Labor Council Recommendations

Mail ballots are already starting to arrive and Election Day is right around the corner. Before you vote, make sure you check the list of Labor Council endorsements throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties!



Now it's our turn to support working families by voting for the candidates and issues that will support more jobs, better jobs and better lives for our region’s workforce.



Federal:
President - Barack Obama
Congressional District 49 - Jerry Tetalman
Congressional District 50 - No Endorsement
Congressional District 51 - Juan Vargas
Congressional District 52 - Scott Peters
Congressional District 53 - Susan Davis

State of California Ballot Measures:
Proposition 30 - Yes
Proposition 31 - No
Proposition 32 - No
Proposition 33 - No
Proposition 34 - Yes
Proposition 35 - Yes
Proposition 36 - Yes
Proposition 37 - Yes
Proposition 38 - No
Proposition 39 - Yes
Proposition 40 - Yes

State of California Legislature:
Senate District 39 - Marty Block
Assembly District 56 - Manuel Perez
Assembly District 71 - Patrick Hurley
Assembly District 75 - Matthew Herold
Assembly District 76 - No Endorsement
Assembly District 77 - No Endorsement
Assembly District 78 - Toni Atkins
Assembly District 79 – Shirley Weber
Assembly District 80 - Ben Hueso

Counties:
San Diego County Board of Supervisors District 3 - Dave Roberts

Cities:
San Diego Mayor - Bob Filner
San Diego City Council, District 1 - No Endorsement
Chula Vista City Council, Seat 3 - Pamela Bensoussan
Chula Vista City Council, Seat 4 - Mary Salas
El Cajon City Council - Ben Kalasho
Escondido City Council - Olga Diaz
Imperial Beach City Council - Bobby Patton
La Mesa City Council - Patrick Dean
Lemon Grove City Council - George Gastil and Racquel Vasquez
National City City Council - Alejandra Sotelo-Solis
Oceanside Mayor - Jim Wood
Oceanside City Council - Esther Sanchez
Vista City Council - Cody Campbell

School Boards:
Cajon Valley Union School District Board - Ken Jensen and Suzanne Mullins
Calexico Unified School District Board - Ben Horton and Antonio Valenzuela
Cardiff School District Board - Rick Cassar
Central Union High School District Board - Peter Rodriguez
Chula Vista Elementary School District Board, Seat 4 - Glendora Tremper
Coronado Unified School District Board - Scott Barr
Escondido Union School Board, Area 1 - Jose Fragozo
Escondido Union School Board, Area 3 - Virginia Lopez
Grossmont Union High School District Board - Zach Miller
La Mesa-Spring Valley School District Board - Jay Steiger
Poway Unified School Board - Kimberley Beatty
San Diego Unified School District, Seat A - John Lee Evans
San Diego Unified School District, Seat D - Richard Barrera
San Diego Unified School District, Seat E - Marne Foster
San Ysidro School District Board - Antonio Martinez
South Bay Union School District Board - Cheryl Quinones
Sweetwater Union High School Board, District 4 - Bertha Lopez
Vista Unified School District Board - Richard Alderson

College Boards:
MiraCosta College District Board - Jacqueline Simon
Palomar Community College District Board - John Halcon, Nancy Ann Hensch, and Roberto Rodriguez
San Diego Community College, District B - Bernie Rhinerson
Southwestern College Board, Seat 1 - William Stewart
Southwestern College Board, Seat 3 - Humberto Peraza

Judicial:
Superior Court Judge, Seat 25 - No Endorsement

Special Districts:
Helix Water District, Division 3 - Lori Kern
Imperial Irrigation District Board, Division 2 - John Pierre Menvielle
Imperial Irrigation District Board, Division 4 - Stella Mendoza
Imperial Irrigation District Board, Division 5 - Norma Sierra Galindo
Lakeside Fire Protection District - Ron Adams and Jim Bingham
Otay Water District Board, Seat 2 - Mitch Thompson
Palomar Pomerado Healthcare District Board - Jeff Griffith
South Bay Irrigation District, Seat 3 - Jose Preciado
South Bay Irrigation District, Seat 5 - Ernesto Zamudio
Tri-City Healthcare District Board - Charlene Anderson, George Coulter and Rosemarie Reno

Local Ballot Measures:
City of Carlsbad Proposition A - No
City of Chula Vista Proposition B - Yes
Cajon Valley Union School District Proposition C - Yes
Dehesa School District Proposition D - Yes
Counties:
Chula Vista Elementary School District Proposition E - Yes
City of Coronado Proposition F - Yes
Mountain Empire School District Proposition G - Yes
City of Del Mar Proposition H - Yes
City of Del Mar Proposition J - Yes
City of Encinitas Proposition K - Yes
City of Encinitas Proposition L - No
City of Encinitas Proposition M - Yes
City of Escondido Proposition N - No
City of Escondido Proposition P - No
City of Lemon Grove Proposition Q - No
Ramona Unified School District Proposition R - Yes
City of Imperial Beach Proposition S - Yes
City of Lemon Grove Proposition T - Yes
City of Santee Proposition U - Yes
Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Proposition V - Yes
City of Solana Beach Proposition W - Yes
South Bay Union School District Proposition Y - Yes
San Diego Unified School District Proposition Z - Yes
San Dieguito Union High School District Proposition AA - Yes
Bonsall Union School District Proposition BB - No Position
Del Mar Union School District Proposition CC - Yes
MiraCosta Community College District Proposition EE - Yes
Brawley Elementary School District Proposition S - Yes
Coachella Valley Unified School District Proposition X - Yes

EHC: Vote For a Mayor Who Supports Our Families

Filner Pledges Support To Improve Neighborhoods

DeMaio Affirms Support For Polluting Businesses

At a KPBS debate last week, Bob Filner stood with the residents of Barrio Logan by supporting an update to the Community Plan that will separate polluting businesses from schools and homes.

