They're back! After being rejected by the people in Potero, Blackwater now tries to setup an indoor training center in Otay Mesa. UT
National credit crisis hits San Diego County as they are forced to pay more interest on pension bonds. UT
Three PUC commissioners expected to attend next haring regarding controversial Sunrise Powerlink. UT
Oceanside councilman Rocky Chavez announces his intention to run for mayor. UT
National Gay rights organization withdrawals from schedule July event at Manchester Hyatt, because of Doug Manchester's financial support ban on same-sex marriage initiative. UT
Report on Art Madrid to be discussed tomorrow night before La Mesa city council. UT
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Blackwater is Back and Badder Than Ever
Full disclosure: I work for the Courage Campaign
Cross posted at the Courage Campaign blog
Just when we thought we had won, Blackwater snuck in the back door and set up shop in San Diego with hardly anyone noticing. Citizen Oversight Projects started spreading the word today that Blackwater will be opening a 61,600 square foot training facility in Otay Mesa, just a block from the U.S./Mexico border. It's also about 4 miles from the Otay Mesa border crossing and about 6.5 miles from the San Ysidro border crossing. This is an indoor facility and obviously much smaller than the 824-acre project Blackwater had pursued in Potrero, but no less nefarious.
This comes at a time when national legislation to block Blackwater and other mercenaries is gaining steam. And perhaps this incident demonstrates that without a major shift at the federal level, we'll just be chasing Blackwater around in macabre version of whack-a-mole into eternity.
Ray Lutz, one of the key figures in the defeat of Blackwater in Potrero, visited the new site and reported back with pictures, impressions and particular points of concern. He notes 20 truck bays and its position not only near two major border crossings but also the Tijuana International Airport. And if there's any doubt about the facility being used to train more mercenaries (and pretty clearly in the art of desert AND border tactics), note the word from Kelly Broughton, director of the city of San Diego's development services department:
Vocational trade school. That's what we're calling it. If ITT Tech and a career in medical transcription isn't for you, check out Blackwater West. However, I don't think I'd have the same concerns about a bunch of crazy dental-assistants-in-training being planted within four miles of five schools (including three elementary schools) as I do about mercenaries.
The new facility is within the City of San Diego proper, which means that city regulations- not just county regulations- are potentially at play. And that, of course, brings into the mix a number of political figures who might actually be moved on this issue. The site of the facility is in the 8th District represented by Councilmember Ben Hueso. The City Council President is Scott Peters who is termed out and in the middle of a contentious race for City Attorney. Councilmember Brian Maienschein is also termed out and running for City Attorney. Mayor Jerry Sanders has a heckuva battle brewing for re-election against Steve Francis [name corrected], a Republican dressing himself in progressive clothing to run from both directions. And that's before we (potentially) get Donna Frye agitated.
At this point though, the permit has already been applied for and granted (more than a month ago). Which means that opportunities for local recourse is likely limited unless and until something can be placed on the ballot. That is, what worked last time (wildly successful recall) is unlikely to be at play this time. What's particularly interesting about this process though is that Blackwater submitted its application for this Otay Mesa facility in February but didn't pull out of Potrero until March 9. So, at least in principle, it was after both spots at the same time. Or, more likely, it knew that the ship had sailed on Potrero weeks before actually pulling out, and dragged the process along in order to distract from its move on Otay Mesa.
The history of Blackwater and government-funded mercenaries doesn't need a full rehash here, we know the score. What we're getting here are better trained, federally funded Minutemen living in the shadow of the border fence and a couple minutes from the busiest land border crossing in the world. They're here to operate with impunity outside of the government doing the things this administration wishes it could be doing itself. And it won't stop unless and until we get the sort of systemic changes that can only come from the federal level. This battle of local citizens vs. the mercenaries funded by our own tax dollars isn't sustainable. Local action won in Potrero but here we are again. We'll mount up and take the fight to them again, but real change won't happen until this country dumps Blackwater and those like it once and for all.
