Copy Cat Carl DeMaio Caught Again

DeMaio falsely published names of Peters supporters
as his own just weeks after he was caught plagiarizing

San Diego - Carl DeMaio's campaign has once again stumbled in the desperate pursuit of headlines, falsely listing strong Scott Peters supporters as members of DeMaio's "Middle Class Democrats and Independents Coalition."

The Peters campaign has identified at least five Peters supporters, some of them active campaign volunteers, who were included incorrectly and without permission on DeMaio's list, unveiled Thursday. Several have since been scrubbed without comment from the online version of the press release after Peters supporters wrote to DeMaio asking to have their names removed.

"It was only two days out of the primary before DeMaio was reduced to making up support from Peters backers to stay in the limelight," said Peters Communications Director Lucas O’Connor. "Carl was always going to have trouble backing up his moderate talk after he built his entire career peddling extreme ideas and appealing to the Tea Party, but faking a supporter list is pretty bad.”

DeMaio's highly-promoted unveiling of his list of supposed supporters also attempts to portray Scott Peters as out of touch, which is particularly ironic since multi-millionaire DeMaio is apparently so out of touch that he didn't even know the difference between Peters supporters and his own.

The latest half-truth comes on the heels of DeMaio plagiarizing of a full National Journal report and brazenly trying to copy Scott Peters' record of success for the district.

DeMaio has historically struggled to build and maintain public support for his agenda. At various points, his ideas have been publicly discredited by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, and the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. He is a one-term City Councilman who cast the lone vote against every one of Republican Mayor Jerry Sanders’ budgets because they weren't extreme enough. And he has the distinction of being the only member of his City Council to never be selected by his colleagues to chair a Committee. He ran for Mayor in 2012, and lost to Bob Filner after outspending Filner 3-1.

Statement of California Democratic Party Chairman John Burton on Dick Cheney’s Recent Comments Disparaging President Obama’s Leadership

I was somewhat stunned by the comments of former Vice President Dick Cheney, a man who refused to serve his country during the Vietnam War by getting five draft deferments. It takes a lot of guts for a draft evader to call President Obama a weak president.

Mr. Cheney would do well to practice a little more self awareness before denigrating President Obama’s commitment to our national defense or our nation’s armed forces.

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Vote! Now! DO IT!!!

Senate approves Block measure allowing community colleges to offer four year degrees

Senate approves SB 850 on bipartisan 34-0 vote

California’s state senate today by a 34-0 vote approved a bill aimed at closing California’s job skills gap by allowing community colleges to offer four-year degrees where a local workforce need can be documented.

Senator Marty Block (SD-39), who authored SB 850, described his measure as a jobs bill. “California has a workforce skills gap,” Block said. “By 2025 our state will need one million more adults with four-year degrees. We need to use all of California’s resources – including our community colleges – to close that gap.” He added that more than 20 states since 1970 already allow community colleges to offer baccalaureate degrees.

Block’s proposal is a pilot program that would allow 15 campuses from 15 different districts to offer one baccalaureate degree each starting Jan.1, 2015 and ending in July 1, 2023. Programs would begin no later than the 2017-18 academic year.

Baccalaureate degrees offered at the chosen campuses could not be duplicative of degrees offered by the University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU) campuses. “It will be value added, not duplicative,” Block said. The state’s community college Board of Governors and Chancellor in consultation with the UC and CSU systems would select the participating districts and campuses.

Participating districts would also be required to submit a report to the Chancellor that examines the program’s success including:
    •    Percentage of students completing the baccalaureate degree,
    •    Fiscal self-sustainability of the pilot program,
    •    Difficulty in finding and paying instructors for the program,
    •    Decline in enrollments at the public campuses in the regions served by the district as a result of the pilot program, and
    •    Number of students who received jobs in the field of study of their baccalaureate degree.

Block introduced SB 850 in January, and it is the third time he has introduced similar legislation.

Previous attempts included:
    •    AB 661 in 2011 which would have allowed Grossmont-Cuyamaca and the San Mateo Community College Districts to offer one baccalaureate pilot degree per campus. It was held on the inactive file on the Assembly Floor.

    •    AB 2400 in 2010 which would have authorized the San Diego, Grossmont-Cuyamaca and San Mateo districts to establish baccalaureate degree pilot programs. It was held in the Assembly Higher Education Committee.

“We’re in a different time now,” Block said to explain why he believes his third attempt will succeed. “California is in a better position now to invest in closing our skills gap. We are in a fast-paced race that we can’t afford to lose. Community colleges can help us meet the challenge. It’s wishful thinking to believe we can meet the challenge of producing another 60,000 bachelor degrees a year without using community colleges, and the longer we delay in using them, the further behind we will fall.”

This bill does not change the mission of community colleges to provide workforce training. It is merely responsive to a change in industry standards that now requires bachelor’s degrees as a preparation for entry into the workforce in many fields that once required only two-year degrees.

