor of the City of Solana Beach, it has been one of my top priorities to protect our precious natural resources and do so in a balanced way.  For those reasons I have been endorsed by the Sierra Club, U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce, the League of Conservation Voters and the friends of the San Dieguito River Valley.

I am currently the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the San Elijo Joint Powers Authority (SEJPA).  It's difficult to believe today, but up until the 1950's, wastewater was privately collected and discharged directly into the San Elijo Lagoon and the ocean!  The SEJPA serves the cities of Solana Beach, Encinitas and portions of Rancho Santa Fe.  The agency is committed to protecting public health, the ocean and the coastal environment.   As such, creating recycled water from wastewater is an integral part of the Agency's service to the local community.

Through the recycled water program, more than 350 million gallons of wastewater are treated and recycled each year.  This water would have otherwise been treated and then wastefully discharged into the ocean.

There is a new project I would like to share with you that aspires to push the boundaries of what a recycled water program might be able to accomplish.  At SEJPA, we want to minimize ocean disposal of wastewater and support the growth of our recycled water program.  In order to do so, we are investing in the main treatment process for purifying recycled water for our current water quality needs, and other future opportunities.

Concurrently, we are evaluating ways to address some storm water runoff and pollution issues in a capture-treat program as part of these upgrades.   This is a small element of the project, but one that we're particularly proud of, as it has the potential to increase our effectiveness in reducing coastal pollution.  This project is also a shining example of the success of collaboration.  SEJPA has been developing the different aspects of this project in partnership with Solana Beach's engineering staff, the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy and the cities of Solana Beach and Encinitas.

Many impressive efforts have been undertaken throughout our county to make improvements in our region's water management.  I'd like to recognize the Water Reliability Coalition that Surfrider helped establish, whose efforts resulted in the City of San Diego's Recycled Water purification project.  In North County, SEJPA has teamed up with 11 other government agencies to evaluate how we can do more with recycled water.  These evaluations range from expanding existing purple pipe projects to Indirect Potable Reuse.

In my eight years serving on SEJPA, it's been an honor to be able to develop sustainable water policies that have long-term benefits for our entire county.  If elected Supervisor for the Third District, I will continue to work hard to ensure that San Diego is always using smart solutions for a better quality of life for everyone.


For more information, visit his web site at www.DaveRobertsforSupervisor.com.

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Tierrasanta's Tierra Times Endorses Peters for Congress

“He is bright, focused on bringing jobs to the region, and understands 
the strong role that the military plays in our local economy.” ~ Tierra Times

San Diego –Today Scott Peters received the endorsement of Tierrasanta’s community newspaper, the Tierra Times, in his bid for the newly drawn 52nd Congressional District.

Citing his leadership at several levels of local government, the Tierra Times said, “Peters is bright, focused on bringing jobs to the region, and understands the strong role that the military plays in our local economy.”

The editorial concludes that Peters “will make a real difference in Washington D.C. representing our region.”

The endorsement of the Tierra Times, which is mailed directly to 10,250 homes and business owners in Tierrasanta, is the second media endorsement in as many days for the Peters campaign, sending a strong message about the momentum leading to a Peters-Bilbray run off in November.  Yesterday, Peters was also endorsed by San Diego’s leading progressive newsweekly, CityBeat, which is widely read on line and has a print circulation of 50,000 in San Diego County.

"Two publications have endorsed so far, and we are now two for two," said Campaign Communications Director MaryAnne Pintar. "We're going to keep up open the lines of communication with editors and members of the media to try and get out our message of common-sense problem solving in order to keep up this great momentum."

Peters is the Democratic front runner in the race to unseat long-time Republican Congressman Brian Bilbray in the newly redrawn 52nd Congressional District. For more information about Scott, please visit www.scottpeters.com.

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ROBIN HOOD TAX action day!

 ROBIN HOOD TAX action day! 
Friday 5/18/2012    5:30 PM at the NBC Bldg.

In Solidarity with National Nurses United, Action San Diego and other progressive organizations, Occupy San Diego General Assembly will hold a Rally for the  ROBIN HOOD TAX on Friday 5/18 at 5:30pm @ the NBC Bldg. in San Diego (Corner of 3rd & Broadway)?

UCSD RN Lisa Ross, RN Geri Jenkins (past-president of CNA) and Raul Carranza of Occupy Medi-Cal, denied insurance coverage though he needs 24 hour care for his muscular dystrophy, will give speeches.

This is event organized by the Occupy San Diego General Assembly (which is STILL meeting every Saturday at Freedom Plaza/Civic Center) in solidarity with the National Nurses United national call for action on this date.