Cross posted at the Courage Campaign blog
Just when we thought we had won, Blackwater snuck in the back door and set up shop in San Diego with hardly anyone noticing. Citizen Oversight Projects started spreading the word today that Blackwater will be opening a 61,600 square foot training facility in Otay Mesa, just a block from the U.S./Mexico border. It's also about 4 miles from the Otay Mesa border crossing and about 6.5 miles from the San Ysidro border crossing. This is an indoor facility and obviously much smaller than the 824-acre project Blackwater had pursued in Potrero, but no less nefarious.
This comes at a time when national legislation to block Blackwater and other mercenaries is gaining steam. And perhaps this incident demonstrates that without a major shift at the federal level, we'll just be chasing Blackwater around in macabre version of whack-a-mole into eternity.
Ray Lutz, one of the key figures in the defeat of Blackwater in Potrero, visited the new site and reported back with pictures, impressions and particular points of concern. He notes 20 truck bays and its position not only near two major border crossings but also the Tijuana International Airport. And if there's any doubt about the facility being used to train more mercenaries (and pretty clearly in the art of desert AND border tactics), note the word from Kelly Broughton, director of the city of San Diego's development services department:
Broughton said the building was already permitted for use as a vocational trade school, and Blackwater's training activities would fall within that category.
Vocational trade school. That's what we're calling it. If ITT Tech and a career in medical transcription isn't for you, check out Blackwater West. However, I don't think I'd have the same concerns about a bunch of crazy dental-assistants-in-training being planted within four miles of five schools (including three elementary schools) as I do about mercenaries.
The new facility is within the City of San Diego proper, which means that city regulations- not just county regulations- are potentially at play. And that, of course, brings into the mix a number of political figures who might actually be moved on this issue. The site of the facility is in the 8th District represented by Councilmember Ben Hueso. The City Council President is Scott Peters who is termed out and in the middle of a contentious race for City Attorney. Councilmember Brian Maienschein is also termed out and running for City Attorney. Mayor Jerry Sanders has a heckuva battle brewing for re-election against Steve Francis [name corrected], a Republican dressing himself in progressive clothing to run from both directions. And that's before we (potentially) get Donna Frye agitated.
At this point though, the permit has already been applied for and granted (more than a month ago). Which means that opportunities for local recourse is likely limited unless and until something can be placed on the ballot. That is, what worked last time (wildly successful recall) is unlikely to be at play this time. What's particularly interesting about this process though is that Blackwater submitted its application for this Otay Mesa facility in February but didn't pull out of Potrero until March 9. So, at least in principle, it was after both spots at the same time. Or, more likely, it knew that the ship had sailed on Potrero weeks before actually pulling out, and dragged the process along in order to distract from its move on Otay Mesa.
The history of Blackwater and government-funded mercenaries doesn't need a full rehash here, we know the score. What we're getting here are better trained, federally funded Minutemen living in the shadow of the border fence and a couple minutes from the busiest land border crossing in the world. They're here to operate with impunity outside of the government doing the things this administration wishes it could be doing itself. And it won't stop unless and until we get the sort of systemic changes that can only come from the federal level. This battle of local citizens vs. the mercenaries funded by our own tax dollars isn't sustainable. Local action won in Potrero but here we are again. We'll mount up and take the fight to them again, but real change won't happen until this country dumps Blackwater and those like it once and for all.
Tuesday - Quick Hits
City Salary Setting Commission releases list of over 3000 city employees who make more than city council members. UT
Solana Beach mayor leads effort to change the auto allowance law. UT
PB church is allowed to continue its food-for-the-needy program without permit. UT
Two more city council members say they will stop using the auto allowance. UT
MiraCosta college trustees agree to faculty group pay structure. UT
City of Oceanside sued over concrete plant expansion. UT NCTimes
Solana Beach mayor leads effort to change the auto allowance law. UT
PB church is allowed to continue its food-for-the-needy program without permit. UT
Two more city council members say they will stop using the auto allowance. UT
MiraCosta college trustees agree to faculty group pay structure. UT
City of Oceanside sued over concrete plant expansion. UT NCTimes
Monday, April 21, 2008
Reminder of Republican Campaigns: 7th City Council
Just a reminder at how predictable the Republican game plan has become. It will be as follows:
1) Bank as many absentees votes as possible
This has been the margin of victory for every close election and this race is no exception. Expect reliable GOP voters to be voting ASAP for April via mail
2) After the deadline for absentees has passed, go hyper negative
This depresses turnout across the board because it fits the narrative of “they’re all bad.” More to the point, it turns off Democrats who won’t bother showing up to vote because “they’re all bad.” Republicans don’t matter because they’ve already voted or, like cylons, will do as they’re told.
