STATE BUDGET IS RESPONSIBLE BLUEPRINT FOR STRENGTHENING CALIFORNIA AND ITS PEOPLE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

San Diego Items:

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MAJORITY LEADER ATKINS SPEARHEADS PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC SAN DIEGO SITE

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

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

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

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

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

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

Block names Ocean Beach Hotel as Small Business of the Year

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Block led effort to fund programs through his budget subcommittee

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

SOUTH PARK WINE PUB HONORED BY MAJORITY LEADER TONI ATKINS

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Assemblymember Weber Recognizes Diamond Pacific Construction As Exceptional California Small Business

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

The Audacity of Todd

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

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

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

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

Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Appoints Chief of Staff and District Director

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

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

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

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

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

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

ASSEMBLY MEMBER SHIRLEY WEBER HOSTS BUDGET TOWN HALL MEETING

 

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


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

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

ASSEMBLY PASSES ATKINS BILL TO PROTECT COAST

(Sacramento) The California Assembly today passed legislation by Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins that enables the California Coastal Commission to levy penalties against those who disregard orders to stop violating the California Coastal Act. AB 976 will bring Coastal Commission authority in line with most other state agencies tasked with enforcing environmental laws.

“California’s coastline is the iconic symbol of the Golden State and is integral to our economy and our lifestyle,” says Atkins.  “My bill will ensure that the agency tasked with its protection has the tools to perform its mission, while avoiding costly litigation and ensuring the fair treatment of all.  I am grateful to my Assembly colleagues for their support.”

Violations of the Coastal Act can include blocking public access to beaches, damaging environmentally sensitive habitats, or unauthorized development. Currently, the Commission can issue cease and desist orders to violators, but must pursue litigation through the California Attorney General’s office in order to enforce those orders if they are ignored, a costly and time-consuming process.  The Coastal Commission currently has over 1800 open enforcement cases and new violations are reported to them more quickly than they can close existing ones. AB 976 will allow the Coastal Commission to fine violators in much the same way as other environmental agencies, such as the State Water Board and the Department of Fish and Wildlife.  AB 976 will also ensure opportunities to challenge fines and provides rigorous due process protections.

The California Coastal Commission was created by California voters in 1972, through their approval of Proposition 20, and later made permanent by the California Coastal Act of 1976.   The Coastal Act protects beaches, wetlands, water quality, and wildlife in an area of land and water larger than the State of Rhode Island.

AB 976 will now move to the State Senate for consideration.

ATKINS BILL TO RESTORE LOCAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING SET ASIDE PASSES

(Sacramento) The California State Assembly today passed AB 1229, authored by Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins.  The bill restores the ability of local governments to use inclusionary zoning to increase the availability of rental housing for low and moderate income residents and addresses uncertainty and confusion created by a 2009 appellate court ruling that the state’s rent control law, the Costa-Hawkins Act, prohibits such programs for rental housing.  AB 1229 overturns this ruling.

“Inclusionary zoning is a critical tool that has provided affordable homes to over 80,000 Californians.  My bill gives local governments a green light to continue using this tool without fear of conflicting with state law,” says Atkins.  “Affordable housing is critical to both communities and families because it enables workers to live near where they work, even in high cost parts of our state.”

Inclusionary zoning is a land use practice through which local governments require new housing developments to include a specified percentage of units that are affordable for low and moderate income residents.  These policies have been in use for over 40 years, but were challenged in the case of Palmer/Sixth Street Properties L.P. v. City of Los Angeles.  In Palmer, the court held that the provision of Costa-Hawkins which gives developers, and not government, the right to establish initial rental rates applies to privately financed rental housing projects and voids many inclusionary housing policies.  At least 140 California cities and counties have some form of inclusionary housing policy.  Many of these include a provision allowing the developer to pay a fee to the local government in lieu of actually offering low cost housing.

AB 1229 is sponsored by groups seeking to maximize housing options for low income people, including the Western Center on Law and Poverty, the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation, the Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California and the San Diego Housing Federation.

The bill now moves to the State Senate for consideration.

Local Walmart worker joins nationwide, prolonged strike

Striking worker will join caravan to Walmart shareholders meeting in Arkansas to call for better jobs

SAN DIEGO – Armando Valenzuela, an employee of Walmart store 2291 in Chula Vista, CA, today went on strike, joining more than 100 other Walmart workers across the country. Valenzuela presented the manager of his Walmart store with a letter outlining the basis for his Unfair Labor Practices Strike lasting for one week.

"Every one of my Walmart co-workers across the country has their own awful story, but they aren't all yet ready to to risk their jobs to speak out," said Armando Valenzuela, striking Walmart employee. "I'm standing up today and taking the message to Walmart headquarters on behalf of the millions of Walmart employees who deserve so much better."

