“SB 33 is being used by wealthy absentee landowners, foreign corporations, and investor-owned San Diego Gas & Electric to industrialize over 10,000 acres of our predominantly low-income and highly fire-prone rural community of Boulevard.” -- Donna Tisdale, chair of the Boulevard Planning Group

By Miriam Raftery

June 3, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – SB 33, a bill that could force voters to pay for big energy projects through bond measures even if the majority of voters don't approve such projects,  is moving forward in the state legislature. The bill has passed the State Senate and is set for hearing June 12 in the Assembly Local Government Committee. It could have a big impact in East County communities such as  Boulevard, where big energy companies have engaged in a stealth campaign to stick voters with the bill for projects they don't want.

By Miriam Raftery

May 4, 2013 (Sacramento) – The State Senate Public Safety on Thursday voted 5-2  to defeat SB 779, a measure authored by Senator Joel Anderson (R-Alpine) and sponsored by the California District Attorneys Association.  The bill sought to speed up executions in California through several means, including bringing back the gas chamber. The bill sparked strong outcry from human rights activists who denounced the method as inhumane.

California voters narrowly defeated a bill in November that would have outlawed the death penalty.  The punishment remains on the books, but due to two judicial rulings finding prior methods inhumane, the state has been left unable to carry out executions  since 2006, despite death penalty verdicts.

April 20, 2013 (San Diego’s East County ) – Senator Joel Anderson has called for a change in leadership at Caltrans, citing an independent state auditor’s report that suggests a “pattern of abuse, theft and mismanagement” under the leadership of Acting Director Malcolm Dougherty.

The study, the latest in a string of critical reports on Caltrans, found that employees falsified safety reports on bridges, jeopardizing lives, as well as stealing property.  Salaries on Dougherty’s watch also rose to over $100,000 for the department’s 20,000 employees while road conditions deteriorated, Anderson charged, contending that the agency has become a “laughingstock.”

"We're here for two of our American heroes." -- Supervisor Dianne Jacob

By Miriam Raftery

March 4, 2013 (El Cajon ) – Army Sergeant Odin Ayala and Marine Corporal Travis Greene each lost both legs serving in combat. But they were all smiles on February 23 at the groundbreakings of their new , specially adapted homes in El Cajon-- thanks to the efforts of the nonprofit Homes for Our Troops. 

“Our motto is rebuilding homes, rebuilding lives,” said Tim McHale with Homes for our Troops.  The group seeks donations as well as volunteers to help build these homes and more.  Local community groups and businesses can also adopt a room, partnering in efforts to help these wounded veterans and others.

Bipartisan opposition to Chancellor’s "waste of tax dollars"

by Ariele Johannson 

November 20, 2012  (Alpine) --Viejas tribal leaders, casino executives, civic and community leaders, and guests came together for an outdoor Topping Off Ceremony on Wednesday, November 13, 2012. More than 100 people assembled in front of the new five-story Viejas Hotel, amid the noise of hammers, drills, and construction workers’ shouts.

This month, the much-anticipated Viejas Hotel enters its final construction stages. The non-smoking Viejas Hotel with valet parking is scheduled to open in the spring of 2013. Viejas Casino, owned by the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, is one of the most successful tribal casinos in California. 

September 1, 2012 (Sacramento)--Senator Joel Anderson’s (R-Alpine) Senate Concurrent Resolution 90, which commemorates the service and sacrifice of the Tuskegee Airmen, gained final legislative approval August 29 when the Senate voted 34-0 in support.  SCR 90 had previously been approved by the Assembly on a 78-0 vote.

The measure designates a section of I-15 between Miramar Road and Mercy Road near  Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) as the “Tuskegee Airmen Highway.”

By Nadin Abbott

August 11, 2012 (El Cajon)--The mood at the Cuyamaca College Water Conservation Garden was relaxed. People came to have good food, drink, and listen to some of our local politicians debate in a friendly forum.

Participants were Congressman Bob Filner (D-50th), currently running for Mayor of San Diego, California Senator Joel Anderson (R-36th District), Assemblyman Brian Jones (R-77th District) and County of San Diego Supervisor Dianne Jacob.

May 2, 2012 (Sacramento)--A measure by Senator Joel Anderson (R-Alpine) to establish a landmark pay cap on the annual salary of state employees was defeated last week the Senate Government Organization Committee. Current law places no limit on state employee salaries; SB 1368 would have set the limit at no more than the Governor makes ($173, 987) annually.

April 19, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—Two measures authored by Senator Joel Anderson (R-Alpine) were defeated in the Senate Public Safety Committee in Sacramento this week.  Senate Bill 1514 would have eliminated the automatic appeal of each death penalty case, while Senate Constitutional Amendment 20 would have required that any appeals of death penalty cases go to the State Court of Appeal rather than the State Supreme Court.