3) On election night, the Republicans have a massive absentee lead that shrinks but not enough to turn the election
This is the inevitable result. Barring significant shifts in the electorate, this has been the San Diego Story for years.
So there you have it. What this means is that, in the 7th, April will play nice until the absentee deadline has passed and then get to accusing Marti of being in league with Lucifer.
As the night follows the day, expect this from our brethren on the other side of the aisle. Let’s face it; they’re not known for innovation and are, by nature, conservative.
Beside, why mess with a winning formula?
1) Bank as many absentees votes as possible
This has been the margin of victory for every close election and this race is no exception. Expect reliable GOP voters to be voting ASAP for April via mail
2) After the deadline for absentees has passed, go hyper negative
This depresses turnout across the board because it fits the narrative of “they’re all bad.” More to the point, it turns off Democrats who won’t bother showing up to vote because “they’re all bad.” Republicans don’t matter because they’ve already voted or, like cylons, will do as they’re told.
3) On election night, the Republicans have a massive absentee lead that shrinks but not enough to turn the election
This is the inevitable result. Barring significant shifts in the electorate, this has been the San Diego Story for years.
So there you have it. What this means is that, in the 7th, April will play nice until the absentee deadline has passed and then get to accusing Marti of being in league with Lucifer.
As the night follows the day, expect this from our brethren on the other side of the aisle. Let’s face it; they’re not known for innovation and are, by nature, conservative.
Beside, why mess with a winning formula?
Monday - Quick Hits
County planning on leasing three planes for firefighting. UT
Mayoral candidate Steve Francis is spending very generously on television ads. UT
All candidates for City Attorney agree on the role and functions for the office. UT
Thousands showed up to Balboa Park yesterday to celebrate Earth Day. UT
Day laborers are finding a harder time getting hired. NCTimes
Mayoral candidate Steve Francis is spending very generously on television ads. UT
All candidates for City Attorney agree on the role and functions for the office. UT
Thousands showed up to Balboa Park yesterday to celebrate Earth Day. UT
Day laborers are finding a harder time getting hired. NCTimes
Friday, April 18, 2008
Save our Schools!
MARCH & PROTEST
Saturday, April 19, 2008,9:15 am
Saturday, April 19, 2008,9:15 am
- March from Balboa Park to the State Building, Downtown San Diego to PROTEST PROPOSED CUTS TO EDUCATION!
- Meet on the grass at the corner of Park Ave and Presidents way, Balboa Park
- Bring Family, Friends and anyone who cares about the education of our children
- Make signs, wear your school t-shirt and be ready to make a statement!
- Be respectful, obey traffic rules and no profanity
Organized by San Diego Public School Teachers
CRAFTwork
According to yesterday’s Sacramento Bee and the LA Times the day before, a group of GOP honchos with money to burn have created California Republicans Aligned for Tomorrow (CRAFT) whose purpose is to find “candidates that can win elections” to quote Pete Wilson.
I cite this because Larry Dodge, who offered to help dig the CRP out of the financial mess San Diego’s own Ron Nehring has presided over, is a founding member of CRAFT.
Citing “a lack of professional management” at the California Republican Party, he is tuning over his money to this new group which will find and run candidates for statewide office.
I would call it a duplication of efforts, but if the CRA keeps hiring illegals and spending it’s political capital on whining about the Governor’s lack of support, I think CRAFT may have an opening.
It remains to be seen if such a body can find candidates “slick” enough to pass through their own party’s gauntlets at the primary level.
Either way, it looks like another big no confidence vote in the leadership Ron Nehring has brought to the state GOP,
I cite this because Larry Dodge, who offered to help dig the CRP out of the financial mess San Diego’s own Ron Nehring has presided over, is a founding member of CRAFT.