Valenzuela will now join a Freedom Rider-inspired “Ride for Respect” caravan to Bentonville, Arkansas to participate in the Walmart shareholders meeting on June 7, 2013. Workers from 12 states so far have gone on strike, and members of the caravan will deliver a petition at the shareholders meeting calling on Walmart to publicly commit to jobs with full-time hours and a minimum salary of $25,000.

"All workers, union and non-union, deserve basic respect and the opportunity to provide for themselves and their families," said Richard Barrera, Secretary-Treasurer of the San Diego Labor Council. "We continue to call on Walmart and all employers to be responsible community partners and treat their workers with dignity and fairness."

The first prolonged strike in Walmart history, the national action follows the first coordinated Walmart strikes in October and nationwide Black Friday walkouts in November.

"It takes tremendous courage to stand up against the biggest corporation in America," said Mickey Kasparian, President of UFCW Local 135. "I'm proud to stand with Armando and all the everyday workers throughout this process to demand fair and decent treatment for all Walmart employees."

The group OUR Walmart recently filed thirty counts of unfair labor practices with the National Labor Relations Board, including alleged acts of retaliation and intimidation by Walmart management.

"One of the most fundamental elements of our social contract is the fundamental commitment that if you work hard and do your share, you'll be able to afford to live safely and healthily," said Rabbi Laurie Coskey, Executive Director of the Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice. "But it takes more than simply believing; it takes people like Armando who are willing to stand up and fight against corporations who aren't working in good faith with our communities."

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

ASSEMBLY PASSES ATKINS BILL TO INCREASE ACCESS TO EARLY ABORTIONS

(San Diego)  The California State Assembly today passed legislation by Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins to address the shortage of trained healthcare providers who are permitted to perform first trimester abortions.  AB 154 allows nurses, physician’s assistants, and nurse-midwives to perform aspiration abortions after receiving proper training.  Currently, over half of California’s counties have no abortion provider, forcing women to travel long distances and experience long delays in accessing this critical healthcare procedure.

“Women need quality health care in their own communities and without excessive wait times,” says Atkins.  “This is particularly true with abortion services, which are cheaper and less complicated earlier in a pregnancy.  My bill improves the lives of women and their families.”

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

The bill is sponsored by the California Women’s Health Alliance, a coalition of groups such as Planned Parenthood that is dedicated to protecting and improving the reproductive health of California women and will next be heard in the Assembly Health Committee. The bill is also supported by the California Medical Association.

AB 154 now moves to the State Senate for consideration.

BOY SCOUTS DECISION ONLY GOES HALFWAY

(Sacramento) Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins made the following statement regarding today’s decision by the Boy Scouts to admit gay boys but still ban LGBT adults:

Today the Boy Scouts of America took a half step forward toward being an organization that embraces one of the most fundamental principles of American society, that all people are equal.

It is good that in the future no boy will be turned away from Scouting because of his sexual orientation.  However, to continue to treat LGBT adult leaders, including Scouts who have reached adulthood and presumably embody Scouting’s values, continues the shameful practice of treating some volunteers as second class citizens.  Most important, boys who have an LGBT parent who wants to be a Cub or Boy Scout Den Leader will still be told that their parent is inferior.  No youth organization should tell a child such a thing.

Moreover, because of their continuing discrimination and their self-avowed status as a religious organization, the Boy Scouts should not receive taxpayer subsidies for use of public facilities, despite today’s vote.

The struggle for an equal and inclusive society can be a long, slow process and progress is often incremental.  It is my hope that today is just a first step for the Boy Scouts and not a final one.

ASSEMBLY PASSES ATKINS BILL TO ADDRESS BOAT PAINT POLLUTION

(Sacramento) The California State Assembly today unanimously passed a bill by Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins that will lead to a determination of how best to address the water pollution caused by copper-based boat hull paint.  AB 425 requires the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) to evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether to make the paint subject to increased state oversight and how best to mitigate its potentially harmful effects.  The bill calls for DPR to issue its report no later than February 1, 2014.

“Copper paint protects boat hulls, but can be harmful for our waterways and the animals that live in them,” says Atkins.  “AB 425 will provide the scientific analysis we need in order to formulate sound environmental policy to protect our water quality and marine life in a way that is least burdensome to boat owners.”

Copper based paint keeps boat hulls free of damaging organisms like barnacles and algae, but, at the same time, can foul the water and endanger aquatic life.  This is particularly problematic in waterways that are semi-enclosed, experience little water circulation, and have a high concentration of recreational vessel moorings, where boats spend most of their time in one place.

Copper based hull paint is legal in California as long as it is registered as a pesticide; however, the level of pollution in some bodies of water exceeds that allowable under the federal Clean Water Act and state water quality regulations.  For example, Shelter Island Yacht Basin in San Diego Bay has been ordered to reduce its copper pollution by 76% by the year 2022.

