La Mesa mayor tries to explain to council last night, the drinking and driving incident from last week. UT
City of Santee set to discuss becoming a Charter City. UT
City council once again cannot say no to a developer. UT
State budget crisis hits North County. Oceanside school district looks to close two schools and Carlsbad school district looks to fire 185 teachers and staff. UT
Still more on the budget crisis, San Marcos schools decides to layoff 120 teachers and staff. NCTimes
Federal government moving forward with $577 million expansion plan for San Ysidro border crossing. UT
More on house crisis, San Diego posted largest drop nationally in home depreciation during Q4 in 2007. NCTimes VOSD
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
SD City Council 7: Who’s on first?
After what appeared to be a sustained campaign to stick something on her, the right-wingers won in getting the Emerald campaign to reveal her donors.
I’m not here to debate the merits of whether what Marti did was right or wrong. What concerns me is that she responded to this matter in a way that the accusers wanted her to. In doing what was asked, her campaign has become reactive rather than active.
In letting the Republicans set the tone, the Boling campaign could lead the Emerald campaign into a place it doesn’t want to be in and pull out a win. I believe it was The Art of War that emphasized never letting your enemy set the battlefield otherwise they will set it to their advantage and you will lose.
Remer is know for wasting a lot of money on mail and getting it out late, not cultivating strategy and building winning coalitions. As far as I know, Jacobson has never run a race.
I am now raising a flag of warning to the Emerald camp that this is their race to lose. The early signs are there. This is far from over and I hope that this post won’t forecast the future.
Nevertheless, as someone who reflexively spits out Kool-aid, I have to call this one as I see it, without the sugary-sweetened goggles on.
I’m not here to debate the merits of whether what Marti did was right or wrong. What concerns me is that she responded to this matter in a way that the accusers wanted her to. In doing what was asked, her campaign has become reactive rather than active.
In letting the Republicans set the tone, the Boling campaign could lead the Emerald campaign into a place it doesn’t want to be in and pull out a win. I believe it was The Art of War that emphasized never letting your enemy set the battlefield otherwise they will set it to their advantage and you will lose.
Remer is know for wasting a lot of money on mail and getting it out late, not cultivating strategy and building winning coalitions. As far as I know, Jacobson has never run a race.
I am now raising a flag of warning to the Emerald camp that this is their race to lose. The early signs are there. This is far from over and I hope that this post won’t forecast the future.
Nevertheless, as someone who reflexively spits out Kool-aid, I have to call this one as I see it, without the sugary-sweetened goggles on.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Tuesday - Quick Hits
City council decides to postpone pay raise recommendations. UT
In La Mesa, police provided taxi service for drunken mayor to get home. UT
City council to hear appeal on Broadway Complex proposal today. UT
Another day, another report on last October's wildfires. This one avoids criticism of Cal Fire. UT
Federal agency in their infinite wisdom has decided to relocate 25,000 lbs of emergency medical supplies from San Diego County to Los Angeles County in order to save a few dollars. NCTimes
In La Mesa, police provided taxi service for drunken mayor to get home. UT
City council to hear appeal on Broadway Complex proposal today. UT
Another day, another report on last October's wildfires. This one avoids criticism of Cal Fire. UT
Federal agency in their infinite wisdom has decided to relocate 25,000 lbs of emergency medical supplies from San Diego County to Los Angeles County in order to save a few dollars. NCTimes
Boycott the San Diego U-T
Join the Rally
Today, February 26th
Time: 12p.m
Location: U-T, 350 Camino de la Reina, San Diego, CA 92104
The U-T is trying to bust the Teamsters in its latest negotiations. The contract being proposed will destroy the working families at the U-T.
Under the proposed contract:
Today, February 26th
Time: 12p.m
Location: U-T, 350 Camino de la Reina, San Diego, CA 92104
The U-T is trying to bust the Teamsters in its latest negotiations. The contract being proposed will destroy the working families at the U-T.
Under the proposed contract:
- Wages cut by 40 percent.
- Employees' children not covered by company-paid insurance.
- Union employees will pay 50% of insurance premiums while non-Union will pay 5%.
