Politics

SENATE DEFEATS ANDERSON EFFORT TO OVERRIDE GOVERNOR’S VETO OF BILL TO CRACK DOWN ON DATE RAPE DRUGS

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 9, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) — Senate Bill 333, a measure that would have made it a felony to possess drugs used for date rape, was vetoed last fall by Governor Jerry Brown.  The measure had passed both the Assembly and Senate unanimously.


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EL CAJON SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR CITY POSITIONS

 

 

East County News Service

 

January 8, 2016 (El Cajon) -- The City of El Cajon City Council is now accepting applications for Commissions as listed below. The filing period ends January 14, 2016, at 5:30 p.m.  Applicants will be interviewed and appointed on January 26, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 200 Civic Center Way, El Cajon, CA 92020.


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PRESIDENT OBAMA TIGHTENS GUN RESTRICTIONS

 

By Tasha Matthews 

Photo courtesy of WhiteHouse.gov

January 5, 2016 (Washington D.C.) --President Barack Obama has taken executive action to tighten gun control, revealing some restrictions and heightened enforcement of firearms sales on Tuesday.  This is in response to the recent array of violent shootings taking place in the United States and Congress failing to pass any legislation to stem gun violence.


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DONALD TRUMP'S ADMIRATION FOR RUSSIAN LEADER VLADIMIR PUTIN

 

Crippled America: How To Make America Great Again, by Donald J. Trump (Threshold Editions, An Imprint 0f Simon & Schuster, Inc., New York, NY, 2015, 193 pages).

Book Review by Dennis Moore

January 2, 2016 (San Diego's East County) - Donald J. Trump, the very definition of the American success story, has now delved into politics with his candidacy for the White House, and explains why in his very provocative book; Crippled America: How To Make America Great Again. Trump, a graduate of the Wharton School of Finance, an accomplished author and having written more than fifteen bestsellers, with his first book, The Art of the Deal, being considered a business classic and one of the most successful business books of all time. There is no question that trump has been a very successful entrepreneur and businessman – but does that necessarily translate into his being a great politician or President of the United States?


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LEMON GROVE COUNCIL TO WEIGH MARIJUANA BAN AND SHIFTING PLANNING AUTHORITY TO COUNCIL

 

East County News Service

January 2, 2016 (Lemon Grove) -Lemon Grove’s City Council meets on Tuesday, January 5th at 6 p.m. The agenda includes a proposed ordinance to ban medical marijuana dispensaries, deliveries and commercial cultivation. Council will also consider an ordinance to shift planning authority from the Planning Commission and  the City Council hear planning matters instead.

Changes to the Water Efficient Landscape ordinance will also be considered, along with a continuing hearing on housing element obligations and awarding a contract for stormwater services.


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TAX THE RICH TO HELP THE POOR: BALLOT INITIATIVE GAINS GROUND

 Photo credit:  Sanfranman59 on Wikipedia

By Miriam Raftery

December 28, 2015 (Sacramento) – Nonprofit groups that help the poor are working to qualify the Lifting Children and Families Out of Poverty Act for the November 2016 ballot.  The Legislative Analyst has estimated that the measure could raise up to $7 billion by adding a property tax surcharge on properties worth $3 million or more.

 


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NEW LAWS FOR CALIFORNIA MOTORISTS IN 2016

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 26, 2015 (Sacramento)--It will be illegal to wear earbuds or headphones while driving a bicycle or a vehicle starting January 1st, except for emergency vehicles and heavy equipment. If you have outstanding traffic tickets and missed a court appearance, you can apply for amnesty. Cities can now regulate electronic skateboards, and electric bicycles will soon be able to travel in bike lanes.

These are just a few of the new laws taking affect in 2016 that will impact drivers in California.  The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has provided this summary of the new laws, as well as key changes to existing laws:


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APPROPRIATIONS BILL APPROVED BY CONGRESS HAS FUNDS FOR LOCAL PRIORITIES

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 26, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – An omnibus appropriations bill passed the House earlier this month on a 316 to 133 vote, avoiding a government shutdown.  The measure was passed by the Senate and signed by President Obama.  Among local representatives, only Republican Duncan Hunter voted no.  Democrats Susan Davis, Juan Vargas and Scott Peters joined with Republican Darrell Issa in voting yes.