His opponent, on the other hand, expressed concern about the update, highlighting his support of polluting businesses in our neighborhoods.

This is why EHJC endorses Bob Filner for mayor.

After 30 years of discriminatory land use and harmful mixed-use zoning, we must elect a mayor who stands with the residents of Barrio Logan. Bob Filner supports both waterfront industrial jobs AND clean air for Barrio Logan residents. 

Vote on November 6, join us at our October 15 event, and volunteer to help us elect a mayor who knows our communities and listens to us. Together we can take back our city.

Thank you,

Diane Takvorian
Executive Director

What Can You Do?

 1.    Register to Vote and vote on Nov 6
 2.    Vote YES on Prop 39
 3.    Vote for Bob Filner for Mayor of San Diego
 4.    Visit EHJC.org for our 2012 Voter Guide and volunteer to rock the vote  

Weber: Support for Our Local Biofuels Industry Will Prevent Pain at the Pump and Create Good Local Jobs

LEMON GROVE - As gas prices stay high across California after spiking 35 cents a gallon just last week in San Diego – Dr. Shirley Weber is calling for more support for our local biofuels industry to address the problem over the long-term. Weber, a candidate for state Assembly, called for an increase in state investment in local biofuels companies earlier this year – and she renewed her call today.

“Hard-working San Diegans will likely see the highest prices of their lifetime this week, according to the Oil Price Information Service,” Weber said. “The status quo is no longer good enough. Not for our families and not for our communities. I am committed to eradicating this preventable pain at the pump. I believe in investing in our local biofuel industry and the companies working to make us energy independent. California’s government owes it to the citizens of this state to make these investments now and for the future – so this doesn’t happen again. Because if we don’t, it will.”

Weber laid out three action items to support local industry while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

1. San Diego is home to groundbreaking research on biofuels, especially those developed from algae. It’s time to accelerate the production being done here so that we are in control our own energy future. Accelerated biofuel production would not only ease pain at the pump, it would put hundreds of San Diegans back to work in good-paying jobs in a growing sector.


2. We must continue to smartly support emerging technologies – like alternative fuel vehicles – that will not only improve our environment but will make these spikes in gas prices a thing of the past. Not every one of these alternatives makes financial sense and we need to be careful about our investments. But wise and steady work in this area can help stabilize the energy markets and put more people to work.


3. Preparation is key. As energy consumers we often find ourselves at the mercy of a broken pipeline hundreds of miles away, a seasonal refinery switch in Northern California, or a hostile regime a half a world away. Being prepared isn’t expensive and it isn’t a waste of time – especially for a problem we knew we’d face yet again. Our agencies need to better coordinate so that we are prepared to face these problems and not sit idly by while prices soar.


Earlier this year, Dr. Weber started an online petition citizens can sign to support increasing our production of biofuel and reducing our dependence on oil.


About Dr. Shirley Weber

Born to sharecroppers in Hope, Arkansas, Shirley Weber has lived in California since the age of three. Educated in our state’s public schools, she received her BA, MA and PhD from UCLA by the time she was 26. A respected community advocate known for her work on closing the academic achievement gap, Dr. Weber is the former President of the San Diego School Board. She currently serves as the mayor’s appointee and Chair of the Citizens’ Equal Opportunity Commission, where she has created jobs by tripling the number of small businesses contracting with the city of San Diego. Dr. Weber is also a professor at SDSU, and has lived in the 79th Assembly District for over 30 years. 
To learn more, visit http://www.drweber4assembly.com.

Forget Big Bird; Here Comes Grover!

Lobbyist, Tea Party Hero Rides in to Rescue Bilbray’s Teetering Campaign

San Diego -- The Scott Peters for Congress campaign today warned voters in the new 52nd Congressional District of a new character seeking to influence their votes in this hotly contested race.

“Forget Big Bird, here comes Grover,” said Peters Communications Director MaryAnne Pintar. “But it’s not Big Bird’s fuzzy blue friend from Sesame Street; it’s Grover Norquist and he’s coming to San Diego to thank his friend Congressman Bilbray for signing his pledge to never end subsidies for their mutual friends in the oil industry, and to never compromise in order to balance the budget.”

Even Jeb Bush -- not exactly an icon of liberalism -- criticized Republicans for signing the Norquist Pledge as an example of how extreme Brian Bilbray and his party have become.

Grover Norquist is a D.C. lobbyist who heads the extremist Tea Party group Americans for Tax Reform. He just reserved $1.3 million in television ad time to defend the ineffective record of Tea Party Congressman and former lobbyist Brian Bilbray, a millionaire who headlines local Tea Party events about "fiscal conservatism" while taking a $174,000 salary and two taxpayer funded pensions equalling nearly $30,000.

“Brian’s campaign is teetering on the edge so in rides Congressman Bilbray’s guru Grover to the rescue,” said Pintar.  He was even called the “most vulnerable Republican incumbent in California” recently by a highly regarded analyst.

For more information about Scott Peters’ campaign to fix Brian Bilbray’s broken Congress, please go to www.scottpeters.com.

