When is campaigning, mudslinging?

There has always been debate; this special election cycle is no different, in the media and now amongst social media about dirty campaigning.  We are again abuzz and aghast with the campaign mail hitting homes, websites popping up, Facebook posts and parody twitter accounts from candidates, independent expenditures and political activists challenging certain things as crossing the line as attacks, going negative, slinging mud and dirty politics.  How dare you sir!

Going back to early United States history you see the mudslinging from some of our most distinguished and cherished elected officials.  It was never pretty.  My point is whether attacks are really mudslinging is in the eyes of the beholder.  For the attacker, they will claim they are only exposing the side of the candidate voters should be aware.  Just reaching back to our last mayoral election we hear from insiders and outsiders, “Why didn’t anyone tell us about former Mayor Bob Filner?”  Umm, that would be a charge of mudslinging, right?  What rises to the level of presenting the facts about a candidate or mudslinging?  The only answer I can see is depends from where you stand; making it or receiving it. 

Another interesting angle is when one slings mud claiming it is the guise of casting the light on another’s mudslinging.  A negative on a negative, classic!  I had to hand it to the independent expenditure supporting former Assemblymember Nathan Fletcher, they did the negative on the negative and went one step further, showed a photo of him and his family with mud splatters on them.  The mailer suggested the attacks they were defending were on the whole Fletcher family. No one has ever made any attacks on his family, but just the candidate.

In the end, the candidate needs to stand on their record, the good and the bad.  Those snarky comments by supporters of a candidate crying foul need to be judged on not how they respond to when their candidate is attacked, but how they respond when their candidate or the independent expenditure in support of their candidate attacks the others as well.  Mud will fly this election cycle, if you aren’t being hit, then you are throwing it. Splat!

What once is no longer, or was it ever really?

We have all read over the years about former Assemblymember Nathan Fletcher’s (R-75) ability to broker “The Deal” or bring sides together.  He was able to bring Republicans and Democrats together at the table to make “the deal”, break gridlock, create compromise in a broken down Sacramento world.  Looking at the repeated statements a little closer did then Republican Assemblymember Nathan Fletcher really make the deals possible?  Hmm

What really needs to be understood is the Democrats had almost a Super Majority and at minimum a majority.  In Sacramento, it didn’t take much to get something past, even when the Republicans stood in lock step opposition to it. You had a Democratic majority.  However, when you needed a few Republican votes they were usually around to be picked up.  It just needed for a deal to be made.  As former Speaker Willie Brown showed us when he kept his own speakership.  Remember, no one in Sacramento did anything for nothing; there was a deal and both sides gained something out of it.

This deal maker, the then Republican Assemblymember Fletcher was just selling something for something else and never really brought many Republicans, if any to the table from then his own party and as time rolled on, he had less success in bringing any other Republican to the table at all for a deal, besides himself.  Though, he got his from the deal, regardless.

Now, after the transformation from former Republican Assemblymember Fletcher, to Independent Assemblymember Fletcher in his loss in the last mayoral campaign, a year later he changed to a Democrat.   He is still making the claim, as well as his supporters; he can make the deal, bring people from opposing sides together and make the city work from its partisan gridlock. Not sure the partisan gridlock he speaks of, but let’s go with his narrative.  Sadly, since he is no longer a Republican, he no longer can bring any Republicans along.  You look at his current mayoral campaign and you don’t see any of his former Republican elected officials standing with him, you don’t see any of his former Republican big contributors standing with him, you don’t see any of his Republican endorsers, you don’t see any of his former Republican staffers standing with him, really you just don’t see him bringing anyone from his former Republican life to the campaign.  Rather, he is surrounded with the handful of swing voters from his last campaign, but mainly its all Democrats who he made deals with along the way.  He got something, they got something.  There is nothing wrong with people he made something happen for and they made something happen for him supporting each other.  My point is this, the image former Assemblymember Fletcher as the deal maker bringing people together was a great story, but like many stories it has come to an end and the more we re-read his story we see the errors in it.

The truth is if former Assemblymember Fletcher was not in the race, his support would have gone with Councilmember David Alvarez or they would have sat out of the race.  Maybe a few checks would have gone with Councilmember Kevin Faulconer, but just a handful at most. He isn’t drawing a middle of the road coalition and his storyline shows it.

The End

Nathan Fletcher Breaks Positive Campaign Pledge, Once Again Shifts Position

“And I’m here today to pledge to you today that my campaign will talk about me, my ideas, my vision for the future, and will not attack either of these other two gentlemen, who are fine men who care about our community. I’ll also call on every organization that’s endorsed me to do the same and I will publicly denounce any group affiliated with me that doesn’t do that because you deserve a campaign about the future of our city.” – Nathan Fletcher, September 27, 2013

October 25, 2013, SAN DIEGO – On September 27, 2013, during the Spirit of the Barrio debate in Barrio Logan, Nathan Fletcher pledged to run a campaign focused on issues and to denounce any attacks made by any group affiliated with him.