DPR has been conducting ongoing research and analysis of the issue for a number of years without issuing recommendations.  AB 425 is intended to jump start this process and require DPR to complete its work so that informed policy decisions can be made.

The bill will next be considered in the State Senate.

Richard Barrera elected Secretary-Treasurer and CEO of the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO

Barrera succeeds Lorena Gonzalez after her election to the 80th Assembly District

SAN DIEGO - Lorena Gonzalez resigned her position as Secretary-Treasurer and CEO of the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO on Wednesday, May 22, 2013, one day after being elected to represent California's 80th Assembly District.

"I've worked side by side with Lorena for years, and I have always been proud to have her at the head of this Labor Council and as the best advocate that working families in San Diego could have asked for," said Mickey Kasparian, President of the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council and UFCW Local 135. "I couldn't be happier that, along with Myrtle Cole, this Labor Council is able to mark the end of Lorena's tenure by electing two of our own to champion labor and workers' rights as they represent San Diego."

After announcing her resignation on Wednesday, May 22, 2013, Gonzalez asked for support of her recommendation of Richard Barrera to succeed her as Secretary-Treasurer and CEO of the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council. Later Wednesday evening, Richard Barrera was unanimously recommended for the position by the Labor Council Executive Board and elected the next Secretary-Treasurer and CEO by Labor Council delegates at their monthly meeting.

"Lorena's leadership of this Labor Council is the stuff of legend, and I'm honored to continue the work that she's led for so many years," said Barrera after his election by Labor Council delegates. "Working families have built tremendous power for themselves in San Diego, and I can't wait to keep pushing to grow our middle class, protect workers on the job, and stay on the path to achieve economic justice for every San Diegan."

"I've worked with Richard for years and seen him in action on behalf of working people here in San Diego, and I know his drive and commitment will lead the Labor Council to continued success," Kasparian continued after Barrera’s election. "I’m excited for Richard's vision as we all look to build an even stronger movement for working families in San Diego."

Barrera will complete the four year term to which Gonzalez was elected on March 28, 2012, expiring in 2016.

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

www.unionyes.org  

Labor Council Response to Special Election Results in the 80th Assembly District & 4th San Diego City Council District

 

SAN DIEGO - San Diego Labor Council Secretary-Treasurer Lorena Gonzalez made the following statement in response to reported results in two San Diego special elections today:


“Tonight we're seeing exactly what happens when San Diego's working families stand up for themselves against the downtown special interests. Despite the best efforts of the likes of the Lincoln Club, Walmart, hoteliers, and lobbyists, working people have come together for their communities to make their voices heard.

“The strides that we've seen in these communities in just the last few years have been amazing. These working San Diegans have found the time and energy to really commit to organized, empowered neighborhoods, and we've seen the results in the election of Mayor Bob Filner, the defeat of Proposition 32, and in two more landmark victories for working families tonight.

“The most exciting part is knowing that this isn't simply a one-time election effort. This is real, grassroots infrastructure that's built to last and make sure the hard working people in these communities continue to be heard as we all continue working to build a better San Diego that works for everyone.”

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San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council

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

STATEMENT OF MAJORITY LEADER ATKINS ON GOVERNOR BROWN’S REVISED BUDGET

(Sacramento)  Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins made the following statement on today’s release of Governor Jerry Brown’s “May Revise,” a revised budget proposal for fiscal year 2014 which reflects recent economic factors:

“I applaud Governor Brown’s cautious and balanced approach to state finances which prioritizes our investment in the future through education and healthcare.  This approach keeps our promise to help those with the greatest need, while also maintaining our focus on steps that will pay off in terms of prosperity for many generations to come.  It is also consistent with the principles outlined in the Assembly Democratic Caucus’ Blueprint for a Responsible Budget, released last week – fiscal responsibility, strengthening the middle class, and delivering effective, efficient services for Californians.

The Governor and the Legislature have worked together over the past few years to achieve today’s balanced and stable budget.  We have done this through tough and painful cuts that reduced safety net services.  The voters’ approval of the temporary taxes in Proposition 30 has also relieved the strain on state coffers as we slowly recover from the Great Recession.  I look forward to working with my legislative colleagues to review the details of the Governor’s proposal as we move toward adoption of a balanced, on-time budget by June 15.”

ASSEMBLYMEMBER WEBER RESPONDS TO GOVERNOR’S REVISED BUDGET

SACRAMENTO, CA- Assembly Member Shirley N. Weber (D-San Diego) commends Governor Jerry Brown for presenting a budget that provides more funding for education and puts California on a path to long term fiscal stability.  During a press conference today in Sacramento, highlighting revisions to his previous budget proposal, the Governor announced that the state is $4.5 billion above revenue estimates made in January and highlighted his plans to restructure the local school funding formula to benefit low income, English learners, and foster youth as well as implement the State's new Common Core Curriculum Standards.

