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

Block’s SB 527 earns bipartisan support

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

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

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

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

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

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

SDCDP Special Meeting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Statement on Harassment Allegations Against Mayor Filner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EQUALITY FOR ALL COUPLES IS THE LAW

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Block: ‘Celebrate wedding bells and bells of liberty’

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

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

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

Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Cheers Supreme Court Decisions on Marriage Equality Cases

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

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

A Tale of Two Mayors (and Two City Attorneys)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MAJORITY LEADER TOP SUSHI ROLLER IN THE CAPITOL

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

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

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

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

STATE BUDGET IS RESPONSIBLE BLUEPRINT FOR STRENGTHENING CALIFORNIA AND ITS PEOPLE

Statement of Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins on Adoption of State Budget

(Sacramento) The State Legislature today adopted a balanced, on-time state budget for the coming fiscal year.  The Legislature’s budget will next be reviewed by Governor Brown by the June 30th  constitutional deadline for the new fiscal year that begins July 1st.

Following is the statement of Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins on today’s action:

Today the California State Legislature adopted a state budget that is balanced, on-time, and fiscally responsible.  This budget is a blueprint for a state government that promotes growth and provides essential services through the prudent and responsible use of taxpayer money.  It reflects our state’s values – continuing a cautious approach to spending and revenue projections as we come out of a serious recession, setting the stage for establishing a rainy day fund, strengthening the middle class, and prioritizing the effective and efficient delivery of state government services to businesses and individuals.

Elements of next year’s budget that will be of particular interest to my constituents include:

Fiscal caution: The budget is balanced, with a reserve of $1.1 billion.  It is based upon a conservative estimate of state revenues rather than more optimistic projections that some have urged.  The budget pays down $5.2 billion in budget debt and also budget anticipates the placement on the 2014 ballot of a proposal to establish a Rainy Day Fund to protect against future economic downturns.

Education funding: In a reversal of the financial pressure experienced by schools for the past several years, this year every school district will receive a funding increase.  School districts with high concentrations of  English learners and poor families will receive additional funds.  Student costs at community colleges and the state’s universities will also be stabilized through increased budget allocations.

Middle Class Scholarships:  Implementation of this program will begin next year.  When fully in place, students whose families earn under $100,000 will be eligible for scholarships to cover 40% of fees at the California State University and University of California.

Veterans Services: The budget provides $3 million for state staff to assist the federal government in processing disability claims for California veterans and $3 million for County Veteran Service Officers to outreach to veterans regarding services.

Improved Programs for Families Striving for the Middle Class:  In addition to strengthening our educational system and improving access for all students, the budget adopted by the legislature increases funding for child care to assist parents in returning to work and for the CalWORKS Child Poverty Adjustment. Other modifications to the CalWORKS program stabilize families and support employment.

The budget also re-establishes a modified Medi-Cal Adult Dental program, a benefit that was completely eliminated through drastic budget cuts during the recession.  Medi-Cal will also be slightly expanded to provide access to healthcare for the working poor.
 
Delivering Effective, Efficient Services for Californians: The budget follows through on the Assembly’s action this Spring to permanently cut the length of time for the Secretary of State to process business filings from over 60 days to no more than 5 days.  In addition, $4 million is allocated for Local Coastal Plans to be updated for streamlining and improving coastal zone changes in accordance with the Coastal Act.

San Diego Items:

Preserving Historic San Diego Old Town Site: I was successful in securing the transfer of the abandoned CalTrans headquarters near Old Town to the state park system in order to keep the site in public hands and preserve the archaeological treasures buried beneath the building.

Protecting Scripps Pier: $5 million was included in the state budget to replace the aging 50-year old Nimitz Marine Facility (MarFac) pier maintained by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego. The pier is home base for more than 90 Scripps research vessels studying climate change and the ocean environment.

Meals for Seniors: Due to federal sequestration, senior nutrition programs such as those provided by San Diego Senior Community Services face a $10 million statewide loss.  Under this budget, the state will backfill some of this loss by providing $1 million for  “meals on wheels” type programs and $1.7 million for group senior meals.

Court Funding:  Court funding was seriously impacted during the recession, with the effect of limiting access to our state system of justice. The legislature added $63M to Governor’s proposal for a modest restoration of funds. San Diego courts will receive enough additional funding to avoid employee furloughs that were imminent. Funding for the new San Diego courthouse remains in next year’s budget.


Additional information about the budget adopted today by the legislature is available at http://asmdc.org/issues/budget-blueprint/.

ASSEMBLYWOMAN LORENA GONZALEZ ON PASSAGE OF THE 2013-14 CALIFORNIA STATE BUDGET

Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, D-San Diego, made the following statement following passage of the 2013-14 fiscal year budget for the State of California:

“Today, the California Legislature approved the state budget for the coming fiscal . After years of difficult cuts, this year’s budget is on-time, fiscally sound and restores funding for the programs that matter to San Diego County’s families.

“My colleagues and I advocated for this year’s budget to expand educational opportunities for our children and young adults, to reduce unemployment and rebuild the Middle Class by creating more jobs in the private sector, and to strengthen the state’s safety net for health and human services.

