State Assemblymember Shirley Weber Hosts Public Forum to Discuss Additional School Funding (LCFF) and the Key Role of Parents

San Diego, CA: California State Assemblymember Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. will convene a public forum consisting of educators, administrators, parents and other community members, Tuesday, July 30th, 2pm-4pm at the San Diego County Office of Education to discuss Additional School Funding- Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and the key role of parents.

The LCFF is an equitable, accountable and common-sense approach to update our archaic school funding system in California. It will increase funding for every school district across California while providing additional funding for school districts with high populations of low-income students, English learners, and foster-care students.  One of the most important elements of the proposal is the power shift from the State to ensure districts have the ability to address unique community dynamics and respond quickly to changing student needs. The LCFF will eliminate many of the hoops districts have had to jump through for years and give them the power to make decisions for their own students.

However, the promise and success of the LCFF rests in the ability of local stakeholders and leaders to be engaged and vocal about how this money will be spent. I am personally committed to work with parents, voters and community members to ensure that the school districts I represent (San Diego Unified, Chula Vista Elementary, National City, Lemon Grove, La Mesa-Spring Valley, Grossmont and Sweetwater) will distribute new funding equitably and according to the needs and priorities of each school in the district.

Panelists participating in the forum will include:
·         Assistant Superintendent Lora Duzyk, San Diego County Office of Education
·         Superintendent Brian Marshall, La-Mesa-Spring Valley School District
·         Superintendent Chris Orem, National School District
·         Communications Officer Anthony Millican, Chula Vista Elementary School District
·         Executive Director of District Relations Moises Aguirre, San Diego Unified School District.

Event:
Public Forum to Discuss Additional School Funding (LCFF) and the Key Role of Parents

Date: 
Tuesday, July 30 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Location:  
San Diego County Office of Education, 6401 Linda Vista Road, Room 401-402
 ,San Diego, California  92111

No Change in Democratic Party's Position on Filner

Clarification: The San Diego County Democratic Party's call for Mayor Bob Filner to step down (issued July 25, below) remains in place despite Filner's most recent public statement. The Party has no plans to revisit its position.

San Diego County Democratic Party Calls on Filner to Step Down

The San Diego County Democratic Central Committee on July 25 held its second special meeting in a week to discuss the allegations against San Diego Mayor Bob Filner. In that meeting, 34 members supported a motion for Filner to step down; 6 voted against. Chair Francine Busby has issued the following statement:

"With heavy hearts but clear minds, the members of the San Diego County Democratic Central Committee met this evening. We affirm our commitment to a vision of San Diego as a city of diverse, vibrant communities where every neighborhood is a priority; every man, woman, and child is treated with respect; and quality public services enhance the lives of all San Diegans. As Democrats, we are committed to making that vision a reality.

"We have listened to Democrats with strongly held views on all sides of the controversy that has arisen in the past two weeks. The one thing those Democrats have in common is that they continue to support the progressive agenda that we elected Mayor Filner to champion.

"We respect the legal process that is now unfolding and believe that the Mayor and his accusers will have their fair hearing. We are not here to determine guilt or innocence. However, in the best interest of the city, the San Diego County Democratic Party has voted to ask Mayor Filner to step down, seek the personal help that he needs, and allow San Diego to move forward."

DEMOCRATS FOR EQUALITY STATEMENT CALLING FOR THE IMMEDIATE RESIGNATION OF MAYOR FILNER

The San Diego Democrats for Equality, after hearing the credible public testimony of a number of women, who have described multiple acts of sexual harassment and abuse of power in the workplace by Mayor Bob Filner, voted 34 - 4 at its July 25 meeting to censure Mayor Filner and demand his immediate resignation from public office. At this point anything less than resignation holds hostage the business of the City and the needs of its residents.