Local Democrats Eager to Cheer Biden, Fact-Check Ryan

Volunteers Phonebanking Before Debate, Canvassing This Weekend

Democratic volunteers and supporters in San Diego are gearing up for tonight's vice-presidential debate, expecting the Vice President to directly address the American people about the Obama-Biden plans to keep strengthening the economy -- and expecting Congressman Paul Ryan to keep deceiving voters about his real positions on Medicare, deficit reduction, and tax cuts for the wealthy.

"In last week's presidential debate, Mitt Romney sounded nothing like the 'severe conservative' he declared himself to be earlier in this campaign," said Jess Durfee, Chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party. "The question tonight is whether Paul Ryan will adopt Romney’s dishonest strategy or stand by the extreme positions he’s taken as the 'intellectual leader' of the GOP. Either way, Vice President Biden will express in concrete terms what’s at stake for the middle class."

Dozens of phonebankers will show up at the San Diego Democratic Unity Center before the debate to make calls to mobilize local voters on behalf of Bob Filner for Mayor, Scott Peters for Congress, and other Democratic candidates. Then they'll take their places by the TV screen in the office when the broadcast begins at 6:00 p.m.:

WHEN:
Tonight, October 11 ~ Debate begins at 6:00 p.m.

WHERE:
Democratic Unity Campaign Center, 8322 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite 202, San Diego (92111)

WHO:
Democratic activists, volunteers, and supporters from throughout the county. San Diego County Democratic Party Chair Jess Durfee, also a member of the Democratic National Committee, will address attendees before the debate and will be available for interviews before and after the event.

CARL DEMAIO CHANGES HIS POSITION ON PENSION OBLIGATION BONDS

 

DEMAIO WAS FOR THEM BEFORE HE WAS AGAINST THEM

October 9, 2012

This week, Carl DeMaio attacked Bob Filner for supporting pension obligation bonds to reduce the City’s unfunded pension liability, despite the fact that Filner has repeatedly stated that such bonds are no longer necessary because of nearly $1 billion in reduced pension obligations as a result of a 5-year freeze on pensionable pay which he has committed to implement.

Today, it was revealed that DeMaio himself endorsed the use of pension obligation bonds to reduce the City’s unfunded liability.


In a news conference on Monday, DeMaio denounced pension obligation bonds:

“Taking out another credit card to stretch out payments on the City’s pension debt and racking up hundreds of millions in additional interest is exactly the kind of risky move that got City Hall into the pension mess to begin with.” - Carl DeMaio

Source:  DeMaio news conference, KPBS, October 8, 2012


But in a 2004 Union-Tribune commentary authored by DeMaio, he expressed support for pension obligation bonds as one measure to address the City's unfunded pension liability:

"After creating an independent Pension Reform Committee to provide advice on reforms, city leaders have severely watered down the panel's recommendations…
Combined with the anticipated sale of pension obligation bonds, these reforms would put the pension fund back on firm footing."

Source:  San Diego Union-Tribune, August 13, 2004


In a 2004 report from DeMaio's Performance Instititute (funded by U-T San Diego publisher Doug Manchester), DeMaio offered a blanket endorsement of the reforms proposed by the City's Pension Reform Committee, which included issuance of $600 million in pension obligation bonds to address the City's unfunded pension liabilities:

"The City's Pension Reform Committee has been meeting and deliberating over a series of reforms to the Pension System. Based on the minutes and votes from the meetings of the Committee, the San Diego Citizens' Budget Plan offers a blanket endorsement of their reforms - likely to be presented before the City Council on June 29, 2004…

“…The Pension Reform Committee will likely propose that the City use Pension Obligation Bonds (POBs) to address the current liability in the Pension Fund. The current proposal is to issue a  $200 million POB this year, and instruct the City Manager to find an additional $200 million in FY 2006 and $200 million in FY 2007."  (pg. 21)

Source:  San Diego Citizens' Budget Plan, The Performance Institute, 2004


“This is just one example of the overwhelming hypocrisy and dishonesty with which DeMaio approaches this election,” said Filner.  "DeMaio himself supported these bonds when he was fronting for Doug Manchester, but now he’s attacking me for previously supporting them.  Apparently, DeMaio has no shame and no memory.”

###

Nat’l Committee to Protect Social Security/Medicare Backs Peters Over Bilbray

 

San Diego -- The National Committee to Protect Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM), one of the most trusted, independent and effective advocates for these programs in the country, has endorsed Scott Peters for Congress, the Peters campaign announced today.

NCPSSM President and Chief Executive Officer Max Richtman said they are endorsing Peters over Bilbray because they trust Peters to protect Medicare and Social Security, while Bilbray has voted repeatedly to cut these critical programs which protect many of America’s seniors from living in poverty.

In a letter to Peters, Richtman said the organization “enthusiastically endorses your candidacy,” because, “our nation needs your leadership, vision and determination to fight for working families and older Americans.”

“I will absolutely fight to protect and preserve Medicare and Social Security today and into the future,” Peters said. “These are benefits seniors have earned over a lifetime of hard work. My opponent has voted to allow Social Security to be risked in the stock market, and to cut Medicare 10 times throughout his career. Our seniors deserve someone who will stand up for them.”

Most recently, Bilbray voted twice for the Ryan budget, which essentially ends Medicare. In fact, the American Association of Retired People said this about the plan in a letter to Congress: “this proposal simply shifts these high and growing costs onto Medicare beneficiaries, and it then shifts even higher costs of increased uninsured care onto everyone else…the proposal is likely to simply increase costs for beneficiaries while removing Medicare’s promise of secure health coverage -- a guarantee that future seniors have contributed to through a lifetime of hard work.” [AARP Letter, 3/21/12]

Peters is running to unseat 12-year-incumbent Brian Bilbray in the newly drawn 52nd Congressional District.  The hotly contested race is drawing national attention; most recently, National Journal called Bilbray “the most vulnerable incumbent” in California.