“Here are some of the highlights that I am most proud to have supported in this year’s state budget:

• Restores funding for public K-12 education for all schools in the state but also improves funding for School Districts like ours in the South Bay and Mid-City that serve low-income and English-learning students.
• Maintains funding for Regional Occupation Programs and Adult Education that are vital to training our future workforce.
• Increases funding for early care and preschool programs.
• Expands Medi-Cal to provide wider access to healthcare for the working poor as well as basic dental care for adults.
• Increases the incentives used to put residents back to work through welfare-to-work programs.
• Cuts the processing time for business filings at the Secretary of State from over two months to a maximum of 5 days.
• Allows local governments to more easily invest in critical infrastructure projects that can improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods and grow our economy.
• Provides $1 million over the next three years to maintain the Goat Canyon sediment basins in Border Field State Park to prevent debris and other pollution from flowing into the Tijuana Estuary.
• Funds the California Veterans Service Officer programs to improve timely access to federal benefits for local military vets.

“This budget represents a step forward in improving  our schools, higher education and state services so that they are befitting of our Golden State.”

…..
To learn more about the 2013-14 state budget process, visit: http://www.asmdc.org/issues/budget-blueprint/.

Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez represents California’s 80th Assembly District, located in southern San Diego County and including the cities of San Diego, Chula Vista and National City.

MAJORITY LEADER ATKINS SPEARHEADS PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC SAN DIEGO SITE

(Sacramento)  Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins announced today that she has successfully persuaded the Legislature’s Joint Budget Committee to transfer the former CalTrans headquarters near Old Town State Park in San Diego to the state parks system.  This move will ensure the preservation of historic structures and artifacts known to be below the building’s foundation and that the site will remain in the public’s hands.

“This is a three-way win for the people of California and San Diego,” says Atkins.  “This action preserves a site rich with our heritage and removes an eyesore from the historic center of our city, all without cost to taxpayers.”

CalTrans abandoned the 2.4 acre site in 2006, when it moved to a new headquarters building.  The building sits on the location of the first permanent European settlement in California and of a Kumeyaay Native American village dating back to AD 500.  The Committee’s action ensures that it will remain in the hands of the people and will not be sold for private development.

The decision by the Joint Budget Committee opens the door for creating an historic park that is part of or adjacent to Old Town State Park.  Local community open space and preservation activists envision this piece of land as a new entry way to Old Town State Park that would tie together the San Diego River, the Kumeyaay village, and the early California settlement in an integrated interpretive display.

“I am grateful to the leaders of the State Assembly for prioritizing this transaction within the state budget process and for effectively communicating its importance to the entire legislature,” says Atkins.

The Joint Budget Committee’s recommendation will be reviewed by the entire legislature as part of the state budget and will then be sent to Governor Brown.

Block names Ocean Beach Hotel as Small Business of the Year

Proprietors Rich and Donna Grosch join honorees to celebrate California Small Business Day

 SACRAMENTO – State Senator Marty Block (SD-39) recognized on Monday the Ocean Beach Hotel as his district’s California Small Business of the Year as part of an annual event which honors small businesses across the state.

Dozens of small businesses and legislators participated in the celebration. Small businesses contribute 75 percent of California’s Gross State Product. California Small Business Day was created by Assembly Resolution 5 in 2000. Volunteer small business organizations throughout the state work together to host the event in Sacramento.

            “Even through the challenges of the recession and the toll that took on our tourism industry, Rich and Donna Grosch practiced creative marketing to keep the rooms occupied and bring tourism into Ocean Beach,” Block said in recognizing the Groschs and their hotel.

            In addition, the high quality restoration and repair of the OB Hotel has catalyzed the redevelopment and revitalization of the entire Ocean Beach community.

            Block praised Rich Grosch for his history in developing and enhancing the quality of life in Ocean Beach. “As chair of the Ocean Beach Community Development Corporation, Rich led the effort to create a pedestrian park at the entrance to the Ocean Beach community, created two business improvement districts and developed a comprehensive development plan for the district.”

            Grosch’s civic and business accomplishments include his current service as President of the Board of Trustees of the San Diego Community College District.

###
Proudly representing the cities and communities of San Diego, Del Mar, Solana Beach, and Coronado

$30 million approved in joint budget plan for disabled and disadvantaged community college students

Block led effort to fund programs through his budget subcommittee

SACRAMENTO – Senator Marty Block (SD-39), chair of the Senate Budget Subcommittee #1 which deals with education financing today issued the following statement following approval of $30 million dollars for disabled and educationally disadvantaged students:

“I was heartened and excited today by action taken to assist the most vulnerable community college students by the Legislature’s Joint Conference on the Budget.

“Although I sought a larger amount, I know this funding will mean more tutors, note takers, counselors, audio books, and other services for students who have cognitive or physical disabilities or who have overcome tremendous obstacles to attend college. Many are also disabled veterans struggling to transition successfully to civilian life after service to their country.

“The committee approved $15 million each for the Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) and the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (DSPS).

The committee, charged with reconciling the Assembly and Senate actions on the state’s fiscal plan for 2013-14, recognized that these students have been especially hard hit by the cuts to community colleges. While community colleges have suffered approximately a 12 percent cut in recent years, services to the disabled and disadvantaged have been reduced by about 40 percent.

