SOLANA BEACH BEGINS SAN DIEGO COUNTY’S FIRST PLASTIC SHOPPING BAG BAN ON THURSDAY

 

Deputy Mayor Roberts hands out reusable shopping bags to promote City’s efforts to conserve resources and protect the environment

SOLANA BEACH — Solana Beach becomes the first city in San Diego County to ban the use of plastic shopping bags in grocery stores and pharmacies when a new city law takes effect starting on Thursday.

The city has instituted this ban specifically targetting single-use carry-out plastic bags in an effort to conserve non-renewable resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, waste, beach liter and marine pollution.

“Plastic bags harm marine ecosystems and clog landfills with materials known to take more than a century to decompose,” said Solana Beach Deputy Mayor Dave Roberts. “Solana Beach is leading the way by encouraging  ecologically green and clean practices which help protect our beaches, local wildlife, and the environment,” said Roberts.

San Francisco passed the first law banning the use of plastic bags in 2007 and 44 other cities in California and over two-dozen others around the country have followed suit.

This ordinance effects grocery stores and pharmacies. For all other retailers, the ordinance goes into effect on November 9. Single-use plastic carry-out bags are often derived from petroleum and are given at point of sale purchases to carry goods such as marchandise or food. This ordinance does not include include bags provided to transport products such as produce, meat, poultry, dry cleaning or laundry items.

The new city law also requires stores to charge a ten cent fee for each paper bag they use in an effort to push consumers toward using more reusable shopping bags. All revenues from this fee are to be kept by the individual stores.

WHO:
Solana Beach Deputy Mayor Dave Roberts and community volunteers
                               
WHAT:San Diego’s first plastic bag ban begins; Solana Beach city leaders hand out reusable canvas shopping bags to kick-off the new program

WHEN:Thursday, August 9, 2012 
11:00 am – 12:00 pm

WHERE:Sprouts Farmers Market, 659 Lomas Santa Fe Drive at I-5, Solana Beach, CA

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Network launches new website and announces free legal assistance

San Diego -  In response to the new program that provides relief for undocumented immigrant students, known as the Deferred Action for Child Immigrants (DACA), the San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium (SDIRC) has formed the Dreamer Assistance Network (which consists of legal, faith and community based groups from throughout San Diego County) to inform, prepare and assist eligible youth to take advantage of this program.

Today, the Dreamer Assistance Network publicly launches its website: www.dreamerassistance.org.

The Network will assist undocumented youth by holding free informational forums, eligibility assessment events, and application assistance workshops in various locations throughout the county.   At all the events, immigration attorneys from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) will be present to provide information and answer questions

At the free application assistance workshops, AILA attorneys will also work with Network partners to assist eligible applicants in completing an application for DACA. In order to get assistance at the workshops, applicants MUST attend one of the eligibility assessment events on September 8th. 

  Upcoming events:

Friday, Aug 17 at 6-8 PM:  Information Forums on new DACA applicationThe Dreamer Assistance Network will host several community forums at which immigration attorneys will provide the most up-to-date information about the DACA application set to be released by USCIS two days earlier on August 15th.
    •    Everyone is invited but space may be limited, so come early to get your seat.
    •    Spanish interpretation will be provided.
    •    3 locations: Oceanside, San Diego, and National City
 
Saturday, Sep 8 at 9AM - 12PM:  Eligibility Assessment Events (required for workshops)
The Dreamer Assistance Network will host several events to assess the eligibility of potential DACA applicants, register the clearly eligible individuals for free application assistance workshops later in the month, and refer out others to qualified immigration attorneys for individual consultations.

Please note that those seeking application assistance at the workshops, MUST attend one of the eligibility assessment events. Eligible applicants will be registered for the workshop on a first come, first serve basis. Workshop registration is limited to 250 at each of the September workshops.
    •    Spanish interpretation will be provided.
    •    3 locations: Oceanside, San Diego, and National City

Saturday, Sep 15th at 9 AM - 3 PM:  Application Assistance Workshop in National City  
The Dreamer Assistance Network will host a free application assistance workshop at Sweetwater High School in National City for an estimated 250 people. Volunteers will assist applicants to complete the DACA application form, attach the required evidence, and prepare the application package for mailing. All applications will be reviewed by our legal team of AILA attorneys.
    •    The workshop is limited to applicants who registered at one of the September 8th Eligibility Assessment Events.
    •    In addition to being registered on the 8th, applicants will have to bring all of the required documents necessary to complete the application.
 