Less than one month later, Fletcher and his supporters have had another change of heart. Fletcher supporters sent out a political mailer attacking both his main opponents. The mailer goes after Councilmember David Alvarez for being a Democrat and Kevin Faulconer for being a Republican, yet Fletcher has not lived up to his pledge and denounced the attack. Fletcher used to be a conservative Republican and now he’s trying to run as a Democrat.

“He can’t even keep his own campaign pledges. It’s getting difficult to keep up with all of Fletcher’s position changes,” said Gabriel Solmer. “One thing is clear, Fletcher will say or do anything to get elected, including breaking his own word.”

What’s most interesting about the mailer is that it attacks Alvarez for being a Democrat. Ironically, Fletcher also sought the San Diego County Democratic Party’s endorsement, but Democratic Central Committee members couldn’t overlook his conservative record in the California State Assembly. The mailer in question was clearly not targeted to registered Democrats.

“I’m proud to be a Democrat and I’m proud to be supported by working families. If Nathan Fletcher believes supporting Democratic positions is a problem, he should stand up and let that be known to ALL voters. I will continue to run a campaign focused on the issues important to San Diego voters,” Alvarez said. "I promise to always keep my word and to not make any empty promises."

Alvarez has run a positive campaign highlighting his platform of creating jobs, investing in neighborhoods, and rebuilding the middle class. He’s been consistent on his platform since the campaign started and will continue to be throughout the remainder of the race.

For more information on Councilmember David Alvarez’s race for Mayor, visit: www.AlvarezforMayor.com

Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Calls on El Cajon Mayor Mark Lewis To Apologize For Divisive Comments

SAN DIEGO -- (Thursday, October 24, 2013) -- California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) made the following statement in response to news footage of El Cajon Mayor Mark Lewis' comments about various ethnic communities in the San Diego region:

"San Diego County thrives on our vast cultural diversity. Mark Lewis' words reflect the ignorance and division that many of us grew up with but thought had been overcome in the last few decades. Mr. Lewis owes the public an apology and it's clearly time for a change of leadership in El Cajon."

To view Mayor Lewis' divisive comments, visit: http://www.10news.com/news/outrage-continues-over-comments-made-by-el-cajon-mayor-mark-lewis-10232013.

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

A Call for Respect and Representation in El Cajon

Community members rallied at El Cajon City Hall yesterday to protest Mayor Mark Lewis, whose recent comments about Chaldean schoolchildren were perceived by many residents to be racist and insensitive. San Diego County Democratic Party Chair Francine Busby has issued the following statement.

"Mayor Lewis recently said of his city's substantial Chaldean community -- many of whom are refugees from Iraq -- 'It doesn’t take them too long to learn where all the freebies are at.' That was in reference to children receiving free school lunches.

"In the same interview, he suggested that government programs that support 'minorities' are causing 'white flight' in El Cajon. The Mayor says he doesn't think his comments were offensive, but thousands of his constituents may feel differently.

"Too many Republican leaders like Mayor Lewis have an us-versus-them mentality, polarizing our society and generalizing those served by our government as 'takers.' I'm reminded of Mitt Romney's infamous '47 percent' speech last year, which essentially blamed students, veterans, the poor, and the elderly for a sense of 'entitlement.' The American people rejected that attitude, and I believe residents of El Cajon will too.

"We need elected leaders who not only better respect, but also better reflect, the whole community. El Cajon's Mayor and City Council are all white, yet almost half of their constituents are non-white. The city's elected officials are all men, though half of the population are women. All five of them are registered Republicans, but 63% of voters in the city are not. It's time for that to change.

"I call on Mayor Lewis to apologize for his needlessly divisive remarks. Further, I urge El Cajon residents to organize, register to vote, and turn out to elect public officials next year who will bring a fresh and more inclusive perspective to city government. For our part, the County Democratic Party will redouble our efforts to support candidates committed to advancing that important goal."

Follow the Leader: Carl DeMaio Campaigns on Scott Peters’ Ideas

After ducking basic questions for weeks about his Republican party’s shutdown of the government, Carl DeMaio has a few ideas about how Congress should do its job and agree to a budget. Those No Budget, No Pay ideas may look familiar to San Diego voters, because Scott Peters offered them last year and has been living up to them ever since.

“Carl DeMaio refused to show leadership and speak out against the irresponsible shutdown, and now he’s trying to repackage the ideas and work of others for himself,” said Matt Inzeo of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “Whether he’s ducking the shutdown or using someone else’s ideas as his own, Carl DeMaio is proving he would rather put on a show than actually do the hard work of solving our challenges.”


