By Miriam Raftery

August 22, 2010 (El Cajon ) – Two Congressmen and four local lawmakers fielded questions from the audience Friday night, trading quips and barbs on topics ranging from healthcare to gay marriage. The occasion was the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce’s annual “Politics in Paradise” event in the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College, where the weather was sultry and the politics even hotter.

 
August 19, 2010 (San Diego's East County) -- It may be the hottest political show of the season. On Friday, the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual “Politics in Paradise” event, giving the public an opportunity to hear from top elected officials. This year, confirmed participants include Congressional representatives Duncan D. Hunter (R-El Cajon) and Bob Filner (D-San Diego), as well as State Senator Denise Ducheny (D-San Diego), Assemblyman Marty Block (D-Lemon Grove), and Supervisor Dianne Jacob.
 

The bipartisan lineup includes some of San Diego’s most influential and powerful legislative leaders. Ducheny chairs the Senate budget committee in Sacramento. Block chairs the Higher Education committee n the Assembly. Filner chairs the House Veterans Affairs Committee. Jacob, with decades of experience, has previously chaired the County Board of Supervisors. Hunter, a first-term Congressman, is a member of the House Armed Services Committee that his father formerly chaired.

East County News Service

July 31, 2010 (Washington D.C.) – U.S. Congressman Bob Filner announced this week that the federal Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded $320,403 for the San Diego Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

“We have to work together across city lines if we are going to catch online child predators,” said Filner. “These funds will go to making sure we have the resources to be proactive in investigating and prosecuting those using the internet to commit crimes against children.”

Leaders propose options to address serious public safety crisis in City and County

By Miriam Raftery

July 28, 2010 (San Diego) – San Diego has the fewest firefighters per capita of any major city in the nation, a shocking new report by Center for Policy Initiatives revealed yesterday.

“Service quality has dropped below acceptable standards, most tragically in the fire-rescue department,” a CPI press release warned. “Without increased revenue, the city could face the closure of almost half of our fire stations and the firing of several hundred police officers, as the chief operating officer described to the Council yesterday.”

July 28, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce will host its second annual “Politics in Paradise” event on August 20 from 6-9 p.m. at the Water Conservation Garden. The bipartisan program provides voters in East County with the opportunity to hear from legislators representing them in Washington, in Sacramento, and at the County level. 
 
The evening will allow guests  to pose questions to representatives and hear their opinions on hot button political issues and current events. Legislators confirmed to attend so far include Congressmen Duncan Hunter and Bob Filner, Assemblyman Marty Block, and Supervisor Dianne Jacob. More RSVPs are expected.

 
July 3, 2010 (San Diego) -- Congressman Bob Filner (D-San Diego) applauds the announcement of a $9 million U.S. Department of Energy grant to a UC San Diego led consortium for research into use of algae for biofuels.
 
According to a San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) analysis, research on algal biofuels employs 410 scientists and other workers in San Diego and provides nearly $28.8 million in payroll and $56.2 million in economic activity for the region.  Direct spending on algal biofuels, combined with the additional jobs and spending in related service industries is currently responsible for 784 jobs, $44.6 million in wages and $108.3 million in economic output in the San Diego region.

 

“I am persuaded that this project will not be built. It was conceived in secrecy ….sold with misleading information.” – Stephen Volker, attorney

Anonymous donor pledges to match donations for legal battle up to $20,000

June 24, 2010 (Alpine) – A standing-room-only crowd of around 700 people packed into the Alpine Community last night, where Supervisor Dianne Jacob and the Protect Our Communities Foundation convened a meeting for the public to provide input on SDG&E’s proposal to route Sunrise Powerlink through the Cleveland National Forest.  No representatives were present from the U.S. Forest Service or SDG&E.
 
Many public officials and candidates for office came out in opposition to the project—while others were conspicuous by their absence or failure to take a stance. 
 
The public has until June 29 to submit comments to Forest Supervisor William Metz. You may submit your comments online at www.mailroom_r5_cleveland@fs.fed.us and include the subject line “Sunrise Powerlink Comments” or call to leave recorded comments at (858)673-6180.

ASKS BP TO PUT DIVIDENDS IN ACCOUNT FOR OIL SPILL CLEANUP AND VICTIM COMPENSATION

June 18, 2010 (Washington D.C.) – As BP board members debate whether to move forward with a scheduled dividend payment, U.S. Congressman Bob Filner joined 31 other members of Congress to call on the oil company to instead direct those funds to an escrow account dedicated to cleaning up the Deepwater Horizon spill and compensating its victims.

June 19 (Chula Vista, CA) -- Veterans and active duty military will get access to financial planning advice and help with their benefits at a free afternoon seminar on Monday, June 21, 2010. A number of topics will be covered including the availability of tax breaks, eligibility for veterans’ benefits, small business assistance and professional pro bono financial planning advice.

Utility company spent $45 million to support measure that would make it harder for cities and counties to provide cheaper power alternatives to consumers

May 26, 2010 (San Diego) – Politics makes strange bedfellows—and in the case of Proposition 16, almost nobody is being swayed by Pacific Gas & Electric's efforts to woo voters. One of the largest coalitions in memory against a ballot proposition has been forged to oppose the utility giant's efforts, uniting business, labor, consumer, seniors, and enviornmental groups opposed to the measure.