Citing “a lack of professional management” at the California Republican Party, he is tuning over his money to this new group which will find and run candidates for statewide office.
I would call it a duplication of efforts, but if the CRA keeps hiring illegals and spending it’s political capital on whining about the Governor’s lack of support, I think CRAFT may have an opening.
It remains to be seen if such a body can find candidates “slick” enough to pass through their own party’s gauntlets at the primary level.
Either way, it looks like another big no confidence vote in the leadership Ron Nehring has brought to the state GOP,
Friday - Quick Hits
Ex-aide to Mayor Sanders sues city over wrongful termination. UT
The nanny state has reached the ballpark now. Padres are selling overpriced 3.2 beer at Petco Park. UT
Stating the obvious, Baja Governor claims that water and energy projects will be the key to Baja's future development. UT
Sales tax legislation for San Diego County moves it way State Senate. UT
Fare increases and service cutbacks in the future for North County residents who use NCTD. UT
Crowd of 250 hear Cindy Sheehan speak at CSUSM last night. NCTimes
The nanny state has reached the ballpark now. Padres are selling overpriced 3.2 beer at Petco Park. UT
Stating the obvious, Baja Governor claims that water and energy projects will be the key to Baja's future development. UT
Sales tax legislation for San Diego County moves it way State Senate. UT
Fare increases and service cutbacks in the future for North County residents who use NCTD. UT
Crowd of 250 hear Cindy Sheehan speak at CSUSM last night. NCTimes
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Thursday - Quick Hits
Profile in courage, Mayor Sanders vetoes pay increase for council and himself. UT
More profiles in courage, Peters and Hueso change their minds on 24% pay increase for council. UT
Ever heard of Norton Utilities? County Superior court computers hit with a virus. UT
More signs of the housing crisis, home building permits off 63% from last year. NCTimes
San Diego near the top for nation in broadband access. UT
Sign of the times, "Wings over Gillespie" cancelled due to high cost of fuel. UT
City of Oceanside in talks with Natural History Museum on the possibility of a North County satellite location. UT
More profiles in courage, Peters and Hueso change their minds on 24% pay increase for council. UT
Ever heard of Norton Utilities? County Superior court computers hit with a virus. UT
More signs of the housing crisis, home building permits off 63% from last year. NCTimes
San Diego near the top for nation in broadband access. UT
Sign of the times, "Wings over Gillespie" cancelled due to high cost of fuel. UT
City of Oceanside in talks with Natural History Museum on the possibility of a North County satellite location. UT
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
A Mailer?
Let’s say you’re running for public office and get caught urinating and masturbating in public. Let’s also say that, after being caught, you say nothing for a weekend and plead no contest (a.k.a. the prosecution makes their case and wins because you’d rather not plead guilty and fight). Because your consultant, not you, is saying you want to remain in the race, how would you move your campaign forward?
Some would drop out. Other more media-centric types would call a press conference and kill the issue outright.
Not our Larry Remer, consultant to John Harley. His solution is to mail to the district that his candidate was “taking a leak.” So, if you missed it in the news, the mail will announce that a man seeking your vote was caught up in something that is less than becoming for a candidate.
Now, I don’t know it was Remer’s decision. I just assumed because he makes a killing from mail (ask any resident of District 8 about the deluge of mailings of THE SAME PIECE for days before the election) that he would defer to such a “soft” touch rather than go before the cameras and slay the dragon.
IMHO mail is of limited use. It’s costly for campaigns to do so mail should be done with a precise target on a precise issue that HELPS YOUR CANDIDATE. Reminding and / or informing them of what happened isn’t help in my book, unless you’re collecting the check.
Speaking of check, while Remer was away on Hartley duty, Marti got hit on the Hedgecock show. Where was her consultant on this one? Can we expect a mailing to explain away this issue also?
Some would drop out. Other more media-centric types would call a press conference and kill the issue outright.
Not our Larry Remer, consultant to John Harley. His solution is to mail to the district that his candidate was “taking a leak.” So, if you missed it in the news, the mail will announce that a man seeking your vote was caught up in something that is less than becoming for a candidate.