BACKGROUND

LEADER: Peters Called for “No Budget, No Pay.” In 2012, Rep. Scott Peters launched a 30-second television ad calling for “No Budget, No Pay” as a way to hold representatives accountable for doing their jobs and passing a federal budget. In the ad, Peters says, “It’s time Congress worked for us. I say – no budget, no pay.  If Congress doesn’t do their job and balance the budget – they don’t get a paycheck.” [ScottPeters.com, 10/20/12]

LEADER: Peters Voted for No Budget, No Pay. In 2013, Rep. Scott Peters voted for HR 325, which adopts a version of “No Budget, No Pay,” an initiative Peters declared his support for prior to being elected to Congress. In addition Peters co-sponsored HR 310, the No Budget, No Pay Act, which would stop Congressional pay if Congress fails to pass a budget on time. [ScottPeters.com, 1/23/13]

- “Rep. Peters ‘Sequesters’ His Own Pay; Donates it to Feed Seniors in Need.”  “Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) applied the across-the-board spending cuts known as sequestration to his own paycheck, stating that “any rules Congress imposes on federal employees and all Americans ought to apply to us, too.” He will take eight percent of his monthly salary, which equates to about $1,300 per month, and donate it to the Senior Community Center of San Diego to supplement meals for at-risk seniors.” [San Diego Free Press, 5/08/13]

LEADER: Peters Co-Sponsored the Stop Pay for Members Act. In 2013, Rep. Peters co-sponsored the Stop Pay for Members Act, which would ensure that Members of Congress would not get paid if the U.S. defaulted on its debt. [HR 1884, Cosponsors, 9/27/13]

FOLLOWER: DeMaio Proposed a “No Budget, No Pay” Law. In 2013, DeMaio called for a “No Budget, No Pay law” that would take way pay from every Member of Congress, the President, and Administration political appointees until a budget was passed. [CarlDeMaio.com, 9/30/13]

Paper tiger

The League of Conservation Voters has made their endorsement for mayor with a curious result.

The records for the candidates speak for themselves:

• Fletcher has a 48% lifetime score from the California League of Conservation Voters, 36% from the Sierra Club and the mailers from MEA only cite 2 bills to justify his commitment to the environment.
• Alvarez has an 88% from the San Diego League of Conservation Voters (the highest of any San Diego councilmember), has been endorsed by the Environmental Health Coalition, and is the Chair for the San Diego City Council’s Committee on Natural resources and Culture.

This should have been an easy endorsement for Alvarez had the decision been based on the facts about the environment. Instead, the San Diego League of Conservation Voters voted to endorse Fletcher based on speculation about electability. This decision, especially after giving Alvarez the highest environmental rating last year, immediately calls into question the legitimacy of the LCV.

Their website claims that they engage in election activities on behalf of the environment. The reality has been releasing an annual report card and maybe a single mailing per cycle. The chatter within the progressive communities is that the LCV has become a shell organization that exists to provide environmental credentials to candidates and campaigns that need it whether they deserve it or not.

And the odd thing is that the LCV doesn’t make its decision with the expectation of monies or favors. All it has is its brand. Which is why this de-legitimization is so baffling.

Ignoring their own research, as well as the environment, for political expediency makes sense when you look at who is on the board.  Supporters of Fletcher were successful in adding the LCV name to his mayoral campaign even though his environmental record pales next to Alvarez.

All this does is trash the LCV name within the circles where it would matter but those driving this effort don’t seem to care. What matters is the short term gain (if any) from an organization that’s willing to pay lip service to its cause if it can jumpstart a campaign that is spending money yet can’t get off the launching pad.

STATEMENT OF ASSEMBLY MAJORITY LEADER TONI ATKINS ON POSTAL SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT OF HARVEY MILK STAMP

 

(San Diego)  Harvey Milk left an indelible mark on the history of the United States and the announcement that the United States Postal Service will issue a commemorative stamp in his honor affirms his important place in our culture.  Last year, I was honored to carry HR 41, which was passed by the State Assembly, to urge the Postmaster General to issue a Harvey Milk stamp.

Postal commemorative stamps draw attention to important people who may not be familiar to all Americans.  Harvey Milk, who gave his life because he led the way for equality, is an ideal choice for this recognition.

I congratulate the sponsors of the campaign for a Harvey Milk stamp – the Harvey Milk Foundation, the International Court Council, and the GLBT Historic Task Force of San Diego – on their success.

Jorgensen Backs Tea Party Strategy Threatening Economic Meltdown While DeMaio Stays Silent

Even as the consequences of the government shutdown are felt throughout San Diego, Marine veteran Kirk Jorgensen wants to compound the irresponsible Tea Party crisis and default on the country’s debt, risking another major recession.

At the same time, candidate Carl DeMaio, who once called a press conference to announce he was signing a petition, still won’t say whether he would vote for the ongoing shutdown or the looming default crisis. On the most important issue facing San Diego and the country, Carl DeMaio refuses to tell people where he would stand.