Saturday, Sep 22 at 9 AM - 3 PM:  Application Assistance Workshop in Oceanside  
The Dreamer Assistance Network will host a free application assistance workshop at
MiraCosta College Community Learning Center (CLC) for an estimated 250 people. Volunteers will assist applicants to complete the DACA application form, attach the required evidence, and prepare the application package for mailing. All applications will be reviewed by our legal team.
    •    The workshop is limited to applicants who registered at one of the September 8th Eligibility Assessment Events.
    •    In addition to being registered on the 8th, applicants will have to bring all of the required documents necessary to complete the application.

The Dreamer Assistance Network and San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium are powered by the Equality Alliance of San Diego County (soon to be called Alliance San Diego). For a full list of Dreamer Assistance Network partners, for more information on DACA, and to stay updated on our events, please visit www.dreamerassistance.org.

Contact: Ricardo Favela, (760) 659-3620

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Assembymember Atkins named new Majority Leader

Speaker John A. Pérez Announces New Assembly Leadership Positions and Committee Chairs

SACRAMENTO– Today Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) announced changes to his Assembly leadership team, and appointed new committee chairs to serve out the 2011-12 Regular Session.

 “I’m pleased to announce the members of our talented new leadership team and new committee chair assignments,” said Speaker Pérez.  This group represents a diverse cross-section of California and offers an incredible amount of knowledge and expertise on the important issues impacting our state.”

The following Leadership changes will take effect on September 1^st:

Speaker pro Tempore                          Hon. Nora Campos (D-San Jose)***

Assistant Speaker pro Tempore          Hon. Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco)

Majority Floor Leader                     Hon. Toni Atkins (D-San Diego)

Assistant Majority Floor Leader         Hon. Michael Allen (D-Santa Rosa)

Majority Whip                                     Hon. Roger Hernández (D-West Covina)

Asst. Majority Whip                           Hon. Chuck Calderon (D-Whittier)

(*** From August 10 – September 1, Assemblymember Nora Campos will serve as Assistant Speaker pro Tempore.)

The following members will retain their current Leadership positions:

Majority Policy Leader                       Hon. Mike Feuer (D-Los Angeles)

Asst. Majority Policy Leader              Hon. Wilmer Amina Carter (D-Rialto)

Democratic Caucus Chair                   Hon. Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo)

Rules Committee Chair                       Hon. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley)

The following committee chair appointments will take effect on August 10th:

Assemblymember Marty Block (D-San Diego) will Chair the Assembly Accountability and Administrative Review Committee.

Assemblymember Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) will Chair the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Assemblymember Mike Davis (D-Los Angeles) will Chair the Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism and Internet Media Committee.

Assemblymember Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento) will Chair the Assembly Banking and Finance Committee.

Assemblymember Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) will Chair the Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Resources and Transportation.

Assemblymember Bill Monning (D-Carmel) will Chair the Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on State Administration.

Assemblymember Rich Gordon (D-Redwood City) will Chair the Assembly Business, Professions and Consumer Protection Committee.

Assemblymember Joan Buchanan (D-Alamo) will Chair the Assembly Education Committee.

Assemblymember Luis Alejo (D-Salinas) will Chair the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee.

Assemblymember Richard Pan (D-Sacramento) will Chair the Assembly Health Committee.

Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) will Chair the Assembly Higher Education Committee.

Assemblymember Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) will be Vice Chair of the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee.

Assemblymember Henry Perea (D-Fresno) will Chair the Assembly Insurance Committee.

Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) will Chair the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

Assemblymember Nora Campos (D-San Jose) will be Vice Chair of the Assembly Local Government Committee.

Assemblymember Michael Allen (D-Santa Rosa) will Chair the Assembly Public Employees, Retirement and Social Security Committee.

Assemblymember Felipe Fuentes (D-Sylmar) will Chair the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee.

Assemblymember Ben Hueso (D-San Diego) will Chair the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee.

Assemblymember Jose Solorio (D-Anaheim) will be Co-Chair of the Assembly Legislative Ethics Committee.

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California Democratic Party and Federation of Labor Support “YES on 34” to Replace Death Penalty with Life in Prison With No Possibility of Parole

Drumbeat Builds for Ballot Initiative to Replace Broken Death Penalty with Justice That Works

SAN FRANCISCO – Two powerful California institutions have endorsed the “Yes on 34” SAFE California ballot initiative over the course of the last few days.