"A centerpiece of the May 18 ROBIN HOOD TAX action will be a call on world leaders to adopt a financial transaction tax (FTT) on major trading by banks and other financial institutions to raise revenue critically needed for revitalizing the economic health of the U.S. and... other G-8 nations. Ralliers in San Diego & Marchers in San Diego will also challenge austerity programs that have eroded health and living standards for working people throughout the world.

Over the past year, NNU has sponsored large actions, calling on Congress to tax Wall Street with a robust FTT on the trading of stocks, bonds, currencies, derivatives, and other financial instruments that the nurses say could raise $350 billion every year. The funds would then be available for essential needs, such as creating jobs, and investing in healthcare, education, and housing."

###

LA and OC Janitors Join San Diego’s Own at UTC for Protest March & Rally; Hunger Fasters To Break Fast At Intersection of Towne Center Drive and La Jolla Villa Drive

San Diego, CA - SEIU United Service Workers West janitors from Los Angeles and Orange County will join janitors from San Diego today, Friday, May 18, 2012 at Genesee Ave and La Jolla Village Drive, against contractors and their corporate employers who insist on wage freezes and cuts to workers’ health benefits.  In response to their proposals, USWW janitors began a 3-day hunger fast which is scheduled to end tomorrow at 12:30PM at the intersection of La Jolla Village Drive and Towne Center Drive.

“For the past couple of months, the bargaining committee has negotiated in good faith with contractors for a modest wage increase and health care coverage for all janitors.  Instead, what contractors have offered is wage freezes and cuts to our benefits,” Martha Gomez, hunger faster and member of the bargaining committee.  “What contractors don’t realize is that we are prepared to take our fight for a dignified contract to the streets if we have to.  I am fasting for my children.  And for them I am standing up and saying enough!”

For over 20 years, janitors have fought hard to raise industry standards and improve wages and benefits so that their families can live a better life. While the janitors have made significant progress, current wages still fall short of what is needed to make ends meet in San Diego. This fight is even greater for the janitors who clean the commercial buildings and biotech companies in the suburbs of San Diego.

In 2012, 30,000 of USWW’s 40,000 members’ collective bargaining contracts expire, including the 1,800 office, tech and biotech janitors from San Diego and Inland Empire counties which are set to expire on May 30th.

WHO:                
SEIU USWW Janitors, Hunger Fasters, Community & Religious Leaders, including SD City Councilwoman Marti Emerald

WHAT:                 
Protest march and Rally for dignified wages and health care for workers and their families.

WHERE:                 
12PM – Small rally with Councilwoman Marti Emerald at Genesee Avenue and La Jolla Village Drive.
March through biotech corridor at UTC.
12:30PM – Ending rally at Towne Center Drive and La Jolla Village Drive.  Hunger fasters to end fast at intersection.

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SD Earth Day Founder & More Environmental Leaders Line Up Behind Peters for Congress

San Diego – The Scott Peters for Congress campaign today announced the endorsement of several environmental leaders, including one of San Diego’s most highly regarded and recognized environmental advocates, Carolyn Chase. Chase is the founder of San Diego Earth Day and the former chair of the Mayor’s Environmental Advisory Committee.

"I’ve worked with Scott on matters ranging from open space preservation to air and water quality. The bottom line is that Scott gets it, and he knows how to get it done," Chase said. "I've come to know him well over the years and I know he really cares about this stuff and he's smart and savvy enough to turn his concern into effective policy."

The campaign today, also released a video endorsement from Allison Rolfe, who is the former Executive Director of the Audubon Society, and former Policy Director for San Diego Baykeeper.

In the video, Rolfe recalls an intense community meeting in which Peters, as the Councilmember representing the area, had to balance the needs of property owners with the need to protect coastal bluffs impacted by the La Jolla Community Plan Update, saying, “he addressed each and every comment skillfully and patiently and somehow we all left feeling like we were heard.”

Rolfe and Chase today join other environmental leaders including:
    •    Diane Takvorian, founder of the Environmental Health Coalition;
    •    Lorena Gonzalez, board member, Planning and Conservation League*;
    •    Jared Quient, Evan McLaughlin and Lucas O’Conner, board members of the League of Conservation Voters-San Diego.*
Peters is the Democratic front-runner in the race to unseat long-time Republican Congressman Brian Bilbray in the newly drawn 52nd Congressional District.  For more information about Scott, go to www.scottpeters.com.