For more information, go to www.scottpeters.com.

###

BACKGROUND:

2011: AARP: Ryan’s Plan (That Brian Bilbray voted for twice) Would Increase Health Care Costs for Older Americans. AARP CEO Addison Barry Rand wrote to Members of Congress on House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan’s Fiscal Year 2013 budget resolution. In the letter, Rand wrote: “this proposal simply shifts these high and growing costs onto Medicare beneficiaries, and it then shifts even higher costs of increased uninsured care onto everyone else. […] By creating a ‘premium support’ system for future Medicare beneficiaries, the proposal is likely to simply increase costs for beneficiaries while removing Medicare’s promise of secure health coverage -- a guarantee that future seniors have contributed to through a lifetime of hard work.” [AARP Letter, 3/21/12]

2011: Ryan Budget Would Affect Those 55 and Over by Increasing Their Prescription Drug Costs. In 2011, it was reported that the Ryan Plan would affect seniors 55 and older by increasing their costs for prescription drugs. “The policies in the House GOP budget, if enacted, would begin affecting millions of seniors almost immediately by increasing their costs for prescription drugs and probably long-term care.” [National Journal, 6/6/11]
 
2011: Bilbray Voted for the House Republican Budget Which Would Cost Seniors More Than $6,000. In 2011,Bilbray voted for the Republican plan to “significantly increase the out-of-pocket costs of health care for Medicare beneficiaries. In fact, out‐of‐pocket health care costs will more than double under the Republican plan. Based on estimates from the non‐partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the typical 65-year-old’s out-of-pocket health care costs will increase from $6,154 to $12,513 in 2022—or an extra $6,359.” [Congressional Joint Economic Committee, 5/20/11; H. Con. Res. 34, Vote #277, 4/15/11; Wall Street Journal, 4/4/11]

2012: Brian Bilbray Voted for House Republican Budget That Would Give People Making Over $1 Million Per Year a $394,000 Tax Cut.“New analysis by the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center (TPC) finds that people earning more than $1 million a year would receive $265,000 apiece in new tax cuts, on average, on top of the $129,000 they would receive from the Ryan budget’s extension of President Bush’s tax cuts.” [Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, 3/27/12; see also Tax Policy Center, Table T12-0078 and T10-0132; H Con Res 112, Vote #151, 3/29/12]

2012: Congressman Bilbray Voted to Slash Medicare, Give Tax Breaks for Millionaires, Encourage Companies to Ship Jobs Overseas. On March 29, 2012, Congressman Bilbray supported a budget that would end Medicare’s guaranteed benefit, protects $40 billion in tax breaks for big oil, provides people earning more than $1 million a year with an average tax cut of $394,000, and provides incentives for corporations to shift profits and jobs overseas. [H Con Res 112, Vote #151, 3/29/12; New York Times Editorial, 3/20/12; Center for American Progress, 3/20/12; Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, 4/12/12; Tax Policy Center, Table T12-0078 and T10-0132; Citizens for Tax Justice,3/22/12]

###

Weber Outraises England By More than 5 to 1 – Again

Weber continues fundraising success in the race for the 79th Assembly seat, outraising Republican Mary England by more than 5 to 1 for the second quarter in a row

LEMON GROVE – Assembly candidate and first-place finisher in June’s primary election Shirley Weber outraised her opponent, Republican Mary England, in the most recent filing period by a margin of more than five to one. For the period ending September 30, Weber raised $147,089 while England brought in just $27,149. This ratio mirrors Weber and England’s performance in the prior fundraising quarter.

“I want to thank my friends and supporters, and all of the people in the 79th district who voted with their pocketbooks for common-sense leadership in Sacramento,” said Weber. “We will run this race like we are five points behind from now until Election Day.”

Weber has focused her campaign on creating high-wage jobs in the district, balancing the state budget and improving public education. Her campaign has been endorsed by Rep. Bob Filner, State Senator Chris Kehoe, Assemblymembers Ben Hueso and Toni Atkins, the California Small Business Association, California Highway Patrol, San Diego Firefighters, the California Teachers’ Association, Republican Mayor of La Mesa Art Madrid, and many more.

Overall, Weber has raised $345,902 to England’s $75,593. And in the crucial cash-on-hand metric, Weber heads into October with $104,716 in the bank, compared to England’s $19,654.

About Dr. Shirley Weber
Born to sharecroppers in Hope, Arkansas, Shirley Weber has lived in California since the age of three. Educated in our state’s public schools, she received her BA, MA and PhD from UCLA by the time she was 26. A respected community advocate known for her work on closing the academic achievement gap, Dr. Weber is the former President of the San Diego School Board. She currently serves as the mayor’s appointee and Chair of the Citizens’ Equal Opportunity Commission, where she has created jobs by tripling the number of small businesses contracting with the city of San Diego. Dr. Weber is also a professor at SDSU, and has lived in the 79th Assembly District for over 30 years.


To learn more, visit http://www.drweber4assembly.com.

