By Miriam Raftery

January 2, 2013 (San Diego’s East County ) – By a 257-167 vote late last night, the House of Representatives approved without changes a “fiscal cliff” deal previously passed by the Senate 89-8.

The stock market reaction to ending the uncertainty was positive, rising 235 points or 1.9% on January 1 for a second-straight day of triple digit gains. It’s a deal that reflects compromise on both sides, averting a potential crisis short-term, but deferring major decisions on spending cuts and raising the nation's debt ceiling down the road.

The decision divided  the Republican leadership, as well as the local Congressional delegation. Lame-duck Republican Congressman Brian Bilbray joined with Democrat Susan Davis in voting for the measure, while Republicans Duncan Hunter and Darrell Issa voted against it.  (Bob Filner resigned his seat Dec. 3 to assume his new responsibilities as Mayor, leaving his seat vacant until Juan Vargas is sworn in later this month.)

December 21, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Congresswoman Susan Davis, La Mesa Mayor Art Madrid, and El Cajon Councilman Gary Kendrick were among the elected officials who joined in our “Feasting & Merrymaking” party over the weekend—and shared some  special news for our community.

Our guests also enjoyed live jazz by the amazing Chris Klich trio, fabulous food by chef Patrick Dean and the Grove Pastry Shop, wines from La Serenissima and San Pasqual wineries, plus an East County trivia game and prize drawings.

November 28, 2012 (San Diego)--Congresswoman Susan Davis announced a lottery for tickets to the inauguration of President Barack Obama on January 21, 2013. Davis will randomly select inauguration tickets for constituents of the new 53rd Congressional District.

“Some lucky constituents will have a chance to be a part of history!” said Davis. “During inaugurations, Americans come together to celebrate our enduring democracy. Holding a lottery gives everyone who wants a ticket a fair chance.”

By Nadin Abbott

November 9, 2012 (San Diego)—Democratic Congresswoman Susan Davis has won reelection, beating Republican challenger Nick Popaditch by a solid 60.42% to 39.58% margin.  With redistricting, Davis now represents areas as far east as El Cajon. 

For Popaditch, a  military veteran, this was his second defeat at the polls; in 2010 he ran unsuccessfully against Congressman Bob Filner.

Congresswoman Susan Davis to Host Forum

October 25, 2012 (San Diego)--The Federal Government buys nearly anything imaginable and Congresswoman Susan Davis has assembled a Small Business Forum for local business owners, so that they may learn how to break into this huge marketplace.

East County wind projects among hot topics discussed by candidates for Congress, Assembly and Mayor

Story by Miriam Raftery, videos by Paul Kruze

View ECM’s videos from the San Diego Green Candidates Forum:

Part I: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz2SAosb9-Y

Part II:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8rZTtkh7OY&feature=youtu.be

October 14, 2012 (San Diego)—November's election has big impacts for our region, our nation and our world--with San Diego poised to be a leader in the emerging green economy. 

Should our region’s needs be met by rooftop solar or industrial wind projects in our backcountry?  Should the San Onofre nuclear reactors be shut down?  How can we fuel San Diego’s economy and create green jobs? In what ways should transportation and water issues be addressed—and what about global climate change?  These were among the topics of lively discussion at the San Diego Green Candidates forum on October 4, where candidates for Congress, Assembly, Mayor and Supervisor shared their ideas on these important issues and more.

August 30, 2012 (San Diego) – On the 92nd anniversary of women winning the right to vote, Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) gave an impassioned speech warning about threats to women’s hard-won rights.

“I don’t think any of us would have thought that we’d be fighting the kind of extremist legislation that we’ve seen in the last two years,” she said.  View video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzyDO6l9VJU&feature=em-share_video_user

Davis, a former League of Women Voters president, spoke of efforts by the Republican-controlled Congress and presidential/vice presidential candidates to redefine rape, weaken the Violence Against Women Act, defund Planned Parenthood, restrict access to birth control, and prevent military rape victims from obtaining abortions. 

She also denounced voter suppression efforts, which she called “chilling.”  

August 21, 2012 (San Diego) – Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) has introduced legislation in response to revelations that federal wildlife officials have killed thousands of animals locally without disclosing justifications to the public.

By Miriam Raftery

By Miriam Raftery

April 1, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – House Republicans this week passed a budget that would give massive tax breaks to the wealthy and to corporations, while weakening programs that benefit students, the middle class and senior citizens, including Medicare.

Learn how the Navy is going green, plus hear national and local leaders' visions for the future of our region and nation

February 20, 2012 (San Diego)-- Navy Captain Marko Medved, Congressional members Susan Davis and Bob Filner are the latest speakers confirmed to join UnitedGREEN’s Forging a Sustainability Symposium March 3-4 at San Diego State University. They join a long list of distinguished national and international presenters and panelists, including keynote speaker Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

By Miriam Raftery

February 12, 2012 (San Diego) – At this weekend’s California Democratic Convention, the statewide party issued pre-primary endorsements in three Congressional races but declined to make an early endorsement in two other races.

January 12, 2012 --  (San Diego’s East County)--East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media.  This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include:   

• Referendum drive to overturn California Dream Act fails (Sacramento Bee)
• California Supreme Court tackles redistricting (Sacramento Bee)
• Gov. Jerry Brown proposes axing traditional kindergarten (Sacramento Bee)

• Algae biofuels inject money in San Diego’s economy (LPBS)
• County Supervisors back Sycuan pact (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• 5 charged in Sweetwater school corruption (KPBS)
• Susan Davis meets her new constituents (Mount Helix Patch)
• SOHO buys historic Santa Ysabel store (Ramona Journal)
• Merchant alleges city, PBID violations of Brown Act (La Mesa Patch)

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. 

October 15, 2011 (San Diego) -- Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) announced a $790,000 federal grant from the Department of Health and Human Services awarded to SAY San Diego for its work with low-income fathers to help them be better dads and husbands.  Entitled “Project COMPASS” (Creating Options for Men to Participate Actively, Safely and Supportively), this program serves both civilian and military dads, including the more than 46,000 military personnel in San Diego who are fathers with children. The grant has an option to renew for an additional two years.