ATKINS BILL TO INCREASE ACCESS TO EARLY ABORTIONS ADVANCES

(San Diego)  AB 154, legislation by Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins to expand the list of healthcare professionals who are authorized to perform early abortions, was approved by the Assembly Business and Professions Committee today. Under this bill, nurses, physician’s assistants, and nurse-midwives would be able to perform aspiration abortions after receiving training.  The bill addresses a serious shortage of healthcare providers available to women seeking this procedure.

“More than half the counties in California have no abortion provider, forcing women to travel long distances or endure long waiting lists in order to receive basic reproductive healthcare,” says Atkins.  “For some, this delay means a more complicated procedure or even giving up.  My bill increases the number of skilled and trained professionals available to fill this healthcare gap.”

A recent comprehensive study conducted by the University of California San Francisco and published in the American Journal of Public Health showed that trained nurse practitioners, midwives and physicians assistants can safely provide early abortions and that women appreciate receiving care in their own communities.  AB 154 includes stringent training and competency requirements for these practitioners.

The bill is sponsored by the California Women’s Health Alliance, a coalition of groups dedicating to protecting and improving the reproductive health of California women and will next be heard in the Assembly Health Committee.

Assembly Public Safety Committee Passes Weber’s Bill Requiring Further Training for Peace Officers

SACRAMENTO, CA- Assemblymember Shirley N. Weber’s (D-San Diego) AB 979, which would require peace officers assigned to a jurisdiction that includes navigable waters to complete a course in basic maritime operations passed the Assembly Public Safety  Committee on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 with a 7-0 bipartisan vote.

Sponsored by the Port of Los Angeles, AB 979 requires specified peace officers assigned to a jurisdiction that includes navigable waters to complete a course in basic maritime operations.   The course would be required only if the local governing body opts in and if the federal Department of Homeland Security provides funding.

“By having basic training for maritime peace officers, ports in California will be better served in emergency situations, such as man-made or natural disasters,” said Assemblymember Weber.
As a result of post-9/11 homeland security and post security missions, maritime training has not only evolved but has also become a necessity among law enforcement agencies whose jurisdictions include maritime areas. It is critical for agencies, such as the Coast Guard, Sheriff’s departments, and police departments, to enhance their maritime presence, adequacy and consistency of training.

Ensuring that our ports and waterways are secure is important to protecting California, and we must be sure that our officers are properly trained to handle any issues that may arise.  This measure achieves this objective.

AB 979 is supported by the Port of Los Angeles, California Association of Harbor Masters and Port Captains, the California Association of Port Authorities, and the National Marine Manufacturers Association. The legislation will next be heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Senator Ben Hueso Endorses Lorena Gonzalez in 80th Assembly District Election

Hueso Endorses Lorena to Replace Him in Assembly; Says She is Strongest Candidate for Rebuilding Middle Class

CHULA VISTA – (Friday, April 5, 2013) – State Senator Ben Hueso today announced his endorsement of pro-jobs Democrat Lorena Gonzalez's campaign for the 80th Assembly District.

Hueso represented the 80th Assembly District from 2010 until this March, when he was elected to the State Senate in a special election. Prior to his election to the Assembly, Hueso served as City Council President and Councilmember to San Diego neighborhoods in the South Bay and the Historic Barrio District.

“I support Lorena Gonzalez because she will provide honest representation to the people of the 80th Assembly District and she's committed to fighting for the Middle Class,” said State Senator Ben Hueso. “There is no better candidate than Lorena Gonzalez for the State Assembly.”

Lorena served as Hueso’s alternate on the California Coastal Commission and the two leaders have partnered on numerous initiatives, including legislation signed into law by Gov. Brown last year that protects Social Security benefits for public safety personnel (AB 1248).

Lorena is a candidate to replace Hueso in the 80th Assembly District, which includes Chula Vista, National City and the City of San Diego neighborhoods of San Ysidro, City Heights, Barrio Logan, Sherman Heights, Otay Mesa, Paradise Hills and Golden Hill. The special election for the 80th Assembly District is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21.

