New Resident Aims to Foster Civic Pride

By Kristin Kjaero

In Part Five of this series on election races in La Mesa, East County Magazine spotlights City Council candidate Ian Shiff. For this series we asked all candidates the same set of questions on local issues, with an open invitation to bring up anything else they would like to discuss at the end of the session.

September 15, 2010 (La Mesa) – City Council Candidate Ian Shiff and his family moved to La Mesa five months ago, because they like the community feeling. They bought their first house here and plan to raise their children, now three months and two years old, in the City.

By Emily Anderson
 

September 16, 2010 (San Diego) – Voters across the county are gearing up to face local, statewide and Congressional elections Nov. 2nd. Many issues relevant to San Diego County will be on the ballot, including Proposition 27, which, if passed, would eliminate the bipartisan citizens commission in charge of drawing state district lines.

“We have a chicken suit and we may have someone wear it to stand in for Duncan Hunter in debates.” – Ray Lutz, Democratic candidate, 52nd Congressional District
 

You Tube violates 1st Amendment, removes debate videos of Hunter in 2008 

September 17, 2010 (Ramona) – The Ramona Forum will host a 52nd Congressional District candidates debate on Wednesday, September 22 at 6 p.m. in the Sizzler banquet room, 344 Main Street in Ramona. Democrat Ray Lutz and Libertarian Michael Benoit will appear, but incumbent Republican Congressman Duncan Hunter has declined, according to event organizers. Now his opponents are turning up the heat.

It’s All About Priorities

By Kristin Kjaero

In Part Four of this series on election races in La Mesa, East County Magazine spotlights City Council candidate Patrick Dean. For this series we asked all candidates the same set of questions on local issues, with an open invitation to bring up anything else they would like to discuss at the end of the session. 

September 15, 2010 (La Mesa) – Quality of life issues lead La Mesa City Council candidate Patrick Dean’s priorities, from his personal approach to life to his visions for the City.

“It’s the moral and ethical thing to do to protect the health and well-being of our residents,” Mayor Art Madrid

By Miriam Raftery

September 15, 2010 (La Mesa) – La Mesa's City Council voted yesterday to oppose Proposition 23. Sempra Energy, parent company of San Diego Gas & Electric Company, also announced its opposition to Prop 23.  

The ballot initiative would repeal California’s landmark AB 32, the law which protects clean air, requires greenhouse gas emissions reductions, and provides incentives for renewable, clean energy jobs in California.

September 14, 2010 (Campo) -- The Rural Economic Action League will host a candidate forum to allow the public to query contenders for the Campo Lake Morena Planning Group on their views and positions. The forum is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 21 at the Mountain Empire Community Center, 976 Sheridan Road, in Campo.

Deadline is September 30th

September 11, 2010 (San Diego) -– The City of Sa Diego’s Citizens’ Review on Police Practices is seeking new members. The Board is responsible for reviewing serious citizen complaints against San Diego police officers, officer-involved shootings, and in-custody deaths. The CRB also oversees the administration of discipline in cases where the officer has been found to have disobeyed proper policy and procedure. Additionally, the CRB makes policy and procedure recommendations to the Chief of Police.

For those readers who spend more time in front of the computer than the TV set, we bring you the latest TV commercials for candidates vying for the top job in California politics. 

September 10, 2010 (Sacramento) – The Jerry Brown for Governor campaign released its first TV ad this week, touting Brown’s record of accomplishments when the Democratic candidate was Governor before: http://action.jerrybrown.org/p/salsa/web/common/public/content?content_i...
Meg Whitman, Brown’s Republican opponent, is airing a TV commercial of her own, citing her record in building E-Bay into a major corporation: http://www.megwhitman.com/

From Big Picture to Specifics

By Kristin Kjaero and Miriam Raftery

In part two of this series on election races in La Mesa, East County Magazine spotlights incumbent Ernie Ewin. For this series we asked all candidates the same set of questions on local issues, with an open invitation to bring up anything else they would like to discuss at the end of the session. We want each candidate to speak for themselves.

September 2, 2010 (La Mesa) --Talk to Councilman Ernie Ewin about issues in the community and you’ll hear a wide-reaching perspective. From his early days in first grade at Murray Manor, to serving as Student Body President at Grossmont Community College, and on to San Diego State University, his roots in the community run deep.

September 10, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Political wonks, mark your calendars! Three major political events are slated for September 16th.