Specifically, the Governor proposes to increase funding for the local control funding formula by an additional $240 million, for a total of $1.9 billion.  He also plans to allocate $1 billion in one-time funds in 2013-14 to fund the Common Core Standards. These revenues would be available for professional development, instructional materials, and technology enhancements, which would be funded per pupil at roughly $170 per student, the Governor indicated.

“The inequities and disparities of the current system are well documented and should no longer be tolerated, said Assemblymember Weber, who was an educator for over 40 years. “We now have an historic opportunity to ensure all students have equal access to base funding and to invest in students of high need. The Governor’s Local Control Funding is a starting point to ensure that this is accomplished, but there are still some concerns that need to be worked out.  There has to be accountability and transparency to ensure that dollars are allocated wisely.  Furthermore, we need to ensure that this influx of dollars will focus on creating career pathways for our disadvantaged students so that they can obtain high wage jobs and in turn give back to our economy,” she said.

California recently joined a number of other states in adopting the Common Core State Standards, which establishes new criteria for what students should learn in school. It also joined a consortium of states to develop new tests based on those standards. California has already adopted the Common Core Standards in Math in the fall of 2010 and new English Language Development Standards in 2012.  Governor Brown’s May Revise provides a $1 billion allocation to assist schools in implementing these standards.

“This year I am authoring AB 899, which is a bill intended to establish a process to align the English Language Development (ELD) standards to the new Common Core Math and New Generation Science Standards to help our nearly 1.4 million English Learners. I am glad that the Governor is making the Common Core Standards a priority. I look forward to working with the Governor and my colleagues in the Legislature to ensure students in California and the nation are at the same academic level as students in other countries,” said Assemblymember Weber.

The revised budget proposal assumes $98.1 million in revenue and $96.4 million in expenditures and includes a $1.1 billion reserve.  In the next couple of weeks, the Legislature and the Governor will work together to pass a responsible on time budget by June 15, 2013. Assemblymember Weber appreciates the Governor’s commitment to maintaining the fiscal stability that has come from an improving economy.

ATKINS BILL TO STREAMLINE TRANSGENDER NAME CHANGES PASSES ASSEMBLY

(San Diego)  Assembly Bill 1121, authored by Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins, was passed by the California State Assembly today.  The bill provides transgender people seeking legal name changes to reflect their gender identity with a streamlined and inexpensive process that protects their privacy. Current law requires a transgender person to obtain a court order and to publish the name change application in the newspaper. This process can be expensive and also publicly exposes the person to potential discrimination, harassment or even violence because of being transgender.

“Transgender people are entitled to have their official documents and their legal name reflect their true identity without a burdensome and expensive process that endangers their personal safety,” says Atkins.

Transgender people’s understanding of themselves as male or female is different from the sex they were assigned at birth.  Medical science recognizes this condition as Gender Dysphoria and prescribes specific treatments to help the transgender person transition physically, so their bodies match their gender identity.  This often includes surgery, medication, and mental health support. Being transgender is not a choice.  A person’s gender identity is set at an early age and cannot be changed at will.

The transition to living in accord with one’s gender identity also involves a legal process because birth certificates and a person’s name usually reflect the sex they were assigned at birth. In California, a person seeking a court-ordered name change has to publish a notice in a newspaper for four weeks.  They are also required to have a public hearing before a judge, the record of which is also public.  The process is lengthy and can be expensive.

Forty-four percent of transgender people experience discrimination, harassment and assault.  A public name change process heightens the likelihood of these occurring.  AB 1121 allows the transgender person to avoid the public notice and court process by applying directly to the state Office of Vital Records for a name change.

AB 1121 is sponsored by Equality California and the Transgender Law Center.  It will now move to the California State Senate for consideration.

Pharmacist Kickbacks Jeopardizing the Health of San Diego Patients

The following is a guest opinion by Hollaine Hopkins from the Lupus Foundation, California chapter.

Health care cost containment is a critical issue facing every participant in the health care system. Efforts to contain costs, however, appear to have given rise to dangerous financial arrangements between health insurers and pharmacists that may be jeopardizing the health of San Diego patients.

A loophole in California law allows your health insurer to give a financial kickback to your pharmacist every time the pharmacist switches your medication to older, cheaper, non-chemically equivalent drugs from those originally prescribed by your doctor, even without your knowledge.

Switching patients to non-chemically equivalent drugs is a potentially dangerous practice known as “therapeutic substitution.” Unlike switching patients to identical generic drugs – which simply function as a cheaper alternative – pharmacists who make therapeutic substitutions are subjecting patients to drugs with different ingredients and dosages, different release mechanisms, and different side effects and complications.