- Eliminate seniority for vacations shift selection.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Labor Council's Delegate Fight
This Wednesday, the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council's delegates will again have a fight over whether to endorse CA-53 Representative Susan Davis.
Susan Davis was originally endorsed by the Labor Council back in 2000, when she took on Representative Brian Bilbray in his former district. Bilbray was a bad vote time and time again at both the local and the national level for Labor. So, they organized, as unions know how, and helped then Assemblymember Davis beat Bilbray and sent her to the House of Representatives.
Representative Davis made a controversial vote during her first term by voting for CAFTA. This earned her the wrath of Labor in the following election cycle. Davis made it through the election without issue. However, time and time again she comes before Labor, asks for their support and time and time again Labor never forgets and never forgives her for that vote.
There seems to be no consideration by the local unions of Representative Davis’ overall record. She has voted for minimum wage increases, Head Start funding, the Employee Free Choice Act, environmental and labor rights including in future trade deals, healthcare reform, welfare re-authorization and so forth. Even though, the sentiments among the anti-Davis folks are strong, she still continues to receive the support by some of the labor unions that make up the Labor Council. Take a look at her PAC numbers; she receives money from AFSCME, AFT, Postal Workers, Fire Fighters, Letter Carriers, SEIU, Boilermakers, Transport Workers and so forth.
Labor needs to ask themselves the hard question. Do they oppose Susan Davis yet again this year, or try to reach out to her and figure out how they can work together? Does Labor move forward or continue to look backwards this Wednesday night? I hope they look forward. TQ
OOOH, AHHH!
Well, I hope the naysayers on the Right are happy. Troubleshooter Mart Emerald released all of her donors under $100 today and clearly there wasn't much to write home about. As expected, her low-end donors included a couple dozen retirees, about half a dozen union organizers and business agents, a handful of non-profit types, a couple of independent writers, and a few interesting Republicans. (Do the names Horsman or Roth sound familiar?) The funny thing was how few $99 donations she received. Most under $100 looked legit... $25 or $50.
Some other interesting things to note: 3 EDCO (Trash Haulers) executives gave at $95 each (Is $95 the new $99?)
Mayor of Lemon Grove - Mary Sessom - lists educator as her job, as does Lemon Grove School Board Member George Gastil. Guess they don't want to fess up?
Some other interesting things to note: 3 EDCO (Trash Haulers) executives gave at $95 each (Is $95 the new $99?)
Mayor of Lemon Grove - Mary Sessom - lists educator as her job, as does Lemon Grove School Board Member George Gastil. Guess they don't want to fess up?
Monday - Quicks Hits
Hypocrisy in action, GOP complains about earmarks but it hasn't stop Representatives Hunter, Issa and Bilbray from securing their own earmarks. NCTimes
Housing crisis continues. Home sales fall to their lowest level in a decade. UT
Cliff erosion is forcing NOAA to evacuate to buildings in La Jolla. UT
State might consider raising gas tax to offset revenue shortfall. NCTimes
Cities of Carlsbad and Oceanside discuss possible land swap. NCTimes
Housing crisis continues. Home sales fall to their lowest level in a decade. UT
Cliff erosion is forcing NOAA to evacuate to buildings in La Jolla. UT
State might consider raising gas tax to offset revenue shortfall. NCTimes
Cities of Carlsbad and Oceanside discuss possible land swap. NCTimes
Sunday, February 24, 2008
78th AD – Sherard?
Last week, a debate was held in Bonita in which Arabo, Block, Ricasa, and Sherard were invited. After waiting for quite some time for Sherard, the debate went forward.
Does anybody, outside of some Republicans looking to play spoiler, think Sherard has a prayer in this race? Arabo has the money, Block ahs the establishment, and Ricasa has the street cred.
Other than being the sacrificial lamb in the last cycle, what does Sherard bring to the race that makes her credible?
Does anyone know?
Honestly, the fact that she got the nomination last time wasn’t all that shocking especially in a low turnout primary. This time, she has real competition on the ground, which is where she got her support in 2006.
I don’t think she has a shot unless the Republicans offer to pay off her campaign debts and use her as cover to viciously attack the Democratic nominee.