Abuse of power at any level of government by any elected official regardless of their political affiliation is unacceptable and a betrayal of the public's trust. The Democrats for Equality consider Mayor Filner incapable at this point in time of conducting the people's business in a manner commensurate with his role as an elected official. We support the San Diego LGBT Community Center in its call for the leaders of  the City of San Diego, "to take any and all appropriate steps on behalf of the women who have reported being harassed, intimidated and/or blatantly disrespected by Mayor Bob Filner."

The San Diego Democrats for Equality believe that any public official who undermines the dignity and self-worth of anyone has no rightful place in political leadership. We support the advancement of women in all areas of society and expect, at the very least, the fair and equitable treatment of women in every aspect of public life.

Democrats for Equality will now seek to support a candidate that upholds these principles and who is committed to a fair and equitable distribution of City resources for all of its citizens.

The mission of the San Diego Democrats for Equality is  to secure for all gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people the equal human rights guaranteed to all citizens by the Constitution of the United States; to foster the ideals of the Democratic Party; and to contribute to the Party's growth and influence.

STATEMENT OF ASSEMBLY MAJORITY LEADER ON DECISION BY SAN DIEGO DEMOCRATIC PARTY TO CALL ON MAYOR BOB FILNER TO RESIGN

I applaud the members of the County Democratic Party for making what I know must have been a painfully difficult decision.  San Diego’s Democrats are Mayor Filner’s victims, too.  He has forced us to choose between a woman’s right to work for or do business with the City without fear of unwanted sexual advances and the progressive vision for our city that caused us to support his election in the first place.

Unfortunately, the Mayor is now doing more harm than good to that vision and there is no effective mechanism other than his resignation to remove him from office without further tearing the city apart.  Having spoken with several of the victims personally, and in light of today's stunning revelations from prominent San Diego women, I continue to stand with the women who have been victimized by the mayor.

This is a critical time for San Diego and I will remain actively engaged in protecting the City's interests at the state level and in ensuring our communities are taken care of.

San Diego County Democratic Party Calls on Mayor Bob Filner to Step Down

The San Diego County Democratic Central Committee this evening held its second special meeting in a week to discuss the allegations against San Diego Mayor Bob Filner. Since the last meeting, multiple women have come forward publicly with specific claims of harassment, including one who has filed legal charges. Tonight, 34 members supported a motion for Filner to step down; 6 voted against. Chair Francine Busby has issued the following statement:

"With heavy hearts but clear minds, the members of the San Diego County Democratic Central Committee met this evening. We affirm our commitment to a vision of San Diego as a city of diverse, vibrant communities where every neighborhood is a priority; every man, woman, and child is treated with respect; and quality public services enhance the lives of all San Diegans. As Democrats, we are committed to making that vision a reality.

"We have listened to Democrats with strongly held views on all sides of the controversy that has arisen in the past two weeks. The one thing those Democrats have in common is that they continue to support the progressive agenda that we elected Mayor Filner to champion.

"We respect the legal process that is now unfolding and believe that the Mayor and his accusers will have their fair hearing. We are not here to determine guilt or innocence. However, in the best interest of the city, the San Diego County Democratic Party has voted to ask Mayor Filner to step down, seek the personal help that he needs, and allow San Diego to move forward."

STATEMENT OF ASSEMBLY MAJORITY LEADER TONI ATKINS ON FILING OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT SUIT AGAINST SAN DIEGO MAYOR BOB FILNER

Irene McCormack, who today sued Mayor Bob Filner for sexual harassment, is a respected professional in our community.  I applaud her bravery in coming forward.

I want to encourage any other woman who believes she has been harassed by the Mayor to report their complaints to the hotline established by the San Diego County Sheriff at 619-481-0220.  In addition, any woman who needs assistance and support with sexual harassment or assault can get help from the Center for Community Solutions at their 24-hour crisis hotline at 1-888-385-4657.

Statement by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Against San Diego County Clerk’s Lawsuit Challenging Same-Sex Marriage in California

SAN DIEGO – (Friday, July 19, 2013) – California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) made the following statement in response to San Diego County Clerk-Assessor-Recorder Ernie Dronenburg’s lawsuit challenging the State of California’s order to county clerks to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

“The Courts have spoken strongly and the State of California has acted swiftly in ensuring the people will never again be discriminated against when it comes to the right of marriage equality. Mr. Dronenburg should reconsider this hurtful lawsuit and walk away from it.