“Many San Diego priorities focusing on the middle class are included in this bipartisan omnibus spending bill,” says Congresswoman Davis. “While not perfect by any means, this bill has critical investments for medical research, innovation, education, infrastructure, and supports many jobs in our region.”

The Omnibus Appropriations bill includes:


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MAYOR WELLS STATE OF CITY ADDRESSS CITES ACCOMPLISHMENTS, CHALLENGES IN EL CAJON

 

By Janis Russell

December 12, 2015 (El Cajon)- El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells delivered his State of the City address last Tuesday, listing El Cajon’s accomplishments and improvements, as well as the outlook for the city’s future.

Mayor Wells began by noting that El Cajon was a farming community a hundred years ago. “Now it’s the largest city in East County…There are over 100,000 residents,” he observed. “We also have new friends who have gathered thousands of miles away,” he added, referring to the city’s large immigrant and refugee population. “There’s a multitude of stories that bind El Cajon.”


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MIKE HARRISON: SEASONED CONGRESSIONAL AIDE AIMS TO REPRESENT EAST COUNTY IN SACRAMENTO

 

By Miriam Raftery

Hear our full interview with Mike Harrison, originally aired on KNSJ 89.1 FM Radio: http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/0nrblk7onb/Newsmaker-Harrison-Mike-Assembly71Candidate.mp3

December 12, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) –“The 71s Assembly District is a great district…with a lot of little rural towns and communities,  and great people,” says Mike Harrison, who is running for the seat. He believes it’s important for the people across East County to have someone serving them in Sacramento “who knows each town and its issues" and believes his experience makes him the best qualified candidate for the job. He adds, "I do have a love of public policy and finding solutions to issues that people are facing.”

Harrison is a seasoned political policy professional who has spent 21 years working for political leaders representing East County. A Republican and Ramona resident, he is Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman Duncan D. Hunter and previously worked for  Hunter’s father, the former  Congressman by the same name. Harrison also holds a master’s degree in government from Johns Hopkins University and an undergraduate degree from the University of California, Stanislaus.


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NEWSOM WITHDRAWS FROM MAYORAL RACE

 

December 11, 2015 (San Diego)--Gretchen Newsom announced today that she is withdrawing from the San Diego mayoral race.

She issued a statement today which reads, "I have decided that I will not run for Mayor. My husband and I have recently decided to divorce on an amicable basis and, therefore, I need to focus on our son. I appreciate everyone's respect of our privacy."


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PRESIDENT SIGNS EVERY CHILD SUCCEEDS ACT

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 11, 2015 (Washington D.C.) – Calling it a “Christmas miracle—a bipartisan bill signing”,  President Barack Obama signed into law the Every Student Succeeds Act, which passed Congress with strong support among both Republicans and Democrats.

The new law preserves the goals and spirit of the No Child Left Behind law enacted under the George W. Bush administration, but eliminates that measure’s unpopular  heavy testing and eases consequences for schools that underperform. The Every Student Succeeds Act offers a more flexible approach to student testing and school accountability, also shifting much of the responsibility for improving troubled schools back to the states.


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JIMMY CARTER: CANCER FREE AFTER TREATMENT WITH NEW DRUG

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 6, 2015 (Plains, Georgia)--This Christmas season, former President Jimmy Carter and his family are celebrating a medical miracle.


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LA MESA COUNCIL TO WEIGH BAN ON POT SHOP DELIVERIES

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 6, 2015 (La Mesa) – La Mesa’s City Council will consider an ordinance Tuesday that would ban mobile dispensing and delivery of marijuana. Medical marijuana clinics are already illegal in the city and voters recently rejected a measure that would have allowed them, however a number of clinics have sprung up despite that ban, offering home delivery services.