The California Democratic Party endorsed the measure to replace the death penalty with a sentence of life in prison without parole on Sunday. Prop 34 will also require convicted killers to work in prison and pay into the victims’ compensation fund and directs $100 million of the significant budget savings to investigate unsolved rape and murder cases. The endorsement comes days after the Legislative Analyst Office issued its official analysis finding that Prop 34 will save California taxpayers $130 million per year.

“We are enormously pleased that the California Democratic Party unanimously endorsed “Yes on 34.” The only way to be sure that we will never execute an innocent person in this state is to replace the death penalty with a punishment of life in prison with no chance of parole,” said Jeanne Woodford the official proponent of Proposition 34. As former warden of San Quentin State Prison, Ms. Woodford oversaw four executions.

The California Labor Federation endorsed the “Yes on 34” campaign on Thursday, July 26.
“Many people think that the death penalty is cheaper than life in prison without the possibility of parole. The California Labor Federation knows that is simply not true,” added Woodford. “People work hard and make tough economic choices across California every day. We must redirect the millions of tax dollars now wasted on the death penalty to solve more rapes and murders and to help our kids’ schools.”

A full list of campaign endorsements is here. The “Yes on 34” campaign has been endorsed by the League of Women Voters, the California Catholic Conference of Bishops, and the California State NAACP, as well as hundreds of law enforcement professionals and victims.

Ms. Woodford expressed confidence in the upcoming November vote, explaining that it would be the first of its kind in the state.

“This is the first time voters will be able to vote for swift and severe punishment in the form of life in prison with absolutely no chance of parole. Voters have never been presented with an alternative that will save our very limited state funds, improve public safety and completely eliminate the risk of executing an innocent man or woman.”

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When news isn't

 

The DeMaio campaign thought it had a nice news piece to kick off the week with their announcement of former SDCDP Chair Art Castañares coming on board as a campaign consultant. This news was somewhat buried by the leaked poll results showing Filner over DeMaio and Filner's offer to Fletcher. Nevertheless, it should be addressed for what it is.

Castañares has been inactive in local Democratic circles for at least a decade. He has been fined by the San Diego City Ethics Commission and has been doing pick up work for Republicans in South Bay. To claim his going over to DeMaio is a quality catch is to miss the point.

If he didn't have the title of "Former San Diego County Democratic Party Chairman" this would not have been story. And this is only a story in the evolving DeMaio fantasy of being a non-partisan candidate.

Castañares can best be seen as a tarnished showpiece rather than anything of relevance to the unfolding campaign. Filner has a solid hold on voters south of Interstate 8 and to think that a single hire that Democrats won't touch can make a difference is lunacy.

Happily, it's DeMaio's money being wasted on this investment which appears to be one that a politician would make rather than a businessman.

US Senator Barbara Boxer, California Labor Federation, State Senator Mark Leno Agree: Vote Yes on Prop 37!

Sacramento -  The California Right to Know Act – known as the Yes on 37 Right to Know Campaign – garnered three major endorsements yesterday, including the 2.1 million member strong California Labor Federation, as well as two high ranking leaders in their respective legislative bodies: Senator Barbara Boxer and State Senator Mark Leno.

If approved by voters in November, Proposition 37 would require labeling of genetically engineered foods, which are plant or animal products that have had their DNA artificially altered by genes from other plants, animals, viruses, or bacteria in ways that cannot occur in nature.

“California consumers have the right to know if their food has been genetically engineered,” Senator Boxer said. “This basic information should be available for consumers on the label the way it is in nearly 50 other countries around the world.”

"Working people deserve the right to know what is in the food we are feeding our families," said Steve Smith, Communications Director for the California Labor Federation. "Prop 37 is a commonsense measure that ensures our families are able to make educated choices about the food we purchase. We’re proud to join with millions of Californians in supporting the right to know what’s in our food.”

”The people of California want to know what's in their food,” said State Senator Mark Leno. “More than half the people in the world live in countries that already require labeling of genetically engineered foods. Californians deserve to have this information too.”

To date, over 1,000 community leaders have endorsed the Yes on 37 Right to Know initiative including a broad range of consumer, farm, environmental, and health advocates, including: the Consumer Federation of America, the United Farm Workers, California Certified Organic Farmers, Public Citizen, Organic
Consumers Association, the California League of Conservation Voters, the Union of Concerned Scientists, the Center for Food Safety, and the Sierra Club.