Learn more about Lorena’s campaign at www.VoteLorena.com  or by e-mail VoteLorena@gmail.com.

COMMITTEE APPROVES ATKINS BILL TO EXPAND FINANCING FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

(Sacramento)  A bill to ensure that state tax credits for developers who build low income housing for special needs populations are available where they are most needed was advanced today on a unanimous vote by the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee.  AB 952, authored by Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins, lifts current restrictions on where these tax credits can be used so that the state’s most expensive areas, as well as those with the highest poverty rates, are eligible.   At least half of the planned housing will be required to serve special needs populations such as the homeless, pregnant and parenting teens, and the disabled.

“This bill makes sense from both a business and a humanitarian viewpoint.  AB 952 ensures that no tax credits go unused, while it also benefits Californians with the greatest need for housing,” says Atkins. “Housing developments for special needs populations require substantial subsidies because of the extremely low incomes of residents.  But these subsidies pay off for the state in the long run in terms of quality of life and reduced healthcare and social services costs.”

Funding for affordable housing in California has significantly declined in recent years, due to the loss of tax increment revenues designated for this purpose from now defunct redevelopment areas; a tightening since the recession of what was already difficult to secure bank financing; and the spend-down of housing funds generated by two statewide ballot measures, Props 1C and 63. Currently, areas where affordable housing is most needed -- Difficult to Develop Areas (DDAs,) where housing is most expensive, and Qualified Census Tracts (QCTs,) which have a high level of poor residents -- are ineligible for state low income tax credits because those areas receive similar federal tax credits.  However, due to a lack of demand outside of these two high-need areas, the state Tax Credit Allocation Committee has had as much as $25 million in state credits remaining at the end of the year.  This bill would allow some of those credits to be applied in DDAs and QCTs for special needs housing.

AB 952 will next be heard in the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee.

County Supervisor Greg Cox Endorses Lorena Gonzalez in 80th Assembly District Special Election

Longtime Republican Supervisor and Former Chula Vista Mayor Hails Lorena as “Committed to Creating Jobs”

CHULA VISTA – (Thursday, April 4, 2013) – Greg Cox, the longtime County Supervisor for the South Bay, today announced his endorsement of pro-jobs Democrat Lorena Gonzalez's campaign for the 80th Assembly District.

Cox, a Republican, has represented the South Bay on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors since 1995. Before becoming a County Supervisor, Cox was Mayor (1981-1990) and City Councilman (1976-1981) of Chula Vista. Cox also served as Executive Director of the South County Economic Development Corp. and as an educator in the Sweetwater Union High School District.

“I have worked with Lorena and I know she is committed to creating jobs and protecting the middle class,” Cox said. “With only two candidates in this race, I will be casting my vote for Lorena and encourage other South Bay voters to do the same.”

Lorena and Supervisor Cox partnered in 2010 on a common-sense approach to protecting the jobs of concession, parking and hospitality employees at the San Diego International Airport upon a change in contractor.

Gonzalez is a candidate to replace State Senator-elect Ben Hueso in the 80th Assembly District, which includes Chula Vista, National City and the City of San Diego neighborhoods of San Ysidro, City Heights, Barrio Logan, Sherman Heights, Otay Mesa, Paradise Hills and Golden Hill. The special election for the 80th Assembly District is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21.

Learn more about Lorena’s campaign at www.VoteLorena.com  or by e-mail VoteLorena@gmail.com.

Fuzzy Math. A Surplus?

Congressman Juan Vargas Endorses Lorena Gonzalez in 80th Assembly District Special Election

Longtime South Bay Leader Says Lorena Will Be Strongest Voice for Rebuilding the Middle Class in California

CHULA VISTA – (Tuesday, April 2, 2013) – U.S. Congressman Juan Vargas today announced his endorsement of pro-jobs Democrat Lorena Gonzalez's campaign for the 80th Assembly District.