“The lawsuit filed by our County clerk is an affront to residents of San Diego County who have waited too long for their equal rights to marry the one they love.

“We appreciate the clarification from County officials that this is not the official position of the County of San Diego or the Board of Supervisors but rather the action of one rogue official whose duty is to administer the law of the land, not turn back the clock on our residents’ civil rights.”

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

VIDEO: Carl DeMaio’s Unwelcome Reception at San Diego Pride

Parades are usually fun events with cheering crowds and smiling participants, but not for Carl DeMaio at last year’s San Diego Pride Parade. While DeMaio marched in the LGBT community’s largest celebration, crowds booed to let him know that his refusal to stand up for fundamental rights was completely unacceptable.

To see just what kind of reception DeMaio received, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee released a video of recordings from last year’s Pride Parade.
 
 “It’s no surprise that the LGBT community aggressively booed Carl DeMaio,” said Matt Inzeo of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “LGBT Americans have fought hard to gain full equality, but Carl DeMaio has repeatedly refused to join in that struggle. With full equality within reach but requiring more work, Carl DeMaio is the absolute wrong person to look to for help.”

BACKGROUND

Promised Gay Rights Would Not be a Priority for Him. In 2012, during his mayoral campaign, DeMaio “repeatedly insisted that gay rights will not be a priority for him as Mayor.” [Associated Press, 11/06/12]

Accepted Campaign Contributions from Backers of Proposition 8. In 2012, during his mayoral bid, DeMaio accepted campaign contributions and support from backers of Proposition 8, the 2008 initiative that banned same-sex marriage in California. [San Diego Union-Tribune, 9/19/12]

DeMaio Accepted Campaign Money and Endorsements from Anti-Gay Rights Activists. In 2012, DeMaio accepted campaign money and endorsements from anti-gay activists including Charles LiMandri, an attorney for the National Organization of Marriage in California Proposition 8 battles, Roger Hedgecock, a public voice against gay rights, and Brian Caster, one of the biggest donors to California Proposition 8. [San Diego CityBeat, 5/21/12]

Booed at Various LGBT Events During Mayoral Campaign. In 2012, “during the mayoral campaign, DeMaio has been booed at various LGBT-centric events, including a mayoral debate in Hillcrest, a rainbow flag-raising ceremony for the community and the annual Pride parade in which he walked alongside his longtime partner.” [San Diego Union-Tribune, 9/19/12] 

Governor signs measure to grant local lifeguards same benefits as other public safety employees

Block’s SB 527 earns bipartisan support

SACRAMENTO—San Diego’s fulltime lifeguards will receive the same workers’ compensation benefits as other public safety employees under a bill signed today by Gov. Jerry Brown.

SB 527, authored by Senator Marty Block (D-San Diego), would ensure that the approximately 90 lifeguards employed by the City of San Diego would receive enhanced compensation for injuries sustained while on the job. The law will take effect Jan. 1, 2014.

“Lifeguards frequently perform tasks similar to police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians. They also suffer injuries from difficult water and coastal cliff rescues and perform hazardous duties such as making arrests,” Block said. “Our lifeguards help ensure that beach goers and tourists can enjoy our beautiful coastline with a sense of security.”

Block said lifeguards perform 4,000 to 6,000 water rescues and 40 to70 cliff rescues on an annual basis, along with other duties such as enforcing State Fish and Game laws and interacting with Homeland Security to protect coastal areas.

While lifeguards are classified as police officers, firefighters and EMTs, their disability benefits mirror that of non-safety employees. Other injured public safety employees receive a leave of absence of up to one year without loss of salary. City lifeguards are excluded from this benefit and receive the temporary disability benefits paid to non-safety employees.

SB 527 was sponsored by the California Teamsters Public Affairs Council and received bipartisan support in both houses.