###

 

*For identification purposes only. The SDLCV has not made an official endorsement in this race.

ROBIN HOOD TAX action day! Tomorrow at 5:30 PM

In Solidarity with National Nurses United, Occupy San Diego, Action San Diego and other progressive organizations the ROBIN HOOD TAX on Friday 5/18 at 5:30pm @ the NBC Bldg. in San Diego (Corner of 3rd & Broadway)?


This is organized by the Occupy San Diego General Assembly (which is STILL meeting every Saturday at Freedom Plaza/Civic Center).

"A centerpiece of the May 18 ROBIN HOOD TAX action will be a call on world leaders to adopt a financial transaction tax (FTT) on major trading by banks and other financial institutions to raise revenue critically needed for revitalizing the economic health of the U.S. and... other G-8 nations. Ralliers in San Diego & Marchers in San Diego will also challenge austerity programs that have eroded health and living standards for working people throughout the world.


Over the past year, NNU has sponsored large actions, calling on Congress to tax Wall Street with a robust FTT on the trading of stocks, bonds, currencies, derivatives, and other financial instruments that the nurses say could raise $350 billion every year. The funds would then be available for essential needs, such as creating jobs, and investing in healthcare, education, and housing."

CITY BEAT ENDORSES FILNER

"We know that Filner will advocate for neighborhoods over Downtown and the needs of common folks over people with money and political influence. He’ll be at least as good as Fletcher on environmental policy but likely better.

He’s focused on energy policy and wants to push the regional transportation authority toward mass transit and away from high ways.

He’ll insist on finally giving brainy environmental-justice advocates a seat at the table—Filner’s vow to bring in people who’ve long been kept from the halls of power speaks loudly to us."

Pat Washington Endorsed for 79th Assembly District by Prominent Asian American Businessman Gil Ontai

SAN DIEGO, CA – "Gil" Ontai, successful San Diego Architect, California State Redistricting Commission Chair, former City of San Diego Planning Commissioner, former Centre City Development Corporation (CCDC) Director and Treasurer and San Diego Asian Business Association founding President, endorsed Dr. Pat Washington for 79th Assembly District today. 

"I support Pat Washington for the 79th Assembly District because she is sincerely determined to bring a voice to the diverse communities in her district,” said Ontai. “Pat has a track record for reaching out to diverse communities and making improvements through teamwork,” Ontai continued. “Pat Washington will work tirelessly to improve education, health care, and affordable housing, as well as stimulate economic growth for her constituents.”




“As a state commissioner with the Citizens Redistricting Commission, it is gratifying to know that Pat Washington will work to make the communities of the 79th Assembly District better places to live, work and raise a family,” said Ontai.



The endorsement by Ontai follows Pat Washington’s endorsement by the statewide Friends of the Filipino American Community Political Action Committee (FFAC-PAC), which cited her volunteer work in the communities of the 79th Assembly District and her tireless advocacy for the rights of the under-served as reasons why Pat will make a conscientious representative in the California State Assembly.

“

I am honored to obtain the endorsement of Gil Ontai, who has long been respected as a businessman, civic leader, and advocate for Asian Americans and others in San Diego and throughout California,” Washington said. “My desire to overcome obstacles in my life shaped my commitment to equality, fairness and social justice for all people, particularly for those in need,” said Washington. “Nearly every aspect of my life provided me with incentive and determination to champion the rights of others and to insist on accountability from institutions and individuals with the power to make decisions that affect our lives,” Washington said. 



Pat Washington adds Ontai to the hundreds of individual endorsements she has received for state Assembly in the 79th District, as well as organizations such as Friends of the Filipino American Community PAC, San Diego Democratic Women’s Club, San Diego Unity League, Democracy for America, and National Military Women Veterans Association of America. See www.votepatwashington.com for more.

Fletcher: A Foot Soldier in ALEC's Privatization Push

Democratic Chair Calls on Candidate to Renounce Membership in 'Corporate Bill Mill'

In an internal memo from the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) distributed before a 2010 conference in San Diego, Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher is listed as the only California legislator on an ALEC committee advocating for the privatization of Medicaid.

The memo includes “model legislation” aimed at providing “vouchers for private insurance coverage” as a replacement for the popular program that covers healthcare for low-income families. As with similar proposals to privatize Medicare and Social Security, critics say a voucher system would undermine the program’s solvency while enriching the insurance industry at patients’ expense.

“It’s bad enough that Nathan Fletcher has been bankrolled by the insurance industry while he does their bidding in Sacramento,” said Jess Durfee, Chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party. “Now it turns out he has been actively involved in the effort to privatize vital public services.”