Now, I don’t know it was Remer’s decision. I just assumed because he makes a killing from mail (ask any resident of District 8 about the deluge of mailings of THE SAME PIECE for days before the election) that he would defer to such a “soft” touch rather than go before the cameras and slay the dragon.
IMHO mail is of limited use. It’s costly for campaigns to do so mail should be done with a precise target on a precise issue that HELPS YOUR CANDIDATE. Reminding and / or informing them of what happened isn’t help in my book, unless you’re collecting the check.
Speaking of check, while Remer was away on Hartley duty, Marti got hit on the Hedgecock show. Where was her consultant on this one? Can we expect a mailing to explain away this issue also?
Wednesday - Quick Hits
Peace activist Cindy Sheehan to speak at CSUSM on Thursday. NCTimes
District-3 candidate John Hartley explains his arrest in campaign mailer. UT
With pay raise vote, council also increased their pensions. UT
Council decides not to hire special prosecutor to look into Sunroad Building, instead kicks the can over the the ethics commission. UT
Witnesses testified for the prosecution in the Castaneda perjury trial. UT
Sign of worsening budget crisis, school districts considering closing schools in an attempt to save money. UT
District-3 candidate John Hartley explains his arrest in campaign mailer. UT
With pay raise vote, council also increased their pensions. UT
Council decides not to hire special prosecutor to look into Sunroad Building, instead kicks the can over the the ethics commission. UT
Witnesses testified for the prosecution in the Castaneda perjury trial. UT
Sign of worsening budget crisis, school districts considering closing schools in an attempt to save money. UT
ONE STOP CANDIDATE SHOP
"Get to Know Your Candidates"
(20 Confirmed Candidates)
Progressive San Diego invites you to our one-on-one candidate mixer.
Thursday, April 17th
6-8pm
Home of Linda and Carlos LeGerrette
1359 Grove St. | San Diego, CA 92102 (Corner of Grove and Ash in Golden Hill)
The event will feature ALL PSD endorsed candidates and ALL City Attorney candidates. Our event is open to members and friends of PSD that would like to have some one-on-one face time with the candidates.
Scott Lewis, executive editor of the Voice of San Diego will emcee the event.
Councilmember Donna Frye will be our special guest speaker to discuss the No on Proposition C campaign for June 3rd.
Confirmed Candidates to Speak: Mike Aguirre, Scott Peters, Brian Maienschein, Jan Goldsmith, Amy Lepine, Richard Barrera*, John Lee Evans*, Sherri Lightner*, Arlie Ricasa*, Marty Block*, and Marty Emerald*.
Confirmed Candidates to Mix & Mingle: Shelia Jackson, Todd Gloria, Stephen Whitburn, Lori Saldana, Jose Preciado, Steve Francis, Mike Copass, Rudy Reyes and Marjorie Watson Thomas.
Hosts: Linda and Carlos LeGerrette, Brian Polejes and Jose Preciado.
RSVP to: Tommie.Watson@ProgressiveSD.org
Suggested Donation: $20.00 | Host Committee: $75.00
*PSD Endorsed Candidates
(20 Confirmed Candidates)
Progressive San Diego invites you to our one-on-one candidate mixer.
Thursday, April 17th
6-8pm
Home of Linda and Carlos LeGerrette
1359 Grove St. | San Diego, CA 92102 (Corner of Grove and Ash in Golden Hill)
The event will feature ALL PSD endorsed candidates and ALL City Attorney candidates. Our event is open to members and friends of PSD that would like to have some one-on-one face time with the candidates.
Scott Lewis, executive editor of the Voice of San Diego will emcee the event.
Councilmember Donna Frye will be our special guest speaker to discuss the No on Proposition C campaign for June 3rd.
Confirmed Candidates to Speak: Mike Aguirre, Scott Peters, Brian Maienschein, Jan Goldsmith, Amy Lepine, Richard Barrera*, John Lee Evans*, Sherri Lightner*, Arlie Ricasa*, Marty Block*, and Marty Emerald*.
Confirmed Candidates to Mix & Mingle: Shelia Jackson, Todd Gloria, Stephen Whitburn, Lori Saldana, Jose Preciado, Steve Francis, Mike Copass, Rudy Reyes and Marjorie Watson Thomas.