PG&E has spent over $45 million on its “Yes on 16” campaign. If passed, the initiative on the June ballot would make it almost impossible for local cities or counties to start a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program to provide electricity at lower rates--or from cleaner sources--than a utility company.

May 16, 2010 (Washington, D.C). – U.S. Congressman Bob Filner has announced that San Diego and Imperial Counties will get more than $8.7 million for security preparedness. In San Diego, funds include protection of ports and public transit.

“It takes constant vigilance to be prepared and keep our country safe,” said Filner. “This money will go to keeping our critical infrastructure safe from terrorism, major disasters and other emergencies.”

By Buck Shott

May11, 2010 – This week, we bring you a ringside seat for the latest political knock-down, drag-out fights in state and local races.

MISSING IN ACTION: Ballot statements have been published for the June primary—but one local candidate’s statement is conspicuously absent.

 
May 17th deadline looms for non-profits to file returns
 
May 11, 2010 (San Diego) Congressman Bob Filner (D-San Diego) advises charities in San Diego and Imperial Counties that they could be threatened by a rule requiring organizations to file a yearly return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to keep their non-profit status. Organizations that go three years without filing an annual return will automatically lose tax-exempt status.
 
East County Magazine found that 1,525 nonprofits in San Diego County are listed as “at risk” of losing their tax-exempt status, including many in East County. The list includes youth sports booster clubs, service clubs, faith-based organizations, groups helping seniors or the disabled, and even such stalwart long-time organizations as a local Daughters of the American Revolution chapter. To view those at risk in our area, see: http://nccsdataweb.urban.org/PubApps/990search.php.

May 8, 2010 (Washington, D.C.)-- On May 6, President Obama issued a major disaster declaration for California, making federal funds available to help communities rebuild after the April 4, 2010 earthquake.  

1,500 TURN OUT IN LOCAL MAY DAY PROTESTS; OFFICIALS & CANDIDATES VOICE VIEWS

By Miriam Raftery

May 1, 2010 – Across America, hundreds of thousands participated in May Day marches and rallies to protest Arizona’s new immigration law, which requires that law enforcement officers demand papers proving legal status from anyone suspected of being in the U.S. illegally. Supporters say the law is necessary to stem the flow of illegal immigration, but opponents fear it will lead to civil rights violations, illegal detention of legal residents, and a climate of intimidation.

By Miriam Raftery

April 26, 2010 (Washington D.C.) – Congressmen Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine) and Bob Filner (D-Chula Vista) have joined a bipartisan coalition of 78 Congressional members asking that the U.S. renegotiate the U.S.-Mexico trucking program created under NAFTA. The members sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and U.S. Trade Ambassador Ronald Kirk, following an announcement that the U.S. and Mexico have established a working group to discuss the cross-border trucking issue.

“Reinstating the cross-border trucking program would directly undermine our nation’s border security, endanger public safety, and disadvantage American trucking companies,” Hunter stated last week in a press release.

Congressman accuses Sempra and SDG&E of “monopolistic” practices

April 25, 2010 (Washington D.C.) – Congressman Bob Filner (D-San Diego) has sent a letter to Ken Salazar, U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary, asking for an independent environmental evaluation on impacts of Sunrise Powerlink proposed by San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) through Bureau of Land Management property along the California/Mexico border. 

Filner asks that Assistant Secretary of Interior David Hayes be excluded from any decision-making related to the Powerlink project because of his recent role as a lobbyist for Sempra/SDG&E. “Mr Hayes lobbied the Department of Energy (DOE) on behalf of Sempra/SDG&E in 2006 seeking National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC) designed by DOE for the SDG&E Powerlink corridor,” Filner's letter points out.

April 20, 2010 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Congressman Bob asked President Barack Obama today to grant California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s request for a Federal Disaster Declaration that would help make funds available for Imperial County to rebuild after the April 4 quake that shook the valley.

March 6, 2010 (San Diego) -- Congressman Bob Filner is among 111 cosponsors of the Community College Energy Training Act (H.R. 3731), legislation that will support community colleges as they train a new generation of technicians and other workers in America’s renewable energy industry.

February 23, 2010 (San Diego) – Congressman Bob Filner (D-San Diego) recently introduced H.R. 4488, the National Wildfire Infrastructure Improvement & Cost Containment Act.

“It is about time that we properly recognize our brave federal wildland firefighters and make sure they are on par with other federal firefighters,” Filner said in a newsletter to constituents. “Congress must provide American citizens with the strongest, most cost-effective, and efficient federal wildfire response possible to meet the challenges and complexities of wildfires in the 21st Century.”

 
 


“It simply is not prudent to introduce new projects into an area that is already prone to wildfire and will also reduce the ability of fire fighting agencies…”—Congressman Duncan Hunter, on impacts of the proposed Tule wind energy and Sunrise Powerlink transmission line projects

“Sempra’s track record does not show that it will develop or manage the Baja California wind energy resources properly.” – Congressman Bob Filner
 

By Miriam Raftery
 
February 14, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine), Congressman Bob Filner (D-San Diego) have sent letters to federal and state regulatory agencies voicing serious concerns over several major energy projects proposed in East County.