The La Mesa Council meets at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, December 8th


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PROPOSAL TO REJECT ECPAC BID, MOVE FORWARD ON ANIMAL SHELTER AMONG AGENDA ITEMS FOR EL CAJON COUNCIL

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: ECPAC lobby

December 6, 2015 (El Cajon ) – El Cajon’s Council has a number of important topics on its agenda for the Council meeting Tuesday at 3 p.m.

Several are on the consent calendar – including a proposal to reject the only bid received for construction renovations on the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC).  Although 30 prospective bidders obtained bid packages, only one bid was received.  That bid, from Kinsman Construction Inc. in San Diego, was for over $3.7 million – far above the $2.7 to $2.9 million that an engineer estimated the work should cost.


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BALLOT MEASURE WOULD ASK VOTERS TO APPROVE BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR AMMUNITION

 

East County News Service

December 5, 2015 (Sacramento) – The National Rifle Association is one of the most powerful lobbies in America, donating huge sums to politicians and mobilizing its members to oppose gun control at the state and federal level even though polls consistently show the public supports some restrictions, such as background checks.


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STATE SENATOR ANDERSON HOSTS LEGISLATIVE OPEN HOUSE DEC. 10

East County News Service

December 3, 2014 (El Cajon)--California Sen. Joel Anderson (R-Alpine) will host his annual Legislative Open House from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 10, at Toyota of El Cajon, 965 Arnele Ave., El Cajon.

The free event is an opportunity for Anderson and his staff to meet with constituents and hear ideas on new legislation for 2016. All attendees will receive a 2015 legislative update and an opportunity to submit ideas to improve state government. Anderson says several of the bills he has introduced in the past originated from suggestions by attendees to this annual event.


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EL CAJON MAYOR TO PRESENT “STATE OF THE CITY” ADDRESS DEC. 8

 

East County News Service

December 8, 2015 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Mayor bill Wells will present his State of the City address on Tuesday, December 8  at 2:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber. The Mayor will detail accomplishments of the City over the past year, as well as where the City is headed in the next year and beyond.


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FPPC PROPOSES $217 FINE ON GUHSD TRUSTEE SHIELD

 

East County News Service

November 22, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) at its November 19 meeting proposed a $217 fine against Robert Shield, a trustee on the Grossmont Union High School District Board.


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BALLOT MEASURE WOULD END SANCTUARY CITIES IN CALIFORNIA, REQUIRE STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES TO ASK IMMIGRATION STATUS

 

East County Magazine

Photo: Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility at Otay Mesa

November 16, 2015 (Sacramento) -- A proposed ballot initiative submitted to the California Secretary of State takes aim at sanctuary cities that shelter undocumented immigrants from deportation under certain circumstances.


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DRUG PRICES FORUM CONVENED BY WHITE HOUSE

 

East County News Service

November 10, 2015 (Washington D.C.) – Amid a public outcry over soaring prescription drug prices, President Barack Obama’s administration has announced it will hold a public forum on drug prices on November 20th.


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BERNIE SANDERS INTRODUCES BILL TO SAVE OAK FLAT ON TRIBAL SACRED LAND

Gaan Canyon

By Leon Thompson

November 11, 2015 (Washington D. C.) -- Senator Bernie Sanders and Sen. Tammy Baldwin introduced legislation this week to stop the transfer of federal land to a foreign-owned corporation which plans to develop the largest copper mine in North America and reap $61 billion dollars from U.S. taxpayer assets from land sacred to Native Americans.


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WHISTLEBLOWER SAYS GOVERNOR ABUSED POWER, HAD STATE WORKERS PROVIDE MAPPING OF OIL AND GAS POTENTIAL AT BROWN FAMILY RANCH

East County News Service

November 10, 2015 (Sacramento) – Governor Jerry Brown is under investigation for asking workers in the California’s Department of Conservation to prepare a state map of oil and gas resources on Brown’s family ranch. Associated Press obtained records proving that Brown last year directed top officials in the agency to assess and map the oil, gas and mineral history and potential of his 2,700 acre ranch including satellite-imaged mapping and  a drilling map.