For the more than 1.5 million Americans living with lupus, a therapeutic switch can directly result in a decline in health. Although two medicines may treat the same condition, when the ingredients are not the same, there can be different side effects or treatment can be ineffective. There is currently no cure for lupus and many patients take up to 20 pills every day simply to mitigate the symptoms of the disease. Those patients need to know they are getting the medications their doctor prescribed.

California law currently prohibits physicians from receiving any financial incentive from insurers for prescribing any particular course of treatment. Because of a loophole in the law, however, pharmacists are allowed to take a kickback from an insurer every time they make a therapeutic switch to a cheaper drug.

Perhaps not surprisingly, physicians report a spike in the number of requests to authorize these switches, leaving physicians without any idea if the pharmacist is recommending the switch because it is in the best interest of the patient or if it is because the pharmacist is receiving financial compensation for the switch.

Pharmacists are a critical part of a collaborative health care environment based on ethics and trust. Pharmacists are rightly well-regarded figures in their communities, and when pharmacists provide counsel, patients listen.

Prescribing physicians also routinely take the advice of pharmacists on alternate therapies, without question, for any number of reasons. A pharmacist may know that a patient’s health plan does not cover the medication a doctor has prescribed, for example. Pharmacists may also have knowledge of patient history that can help patients avoid negative drug interactions.

San Diego patients should be confident that treatment decisions are based solely on what is in their best interest and should not have to worry about whether their pharmacist is being unduly influenced by health insurer kickbacks.

League of Conservation Voters San Diego Releases 2012 Environmental Quality Report Card

Report Card grades San Diego Councilmembers and Mayor on environmental record in 2012

San Diego -- League of Conservation Voters San Diego today released the 2012 Environmental Quality Report Card for City of San Diego. The Report Card identifies 17 priority votes from 2012 and grades each member of the San Diego City Council and now-former Mayor Jerry Sanders on their record on environmental issues.

Grades for the nine elected officials ranged from an 88% ‘B’ for Councilmember David Alvarez to 59% failing ‘F’ grades for former Councilmember Carl DeMaio and former Mayor Jerry Sanders.

“The good news is, the entire council showed improved scores after an abysmal 2011 report card,” said Livia Borak, President of League of Conservation Voters San Diego. “The key now will be building on improved communications to keep our elected leadership informed and engaged on environmental priorities as we move forward.”

The entire Council improved its ranking by voting unanimously on numerous positive environmental issues, including the Water Policy Implementation Task Force, approving the purchase of emergency generators for sewage pump stations, accepting the Recycled Water Study, blocking the Quail Brush energy project, approving the California Property Assessed Clean Energy financing program, and dedicating park and recreation lands.

“It’s encouraging to see stronger voting records from the council, but we still have plenty of room for more leadership on environmental justice and climate change,” said Nicole Capretz, Associate Director, Green Energy/Green Jobs Campaign for the Environmental Health Coalition. “The next step is to make sure these issues are central to long-term planning in San Diego.”

The 2012 EQRC includes a breakdown of the votes and explanations of priority issues from the past year. It also outlines ways that members of the city council can improve their grades going forward.

“In 2013, we’ll be looking to the council to address a number of issues that will impact our region for years to come,” said Jill Witkowski, Waterkeeper at San Diego Coastkeeper. “From storm water regulations that could finally make the water safe after it rains to climate change standards that seriously address the threats to our region, now is the time to commit to smart, lasting policies to keep San Diego on the right track.”

The entire report card can be downloaded at the League of Conservation Voters San Diego website at http://lcvsd.org/

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LCVSD is a chapter of the California League of Conservation Voters, which seeks to protect the environmental quality of the state by working to elect environmentally responsible candidates and hold them accountable to the conservation agenda. By being an "on the ground" voice in the San Diego community, LCVSD provides an opportunity for environmental activists to directly impact the local electoral process while promoting environmental candidates.

MAJORITY LEADER ATKINS HONORED AS AGRICULTURE ADVOCATE

(Sacramento)  Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins of San Diego was honored today with the Cornucopia Award from California Women in Agriculture, http://www.cawomen4ag.com/ .  The award is given annually to an urban legislator who has demonstrated a willingness to enter into dialogue with agriculture.

“While San Diego is well known as the second largest city in California, what is less well known is that agriculture is a key economic engine for San Diego County,” says Atkins.  “I am proud to receive this award and to play a role in enhancing the partnership between urban and rural California, especially by supporting the role of women in agriculture.”

San Diego County has the 12th largest agricultural economy of 3,000 counties nationwide.  It also has more small farms than any other county in the nation.  San Diego is the number one producer of avocados and nursery crops; number two in acres devoted to guavas, pomegranates, limes, and macadamias; and number 3 in honey production.  The county is also first in number of part-time farmers and second nationally in the number of farms with women as the principal operator.

More information about San Diego agriculture is available from the San Diego Farm Bureau, http://www.sdfarmbureau.org/SD-Ag/Ag-Facts.php.

