Politics

REP. JACOBS CALLS FOR BILATERAL CEASEFIRE AS ISRAEL PLANS EXPANSION OF WAR ON HAMAS

By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego, a member of the San DIego Online News Association

Photo:  Rep. Sara Jacobs speaks on the House floor this week. Screenshot from video

November 20, 2023 (Washington, D.C.) - Rep. Sara Jacobs on Saturday criticized plans by Israel to expand the war against Hamas terrorists into southern Gaza, calling instead for a bilateral ceasefire and release of Israeli hostages.


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PASSAGES: HOWARD WAYNE, FORMER SAN DIEGO ASSEMBLYMEMBER

 
November 16, 2023 (San Diego) -- The Honorable Howard Wayne (former Assemblyman, AD-78) died Thursday, Nov. 2 on his 75th birthday at Scripps Green Hospital after lapsing into a coma, his wife Mary Lundberg announced Saturday.
 
Wayne served in the state Assembly for three terms, from 1996 to 2002, and thereafter returned to his job as an assistant state attorney general focusing on consumer fraud. After retirement, he continued in public service and was a member of the San Diego County Grand Jury when he took ill.
 
A “celebration of life” for the late former Assemblyman Howard Wayne (D-San Diego) has been scheduled for 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 18, at Elijah’s Restaurant, 7061 Clairemont Mesa, according to his wife Mary Lundberg.

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EL CAJON APPROVES PLAN TO SHELTER DOGS FOR HOMELESS PEOPLE

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Councilman Gary Kendrick with his late dog, Ocho.

November 15, 2023 (El Cajon)—By a unanimous vote,  El Cajon City Council members approved allocating $30,000 for the Humane Society to provide shelter for dogs belonging to homeless people for up to 30 days, providing the person enters a program for the homeless. The individual can choose any homeless program, in El Cajon or elsewhere, to help them get off the streets.  The measure also funds up to $2,000 in veterinary care per pet.

“It’s removing one more barrier to getting people off the street,” says Councilman Gary Kendrick, who introduced the measure, noting that local homeless shelters won’t accept pets.  “A lot are saying, `I don’t want to lose my dog, so I won’t go into a program.”

The homeless person can retrieve their dog from the Humane Society after they complete a program in 30 days, or sooner if they choose.  “They can leave the program and get their dog bag at any time,” assures Kendrick, a dog owner.


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EXPERTS SOUND ALARM OVER TRUMP PLAN TO ARREST CRITICS, “TERMINATE” CONSTUTITIONAL PROTECTIONS AND SEEK AUTOCRATIC RULE

By Miriam Raftery

November 11, 2023 (Washington D.C.) –A growing chorus of voices on both the left and right are speaking out to warn of threats to U.S. democracy if former president Donald Trump wins election in 2024.  The warnings come after increasingly vitriolic statements by Trump threatening to arrest political critics, eliminate free press rights, eliminate independence of the Justice Dept. and FBI, order the military to suppress peaceful demonstrations, and support  "termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution." 

The conservative Lincoln Club warns that America is in a “fight for democracy,”  stating in a newly released ad, “The fate of your country, your family and your freedom are on the line” in the 2024 election. “We’re not liberals. We’re not progressives. We’re former Republicans who put country over party. We’re Americans who know that unless we stop Trump, he will end this democracy we cherish.”

 Among those starring in anti-Trump Lincoln Club ads is Michael Steele, former chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC). 

In an interview on Univision last week, Trump said, ““If I happen to be president, and I see somebody who is doing well and beating me very badly, I’ll say, ‘go down and indict them." 


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SANTEE COUNCIL GIVES OK TO UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

By Mike Allen

November 15, 2023 (Santee) -- A small congregation of Ukrainian American Catholics will make Santee their new home, once the church they have long planned is built in about a year.

The parish, St. John the Baptizer, which now holds its services in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood, purchased a lot at Carlton Oaks Drive and Pike Street in 2018.

On Nov. 8 the Santee City Council unanimously approved an application for a conditional use permit for the gold-domed church and connecting meeting hall to the applicants, technically a part of the Ukrainian Church of Chicago.


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LEMON GROVE COUNCIL APPROVES A 3% RAISE FOR PUBLIC WORKS DESPITE NOT HAVING A SIGNED UNION CONTRACT

 

By Jessyka Heredia

Watch full video here.

 

October 9, 2023 (Lemon Grove)—On Tuesday, Lemon Grove councilmembers Allysson Snow and Jennifer Mendoza teamed up to have a 3% wage increase on the agenda for the public works department and bypass waiting on the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 127 union’s negotiations that have been going on for several months. Mayor Raquel Vasquez was very adamant that this could set a dangerous precedent in the future.