The complaint was filed by Jennie Catalano, a mapping specialist who alleges she has also faced retaliation for filing the complaint.


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DID CARSON INFLATE HIS LIFE STORY?

 

East County News Service

Photo by Gage Skidmore

Updated with correction: student corroborates Carson's Yale test story

November 8, 2015 (Washington D.C.)—Our nation’s first president, George Washington, once said, “I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.”   President Abraham Lincoln was so noted for his integrity that he early on earned the nickname “Honest Abe."

But at least one presidential candidate today--and possibly several, may fall far short of those ideals. The latest in the spotlight this week is Republican candidate and neurosurgeon Ben Carson. Major media outlets have exposed that Carson made unsubsantiated claims about a West Point scholarship as welll as his troubled juvenile past.  Ironically, questions have also been raised about Carson's claim of being named most honest student in a psychology class at Yale University, though new evidence suggests this claim may be true.


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BALLOT INITIATIVE WOULD END PRIVATE UTILITIES, CREATE STATEWIDE PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT

 

East County News Service

November 8, 2015 (Sacramento) – California’s Secretary of State has approved signature gathering for a ballot initiative that if approved by voters, would end private utility corporations such as San Diego Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas & Electric.

Under the measure, the state would buy out the companies and operate a publicly owned California Electrical Utility District that would set electricity rates, build infrastructure and provide power. Bonds or taxes could be levied to fund costs. The measure’s backer, Ben Davis Jr., contends the state can provide power at lower rates for California customers and notes that nationwide, public utilities have 15% lower rates on average than privately owned utilities.


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OBAMA ADMINISTRATION REJECTS KEYSTONE PIPELINE

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

November 6, 2015 (Washington D.C.) --  Today, President Barack Obama announced that after six years of review,  the U.S. State Department has decided that the Keystone XL  Pipeline “would not serve the national interest of the United States.  I agree with that decision,” the President said.

Obama indicated that the pipeline would be “neither a silver bullet for the economy, as was promised by some, nor the express lane to climate disaster proclaimed by others.”  He then laid out key reasons why his administration has rejected the pipeline.

First, he indicated, “The pipeline would not make a meaningful long-term contribution to our economy…What we should be doing is passing a bipartisan infrastructure plan that, in the short term, would create more than 30 times as many jobs per year as the pipeline would, and in the long run, would benefit our economy and our workers for decades to come.”


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ISSA IS RICHEST MAN IN CONGRESS, BUT HUNTER IS IN DEBT

 

East County News Service

November 3, 2015 (San Diego)—It’s official: San Diego Congressman Darrell Issa is the richest man in Congress—worth over a quarter of a billion dollars ($254.7 million), according to data from Roll Call published by the Los Angeles Times.


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GOP CANDIDATES BACK OFF DEBATE DEMANDS

 

East County News Service

November 4, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) - A draft list of demands from Republican candidates to media seeking to limit tough debate questions and other debate criteria has met with ridicule from late-night comics and the media. Now some campaigns are backing off the demands, with several candidates refusing to sign a letter with demands slated to be sent to media outlets. If media refused to comply, the  GOP slate threatened to yank debates or move them to a conservative forum.


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SENATOR ANDERSON'S COMMUNITY COFFEE TOPICS RANGE FROM FIRE TAX TO VACCINES

 

By Janis Russell

October 29, 2015 (Spring Valley)- On Thursday October 22, La Mesa-Spring Valley School District Board member David Chong hosted Senator Joel Anderson’s community coffee at Trinity Presbyterian Church. Zahara Almosawi, an intern for the Senator, manned a table with resources for the community, including paperwork for anyone who had problems with a state agency.


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IBEW POLITICAL DIRECTOR WILL RUN FOR SAN DIEGO MAYOR

 

By Chris Jennewein

Reprinted with permission from Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association (SDONA)

October 26, 2015 (San Diego)--Gretchen Newsom, an Ocean Beach community leader and political director of IBEW Local 569, announced Saturday that she will run for mayor of San Diego next year.


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