Mayoral candidate Fletcher is one of a handful of California lawmakers to be on the national membership roster of ALEC, which People for the American Way calls “the voice of corporate special interests in state legislatures.” Funded by major corporations and conservative family foundations, the right-wing think tank promotes privatization, deregulation, restrictive voter ID laws, and the repeal of labor protections.

“I call on Mr. Fletcher to renounce his membership in this corporate bill mill,” Durfee said. “Further, I think voters deserve to know why he has participated in ALEC's push to privatize Medicaid, which would leave affordable healthcare out of reach for millions of Americans.”

ALEC has recently been attacked for its role in passing “stand your ground” gun laws, including the one in Florida that the defendant in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin has sought to apply in his case. Many corporate sponsors have pulled their support from the increasingly controversial group this year, including Coca Cola, PepsiCo, Intuit, Kraft, and McDonalds.

Links to ALEC’s membership roster and the “Health and Human Services Task Force” memo are now posted at www.fletchersfriends.com.

San Diego Janitors To Hold 12-Hour Vigil at Civic Center Plaza; Hunger Fast Participants Prepare To End Fast At Protest Action at UTC in La Jolla on Friday

San Diego, CA - San Diego area janitors will hold a 12-hour vigil with community and religious leaders at Civic Center Plaza, joining hunger fast participants fighting for health care for themselves and their families.  Throughout the day, community volunteers will be visiting hunger fasters at their base camp at the Church of the Brethren in San Diego, where volunteers are working hard making preparations for Friday’s march and rally at La Jolla’s UTC.

“I am a janitor and a mother.  I work hard every day so that I may provide my young children with everything they need to stay in school and go to college – something I am unable to do,” said Magdalena Figueroa, a janitor at Ximed and Hunger Fast participant.  “It is because of them that I have decided to fast.  Both of my daughters dream of going to college.  And so I will do what I have to to make sure they achieve that.”

USWW janitors have been negotiating a new contract for a modest wage increase and health benefits.  After weeks of negotiations, however, building contractors have proposed across-the-board cuts to janitors’ wages for the next 4 years, and have remained steadfast in their decision not to include health care for most janitors.  Those with some coverage will be asked to pay a monthly co-payment.

In 2012, 30,000 of USWW’s 40,000 members’ collective bargaining contracts expire, including the 1,800 office, tech and biotech janitors from San Diego and Inland Empire counties which are set to expire on May 30th.

WHO:
SEIU USWW Janitors, Hunger Fasters, Community & Religious Leaders, including local city leaders

WHAT:                 
12-Hour Vigil and Preparations for Friday’s major action at La Jolla’s UTC area.

WHERE:                
9AM – 4PM - Media are invited to visit hunger fasters at: Church of the Brethren, 3850 Westgate Place, San Diego,  92105.
5PM – 12AM | 12-Hour Vigil at SD Civic Center Plaza.

###

Scott Peters Can’t Handle the Truth

Scott Peters Can’t Handle the Truth

SAN DIEGO – In a bizarre, rambling screed, Scott Peters is still desperately trying to hide from his well-documented record on a number of issues, including his public support for cuts to Social Security and Medicare, his culpability in the ‘Enron-by-the Sea’ pension mess and his vote on the living wage.

Saldaña spokesperson, Joe Kocurek, said that these are well-established and easily documented facts.

“The Peters campaign is hoping that if they repeatedly deny the truth about Scott Peters’ record, it will just go away,” Kocurek said. “They’re lashing out because money, arrogance and entitlement aren’t working and it looks like the voters intend to hold him accountable for his City Council record at the ballot box.”

Here are the facts:

FACT: Scott Peters Said He Would Support Cuts to Social Security and Medicare: 

A particular sore spot for Peters is being caught on camera unequivocally supporting cuts to Social Security and Medicare, a position that alienates a broad swathe of the voting public. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQngnvgvwuo.