SDCDP Special Meeting

In light of recent developments, San Diego County Democratic Party Chair Francine Busby has issued the following statement:

"The Party has supported Bob Filner's vision for listening to neighborhoods, celebrating diversity, investing in working families, and embracing progress. San Diegans voted for him because of his vision."

"However, sexual harrasment is unacceptable at any level of government or workplace."

"Given that we've learned a few specifics regarding this matter, my next step is to convene an special meeting of the San Diego County Democratic Central Committee to address this issue."

"I have heard from many of our constituents about their concerns that this scandal is drawing attention away from the important issues our city faces. Our priority is to ensure that the Office of the Mayor is leading San Diego effectively."

DEMOCRATS FOR EQUALITY STATEMENT REGARDING ACCUSATIONS OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT BY MAYOR FILNER

San Diego Democrats for Equality has a history of fighting for and defending issues and candidates who protect the rights of women and all workers on the job. We support and defend a woman's right to choose and the empowerment of women, and we actively promote qualified political candidates, including female and LGBT candidates, who support our mission and platform.

Like many San Diegans, we were alarmed by the third party public accusations of sexual harassment concerning our mayor. Mayor Filner's response this afternoon includes an open admission to having "failed to fully respect the women who work for me and with me, and that at times I have intimidated them." These behaviors stand in direct conflict with the values of Democrats for Equality. We are deeply disappointed in the mayor's behavior and saddened that any employee under his leadership received such inappropriate treatment.

The actions that the mayor announced to address these issues are necessary first steps. Over the years our club has seen the ability of a number of elected officials to transform the way in which they treat issues and constituents. This experience confirms our belief that individuals do possess the capacity for change and we expect no less from Mayor Filner.


The mission of the San Diego Democrats for Equality is  to secure for all gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people the equal human rights guaranteed to all citizens by the Constitution of the United States; to foster the ideals of the Democratic Party; and to contribute to the Party's growth and influence.

Statement on Harassment Allegations Against Mayor Filner

Several media outlets today reported on sexual harassment allegations against San Diego Mayor Bob Filner that are due to be detailed in a press conference tomorrow. In the absence of more information, San Diego County Democratic Party Chair Francine Busby has issued the following statement:

"The San Diego County Democratic Party has learned today about harassment claims involving Mayor Bob Filner. I take allegations of sexual harassment very seriously, as does the Democratic Party.

"The information currently available about these claims is not specific, and key questions remain to be answered both by Mayor Filner and those leveling these charges.

"In the meantime, we join other San Diegans in seeking more details and awaiting the Mayor's response."

KNSJ Radio Provides Prompt Wildfire Service Alert for Chariot Canyon Fire; Wastes no time stepping up to serve the community

SAN DIEGO – KNSJ 89.1 FM Descanso, San Diego County’s newest 5 day old FM radio station, wasted no time showing other local media outlets what prompt coverage looks like, being one of the first sources to report on the Chariot Canyon Fire that began burning near Julian around 1:00 pm Sat, July 6. By 1:30 pm, KNSJ and their news partner East County Magazine (operator of the Viejas Wildfire and Emergency Alerts) broadcasted a wildfire alert over the airwaves warning East County residents of the (at that time only 50 acre) fire burning in the area, and posted an article on the ECM website http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/13560

KNSJ reporters were on the scene Sunday afternoon and evening following the situation closely and will continue coverage of the Chariot Canyon Fire Monday, July 8 at 8 am in the KNSJ morning news show and through out the day as needed.  With temporary closures on the Sunrise Highway, mandatory evacuations, and the wind changing the direction of the fire in minutes, KNSJ’s prompt and continuous detailed coverage of the Chariot Canyon Fire provides pertinent and timely information to keep residents near the fire safe and calm in a tumultuous situation.  