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STEPPE WINNING SUPERVISOR SPECIAL ELECTION BY WIDE MARGIN

By Miriam Raftery

Photo courtesy of 10 News, an ECM news partner

November 8, 2023 (San Diego) – Monica Montgomery Steppe is poised to fill the vacancy in district 4 left by the resignation of Nathan Fletcher on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. Steppe has 61% of the vote,  while her opponent, Amy Reichert, a private investigator who led efforts to block COVID-19 vaccine and mask mandates, has 39%. Steppe, an attorney and San Diego city councilmember, stands to become the first black woman to serve as a San Diego supervisor.

Although the race is officially nonpartisan, her victory will also restore a 3-2 Democratic majority on the board of Supervisors, which has been split since Fletcher resigned amid allegations of sexual harassment and assault by an MTS employee. Fletcher has denied guilt but faces a civil lawsuit.

On social media, Steppe posted, “As your Supervisor, I look forward to teaming up with you to tackle homelessness, promote holistic public safety, and invest in the county.”


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AS DEATH TOLL MOUNTS IN ISRAEL-HAMAS CONFLICT, SAN DIEGO’S CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES SPEAK OUT

 

By Miriam Raftery

November 5, 2023 (San Diego) – After the House of Representatives finally elected a new Speaker, Mike Johnson, the first action was a bipartisan resolution in support of  Israel’s war against Hamas, also condemning Iran for aiding Hamas and other terror groups.  The resolution passed 412-10, with all five of San Diego’s Congressional representatives voting in favor.

But the local members differ sharply on other aspects of the Israel-Hamas conflict, including whether aid to Israel should be linked to humanitarian aid for Gaza and support for Ukraine.


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COUNTY SUPERVISORS ASK PRESIDENT BIDEN TO ORDER FLAGS FLOWN AT HALF-STAFF FOR AMERICAN LIVES LOST IN HAMAS ATTACK ON ISRAEL

East County News Service



November 4, 2023 (San Diego) – The San Diego County Board of Supervisors, by a unanimous 4-0 vote, has approved a resolution asking President Biden to order U.S. flags flown at half-staff in remembrance of American lives lost at the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war. The resolution, introduced by Supervisor Joel Anderson at the Oct. 24 board meeting, has resulted in the County sending a letter to the White House requesting the half-staff order.  


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FRAUD CHARGES FOR CHULA VISTA COUNCIL MEMBER AND HER BROTHER, AN EX AIDE TO STEPHAN WHITBURN

 

by Brooke Binkowski

 Times of San Diego

Andrea and Jesus Cardenas. Photos from Facebook and LinkedIn pages

November 3, 2023 (Chula Vista)-- Two well-known Democratic political players and siblings in South Bay — a Chula Vista City Council member and a former San Diego City Council member’s chief of staff — are facing fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering charges, the San Diego District Attorney’s office announced yesterday.


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BIDEN ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES SANCTIONS ON HAMAS FUNDING SOURCES; ISSA INTRODUCES BILL TO FURTHER RESTRICT IRANIAN FUNDS

By Miriam Raftery

Image: Iranian flag 

November 1, 2023 (San Diego) – The Biden administration this week has imposed new sanctions  aimed at cutting off funding for Hamas, amid growing evidence that Iran provided weapons and training to Hamas prior to the terror group’s deadly attack on Israel. 

The New York Times reports that the new U.S. sanctions target:

  • Companies and investors that Hamas uses to hide its control of assets
  • Members of Iran’s military that train Hamas
  • Members of Hezbollah and Palestinian Jihad, which have also attacked Israel
  • A Jordanian national, Khaled Qaddoumi, who lives in Iran and acts as a liaison between Iran and Hamas.

The U.S.and Qatar have also agreed to block Iran’s access to $6 billion that was part of a deal to release five Americans imprisoned in Iran. None of that money has been spent, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has confirmed.


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HOUSING, HEALTHCARE AND HIGHWAY UPGRADES ADDRESSED BY SUPERVISORIAL CANDIDATES IN FORUM

 

By Cecilie Shamanow 

WATCH FULL VIDEO HERE https://youtu.be/6cpLhfRzn1E?si=sHaKaOP2VCIITChb

 

October 28, 2023 (El Cajon) --- In a forum held Oct. 18 at Cuyamaca College, District 4 supervisorial candidates Monica Montgomery Steppe, a Democrat, and Republican Amy Reichert answered questions from the public ranging on health care, homelessness, housing, highway improvements, and diversity.