Workshop set for Feb. 3 in Lakeside

Co-Authored by Senator Joel Anderson, 36th District, Kathy Kassel, Executive Director, Lakeside Chamber of Commerce, and John Olsen – Executive Director, Santee Chamber of Commerce

January 17, 2012 (Lakeside)--Employers already struggling to survive in California’s difficult business climate can’t afford to take their eye off another lurking hazard: lawsuit abuse. 

December 12, 2011 (El Cajon) --  Senator Joel Anderson (R-Alpine) will present the Senate District 36 “Business of the Year” award tomorrow to Bob Taylor (photo, left), founder of Taylor Guitars.  The award will be made on the bustling factory floor  in El Cajon where the company’s world famous musical instruments are made.  

           
“Taylor Guitars is an example of the American dream come true,” Senator Anderson says.

 July 15, 2011 (East County) -- The Alpine and Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce invites you to join your elected representatives for a lively evening discussing important hot topics on Monday, July 18. Bring your questions, enjoy appetizers and the opportunity  to meet  your friends and neighbors at this informative event, which is cosponsored by Viejas and San Diego Gas & Electric Company.

By Jeremy Los and Miriam Raftery

“Californians can no longer afford to build roads and infrastructure with golden shovels. We need to send the money where the rubber meets the road. Literally.” –  Senator Joel Anderson

“Eliminating Caltrans would result in an ineffective and scattered patchwork of local projects, hamper the movement of goods and people, and ultimately hurt our economic competitiveness… During the 2007 wildfires, we partnered with first responders and helped with emergency road repairs and evacuations.” --Matt Rocco, Caltrans

June 27, 2011- State Senator Joel Anderson (R-El Cajon) is revved up over his new bill to cut state spending by eliminating the California Transportation Department (Caltrans).  SB 851 would shift responsibilities for highway building and maintenance onto local cities and counties, also allowing local governments to outsource to private companies.  

Can local communities afford those cost?  How will motorists and taxpayers be impacted?

Supporters say the bill would save money and cut waste.  Opponents question whether public safety could be jeopardized, particularly in San Diego--where a Grand Jury investigation found roadway conditions "appalling" and where local agencies have relied on Caltrans for quick highway repairs during major wildfires and other disasters.

June 20, 2011 (Sacramento) – Legislation authored by Senator Joel Anderson (R-El Cajon) aimed at protecting taxpayers and businesses from the impacts of state-issued IOUs has been approved by the State Senate.

“What’s good for the goose is good for the gander,” stated Senator Joel Anderson. “Right now, the state IOU process is a forced-borrowing scheme at the expense of the taxpayers. This measure will offer taxpayers protection by forcing the state to accept its own IOU as payment.”

June 15, 2011 (Sacramento)-- Senate Concurrent Resolution 37, authored by State Senator Joel Anderson (R - El Cajon) has been approved by the California State Senate. The measure would dedicate a portion of Interstate 8 in honor of f Border Patrol Agent Roberrt Rosas Jr., who was murdered while on duty in the Campo area of San Diego’s East County on July 23, 2009.

May 24, 2011 (San Diego) Parents from around the county, objecting to years of cuts to public school funding, will demand action from lawmakers at a 4:30 p.m. rally on Tuesday, May 24th at Park Boulevard and Presidents Way in Balboa Park.

“California public schools are among the lowest funded in the country – it’s time to make education a priority again, not only for our children but for the future of our state,” said Fran Shimp, a parent of two elementary students and a volunteer organizer of the event.  Since 2008-2009, education spending, which represents 40% of the state budget, has incurred 60% of the budget cuts. In 2008-2009, California ranked 44th in per pupil spending (adjusted for cost of living).

East County’s representatives, State Senator Joel Anderson and Assemblyman Brian Jones, have steadfastly opposed the Governor’s plan to extend expiring taxes in order to more fully fund education.

May 5, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Governor Jerry Brown has announced plans to travel throughout California discussing the budget deficit with the people. Now Senator Joel Anderson (R-El Cajon) has sent a letter inviting the Governor to meet with people in El Cajon. He has collected letters of support for his invitation from prominent community leaders including elected officials, business leaders, and prominent educators.

 If you would like your voice heard and want the Governor to come to East County, Senator Anderson suggests that you send your letter via fax (916-447-9008) or e-mail (senator.anderson@senate.ca.gov; his staff will then deliver it to the Governor.

By Jeremy Los

March 30, 2011 (Sacramento) – Governor Jerry Brown yesterday declared budgetary talks with Republicans “dead.”  The GOP issued 53 proposed alternatives, leading the Governor to accuse Republicans of obstructing the process with new demands that would widen the budget gap, not close it.  View Governor Brown's video message to the people by clicking the above image.