Vargas was elected to Congress last year after representing the San Diego County’s South Bay communities in the State Senate (2010-2013), State Assembly (2001-2007), and San Diego City Council (1993-2000). Lorena and the Congressman have partnered on developing policies to preserve small and neighborhood businesses, to prevent renewable energy jobs from being exported out of the region, and to protect social security benefits for public safety personnel.

“I have endorsed Lorena Gonzalez because she has a proven track record of delivering for our communities in Chula Vista, South San Diego and National City.” Vargas said. “No one is more committed for fighting for the middle class than Lorena.”

Lorena is a candidate to replace State Senator-elect Ben Hueso in the 80th Assembly District, which includes Chula Vista, National City and the City of San Diego neighborhoods of San Ysidro, City Heights, Barrio Logan, Sherman Heights, Otay Mesa, Paradise Hills and Golden Hill. The special election for the 80th Assembly District is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21.

Learn more about Lorena’s campaign at www.VoteLorena.com  or by e-mail at VoteLorena@gmail.com.

Victor Gonzalez Endorses Steve Castaneda for Assembly

Putting Community Before Self-Interest Matters

CHULA VISTA, Calif. – Being a problem solver and committed to the community, Victor Gonzalez, President of the San Diego County Chapter of the National Latino Peace Officers Association, proudly announces his support of Steve Castaneda for Assembly.

Gonzalez, a resident of the 80th Assembly District, and the NLPOA organization share a mission to honor family, education and community through service and mentorship.

“Steve Castaneda is the best candidate for Assembly in the 80th District because I know that his commitment to our community is genuine,” said Victor Gonzalez, President of the NLPOA’s San Diego County Chapter. “Steve has been serving our community for more than two decades and isn’t someone who recently moved into the district for personal or political gain.

“We have serious problems in our community and in our state and Steve Castaneda is the only candidate who has a proven track record of improving the lives of all people in our community.”
Gonzalez says that Castaneda is the best choice for the 80th Assembly District in the upcoming special election being held on May 21, 2013.       

About Steve Castaneda for State Assembly
Steve Castaneda, a fiscally conservative Democrat, is a small business owner and former Chula Vista councilmember. He is the father of two sons and is married to his wife, Tanya Mannes Castaneda. The 80th Assembly District is located in southwest California, encompassing portions of Chula Vista, National City and San Diego. The 80th District special election is a result of a vacancy created by former Assemblyman Ben Hueso's election to the California State Senate.

For more information, visit www.castanedaforassembly.com. Join our online communities on FaceBook and Twitter for campaign updates.

ATKINS HONORS WOMEN IN PUBLIC SERVICE

(San Diego)  In honor of Women’s History Month, Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins has recognized eight women from the 78th Assembly District who exemplify commitment to public service.  The women were honored at a reception in the Majority Leader’s San Diego district office.

“The women I am honoring today have worked tirelessly to improve their communities and the lives of others,” says Atkins.  “They are ideal role models for both young women and young men who aspire to make a difference through service.  I thank them all for helping to make the 78th Assembly District a vibrant, diverse, and outstanding place to live.”

The eight honorees are:

The Honorable Lee M. Haydu
Ms. Haydu’s service includes the San Dieguito Lagoon Committee, Del Mar Heights Elementary Site Council, Vice President and President of the PTA.  She is currently serving on the Del Mar City Council.
 
The Honorable Mary C. Herron
Ms. Herron was mayor of the City of Coronado in 1988, after having first been elected a City of Coronado Councilmember in 1978.  She has worked to end homelessness.

The Honorable Carrie A. Downey
Ms. Downey has been involved in League of Cities, Village Elementary PATT, Coronado Lion’s Club, Coronado Junior Woman’s Club, and Coronado Chamber of Commerce. She also served 8 years on the Coronado City Council.
 
Ms. Sara F. Moser 

Ms. Moser is a long-time supporter of Planned Parenthood and family planning.

Dr. Delores A. Jacobs 

As Chief Executive Officer of The San Diego Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Community Center, Dr. Jacobs manages one of the oldest, largest and most dynamic LGBT community centers in the country.