Democrats to Welcome Nathan Fletcher at Annual Gala

Major Obama Fundraiser, La Jolla's Christine Forester, Among Tonight's Honorees

Several surprises will greet the sellout crowd at the San Diego County Democratic Party's 33rd Annual Roosevelt Dinner, themed “Painting the Town Blue,” at the Hilton San Diego Resort in Mission Bay tonight. The reception and silent auction begin at 6:00 p.m. and the program begins at 7:00.

Nathan Fletcher, a former Republican Assemblymember and San Diego mayoral candidate, will be welcomed by County Party Chair Francine Busby as a newly registered Democrat. He announced his registration change this morning on Facebook.

Other special guests will include State Controller John Chiang, a candidate for Treasurer;  State Board of Equalization Member Betty Yee, a candidate for Controller; and State Senator Alex Padilla, a candidate for Secretary of State. The program will feature special awards for Chair Emeritus Jess Durfee and Christine Forester, a prominent local fundraiser for President Obama who sits on several presidential advisory boards.

This year's sellout crowd of more than 600 party activists, volunteers, elected officials, and community leaders will celebrate the sweeping victories of the 2012 election in which 71% of Democratic candidates won countywide. Major wins included picking up a Republican-held Congressional seat; a Democratic Mayor and City Council in San Diego for the first time in history; and the District 3 County Board of Supervisors seat.

This event will be open to credentialed media. The Mission Bay Hilton is located at 1775 Mission Bay Dr., San DIego (92109). Please contact Stephen Whitburn for details at (619) 543-0333.

Attorney General Kamala Harris Endorses Lorena Gonzalez

Pro-Jobs Democrat Earns the Support of California’s Chief Law Enforcement Officer




CHULA VISTA – (Thursday, May 2, 2013) – California Attorney General Kamala Harris has endorsed pro-jobs Democrat Lorena Gonzalez's campaign in the May 21 special election for the 80th Assembly District.

As the state’s top law enforcement officer and chief lawyer, Harris has aggressively defended the rights of consumers, fought for homeowner rights in the wake of the foreclosure crisis and combated the transnational trafficking of guns and drugs into California. Harris is the first woman, the first African American and the first South Asian to hold the office of Attorney General in California.

"California needs all the strong, passionate voices for justice it can get and that's exactly why I'm counting on Lorena,” Harris said. “She has proven herself to be a successful consensus-builder even when doing the right thing is tough. That's the sort of courage and leadership we need to keep California on the track to greater success."

A full list of Lorena’s endorsements can be viewed at www.votelorena.com/endorsements.

Lorena is a candidate to replace State Senator Ben Hueso in the 80th Assembly District, which includes Chula Vista, National City and the City of San Diego neighborhoods of San Ysidro, City Heights, Barrio Logan, Sherman Heights, Otay Mesa, Paradise Hills and Golden Hill. The special election for the 80th Assembly District will be held Tuesday, May 21.

Learn more about Lorena’s campaign at www.VoteLorena.com or by e-mail VoteLorena@gmail.com.

Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom Endorses Lorena Gonzalez

 

 Pro-Jobs Democrat Earns the Support of California’s Champion for Innovation of Public Service and Progressive Values

CHULA VISTA – (Wednesday, May 1, 2013) – Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom has endorsed pro-jobs Democrat Lorena Gonzalez's campaign in the May 21 special election for the 80th Assembly District, her campaign announced today.

Newsom has promoted innovation in public service and civic engagement and has led initiatives to benefit environmental quality, job creation and equal rights in California throughout his career. As Lt. Governor, Newsom serves on the governing boards of the University of California and California State University, the State Lands Commission and the California Commission for Economic Development.

“Lorena's reputation as an honest, effective advocate for all working families is already well-known across California,” Newsom said. “I know Lorena will be an outspoken champion for middle-class jobs, high environmental standards and a world-class education system that will prepare our students for the careers of the future.  I’m proud to call her my friend and I’ll be even prouder to call her ‘Assemblywoman’.”

A full list of Lorena’s endorsements can be viewed at www.votelorena.com/endorsements.

Lorena is a candidate to replace State Senator Ben Hueso in the 80th Assembly District, which includes Chula Vista, National City and the City of San Diego neighborhoods of San Ysidro, City Heights, Barrio Logan, Sherman Heights, Otay Mesa, Paradise Hills and Golden Hill. The special election for the 80th Assembly District will be held Tuesday, May 21.

Learn more about Lorena’s campaign at www.VoteLorena.com or by e-mail VoteLorena@gmail.com.

San Diego Labor Leader Blasts Walmart and former Mayor Jerry Sanders

SAN DIEGO - With the recent completion of a state audit of the City of San Diego Development Services Department, United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 135 President Mickey Kasparian calls for the City of San Diego to take action, based on those results.

