Saldaña wins endorsement after impassioned pledge to fight for women’s rights; Secor gains unanimous support

By Miriam Raftery

March 8, 2012 (La Mesa) – The largest Democratic Club in East County last night heard from candidates running for Congress, State Legislature, and local offices before holding endorsement votes.

Former Assemblywoman Lori Saldaña received overwhelming endorsement over ex-Council president Scott Peters by a 48-7 vote. Both are running in the new 52nd Congressional District against incumbent Republican Brian Bilbray. 

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."

By Nadin Abbott

February 23, 2012 (San Diego)--Four candidates running for the redrawn 52nd Congressional District seat currently held by Rep. Brian Bilbray met Tuesday for a lively debate during a luncheon sponsored by the Conservative Order of Good Government Club in Rancho Bernardo. Participants included incumbent Brian Bilbray, Republican challenger John K. Stahl (a veteran and businessman), and two Democrats: former Assemblywoman Lori Saldaña and former City Council president Scott Peters.

Issues discussed ranged from job creation to immigration to working across the aisle with the other party, as well as energy policy. While candidates clashed on views, an ECM fact-check on claims by all candidates reveals mostly—but not entirely—truthful statements.

By Megan McGlamery

February 20, 2012 (San Diego)--Last weekend at the Democratic State Convention, Senator Dianne Feinstein discussed her agenda for Congress as well as her aspirations for the United States.  The Senator, who has served for 20 years, seeks reelction in November.

By Miriam Raftery

February 16, 2012 (San Diego) – State Senator Juan Vargas came to the California Democratic Convention hoping to find support for his campaign to fill Bob Filner’s seat in Congress.  He won the party endorsement—but has lost support from many here.  A group of activists surprised Vargas in the hall and presented him with a “Spineless Rubber Chicken” award for twice ducking a vote on SB 810, a landmark healthcare reform bill opposed by the insurance industry. 

Insurers reportedly spent $1.46 million to elect Vargas to the Legislature. His Congressional campaign has taken another $140,000 in insurance and pharmaceutical contributions, as ECM previously reported http://eastcountymagazine.org/node/8577

“The official casualty count of Iraq and Afghanistan is 5,000 plus killed and about 45,000 wounded…You know how many men and women have approached the VA for help for war-related injuries from those two wars? Almost a million," said Congressman Bob Filner. "We need to take care of these kids when they get back here…Veterans are THE issue for Democrats.”

By Miriam Raftery and Mia Mykleberg

February 16, 2012 (San Diego) –Thousands of soldiers are returning home to San Diego County as the Iraq war ends and troop draw downs occur in Afghanistan. 

At the California Democratic Party’s newly formed Veterans’ Caucus, Congressman and Mayoral candidate Bob Filner, former Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee in the House of Representatives, laid out detailed plans to welcome home veterans with respect and hands-on help--including establishing a Veterans' Office for San Diego if he is elected Mayor.

Story and photo by Nadin Abbott

February 12, 2012 (San Diego) – Declaring it time to “regain control of the people’s House from the special interests,” California Democratic Party Chairman hosted a joint press conference with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in San Diego, site of the 2012 California Democratic Convention themed “Battleground California.” 

By Nadin Abbott

February 13, 2012 (San Diego)--Several Occupy groups came together to protest outside the San Diego Convention Center at the California Democratic Convention on Saturday.

Around 100 people, including 40 local protesters and 60 from other areas including Los Angeles and Riverside, sought to draw attention of Democratic leaders and delegates. Issues included corporate power, civil liberties, homelessness and foreclosures.