The Honorable Lesa Heebner 

A long-time resident of Solana Beach, Ms. Heebner worked to upgrade and revitalize the city and was involved in the Coastal Rail Trail, the Solana Beach View Assessment Committee and served on several Ad Hoc Committees for infrastructure improvements. She currently serves on the Solana Beach City Council and also served as Mayor.

The Honorable Patricia McCoy
Serving 12 years on the Imperial Beach City Council, this long-time IB resident played an integral role in the wildlife preservation movement and is credited with creating a refuge to protect some of the last coastal wetlands in California and ensuring the establishment of what is now known as the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge, the San Diego Bay Wildlife Refuge, and the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve

The Honorable Diane Rose
A long-time resident of Imperial Beach, Ms. Rose served 12 years on the City Council and as Mayor.  She also served on the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG,) the Metropolitan Transit System, the California League of Cities, and the federal board advising President Clinton and Congress on U.S.-Mexico border issues.  Rose has been dedicated to the preservation and improved quality of life that transformed Imperial Beach.

###

Longtime Chula Vista Police Chief Strongly Endorses Steve Castaneda for Assembly

Public Safety and Commitment to Children in the Community Matters

CHULA VISTA, Calif. – Protecting public safety and an outstanding commitment to children are two major reasons retired Chula Vista Police Chief Bill Winters proudly supports Steve Castaneda for Assembly.

Winters, a resident of the 80th Assembly District, served as Chula Vista Police Chief from 1965 to 1992. Since his retirement from the police department, he has been heavily involved with South Bay Little League Baseball.

“I am proud to endorse Steve Castaneda for Assembly because I know that his dedication to public safety is unmatched,” said Bill Winters, Chula Vista’s Police Chief for 26 years. “Not only is Steve’s commitment to the residents of the 80th Assembly District unwavering, but his proven record of improving the lives of our kids is well documented.

“We’ve worked together on many things in the long time I’ve known him, but a perfect example of Steve’s ability to get things done for our community was when he took the lead in helping to repair a youth baseball facility in south Chula Vista.” 

Winters says that Castaneda is the best choice for the 80th Assembly District in the upcoming June 2013 special election.       

About Steve Castaneda for State Assembly

Steve Castaneda, a fiscally conservative Democrat, is a small business owner and former two-term Chula Vista councilmember. He is the father of two sons and is married to his beautiful and talented wife, Tanya Mannes Castaneda. The 80th Assembly District is located in southwest California, encompassing portions of Chula Vista, San Diego and National City. The 80th District special election is a result of an impending vacancy created by Assemblyman Ben Hueso's election to the California State Senate and will be held in early June 2013.

For more information, visit www.castanedaforassembly.com. Join our online communities on FaceBook and Twitter for campaign updates.

Community Rally to Protect Saturday Mail Delivery

March 24th Day of Action highlights need to protect six day postal delivery

[SAN DIEGO] – Concerned citizens will rally on Sunday, March 24 to protect Saturday mail delivery and demand that Congress deliver a better plan to strengthen the Postal Service for the future. The rally will take place at the Downtown Post Office, 815 E Street on March 24 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All members of the community are invited to attend.

The Postal Service’s plan to shrink the Postal Service by ending six-day service is an attack on the future of this great institution, on the customers who need it and on the employees who support it. Many Americans — especially small-business owners, senior citizens and rural residents — would suffer if the strength and reach of our Postal Service is compromised. In addition, cutting Saturday mail delivery would delay important household and business transactions, including bills, invoices and personal communications, and may force customers to shift to high-cost competing services.

The U.S. Postal Service is America’s only universal communications network, reaching every address in America six days a week. Established by the Constitution and using no taxpayer funding for its operations, the Postal Service is a vital public institution that California cannot afford to see reduced or dismantled.

To learn more about the rally visit: http://action.deliveringforamerica.com/RallyforSixDay

WHEN:           11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sunday, March 24, 2013

WHERE:         Downtown Post Office, 815 E Street San Diego, CA 92101

Assembly Education Committee Passes Weber’s Bill Requiring Carbon Monoxide Detectors in California Schools

SACRAMENTO, CA- Assemblymember Shirley N. Weber’s (D-San Diego) AB 56 which would require carbon monoxide detectors in new and modernized school buildings, passed the Assembly Education Committee on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 with a 6-0 bipartisan vote.