“Both Kirk Jorgensen and Carl DeMaio are failing critical tests of responsible leadership,” said Matt Inzeo of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “Kirk Jorgensen is pushing reckless Tea Party approaches that threaten America’s economy, and Carl DeMaio refuses to tell San Diegans where he stands during this reckless shutdown. San Diego needs real leaders who will solve our problems, not Kirk Jorgensen to make our challenges worse or Carl DeMaio to duck tough issues.”

BACKGROUND:

Jorgensen Backs Extreme Position to Not Raise Debt Ceiling Without Concessions. On October 8, 2013, Jorgensen posted on his Facebook that Congress should not raise the debt ceiling without “immediate spending cuts.” [Kirk Jorgensen Facebook, 10/08/13]

“Republicans Ignore Calls from Business Community Raise the Debt Ceiling Now and Pass Reforms Later.” “Business leaders are increasingly warning Republicans that their refusal to lift the nation's ability to borrow more money could badly damage the economy, but the GOP, under ferocious pressure from conservatives to force budget concessions from President Barack Obama, are standing their ground. While business groups acknowledge that major bills like the debt ceiling have historically offered opportunities for major reform, they are pressing lawmakers not to take their negotiations past the Oct. 17 date set by the Treasury Department that could risk default.” [Yahoo News, 10/08/13]

“Debt Ceiling Debacle is No Big Deal to Tea Party Republicans.” “The biggest threat facing the United States today may be the monumental ignorance of the tea party Republicans who have captured the once-great Republican Party. While economists and financial experts on Wall Street are uniformly warning that failure to raise the nation’s debt ceiling would be a catastrophe that would send world stock markets into a nose dive, members of the tea party caucus in Congress are insisting it would be no big deal at all.” [Los Angeles Times, 10/09/13]

GOVERNOR SIGNS ATKINS BILL EXPANDING ABORTION PROVIDERS

 

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

“Timely access to reproductive health services is critical to women’s health,” says Atkins.  “AB 154 will ensure that no woman has to travel excessively long distances or wait for long periods in order to obtain an early abortion.  I appreciate Governor Brown’s support of women’s health.”

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

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

ATKINS BILL TO STREAMLINE TRANSGENDER NAME CHANGES SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

 

(San Diego)  Assembly Bill 1121, authored by Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins, was signed into law by Governor Brown 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.

AB 1121 creates a new administrative option for transgender people seeking to amend the gender marker on a California birth certificate through the State Registrar.  It also deletes the costly newspaper publication requirement.

“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. “This bill improves the lives of transgender Californians because it creates a simpler, more affordable, and safer process. I am very pleased that Governor Brown agrees and that he has signed my bill.”

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.

Block measure targets service inequities to children with developmental disabilities

SACRAMENTO – Governing boards of the state’s 21 regional centers of the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDS) will receive training and support to increase their linguistic and cultural competency under SB 367, a measure approved today by the governor.

SB 367 would also require the regional centers’ governing boards to assess how well they are serving linguistically and culturally underserved populations and to provide recommendations to the director of the regional center and post on the Internet the training provided to their governing boards.

“We know we must do better to provide services and care to children with autism and other disorders,” Block said. “We can and must perform better for regional center clients by identifying areas for improvement and providing additional support and training to the governing boards who direct those centers. Strong leaders are critical in any organization.”

DDS contracts with the 21 regional centers across the state to coordinate, purchase and provide community-based services for eligible consumers with developmental disabilities. More than 220,000 Californians with developmental disabilities are served through this system.

Block said race, language and socio-economic status play a large role in creating obstacles to access. “That shouldn’t happen, and SB 367 will help us focus on creating equal access to services. My bill will help ensure that our regional centers are working to eliminate cultural and language barriers to treatment.”

Block’s bill is part of a Senate Select Committee on Autism and Related Disorders legislative package. In April 2012, the state senate conducted a hearing to determine how well regional centers were serving their clients. The hearing resulted in a 119-page report, “A Preliminary Report by the Taskforce on Equity and Diversity for Regional Center Autism Services,” which identified 19 recommended changes to practice within the Developmental Services system.

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

Carl DeMaio’s Model Legislator: Senator Ted Cruz

As the government shutdown continues to hurt San Diego workers and businesses, Carl DeMaio compared himself to the architect of the crisis, Tea Party Senator Ted Cruz, holding him up as someone who “can make a difference.” While San Diegans and people across the country look for responsible solutions to the shutdown, Carl DeMaio promises more of Senator Cruz’s radical approach.

“The only difference Ted Cruz is making is irresponsibly shutting down the government with his reckless antics, but Carl DeMaio is holding him up as a model for how to behave in Washington,” said Matt Inzeo of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “Senator Cruz has been the leader of the reckless push to shut down the government, and Carl DeMaio will be a loyal foot soldier pushing these irresponsible crises – that’s not the kind of leadership San Diego wants.”