SB 850 is supported by veterans and business organizations as well as numerous community college districts. Supporters include AMVETS, American Legion, the California State Commanders Veterans Council, the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers and at least 13 community college districts including those in San Diego, Los Angeles, Napa, and Imperial Counties. Business supporters include CalChamber, the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and the San Jose Silicon Valley and Oceanside Chambers of Commerce.

Block’s measure has received bipartisan support in the Senate and no “NO” votes in any committees.

Block is chair of the Senate Budget Subcommittee #1 which deals with education financing and is a member of the Senate Education Committee. Prior to Block’s election to the Legislature, he served as president of the San Diego Community College District and as a professor and administrator at San Diego State University.

County Forum Concludes Not Enough Known About Fracking

More Research Needed to Better Assess Impact of Fracking in California

By Bob Braaton

Tuesday, May 28, 2014 --County Supervisor Dave Roberts' forum on fracking Wednesday presented the San Diego community plenty of information on fracking, but in the end most agreed not enough research has been done on the unique exposure to risk faced by California with this controversial oil and gas extraction technology.

Roberts said fracking was brought to his attention by constituents and that he is in the process of researching it.  "I'm hosting this forum because I listen," he said.

The forum included a panel of experts including: Damon Nagami, senior attorney and director of the Southern California Ecosystems Project for the Natural Resources Defense Council, Ken Weinberg, Director of Water Resources, San Diego County Water Authority, and David Nylander of Noble Americas Energy Solutions and Matt Weidlin, California Certified Hydrologist.

Current water use for fracking in California is small compared to overall water usage, according to Ken Weinberg, Director of Water Resources.  However, he noted as fracking is developed that usage could increase and regulatory protection was vital for our community.

Damon Nagami of the National Resource Defense Council said fracking presented numerous dangers to our water and air quality, wildlife habitat, environment and public health. He noted that at the present time there are 31 registered oil and gas wells in San Diego county.

Warning against a moratorium on fracking, David Nylander of Nobel American Energy solutions, said it could increase prices of natural gas, which in turn has a domino effect on not only gas and electricity, but the cost of water as well.

Matt Weidlin, the hydrologist, informed the audience about the geological nature of the formational rock that is being drilled and how that might affect the migration of the drilling chemicals into ground water.    He noted it has to be carefully monitored.

Following the presentations, discussions between the panelists and the public at the event centered around technical aspects relating to fracking in California. What became apparent during the discussion is that there is insufficient information about fracking due to a lack of scientific studies on the subject, relative to California.  

Peg Mitchell, a spokesperson for SanDiego350 and Citizens Climate Lobby, said that the discussions from the forum strongly suggest we need a moratorium on fracking to obtain the proper knowledge to determine what the impact of fracking will be on our water, air, environment and general health.   She said this supports SB 1132, a fracking moratorium bill, which is being voted on this week in the State Senate.

Fracking is a mining technique in which water is mixed with sand and chemicals and the mixture is injected at high pressure into the well.  Up to five million gallons are needed to drill each well and the water is not salvagable due to its chemicals.  The current dump method is to pump it back in the ground, under the water table.


SanDiego350.org, an all-volunteer organization, is concerned about climate change and its very real effects on our livelihoods, well-being, and the future for our children. We work to increase awareness of climate change and advocate for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We are loosely affiliated with 350.org, the international climate organization, whose work inspires us.  For general media inquiries, please contact Jeffrey Meyer, ashworthmeyer@gmail.com

Zapf's Petty Nature

Councilmember Lorie Zapf, who has yet to win an election on her own (needs developer money for the cash she can't raise and and electeds - DeMaio last time and Fauconer this time - to do the heavy lifting with the Republican base that she can't),  has been know to have a petty nature.

This is the most blatant example:

Above is an image of a Proclamation from the City of San Diego honoring the outgoing head of the firefighters, Frank DeClerq, for his years of service. As you can see, it was making the rounds for signatures from councilmembers and Zapf's office has crossed her name out.

Why? Our guess is because the firefighters have endorsed her opponent, Sarah Boot, for District 2.

A picture speaks a thousand words. To try and score political points over years of non-partisan public service shows how petty Zapf has become.

Leave the Jr. high school actions in the past. And if you can't grow up, maybe you shouldn't be allowed to lead.

San Diego deserves better.

National Brady Campaign Endorses Scott Peters for Congress

Record of leadership earns backing of nation's leading gun violence prevention organization

San Diego – The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence announced today its endorsement of Congressman Scott Peters for reelection in California's 52nd Congressional District.

"We are proud to endorse Congressman Scott Peters, who has immediately established himself as a leader in Congress on gun violence prevention,” said Dan Gross, President, Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. “As a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, he is a co-sponsor of critical legislation like H.R. 1565, legislation that would expand Brady background checks to gun sales made online and at gun shows. Scott Peters has shown he can be counted on as an advocate for smart policy that respects basic rights while reducing the threat of gun violence in our communities."