“In light of the finding by state auditors, our city has no choice but to take extreme action on the Walmart project in Sherman Heights,” demanded Kasparian. “The clear violations of City codes and procedures, possible ethics violations, and a complete lack of transparency, are stunning in their magnitude.”

“Former San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders and his Administration are completely responsible for this mess,” said Kasparian. “An historic site was demolished under his watch. San Diego and its citizens deserve better.”

According to a UT San Diego article dated April 25, 2013, the Sherman Heights construction project gained approval even as Walmart was making donations to political causes favored by former San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders.

“The Walmart construction site in Sherman Heights should be closed and their permits should be revoked,” Mr. Kasparian went on to state. “Walmart has recently been accused of bribery scandals in Mexico and India. We need to know the truth here in San Diego as well.”

Please reference: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/apr/25/audit-walmart-approval-sherman-heights/

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San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council

The San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO represents more than 200,000 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

Bill Providing Voting Rights Information to Eligible Offenders Passes Assembly Elections and Redistricting Committee

SACRAMENTO, CA- Assembly Member Shirley N. Weber’s (D-San Diego) AB 149 passed the Assembly Committee on Elections and Redistricting, Tuesday, April 23, 2013, with a 5-2 vote.

C0-sponsored by the California Civil Rights Coalition and the Greenlining Institute, AB 149 would ensure that persons involved in the criminal justice system are given accurate information about their voting rights and are afforded the opportunity to participate in the civic life of their communities.

Specifically, the bill would require the Department of Corrections to provide every parolee with a voter registration form and information about their voting rights upon the completion of their parole supervision. It would also require county probation departments to provide every eligible person under their supervision with a voter registration form and information on their voting rights. County sheriffs would also be required to provide this same information to eligible inmates of a county jail.

“Aside from the fact that voting has been proven to reduce recidivism among current and former offenders, it is a fundamental tenant of democracy,” said Assembly Member Weber. “I’m glad to see my colleagues on the Assembly Elections and Redistricting Committee stand with me in rectifying a situation where misinformation and misconceptions have had the consequence of disenfranchising an entire segment of eligible voters,” she said.

The California Constitution and state law provides that once a person has completed parole, his or her voting rights are automatically reinstated. However, in most instances, those involved in our criminal justice system are not apprised of their voting rights nor is accurate voter information readily accessible to them.

The lack of accurate voter registration information has a particularly disparate impact on communities of color in California, given the racial disparities in our criminal justice system.

By offering voter registration to the thousands of eligible voters who pass through our criminal justice system, the state will be taking an important step toward increasing its dismal voter registration rate.

AB 149 is supported by organizations such as the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, and Rock the Vote. The next step in the legislative process is for the bill to be heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

ATKINS BILL TO INCREASE ACCESS TO EARLY ABORTIONS CONTINUES TO ADVANCE

(San Diego)  The Assembly Health Committee today passed AB 154, legislation by Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins to expand the list of healthcare professionals authorized to perform early abortions. This bill allows nurses, physician’s assistants, and nurse-midwives to perform aspiration abortions after receiving proper training.  Currently, over half of California’s counties have no abortion provider.  AB 154 will help alleviate that shortage.

“As the former director of women’s health clinics, I know how critical timely reproductive healthcare is for women,” says Atkins.  “My bill will help ensure that no woman will have to travel a long distance or wait a long time for the care she needs because of a shortage of providers.”

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

The bill is sponsored by the California Women’s Health Alliance, a coalition of groups dedicating to protecting and improving the reproductive health of California women and will next be heard in the Assembly Health Committee. The bill is also supported by the California Medical Association.

AB 154 will next be reviewed by the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

ATKINS BILL RESTRICTING DRUG SWITCHING BY PHARMACISTS ADVANCES

(San Diego) The Assembly Business, Professions and Consumer Protection Committee today approved a bill by Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins to increase protections for patients whose medications are switched by pharmacists receiving financial incentives for doing so.  AB 670 restricts payments for these switches, called therapeutic substitutions, to only those made after the pharmacist performs a comprehensive medication review.

“Pharmacists are valued professional members of the healthcare team who often recommend a substitute medication because it is in the best interest of the patient, but additional caution is needed when the pharmacist has a financial incentive to make the switch,” says Atkins.  “AB 670 will ensure that the switch is in the best interest of the patient.”

Current law allows pharmacists to replace a brand-name drug with a generic formulation of the exact same medication.  Pharmacists may also, with physician approval, make a therapeutic substitution, which means that the drug treats the same condition, but is chemically different from the one originally prescribed.  If not done in conjunction with the proper review, the substitute drug can have adverse effects for the patients.