###

Taxpayer Advocate Lani Lutar Endorses Scott Peters for Congress

“Scott helped set the City’s pension system on the right path.” ~ Lutar

San Diego – The Scott Peters for Congress campaign today announced the endorsement of another highly-regarded independent: taxpayer advocate Lani Lutar. Lutar is the latest in a string of high-profile community leaders to endorse Peters over 12-year-incumbent Brian Bilbray, further demonstrating Peters’ ability to appeal to voters across the political spectrum.

“Scott helped steer our city through a very difficult decade and helped set San Diego on a path toward fiscal stability and pension reform,” said Lutar. “As a taxpayer advocate who has scrutinized numerous public investments and been involved in pension reform throughout the region, I know Scott played a pivotal role in righting the ship and creating jobs. He’s been an honest public servant, an effective leader, and he’ll be a terrific advocate for our region in Washington,” she said.

Lutar, who currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, said she was very pleased to give Peters her personal endorsement today. The San Diego County Taxpayers Association does not endorse candidates.

Lutar said her endorsement is based, in part, on the pension reform package Peters helped negotiate in 2008. The package of reforms, which will save the City of San Diego $23 million a year, included:

Banning the 30-year practice of pension underfunding; since 2004, the City has made this payment in full;

Requiring employees to pay a higher share of the cost of their benefits, saving the city money and lowering the pension deficit;

Hiring the City’s first Independent Budget Analyst, so the City Council would have its own check on management, with its own information and professional analysis; and

Creating the City’s Independent Audit function so the auditor that audits management is not reporting to management.

Based on these and other reforms, a Securities and Exchange Commission monitor ultimately said that the practices established in San Diego under Peters’ leadership were “a model that others can look to,” and that the SEC would look to “encourage other municipalities to similarly move in the direction San Diego has led.”

And a recent article published in U-T San Diego about other California cities forced into bankruptcy, pointed out that the reforms instituted while Peters was City Council President helped San Diego avoid the same course.

For more information about Scott Peters for Congress, go to www.scottpeters.com.

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S.D. County Tilts Democratic Days Before Voting Begins

Local Volunteers to Gather for Presidential Debate Watch Party After Phonebanking

In what may be the largest month-to-month voter registration shift between San Diego County's political parties since the 2008 election, Democrats jumped nearly 4,000 votes ahead of Republicans countywide in September -- a key sign of momentum for Democratic candidates just before many ballots hit mailboxes next week.



Last month California Secretary of State Debra Bowen launched a website at http://registertovote.ca.gov/ where Californians can sign up to vote online for the first time ever. More than 100,000 people registered on the site during the first week it was introduced in September.



"While some states are making it harder to register and participate in this election, in California it's easier than ever for eligible voters to make their voices heard," said Jess Durfee, Chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party. "In San Diego, we're already seeing our counywide majority of voters grow, and we plan to turn that into a countywide majority of votes for Democrats on November 6.

"

The momentum is also building among volunteers, some of whom will be phonebanking in San Diego's Democratic Unity Campaign Center hours before the first debate between this year's presidential nominees on Wednesday night. News media representatives are welcome to the Debate Watch Party:



WHEN: Wednesday, October 3 ~ Debate begins at 6:00 p.m.


WHERE: Democratic Unity Campaign Center, 8322 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite 202, San Diego (92111)


WHO: Democratic activists, volunteers, and supporters from throughout the county. San Diego County Democratic Party Chair Jess Durfee, also a member of the Democratic National Committee, will address attendees before the debate and will be available for interviews prior to the event.

###

New Venue for Debate Watching with Dr. Shirley Weber

Join Dr. Shirley Weber for a Presidential Debate Watch Party tomorrow, October 3rd, 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm, at our NEW VENUE: Oggi's Sports Bar and Grill, 2130 Birch Rd. #104, Chula Vista, 91915. To RSVP, contact Hattie Bryson at (619) 735-1839 or by email at hattie.bryson@att.net.

###

Top California Officials to Join First Presidential Debate Watch Parties with OFA-CA Volunteers

In Sacramento, Oakland, Santa Monica, Southeast Los Angeles, Cathedral City and San Diego California leaders will join volunteers to discuss what is at stake and watch the first Presidential debates.

SAN DIEGO  – TOMORROW, elected officials from across California including US Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard, Santa Monica Mayor Richard Bloom, California Democratic Party Vice Chair Alex Rooker and many others will join Organizing for America-California volunteers as they tune in for the first debates hosted in Colorado.

After winning 16 out of 20 debates in the Republican primary, Mitt Romney will once again take the stage on Wednesday night – and this time he’ll be alongside President Obama.  Historically, presidential challengers benefit just by being on the same stage as the incumbent. That’s one of the reasons why five out of the last six presidential challengers were judged to have won the first debate.

California leaders speaking to volunteers at watch parties will highlight how Obama for America-California are using the debates as an organizing opportunity with supporters across the state engaging their friends, family, and communities at watch parties, helping the campaign continue to pursue our grassroots path to victory.  These leaders will discuss what the debates mean for both campaigns and how President Obama will clearly lay out the choice in this election between two vision for our country: one that moves us forward with an economy built from the middle-out or one that moves us backwards with an economy that writes off our middle-class and returns to the same failed top-down economics of the last decade.

WHAT:         San Diego Debate Watch Party
WHO:           Local San Diego volunteers
WHERE:      Organizing for America, San Diego
                      4660 El Cajon Blvd., Suite 206
                      San Diego, CA  92115
WHEN:         TOMORROW, October 3 at 5:30PM PST

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Millionaire Bilbray Takes $174K Taxpayer-Funded Salary & 2 Pensions, Criticizes Peters for Giving His Pension to Fund Libraries

San Diego – The Scott Peters for Congress campaign today pointed out the plain hypocrisy of Brian Bilbray’s latest false attack on Peters. In a recent attack ad, the Bilbray camp criticizes Peters for receiving a “taxpayer funded pension.” The truth: Peters donates every penny of the city pension he earned as a member of the City Council – and more -- back to the City of San Diego to fund public libraries.