"The tragic Newtown shooting occurred shortly after my election, and this past week, we were once again shaken by the horrific violence of the Isla Vista shooting spree. I urged a comprehensive, common-sense approach to reducing gun violence as one of my first acts in Congress, and I remain absolutely committed to achieving real reforms," said Rep. Peters.

"I'm proud to have the support of the Brady Campaign as we continue working in Congress to finish the job and expand Brady background checks to keep dangerous people like felons and domestic abusers away from guns. We need to do more to improve mental health awareness and treatment, and ensure that local law enforcement has the resources to keep our communities safe," he added.

The mission of the Brady organization is to create a safer America that will lead to a dramatic reduction in gun deaths and injuries.

Scott Peters is a freshman member of Congress, elected in 2012. He is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. Scott Peters is the only candidate in the race with a demonstrated track record of working across party lines to get things done. In addition to public safety, Peters is endorsed by worker advocates, women’s rights groups, and national environmental organizations. He is also backed by some of San Diego’s most prominent Republican business leaders, including five former Chairmen of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.

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Rep. Peters Votes for Increased Veterans Administration Accountability

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 4031, the “Department of Veterans Affairs Management Accountability Act,” which gives the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) more flexibility over the employment status of senior level officials. This measure provides accountability for the leadership responsible for the type of mismanagement uncovered recently at the VA facility in Phoenix.


“One of the most important jobs of Congress is to honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans by providing oversight over the Department of Veterans Affairs. Too often the VA is failing to keep our nation’s promise to veterans and their families, as was evidenced again recently by reprehensible mismanagement at the Phoenix VA facility. Thankfully, San Diego’s VA centers have performed better than most and the backlog of benefits claims has been significantly reduced in our region.

“As more servicemembers come home from tours abroad and return to civilian life, the burden on VA facilities and administrators will increase. Congress must provide the resources necessary for the VA to handle this increased load so that our veterans get the service they expect and deserve.”

Congressman Peters serves the 52nd District of California which covers much of central San Diego County including Poway, Coronado, and large portions of the City of San Diego.  He is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Science, Space, & Technology.  He was named the fourth most independent Democrat by National Journal last year. The Congressman is a former environmental attorney, City Council President, and Port Commission Chairman.

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Congressman Peters Pushes NSA Reforms Forward

NOTE: This was on a 3 day delay (House Rules)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 3361, the “USA Freedom Act,” which modifies the authority of the National Security Agency (NSA) by ending its ability to collect and hold telephone metadata and other bulk data:

“Protecting our country is increasingly difficult and finding the right tools for our intelligence community to combat these threats has proved elusive in recent years. This bill is a bipartisan endeavor and is a step in the right direction. It makes significant advances toward protecting the privacy of American citizens by placing real, effective restrictions on government collection of data while putting reasonable burdens on the NSA before they can request information.”

The bill, which passed the House of Representatives 303-121, in addition to ending the NSA’s collection and storage of telephone metadata, requires the agency to get case-by-case approval from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance (FISA) Court before requesting information and data. This proposal codifies the proposal put forth by President Obama earlier this spring and is the result of bipartisan discussions in Congress.

Congressman Peters serves the 52nd District of California which covers much of central San Diego County including Poway, Coronado, and large portions of the City of San Diego.  He is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Science, Space, & Technology.  He was named the fourth most independent Democrat by National Journal last year. The Congressman is a former environmental attorney, City Council President, and Port Commission Chairman.

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Public Safety Groups Endorse Scott Peters for Re-Election to Congress

Peters is the candidate first responders trust to keep San Diego safe 

San Diego – Representatives of San Diego's lifeguards, fire fighters, and police officers came together today to announce their endorsement of Scott Peters for re-election to the 52nd Congressional District. With a record of supporting Republicans, Independents and Democrats, the organizations representing San Diego's first responders are united in their endorsement of Peters. Most recently, the San Diego Police Officers Association endorsed Kevin Faulconer for Mayor.

"While residents were being evacuated away from the flames last week, our firefighters were running head on into them to protect our homes, our families, and our businesses,” said Peters. “Every year our brave police officers are killed in the line of duty, and our lifeguards, too, put themselves at risk to save others along our coastline. I could not be more proud to stand with public safety today and to have their support.”

"Time and time again, Scott Peters has proven he is a leader law enforcement can rely on,” said Brian Marvel, President of the San Diego Police Officers Association. "In contrast, we were reminded during Peace Officers Memorial Week that Carl DeMaio voted against death benefits for the widows and orphans of officers killed in the line duty. This isn’t just about his votes against public safety; it speaks to his character. Carl DeMaio does not belong in Congress.”