Doctors are not permitted to accept payment to specifically switch their patients’ medications from one drug to another based solely on a financial incentive.  AB 670 places similar restrictions on pharmacists and will ensure that science and patient well-being are the determining factors when choosing a drug and that consumers are protected.

AB 670 is sponsored by the California Medical Association.  It will next be heard by the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Scott Peters’ Address to California Democratic State Party Convention

Good afternoon, California Democrats!

Because of your remarkable hard work and enthusiasm last year – particularly the non-stop efforts of San Diego Democrats – last fall, I was able to unseat a 12-year Republican incumbent.

He had just about the harshest views toward immigration of any member of Congress, even though he represented a district in San Diego, near one of the largest, busiest international borders in the world.

But thanks to what you did last year, when Congress fixes our broken immigration system this year, Brian Bilbray won’t be there to get in the way!

I’m a life long Democrat; I learned at an early age about standing up for fairness and what’s right.

My dad was a minister who fought for housing desegregation in the suburbs of Detroit in the ‘60s when realtors there wouldn’t let African American or Jewish families buy homes in certain neighborhoods.  He fought that fight despite threats against his personal safety.  My parents set an example of service for me and my sisters, and they were always Democrats.

My parents said the Democratic Party believed in fairness, tolerance, and acceptance; we pitch a Big Tent and make room for others.

We stand for civil rights.  For a woman’s right to choose.  For equality in marriage.  For the ability to cast your vote without harassment or interference.  For equal pay for equal work.  And even in this Congress we have had some success, passing a Violence Against Women Act that protects ALL women, not just some. And we are supporting, and I am co-sponsoring, several bills to give LGBT military spouses equal rights, as well as Rep. Rosa DeLauro’s Paycheck Fairness Act.

As Democrats, our values are that we stand up for the Middle Class, and for the rights of working men and women.  Though sometimes, within our big Democratic tent, we may disagree about how to get there.

For example, not every Democrat agrees with everything about our President’s budget proposal.  But I give him credit for proposing a budget that funds Democratic priorities like investments in children, infrastructure and science that we need to keep America strong, while also reducing spending and debt in a serious way.

We share the same values, even if we see a different pathway.

When I was running for Congress, some skeptics told me that when I got to Washington our Leadership wouldn’t appreciate my independent views and that Party leaders wouldn’t let me vote my conscience over my Caucus.  But that’s not the case.  It turns out that our party, and our leader in the House, Nancy Pelosi, take our diversity seriously, and they value that diversity.

They’ve let me forge my own path, ask my own questions and offer my own ideas, trusting that I know what’s best for my District, consistent with our values.  I thank them for that because our diversity as Democrats makes us stronger.

But if Democrats have a Big Tent, unfortunately, today’s Republican Party is pitching a Pup Tent.

I’ve reached out to moderate Republicans to see if we can forge partnerships to solve problems, and I please don’t get me wrong – I will continue to do just that.  But it appears so far that the Tea Party still reigns supreme on the Right, and in today’s Republican Party, hyper partisanship is rewarded, and independence is squashed.

Last year, we were part of a nationwide message from voters that it’s time to end the political fighting and start the problem solving.  And it’s Democrats that are doing that work today.  So we need to keep sending that message.

Thank you for what you did last year. I ask you not lose the enthusiasm and energy. Let’s keep the momentum going.

Let’s keep the seats we won last year, and let’s go find some more.  Let’s show America that we are serious about fairness and opportunity.  Let’s show America we want to make government work instead of cutting off its legs.  Let’s show America we can adopt science-based climate policy that can save the planet.  And let’s show America that we can build a future where all of our children can be prosperous, safe and healthy.  Let’s finish the job of turning Congress from Red to Blue!

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Local Filipino-American Business Leaders Look to Pro-Jobs Democrat Gonzalez for Leadership

CHULA VISTA – (Tuesday, April 23, 2013) – The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of San Diego County has endorsed pro-jobs Democrat Lorena Gonzalez in the May 21 special election for the 80th Assembly District.

The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of San Diego County's mission is to promote interest of Filipino American businesses in the region. Many chamber members reside or own businesses in the 80th Assembly District and a large segment of the Filipino-American community reside in the district.

"The board voted to endorse Lorena Gonzalez as it felt she is the most qualified candidate," said Audie J. de Castro, Chairman of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of San Diego County. "She would best serve members of our organization and community and the 80th District as a whole."

A full list of Lorena's endorsers can be found at http://votelorena.com/endorsements/.

Gonzalez is a candidate to replace State Senator Ben Hueso in the 80th Assembly District, which includes Chula Vista, National City and the City of San Diego neighborhoods of San Ysidro, City Heights, Barrio Logan, Sherman Heights, Otay Mesa, Paradise Hills and Golden Hill. The special election for the 80th Assembly District is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21.

Learn more about Lorena’s campaign at www.VoteLorena.com  or by e-mail VoteLorena@gmail.com.