BACKGROUND

DeMaio Compares Himself to Ted Cruz. On Tuesday at the San Diego Lions Club, when asked how as a junior congressman he would be able to change Washington, DeMaio pointed to Ted Cruz as an example saying “Take a look at what Ted Cruz is doing. Freshman Senator, he’s certainly creating a lot of stir. So I do believe one individual can make a difference. And it’s a question of whether you are willing to stand your ground.” [San Diego Lions Club Video 4, 10/1/13]

House Republicans Credit Ted Cruz for Government Shutdown.  “House Republicans give one person the most credit for bringing Congress to its current standoff over funding for the federal government: Ted Cruz […] Many lawmakers said they would have been here had it not been for the junior Senator from Texas.” [Huffington Post,  9/29/13]

“Cruz: Tie Debt-Ceiling Rise to Obamacare Changes.” “Sen. Ted Cruz says legislation raising the debt ceiling is among the best leverage that Congress has to rein in the White House and should include changes to the nation's new health insurance system. The Texas Republican said Sunday in addition to what he calls "Obamacare," Republicans should also look for a "significant" plan to reduce new spending and avoiding new taxes.” [AP, 10/06/13]

GOVERNOR SIGNS ATKINS SNOOPY PLATE BILL TO SUPPORT MUSEUMS

 

(San Diego)  AB 482, a bill to improve the cost effectiveness of the California Cultural and Historical Endowment (CCHE) and to fund museums through the sale of a Snoopy license plate, was passed by the State Legislature today and sent to the Governor.

 

“California’s museums preserve our cultural identity for future generations while providing enjoyment and education for everyone,” says Atkins.  “Snoopy is himself a cultural institution and having his partnership in support of our museums is sure to make a huge difference in keeping them financially strong.  I hope everyone will sign up for a Snoopy plate and I thank Governor Brown for signing AB 482.”

The CCHE was established at the California State Library in 2003.  Since then, it has provided $122 million in grants to not-for-profit groups, government entities, and Native American tribes from funds generated by voter-approved Proposition 40.  These grants have supported the acquisition, restoration, preservation, and interpretation of our state’s historical and cultural resources. Due to dwindling Prop 40 funds, CCHE’s activities and staff face significant reductions and a winding down of the grant program.

Under AB 482, which is sponsored by the California Association of Museums, the CCHE would move over to the Natural Resources Agency where efficiencies can be implemented, with savings to the state of approximately $30,000 per year.

At the same time, a permanent source of funding for CCHE’s programs became possible when the widow of Peanuts creator Charles Schulz offered the rights to Snoopy’s likeness for a license plate that would raise funds for museums.  AB 482 authorizes the Department of Motor Vehicles to offer the Snoopy plate, which, like all specialty license plates would cost $50, plus another $48 if motorists want their plate personalized .  DMV will accept requests for the new plate.  They require at least 7,500 prepaid requests before starting production.  The California Association of Museums has already received more than 9,200 pledges from Californians who say they will purchase the plate once it is available.  The proceeds from the plate will be distributed through a competitive grant process.  All museums will be eligible.

ATKINS LEGISLATION TO ADDRESS COPPER PAINT WATER POLLUTION SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

(San Diego)  Governor Jerry Brown has signed into law AB 425, a bill by Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins to require the State of California to address water pollution caused by copper-based anti-fouling hull paint.  Under this bill, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) is directed to complete by February 1, 2014 its work to evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether the paint should be subject to increased state oversight and how best to mitigate its potentially harmful effects.

“Copper-based paint is effective in keeping boat hulls free from damaging organisms like barnacles and algae but it also poses a threat to aquatic animal and plant life when it leaches into water where recreational boats are moored,” says Atkins.  “We need to complete the scientific analysis in order to develop sound and balanced environmental policy that protects our marine ecosystem without being overly burdensome.”

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.  This, in turn, endangers plant and animal life, particularly in areas with limited water circulation and a high concentration of moorings for personal recreational boats, which can remain stationary for long periods.  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.

FACT CHECK: NRCC’s New Health Care Ad Campaign Is A Big Fat Lie

The National Republican Congressional Committee has launched new radio ads falsely claiming that Representative Scott Peters voted to protect “Congress’ taxpayer funded healthcare” and ensure “members of Congress receive special subsidies to pay for their healthcare.”

It’s a big fat lie.  In reality, major nonpartisan organizations have concluded that there is no special exemption or subsidy, even some House Republicans have admitted it isn’t true and House Speaker John Boehner lobbied to protect it.