The fire spread to 1,400 acres by 8:45 am Sunday, with mandatory evacuations called by 12:30 pm, yet most local media outlets were still not covering the fire until later Sunday afternoon.  Not even the free San Diego County emergency phone app  was updated with the news as of 1:30 pm Sunday, when the fire was nearing 1,700 acres. As of 4:30 am Monday the emergency app says the last update is from 1:11 pm Sunday, and gives outdated information about the closure of Sunrise Highway and one of the evacuation sites.  The KNSJ Radio wildfire and emergency alerts provides a new public service that San Diego residents can rely on for accurate and up to date information during wildfires and other emergencies.

About KNSJ Radio
KNSJ Radio 89.1 FM Descanso is a listener-supported, community-based, educational radio station of, by and for the richly diverse people in the San Diego border region.  The mission of KNSJ is to provide high quality radio for those people and viewpoints which have traditionally been excluded by the commercial media, especially those cultural, ethnic and social groups who have been historically marginalized.

Initial tests of the KNSJ Descanso signal received reports of various signal strengths heard in Mission Valley, Hillcrest, Balboa Park, Kensington, Kearny Mesa, City College, Little Italy, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, Golden Hills, City Heights, Sierra Mesa, Rolando, SDSU, Barrio Logan, Pine Valley, Alpine, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Mt Helix, Santee, Jamul, Rancho San Diego, Casa de Oro, National City at 8th St. to Chula Vista at H St., in Chula Vista along I-5, near 10th Ave and the 163, at the downtown airport, on the east side of the Pt. Loma hill, on I-805 in Chula Vista to the 94, on I-805 at Market Street, on 6th Ave through Banker’s Hill, on the I-15 at Miramar and Aero Drive, on Route 52 from the I-15 to I-5, on the I-5 S-curve, on the Coronado Bridge,  and on the125 north to Grossmont College

Statement of California Democratic Party Chairman John Burton on Walmart Retaliation Against Organizers of “Our Walmart” Campaign

We have recently learned that Barbara “Collins” Andridge, a Placerville, California resident, mother, and organizer with the “Our Walmart” campaign was fired from her job after being an employee of the company for more than eight years.

California Democrats had the honor to hear Barbara Collins speak at our state convention earlier this year and her story served as both an inspiration and a reminder of why we all do the work that we do. Video of Barbara’s convention speech can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAbGW0JYJF4

We have every reason to believe Barbara was fired because she and her co-workers have become a voice for basic fairness and dignity in a workplace that only seems to value their shareholders’ bottom line.

Employees like Barbara and her co-workers have a right to speak out, to advocate, to organize, without fear of employer retribution.

We call on Walmart management to immediately reverse course and reinstate Barabara and the 15 other Walmart employees that have been fired for taking part in the “Our Walmart” campaign.

Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Names Tony Stewart “District 80 Veteran of the Year”

Chula Vista Veterans Leader Honored This Week in Sacramento for Outstanding Service to Veterans and Returning Military

SACRAMENTO – (Friday, June 28, 2013) – California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) named Chula Vista resident Anthony “Tony” Stewart the “District 80 Veteran of the Year” this week, honoring him for his tireless community service and leadership in developing innovative programs for returning military and their families.

“Ensuring our returning military heroes are afforded the dignity and respect of the services, benefits and support they need is a major priority for San Diego County and Tony has worked relentlessly to make these connections for South Bay’s veterans community,” Assemblywoman Gonzalez said.  “Our region is fortunate to have someone with Tony’s energy and tenacity working on the behalf of veterans and their families.”

Mr. Stewart and other veterans leaders around California were honored at the Assembly Committee on Veterans’ Affairs’ 6th Annual Veterans Recognition Luncheon in Sacramento on Wednesday.

Mr. Stewart is a strong advocate and leader in today’s community service and veterans related causes. Shortly after military service, he worked as a Veterans Service Representative for the Veterans Benefit Administration of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He has served as Post Commander of American Legion Post 434 in Chula Vista at a time when Post 434 has been presented with Top Honors by the California American Legion Convention for its community service and youth programs. Mr. Stewart was honored as the City of Chula Vista’s Veteran of the Year in 2011-12 and 2012-13 and served as Master of Ceremonies for the 2010 Chula Vista Veterans Day celebration. Mr. Stewart is also an avid volunteer and supporter for the Operation Comfort Workers, Wounded Warriors program at Balboa Park’s Naval Hospital, and the Veterans Village of San Diego. He currently serves as a founding member of United States Submarine Veterans and as a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2111 and Fleet Reserve Association Branch 61, both based in Chula Vista.