Polls show overwhelming bipartisan support for labeling genetically engineered foods: 89% of Republicans and 90% of Democrats want genetically altered foods to be labeled, according to recent polls.

The Right to Know campaign tapped into a deep grassroots passion for knowing what’s in their food when they relied on a statewide network of thousands of volunteers to help generate over a million signatures in just 10 weeks, easily qualifying for the November ballot.

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Ethics Troubles Plague New DeMaio Campaign Advisor

Mayoral candidate Carl DeMaio today announced that he was “thrilled” to welcome Art Castañares -- a former San Diego County Democratic Party chair -- to his campaign team. The current Democratic chair, Jess Durfee, issued the following statement in response:  

“Art Castañares hasn’t been involved with the County Democratic Party for more than a decade, and the last high-profile candidate he worked for as a consultant is a Republican, so I’m not surprised that he signed on to work for a well-financed Republican campaign.

“However, I am surprised that Carl DeMaio is promoting his connection to a downtown lobbyist with an ethically dubious track record. From Art’s ethics breaches to his legal entanglements, he doesn’t exactly embody the ‘reform’ that the DeMaio campaign has been promising. If this is the kind of advisor Carl wants in the mayoral race or potentially in City Hall, I think voters have cause for concern.”

The lobbyist’s name has been in the headlines several times in recent years -- for reasons that might make another candidate pause before retaining him:

• Castañares was fined by the San Diego Ethics Commission in 2007 for failing to file complete and timely disclosures of his lobbying activities as required by law. The Ethics Commission fined him again in 2009 for similar violations.

• Castañares use of his political networks to land consulting contracts with public agencies was highlighted after he signed a $60,000 contract with the San Diego Airport Authority in 2004 to help develop “message points.” He was previously an aide to former state Senator Steve Peace, who wrote the legislation creating the authority.

• A business owned by Castañares is currently suing the cash-strapped San Ysidro School District for alleged "damages" of $17 million.

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The Hill: DCCC reserves $1.65M against Bilbray, attacks 23 House Republicans on tax cuts

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has reserved $1.65 million in airtime against Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-Calif.). 

It's a sign the DCCC thinks Bilbray is vulnerable this fall. The Republican has been a top Democratic target this year. His San Diego district went from one that leaned Republican before redistricting to one that leans Democratic now, and he's facing a tough challenger in San Diego Ports Commissioner Scott Peters (D), a self-funding moderate.


Read the story here.

DAVE ROBERTS’ OPEN GOVERNMENT RESOLUTION PASSES 5-0 IN SOLANA BEACH

Solana Beach, CA – Solana Beach Deputy Mayor Dave Roberts worked with his colleagues on the Solana Beach City Council in a special session to unanimously pass a resolution to reaffirm the city’s commitment to the Brown Act.

 “I was disappointed when I learned that the state budget would no longer contain funding to implement certain components of the Brown Act,” Roberts said. “Our resolution not only reaffirms our commitment to following the Brown Act, but firmly states that the public has remedies to ensure the actions of our city government are open and transparent.”

The Brown Act was enacted by the state legislature back in the 1950′s to allow the public right of knowledge and participation in municipal government meetings. When the city of Solana Beach incorporated in 1986, following the Brown Act was incorporated into the local general code.

Roberts went on to say that “open and transparent government is a hallmark that all agencies should follow. I am pleased that my council colleagues worked together with me to reaffirm that our community would continue following the Brown Act as is prescribed in the general code.”

 “As a local elected official for the past eight years, I have seen firsthand why it is critical that all government business is done in an open and transparent manner. It will always be a core value of mine that all government agencies here in San Diego County operate according to the goals and ideals of the Brown Act. An open and transparent government is good for everyone.”

There is currently legislation pending that recommends placing a simple constitutional requirement on the next statewide ballot that would mandate that “Each public body shall provide public notice of its meetings and shall publicly disclose any action take.” If approved by the voters, it becomes the law and cannot be suspended again without a vote of the public.

“I support this constitutional amendment to solve this problem once and for all,” concluded Roberts.

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Poll: Bob Filner Leads San Diego’s Mayor’s Race

Independent survey of likely November voters shows Filner leads by 8 points

SAN DIEGO – (Monday, July 30, 2012) – A poll of San Diego voters shows Bob Filner with a significant 8-point lead in the race for San Diego Mayor.