"Fire fighters and their families know we can count on Scott Peters to give us the tools we need to protect your families and ourselves," said Cory Beckwith, Vice President of the San Diego City Fire Fighters Association. "We also know we can not trust Carl DeMaio. He cares more about political opportunism than about keeping San Diegans safe. San Diego’s fire fighters strongly urge you to vote for Scott Peters for Congress,” said Beckwith.

"Throughout his career, Scott Peters has fought for safe, clean beaches,” sand San Diego lifeguard Lonnie Stephens.  “We're often faced with difficult endorsement decisions, but this one is easy. Scott Peters is the candidate we can rely on as our partner to best protect our beaches and give us the resources we need to protect beachgoers.”

In Congress, Scott Peters cosponsored of the Wildfire Prevention Act, which would allow states to receive more funding from FEMA for wildfire mitigation, which is critical for areas like ours. More recently, Peters authored an amendment to the defense budget, which was adopted yesterday, that prevents the Department of Defense from taking over firefighting efforts and support aircraft currently operated by the California National Guard and the Governor – an action that is critical to local fire fighting efforts.

While on the San Diego City Council, Peters helped increase public safety budgets by 45 percent. The Fire Department was able to add fire fighters, buy new equipment and implement a new brush management program. The increase also helped the Police Department keep more trained officers on the street.

Scott Peters is a freshman member of Congress, elected in 2012. He is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. Scott Peters is the only candidate in the race with a demonstrated track record of working across party lines to get things done. In addition to public safety, Peters is endorsed by worker advocates, women’s rights groups, and national environmental organizations. He is also backed by some of San Diego’s most prominent Republican business leaders, including five former Chairmen of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.

More about Peters' record on public safety can be found here.

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San Diego LGBT Leaders Issue Open Letter In Support of ENDA and Scott Peters for Congress

Call on candidates to clarify position on making ENDA a reality

Today, as we honor the life and work of Harvey Milk, San Diego's LGBT elected leaders issued an open letter emphasizing the importance of strong leadership in passing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.

They laud the strong position taken by Congressman Scott Peters, thank him for his commitment and outspoken advocacy on LGBT Equality, and call on all candidates for Congress to make clear to voters before the June 3 primary election whether they too would fight for ENDA's passage. Peters has called on Speaker John Boehner to let Congress vote on this important civil rights legislation. He is the only candidate in this race who has.

Read the full letter below:


May 22, 2014
Open Letter in Support of ENDA and Scott Peters for Congress

To voters of California's 52nd Congressional District:

In 29 states, it is legal to fire or refuse to hire someone based on their sexual orientation. It is long past time for Congress to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act to guarantee that no one willing to work hard has to risk their job because of who they are.

The need is simple, and so is ENDA. It simply affords to all Americans basic employment protection from discrimination based who they are and who they love. These Americans pay taxes, vote, and contribute to our communities, and should not have to risk their jobs or be denied the ability to provide for their families because of who they are or who they love. ENDA makes sure that all people are treated fairly under the law, including businesses. That is why 90% of Fortune 500 companies have similar non-discrimination policies in place.

There is only one candidate in the race for the 52nd Congressional District who has called on the Speaker of the House to bring ENDA to a vote and who has been an outspoken advocate urging its passage. That candidate is Congressman Scott Peters.

For this, for his long history of standing up for what’s right, we strongly support his re-election. Those seeking to support true equality and represent our community must be leaders, and public support and advocacy for this critical civil rights legislation should be the minimum we expect.

Representative Scott Peters is a co-sponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and has spoken out about its importance in advancing core civil rights on the House floor and in the media. He even published an opinion piece on the editorial page of UT San Diego, whose owner was one of the largest financial backers of Proposition 8.

Voters deserve to know before this primary election whether the other candidates in this race will match Peters' support of ENDA by committing to sign the Discharge Petition and calling on Speaker John Boehner to bring ENDA to a vote on the House floor.

Today, as we honor LGBT pioneer Harvey Milk, we call on all candidates in the race to make their position on ENDA clear prior to June 3, and we recommit our support for Scott Peters for Congress.


Sincerely,

Speaker of the California Assembly Toni Atkins

President, San Diego Unified Board of Education Kevin Beiser

San Diego City Council President Todd Gloria

The Honorable Christine Kehoe

San Diego County Supervisor Dave Roberts

NO LABELS AWARDS THE "PROBLEM SOLVER SEAL OF APPROVAL" Award Recipient California Congressman Scott Peters

Congressman Scott Peters has been awarded the No Labels Problem Solver Seal of Approval by the nonpartisan organization committed to breaking through gridlock and dysfunction to forge collaboration for shared success.

In January 2013, No Labels unveiled the Problem Solvers: a group of Republican, Democrat and Independent House and Senate members who have agreed to meet regularly to build trust across the aisle.