Hosts: Linda and Carlos LeGerrette, Brian Polejes and Jose Preciado.
RSVP to: Tommie.Watson@ProgressiveSD.org
Suggested Donation: $20.00 | Host Committee: $75.00
*PSD Endorsed Candidates
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Tuesday - Quick Hits
It can only happen in San Diego. As the city is deciding to cut budget, council votes itself a 24% pay increase. UT
Steve Francis rightly criticizes mayor Sanders proposed budget. UT
Enough already! Mount Soledad cross begins another round of court battles. UT
UCSD admits 40% of those who applied to the university. UT
Student at Vista High School diagnosed with TB. UT
New group steps forward to file suit against proposed Wal-Mart expansion in Vista. NCTimes
Steve Francis rightly criticizes mayor Sanders proposed budget. UT
Enough already! Mount Soledad cross begins another round of court battles. UT
UCSD admits 40% of those who applied to the university. UT
Student at Vista High School diagnosed with TB. UT
New group steps forward to file suit against proposed Wal-Mart expansion in Vista. NCTimes
Carl DeMaio Asked to Remember That Tax Day Applies to Everyone
As millions of Americans fulfill their patriotic duty and file their income taxes, the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council is forced to remind Carl DeMaio to send in his tax return by the end of the day.
In the past five years, DeMaio and his Virginia-based think tank have been penalized several times for failing to file taxes in a timely manner. DeMaio’s behavior has resulted in penalties, liens and the suspension of the corporate status of his company, Performance Events.
Members of the Labor Council will be at the Margaret Sellers Postal Center in Carmel Mountain Ranch to ask taxpayers to remind DeMaio of the April 15 filing deadline if they see him.
“It is a slap in the face to hard-working and honest citizens that Carl DeMaio struggles to follow the same tax laws that we all observe,” said Labor Council Secretary-Treasurer Lorena Gonzalez. “For a so-called ‘watchdog,’ he certainly seems to have trouble following the rules.”
DeMaio’s Performance Events, an organization that guides companies towards taxpayer-funded government contracts, remains suspended for failure to pay taxes to California’s Franchise Tax Board.
“The irony of a company that relies on taxpayer dollars to operate failing to pay its taxes is shocking,” Gonzalez said. “On the one hand, he wants to line his pockets with taxpayer money. Yet on the other, he hasn’t followed tax rules.”
In addition to corporate failures, DeMaio has struggled to pay property taxes on his two San Diego properties.
More information on Carl DeMaio’s history of missed tax deadlines can be found at www.dirtydemaio.com.
The San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council is a coalition of 119 local unions that represent 120,000 working families in the region. The Labor Council strives to ensure that all workers in the region earn a fair wage and health care for their families.
In the past five years, DeMaio and his Virginia-based think tank have been penalized several times for failing to file taxes in a timely manner. DeMaio’s behavior has resulted in penalties, liens and the suspension of the corporate status of his company, Performance Events.
Members of the Labor Council will be at the Margaret Sellers Postal Center in Carmel Mountain Ranch to ask taxpayers to remind DeMaio of the April 15 filing deadline if they see him.
“It is a slap in the face to hard-working and honest citizens that Carl DeMaio struggles to follow the same tax laws that we all observe,” said Labor Council Secretary-Treasurer Lorena Gonzalez. “For a so-called ‘watchdog,’ he certainly seems to have trouble following the rules.”
DeMaio’s Performance Events, an organization that guides companies towards taxpayer-funded government contracts, remains suspended for failure to pay taxes to California’s Franchise Tax Board.
“The irony of a company that relies on taxpayer dollars to operate failing to pay its taxes is shocking,” Gonzalez said. “On the one hand, he wants to line his pockets with taxpayer money. Yet on the other, he hasn’t followed tax rules.”
In addition to corporate failures, DeMaio has struggled to pay property taxes on his two San Diego properties.
More information on Carl DeMaio’s history of missed tax deadlines can be found at www.dirtydemaio.com.
