STATEMENT OF ASSEMBLY MAJORITY LEADER TONI ATKINS ON RESIGNATION OF SAN DIEGO MAYOR BOB FILNER

(San Diego) As someone who served as acting Mayor during a period of crisis in our city, I understand what needs to be done to manage the City during a difficult time and hopefully position our next Mayor for success.  I offer my support and assistance to Acting Mayor Gloria in any way I can.  Like many of you, I am relieved Mayor Filner put the City's needs ahead of his own and resigned.  While San Diego can now move forward to its next chapter, we should remain mindful that today’s action does not resolve matters for the victims of the former Mayor’s sexual harassment.   

Block: San Diego must move forward

State Senator Marty Block (SD-39) today issued the following statement following the resignation of San Diego Mayor Bob Filner:

“The Mayor’s resignation will begin to close a sad chapter in San Diego’s long city history. Just as importantly, it validates the victims who courageously stepped forward. City staff who have served the people of San Diego over the last eight months deserve our thanks and appreciation for their service under very difficult conditions.

Democratic Party Reaction to San Diego Mayor Bob Filner's Resignation

Following the announcement today of Mayor Bob Filner's resignation as part of a settlement with the City Council, San Diego County Democratic Party Chair Francine Busby has issued this statement:

“I share the relief of most San Diegans that Bob Filner has accepted the calls for his resignation from the Democratic Party and others. It’s time to put this painful chapter in the City’s history behind us.

“The women who have spoken out with stories of mistreatment deserve our appreciation, compassion, and support. No one should have to endure the behavior they reported, including the disrespect that Mr. Filner has already acknowledged.

“As for the legal process, the parties involved will have their day in court. On a human level, Mr. Filner has admitted to profound personal failings, and I urge him to continue to seek whatever treatment he may need.

“The rest of us must now work to ensure that the urgent business of San Diego will carry on. The City Council will soon set the date for a special election. Despite the difficult time that the City has faced in recent weeks, I hope voters will participate and turn out in force to give our City’s next leader the support to move us forward.
              
“Last November, San Diegans didn’t just choose someone to be the Mayor. They endorsed a Democratic vision for the future. From investing in renewable energy to highlighting our role as a border community, from standing up for working families to embracing the diversity of our people and the strength of our neighborhoods, they voted for a distinctly progressive agenda. That mandate is greater than any one person, and now it remains our responsibility and privilege to see it through.”

Statement by San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council Secretary-Treasurer Richard Barrera on Resignation of Mayor Bob Filner

SAN DIEGO – Richard Barrera, Secretary-Treasurer of the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council, made the following statement today following the resignation of San Diego Mayor Bob Filner:

“It is time to move forward. Today, we close a painful chapter for San Diego and the paralysis that has gripped City Hall can be brought to an end. We hope that those who have been hurt by Bob Filner’s behavior will receive the respect and closure they deserve.

“As we look to the election of a new Mayor, the Labor Council will continue to be a strong advocate for San Diego's working families and for our Middle Class. The power and importance of working San Diegans remains as strong as ever and the work of providing good jobs, good schools and better lives continues. We are fully committed to championing an agenda for America’s Finest City that accomplishes all of this; that celebrates the importance and dignity of working people; that believes in providing quality services to every single neighborhood; and that ensures that the voices at City Hall reflect the broad diversity of our city.

“We will participate fully in the public debate as the city seeks new leadership; and we will absolutely not allow right-wing radicals like Carl DeMaio and his divisive politics to take over our city when we need inclusion, unity and consensus.

“Our commitment to building a better San Diego is undiminished. And so too, we believe, is that same commitment from San Diego’s voters.”

###

San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council

The San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO includes 135 affiliated labor groups in the region with a membership of more than 200,000 working families. Founded in 1891, the Labor Council advocates for more jobs, better jobs and better lives for all of San Diego’s workers – union and non-union.

www.unionyes.org

Wonder Where Carl DeMaio Stands? New Web Site Helps Californians Check – with the Tea Party

Carl DeMaio proudly claims to be a “new generation Republican,” echoing Washington Republicans’ message-tested slogan. But on the issues that matter to San Diegans, Carl DeMaio’s record and the Tea Party’s agenda in Washington are one and the same.

To highlight the truth behind DeMaio’s Tea Party record, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee launched the web site www.newgenerationrepublican.org. There, Californians can see for themselves just how closely DeMaio’s record aligns with the Tea Party’s priorities.

“San Diego voters are fed up with a dysfunctional government that isn’t working for them, and sending Carl DeMaio to Washington would only make the gridlock worse,” said Matt Inzeo of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “Carl DeMaio wants to push the Tea Party’s priorities that harm San Diego and will continue to put gridlock and obstruction ahead of progress on issues like jobs.”

