PLAN INCLUDES DEEP CUTS IN EDUCATION, HEALTH & WELFARE PROGRAMS, ELIMINATION OF SOME AGENCIES & SALE OF PROPERTIES; MOST STATE PARKS SPARED CLOSURE

By Miriam Raftery
 

By Miriam Raftery

July 17, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—Over a thousand letters poured into the office of Assemblyman Joel Anderson in just three days. The letters came from concerned citizens, mostly in the Borrego Springs community, in response to a state budget proposal that would close almost all state parks, including Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, as a cost-saving measure.

Budget cuts threaten patient care, hospice leader warns;

Pain treatments for military, quality of life programs and advanced palliative medicine education for clinicians also discussed

Bill aims to create jobs, spur economic growth

July 10, 2009 (La Mesa) – John Dean, the former White House lawyer under President Richard Nixon during the Watergate scandal, will speak August 5th at the La Mesa Community Center. The event, co-sponsored by the Eastlake--Bonita Democratic Club and La Mesa–Foothills Democratic Club, is free and open to all people.

July 3, 2009 (San Diego)—Jeff Olson, who currently serves as Chief of Assessment Services for the County, has announced plans to run for the County Tax Assessor/Recorder/Clerk position in June 2010. If elected he pledges, “I will always be an advocate for the taxpayer and will ensure that no taxpayer is paying more in property tax than they are legally responsible for. Also I will work with our State Legislators to protect Proposition 13 and amend poorly written property tax laws already in place.”

Lawmaker voted "No" on budget that included tax increases aimed at preventing deep cuts in services and closure of state parks

By Miriam Raftery

By Miriam Raftery

June 27, 2009 (Washington D.C.)–H.R. 2996, landmark legislation that aims to protect air, clean up waterways and restore our public lands, has passed the House of Representatives by a 254-173 vote. Among San Diego’s Congressional representatives, Bob Filner and Susan Davis voted in favor of the measure, while Brian Bilbray, Duncan Hunter and Darrell Issa voted against it.

By Kyle Serzen

June 26, 2009 (San Diego)--The San Diego County Board of Supervisors lit up some controversy during its meeting on Tuesday, which included two medical marijuana issues. The first was a resolution passed unanimously 5-0 to allow patients to apply for a medical marijuana ID card beginning July 6th. The Board also passed a measure asking County Counsel to draft language prohibiting marijuana dispensaries in the County’s unincorporated areas, by a vote of 4-1.

June 23, 2009 (El Cajon) –San Diego Republican Party chair Tony Krvaric has invited the public to a “TEA Party” tax protest on July 4th.

June 27, 2009 (Washington DC) - The House Armed Services Committee has accepted an amendment offered by Congressman Duncan D. Hunter (R-Alpine) requiring the Secretary of Defense to review the Medal of Honor awards process. Since the start of combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, there has not been a single living recipient of the Medal of Honor.

June 21, 2009 (La Mesa) –On Tuesday, June 23, at 3 p.m. La Mesa’s City Council will hold a joint special meeting with the La Mesa Community Redevelopment Agency and La Mesa Public Financing Authority. Staff will present a recommendation urging Council to approve the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 budgets. Council will also consider a possible rule change regarding travel funds as well as a proposed resolution to fund outside organizations that sponsor events benefitting La Mesa residents.

CONGRESS GRANTS FDA AUTHORITY TO REGULATE TOBACCO PRODUCTS, PROTECT KIDS FROM SMOKING IMPACTS June 16, 2009 (Washington D.C.) The House and Senate have passed the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, designed to protect children and teens from the harmful effects of smoking. The bill grants the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority to regulate the advertising, marketing and manufacturing of tobacco products to protect public health.