FACT CHECK

·         CNN: Congress, Staff are Not Exempt from Obamacare. “Congress is no more exempt than any other employer who drops coverage and then helps employees purchase insurance on the exchanges.” [CNN, 9/25/13]

·         Politifact: “False.” “Cruz… said the president ‘just granted all of Congress an exception.’ … We rate Cruz’s claim False.” [Politifact, 8/14/13]

·         FactCheck.org: “Lawmakers and their Staffs Face Additional Requirements that other Americans Don’t.” “Congress isn’t ‘exempt’ from the law…In fact, as we’ve said before, lawmakers and their staffs face additional requirements that other Americans don’t… federal employees will have to get insurance through the exchanges set up by the Affordable Care Act. Other Americans with work-based insurance aren’t subject to such a requirement.” [FactCheck.org, 8/30/13]

·         Roll Call: Norm Ornstein, AEI: False. “On the assertion that Members of Congress are exempt from the provisions of the Affordable Care Act: also false. Members of Congress are subject under the health care reform law to the same mandate that others are to purchase insurance, and their plans must have the same minimum standards of benefits that other insurance plans will have to meet. Members of Congress currently have not a gold-plated free plan but the same insurance options that most other federal employees have, and they do not have it provided for free.” [Roll Call, 5/11/11]

·         The Hill: “At least two House Republicans have acknowledged that the policy is not an exemption from the healthcare law. Rep. Krisi Noem (R-S.D.) reportedly told one of her constituents that Congress is not exempt, and Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) also pushed back against talk of an exemption." [The Hill, 9/30/13]

·         National Review: “They haven’t been “exempted” from the amendment that forces them onto the exchanges, in a way no other American is […] The net result of the law and the workaround isn’t a “special handout” for congressional employees […] But people who happen to be paid by the federal treasury don’t deserve to have the entire value of their existing coverage stripped away, as almost no Americans will experience. [National Review, 9/27/13]

·         Speaker Boehner Protected These So-Called Subsidies. “Yet behind-the-scenes, Boehner and his aides worked for months […] to save these very same, long-standing subsidies, according to documents and e-mails provided to POLITICO. […] Boehner wondered aloud at one point whether he and the Nevada Democrat could quietly slip some language into a bill to end the problem without it receiving any public attention.” [Politico, 10/1/13]

Gov. Brown Signs Into Law Assembly Bills 1024 and 1159 by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez

San Diego-area Assemblywoman’s Bills Are Part of State’s Efforts to Empower California’s Immigrants As Federal Reform Stalls

SAN DIEGO – (Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013) – California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) applauded Gov. Jerry Brown’s announcement today that he signed into law legislation authored by Gonzalez to provide the state’s undocumented immigrants with consumer protections and career opportunities that will improve their quality of life and allow them to more productively contribute to California’s economy.

Brown signed into law Assembly Bills 1024 and 1159, both authored by Assemblywoman Gonzalez, as well as six other bills protecting immigrants on today’s National Immigration Day of Action, where rallies across the United States will draw attention to Congress’ inability to pass federal comprehensive immigration reform. Assemblywoman Gonzalez participated in one such rally at San Diego’s Balboa Park this morning.

AB 1024 will authorize the State Bar to award law licenses for immigrants who pass the State Bar exam. AB 1152 cracks down on immigration scams that have frequently surfaced since the President and Congress announced immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship was imminent.

“San Diego County and the rest of California has waited on Congress to fix our broken federal immigration laws for too long, but we can’t wait any longer. Our state must do what it can to improve the lives of people who are falling through the cracks because of Congress’ inaction,” Gonzalez said. “I want to thank Governor Brown for approving a package of reforms my State Capitol colleagues and I crafted to protect, empower and improve the quality of life for our friends, neighbors, co-workers and family members who are suffering under the status quo.”

Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez authored AB 1024 in an effort to permit the California State Supreme Court to admit as an attorney any applicant that has passed the State Bar examination and fulfilled all other requirements.

AB 1024 is a direct response to a case currently pending at the California State Supreme Court. Recently, the Court heard testimony in the case In Re Sergio C. Garcia on Admission (S202512), which concerned Mr. Garcia’s petition to obtain a law license in California.  Having passed the State Bar examination and fulfilled all other requirements, Mr. Garcia was routinely sworn into the legal profession in 2011.  Two weeks later, his license was rescinded on the basis that the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act passed by Congress in 1996 prohibits undocumented immigrants from receiving professional licenses with the use of public funds, unless state law explicitly overrides it.

“AB 1024 completes the promise we’ve made to DREAMers who have worked hard, studied hard, passed the Bar exam and now just want the right to make a living for themselves as an attorney,” Gonzalez said. “I am also thrilled that the Governor’s endorsement of this law could lead to a positive outcome for Sergio Garcia, who through no fault of his own has been kept from reaching his own American Dream of becoming a lawyer.”

Gov. Brown also signed AB 1159, which would require that lawyers and consultants performing services under the pending federal immigration reform act abide by common sense business practices. Assemblywoman Gonzalez authored the bill in order to protect more than 2.5 million potentially eligible Californians from the unauthorized practice of law by non-lawyers, fraud, and unnecessary mistakes that could jeopardize a client’s pursuit of citizenship or – worse – result in deportation. The bill, which was sponsored by the State Bar of California, received unanimous support in both the Assembly and the Senate.