“Scott doesn’t keep a penny of his City pension; he pays taxes on it and then gives it back to the City to fund public libraries,” said Peters Communications Director MaryAnne Pintar.

“Brian Bilbray collects two taxpayer funded pensions, plus a taxpayer-funded salary, and he knows Scott doesn’t keep his pension, yet he criticizes him for it anyway,” she added. “Brian Bilbray has played fast and loose with the truth this entire campaign and thinks no one will notice. We expect better from a 12-year member of Congress.”

Bilbray, who frequently attempts to cast himself as “working class,” and called himself “poor” on a televised debate earlier this year, collects a $174,000 annual salary, plus two taxpayer funded pensions totaling nearly $29,000. In addition, according to Bilbray’s Personal Financial Disclosure Statement and property records, he holds interests in property valued at $4.5 million and other assets worth almost $1 million.

“Mr. Bilbray is a millionaire who wants to end tax breaks for the middle class in order to give tax breaks to millionaires, billionaires and profitable oil companies, yet he has the audacity to criticize Peters for receiving a pension he gives back,” said Pintar.

“Mr. Bilbray has two taxpayer funded pensions and Congressional health care for life. He’s all set. Yet he voted to privatize Social Security and to essentially end Medicare for America’s seniors on a fixed income. Clearly he has the wrong priorities,” she said.

Bilbray has also voted repeatedly to support privatizing Social Security, to end Medicare as we know it, and to charge seniors up to $6,400 a year more for their health care.

Peters is backed in this election by high profile Republicans, Democrats, independents, three former Chairs of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, as well as the region’s and the nation’s leading worker advocates.

To get the facts on the race for the 52nd Congressional District, go to www.truthcrewCA52.tumblr.com.

BACKGROUND:
Bilbray Has Interest in Nearly $5 Million Worth of Property, Salary, Pensions And Assets – Failed to Disclose What His Wife Made in 2011

[Bilbray PFD, filed 5/15/12; Houston Chronicle, 3/4/12; Union Tribune,5/25/12; Houston Chronicle, 3/4/12]

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DeMaio's Billion-Dollar Tax Increase Draws Fire From Community Leaders

Mayoral Candidate Raises Taxes Without a Vote of the Public or Capping Convention Center Costs to City 

SAN DIEGO – (Monday, October 1, 2012) – After working for over a year, the push by downtown special interests to impose a $1 Billion tax without a public vote was officially approved by Republican mayoral candidate Carl DeMaio today.

The $1 Billion DeMaio tax increase will be imposed without any direct input from voters who rejected similar tax increases twice before. While the public won't see any new public services or education funding as a result of the tax increase, the major changes do benefit a number of powerful political donors who have supported DeMaio's campaign -- downtown business lobbyists, government contractors, real estate developers and hotel owners.

No proceeds of the tax are to be used on schools, public safety or repairing potholes in streets. All of the receipts of the DeMaio tax are to be used on a new downtown convention center expansion that will benefit a handful of corporations. Hotel owners and operators will get to control the money raised from the DeMaio tax. Downtown hotel owners have more say in how the money is spent than hotel owners outside of downtown.

Community leaders rebuked DeMaio and his tax increase:

Hon. Donna Frye, retired San Diego City Councilmember and open government advocate:
"Supporting a special tax without a public vote is bad public policy and puts the city’s budget at risk. Worse, no one knows if the special tax is even legal. The voters need to be aware of just how fast the self-proclaimed taxpayer watchdog, Carl DeMaio, rolled over for the right master and ignored the public’s right to vote on taxes."

Jim Mahler, President, American Federation of Teachers (San Diego and Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College Guild):
 “San Diego’s students face threats of shorter school years, cuts to vital academic programs, teacher layoffs and unaffordable college tuition. But Carl DeMaio’s tax increase doesn’t help restore education funding. Instead, his vote to raise taxes will  only benefit the downtown special interests that are funding his campaign.”
 
Pat Zaharopoulos, President of the San Diego Middle Class Taxpayers Association*:
"It's just common sense to include basic accountability about how the public's money is spent. Middle class families deserve protections that ensure taxpayers are on the hook for cost overruns. Carl DeMaio didn't stand up for that. He may prefer handing over the public's money to the downtown special interests funding his campaign, but raising taxes to benefit corporate profits is just another attack on San Diego's middle class."

 For more information, contact San Diegans for Bob Filner for Mayor 2012 committee spokesman Evan McLaughlin at (619) 850-2790 or sandiegansforbobfilner@gmail.com.


*organization used for identification purposes only.

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

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Presidential Debate Watch Party with Dr. Shirley Weber

Join Dr. Shirley Weber, candidate for the 79th Assembly District, from 5:30 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, October 3rd for a Presidential Debate Watch Party. This event will be held at The Brew House @ Eastlake, 871 Showroom Place # 102, Chula Vista, 91914. To RSVP or for more information, please contact Hattie Bryson at (619) 735-1839.

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NOW Endorses Scott Peters for Congress

“Peters is Steadfast in His Support of Women's Rights, Equality, Protecting Social Security"

San Diego – The National Organization for Women (NOW) Political Action Committee has endorsed Scott Peters for Congress, the campaign announced today. Peters is running to unseat 12-year incumbent Brian Bilbray in the newly drawn 52nd Congressional District.