Sponsored by the California State Firefighters Association, AB 56 requires all California K-12 public and private schools built on or after January 1, 2014 that have fossil fuel burning furnaces, to install carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. The bill also encourages public and private schools constructed before January 1, 2014 to install carbon monoxide detectors.

“The Legislature has recognized the necessity for carbon monoxide detectors to be installed in apartments, hotels, and new home developments,” said Assemblymember Weber. “We have to do everything in our power to be sure that we are creating the safest and healthiest environment in our schools for children. Installing carbon monoxide detectors in our schools is a no-brainer,” she said.
On December 3, 2012, 43 students and 10 adults from Finch Elementary School in Atlanta, Georgia were evacuated and taken to the local hospital after firefighters discovered a carbon monoxide leak from the school’s furnace, causing it to work overtime and leak high levels of CO into the public areas and classrooms.

Assemblymember Weber hopes the proposal will protect California students from the deadly effects of carbon monoxide gas, known as the “silent killer” and prevent an incident, such as the one in Atlanta, from happening here.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion.  Each year more than 400 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning, more than 20,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 4,000 are hospitalized.

Currently, only the states of Connecticut and Maryland require schools to have carbon monoxide detectors.  The states of Georgia and New Jersey are pursuing similar measures.

AB 56 is supported by the California State Firefighters Association; California Coalition for Children’s Safety and Health; American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, and California School Employees Association. The legislation will next be heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee in the month of April.

Legendary Navy Leader Proudly Endorses Steve Castaneda for Assembly

Proven Leadership Matters in the Community and in the Capitol

CHULA VISTA, Calif. – Knowing a thing or two about the importance of steady leadership skills, retired Rear Adm. José Betancourt endorses Steve Castaneda for Assembly.

Betancourt, a Chula Vista resident and maritime small business owner, worked his way up the ranks during his more than 30 years of military service. Affectionately known as San Diego’s Navy Mayor, he served as commander of the Navy’s Southwest Region prior to his retirement and was one of the highest ranking officials in the United States Navy.

“I am so very honored and humbled to receive the support of one of the most decorated and respected Navy commanders to ever serve in this country’s military,” said Steve Castaneda, candidate for 80th Assembly District. “Whether serving in the line of duty as a City of San Diego police officer, protecting the public interests of all Chula Vista residents as a two-term councilman, or contributing to my local community as a family man and small business owner, I have always respected and held our military in the highest regard.

“That is why I am proud to have the support of retired Navy hero Rear Admiral Betancourt because he knows that I can get things done.”

Castaneda eagerly looks forward to being a voice for all brave men and women who serve or have served in America’s armed forces.

The San Diego region’s extensive history and valuable relationship with the U.S. Navy and its families will have no bigger supporter in Sacramento than Castaneda.
About Steve Castaneda for State Assembly

Steve Castaneda, a fiscally conservative Democrat, is a small business owner and former two-term Chula Vista councilmember. He is the father of two sons and is married to his beautiful and talented wife, Tanya Mannes Castaneda. The 80th Assembly District is located in southwest California, encompassing portions of Chula Vista, San Diego and National City. The 80th District special election is a result of an impending vacancy created by Assemblyman Ben Hueso's election to the California State Senate and will be held in early June 2013.

For more information, visit www.castanedaforassembly.com. Join our online communities on FaceBook and Twitter for campaign updates.

The Conscious of the Council.

It has been said that nature abhors a vacuum and in 2010 when Donna Frye left the San Diego City Council a chasm was created. Since her time on the Council, Donna was almost always the consistent voice of leadership and conviction on the council. Sometimes she would irk her supporters from time to time but over all she was seen as someone who would always do what she thought was right and became the voice for those who felt left out of the Downtown power plays and would remind the Council, time and again that there was more to San Diego than Downtown and that there were other issues than redevelopment and the Convention Center.