February 6, 2010 – As snow fell on the nation’s capitol, Chula Vista’s Park View Little League players, coaches and family members received a warm welcome at the White House from President Barack Obama. Each player on the world champion team was greeted personally by the President.

“He said that he was proud of us for representing the United States,” said catcher Daniel Porras Jr., according to the Union-Tribune. Players presented the President with a team jersey imprinted with his name. 

January 5, 2009 (Washington D.C.)--Congressman Filner (D-Chula Vista) Urges Toyota to Improve Push-To-Start Feature on Lexus Vehicles!
Recently, Congressman Filner contacted Christopher Tinto, Vice President for Technical and Regulatory Affairs, Safety for Toyota Motor Company regarding concerns stemming from Push-to-Start buttons on Lexus vehicles.

In an emergency, these Push-to-Start buttons may also be used as Push-to-Stop buttons; however, many consumers are not aware of this feature. This has resulted in accidents and fatalities when drivers are unable to turn off their vehicle.

December 22, 2009 (San Diego) – “I am pleased to announce the first green jobs grants awards authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through the U.S. Department of Labor,” said Congressman Bob Filner (D-San Diego). “Californians continue to benefit from additional funding for job creation and training through the Recovery Act. These Green Jobs programs will take our industry in a direction that is better for the long-term preservation of the environment and our natural resources.”

Three green jobs grants have been awarded San Diego:

Congressman Filner provides update on funds with breakdown by Congressional districts

By Miriam Raftery

December 12, 2009 (San Diego) – More than $250 million has been allocated for the San Diego region through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for transportation and infrastructure projects, according to figures released yesterday by Congressman Bob Filner (D-San Diego). Filner is a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which recently held a hearing titled The Recovery Act: Progress Report for Transportation Infrastructure Investment.”

November 18, 2009 (Washington, DC) – The Fire Grants Reauthorization Act passed by a 395-31 vote in the House of Representatives today, providing local firefighters with tools and resources to prevent and fight fires, enhancing community safety. At a time when many cities face budget shortfalls and cuts to basic services, the Act invests in programs that allow local fire departments to provide training, purchase equipment and vehicles, and hire personnel.

Among San Diego’s Congressional delegation, Republicans Duncan Hunter and Brian Bilbray voted yes, along with Democrats Bob Filner and Susan Davis, while Republican Darrell Issa voted no.

November 8, 2009 (Washington D.C.) - The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Affordable Healthcare for All Act last night by a 220-215 margin.  Local Democratic representatives Bob Filner and Susan Davis voted for the landmark measure, while local Republicans Duncan Hunter, Darrell Issa and Brian Bilbray voted no. 

In the House, only a single Republican (Joseph Cao of New Orleans) voted for the measure.  In addition, 39 Democrats voted no, including representatives from conservative districts as well as some liberal members.

By Miriam Raftery

October 18, 2009 – The House and Senate are grappling with several versions of major healthcare reform measures that could dramatically transform our nation’s healthcare system. Four of the five measures would include a public option, which give Americans a choice between private health insurance or opting for coverage under a government-run system similar to Medicare.

Where do your Congressional and Senate representatives stand? All have now taken a firm position either for or against the public option. Here are statements directly from San Diego County’s five Congressional representatives and California’s two U.S. Senators. If you wish to contact your Congressman or Senator to voice your views, you can find their contact information in our Citizens Action Center.

College Board responds to Public Outcry

October 18, 2009 (Chula Vista) – On October 14, Southwestern College District Governing Board approved cancellation of its agreement with Xe . The agreement allowed the college's law enforcement students to use a training facility in Otay Mesa operated by Xe Systems LLC, the company formerly known as Blackwater. Blackwater, which gained notoriety for its activities in Iraq, was also the center of controversy in East County, where the company sought to open a private military training base at Potrero but withdrew following massive public opposition.

“To save a few bucks, you basically sold out your souls and made a pact with the devil,” Congressman Bob Filner told college board members at an April 15th board meeting. “These are bad guys. They have killed innocent civilians in Iraq, and they lost their contract with the State Department for so doing."

By Congressman Bob Filner
Democratic Representative from the 51st Congressional District

The impacts of the climate crisis are already being seen around the world through increasing hurricane intensity, melting ice caps, and refugees fleeing extreme weather conditions. Here in Southern California, we are particularly vulnerable to a variety of threats posed by unchecked global warming – threats to our environment, our economic stability, and our overall quality of life.

While residents of San Diego are no strangers to drought and emergency water conservation measures, climate change will bring a new generation of drought’s stranglehold on our communities as we see our water supply shrink from increasing average global temperatures. Local Scripps researchers concluded in an April 2009 report that if human-induced global warming continues to reduce runoff from the Colorado River, San Diego will be unable to deliver a regular water supply to the region (The press release can be found online at http://scrippsnews.ucsd.edu/Releases/?releaseID=977).