Does anybody, outside of some Republicans looking to play spoiler, think Sherard has a prayer in this race? Arabo has the money, Block ahs the establishment, and Ricasa has the street cred.
Other than being the sacrificial lamb in the last cycle, what does Sherard bring to the race that makes her credible?
Does anyone know?
Honestly, the fact that she got the nomination last time wasn’t all that shocking especially in a low turnout primary. This time, she has real competition on the ground, which is where she got her support in 2006.
I don’t think she has a shot unless the Republicans offer to pay off her campaign debts and use her as cover to viciously attack the Democratic nominee.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Friday - Quick Hits
Aguirre on the outs or out of his mind?
With all the press Mike Aguirre has been getting lately, I am curious if he has anyone left supporting him? This telling City Beat blog suggests that even his old friend Donna Frye is distancing herself from the toxic City Attorney. I am sure it means that in Aguirre's mind, Donna has also entered the ranks of the corrupt establishment.
The words that were exchanged between UT Reporter Alex Roth and Mike Aguirre earlier this week sparked a thought. I have heard countless rumors about the strange and inappropriate things Aguirre has said to people over the last few years. I thought it might be fun to see if we could find the craziest. If you know of any, post 'em here...
The words that were exchanged between UT Reporter Alex Roth and Mike Aguirre earlier this week sparked a thought. I have heard countless rumors about the strange and inappropriate things Aguirre has said to people over the last few years. I thought it might be fun to see if we could find the craziest. If you know of any, post 'em here...
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Desperation on the far Right
Has anyone else noticed the desperate and extreme measures being deployed by the far Right in the campaign for District 7 of the City Council. Duane Dichara and his cult of young republicans are in an unusually frenzied attempt to salvage a campaign for ethically-challenged April Boling that is quickly swirling down the drain. Their latest attacks?
Marti spent too much on campaign consultants (note: this is a great argument for any future or current Coronado Communications client to use against their consultants' fees.)
Marti won't disclose her under $100 donors. (Yes, I am sure April Boling urged all her ethically-challenged clients in the past to disclose all their donors. Mayor Murphy? Kevin Falconer? The Lincoln Club?) I guess the far right wants to see if there is anyone else they should be trying to shake down in this race... I think my Grandpa gave Marti $50.00, I hope you will spare him.
They have even rolled out good ole Scott Barnett to claim Marti must be corrupt. Scott, who admits he is for sale to the highest bidder, has worked for every special interest group in town until they have been upset by his desire to sell out to the opposition. (Have to love that Taxpayers report against Wal-Mart, right Scott?)
Now, Red County is reporting a poll that puts April within striking distance. Right. Anyone that has walked in District 7 lately (yes, Marti actually has volunteers walking for her) can tell you this race will be an embarrassment to April and her attack dogs. Give up. Go home and make sure you can hang on to the Mayor's race. I hear that Floyd Morrow might actually be a threat.
Marti spent too much on campaign consultants (note: this is a great argument for any future or current Coronado Communications client to use against their consultants' fees.)
Marti won't disclose her under $100 donors. (Yes, I am sure April Boling urged all her ethically-challenged clients in the past to disclose all their donors. Mayor Murphy? Kevin Falconer? The Lincoln Club?) I guess the far right wants to see if there is anyone else they should be trying to shake down in this race... I think my Grandpa gave Marti $50.00, I hope you will spare him.
They have even rolled out good ole Scott Barnett to claim Marti must be corrupt. Scott, who admits he is for sale to the highest bidder, has worked for every special interest group in town until they have been upset by his desire to sell out to the opposition. (Have to love that Taxpayers report against Wal-Mart, right Scott?)
Now, Red County is reporting a poll that puts April within striking distance. Right. Anyone that has walked in District 7 lately (yes, Marti actually has volunteers walking for her) can tell you this race will be an embarrassment to April and her attack dogs. Give up. Go home and make sure you can hang on to the Mayor's race. I hear that Floyd Morrow might actually be a threat.