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

Under AB 1159, the state will crack down on the unscrupulous practice by some professionals to demand payment for immigration reform services by promising that clients could “cut to the front of the line” when federal immigration reform is eventually enacted by paying now. AB 1159 would prohibit those advanced payments. The bill also increases the bonding requirements for non-attorneys performing immigration reform services and requires that contracts for immigration reform services include a disclaimer about how to report immigration fraud to the State Bar or Attorney General in the language of the client receiving the services.

AB 1159 also expands current law to apply to “anyone who is not an attorney” from advertising as a “notario,” not just notaries public. This ban prevents confusion that has oftentimes been capitalized upon by non-attorneys hoping to present themselves as attorneys, as a “notario” in many Latin American nations is a type of lawyer.

In addition to Assemblywoman Gonzalez’s bills, Gov. Brown also signed into law other immigrant-related bills, including his approval on Wednesday of AB 60 by Assemblyman Luis Alejo (D-Watsonvillle) to provide driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants who qualify.

Other immigration-related bills signed into law by Gov. Brown on Saturday:

•            AB 4 , known as the “TRUST Act,” by Assemblymember Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco) – Prohibits a law enforcement official from detaining an individual on the basis of a United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) hold after that individual becomes eligible for release from custody, unless specified conditions are met.

•            AB 35 by Assemblymember Roger Hernández (D-West Covina) – Provides that immigration consultants, attorneys, notaries public, and organizations accredited by the United States Board of Immigration Appeals are the only individuals authorized to charge a fee for providing services associated with filing an application under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's deferred action program.

•            AB 524 by Assemblymember Kevin Mullin (D-South San Francisco) – Provides that a threat to report the immigration status or suspected immigration status of an individual or the individual's family may induce fear sufficient to constitute extortion.

•            SB 141 by Senator Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana) – Requires that the California Community Colleges and the California State University, and requests that the University of California, exempt a United States citizen who resides in a foreign country, and is in their first year as a matriculated student, from nonresident tuition if the student demonstrates financial need, has a parent or guardian who was deported or voluntarily departed from the U. S., lived in California immediately before moving abroad, and attended a secondary school in California for at least three years.

•            SB 150 by Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) – Authorizes a community college district to exempt pupils attending community colleges as a special part-time student from paying nonresident tuition.

•            SB 666 by Senator Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) – Provides for a suspension or revocation of an employer's business license for retaliation against employees and others on the basis of citizenship and immigration status, and establishes a civil penalty up to $10,000 per violation.

Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez represents the 80th Assembly District, which includes Chula Vista, National City and the San Diego neighborhoods of City Heights, Barrio Logan, Paradise Hills, San Ysidro and Otay Mesa. For more information, visit http://asmdc.org/members/a80/. 

WEBER INVITES PUBLIC TO PRESENT LEGISLATIVE IDEAS FOR 2014

San Diego, CA - Assemblymember Shirley N. Weber (D-San Diego) will host a Legislative Brainstorming Session Saturday, October 12, 2013 to consider new bill ideas for the next legislative year that begins January 6, 2014.  California State legislators are allowed up to 40 bills in each two-year legislative session, and Assemblymember Weber invites her constituents to share their ideas for her 2014 legislative bill package at this event that will occur from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Zamorano Elementary School, 2655 Casey St; San Diego, CA 92139. 

The session will feature a presentation by Assemblymember Weber, explaining “How a Bill Idea becomes a Law” including what it takes to process a bill idea and how the legislative process works.  Additionally, Assemblymember Weber will share her perspective as a decision-maker and her legislative involvement and accomplishments this past year.
During the event, attendees will break into sessions based on the following topics of interest:
    •    Room 1: Education and Higher Education
    •    Room 2: Health and Human Services/Woman’s Issues
    •    Room 3: Economic Development/Transportation and Environment
    •    Room 4: Veterans/Housing/and Other Issues

The purpose of these sessions is to allow constituents the opportunity to share their concepts directly with the Assemblymember and her staff.

For additional event information or to RSVP, please contact LaShae Collins (lashae.collins@asm.ca.gov) or Tanisha Martin-Chiles (tanisha.martin-chiles@asm.ca.gov) or call 619-531-7913.

Block to state utilities commission: San Onofre closure costs should be paid by operators and shareholders

Block urges repayment to ratepayers of revenue already collected to pay for failed generators

SAN DIEGO—State Senator Marty Block today released the following statement at the San Diego meeting of the California Public Utilities Commission investigative hearing into the outage of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS):

“Dear Commissioner Florio and members of the California Public Utilities Commission:

“Thank you for conducting this important hearing today in my community of San Diego.

“Radioactive leaks in the steam generators at San Onofre resulted in reported costs of more than $768 million. It is unclear how accurate this estimate is and what unknown future costs will occur as the removal, cleanup and replacement of this energy source are undertaken.

“While the “easy fix” may be to pass these costs on to ratepayers, I strongly urge your opposition to any attempt to convert ratepayers into the ATM for any unreasonable expenses that led to the closure of San Onofre.