Background:
 DeMaio is Using GOP Poll Tested Term “New Generation Republican.” “A new GOP poll tested former San Diego City Councilman Carl DeMaio, an openly gay Republican and potential congressional candidate, as a ‘new generation Republican’ in the highly competitive 52nd District...‘The data from this survey shows that DeMaio could be very successful in a congressional race portraying himself as a ‘new generation Republican,’” said Tarrance Group pollster Dave Sackett. [Roll Call, 5/01/13]

Assemblywoman Gonzalez Introduces Bill To Prevent Fraud on the Pathway to Citizenship

AB 1159 Empowers 2.5 Million Californians Who Seek Immigration Reform Services Under Pending Federal Law

SACRAMENTO, CA – (Monday, August 19, 2013)  – California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) will introduced legislation today to prevent payment for immigration reform services until federal immigration reform is enacted and to ensure other basic consumer protections are provided to immigrants pursuing a pathway to U.S. citizenship under the federal immigration reform act pending in Congress.

Assembly Bill 1159 (Gonzalez) would require that lawyers and consultants performing services under the pending federal immigration reform act abide by common sense business practices that will protect more than 2.5 million potentially eligible Californians from the unauthorized practice of law by non-lawyers, fraud, and unnecessary mistakes that could jeopardize a client’s pursuit of citizenship or – worse – result in deportation.

“As millions of California families face the historic opportunity of improving their lives by pursuing a pathway to citizenship, the state must be ready to ensure immigration services are performed by competent professionals and include anti-fraud protections,” Assemblywoman Gonzalez said. “AB 1159 prepares California for this upswing in demand by creating more accountability and transparency in an otherwise daunting process for immigrants, who are already targets of fraud now.”

AB 1159 will be considered today by the Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development. Assemblywoman Gonzalez has asked that the Legislature act with urgency – requiring a higher vote threshold – in order to crack down on the unscrupulous practice by some professionals to demand payment for immigration reform services based by promising that clients could “cut to the front of the line” when federal immigration reform is eventually enacted by paying now.

AB 1159’s goal of empowering immigrants during their pursuit of citizenship by:

PROHIBITING THE USE OF TERM “NOTARIO”:  Expands current law to apply to “anyone who is not an attorney” from advertising as a “notario,” not just notaries public. This ban prevents confusion that has oftentimes been capitalized upon by non-attorneys hoping to present themselves as attorneys, as a “notario” in many Latin American nations is a type of lawyer. It will be unlawful to use any translated word that may imply that a person is an attorney, including the literal translation of the word “notario”.

PROHIBITING EARLY CLIENT SOLICITATION AND TRUST ACCOUNT REQUIREMENT:  The bill will make it illegal for attorneys or consultants to demand money from clients seeking immigration reform act services before the federal reform bill becomes law and is enacted. AB 1159 will also require immigration consultants to deposit into a client trust account all funds received from a client of immigration  reform services prior to performing those services. Requires both consultants and attorneys to utilize a trust account when funds were collected during the window of time after this bill goes into effect but before federal immigration reform is enacted. These provisions clamp down on a fraudulent practice of advising clients on a law for which the exact regulations have not become law yet.

REQUIRING A CONTRACT:  Attorneys and consultants must provide a client with a written contract in the client’s language under AB 1159. Contracts must describe the services being performed for the client, the attorney’s or consultant’s compensation for the services, and where a client can report complaints for unsatisfactory or fraudulent performance of those immigration reform act services. This requirement is to provide transparency to what services a client would be paying for and, equally important, what is not provided for in the contract.

Additionally, non-attorneys performing immigration reform act services are required to itemize each service to be performed; an explanation of the purpose of each service; and the cost of preparing each document specified in the contract.

REQUIRING A BOND FOR NON-ATTORNEYS: AB 1159 increases the required bond for consultants performing immigration reform act services from $50,000 to $100,000 to allow immigrants to recover damages related to immigration fraud.

AB 1159 has gained early support from the State Bar of California, labor groups, the faith community, and organizations dedicated to advocating for immigrant rights and equitable access to justice. Letters in support of AB 1159 are available upon request.

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

Statement by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez on Supreme Court Decision To Release Prisoners Early

SAN DIEGO – (Friday, August 2, 2013) – California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) made the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to deny the State of California’s attempt to block the court-mandated early release of prisoners.

“It is very unfortunate that Supreme Court has risked the safety of our communities in this recent decision. As the state noted in its argument, no data suggests that a sudden release of inmates with these characteristics can be done safely and no state has ever done it. I believe the state demonstrated a very strong case against early release, both in improved prison conditions but also in the negative impacts that realignment has had on public safety in California. It’s one thing to maintain a fair standard for the men and women who are incarcerated, but our state should not be expected to risk all of our essential public safety needs for the well-being of criminals. A long-term solution to prevent this false choice is needed.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No Change in Democratic Party's Position on Filner

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

San Diego County Democratic Party Calls on Filner to Step Down

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BACKGROUND

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

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

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

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

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

Block’s SB 527 earns bipartisan support

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

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

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

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

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

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

SDCDP Special Meeting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Statement on Harassment Allegations Against Mayor Filner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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