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NEW GOP HOUSE SPEAKER MIKE JOHNSON HAS PROPOSED TRILLIONS IN CUTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE

"Now that Johnson is speaker, he will do what the Republicans never stop doing—everything in their power to cut our Social Security and Medicare, by hook, crook, or commission." -- Alex Lawson, Social Security Works

By Jake Johnson, Common Dreams  CC BY-NC-ND 3.0

October 27, 2023 (Washington D.C.) The newly elected Republican speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives has previously proposed trillions of dollars in cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid and suggested that slashing the programs should be the top priority of Congress.

During his tenure as chair of the Republican Study Committee (RSC) between 2019 and 2021, Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) helped craft budget resolutions that called for roughly $2 trillion in Medicare cuts, $3 trillion in Medicaid and Affordable Care Act cuts, and $750 billion in Social Security Cuts, noted Bobby Kogan of the Center for American Progress.


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HOUSE GOP DROPS JORDAN'S SPEAKER CANDIDACY AFTER THIRD FAILED FLOOR VOTE

"It is embarrassing that MAGA House Republicans continue to let the petty sniping and infighting in their own party prevent them from working with the president," President Joe Biden's campaign said.

By Brett Wilkins, staff writer, Common Dreams

Reprinted under a Creative Commons license from Common Dreams

Photo:  U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) speaks at the 2018 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Maryland on February 27, 2018. (Photo: Gage Skidmore/flickr/cc)

October 20, 2023 (Washington, D.C.) - In what could be the final nail in the coffin of Ohio GOP Congressman Jim Jordan's speakership bid, U.S. House Republicans on Friday secretly voted to drop the far-right 2020 election denier's candidacy, leaving the fractured party without a nominee for the chamber's top job more than two weeks after former Speaker Kevin McCarthy's ouster.


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LEMON GROVE APPROVES ADDITIONAL $139,000 TO REDESIGN SEWER REHABILITATION PROJECT

By Jessyka Heredia

WATCH FULL VIDEO HERE

October 16, 2023 (Lemon Grove)—Earlier this month the Lemon Grove City Council voted to approve adding additional revenue to an already existing contract with Rick Engineering Company for a sewer rehabilitation project that was previously approved with a winning bid from Rick Engineering not to exceed $508,694 even after a buffer of $25,306 in contingency funds was included.


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BIDEN PLEDGES HUMANITARIAN AID FOR DISPLACED PALESTINIANS AND SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL; BLAMES GAZA HOSPITAL ATTACK ON JIHADISTS

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  President Joe Biden, speaking in Tel Aviv, Israel (screenshot)

October 18, 2023 (Tel Aviv)—President Joe Biden, in Israel today, announced plans for the U.S. to send $150 million in aid to both Gaza and the West Bank. He also reaffirmed America’s support for Israel’s right to protect its freedom  following the Hamas attacks on Israel.

In addition, Biden said he believes that the devastation at the Al Ahli hospital in Gaza yesterday was the result of  a missile launch by Islamic Jihad, a militant group in Gaza, though Hamas has claimed  Israel attacked the hospital.


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ASSEMBLYMEMBER AKILAH WEBER, M.D. ANNOUNCES LEGISLATION SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

 East County News Service

October 18, 2023 (Sacramento, CA) -- Assemblymember Akilah Weber, M.D. announces that Governor Gavin Newsom has finished taking action on all of her bills. “I am grateful to the Governor and all my colleagues in the Legislature for recognizing the importance of these bills. I look forward to engaging with the administration and stakeholders on the implementation of these new laws over the next several months,” said Assemblymember Weber (D- La Mesa).

Many of the bills that were signed positively impact public health, education and equity in California and can serve as a model for other states, according to Weber’s office. The bills that were signed are as follows:


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GOVERNOR NEWSOM SIGNS BILL TO PROTECT WATER RATEPAYERS: NEW LAW GIVES ALL AREA VOTERS A SAY ON WHETHER AGENCIES CAN LEAVE COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY

AB 399 ensures impacted residents get to vote on detachment proposals

East County News Service

October 17, 2023 – The Water Ratepayers Protection Act of 2023 (Assembly Bill 399) was signed Friday by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, adding affordability safeguards for residents and businesses in the San Diego County Water Authority’s service area. The legislation, introduced by Encinitas Assemblymember Tasha Boerner and sponsored by the City of San Diego, expands voting requirements should agencies seek to withdraw or “detach” from the Water Authority.


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AS GAZA TURMOIL DEEPENS, SOME LEADERS DIAL BACK PRO-ISRAEL RHETORIC--BUT WON'T CALL FOR CEASE FIRE

Officials in Europe, Canada, and the U.S. have attempted to "backtrack" on the widespread unconditional support that's been expressed in the last week for Israel's assault on Gaza.