Mr. Stewart served in the United States Navy from 1987 to 2007, joining the Navy at the age of 19 to serve in the Navy’s Submarine Force. During a distinguished 20 year period, he served onboard four of the Navy’s submarines and three submarine support squadrons during a career in which he moved up the ranks quickly and received nine Navy Achievement Medals, two Navy Commendation Medals, and various campaigns ribbons and medals for professional achievement above and beyond the call of duty.

Mr. Stewart resides in Chula Vista and is the proud father of four daughters and six grandsons. He currently works for the United States Navy as Administrative Officer for Naval Special Warfare Basic Training Command leading the administrative support services department supporting the mission of training future Sea, Air, and Land (SEAL) Special Warfare Operators and Special Warfare Combatant-Crewman (SWCC) Special Boat Operators.

EQUALITY FOR ALL COUPLES IS THE LAW

 

Statement of Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins on Today’s Marriage Equality Rulings

Today, equality for same sex couples became the law of the land for California and the other twelve states that have chosen marriage equality.  It is a great day to be a Californian and a great day to be an American.

Five years ago, almost to the day, our “Summer of Love” began.  For four months in 2008, gay and lesbian couples in California could marry the person they loved and enjoy all the dignity and respect that a legal marriage confers.  But then Proposition 8 took that right from us.  Today, the United States Supreme Court gave it back.

For five long years since the passage of Prop 8, gay and lesbian Californians have had to live with the stigma that their relationships weren’t considered as good as those of heterosexual couples.  For couples married in the other states with marriage equality, the federal government has denied same sex couples more than one thousand important federal benefits.

The Supreme Court has now rejected that notion of second class status and recognized that the federal government should not block gay and lesbian Americans from committing their lives to the person they love and have that commitment respected by society.

As one of the 18,000 couples who were able to marry before the passage of Prop 8, I personally know how important both of today’s rulings are.

Certain rights are fundamental and cannot be taken away at the ballot box.  This is one of the self-evident truths of the American system. I have always believed in the essential fairness of the American people and in the promise of equality that is embedded in the U.S. Constitution. In poll after poll, a majority of Californians say they support marriage equality.  Today’s Supreme Court ruling brings that belief closer to reality. Now we must work to establish equality throughout the nation.

Until then, at least in California, let the weddings begin!

Block: ‘Celebrate wedding bells and bells of liberty’

Sacramento – State Senator Marty Block issued the following statement today upon the U.S. Supreme Court decisions in two cases involving same-sex marriage:

“At long last, loving and committed partners of the same sex can celebrate both wedding bells and the bells of liberty.

“Martin Luther King Jr. correctly foretold the history of civil rights in our country when he observed, ‘The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.’”

Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Cheers Supreme Court Decisions on Marriage Equality Cases

SACRAMENTO – (Wednesday, June 26, 2013) – California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) made the following statement today in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decisions to strike down the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and to reject the appeal by proponents of Proposition 8 in California:

“Equality has rarely been achieved easily, but it's a value Americans know is worth fighting for. I am elated to know that same-sex couples now have the opportunity to marry and look forward to celebrating with friends who are no longer legally barred from pursuing their own happiness, regardless of who they love. Today is a great day to celebrate a renewed commitment to equal treatment and respect of one another, but I pledge to defend equal rights for all people as the injustice created by inequality still persists in many corners of our society.”

A Tale of Two Mayors (and Two City Attorneys)

Its been awhile since I posted to this site, but I'd like to talk about a special relationship that's brewing Downtown - the relationship between Mayor Bob Filner and City Attorney Jan Goldsmith.  To call it frosty would be an understatement.  We're pretty much in open warfare.

