Brian Jones

PRISONER REALIGNMENT DRAWS CRITICAL ASSESSMENTS ON BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT

By Miriam Raftery

Governor Jerry Brown, in his State of the State Speech in January, praised legislators for casting “difficult votes to cut billions from the state budget.  You curbed prison spending through an historic realignment,” he said among other cost-cutting measures listed.

The realignment shifts responsibility for tens of thousands of prisoners from the state to local governments by 2014.  The action is fueled in part by a court ruling that ordered California to reduce overcrowding in state prisons by 33,000 prisoners, though the Governor’s move goes further in an effort to cut the budget.

The action, however, shifts responsibilities for those prisoners  to local counties and cities. It is also forcing some jurisdictions to release some prisoners early to avert overcrowding in local jails--and raises questions on how best to address the state's crime problems overall.


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ASSEMBLYMAN JONES SPEAKS OUT ON TEACHER MISCONDUCT

February 12, 2013 (Santee)--Assemblyman Brian Jones (R-Santee) today released comments on a case of teacher misconduct in California’s public education system.  Brentwood Unified School District refused to fire a teacher after she kicked a five-year-old “special needs” student to the floor.The district stated that its hands were tied due to “flaws in the California Education Code” which prevented it from firing the teacher, Jones noted.

“Are you kidding me?” said Jones.

 The teacher was ultimately convicted of misdemeanor child abuse, but was allowed to continue teaching for two years, the Mercury News reported.  An investigation found that at least 11 employees failed in their legal duty to report suspicion of child abuse in earlier incidents.


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SAN DIEGO REPRESENTATIVES RECEIVE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 5, 2013 (San Diego)—Assembly Speaker John Perez has announced committee assignments for the new term. San Diego’s delegation will be well represented on several key committees.  San Diego County members will control 3 of 7 votes on Housing and Community Development, with two or more members on several other key committees, notably education  and the budget committee. Our region lacks representation on several committees however, such as transportation, revenue and taxation, and natural resources, where San Diego doesn’t have a single member.  Below are the assignments of our region’s members.


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POLITICIANS SPAR AT POLITICS IN PARADISE FORUM

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.


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ICE CREAM SOCIAL AT ASSEMBLYMAN JONES’ OFFICE JULY 26

 

July 15, 2012 (Santee)—Now you can meet your legislator and beat the heat—all at the same time.  Assemblyman Brian Jones, whose district includes most of East County, invites constituents to the second annual Ice Cream Social Open House at his Santee office on Thursday, July 26, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. 


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GOVERNOR MUST ACT ON BUDGET BY JUNE 27

 

Budget aims to eliminate deficit, cuts key services

Deeper cuts ahead if Governor’s tax initiative on Nov. ballot is not approved by voters

By Miriam Raftery

June 25, 2012 (Sacramento) – California's Legislature has approved a budget bill, AB 1464, on time by the constitutional June 15 deadline.  The budget deal aims to eliminate the state’s $20 billion structural deficit and result in a balanced budget for each of the next several years, resulting in a $2 billion reserve by the 2015/16 fiscal year.


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ASSEMBLY CANDIDATE HURLEY AIMS TO BUILD GOOD-PAYING JOBS AND STRENGTHEN PUBLIC EDUCATION

 

By Miriam Raftery

“With California’s new `top two’ primary system, only two candidates will advance to a November run-off.  I’m running against two Republicans, so it’s important for Democrats to vote on Tuesday.” – Pat Hurley, candidate, 71st Assembly District

June 2, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Pat Hurley has worked in factories and on railroads. He’s turned around troubled businesses in mobile electronics, finance and sales. He’s led efforts as a nonprofit executive to create job-training programs, help low-income communities, and forge a sustainable future for our region. Now he wants to bring his experience—along with Midwest, middle class values—to the state capitol.

Hurley is the only Democrat running for the new  71st Assembly district (formerly the 77th), which includes nearly all of East County. The seat is currently held by Republican Brian Jones. Another Republican, engineer John McLaughlin from Temecula, is also in the race. 


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ASSEMBLYMAN BRIAN JONES PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT REPUBLICAN LEADER

 
Looks Forward to Working with Leadership Team in Sacramento

May 2, 2012 (Sacramento)--Assemblyman Brian Jones, R-Santee, today announced that Assembly Republican Leader Connie Conway, R-Tulare, appointed him as Assistant Republican Leader on the Assembly Republican Leadership Team.

“I am eager to continue working with Republican Leader Conway to get Californians back to work. The most important issues facing our state are jobs and the economy – we have to remove the regulatory and tax burdens from California’s middle class and release our creative energy and entrepreneurial spirit. California can be the Golden State again.”