By Julia Conley, Common Dreams

Reprinted under a Creative Commons license from Common Dreams

Photo, left: Bombing in Gaza,  Al Araby cc by SA 3.0

October 16, 2023 (Israel) - The United Nations special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories expressed concern on Sunday that the international body has so far not publicly advocated for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, as rhetoric from the United States and other influential countries has offered tacit approval of an Israeli air campaign in the blockaded enclave where at least 2,670 Palestinians, including more than 700 children, have now been killed.


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COMMUNITY MEMBERS DEMAND TRANSPARANCY AT CAJON VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT

By Jessyka Heredia

Watch full video here

October 15, 2023 (El Cajon)-- A group of community members came to address the Cajon Valley School District at their monthly board meeting Tuesday due to policy changes on the agenda that would shift Superintendent  David Miyashiro’s evaluation to private session without the public in attendance, leaving the public unable to comment on or express criticism.


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AT TOWN HALL IN LAKESIDE, REFORM CALIFORNIA’S DEMAIO SPEAKS OUT ON CRIME AND HOMELESSNESS ISSUES

By Shiloh Ireland

October 14, 2023 (Lakeside) - Conservative activist Carl DeMaio, chairman of Reform California, held a townhall last month at the Lakeside VFW focused on rising crime and homelessness in California and East County.


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GOVERNOR SIGNS AB 1287, CREATING DENSITY BONUSES FOR MIDDLE-INCOME APARTMENTS AND CONDOS

By Miriam Raftery

 

October 13, 2023 (San Diego) – Wednesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law AB1287, legislation that will encourage new homes for tens of thousands of middle-income families throughout California. The bill passed the Assembly76-1 and the Senate 31-4. View bill text. The new law amends the state’s Density Bonus law, which exempts builders from parking and density requirements if projects have a specified amount of units for low-income residents.  The new law expands this to include incentives to build housing for middle income residents, allowing more units and higher buildings.


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COUNTY SUPERVISORIAL CANDIDATES STEPPE AND REICHERT TO APPEAR IN PUBLIC FORUM OCT. 18 AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE

East County News Service

October 13, 2023 (El Cajon)-- The two finalists for the District 4 supervisorial seat will address issues of concern to East County residents at a public forum to be held Oct. 18 at Cuyamaca College. Monica Montgomery Steppe and Amy Reichert were the two top vote-getters in the primary election for the District 4 supervisor’s seat vacated by Nathan Fletcher. The general election is being held Nov. 7.

The candidate forum starts at 7 p.m., with a meet and greet session starting at 6:30 p.m.  The event will be held at the Samuel M. Ciccati Performing Arts Center at Cuyamaca College, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, El Cajon. Parking and admission are free.

The candidate forum will be moderated by the League of Women Voters of San Diego and conducted according to their guidelines. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions that could be selected for the candidates to answer. The forum will be video recorded and posted on the League’s YouTube channel for future viewing.


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EAST COUNTY CONGRESSIONAL MEMBERS OFFER RESOURCES FOR CONSTITUENTS OR FAMILIES IN ISRAEL

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

October 12,  2023 (San Diego’s East County) – East County Congressional Representatives Sara Jacobs and Darrell Issa have posted information for constituents impacted by the terrorist attacks in Israel.


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SUPERVISORS VOTE TO USE $3 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS TO HELP NONPROFITS AIDING MIGRANTS AND ASYLUM SEEKERS

East County Supervisors, candidate for vacant seat split on views over migrant aid

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left:  Migrants in Jacumba Hot Springs in May 2023

October 12, 2023 (San Diego) – By a 3-0 vote,  San Diego County Supervisors on Tuesday approved allocating $3 million in federal American Rescue Act funds to aid nonprofit groups that have become overwhelmed by waves of migrants in our region. Agencies through the region’s  Rapid Response Network are handling hundreds of asylum seekers daily in recent weeks. The funding will provide immediate aid with a goal of consolidating resources into a proposed migrant center in the future.

An estimated 98% of these migrants have family in the U.S., according to the proposal. But after being processed and screened by Border Patrol agents, many are being dropped off at transit stations without food, water, translation services, or any means of contacting relatives or traveling to reunite with their families. Recently, many migrants have been held temporarily in scorching desert heat in areas such as Jacumba and Boulevard without shade, water or food; community volunteers have stepped up to provide tarps, water, and sandwiches in what ECM reporter Rebecca Person termed “peanut butter diplomacy.” One immigrant called a volunteer offering food “an angel.”

