January 15, 2011 (San Diego) -- Councilmember Marti Emerald has asked Mayor Jerry Sanders to use newly found pension savings to fund San Diego’s financially strapped public safety agencies.

The City has learned its required pension payment for the 2012 fiscal year will be about $20 million less than originally anticipated-- about the same amount demanded in public safety cuts for next year.

By Jeremy Los and Miriam Raftery

January 6, 2011 (Washington D.C.) – The red Republican wave that swept through the nation in November has officially begun its reign in the United States House of Representatives yesterday as the 112th Congress commenced. The change elevates the positions and influence of local Republican representatives, while reducing the power of San Diego’s Democratic delegation in Congress.

Highlighted by the election of Rep. John Boehner of Ohio, as Speaker of the House, yesterday today marked the beginning of what House Republicans see as a chance to move the conservative agenda forward. The Republican leadership has announced its intent to repeal President Obama’s health care bill and begin to cut government spending in their first three weeks. Democrats in Congress now are on the defensive as they are now hoping to impede the destruction of what they pushed for since 2006.

January 3, 2011 (Sacramento) – Just before leaving office, outgoing Governor Arnold Scharzenegger yesterday appointed State Senator Dennis Hollingsworth to a lucrative $128,000 a year position on the state Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board. Hollingsworth (R-Murrieta), whose district included San Diego’s East County, left office due to term limits.

By: Jeremy Los

December 23, 2010 – So much for the “lame duck session” on Capitol Hill. The last winter session after an election, before the new Congress is sworn in, is often an uneventful time of farewells. The 111th Congress, though, seemed determined to end the year with a bang, bringing meaningful legislation to the forefront as exiting members of Congress strived to put their stamp on the future of our nation in a big way.

Major bills passed include repeal of the military’s `don’t ask, don’t tell’ ban and a bill to improve food safety. Bills that fell short, without enough votes, include the Dream Act, which would have allowed children of undocumented immigrants a pathway to citizenship, and a bill that would have paid for healthcare costs of 911 first responders.

Do you know how your representatives voted? Find out here.

Watchdog group says state law does not allow charges above 10 cents a page

December 13, 2010 (Martinez, California)– In a case that could have wide repercussions for members of the public and media outlets seeking public records from public agencies in California,, today Californians Aware (CalAware) filed a lawsuit in superior court, seeking an order to bar Contra Costa Community College District from continuing to violate the California Public Records Act (CPRA).

The district has been charging fees for copies of district records that are substantially above the "direct cost of duplication"--the maximum allowed by law, said CalAware general counsel Terry Francke.

December 11, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Services were held today for Elizabeth Edwards, wife of former presidential candidate John Edwards, who lost her battle with breast cancer.

Leon Thompson, past executive board officer in the California Democratic Party, sent an e-mail to ECM recalling his meeting with Elizabeth Edwards at the state Democratic convention in Sacramento. “She was an inspiration to me, Suzy and so many others,” said Thompson, whose wife, Suzy, later died of breast cancer. Thompson, a former Santee resident now living in Arizona, is battling cancer himself.

Watchdog activist says he will file complaints with FPPC and Attorney General; 2nd watchdog group also questioned board’s actions
 

By Miriam Raftery
 

December 6, 2010 (La Mesa)—By a unanimous vote, the Grossmont Healthcare District Board voted to recognize recently resigned board member Jim Stieringer as director emeritus and to name the District conference center after him. The Board made these votes despite a letter from Citizens Oversight Projects founder Ray Lutz stating that he believes such actions violate the law.

Terry Francke, general counsel for CalAware, a statewide watchdog group on open government issues, also questioned legality of the emeritus title and suggested that ”an attorney general’s opinion could and should be sought before action is taken” by the Board, La Mesa Patch.com reported shortly before the vote was taken.

Store targeted by measure reveals today that it is going out of business

December 1, 2010 (La Mesa) – On December 14 at 4 p.m., La Mesa’s City Council will consider an ordinance proposed by San Diego Stop Puppy Mills. The proposed law would prohibit pet stores from buying dogs from puppy mills and other breeders.

Since February 2009, the group has been protesting against Pet Works in Grossmont Center, alleging that the store sells dogs raised in puppy mills with inhumane conditions. Today, East County Magazine contacted Pet Works and learned that the store plans to shut down.

By Jeremy Los

November 27, 2010 (Washington and Sacramento) -- Do you know how your Congressional and State Legislative representatives voted on important recent bills? Find out here! Recent major bills include the Paycheck Fairness Act, the Small Business Jobs & Credit Act, the State Budget, plus bills to reform campaign financing and raise age limits for pre-school and kindergarten.  Scroll down for details.

November 18, 2010 (San Diego) – Congressmen Bob Filner (D-San Diego) is calling for the U.S. House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee to hold a hearing to examine the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) security screening procedures at airports, including full-body scans and pat downs.

By Miriam Raftery

November 15, 2010 (La Mesa) – In closed session this morning, Grossmont Hospital District's  Board unanimously found that Jim Stieringer should not get his old seat on the board back.  Stieringer resigned Novembe 5th, then tried to resuscitate his old job by asking to have his resignation rescind after the Board refused to consider his application for a $60,000 a year staff job, amid questions over legality and  conflict of interest concerns.

With Stieringer's Hospital District career in limbo akin to life support, today the District pulled the plug.  

November 12, 2010 (La Mesa)--Grossmont Healthcare District Board of Directors will hold a special meeting on Monday, November 15 at 7:30 a.m. in the District conference center, 9001 Wakarusa in La Mesa. Following public comments of up to five minutes per person, the board will adjourn to closed session to confer with legal counsel on “significant exposure to litigation.”

By Miriam Raftery
 

November 5, 2010 (La Mesa) –Jim Wieboldt, a Sheriff’s deputy and founding chairman of the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce, announced Wednesday that he plans to challenge Ruth Sterling for a seat on the La Mesa City Council in 2012.
 

“Public safety will be my number one priority,” said Wieboldt, who pledged to “ask the tough questions about our crime rate” and get recommendations to reduce crime.

November 3, 2010 (Sacramento) – After declining to concede last night despite multiple TV networks declaring Senator Barbara Boxer the winner, U.S. Senate candidate Carly Fiorina called Boxer today to concede defeat and offer congratulations.