If the past was any indication of what was to happen in the future then it would be a long time before someone would be that champion again. After all, almost everyone who has been elected to the Council seems to view it as a stepping-stone to a higher political office and seems to position their votes and support with an eye towards that goal of being in the Assembly, State Senate or Congress. So perhaps that saying didn’t apply in San Diego Politics.

Or did it?

In that same year, a small political upset took place when a relatively unknown candidate beat someone who’s family was an institution in the District and was seen as a shoo-in as he had the support of Labor and some big names. Yet even in the face of all those obstacles, David Alvarez was able to beat his opponent, Felipe Hueso by 15%.

During that campaign Alvarez promised that he would serve the full terms and would do his best to provide the District the representation it needed. A promise that resonated with the District but to many political observers it was seen a smart ploy that eventually he would have to reneg on because history was against it.  Possibly only one person served two full terms since 1980’s because either the person moved on to higher political office or had to resign in disgrace.

In his short time, Alvarez has been consistent in his views and his votes that he has fought for his district but, by extension, the communities that have been left out of those Downtown Power Plays. He as been an advocate of stopping needless waste as his efforts with reforming San Diego SAFE program with Lorie Zaph and most importantly was the lone voice against the giveaways to the Convention Center in 2012.

Also he has become a real leader with the other Democratic Councilmembers and yesterday’s meeting at Rules showed that.

It was well known that Alvarez was going to put up a resolution that would support Immigration Reform with a path towards Citizenship to those who have worked and labored in the shadows. With the help of fellow Councilmembers Sherri Lightener and Marti Emerald they were all set to do so but jumping in on the bandwagon for the sake of political survival the four Republicans, with Mark Kersey leading the pack, decided to draft their own resolution, sign it, force it on the docket and blab to the U-T and the media about it and not tell their Democratic Counterparts.

Maybe Kersey thought his watered down, mealy-mouthed resolution would be acceptable to everyone. I mean it calls for “legal status” so maybe he can say he snag some Latino votes in some future City wide run and since it doesn’t say citizenship so he say to the right that they don’t get citizenship. Win-win, right?

Wrong.

Alvarez, at the Rules meeting, called the Republicans out for their attempt at playing politics with their antics of going around the other Councilmembers, drafting a vague resolution and doing so as an act of political survival. He denied Kersey’s attempt to co-opt the resolution he and the other Dems on the Council drafted and so Kersey and Kevin Faulconer voted against the true Immigration Reform resolution and now both go up to the Council for a vote.

So where is Todd Gloria in all this?

You guess is as good as mine.

Will Todd support the sham Republican resolution that in essence would call for a permanent immigrant ambiguous status not fully a part of our society?

Or will he stand with Alvarez, Emerald and Lightner with a resolution that lives up to the creed of this nation and give those who have labored, fought and risked their lives to come to this county a chance to be a part of this country that they have sacrificed so much to be a part of?

I’m not holding my breath…

Nathan Fletcher Endorses Lorena Gonzalez in 80th Assembly District Special Election

Marine Corps Combat Veteran and Author of “Chelsea’s Law” Announces Support for Pro-Jobs Democrat at Wednesday Press Conference

SAN DIEGO – (Wednesday, March 20, 2013) – Former State Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher today announced his endorsement of pro-jobs Democrat Lorena Gonzalez's campaign for the 80th Assembly District.

Fletcher, who served in the California State Assembly from 2008 to 2012, is a Marine Corps combat veteran and the chairman of a broad coalition in support of comprehensive immigration reform.

During his remarks, Fletcher praised Gonzalez for her work in bringing solutions to difficult challenges in the community, mentioning her leadership in:
-- Bringing the teachers union and San Diego Unified School District together to reach an agreement that prevented 1200 teacher layoffs.
-- Working with business leaders and elected officials across the spectrum to work out an agreement on the convention center expansion that requires living wages and local workers get priority employment.

-- Assisting in convening a broad coalition of local business, labor, law enforcement, civil liberties and faith based groups together to forge consensus on immigration reform.