In a survey of 400 likely November voters in the City of San Diego, 40 percent of respondents support or lean toward Filner in the Mayor’s race. Thirty-two percent of respondents said they support San Diego City Councilman Carl DeMaio and 29 percent were undecided.

“Despite being outspent and out-advertised by his general election opponent in the run-up to the June 5 primary, Filner’s longstanding record of service in San Diego and his closer alignment to the values held by voters who will cast ballots in the November 6 presidential election provide him a significant advantage in the runoff,” said Evan McLaughlin, a spokesman for the San Diegans for Bob Filner for Mayor 2012 committee.

The poll was conducted by Fairbanks, Maslin, Maullin Metz & Associates of Santa Monica, Calif. between June 28 and July 2. Respondents were registered to vote in the San Diego Unified School District, which is wholly encompassed in the City of San Diego, and were registered with political parties at a rate that mirrors the expected party registration for November: 42 percent Democratic, 29 percent Republican, and 29 percent declining to state or preferring another party.

From the FM3 poll:

POLL QUESTION:
As you may know, San Diego mayor Jerry Sanders is term-limited and therefore cannot run for reelection.

If the general election for Mayor of San Diego were held today, for whom would you vote if the candidates were: (RANDOMIZE) (IF UNDECIDED, ASK:) "Toward whom do you lean?"

[ ] Bob Filner, United States Congressman;
[ ] Carl DeMaio, San Diego City Council member?

                            Bob Filner------------------------------------------- 37%       --->  40%
                            (LEAN FILNER)----------------------------------- 3%

                            Carl DeMaio----------------------------------------- 29%       --->  32%
                            (LEAN DEMAIO) --------------------------------- 3%

                            (DON’T READ) Other----------------------------- 0
                            (DON’T READ) DK/NA-------------------------- 29%

San Diegans for Bob Filner for Mayor 2012 is a committee primarily formed to support Congressman Filner in the City of San Diego’s mayor race and does not coordinate with any candidate or candidate-controlled committee. ID # 1348840

California Democratic Party 2012 ballot endorsements

Yes on Proposition 30
Protects funding for schools and local public safety

No on Proposition 31
Locks California into permanent underfunding of education, health, and other vital services 

No on Proposition 32
Creates special exemptions for billionaires and Super PACs allowing them to buy elections 

No on Proposition 33
Auto insurance rate hike 

Yes on Proposition 34
Repeals death penalty and replaces with life without parole

Yes on Proposition 35
Increases penalties for human trafficking

Yes on Proposition 36
Reforms “Three Strikes” law

Yes on Proposition 37
Labeling of genetically engineered foods

No on Proposition 38
Munger initiative

Neutral on Proposition 39
Adjusts taxes for multi-state corporations to fund clean energy programs

Yes on Proposition 40
Referendum on State Senate district boundaries

DeMaio’s Ceiling

 

Polling has been happening in San Diego about propositions and other general election issues. The mayoral race is the elephant in the room and a number of these polls have inserted a question about the Filner-DeMaio match-up.

What is interesting is the consistency of the results.

Filner, without raising a finger, is running in the low 40s to high 30s as a percentage of the vote. This currently puts him over DeMaio who is registering high 20s and low 30s. From the polling this blogger has seen, Carl hasn’t broken 32%.

The latest poll has the race at:
40% - Filner
32% - DeMaio
29% - Undecided

As an average, these polling results closely mirror party registration in San Diego:
42% - Democrats
29% - Republicans
25% - DTS
4% - Other

So?

This early, voters are sticking to their party lines and they know what these party lines are.

This is the best DeMaio can do despite running for mayor for the last four years. His campaign has not let up since the primary in working downtown for support and trying to raise his profile among professional organizations but his numbers aren’t moving.

With all the effort, money, and time DeMaio has spent laying the ground for his mayoral campaign, he can’t get beyond the party base. This is extremely telling. He may be entering Meg Whitman territory; no matter how much money you spend, voters just aren’t that into you.

All the noise around DeMaio has succeeded in educating base voters about him and the results are not positive.

Filner is not out of the woods but he has a stronger natural base to run from. He has risen beyond his margin in the primary and looks like he can capture a majority of the vote. The same can’t be said for DeMaio.

