Democracy for America Endorses Lori Saldaña

 

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

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


Democracy for America has over one million members nationwide.


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


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


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


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


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

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

• Former City Councilmember Donna Frye

• City Councilmember Marti Emerald

• School Board Trustee Richard Barrera

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

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

• Former San Diego Democratic Party Chair Kennan Kaeder

• School Board President John Lee Evans

• San Diego Chapter of Democracy for America

• The Progressive Change Campaign Committee

• MoveOn.org

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I finally got noticed!

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

When IEs Misfire, Take 2.1

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

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

Keep it up guys! Cheers!

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

 

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

When IEs Misfire, Take 2

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

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

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

Vargas endorsed by New Democrat Coalition PAC

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

The San Diego Mayoral race: Two weeks left

The cards above have been found littering downtown this weekend.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cease and Desist Letter Sent to Peters’ Campaign

News Release
Contact:
Ajay Kwatra
858-539-1820

Cease and Desist Letter Sent to Peters’ Campaign

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

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

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

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

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

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

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LGBT Hero Joseph Rocha Endorses Saldaña

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saldaña said she was honored by Rocha’s support.

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

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

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

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

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Protecting Our Natural Resources

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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Tierrasanta's Tierra Times Endorses Peters for Congress

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ROBIN HOOD TAX action day!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

###

 

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

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

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


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

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


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

CITY BEAT ENDORSES FILNER

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

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

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

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

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

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




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



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

“

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



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

Fletcher: A Foot Soldier in ALEC's Privatization Push

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

###

Scott Peters Can’t Handle the Truth

Scott Peters Can’t Handle the Truth

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

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

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

Here are the facts:

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

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

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

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

FACT: Scott Peters Voted Against the Living Wage: 

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