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ONLINE PUBLIC NOTICES BILL STALLS IN COMMITTEE; JONES PLEDGES TO CONTINUE EFFORT

 

April 20, 2012 (Sacramento) – AB 1902, authored by Brian Jones, did not muster sufficient votes to pass out of the Assembly Local Government Committee on Wednesday.   Introduced at the request of East County Magazine, the bill would allow online media to run paid public notices, such as new business announcements.


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READER'S EDITORIAL: SAN DIEGO CLIMATE ACTIVISTS CALL ON ASSEMBLYMAN JONES TO CANCEL CLIMATE CHANGE DENIER EVENT

Editor's note: Assemblyman Brian Jones has issued the following response to Ms. Disenhouse's editorial:  “To give a small group of people a monopoly over deciding what is true or false does a great disservice to public debate in this country. Those who believe Lord Monckton has his facts wrong are welcome to continue in that belief, but he is still entitled to participate in this critical debate. As someone who does not blindly accept conclusions arrived at without conclusive evidence, I am more than happy to accommodate Mr. Monckton sharing his point of view.”

 By Masada Disenhouse

March 23, 2012 (San Diego)--It is ironic that freshman Assemblyman Brian Jones has chosen this Saturday, March 24 to emcee one of the world’s most egregious actors on the climate denial stage – after a winter of broken heat records. Regardless of your opinions on climate change, sponsoring an inflammatory charlatan such as self-titled Lord Christopher Monckton is offensive to many in San Diego County.


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ASSEMBLYMAN JONES REFLECTS ON FIRST TERM ACCOMPLISHMENTS, GOALS FOR FUTURE

An ECM exclusive interview by Miriam Raftery

March 13, 2012 (Santee) – Assemblyman Brian Jones (R-Santee) announced last week that he is running for reelection.  In an exclusive interview, the conservative legislator shared highlights  and frustrations from his first term in the Legislature, as well as his priorities for the future if reelected in November.

With reapportionment, Jones 77th district will become the 71st Assembly District.  The district picks up some new areas including Pine Valley, Julian, Ramona, and Borrego Springs in San Diego County, as well as portions of Riverside County.


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JONES BILL WOULD GIVE CONSUMERS ACCESS TO PUBLIC NOTICES ONLINE

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 8, 2012 (Sacramento) –An antiquated California law written before the Internet was invented restricts the running of public notices to only print newspapers.  Today, with the majority of Americans seeking out news online, Assemblyman Brian Jones (R-Santee) has introduced legislation to update the law and allow online media outlets to publish public notices such as new business announcements.

“AB 1902 will provide residents greater access to legal notices, and will more appropriately fulfill the intent of the law to insure the public is adequately made aware of public notices,” a fact sheet on the bill provided by Jones’ office states.   “Permitting online publications to sell and post public notices is a reasonable response to changing technology."


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LOCAL LEGISLATORS CLASH ON ABORTION ACCESS BILL

February 27, 2012 (San Diego) – Over half of California counties currently have no abortion provider.  To remedy the situation, Senator Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego) has introduced SB 1501, a bill which would allow trained nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives and physician assistants to provide early-term abortions.


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A MERRY TIME HAD BY ALL AT EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE’S HOLIDAY PARTY

Dozens of toys, hundreds of dollars donated for East County Toy & Food Drive

 

December 15, 2011 (La Mesa)—Thanks to all of our generous guests , sponsors, and VIP visitors who made this year’s East County Magazine holiday party very merry indeed!  As always, we invited community leaders and officials in all parties, plus other  special guests. 

Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego), whose district will soon include much of East County, joined the festivities. Assemblyman Brian Jones (R-Santee) sent Assembly commendations for our award-winning writers and photographers. Santa and Mrs. Claus heard children’s Christmas wishes, while an elf handed out prizes. 


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ASSEMBLYMAN BLOCK GOES BACK TO SCHOOL: FIELDS QUESTIONS FROM STUDENTS, FACULTY AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE

 
By Miriam Raftery
 
 
October 2, 2011 (El Cajon )—Students and faculty in the Grossmont College Media Communications Department had an opportunity to apply their journalism skills as they posed questions to Assemblyman Marty Block, who visited the campus last week to discuss impacts of state budget cuts. Chair of the Assembly Higher Education Committee and currently a candidate for State Senate,  Block fielded questions on a variety of education issues—offering candid assessments on the state budget shortfall as well as on diminishing access to affordable higher education for California students.


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POLITICAL LEADERS PARRY QUESTIONS, TRADE BARBS AT POLITICS IN PARADISE


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ASSEMBLYMAN JONES OPENS NEW OFFICE IN SANTEE


June 15, 2011 (Santee) -- Assemblyman Brian Jones, Republican representing the 77th district, announces opening of a new district office location at 10152 Mission Gorge Road in Santee.