This group is unlike anything that has existed on Capitol Hill, where there is no forum for large groups of Democrats and Republicans to actually meet together to work through problems. The Problem Solvers offers a new way forward. The Problem Solvers are committed to regular across-the-aisle meetings, embracing the new attitude of problem solving and being real leaders.

You can read more here: http://www.nolabels.org/problem-solvers

NO LABELS AWARDS THE "PROBLEM SOLVER SEAL OF APPROVAL"
Award Recipient
California Congressman Scott Peters

Washington, D.C. - No Labels – a national movement dedicated to a new politics of problem solving is proud to announce the next recipient of its "Problem Solver Seal of Approval." Launched last month, this designation is awarded to political candidates seeking public office across the country who have committed to joining the No Labels' congressional coalition of Problem Solvers. These Problem Solvers, if elected, will collaborate with colleagues across the aisle in developing sound policies that support a national strategic agenda based on a set of shared goals.  

This month, No Labels is awarding its Problem Solver Seal of Approval to Congressman Scott Peters, the Democratic candidate in California’'s 52nd district. “We're proud to award the Problem Solver Seal of Approval to Congressman Peters," said Clarine Nardi Riddle, a co-founder of No Labels. "His pragmatic approach to problem solving is a model from which all elected officials and their constituents can learn and benefit.  From job creation to healthcare to energy and the environment, Rep. Peters is steadfast in his effort to forge sensible, bipartisan policies that meet the needs of all Americans.”

Congressman Peters said, "I came to Congress to create policies that deliver results for my district and for the country and the way to do this is by working across the aisle and collaborating with others who have diverse political views. No one person or party can fix our nation's toughest challenges. That's why I'm fully committed to a bipartisan approach; it's the only way to make a real difference for all Americans."

Before being elected to Congress in 2012, Rep. Peters served as San Diego’s first City Council president, where he pursued greater accountability and efficiency in government. He continued on this path during his first term in Congress by helping to pass No Budget, No Pay, one of No Labels’ signature pieces of legislation. Designed to stop Congress from being paid until it passes a budget, Rep. Peters refused to keep his paycheck during the government shutdown and voted to stop Congress from giving itself a raise.

Since 2010, No Labels has worked to forge bipartisan solutions for all Americans, and formalized this commitment in January with the launch of a three-year campaign to create a national strategic agenda. With the release of its e-book, No Labels: A Shared Vision for a Stronger America, No Labels sets out a set of shared goals in four main policy areas: economic growth and job creation, sustainable long-term fiscal policy, Social Security and Medicare, and energy.

As of today, 82 members of Congress have endorsed the idea of a national strategic agenda. For more information about No Labels and its campaign for a national strategic agenda, contact Caroline@NoLabels.org

No Labels is a grassroots movement of Democrats and Republicans dedicated to a new politics of problem solving. The organization has already attracted more than half a million citizens across the country, as well as members of Congress who meet regularly in the only forum for problem solving on Capitol Hill.

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FAKE Minimum Wage Petition in Circulation. Do NOT Sign!

Be careful! The person at the grocery store asking you to sign a minimum wage petition is a fraud! It EXEMPTS 93% of businesses in San Diego and invalidates the REAL Minimum Wage ordinance proposed by Council President Todd Gloria and supported by Raise Up San Diego.

There is no denying that this effort is a "wolf in sheep's clothing" and we ask that you not only avoid signing the petition but to  post on FB or twitter that you 'declined to sign' the measure because it does nothing to help San Diegans make ends meet. We can't let those who oppose a raise in the minimum wage to get away with their lies and deceptive tactics.

Please spread the word!

Speaker Atkins Calls on San Diegans to Say Yes to Propositions B & C to Protect Community Planning

May 16, 2014, LA JOLLA – Today, a coalition of leaders including the Speaker of the Assembly and chairman of the local community planning group gathered in La Jolla, announcing their support of propositions B and C on the June 5 ballot, all warning that the democratic and community process could be threatened if propositions B and C fail.

Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins and La Jolla Community Planning Group Chair Joe LaCava were joined by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez and City Council President Pro Tem Sherri Lightner calling on San Diegans to preserve community planning process and support propositions B and C. Although not in attendance, Senator Marty Block sent his support of the propositions as well.

Speaker Atkins warned that if the shipyard industry gets their way, the results would have city and state-wide implications, setting a dangerous precedent and usurping future community planning efforts.

"I urge voters to say Yes to B and C," said Speaker Atkins. "Say yes to safe and healthy neighborhoods.  Say yes to the democratic process."

At the state level, California relies on the General Plan processes to advance sustainable development goals throughout the state. The existing laws encourage collaborative and comprehensive land-use planning with goals of protecting the environment, maintaining a healthy economy, and ensuring equitable treatment of all people, including the children of San Diego.