NOW advocates on a wide range of issues including equal pay, equal rights and access to health care for women. The organization is also actively engaged in opposing efforts to privatize Social Security by putting these funds at risk in the stock market, something Bilbray has supported throughout his career.

NOW is backing Peters because he has a strong record on all of these issues while Bilbray’s record is dismal.

“Particularly this year, when women’s rights have come under attack by extremists like Rush Limbaugh, Todd Akin and Brian Bilbray, we need another voice for women’s rights in Congress,” said Gloria Johnson, President of the San Diego County Chapter of NOW.
 
“Scott Peters is steadfast in his support for equal pay and equal hiring for women and protecting Social Security, Brian Bilbray is not. I urge everyone who cares about women’s rights, equality and economic opportunity to get behind Scott Peters for Congress,” she said.

Founded in 1966, NOW is the largest, most comprehensive advocacy group for for women in the United States, with 500,000 members and hundreds of chapters. Peters is also endorsed by Planned Parenthood, with a 100% rating for his unwavering support for access to reproductive health care.

In glaring contrast, Brian Bilbray has a 9% rating from Planned Parenthood for his votes to limit access to women’s preventive healthcare, contraception and reproductive health services.
In 2011, Bilbray voted to strip funding for Planned Parenthood, a safety net provider of reproductive and preventive healthcare for millions of women. He also supported extremists’ efforts to shut down the federal government over opposition to the program. This year, Bilbray voted to eliminate funding for clinics that provide reproductive and preventive health services to low-income women, including breast and cervical cancer screenings. And, he voted to undermine key principles of the Violence Against Women Act, an 18-year-old law that increased the ability of law enforcement agencies to protect victims of stalking, domestic violence and sexual assault.  He is also a proponent of risking Social Security our seniors have earned in a volatile stock market.
For more information, go to www.scottpeters.com.

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BACKGROUND:
Bilbray Supported Privatizing Social Security. In April 2006, Bilbray said he “supports Social Security reforms that include investments in the markets.” He continued, “I do believe that any Social Security Reform will have to include methods of investment and personal ownership.” [North County Times, 4/1/06]

 Bilbray Said He was Open to Private Accounts for Social Security. In 2000, Bilbray said he was open to the idea of private accounts in Social Security: “I support looking seriously into the option of allowing workers to save a portion of their payroll taxes in a personal retirement account. This should not be a replacement for the current Social Security program, but a supplement where the current program acts as a safety net. We are approaching a time when the baby boomers will be reaching retirement age and the SS Trust Fund is endangered of becoming insolvent. This option and others need to be explored thoroughly and soon.” [SocialSecurity.org, accessed 2/17/12]

Bilbray Voted Against Protecting Social Security and Medicare Benefits from Privatization. In March 2011, Bilbray voted against a measure that would have prohibited continuing appropriations funds for fiscal year 2011 for being used in developing or implementing a system that cuts Social Security benefits or that privatizes Social Security. The amendment also prohibited funds from being used to develop or implement a system that cuts Medicare benefits, eliminates guaranteed health coverage for seniors or establishes a Medicare voucher plan that limits payments to beneficiaries in order to purchase health care in the private sector. The motion failed, 190-239. [HJR 48, Vote #178, 2/15/11]

Labor Council Applauds Gov. Brown’s Approval of A.B. 1248

SAN DIEGO - San Diego Labor Council Secretary-Treasurer Lorena Gonzalez made the following statement in response to Governor Brown signing AB 1248 addressing local public employees’ retirement:

“Every worker deserves the basic right to Social Security. While Social Security alone is not enough for any individual to retire on, it is a safety net that the labor movement is completely committed to protecting for all workers: union and non-union.

The San Diego Labor Council applauds the leadership of Assemblymember Hueso for carrying this bill to ensure a safety net for San Diego’s public workers and the common sense approach taken by Governor Brown in signing it.”

A.B. 1248 was authored by Assemblyman Ben Hueso in response to Carl DeMaio’s attack on the retirement security of city employees who would not receive a defined-benefit pension or Social Security upon retirement under DeMaio’s proposal. The bill ensures that the City of San Diego will include the safety net of Social Security for any employees who are subject to DeMaio’s proposal.

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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

Filner talks civil rights and diversity

A line of civil rights activists stood behind mayoral candidate Bob Filner near Hepner Hall as the former San Diego State professor spoke about ethnic inclusion, homelessness and his history with civil rights. Last Friday morning’s forum, centered on minorities and marginalized groups, included the participation from an ethnically rich and diverse group of Filner’s colleagues, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights activist Stuart Milk, nephew of Harvey Milk, first openly gay official elected in the U.S.

Milk said his uncle did not stand only for gay rights, but spoke for immigrants, Latinos, Asians, the elderly and the working class, as well. “He, for the first time, brought communities together,” Milk said about his uncle. “And that is what we need here in San Diego. We don’t need someone who only represents Doug Manchester, our big downtown developer. We need someone who represents everybody.” Filner took the microphone after several others shared their history with the democratic candidate. Most recalled Filner’s intervention with the law as a young demonstrator for civil rights. Filner said when he was 13, he met Martin Luther King Jr., an experience to which he credits his drive for equality.

When he was 18-years-old, Filner was put in jail for protesting against segregation in the South as part of the Freedom Riders movement. Filner said the experience gave him optimism for change. “This city has a majority of ethnic minorities,” Filner said. “Everyone should get to sit on the table, because if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.”