La Mesa Chamber of Commerce hosts a forum for La Mesa mayoral and council candidates. East County Democratic Club has a forum on ballot initiatives plus state legislative and Congressional candidates. In addition, the Eastlake-Bonita Democratic Club has candidates for legislature, school boards, and more.

More than Forty Years of Public Service

By Kristin Kjaero and Miriam Raftery 

In part three of this series on election races in La Mesa, East County Magazine spotlights incumbent Mayor Art Madrid. For this series we asked all candidates the same set of questions based on local issues, with an open invitation to bring up anything else they would like to discuss at the end of the session.

September 6, 2010 (La Mesa) – Ask Mayor Art Madrid about La Mesa and he sounds like a father, proud of his hometown and full of visions for the City’s future. 

Measure backed by 2 big out-of-state oil companies would rollback air pollution standards and repeal incentives for clean, green-tech jobs

La Mesa Council to consider No on 23 resolution on Sept. 14

By Miriam Raftery

September 6, 2010 – La Mesa Mayor Art Madrid and El Cajon Mayor Mark Lewis have joined with over 30 cities including Los Angeles and Sacramento, hundreds of business leaders, and many public officials to oppose Proposition 23, the deceptively titled “California Jobs Initiative.”  A whopping 97% of funds come from the oil industry, with most from two large out-of-state oil companies, Valero and Tesoro.

New jobs include many slated for East County;

Cedar Fire survivor also calls for stronger fire protection and improved emergency notification in region

By Miriam Raftery
 

September 2, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Most candidates only talk about creating jobs. But Mark Hanson (D-Lakeside) aims to hit the ground running if elected to fill the open 77th Assembly seat vacated by Joel Anderson, who is running for State Senate.

“I’ve already met with over 200 companies around the country, and I’ve identified 32 who have committed to bring green manufacturing jobs to California,” he told East County Magazine, adding that his plan includes a facility in Boulevard to manufacture parts for wind turbines. “Those companies will generate 2,200 jobs within the next two years.” Asked to name a few of the firms, he listed these:

East County News Service

"If she wins, it would destroy California’s clean energy industry,” -- Senator Barbara Boxer on her opponent, Carly Fiorina.

"The American dream has become too hard for too many people." --Carly Fiorina

September 2, 2010 – Journalists and voters questioned U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-California) and her opponent, Carly Fiorina in a contentious debate last night. Boxer slammed Fiorina for outsourcing jobs, opposing two jobs bills including one to save teachers’ jobs in California, and supporting “billionaires and CEOs” over the needs of working people. Fiorina said California is in the “worst economic crisis” since the Depression and bashed Boxer’s record. In response, the Senator’s campaign releases a fact-check sheet that disproved key Fiorina claims. View the full debate video on C-Span.

Candidate, speaking in La Mesa, also called for stronger fire protection by County
East County News Service

September 2, 2010 (San Diego) – The Center on Policy Initiatives (CPI) has released a today which concludes that over 30% of households in San Diego County can not make ends meet.
 

“It is unacceptable that more than 30% of San Diegans can’t afford to live in San Diego County,” said Stephen Whitburn, a journalist running against incumbent Supervisor Ron Roberts in District 4.

September 1, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-California) will debate her Republican opponent, Carly Fiorina, tonight at 7 p.m. The debate will be carried live at 7 p.m. by KGTV Channel 10 News.

Both candidates call for job creation but have conflicting strategies for how to achieve economic growth, with Fiorina supporting tax cuts for corporations to create new jobs, while Boxer focuses on tax incentives for small businesses as well as stimulus inevestments in infrastructure and sustainable industries to put Americans back to work.

Calls provision allowing school lunch equipment purchases "wasteful spending"

August 31, 2010 (Washington D.C.) – Congressman Duncan D. Hunter (R-El Cajon) , a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, voted against sending H.R. 5504, the Improving Nutrition for America’s Children Act, to the full House for consideration. 

The bill aims to make school lunches more nutritious and get junk food out of schools. The goal is to improve children's health and cut down on childhood obesity, a national epidemic.  From 1980 to 2009, childhood obesity in America has tripled--and poor nutritional habits are largely to blame. In California, 30.5% of all children are obese, putting them at higher risk of diabetes and heart problems later on.

Public invited to meet elected officials and candidates

August 26, 2010 (La Mesa) –Instead of its annual convention, San Diego's County Democratic Party is hosting a free campaign kickoff and rally from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 29 at Harry Griffen Park in La Mesa. Members of the California Legislature as well as candidates for Congress, State Senate, Assembly, and local races will be at the event, which includes a potluck picnic and entertainment.