The San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council is a coalition of 119 local unions that represent 120,000 working families in the region. The Labor Council strives to ensure that all workers in the region earn a fair wage and health care for their families.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Monday - Quick Hits
Trade Unions set to appeal court decision on City of Vista's charter case. NCTimes
Mayor Sanders has decided that parks and libraries are to have their budgets trimmed, while he increases city spending 13%. UT
I'm shocked! Possible conflict of interest among city advisory board members. UT
City council to consider pay raise for mayor and themselves again. UT
San Diego City College to receive the Recycler-of-the year award from city council. UT
Democrats gathered statewide to select their delegates to the Democratic Convention in Denver late this summer. NCTimes
Mayor Sanders has decided that parks and libraries are to have their budgets trimmed, while he increases city spending 13%. UT
I'm shocked! Possible conflict of interest among city advisory board members. UT
City council to consider pay raise for mayor and themselves again. UT
San Diego City College to receive the Recycler-of-the year award from city council. UT
Democrats gathered statewide to select their delegates to the Democratic Convention in Denver late this summer. NCTimes
Filner to Host Fundraiser for Pamela Bensoussan
Congressman Bob Filner Welcomes you to a Benefit for Pamela Bensoussan, Candidate Chula Vista City Council Seat 3 Join us for a Poolside Sunday Brunch at the home of Jill & Victor Galvez.
7 Cresta Way
Chula Vista, 91910
Sunday, April 27, 11:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Requested Contribution:
Guest $50 - Host $150 - Sponsor $300
Don’t miss this great opportunity to meet our Congressman and help elect Pamela!
Please Contribute or RSVP now online at www.ElectPamela.com.
Or mail check to Pamela for City Council c/o Georgie Stillman, Treas.
580 Twin Oaks Avenue
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Or call Georgie at (619)420-0610
Campaign Committee
Pamela Bensoussan for City Council, ID#1299632
www.ElectPamela.com
Note: Ordinance No. 2955 of the City of Chula Vista limits contributions to campaigns for City elective office, either to candidate controlled committees or to regulated independent expenditure committees, to three hundred dollars ($300.00) per contributor. (Ord. 2955 § 1, 2004). Printed in-house and paid for by Pamela Bensoussan for City Council, I.D. No.1299632. Campaign Treasurer Georgie Stillman, 580 Twin Oaks Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910
7 Cresta Way
Chula Vista, 91910
Sunday, April 27, 11:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Requested Contribution:
Guest $50 - Host $150 - Sponsor $300
Don’t miss this great opportunity to meet our Congressman and help elect Pamela!
Please Contribute or RSVP now online at www.ElectPamela.com.
Or mail check to Pamela for City Council c/o Georgie Stillman, Treas.
580 Twin Oaks Avenue
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Or call Georgie at (619)420-0610
Campaign Committee
Pamela Bensoussan for City Council, ID#1299632
www.ElectPamela.com
Note: Ordinance No. 2955 of the City of Chula Vista limits contributions to campaigns for City elective office, either to candidate controlled committees or to regulated independent expenditure committees, to three hundred dollars ($300.00) per contributor. (Ord. 2955 § 1, 2004). Printed in-house and paid for by Pamela Bensoussan for City Council, I.D. No.1299632. Campaign Treasurer Georgie Stillman, 580 Twin Oaks Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Friday, April 11, 2008
Now There is Leadership
Voice of San Diego reported that the City Workers may strike. If this is true, it seems like it would be a huge issue for our city.
But how did our mayor respond? See below... You've got to do what you've got to do. Now that's leadership.
This Just In
City Workers May Strike
I just got off the phone with Joan Raymond, president of City Hall's blue collar workers union, Local 127.
Raymond confirmed that certain city workers could be lining up for a strike.
Raymond said the union, which is currently in contract talks with the Mayor's Office, has taken a vote to give its negotiating committee the right to ask for a strike. It has also asked the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council to give its support to a strike, should one be necessary.
"We're not on strike, but we're setting the stage," Raymond said. "There's certain permission we need to get."
Raymond said the workers who might strike would be sanitation drivers, water department crews and mechanics at the Fire-Rescue Department. She said any strike would be the first strike since 1969.