California Labor Federation Announces Endorsements for General Election

Defeating Prop 32 Identified as a Top Priority This Fall

San Francisco -- The California Labor Federation, representing 2.1 million union workers, today announced endorsements for all statewide ballot measures as well as State Assembly, Senate and congressional races for the November general election at its 2012 Biennial Convention.

Defeating Prop 32 was identified by delegates as a top priority this election year. Prop 32 is an unbalanced measure that would prevent workers from having a collective voice in politics while exempting wealthy individuals and many corporations from its provisions. The measure has been widely condemned as an effort to disguise an attack on unions under a phony veneer of reform.

“Prop 32 isn’t at all what it seems. It’s nothing more than a deceptive attack on workers funded by corporate special interests and billionaires,” said California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski. “This measure won’t solve Sacramento’s problems. By rigging the system to benefit the very wealthy and corporate CEOs, Prop 32 would actually weaken our democracy and threaten middle class priorities. Once voters learn the truth, they’ll reject this cynical attempt to give more power to the already powerful.”

In addition to opposing Prop 32, delegates also expressed strong support for Prop 30, the governor’s initiative to protect schools and public safety from additional budget cuts.

“Budget cuts are shredding the California Dream,” Pulaski said. “Funding our schools and public safety is essential to rebuilding California and creating a healthier economy for the future. Prop 30 is vital to getting California back on track.”

Other proposition endorsements were as follows:

Prop 30 - Yes

Prop 31 - No

Prop 32 - No

Prop 33 – No

Prop 34 – Yes

Prop 35 – Yes

Prop 36 – Yes

Prop 37 – Yes

Prop 38 – No

Prop 39 – Referred to the Labor Federation Executive Council for final action

Prop 40 – Yes 



The California Labor Federation unveiled its grassroots election plan at the convention. The campaign relies heavily on union volunteers to communicate with millions of voters across the state about the stakes in this election. The Labor Federation and affiliate unions will mobilize an army of more than 40,000 volunteers this summer and fall, which will contact voters at worksites, on the phone, at the door and online.

Endorsements are determined through a democratic process by which delegates to the California Labor Federation representing both public- and private-sector unions vote to support candidates and ballot measures.

For a full list of endorsements on candidate races, click here.

On Tuesday, delegates elected top leaders to the Labor Federation. Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski was re-elected to a four-year term. Pulaski has headed the Federation since 1996. Connie Leyva was re-elected as President. Delegates also elected the 46 members of the California Labor Federation Executive Council.

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DAVE ROBERTS CHALLENGES STEVE DANON TO A SERIES OF DEBATES IN COUNTY SUPERVISOR RACE

Escondido, CA – Solana Beach Deputy Mayor Dave Roberts, candidate for the San Diego County Board of Supervisors in the Third District, today challenged congressional aide Steve Danon, his opponent in the November 6th election, to a series of community debates throughout the District.

“I believe it’s important to the voters and healthy for our democracy, to provide public forums and face-to-face community debates where the public can hear from both candidates for Third District County Supervisor in the November 6th election.  By participating in joint debates, we will provide voters an opportunity to make an informed choice, compare our records, examine our views on reforming county government, and hear our vision for the future of San Diego County,” Roberts said.

This is a historic election.  For the first time in 18 years, voters will elect a new member to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.  Supervisor Pam Slater-Price is not running for re-election which provides voters an opportunity to elect a new County Supervisor.  As County residents consider the differences between Dave Roberts and Steve Danon’s candidacies and look at the key issues that are important to them, they will be able to decide at these debates which candidate best represents their values and vision for the future.

"I challenge Steve Danon to a series of community debates throughout the District where we can talk about real reform of county government.  Reforms, such as pensions, open space, and protecting our neighborhoods from power plants and over-development,” Roberts said.

The voters in the Third District have a clear choice in this upcoming election between Danon, a government employee and partisan political aide, and Dave Roberts who has both extensive Fortune 500 and small business experience, and a proven track record of successful public service.

I have asked for a series of debates on these key issues,” said Roberts.  “I invite Steve Danon to join me in a series of community debates before recognized groups such as the Chambers of Commerce, League of Women Voters, Sierra Club, Democratic and Republican party organizations, Planned Parenthood, and the local press to discuss both real County reforms and how we can best improve our quality of life.”