Thursday - Quick Hits
CSI in San Diego, county to break ground on new forensics building. UT
Councilman Hueso to give a state-of-the-district speech tonight. UT
San Diego School Board to seek community input on budget cuts. UT
Cities of San Diego and Chula Vista to consolidate fire and medical dispatch calls. UT
Long overdue effort to build shelter for migrant farmers in Carlsbad moves forward with $2 million dollar grant. UT
More expansion on the nanny state, Encinitas bans smoking on its beaches. UT
NCTimes
Councilman Hueso to give a state-of-the-district speech tonight. UT
San Diego School Board to seek community input on budget cuts. UT
Cities of San Diego and Chula Vista to consolidate fire and medical dispatch calls. UT
Long overdue effort to build shelter for migrant farmers in Carlsbad moves forward with $2 million dollar grant. UT
More expansion on the nanny state, Encinitas bans smoking on its beaches. UT
NCTimes
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Wednesday - Quick Hits
Housing crisis continues, tax-delinquent properties up for auction by the county on Friday. UT
Fun times in the mayoral race, Steve Francis to begin airing television commercial starting today. UT VOSD
The soap opera that doesn't want to end. Aguirre believes politics played a role in the State Bar Association probe. UT
Makeover plan for the downtown Civic Center heads to public hearings. UT
Caltrans to meet today to review the possibility of an Otay East border crossing. UT
Fun times in the mayoral race, Steve Francis to begin airing television commercial starting today. UT VOSD
The soap opera that doesn't want to end. Aguirre believes politics played a role in the State Bar Association probe. UT
Makeover plan for the downtown Civic Center heads to public hearings. UT
Caltrans to meet today to review the possibility of an Otay East border crossing. UT
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Tuesday - Quick Hits
Lets the games begin! Scott Peters joins race for city attorney and he is already exchanging barbs with Aguirre. UT VOSD
City's expanded mandatory recycling program began yesterday. UT
Regional Fire Safety Forum to release report today regarding last October wildfires, here's a hint NEED MORE FIREFIGHTERS! UT
State Bar wants more details about meetings Aguirre held in 2005. UT
Fighting the good fight, the proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter in Vista challenged by attorney. NCTimes
City's expanded mandatory recycling program began yesterday. UT
Regional Fire Safety Forum to release report today regarding last October wildfires, here's a hint NEED MORE FIREFIGHTERS! UT
State Bar wants more details about meetings Aguirre held in 2005. UT
Fighting the good fight, the proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter in Vista challenged by attorney. NCTimes
Monday, February 18, 2008
DNC Chairman Howard Dean to Visit Candidate Nick Leibham Campaign Office
Howard Dean is coming to visit Nick Leibham's Campaign Headquarters, and to meet with volunteers and staff.
We would like to give him a warm welcome and introduce him to the terrific volunteer team!
When:
Tuesday, February 19 at 12:30pm.
Where:
Where:
Campaign HQ
North Coast Business Park,
519 Encinitas Blvd. Ste. 107
519 Encinitas Blvd. Ste. 107
Monday - Quick Hits
Failure in leadership at work, San Diego budget shortfall continues into the future. UT
Proposal would add parking meters in Pacific Beach. UT
Day-labor controversy is still simmering in Vista. UT
Battle over ownership of Rancho Guejito continues with more fighting in court. NCTimes
City of Temecula acquires thousands of records documenting the history and origins of Temecula from the founding Vail family. NCTimes
Proposal would add parking meters in Pacific Beach. UT
Day-labor controversy is still simmering in Vista. UT
Battle over ownership of Rancho Guejito continues with more fighting in court. NCTimes
City of Temecula acquires thousands of records documenting the history and origins of Temecula from the founding Vail family. NCTimes
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Jim, You're No B-1 Bob!
Our friends up the I-5, at the Liberal OC is reporting that neo-fascist Minutemen leader Jim Gilchrist has pulled GOP nomination papers to run against Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez in November.[Link]
Considering that Congresswoman Sanchez can boast to having ended the political career of B-1 Bob Dornan, I don't expect would be Reichfurher Gilchrist to put up much of a fight.