“I served in Sacramento and I know what it takes to be successful. You need someone who is willing to lead, build a coalition and be a part of a solution,” Fletcher said. “I have seen Lorena do this time and again.”

Known as “Chelsea’s Law,” Fletcher authored landmark legislation to increase penalties, parole provisions, and oversight of child predators. Fletcher  is currently the Senior Director of Corporate Development for Qualcomm, Inc. and a professor at University of California, San Diego where he teaches Political Science.

“I am honored to have the endorsement of someone who made such an incredible impact in such a short period of time in the State Capitol,” Gonzalez said. “Nathan Fletcher was a legislator who worked across the aisle to get things done for all of San Diego, and I hope to do the same.”

Gonzalez is a candidate to replace State Senator-elect Ben Hueso in the 80th Assembly District, which includes Chula Vista, National City and the City of San Diego neighborhoods of San Ysidro, City Heights, Barrio Logan, Sherman Heights, Otay Mesa, Paradise Hills and Golden Hill.

Learn more about Lorena’s campaign at www.VoteLorena.com  or by e-mail VoteLorena@gmail.com.

Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones Endorses Lorena Gonzalez for Assembly

Pro-Jobs Democrat Earns The Support of California's Top Insurance Watchdog

SAN DIEGO – (Tuesday, March 19, 2013) – California State Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has endorsed pro-jobs Democrat Lorena Gonzalez's campaign for the 80th Assembly District, her campaign announced today.


As Insurance Commissioner, Jones is the chief executive for the state's largest consumer protection agency. Jones has been at the forefront of securing crucial victories for consumers in health care and insurance coverage during his service in the Insurance Commissioner's office and the California State Assembly before that. 



"As California works to implement federal healthcare reform, we need our state leaders to look out for the best interests of consumers. Lorena has fought to make healthcare affordable and accessible for all San Diego County residents and I know she will continue to be a strong voice for consumers in the State Capitol," Jones said.

Lorena is a candidate to replace State Senator-elect Ben Hueso in the 80th Assembly District, which includes Chula Vista, National City and the City of San Diego neighborhoods of San Ysidro, City Heights, Barrio Logan, Sherman Heights, Otay Mesa, Paradise Hills and Golden Hill.

Learn more about Lorena’s campaign at www.VoteLorena.com  or by e-mail VoteLorena@gmail.com.

Chair Francine Busby's Statement on Republican "Post-Mortem"

Today the Republican National Committee released a report reviewing the Party’s failures in 2012 and promising “a path forward” to win future elections. San Diego County Democratic Party Chair Francine Busby issued this statement in response:


"After losing seats in both houses of Congress last year and losing the presidency by an electoral vote landslide, the Republican Party had a chance to honestly reexamine its extremist policies and commit to representing the whole country, not just the conservative base.

"But the only thing today’s report gets right is the assessment of the Republican Party by its own focus groups, who called it 'out of touch,' 'narrow-minded,' and a Party of 'stuffy old men.'

"Last year the Republicans actually made their platform even more extreme, calling for a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage and the criminalization of abortion with no exceptions for rape, incest, or a mother’s safety.

"As long as the Republican Party continues to oppose reproductive rights, same-sex marriage, climate science, and policies that respect America's diversity, its plans for a multimillion-dollar marketing campaign to women, youth, and people of color won’t accomplish a thing.

"The Republicans’ fundamental problem isn’t style. It’s substance. Growing majorities of Americans don’t want to buy what they’re selling, no matter how it’s packaged.

"That’s why President Barack Obama has won a majority here in San Diego County two elections in a row. And that’s why Democrats outnumber Republicans in our county by a greater margin now than any in decades.

"San Diego Democrats will continue to earn that vote of confidence, build on it, and translate it into electoral successes at every level. We don't need a focus group to know why we're the Party of the present -- and of the future."