“I also urge you to require that Southern California Edison – SCE – provide documentation of costs and act in a transparent manner before increasing utility rates to cover any portion of the costs related to the failed steam generators.

“This is especially critical as Southern California Edison’s decision to prematurely retire the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) was a choice, made by its internal management, absent any input by any state regulatory authorities.

“These outlays related to the utility’s decision to retire the plant, should rightly be charged to the plant’s operators and their shareholders – not to California ratepayers.


“In addition, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric have already collected an estimated $1.6 billion from California ratepayers to defray the San Onofre-related expenditures before any investigation regarding the appropriateness of this revenue collection has been concluded. 

“It would be highly unjust to make California ratepayers financially liable for both the ongoing costs of keeping the plant on life support while also being charged for replacement power while the plant was idle.

“I urge the PUC to rule that:

    1.    Ratepayers not be charged for any of the estimated $768.5 million spent as part of the steam generator replacement project at SONGS;

    2.    SONGS operators should cease to charge ratepayers for ‘operational costs,’ capital costs and other expenditures associated with the non-operational power plant; and

    3.    Ratepayers be reimbursed for revenues collected while SONGS stood idle from January 2012 to the present.

“The Commission has a duty under Public Utilities Code Section 451 to ensure that all utility charges are just and reasonable. The three steps I list are necessary to ensure that consumers are protected from unjust and unreasonable rates associated with the SONGS termination.

“As the Public Utilities own Division of Ratepayer Advocates noted, charging ratepayers for the expenses of a non-operational plant is so clearly unreasonable that failure to eliminate SONGS costs from rates immediately would result in a violation of Section 451.

“I respectfully urge your full consideration of the three steps I have outlined.”

Assemblymember Weber’s Bill to Require Carbon Monoxide Detectors in New Schools Signed Into Law

 

SACRAMENTO, CA- Assemblymember Shirley N. Weber’s (D-San Diego) AB 56, which will require carbon monoxide detectors be installed in all public and private school buildings, was signed into law by Governor Brown earlier today.

AB 56 requires the State Fire Marshal to propose appropriate standards for the installation of carbon monoxide devices in school buildings, by January 1, 2015. With this guidance, the California Building Standards Commission will then include the standards in the 2016 California Building Standards Code, and any public or private school buildings built after these codes have been adopted in 2016 will be required to install carbon monoxide detectors.

On December 3, 2012, 43 students and 10 adults from Finch Elementary School in Atlanta, Georgia were evacuated and taken to the local hospital after firefighters discovered a carbon monoxide leak from the school’s furnace, causing it to work overtime and leak high levels of CO into the public areas and classrooms.

“Carbon monoxide detectors are essential to ensuring our children’s safety by detecting this poisonous gas early and all of our schools should have them. If we require fire and smoke detectors in schools, then it is a no brainer to require carbon monoxide detectors in schools to protect California students from this toxic gas and ensure they have a healthy learning environment,” said Assemblymember Weber.  

AB 56 received bipartisan support in both the Senate and Assembly and was co-authored by many other members of the state Legislature.                                  

David Alvarez: Building Blocks

From Working Families for a Better San Diego

ATKINS BILL THAT COULD EXPAND DEL MAR RACING SEASON SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

 

(San Diego) A bill by Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins to allow the California Horse Racing Board to reallocate racing dates currently held by Hollywood Park Race Track, which is closing at the end of its 2013 winter season, has been signed into law by the Governor.  The bill permits these dates to be distributed to the remaining Southern California tracks, most notably Santa Anita and Del Mar Racetracks. AB 1074 also renews for one year the statewide marketing organization administered by the horseracing industry.

“Horseracing fans from all over Southern California have travelled to Del Mar since before Bing Crosby sang about where the surf meets the turf,” says Atkins.  “My bill would position Del Mar to compete for the coveted Breeder’s Cup.  This would be exciting for horseracing fans and a tremendous boon to our local economy.”

The Breeder’s Cup is a two-day event that features one of racing’s largest purses and is estimated to bring as much as $60 million into the local economy of the racetrack that hosts it.

Hollywood Park was opened for racing in 1938.  The historic track has hosted some of racing’s most legendary horses, including Sea Biscuit, Affirmed and, more recently, Cigar.  However, after years as one of the premier racetracks in the United States, Hollywood Park will close this year to make way for a new retail/residential development.

Del Mar Racetrack is located at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, in the northern San Diego County city of Del Mar.  It was founded in 1937 by a partnership among a number of famous Hollywood celebrities, including Bing Crosby, Pat O’Brien, Gary Cooper, Joe E. Brown, and Oliver Hardy.

The marketing association renewed by this bill has been renewed every legislative session since it was established in 1998 by SB 27.  That bill delineated both how the funds for the association were to be collected and how they could be disbursed.

AB 1074 is supported by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, and Thoroughbred Owners of California.