Considering that Congresswoman Sanchez can boast to having ended the political career of B-1 Bob Dornan, I don't expect would be Reichfurher Gilchrist to put up much of a fight.
Obama Picks up Another Delegate here in San Diego County
As of Friday there was 42,000 Absentee / Provisional ballots still to be counted by the County Registrar of Voters. There are still two weeks to finish the final counting and to certify the February 5th primary results. Since election night, however, some of the delegate totals statewide have shifted in the favor of Barack Obama.
According to the most recent results posted on the Secretary of State website, Senator Obama has now taken the lead in the 53rd CD by 443 votes over Senator Clinton. If his lead holds until final certification, the allocation of the districts 5 delegates will be 3 for Obama and 2 for Clinton. One more CD to keep an eye on is the 50th, where Clinton's lead has been narrowed to 556 votes over Obama. This is another 5 delegate district that would see a change in the delegate allocation in favor of Obama if there is a change in the final results.
According to the most recent results posted on the Secretary of State website, Senator Obama has now taken the lead in the 53rd CD by 443 votes over Senator Clinton. If his lead holds until final certification, the allocation of the districts 5 delegates will be 3 for Obama and 2 for Clinton. One more CD to keep an eye on is the 50th, where Clinton's lead has been narrowed to 556 votes over Obama. This is another 5 delegate district that would see a change in the delegate allocation in favor of Obama if there is a change in the final results.
It's Official - Scott Peters is In
Council President Scott Peters to Announce his Bid for City Attorney
When: 10:00 a.m.
Monday, Feb. 18, 2008
What: San Diego City Council President Scott Peters will be joined by dozens of supporters to make a major announcement.
Where: North University Community Library
8820 Judicial Ave., San Diego, 92122 [Map]
Contact: MaryAnne Pintar, (619) 252-9923 or mapintar@aol.com
When: 10:00 a.m.
Monday, Feb. 18, 2008
What: San Diego City Council President Scott Peters will be joined by dozens of supporters to make a major announcement.
Where: North University Community Library
8820 Judicial Ave., San Diego, 92122 [Map]
Contact: MaryAnne Pintar, (619) 252-9923 or mapintar@aol.com
City Attorney Follies
Amy Lepine has tossed her hat in the ever-growing tent that houses the circus known as the San Diego City Attorney’s race.
In this ring is a former city attorney who is suing him for sexual harassment. Amy Lepine’s entry is interesting for how it alters the dynamics overall.
After watching Aguirre for a while, I was concerned that he was losing it as the criticism mounted. Now I am convinced he has lost it. Getting into shouting matches outside of Democratic club endorsements and twisting every answer to a question into a response along the lines of the press is against me, I am for you, therefore, we need to send the establishment a message does not sound like a rational mind at work.
If it were only the UT I couldn’t agree with him more. But it’s not. He reminds me of Donna Frye in her inability to separate herself from her position and the illusion that only they speak for the people because all the other electeds represent certain constituencies and cannot be trusted.
This is the mindset of a “Mayberry Machiavelli”; real leadership requires compromise and solutions not stubbornness and paranoia.
Now that a candidate has entered with a personal grudge, Mike should be taken off his game enough for anyone to walk on in.
Hello Scott Peters?
In this ring is a former city attorney who is suing him for sexual harassment. Amy Lepine’s entry is interesting for how it alters the dynamics overall.
After watching Aguirre for a while, I was concerned that he was losing it as the criticism mounted. Now I am convinced he has lost it. Getting into shouting matches outside of Democratic club endorsements and twisting every answer to a question into a response along the lines of the press is against me, I am for you, therefore, we need to send the establishment a message does not sound like a rational mind at work.
If it were only the UT I couldn’t agree with him more. But it’s not. He reminds me of Donna Frye in her inability to separate herself from her position and the illusion that only they speak for the people because all the other electeds represent certain constituencies and cannot be trusted.
This is the mindset of a “Mayberry Machiavelli”; real leadership requires compromise and solutions not stubbornness and paranoia.
Now that a candidate has entered with a personal grudge, Mike should be taken off his game enough for anyone to walk on in.
Hello Scott Peters?
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