"My kids, like all kids in San Diego, deserve to live and play in a neighborhood with clean air. After years and years of planning, Propositions B and C will help keep kids in my community healthy by preventing polluting industries from operating inside our residential neighborhoods,” said Assemblywoman Gonzalez. “It's time San Diego stands up for the health of our children by passing Propositions B and C."

From the state level to here in San Diego, community planning processes are an integral component to achieving the sustainable development goals of the state.

The community planning process is open, inclusive and works to balance the varied needs within a community. To negate the worth of this process through a referendum threatens the state's goals.

Residents and business owners in Barrio Logan, La Jolla and everywhere in between, all depend on the integrity of community participation in dictating how neighborhoods grow.

“I urge all San Diegans to vote ‘yes’ on Propositions B and C this June to support community planning for the health and well being of our families and businesses,” said Council President Pro Tem Lightner.  “By supporting B and C, you are standing with all neighborhoods in San Diego to respect and protect the public planning process in our City.”

Council President Pro Tem Lightner led many community groups and planning efforts before begin elected to the City Council.

LaCava, along with chairing his local community planning group in La Jolla, leads the citywide Community Planners Committee and is a business owner. He knows first-hand, the importance of neighborhood participation in community development.

“We believe that the residents and business owners are best suited to create the right plan to preserve their community and guide its growth,” said LaCava. “This referendum is not about the Barrio Logan Plan it is about the integrity of the community planning process.”

LaCava further explained the implications of the propositions, saying that even though the propositions support the Barrio Logan community, La Jolla could be affected as well.

The location of the press event, at the Cuvier Club, is on the edge of La Jolla’s venerable Cultural Zone. This area was zoned to protect and preserve the churches, museums and other cultural facilities that are in prime locations on the coastline.

Preservation is often at odds with those who’d like to build on the coast, but the community has prevailed in preserving La Jolla's character.

Barrio Logan residents and businesses have decided the priorities for their neighborhood in the same manner that La Jolla residents have.

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YES ON B & C: The San Diego City Council passed a community supported development plan for Barrio Logan that improves the health of neighborhoods and protects San Diego businesses.  Voting “Yes” on B & C will uphold the community’s plan to keep toxics, pollutants, carcinogens, and flammable chemicals, a safe distance away from schools, playgrounds and homes and increases jobs in our city. Protect our children’s health and vote “Yes” on B & C!

For more information, visit www.YesonBandC.com

An Open Email to City Councilmember Lorie Zapf

May 16, 2014 at 9:48am
Ms. Zapf,

Based on the volume of campaign paraphernalia I've received in my mailbox over the last week, I take it that the race for City Council District 2 is now in full swing.  I'm a Clairemont homeowner and a 5-year resident of what is today a part of District 2 (formerly District 6).  I write to express concerns with material I received from your campaign yesterday.

Sarah Boot is a stranger to me, but I couldn't resist feeling sorry for her with the way one of your flyers literally demonized her, using pitchforks instead of bullet points in its characterization of her record.  I also sensed some troubling (and discouragingly ironic) gender undertones with campaign material of yours that seeks to disparage Ms. Boot for being young and ambitious in a way that I can't imagine being done to a male candidate.  But what compelled me to write this email was not the "devilishness" or the implicit gender stereotyping of your flyers.

You see, Ms. Zapf, in addition to being a Clairemont resident, I'm also a proud attorney.  And the way your campaign materials repeatedly refer to "lawyer Sarah Boot," as if the word lawyer is a pejorative or as if Ms. Boot should be ashamed of her career as an Assistant U.S. Attorney (a position I am also fortunate and very proud to have once held) not only reflects your apparent inability to refrain from laying ugly personal attacks on your political opponent, but it denigrates all of us who are members of this noble profession.

I sincerely hope that this will stop, and that your campaign will elect to forego the ad hominem and instead focus on what you believe to be the merits of your candidacy going forward.  In the meantime, I wanted to let you know that your hateful, anti-lawyer campaigning has drawn me into an election as to which I was previously disengaged.  To that effect, I also want to put you (and Ms. Boot's campaign) on notice of the following: for every piece of campaign material of yours that I receive going forward that uses the word "lawyer" as a slur, or that disparages Ms. Boot for her mere status as an attorney, I will be donating $100 to Ms. Boot's campaign (up to any and all applicable limits on donations).


Thank you, and take care,

Doug Brown
[Address Redacted]

Weber Commemorates 60th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education

Poverty and rollback of desegregation policies have resulted in separate and unequal education

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Shirley Weber (D-San Diego) was joined by her legislative colleagues today in commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision on May 17th with Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 140.

On May 17th, 1954 the United States Supreme Court overturned the “separate but equal” doctrine of the 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson decision. The Court concluded that in the field of public education, the doctrine of separate but equal has no place and that separate educational facilities are inherently unequal. Weber also noted that, despite two decades of positive effects on student outcomes from policies emanating from Brown, there have been efforts to rollback desegregation, leaving California students more segregated than ever.