FACT: Scott Peters Was Significantly Responsible for the ‘Enron-by-the-Sea’ Pension Mess: 

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigated Peters for deliberately voting to underfund the City of San Diego’s pension system and fraudulently concealing that fact from investors. In the Kroll Report, investigators lay out the culpability of the city officials, including Peters, and lambast him for “deliberate disregard for the law, disregard for fiduciary responsibility, and disregard for the welfare of the City’s residents” (p1). http://www.sandiego.gov/mayor/pdf/execsummary.pdf

FACT: Scott Peters Voted Against the Living Wage: 

In April of 2005, the San Diego City Council voted on a Living Wage Ordinance that would require contractors with the City to pay a living wage to their employees. Scott Peters voted NO on the Living Wage Ordinance, siding with big business and his Republican colleagues Mayor Dick Murphy, Brian Maienschein and Jim Madaffer. The measure still passed despite Peters opposition, but Peters is now trying to take credit for a bill he attempted to torpedo. http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/government/article_bc378de9-b1b8-5cc7-8681-8730bea571bd.html

Progressive Newsweekly San Diego CityBeat Endorses Peters for Congress

Progressive Newsweekly San Diego CityBeat Endorses Peters for Congress

“Peters is smart, calm and savvy” and “represents the best chance of beating Bilbray” ~ San Diego CityBeat

San Diego -- In the first media endorsement in the race for the 52nd Congressional District, San Diego's leading progressive newsweekly, San Diego CityBeat, today endorsed Scott Peters over fellow Democrat Lori Saldaña citing Peters as the best chance Democrats have to beat entrenched Republican incumbent Brian Bilbray.

The magazine’s editorial write up said “Peters is well suited for Congress and well suited to represent the middle-of-the-road 52nd District. Peters is smart, calm and savvy and has a knack for behind-the-scenes diplomacy.”

CityBeat, considered a “beacon of liberal opinion,” also had plenty to say about Saldaña, “her volatile personality” and her “reputation for not working and playing well with others -- hardly a trait that’s desperately needed in Washington, D.C.”

Recounting an incident with Saldaña that occurred last month when she cancelled an interview over a benign tweet by its editor, the write up said Saldaña revealed her true colors: “she revealed herself to be shockingly sensitive and politically unsophisticated, and she missed an opportunity to reach out to tens of thousands of voters less than two months before the election. Dumb. We knew of her alienating manner before that, but the occurrence sealed it for us.”

“Most importantly,” the editorial said, “Peters represents the best chance of beating Bilbray in November.”

“Congress has plenty of volatility right now and that’s not working out for anyone,” said Peters. “When our government doesn’t work, who does that hurt most? It hurts the poor and the middle-class and working families and that’s wrong. I appreciate CityBeat’s endorsement. It adds to the great momentum that’s building towards a Peters-Bilbray run-off in November."

“We have always asserted that Scott had the best chance of beating Brian Bilbray in this newly drawn district, and CityBeat agrees,” said Campaign Communications Director MaryAnne Pintar. “Scott’s calm, cool, professional style of leadership won the day in this case, and I believe CityBeat’s editors know Scott will stand up for, and with, working families."

For more information about Scott, go to www.scottpeters.com.” 

Filner Joins in Introduction of Mortgage Foreclosure Protection Legislation for Servicemembers and Their Families

Filner Joins in Introduction of Mortgage Foreclosure Protection Legislation for Servicemembers and Their Families

Washington, D.C. – Ranking Democratic Member Bob Filner (D-CA) joined top Democrats on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the House Committee on Armed Services in introducing legislation that provides greater safeguards to protect servicemembers and their families from mortgage foreclosures, as well as other important improvements to the Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act, a law that provides protections for our servicemembers and veterans.

“Our servicemembers protect our country, our way of life, and our homes,” stated Filner.  “We can do no less to protect their homes against mortgage foreclosure.  I applaud my colleague Representative Cummings for fashioning a bill making important improvements to the Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act and for including language from my bill, H.R. 1263, to extend protections to surviving spouses of fallen servicemembers whose deaths were service-connected.”

Representative Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD), Ranking Democratic Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, is the lead sponsor of this legislation.  “Our troops fighting overseas in Iraq or Afghanistan should not have to fight here at home just to keep a roof over the heads of their loved ones,” Cummings said. “This bill will expand current law to protect more of our brave men and women in uniform from losing their homes while they protect our freedoms abroad.”

Joining with Filner and Cummings is the Ranking Democratic Member of the House Committee on Armed Services, Representative Adam Smith (D-WA).  “Our servicemembers and their families act selflessly to protect our country and ensure national security, sometimes making the ultimate sacrifice,” said Smith. “The last thing they should have to worry about while they serve is the financial security of their families and their homes.  This bill takes a much-needed step toward protecting deployed servicemembers and their families, discharged veterans with a 100 percent service-connected disability, and surviving spouses.”

The measure will also be offered as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 4310) which is expected to be considered on the House floor this week.

“I call on all Members of Congress to join us in moving forward with this important legislation that will give servicemembers better protections against mortgage foreclosure,” said Filner.

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