Toward the end of his speech, Filner touched on the issue of homelessness in San Diego. According to Home Again, a nonprofit organization determined to end chronic homelessness in San Diego, current evaluations set the number of homeless San Diegans at 8,500. One in four homeless people are young adults of ages 18-30 and one in six are military veterans. Filner said the issue should be confronted not only in an economic manner, but also in a more humanitarian one. He said homeless people in permanent housing is the first step to end the problem and with the help of social service volunteers, the homeless may work on their issues of mental illness and/or alcohol/drug abuse and eventually find a job.

“A large motel in downtown, which houses 400, has become available and yet nobody has tried to use that for homeless,” Filner said. “(Homelessness) costs us more than the $20-million to buy (it).” Filner said the money would come from federal or state finances.

Filner said university campuses should not penalize in-state and local students because there is not enough money coming from the legislature. The remark was in relation to the recent California State University suggestion and decision to increase the out-of-state student population in order for college campuses to raise revenue. Filner said other priorities, such as building more prisons instead of more schools, get in the way of the legislature providing more money to universities.

Milk proposed changes to better the economy of San Diego, such as focusing on the future of the working class and furthering the inclusivity of San Diego’s LGBT community. “If you have somebody whose one parent may be doing janitorial work and one may be doing house work, let’s make sure that their children get some education to move to the next level,” Milk said. “That’s how communities grow economically.”

Milk said San Diego has done one of the best jobs in growing LGBT inclusion with other communities. “We need to make it comfortable where people who are going to the Gaslamp District can go to Hillcrest, and vice versa, where people who are LGBT couples would feel free to hold hands in Hillcrest can do that in the Gaslamp District and not worry about it,” Milk said. Milk said such advancements require societal change through leadership at the top. “Inclusion and the celebration of diversity means economic prosperity,” Milk said. “I’ve traveled the world and seen world-class cities and those that are thriving in this economy are the communities that include everyone.”

http://www.thedailyaztec.com/2012/10/filner-talks-civil-rights-and-diversity/

ATKINS BILL PROTECTING VICTIMS OF SPOUSAL SEXUAL ASSAULT SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

(San Diego) - A bill by Assemblymember Toni Atkins that would prevent those convicted of violent sex crimes against their spouse from forcing their victim to pay spousal support following a divorce was signed into law today by Governor Jerry Brown.  AB 1522 received unanimous support in both houses of the state legislature.

AB 1522 was inspired by the case of Crystal Harris, a San Diego area woman who was ordered by a court to pay her husband’s legal fees, plus monthly spousal support, despite the fact that he was convicted of committing violent sex crimes against her and was ultimately sent to prison.   The bill was sponsored by San Diego District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, who brought Harris’ case to Assemblymember Atkins’ attention.

“With the Governor’s signing of AB 1522 a wrong has been righted,” says Atkins.  “Crystal Harris was victimized twice – first by the husband who sexually assaulted her, a crime for which he was ultimately convicted, and then again by a court that forced her to pay him.  With AB 1522 now part of the law, this can no longer happen in California.”

“I want to applaud Crystal Harris for the spirit and tenaciousness she showed in working to change the law to reflect common sense and fairness.  I also want to thank the District Attorney, my colleagues in the legislature, and the Governor for protecting victims of domestic violence.”

Current law already prevents spousal support in cases of the attempted murder or soliciting the murder of a spouse.  AB 1522 would add violent sex felonies to the list of convictions that disqualify a person from obtaining financial benefits from their ex-spouse in a divorce proceeding.

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San Diego’s Longest Serving City Clerk Chuck Abdelnour Endorses Dave Roberts for Supervisor

SAN DIEGO – Chuck Abdelnour, the San Diego City Clerk for 28 years, joins the growing list of regional leaders endorsing Solana Beach Deputy Mayor Dave Roberts to be the next Third District County Supervisor.

“San Diego County needs experienced leaders like Dave Roberts who understand the importance of working with local neighborhoods, community planning groups, and the City of San Diego in a mutually beneficial manner,” retired city clerk Chuck Abdelnour said. “I am pleased to offer Dave Roberts my endorsement as someone who will take the time and effort to listen to City officials and work on issues and concerns that affect both the city and the county.”

The San Diego City Clerk is responsible for the administration of City elections and the administration and maintenance of all official records of the City.

“I am honored to add Chuck Abdelnour’s endorsement to my growing list of supporters,” said Dave Roberts. “I have a proven track record of working collaboratively with the City of San Diego on expanding and maintaining the San Dieguito River Valley Park and improving public safety programs.”

Abdelnour earned his undergraduate degree at San Diego State University and received his law degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. He began working with the city of San Diego in 1974 as an assistant director in community relations and was appointed city clerk in 1977. Among his more notable accomplishments: developed live streaming of all City Council and committee meetings; helped move city government into the cyber age; and set forth pioneering legislation to create an all-mail ballot, which has since been adopted in many states saving significant taxpayer dollars.

More than 130 bipartisan leaders and key organizations are supporting Dave Roberts for Supervisor including incumbent Supervisor Pam Slater-Price, former Bush Administration Secretary of Veterans Affairs Lt. General Jim Peake (retired), former White House Physician Rear Admiral (retired) Connie Mariano, U.S. Green Chamber, Sierra Club, League of Conservation Voters and the Friends of the San Dieguito River Valley. In addition, four local newspapers including La Prenza and San Diego CityBeat have endorsed his campaign.

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

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