January 25, 2011 (San Diego) – Darrell Steinberg, president pro tem of the California State Senate, has announced policy committee assignments. Among East County and eastern San Diego’s delegation, committee chairmanships were awarded to Christine Kehoe (Appropriations) and Juan Vargas (Banking & Financial Institutions).

Additional assignments for the region’s four representatives (including Republicans Joel Anderson and Mark Wyland, as well as Democrats Kehoe and Vargas) are as follows:

MADD JOINS FAMILY'S EFFORT TO CHANGE LAW, REQUIRE DRUG-TESTING IN FATALITY ACCIDENTS

November 12, 2010 (El Cajon) – John Holsheimer has been sentenced to a maximum of 300 days in jail, five years probation, and 320 hours of community service for killing Bridgette Hale, mother of an infant son, in a head-on collision January 24th on Highway 67. Holsheimer must also undergo 90 days of drug rehab at his own expense, pay $4,700 in restitution costs to the court, and is prohibited from coming within 100 feet of a casino for the rest of his life.

Carlton Hills Elementary School receives $5,000 grant; State Superintendent of Public  Instruction Jack O’Connell joins tribal leaders at presentation

By Miriam Raftery
 

September 22, 2010 (Santee) – “Education is the foundation of our future. I urge you to get as much of it as you can,” Barona tribal chairman Edwin “Thorpe” Romero told schoolchildren at Carlton Hills Elementary School in Santee this morning. “My tribe, the Barona band of Mission Indians, and I are thankful that we are able to support your school.”

Romero presented principal Terry Heck with a check for $5,000 – surpassing the one million dollar mark for the Barona Education Grant program statewide.

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.

Bans county and city officials from letting relatives use cars or credit cards
 

August 17, 2010 (Sacramento) – Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed Assembly bill 1399 into law. The measure, authored by Assemblyman Joel Anderson (R-El Cajon), prohibits local elected officials from allowing family members to use publicly owned vehicles or credit cards.

East County News Service

August 1, 2010 (Sacramento)--Assembly Bill 1506, the "IOU Taxpayer Protection Bill" authored by Assemblyman Joel Anderson (R-El Cajon) will be heard on Monday, August 2 in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“As the State's cash flow situation continues to deteriorate, California is once again in danger of issuing IOU's to its businesses and citizens. AB 1506 will protect taxpayers from the state's forced borrowing,” Anderson said.

“I am persuaded that this project will not be built. It was conceived in secrecy ….sold with misleading information.” – Stephen Volker, attorney

Anonymous donor pledges to match donations for legal battle up to $20,000

June 24, 2010 (Alpine) – A standing-room-only crowd of around 700 people packed into the Alpine Community last night, where Supervisor Dianne Jacob and the Protect Our Communities Foundation convened a meeting for the public to provide input on SDG&E’s proposal to route Sunrise Powerlink through the Cleveland National Forest.  No representatives were present from the U.S. Forest Service or SDG&E.

Many public officials and candidates for office came out in opposition to the project—while others were conspicuous by their absence or failure to take a stance. 
 

The public has until June 29 to submit comments to Forest Supervisor William Metz. You may submit your comments online at www.mailroom_r5_cleveland@fs.fed.us and include the subject line “Sunrise Powerlink Comments” or call to leave recorded comments at (858)673-6180.

Story and photos by Miriam Raftery

June 11, 2010 (Sacramento) - The California State Senate unanimously passed Assembly Concurrent Resolution 131, which grants historic designation to the portion of Highway 94 from Jamacha Road in Rancho San Diego to the junction with Historic Route 80. Authored by Assemblyman Joel Anderson (R-El Cajon), the Resolution previously passed the Assembly and is now law.

June 9, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – In a an error reminiscent of the infamous “Dewey Defeats Truman” headline, the Valley News reported that Jeff Stone won the Republican primary for the 36th State Senate seat. That’s because the district spans both Riverside and San Diego Counties---and the chagrined publisher apparently only checked the Riverside results,  the conservative blog Flash Report revealed today.

In fact, Anderson leads by a hefty total of 6,810 votes with all precincts in both counties counted--though tens of thousands or more absentee and provisional ballots remain to be tallied.

June 8, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Voters gave Assemblyman Joel Anderson a victory in his quest for State Senate, despite a campaign finance scandal that has dogged his race. With 38% of precincts counted, Anderson has a hefty 45.33% of the vote, leading Riverside Supervisor Jeff Stone with 24.83%, veteran Kenneth Dickson with 20.16%, and Rev. Greg Stephens with 9.68%.