“This was a landmark decision about how we see ourselves as a nation,” Weber said. “Sixty years later, we are again struggling with issues of equality and opportunity.

“My hope is that we don’t let this anniversary deceive us into thinking we’ve completely fulfilled the hopes of Brown,” Weber said. “A UCLA study released yesterday shows that Black and Latino students in California are once again segregated by race and by poverty.”

Weber has been outspoken on the necessity of  mitigating the effects of poverty - malnutrition, inadequate healthcare, and a stressful and chaotic home life that have significant detrimental effects on learning and long-term academic outcomes.

“The 60th Anniversary of Brown is not just about commemoration, but also about commitment,” Weber said. “We need to take this milestone as a reminder to both recommit to integration and inclusion of minorities in our educational institutions and to refocus our efforts on programs that support families and children in their efforts to escape poverty.”

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Symposium on Climate Change Finds Common Ground

Tuesday, May 14, 2014 -- Various community and industry leaders found common ground on the conflictive issue of climate change, at a University of San Diego symposium Tuesday, agreeing that it is important that we act now to avoid the worst affects of global warming.

Speaking at the day long event, sponsored by the San Diego World Affairs Council, local scientists, politicians and industry leaders agreed that the economic costs of not dealing with climate change will only increase over time.

Warning about extreme weather events, fires exacerbated by climate-related drought and rising sea levels around the world caused by global warming, keynote speaker Dr. Ralph Keeling, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, said the world must reduce the burning of fossil fuels by 57 percent in order to stabilize carbon dioxide levels at 450 parts per million.  He noted that we are already at dangerous levels with April readings of 401 ppm that will bring severe climate changes to the world.

U.S. Congressman Scott Peters told the group they cannot wait for gridlocked politicians in Washington D.C. to address climate change, explaining that state and local laws give San Diegans the power to mitigate expected damages from global warming.  Noting the Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act of 2008 and the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, he urged symposium attendees to press state and local officials for compliance with those laws.

"The polarization in Congress over climate change has stopped any kind of legislation.  It has become too politicized and committees that are supposed to work on this issue are stacked with shrill climate deniers who claim it is all a hoax," he explained.

Although renewables were the focus in various panel discussions at the symposium, Chief Nuclear Scientist Robert Schleicher, General Atomics, explained  that new technologies have made nuclear energy much safer.  He noted recent advances by his company, as well as the new Bill Gates funded TerraPower reactor, that can make its own fuel inside the reactor core.  He said the new technologies basically allow spent fuel to be converted into energy.

What is key to dealing with mitigating the worst impacts of climate change is getting other countries on board, according to former Ambassador Reno Harnish, Director of the Center for Environment and National Security, Scripps Institution of Oceanography University of San Diego.  He noted the only way forward is to forge a diplomatic solution, first with China and secondly with India.

"Our biggest concern is political destabilization with flooding of low lying areas and other impacts brought by climate change.  It increases the chance of conflict in many regions of the world," Harnish said. "Extreme events will convince the American people to act now to mitigate damage from climate change."

Closing keynote speaker, Rear Admiral Leendert “Len” Hering Sr. (U.S. Navy, retired), Executive Director of the California Center for Sustainable Energy, noted that San Diego is in the 12th year of a drought and faces a constant threat of fires because of dry conditions. Since it takes three years to recover from each year of drought, he added, it will be three decades before we recover.  Hering is the founder of the largest sustainability business partnership in San Diego County, the San Diego Regional Sustainability Partnership, a consortium of business, government, academic and community organizations promoting practices that support a sustainable future for the region.

The San Diego World Affairs Council is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to educating and engaging San Diegans in global issues, international relations, and cultural understanding.

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HHS Budget Committee Chair Weber Responds to Governor’s Revised Budget Proposal

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Shirley N. Weber (D-San Diego), Chair of the Assembly Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, issued the following statement in response to the Governor’s May Budget Revision:

“We commend the Governor for his commitment to restore the California Dream and to help working families ensure a better future for their children,” Weber said. “However, we’ve identified a number of issues in recent months that still aren’t addressed in his May Revision. Fortunately, the Governor has left room for discussion and we look forward to working with him over the next few weeks as we move toward a budget that balances fiscal restraint with the need to address the effects of poverty.”

The Governor customarily releases a revised budget proposal in mid-May reflecting the state’s tax receipts. The Legislature and Governor will have until June 15th to negotiate a finalized budget for the 2014-2015 fiscal year.

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San Diegans Call on Governor Brown to Ban Fracking

Groups Ask for Support of Senate Bill to Temporarily Halt Risky Oil/Gas Extraction Method

Tuesday, May 13, 2014 – Members of various San Diego community groups gathered at the San Diego Administrative Building downtown to urge Governor Brown to ban fracking, a fossil fuels mining technology that may present substantial risks to Californians, and support Senate Bill 1132.  Governor Brown was in town to unveil his revised budget plan, as part of a tri-city tour, and although he acknowledged the groups and offered them support for fracking legislation, he was short on specifics.  In a state-wide coordinated effort, he was also confronted in Sacramento and Los Angeles by groups concerned about fracking.