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JONES BLASTS BROWN ON “SWEETHEART CONTRACT” FOR SOCIAL SERVICES DIRECTOR


June 2, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Assemblyman Brian Jones (R-Santee) has issued a press release sharply criticizing Governor Jerry Brown for signing a contract for Will Lightbourne to head up the state’s Department of Social Services. The contract totals $1.25 million, spread over the next three and a half years.


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PARENTS TO RALLY FOR IMPROVED PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING TODAY AT 4:30

 

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.

 


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WANTED: EAST COUNTY VETERAN TO HONOR IN SACRAMENTO


 

April 18, 2011 (San Diego's East County)--Assemblyman Brian Jones (R-Santee) needs help finding a veteran in his district to honor. The 77th Assembly District is looking for a veteran to honor who is a veteran of Iraq/Afghanistan/Desert Storm and has contributed significantly to the community. (View map of 77th district.)


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BROWN HALTS BUDGET TALKS; TAKES CASE TO THE PEOPLE

 

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.


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READERS' EDITORIAL: ELECT A FIRE SURVIVOR, AWARD-WINNING TEACHER, AND GREEN ENERGY LEADER TO STATE ASSEMBLY

 

Dear Voters,

November 2, 2010 (Lakeside) -- I'm Mark Hanson and I’m running in the 77th Assembly District to represent you as a fellow East County resident. I’ve spent my entire life serving the public – and hope to continue doing so in Sacramento.

I will fight for stronger fire protection for our region. As a Cedar Fire survivor, I know how important it is to have fire warning and protection. My nonprofit, Heartland Coalition, raised money to help fire victims rebuild their lives. Heartland also founded the Viejas Wildfire & Emergency Alerts and East County Magazine to help keep people in East County protected and informed.

As a former educator twice named teacher of the year, I’ve taught at our local colleges and also served as an administrator of the Grossmont Union High School District back when it was among the best school districts in the state. I will work hard to restore our public schools to their former high achievement levels for our children.


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KPBS RADIO INTERVIEWS ECM'S EDITOR ON EAST COUNTY'S HOTTEST POLITICAL RACES


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ASSEMBLY CANDIDATE MARK HANSON REVEALS COMMITMENTS TO BRING 32 GREEN MANUFACTURING COMPANIES TO CALIFORNIA & CREATE 2,200 JOBS

 

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
 


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VIDEOS NOW POSTED: LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATES OFFER DIVERSE GOALS & VIEWS AT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FORUM


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REPUBLICAN ASSEMBLY CANDIDATES DEBATE TUESDAY

 

May 5, 2010 (San Diego's East County) -- KCBQ radio will host a debate amonth the three Republican candidates for the 77th Assembly District: Christine Rubin, Brian Jones, and Bill Wells. Rick Amato will host the debate live from 9:15 to 10 p.m.

 

The winner of the debate will face off in November against Mark Hanson, who is running unopposed in the Democratic primary.


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THREE REPUBLICANS BATTLE TO REPLACE JOEL ANDERSON FOR 77TH ASSEMBLY SEAT

April 15, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Incumbent Assemblyman Joel Anderson’s decision to run for the State Senate creates an open seat. Three local Republicans want the job –and they are facing off in the June primary. Two of the candidates, Brian Jones and Bill Wells, are elected council members in Santee and El Cajon. The third, Christine Rubin, is an educator and political communications strategist who has worked many campaigns including the McCain-Palin ticket. The winner in June’s primary will vie against Democrat Mark Hanson, an educator, business and nonprofit leader who formerly ran for State Senate, in the November election.

To learn more about the three Republican contenders, click on their photos below. Hanson, who is running unopposed in the Democratic primary, has not yet established a website or campaign materials. ECM will profile Hanson in a future issue.


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SANTEE VICE MAYOR BRIAN JONES IS RUNNING FOR ASSEMBLY RACE


UPDATE:  Jones won the primary and will face off in November against Democrat Mark Hanson.

“The number one most important thing for East County right now is to create more jobs. The on ly way we can do that right now is to decrease the regulatory burden.” – Brian Jones


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CHRISTINE RUBIN HOPES TO TAKE 77TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT SEAT


Christine Rubin – “Public service is ingrained in me.”


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EL CAJON COUNCILMAN BILL WELLS SEEKS ASSEMBLY SEAT

 

"I believe that it is the duty of government to diminish itself to the point that the people are not burdened by taxes. It is the duty of elected officials to force the government to restrict itself to the functions of protecting the people and providing the necessary infrastructure for people to thrive. " -- Bill Wells

By Miriam Raftery


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