            “I will continue to work towards restoring services to these students. As the governor noted, treating unequals equally is not justice. He is right.”

###
Proudly representing the cities and communities of San Diego, Del Mar, Solana Beach, and Coronado

Joint Budget Committee approves land transfer for San Diego Old Town State Historic Park

Swap would preserve Native American and early settler artifacts at San Diego Old Town historical park

SACRAMENTO – State Senator Marty Block (SD-39) announced today that the Joint Budget Conference Committee approved transfer of a former, now vacant, Caltrans office site located in San Diego’s Old Town State Historic Park to the state parks system. Transferring the 2.4 acres will result in improvements and cultural preservation at the park and save California $80,000 a year it now spends in annual upkeep for the vacated building.

            Block proclaimed it a “win-win” for both the park and Caltrans. “The Department of Transportation will save hefty maintenance costs that total $500,000 to date, and the park and people of California gain an opportunity to enhance and preserve a historic and cultural treasure,” Block said.

            In a recent letter to Senate Budget Committee Chair Mark Leno (SD-11), Block argued for the land transfer because of its historic value to the area and state. The historic park is the site of California’s first permanent European settlement and a Native American village dating to A.D. 500.

            Located on the southwest corner of Juan and Taylor Streets, adjacent to the Old Town park, the Caltrans buildings sit atop historic structures and cultural resources that could be unearthed and made available to the public.

            “Retaining the site in public ownership has statewide significance because of its historic, archaeological and interpretive significance,” Block said. He credited his predecessor, former State Senator Christine Kehoe and other local officials and residents who have worked for years to realize the site transfer.

            “The joint budget action was a major step forward in securing the property and preserving this significant site in California’s history.”

###
Proudly representing the cities and communities of San Diego, Del Mar, Solana Beach, and Coronado

Block: Protect San Diego’s leadership in worldwide climate research

SACRAMENTO—Senator Marty Block today announced that $5 million was included in the state budget by the Joint Conference Committee to replace the aging Nimitz Marine Facility (MarFac) pier maintained by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego.

The funding is from Proposition 40, approved in 2002. Proposition 40 allowed the state to borrow up to $2.6 billion for parks and other projects. The $5 million will be used to draw down federal funds.

“MarFac has served well beyond its original lifespan,” Block said. “It was constructed more than 50 years ago and designed to serve 25 to 30 years with the U.S. research fleet mission requirements of the time. Today, replacement is critical to meeting future research demands and to support the U.S. Navy’s R.V. Sally Ride which is scheduled for delivery in 2015.”  The Sally Ride will engage in a broad scope of science studies in physics, chemistry, biology, geology and climate science, including research missions with Navy relevance.

 

Scripps’ pier and wharf play a valuable role in marine research and education because of their geographical, logistical and infrastructure advantages. Each year, more than 1,200 UC scientists sail on Scripps research vessels on more than 90 individual research missions.

Currently, MarFac employs more than 150 technicians, engineers, crew and administrators for ship operations. A proposed pier and wharf restoration project is expected to support approximately 440 direct jobs and include up to 150 onside construction jobs. Other benefits to the state include:

·         The California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI) which studies the marine environment along California’s coast and monitors El Niño and climate change.

·         The UC Ship Funds Program – unique to California that offers students leadership opportunities at sea and supports the development of the next generation of UC-trained scientists.
 

 “San Diego is a vital part of the state and nation’s science hubs; we are the idea incubators and job creators of the future,” Block said. “MarFac is a key element of our research prowess, and we must maintain its ability to serve the needs of the many scientists, educators and students who use the facility to benefit California and the U.S.” 

###
Proudly representing the cities and communities of San Diego, Del Mar, Solana Beach, and Coronado

SOUTH PARK WINE PUB HONORED BY MAJORITY LEADER TONI ATKINS

Assembly Majority Leader honored The Rose Wine Pub owner Susan Prise during Small Business Appreciation ceremonies in Sacramento

(Sacramento)  The Rose Wine Pub, a small neighborhood establishment in the South Park neighborhood of San Diego, was honored today by Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins as the Small Business of the Year for the 78th Assembly District.  The recognition was celebrated at a special luncheon and ceremony in Sacramento, attended by the pub’s owner, Susan Prise, and the Majority Leader.

“Rose Wine Pub is place to gather and relax with neighbors and friends in a pleasant, warm atmosphere of good food and drink,” says Atkins.  “This local establishment captures the essence of the surrounding area and exemplifies why San Diego is known as a cosmopolitan city of neighborhoods.”

The Rose Wine Pub is named for the historic location it occupies, the restored 1927 Rose Grocery building, and in honor of the owner's grandmother, Rose Miranda. The wine storage was constructed by a local craftsman and made from the reclaimed redwood of a historic South Park home.

Designed to encompass aspects of all four seasons, The Rose envelops customers in a mixture of materials such as reclaimed wood, stone, and metal. The wine selection features many small productions vineyards all over the world, offering customers the opportunity to taste options they may not find elsewhere.