Many reports on fracking in other states suggest it does far more harm to our health, environment, and economy than reported, far outweighing its economic benefits.  Numerous groups are seeking public support of SB1132, that calls for a moratorium on fracking until thorough studies can be conducted to assess the risks. 

Some of our knowledge about the risks comes from people visiting our city, explained SanDiego350’s Nicole Peill-Moelter.  “At the April Balboa Earth Day fair I had a woman from Oklahoma City approach me at our SanDiego350 booth.  She said she was very aware of fracking because they started having earthquakes of magnitude 4.8 and higher once fracking operations started there.  They didn’t have earthquakes before that.  I would think that, of all people, Californians would want to understand the risks of earthquakes induced by fracking before we allow it.  But it’s already happening.  We are at risk now,” she said.

      Emily Wier, who also volunteers for SanDiego350, said that people are starting to realize how precious California’s water supply is.  “It’s vital to our multi-billion dollar agricultural industry, our health and well-being. Why would we want to allow fracking which irreversibly contaminates this very water supply – with toxins, carcinogens, and hydrofluoric acid?”

      Others confronting the governor said he sometimes seems to be for the fossil fuels industry until he speaks to an environmental group, when he seems to modify his view.  “Governor Brown comes to town today during yet another week of abnormally high temperatures and severe drought and fire warnings.  Our county is like a tinder box and we could have a terrible fire any day.  These conditions are exacerbated by human caused climate change driven by our continued fossil fuel dependency.  Governor Brown must realize he can’t be both a climate leader and a Big Oil champion.  We call upon our Governor to stand up, be a true leader and ban fracking to save our water and climate,”  said Peg Mitchell of San Marcos, a member of Citizen’s Climate Lobby.

SanDiego350 has reported there are serious potential risks to Californians that include:

1)     Earthquakes.  Seismic activity has increased 1100% since 2005 in states such as Ohio, Texas, Pennsylvania and Oklahoma correlated to fracking operations;

2   Water contamination.  Nationwide, fracking operations have used at least 250 billion gallons of water that, unlike other industries, is irreversibly contaminated.  There are countless examples of where fracking operations have contaminated ground water for drinking and farming.  Kern County farmer, Tom Frantz lost his entire almond farm due to fracking contamination of ground water.

3   Air pollution.  Communities near fracking operations, including Culver City, CA, have suffered from ailments such as nose bleeds, nausea, dizziness, and severe headaches.  Pollution is also generated from truck traffic that transports water, sand, chemicals, waste water and oil product – on the order of 2,000 truck trips per well.

4   Property values.   Fracking operations have lowered nearby property values.  Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson joined a lawsuit to stop construction of a water tower used in fracking operations near his Texas home because of his concern about devaluation of his property.

5   Climate change.  Monterey shale oil is as dirty as Alberta tar sands in terms of carbon content that, according to climate scientists, cannot be burned if we are to stay below a 2°C global average temperature increase. 

SanDiego350.org, an all-volunteer organization, is concerned about climate change and its very real effects on our livelihoods, well-being, and the future for our children. We work to increase awareness of climate change and advocate for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We are loosely affiliated with 350.org, the international climate organization, whose work inspires us.  General media contact Jeffrey Meyer, 858-217-6833.

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NOW Endorses Scott Peters for Congress

Peters is only candidate in CA-52 Backed by Three National Women's Advocacy Groups

San Diego – As the country marks National Women's Health Week, Scott Peters is proud to announce the endorsement of the National Organization for Women Political Action Committee. With more than 500,000 members, NOW is the nation's largest organization advocating for women's health, equality, and economic opportunity.


"We can't have a truly inclusive American Dream without full economic opportunity, protections, and equality for all women. That means equal pay for equal work, freedom from gender discrimination and domestic abuse, and freedom from the government interfering with women’s private health decisions,” Peters said.


“NOW is among the world’s leading advocates for women, and this endorsement shows I’m the candidate in this race who women can trust to stand up for them,” he added. “I'm proud to stand against Tea Party attacks on their basic rights and honored to have their support.”


Peters has been an outspoken supporter of women's rights and equality his entire career. In Congress, he cosponsored the Paycheck Fairness Act to help ensure women receive the same pay as men, was a leader in reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act, and has fought for full racial, gender, and LGBT equality.


Peters was also recently endorsed by the Planned Parenthood Action Fund and NARAL Pro-Choice America after receiving 100% ratings on their Congressional scorecards, making him the clear choice of advocates for women's equality and the only candidate in the race who can be counted on to defend and advance women's equality issues.

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