Supervisor Pam Slater-Price has endorsed Dave Roberts for supervisor, calling Roberts “an independent, bi-partisan leader with a solid record of reforming pensions and providing environmental leadership.” Slater-Price said, “Dave Roberts is honest, caring, and someone we can trust.”

Roberts has worked on issues that improve the quality of life for the residents of the Northern San Diego County region and his home town of Solana Beach where he has served for the past eight years as a councilman, Deputy Mayor, Mayor, and county-wide leader.

During the primary campaign, Roberts and Danon were the top two finishers, of five candidates.  Both will now compete head-to-head for the supervisorial position on November 6.

Roberts’ campaign manager Gary Gartner said that dates, venues and moderators should be discussed and mutually agreed upon by both campaigns.

Please see attached letter dated July 23, 2012, from Roberts challenging Danon to a series of debates throughout the Third District.

For more information regarding Dave Roberts for County Supervisor, please visit his website at www.DaveRobertsforSupervisor.com.

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United Taxi Workers joins San Diego Labor Council

 

United Taxi Workers is Labor Council's first non-union affiliate

 

SAN DIEGO - The San Diego Labor Council is excited to announce the affiliation of United Taxi Workers of San Diego as the council's first non-union affiliate.

Under current California law, taxi drivers are termed “independent contractors,” which means they are technically not employees and don’t have the right to collectively bargain. As a result, drivers do not benefit from labor laws protecting mandatory lunch periods, breaks, minimum wage and limited shifts. They often face 12 hour shifts and uncapped lease fees, lack health insurance, and face retaliation in their efforts to improve safety conditions.

But today, for the first time in San Diego, taxi workers have formed a Worker Center and successfully affiliated with the AFL-CIO and San Diego Labor Council. It provides taxi workers with needed support as they work with elected officials on policies that support drivers and helps continue to shine a light on the many industry and owner-specific abuses afflicting the San Diego taxi industry.

"As the economy evolves, labor will continue to adapt to meet the needs of all workers," said Lorena Gonzalez, Secretary-Treasurer of the San Diego Labor Council. "We're excited to welcome taxi workers as the Labor Council’s first non-union workers and the latest advocates for more jobs, better jobs, and better lives for all workers, both union and non-union."

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San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council

The San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO represents more than 192,000 union workers in the region and advocates for an economy with more jobs, better jobs and better lives for all workers in the region - union and non-union.

www.unionyes.org

Donna Frye Endorses Scott Peters for Congress

 

San Diego – The Scott Peters for Congress campaign today announced that former San Diego City Councilmember Donna Frye has endorsed Peters in his bid for the new 52nd Congressional District. Peters is running to unseat 12-year- incumbent Rep. Brian Bilbray in the November General Election.

“Compare Scott Peters’ record to Brian Bilbray’s and there is no question Scott is by far the better candidate to send to Washington,” Frye said. “Scott will fight for equality, to protect our environment, and will work across party lines to get things done for us. That’s his record, and it is clearly not Brian’s,” she added.

Frye and Peters served together on the City Council from 2000-2008 where they worked together on many shared priorities, including reducing sewer spills on San Diego’s beaches, forming the City’s first Ethics Commission, and water recycling to help ensure a more reliable water supply.

"I first started working with Scott in the late ‘90s. We were working to get clean water legislation passed statewide, while Brian was in Congress voting against almost every piece of environmental legislation we supported,” said Frye. “Plus, you get to know a person pretty well working together on the 10ththfloor at City Hall, which is why I am endorsing him. I consider Scott a friend and I’m glad he’s willing to take on this tough fight ”

Peters said he is pleased and proud to have Frye’s support, and that her endorsement will mean a lot in this campaign.

“The voters know Donna is fiercely independent, will always speak her mind and give it to them straight,” he said. “The voters trust her so her endorsement is a tremendous help.”

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June 5th election certified

 

Secretary of State Debra Bowen has announced certifying results from the June 5 primary.


She reports 5,328,296 registered voters, or 31.1% of those eligible, cast ballots. That turnout came close to the 28.2% record low for a statewide election set in June of 2008. Ballots cast by mail, however, set a record high at 65% of the total vote.

The previous vote-by-mail highwater mark of 62% came in the special election of May 2009. Sierra, Alpine and Amador Counties had the highest voter turnouts with 59.2%, 58.6% and 57.1% respectively. Bowen notes that Sierra and Alpine are the only counties in the state conducting elections entirely by mail.

The lowest turnout counties were Los Angeles (21.8%), San Bernardino (23.7%) and Orange (26.5%).