And Raymond told me why the specter of a strike has risen:
"People have become very demoralized in the last few years and it's recently come to a head. They've become so upset and so angry that they've started to talk about striking."
Fred Sainz, spokesman for Mayor Jerry Sanders, said the mayor is urging the city's blue collar workers that striking is not in their best interests or in the best interests of the city, but he said if the workers choose to strike, that's their prerogative, Sainz said.
"You've got to do what you've got to do," he said.
But how did our mayor respond? See below... You've got to do what you've got to do. Now that's leadership.
This Just In
City Workers May Strike
I just got off the phone with Joan Raymond, president of City Hall's blue collar workers union, Local 127.
Raymond confirmed that certain city workers could be lining up for a strike.
Raymond said the union, which is currently in contract talks with the Mayor's Office, has taken a vote to give its negotiating committee the right to ask for a strike. It has also asked the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council to give its support to a strike, should one be necessary.
"We're not on strike, but we're setting the stage," Raymond said. "There's certain permission we need to get."
Raymond said the workers who might strike would be sanitation drivers, water department crews and mechanics at the Fire-Rescue Department. She said any strike would be the first strike since 1969.
And Raymond told me why the specter of a strike has risen:
"People have become very demoralized in the last few years and it's recently come to a head. They've become so upset and so angry that they've started to talk about striking."
Fred Sainz, spokesman for Mayor Jerry Sanders, said the mayor is urging the city's blue collar workers that striking is not in their best interests or in the best interests of the city, but he said if the workers choose to strike, that's their prerogative, Sainz said.
"You've got to do what you've got to do," he said.
Friday - Quick Hits
Tri-city Hospital workers agree to unionize. NCTimes
I wonder if Carl DeMaio with be attending? Sanders praised as he give opening remarks at national Log Cabin Republicans meeting here in San Diego. UT
Will council vote to cut off legal fees for ex-city officials? UT
Coastal Commission gave approval for redevelopment of Imperial Beach hotel. UT
State commission approves spending $400 million on transit project in the Otay/ San Ysidro border crossing region. UT
Toll road agency mislead Feds regarding Army Corps of Engineers support of project. UT
I wonder if Carl DeMaio with be attending? Sanders praised as he give opening remarks at national Log Cabin Republicans meeting here in San Diego. UT
Will council vote to cut off legal fees for ex-city officials? UT
Coastal Commission gave approval for redevelopment of Imperial Beach hotel. UT
State commission approves spending $400 million on transit project in the Otay/ San Ysidro border crossing region. UT
Toll road agency mislead Feds regarding Army Corps of Engineers support of project. UT
500 Workers at Tri-City Medical Center Unionize
From the North County Times:
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More than 500 workers ---- mostly medical technicians ---- at Tri-City Medical Center have joined the United Healthcare Workers union, increasing the percentage of the hospital's work force exercising its collective bargaining rights.
Doreen Sanderson, the hospital's vice president of human resources, confirmed that 60 percent, or about 300, of the 500 workers signed union cards, surpassing the 50 percent threshold needed to join the union. She said the hospital will meet with union representatives to begin a discussion on wages and benefits for the represented employees.
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Thursday, April 10, 2008
Thursday - Quick Hits
Must be an election year, mayor Sanders moves to close controversial pension program. UT
Police officers agree to a 6% pay raise. UT
Chula Vista councilman Steve Castaneda to testify in his trial. UT
Mayor Sanders steals an idea from Steve Francis, and wants the CCDC to help pay for the bonds that built Petco Park. UT
Carlsbad Desal plant gets a conditional go-ahead from San Diego County Water Resources Board. UT
Ports seeks to fight developer sponsored ballot proposal aimed at turning 10th Ave. Terminal into a stadium. VOSD
Police officers agree to a 6% pay raise. UT
Chula Vista councilman Steve Castaneda to testify in his trial. UT
Mayor Sanders steals an idea from Steve Francis, and wants the CCDC to help pay for the bonds that built Petco Park. UT
Carlsbad Desal plant gets a conditional go-ahead from San Diego County Water Resources Board. UT
Ports seeks to fight developer sponsored ballot proposal aimed at turning 10th Ave. Terminal into a stadium. VOSD
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