ATKINS CALLS FOR EXPANSION OF VETERANS COURT SYSTEM

(Sacramento)  Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins today introduced ACR 36 which calls for the expansion of a court system that offers rehabilitative solutions for former service members.   Known as the Veterans Treatment Review Calendar (VTRC,) or Veterans Court, this special court program assists veterans who have unaddressed behavioral health problems and resulting legal issues, which adversely impact their ability to relate to family, obtain a stable job or keep from becoming homeless. The first pilot VTRC was in Atkins’ San Diego district and currently only thirteen counties in the state have similar programs, which have been shown to dramatically improve outcomes for these veterans.

“We owe it to our returning warriors to help them re-establish productive civilian lives,” says Atkins.  “Veterans Courts are a proven success that pay off in the long run for veterans, their families, and their communities.”

The cases most commonly heard in current Veterans Courts are first-time offenses that are eligible for probation. The program typically requires each veteran to undergo a three-phase treatment program that lasts from 12 to 18 months and is tailored to address the individual’s needs and challenges.  Following each phase, the veteran must submit a letter to the judge, requesting permission to advance to the next level, where he or she is given another set of goals to accomplish.  At completion, the judge may waive court or criminal fees, commute felonies or even, under a new provision in the California Penal Code, expunge charges completely.

At approximately two million, California has the largest veteran population of any state, 160,000 of whom are combat veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan.  Thirty thousand combat veterans are expected to return every year for the foreseeable future.  As many as 20% of these returning veterans show signs of mental health problems, with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, depression, anxiety, and acute stress being common. Many of these veterans turn to drugs and alcohol in order to self-medicate and many end up homeless.

Most veterans who participate in the VTRC program succeed in overcoming their substance abuse and homelessness and are able to move forward to productive post-military lives.  ACR 36 calls on California’s superior courts to establish Veterans Courts tailored to local needs.

Controller John Chiang Endorses Lorena Gonzalez for Assembly

Pro-Jobs Democrat Earns The Support of California's Chief Fiscal Officer

SAN DIEGO – (Monday, March 18, 2013) – California State Controller John Chiang has endorsed pro-jobs Democrat Lorena Gonzalez's campaign for the 80th Assembly District, her campaign announced today.

As Controller, Chiang serves as the state's chief fiscal officer and serves on the Board of Equalization, State Lands Commission and numerous other state boards. Chiang has used his independent auditing powers to expose over $2.4 billion in government waste, fraud and inefficiency and has helped Californians recover more  than $1 billion in previously unclaimed property and assets.

Lorena is a candidate to replace State Senator-elect Ben Hueso in the 80th Assembly District, which includes Chula Vista, National City and the City of San Diego neighborhoods of San Ysidro, City Heights, Barrio Logan, Sherman Heights, Otay Mesa, Paradise Hills and Golden Hill.

Learn more about Lorena’s campaign at www.VoteLorena.com  or by e-mail VoteLorena@gmail.com.

ASSEMBLYMEMBER SHIRLEY WEBER TO SALUTE WOMEN LEADERS IN CALIFORNIA’S 79TH DISTRICT

San Diego, CA: Assemblymember Shirley N. Weber (D-San Diego) will pay tribute to outstanding women in honor of Women’s History Month TODAY Sunday, March 17, 2013, 3:30 p.m. at San Diego State University’s Parma Payne Alumni Center.  “There are many unsung ‘SHeroes’ in the 79th District deserving recognition for their work as women leaders. I am excited to host this Inaugural Salute in the 79th District to highlight their efforts,” she said. Women’s History Month was established in 1987 and is celebrated throughout the month of March to honor women’s contribution to society.

To qualify, nominees must be work or attend school in the 79th District, which includes the communities in the City of San Diego, Lemon Grove, La Mesa, National City, Chula Vista, Bonita and a small part of Spring Valley. The nominee must also perform extraordinary service in the Arts, Business, Community Activism, Education, Government, Health Sciences or Social Services.

Joining in the celebration will be poetry artist Kendrick Dial of Collective Purpose, singer Alyssa Mae Servenas and the Morse High School Pacific Islander Association culture. For more information, please contact JoAnn Fields via cellphone at (619)884-9886.