August 26, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Citing concerns over a recent audit report, the El Cajon City Council voted 4-1 to extend funding for the El Cajon Community Development Corporation for six months instead of the full year. While the Mayor expressed confidence that a new director has agreed to correct problems identified in the audit, some Councilmembers warned that the City could exercise the City’s 30-day right to terminate the ECCDC’s contract if their concerns are not adequately addressed.

Congresswoman Susan Davis offers support

By Ray M. Wong

Event Production and Management Company Introduces New Brand Identity: VE&P

August 20, 2010 (San Diego) – Building on 17 years of experience producing and managing hundreds of events annually at Viejas Casino, Viejas Entertainment & Production is taking its services to the next level as VE&P.

Formally changing its name to VE&P, the company will use its staff of more than 40 seasoned professionals and inventory of top-end equipment to produce and manage off-site events for clients throughout Southern California.

August 6, 2010 (El Cajon ) -- Former Coronado Police Chief Robert S. Hutton has joined the El Cajon Community Development Corporation as Urban Improvement Manager, according to Cindi Fargo, President and CEO of the non-profit organization that serves Downtown El Cajon redevelopment.

July 29, 2010 (San Diego's East County) – “This is destructive...It’s sabotage,” said Ray Lutz,  Democratic challenger to the 52nd Congressional seat. Lutz was reacting to Senate Republicans' filibuster of the Small Business Lending Fund Act, which would create a $30 billion lending fund for small businesses.  The bulk would be used to help community banks and credit unions start lending money again to local businesses.

July 27, 2010 (El Cajon) -- Grossmont College Adult Reentry Program will host “Your Tomorrow Starts Here,” a free informational meeting for adults interested in returning to school to reenter the workforce, learn a new career, earn a college diploma or upgrade their skills for a job promotion, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 3, in Room 220 on the college campus. Admission and parking are free.

Democrats break Republican filibuster in Senate and win passage of bill

July 23, 2010 (Washingon D.C.) – President Barack Obama yesterday signed into law legislation to extend unemployment benefits for 2.5 milllion out of work Americans.

The law extends unemployment insurance through November for out-of-work Americans who have not yet exhausted up to 99 weeks of aid. Benefits will be retroactive to late May, when the last extension expired. Benefits vary by state but will average $310 per week.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS AND GROWTH

By Rama Beerfas

July 16, 2010 (San Diego) – Today, Sacramento County Superior Court Patrick Marlette denied a request by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to force State Controller John Chiang to reduce state workers’ pay to the federal minimum wage. The ruling could affect 200,000 California state employees.
 

July 14, 2010 (Lemon Grove) -- Assemblymember Marty Block (D-Lemon Grove) and California State Controller John Chiang will host a Small Business Tax and Regional Opportunities Seminar to provide small business owners with the resources and tools they need to be successful as our economy recovers. Experts will provide small business owners with valuable information on tax preparation, tax compliance issues, current legislative issues and discuss regional opportunities to help businesses grow.

Representatives from the Office of the State Controller, State Board of Equalization, Franchise Tax Board, Internal Revenue Service, United States Small Business Administration, California Employment Development Department and the Small Business Development Corporation will participate.  

Your guide to financial planning & socially responsible investing

By: Judith L. Seid, CFP ®
 

President, Blue Summit Wealth Management

July 9, 2010 (La Mesa) -- We have just received notification that two of our top-rated carriers, John Hancock & Metlife, will be raising rates for new policies. If you have already secured your long term care policy, CONGRATULATIONS…you made a great decision! If you have been considering taking out a long term care insurance policy, please contact an independent Long Term Care Insurance (LTCI) agent right away for quotes. (See below for tips on what to look for.)

Update on Tax Deductible Premiums:

July 9, 2010 (Sacramento ) State Controller John Chiang has filed a lawsuit in Superior Court to block Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s order that would reduce state workers’ pay to the federal minimum wage, $7.25 an hour. The decision could determine whether 200,000 state workers ranging from DMV employee workers to Cal-Trans highway workers will face pay cuts of two-thirds or more of their salaries in some cases.

SHAREHOLDERS TO PUT LIMITS ON SEMPRA EXECUTIVE PAY

“Felsinger’s salary is a graphic example of the grossly disproportionate salaries that CEOs continue to feast upon even in our current economic malaise. It is offensive in many ways, including the fact that it is partially paid by themoney we pay SDG&E montly.” – Michael Shames, Utility Consumers Action Network (UCAN)

By Miriam Raftery

July 8, 2010 (San Diego) Stockholders at Sempra Energy, parent company of San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E), have approved a “say on pay” clause giving them power to restrict executive compensation. The vote came in may, following disclosure that Sempra’s chief executive, Donald Felsinger, was the highest-paid executive in San Diego County last year with a $20.9 million annual salary and benefits package, plus a $35 million golden parachute retirement package he woudl receive if the company is ever sold.