An award-winning ECM report in May led the Southern Border Communities Coalition to file a federal complaint with Homeland Security over alleged mistreatment of migrants in violation of U.S. and international laws.

The use of the federal funds approved by Supervisors, intended as a three-month stopgap measure while the  County pushes for more federal money, will be used to help migrants and asylum seekers with translation help, transportation, food, water, hygiene kits, restrooms, access to Wi-Fi and equipment to reach relatives and move beyond San Diego to their destination, while asylum seekers await hearings in immigration court.


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PRESIDENT BIDEN PLEDGES MILITARY AID TO ISRAEL, WILL ASK CONGRESS FOR EMERGENCY ACTION

View video of President Joe Biden’s speech

By Miriam Raftery

October 10, 2023 (Washington D.C.) – President Joe Biden today delivered a forceful speech pledging full support for Israel against the attacks by Hamas, which the president called “pure evil.” Biden promised that the U.S. is surging assets to Israel, including ammunition and receptors to replenish Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, as well as sending the USS Gerald Ford air force carrier to the region.  

He also announced plans to ask Congress to take urgent action as soon as Congress reconvenes (after the House elects a speaker). Biden also said he has consulted with European leaders to forge a united response. In addition, he spoke of beefing up security for Jewish centers in the U.S. and assured that the FBI and Homeland Security are on the alert for any potential domestic terror threats.

“There is no justification for terrorism,” the President said, then offered this message to the Palestinian people. “Hamas does not stand for the Palestinian people’s right to dignity and self-determination. Their stated purpose is the annihilation of the state of Israel and the murder of Jewish people, They use Palestinian people as human shields. Hamas offers nothing but terror and bloodshed with no regard for who pays the price.”

The President detailed atrocities reportedly committed by Hamas, which he likened to ISIS, including slaughtering babies, grandparents, and young people at a music festival, raping women and parading them through the street, as well as taking hostages including Americans.


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CALIFORNIA LEADERS VOICE BIPARTISAN SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL

 

By Miriam Raftery

California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, and the California Senate Republican Caucus have both issued statements supporting Israel in the wake of the deadly Hamas attacks and Israel’s declaration of war on Hamas. The statements voice a rare example of unity in standing behind America’s ally.

“California stands with Israel. What we are witnessing is nothing short of horrific. Women, children — innocent people — being targeted with brutal acts of terrorism by Hamas. All on the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War,” Governor Newsom posted on X (formerly Twitter) on October 8.

He continued, “There is simply no justification for this. I stand with Israel and its people in denouncing this horrific act of terrorism. We must demand an end to this violence — now.”

Two days later, the California Senate Republican Caucus issued this statement strongly denouncing the attack as "barbaric."


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GOP 'POLITICAL ARSONISTS' GET THEIR MAN: MCCARTHY OUSTED IN HISTORIC HOUSE VOTE

"In less than a year, Kevin McCarthy has proven himself to be the weakest House speaker in modern history," said Rep. Bill Pascrell.

By Brett Wilkins, staff writer, Common Dreams

Reprinted under a Creative Commons license from Common Dreams

October 4, 2023 (Washington, D.C.) - For the first time in U.S. history, the House of Representatives voted to oust its own leader Tuesday after a motion by far-right Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida to vacate the appointment of Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy's speakership passed with eight GOP votes and the support of every Democrat present.


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NEWSOM APPOINTS LAPHONZA BUTLER TO FILL FEINSTEIN SEAT

Governor Gavin Newsom has selected Laphonza Butler to complete Senator Feinstein's term in the U.S. Senate

 

By Lynn LaCal Matters

 

October 2, 2023 (Sacramento) -- Late Sunday evening, Gov. Gavin Newsom confirmed that Laphonza Butler, president of EMILYs List — a political action committee focused on electing pro-choice, Democratic women — will replace the late U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein and finish out her term through 2024.


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BIDEN SIGNS STOPGAP BUDGET BILL TO FUND GOVERNMENT FOR 45 DAYS

By Miriam Raftery

October 1, 2023 (Washington D.C.) – President Joe Biden has signed a stopgap bill to prevent a government shutdown threatened by right-wing Republicans.  The measure funds the government for 45 days.

All five members of San Diego County’s Congressional delegation voted Saturday keep the federal government open.  The  Spending Reduction and Border Security Act, as the stopgap bill was called, passed with House Democrats joining some Republicans to pass the measure, though 91 Republicans voted against it.

The Senate later passed the stopgap measure, which President Joe Biden signed over the weekend.

The stopgap bill will provide short-term funding for federal employees, from military members and Border Patrol agents to air traffic controllers and national park rangers. But it does not include aide to Ukraine, which far-right Republican legislators have refused to support.


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