Now, this breakdown in the relationship is both ironic and completely not surprising.  Let's start with the not surprising part.  Jan Goldsmith is a conservative Republican who's been part of the San Diego Downtown establishment for many years.  According to this wikipedia page, Goldsmith is the former mayor of Poway, who then went to the State Assembly (where he worked to legalize ferrets and sounds like he did good for juvenile justice), and then after failing a bid to become the State Treasurer, was a judge for nine and a half years.  Given all of this, you can tell that Goldsmith is part of the old boys network that ran San Diego for years.

Bob Filner, meanwhile, is a liberal Democrat.  In the 1960's, he was a Freedom Rider, then became a history professor at San Diego State.  From there, he successfully ran for School Board of San Diego City Schools (also known as San Diego Unified School District), and then was elected to Congress in 1993, a position he held until December of 2012.  In contrast to Goldsmith, Filner's base of support has been from Labor Unions, the Democratic Party, and other progressive groups.  These groups have largely been out of power in San Diego.  So, Filner represents the new power base in San Diego, and Goldsmith represents the old.  Which is pretty much why there was bound to be a conflict.

But here's the ironic part of the conflict - Goldsmith ran for City Attorney in 2008 on the basis that he got along with the Mayor and City Council.  At the time, as some of you may remember, Mike Aguirre was City Attorney, and Mike believed that the City Attorney should be an independent voice for the people of San Diego, and fight against special interests and corruption.  Of course, Mike was exceptionally undiplomatic about his efforts, as is his wont.*  Goldsmith, meanwhile, ran on the vision that the City Attorney should act as the attorney to the Mayor and City Council and provide both with good legal advice.  Naturally, at the time, Jerry Sanders (Republican, but generally good guy) was Mayor.

Fast forward four years, and suddenly its Jan Goldsmith holding press conferences attacking the Mayor's office of improprieties in the same way that Mike Aguirre used to do.  Only this time, its a Republican City Attorney attacking a Democratic Mayor, rather than a Democratic City Attorney attacking a Republican Mayor.

Of course, since Goldsmith has ties to the old boys' network that is used to running things in San Diego, there are editorials by the Union Tribune attacking Filner for being, essentially, the asshole in the argument.  And make no mistake, Filner is kind of an asshole.  The thing is, everyone knows this.  It was an issue during the campaign (in sort of a kettle meets pot kind of a hit piece by Carl DeMaio).  Its been an issue in other campaigns.  So everyone knows Filner is an asshole, and for the most part, we're all okay with it.  Better to have an asshole who gets things done than a nice guy who doesn't.  This too has lead to awesomeness, such as when Filner interrupted one of Goldsmith's press conferences.

But for all of his faults, Filner is getting a lot done.  He renegotiated the City's leases, saving taxpayers millions of dollars, he figured out how to clean the guano from La Jolla Shores (we think), and he figured out how to close Plaza de Panama to parking.  These were all issues that dogged the City for years.  At the end of the day, will the public side with Filner or Goldsmith?  I honestly don't know. 

*Editor's Note - Given San Diego was called "Enron by the Sea" when Aguirre was first elected, Aguirre wasn't exactly wrong about being undiplomatic. 

MAJORITY LEADER TOP SUSHI ROLLER IN THE CAPITOL

(Sacramento)  Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins today won the coveted samurai sword top honors at the Capitol Rollers sushi making competition at the Circle of Life reception, sponsored by the California Rice Commission.  Atkins’ winning entry was a California Roll.

“This event was great fun and I am looking forward to displaying the samurai sword,” says Atkins.  “Even more important is the spotlight this event puts on California’s rice farmers, who provide an important staple in our diet and whose product is part of virtually every piece of sushi made in the U.S.”

The Circle of Life reception celebrates California rice, which generates $1.8 billion each year for California’s economy and provides habitat for 230 wildlife species.

Atkins’ signature headgear gets her in the right mood
for creating a prize-winning California Roll