SAN DIEGO – Sen. Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego) announced today that the Legislature passed SB 503 to improve oversight of state bond funds. The bill now heads to the Governor for his signature.

“California taxpayers have a right to know that the bond monies they have approved for housing, transportation, and other projects are being spent efficiently and appropriately,” Kehoe said. “This good government bill will ensure strict accountability of state funds and I urge the Governor to sign this measure into law.”

Candidate's troubled past leads to new beginnings

By Kristin Kjaero and Miriam Raftery

In part one of this series on election races in La Mesa, East County Magazine spotlights Mayoral challenger Laura Lothian.

August 27, 2010 (La Mesa)--Currently a successful real estate salesperson for Windermere Pacific Coast Properties in La Mesa, Laura Lothian is challenging incumbent Mayor Art Madrid in the November election. Her qualifications include serving on the La Mesa Parking Commission, on the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and as a member of the Village Merchant’s Association and La Mesa Historical Society. She has been endorsed by Councilwoman Ruth Sterling.

August 23, 2010 (Sacramento) – Assemblyman Joel Anderson (R-El Cajon) announced today that his AB 1506, a measure that would require the state to accept its own IOUs in payment for state taxes or fees, has passed both houses of the Legislature and is now on the Governor’s desk.

August 26, 2010 (San Diego) – Supervisor Ron Roberts has been in office during two of the worst wildfires in San Diego history in 2003 and 2007, serving as Chair of the Board of Supervisors during the 2007 firestorms. But his opponent, challenger Steve Whitburn, has won the coveted endorsement of the San Diego Firefighters Association.

“We believe Stephen is the right choice for Supervisor because he will fight to make our communities safe,” said Frank DeClercq, president of the San Diego City Firefighters.

August 25, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) -- After 11 days of fasting, Democratic Congressional Candidate Ray Lutz announced Monday that after founding a new national organization (Debate for Democracy) to carry on the fight for congressional debates in districts nationwide, he will end his fast. eat. Libertarian candidate Michael Benoit has also resumed eating.

Amid budget gridlock, Governor proposes taxing services statewide

August 25, 2010 (Sacramento) – Assemblyman Marty Block (D-Lemon Grove) today warned that while the budget is stalled in the Legislature, students cannot receive the funds distributed through the Cal Grants program.

Mayor, Council candidates to participate on panel Thursday, September 16
 

August 25, 2010 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce has invited all candidates running for mayor and city council to share their views in a free public forum on Thursday, September 16 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa. Thus far, both of the  mayoral candidates and five of the six Council candidates have accepted the Chamber's invitation. They are:
 

August 24, 2010 (Sacramento)-- Assembly Bill 1844, Chelsea's Law, passed the California State Senate today by unanimous vote. The measure, carried through the Senate by Republican Leader Dennis Hollingsworth, (R-Murrieta) was authored by Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher (R-San Diego). The bill aims to strengthen protections for California children from violent sexual predators.

August 23, 2010 (Sacramention)--Assemblymember Marty Block (AD-78) announced today that AB 184 has cleared the Legislature and is now awaiting action by the Governor. The bill prevents the California Department of Education from requiring school districts to repay the state for Special Disabilities Adjustment funding that they received in the last fiscal year and already used to teach special-needs students in their classrooms.

August 23, 2010 (El Cajon) – Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-El Cajon) has announced plans during the Congressional recess to tour over a dozen San Diego area businesses representing a wide variety of industries, in order to hear directly from local job creators about the challenges of today’s economy.
 

By Miriam Raftery

August 22, 2010 (El Cajon ) – Two Congressmen and four local lawmakers fielded questions from the audience Friday night, trading quips and barbs on topics ranging from healthcare to gay marriage. The occasion was the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce’s annual “Politics in Paradise” event in the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College, where the weather was sultry and the politics even hotter.

Candidates are “hungry for debate” with Rep. Duncan Hunter

East County News Service

August 22, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) –Ten days into a hunger strike, Democratic Congressional candidate Ray Lutz has become the topic of national news coverage, including an interview Thursday on CNN . Lutz and Libertarian candidate Michael Benoit are holding the hunger strike to draw attention to Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-El Cajon) refusing to debate them until after absentee ballot voting has begun.  In San Diego, 60% of voters cast absentee ballots last election.

At Friday night’s “Politics in Paradise”, the two candidates joined dozens of supporters in a protest outside the event where Hunter and other elected officials participated in a public forum, but challenger candidates were not included. Hunter has claimed his legislative schedule precludes him from returning to his district for a debate prior to October.