Bowen says more county-by-county data and the entire collection of certified results may be found on her website here.

San Diego Labor Council asks Comic-Con attendees to “Thank a Superhero Worker”

 

SAN DIEGO - As San Diego welcomes more than 100,000 people to Comic-Con 2012, the Labor Council is asking attendees to remember to thank the superhero workers that are making sure that everything runs smoothly and everyone has a great time in San Diego.

Too often it's easy to overlook all the hard work that goes on to put on an event this large. That's why representatives will be out distributing ‘Thank a Superhero Worker’ stickers, sharing photos and reactions, and making sure that the small army that makes Comic-Con go isn't overlooked during all the celebration.

That includes the San Diego Convention Center decorators, electricians, stagehands, banquet servers, hotel workers, janitors, parking lot attendants and more who keep the show running.

It also means all the workers outside the Convention Center, like the restaurant workers, taxi cab drivers, pedicab operators, and valets that make sure the fun and the benefits of Comic-Con spread throughout San Diego. They're all ambassadors for our city, and they do an amazing job year after year making Comic-Con a wonderful experience for everyone.

"We're always excited to welcome the tens of thousands of Comic-Con attendees to San Diego," said Lorena Gonzalez, Secretary-Treasurer of the San Diego Labor Council. "This year, we also want to highlight all the workers that do so much to bring everyone such a great event. Work connects us all, and these workers deserve thanks for all their hard work to make Comic-Con possible."

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San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council
The San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO represents more than 192,000 union workers in the region and advocates for an economy with more jobs, better jobs and better lives for all workers in the region - union and non-union.
www.unionyes.org

“Betting On California” tour comes to San Diego, Focuses on Young Voters

 

California State Senator Christine Kehoe, California 52nd District U.S. Congressional candidate Scott Peters, San Diego Labor Council Secretary-Treasurer/CEO Lorena Gonzalez, and youth leader Cpl. Will Rodriguez-Kennedy gather for a press conference on youth and LGBT issues and the economy.

SAN DIEGO – TOMORROW, labor leader Lorena Gonzalez, youth leader Cpl. Will Rodriguez-Kennedy, state senator Christine Kehoe, and congressional candidate Scott Peters will speak at a press conference that will focus on issues that are relevant to young Americans and middle out economics.
  
WHO:   
Scott Peters, US Congressional Candidate, Port of San Diego Commissioner
Lorena Gonzalez, San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council
Cpl. Will Rodriguez-Kennedy, Local Youth Leader
Christine Kehoe, California State Senator – 39th District                                     

WHEN:           
TOMORROW, Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. PDT            

WHAT:           
Youth Issues and Middle Out Economics Press Conference       

WHERE:         
LGBT Weekly - Conference Room
1850 Fifth AvenueSan Diego, CA 92101

Last week, President Obama visited key states on his “Betting on America” tour and highlighted his vision of an economy that will grow from the middle class and out. Now California’s Obama for America team, along with mayors, city council members, and state legislators will host a two week “Betting on California” press tour throughout the state to illustrate how the administration’s policies are creating an American economy that is built to last and helping everyday Californians.

Speakers will highlight President Obama’s commitment to the next generation of voters. The President is committed to ensuring that young adults have a fair shot at the opportunities their parents had - good jobs, good benefits and the chance to own a home. He also understands that to create the jobs of the future, we need to out-innovate and out-build our global competitors in cutting-edge industries like clean energy and technology.  And that starts with out-educating the world by ensuring that every American has access to good schools and an affordable college education.  

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Statement from Scott Peters Regarding Lori Saldaña’s endorsement

 

San Diego - This afternoon, candidate Scott Peters, who is running against Rep. Brian Bilbray in the new 52nd Congressional District, issued the following statement regarding the endorsement of his Democratic opponent in the primary election:

“I thank Ms. Saldaña for the endorsement and well wishes she issued on Friday. Her support is very much appreciated and needed as we take on the bigger fight ahead against entrenched incumbent Brian Bilbray.

"Mr. Bilbray has spent 17 years working within the Beltway – so long he’s forgotten that the people who need government to work the most are the working families, seniors and veterans who make up the middle class, not the high-powered corporate special interests whose priorities he’s put ahead of theirs.

"I again congratulate Ms. Saldaña on running a tough campaign, and I look forward to working on the priorities we share.”

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