MARCEL BECKER TO LEAD EAST COUNTY CHAMBER AFTER ALEVY OUSTER 5.1K
Total Views: 54 March 1, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – It wasn’t a Valentine that the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted on February 14 to deliver to CEO Scott Alevy. Facing a budget crunch, the inland region’s largest Chamber voted to eliminate its full-time paid CEO position, relieving Alevy of his duties. “Both Scott Alevy and the Chamber are on soild ground,” acting President and Chief Executive Officer Becky Burgstiner told Chamber members at a First Friday breakfast this morning in the La Mesa Community Center. She announced that Board Chairman Marcel Becker will be taking the leadership helm as soon as he is fully recovered from surgery in a couple of weeks. Becker is also Chair of JCI Metals in Lemon Grove. The U-T San Diego reported last week that IRS 990 forms reveal that assets for the Chamber, a registered nonprofit, have dwindled to less than $80,000 in 2011, down from over $191,000 in 2008. 2012 records were not yet available. Alevy’s salary was not disclosed, but former Chamber President Mike Cully earned nearly $60,000 in 2010, his last year. By then, expenses were outpacing revenue amid the economic downturn. By eliminating the president and CEO paid position, Burgstiner said, “it frees up crucial financial revenues to better serve our membership.” Chamber Vice President Jarryd Davis also resigned earlier this month. It is uncertain whether he will be replaced. Sherral Bearss, who handled membership, also recently left to join the Pennysaver, the East County Herald reported. Abigail Migala has returned on a part-time basis to handle membership. The shakeup left some speculating on the Chamber’s future.”Do we now have a headless horseman as a Chamber?” Rick Alexander quipped on ECM’s Facebook page. Reflecting on the changes, Burgstiner said serving as acting President and CEO was “never on my radar” but that she aims to “keep things in perspective,” and appreciates being surrounded by “talented people” to help chart the Chamber’s future. Also at this morning’s meeting, SDG&E spokesman Don Parent spoke about new pricing options soon to be offered to business customers ; he advised business customers to check now to learn their time of use rates and learn whether your business’ pattern would save money under the new plan. Next up, Dave Steele with Pure Solar Power drew chuckles by announcing, “If your electric bill is too high, call the East County solar guy.” He explained that the “green” in solar isn’t just environmental, but cash savings through rebates, a 30% tax credit, increased property value, and savings on those SDG&E energy bills. He said he could “make a case” that solar is a better investment than other ways to invest money. Representatives from St. Madeline Sophie’s Center, one dressed as a frog, talked up the upcoming “frog races” to be held April 13 at the Morning Glory Brunch benefitting the center helping developmentally disabled adults. A new event this year will be a St. Patrick’s Day run between Hooleys’ Irish Pub’s two locations in East County, benefitting several local nonprofits including the East County Chamber. For details visit www.runeastcounty.com. Representatives from the Chamber’s Leadership East County also gave a presentation, including examples of past special projects benefiting the community that have grown out of the program. These include Spreading Art, a graffiti abatement program that has proven successful locally at discouraging taggers by creating murals. Other projects in process include setting up aquaponics programs at local schools, partnering on a music program with Taylor Guitar and Deering Banjo, and creating a comforting room for children to have visitations with parents at Las Colinas women’s prison in Santee. Printer-friendly version
5.1K viewsCLIFF DIAMOND TO REPLACE MIKE CULLY AS INTERIM CEO/PRESIDENT OF EAST COUNTY CHAMBER 5.3K
Total Views: 23 October 4, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Cliff Diamond, former El Cajon Police Chief, has been named interim president and chief executive officer of the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce. He will replace Mike Cully, whose departure was announced in late September. “We thank Mike for his service to the Chamber and to the businesses of East County over the last two-plus years,” said Chairman Roger Roberts, “and we wish him well in the future. We are pleased that Cliff Diamond will step into the chamber’s lead roles on an interim basis, while we search for a permanent executive,” he added. “He brings significant organizational and management experience to the Chamber during this transitional period.” Cully did not return a phone call, nor have Chamber officials commented on the reason for the change in leadership. Cully’s Facebook page indicates he remains in San Diego working on his Masters in Business Administration degree at San Diego State University, where he expects to graduate in 2011. Printer-friendly version
5.3K viewsREADER’S EDITORIAL: EAST COUNTY CHAMBER RESPONDS TO STATE BUDGET PROPOSAL 3K
Total Views: 44 “Democrats’ idea of increasing taxes delays REAL budgetary reforms and stalls true economic recovery in State.” By Mike Cully President/CEO, San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce August 19, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) — It is disappointing that the Democratic Legislative Leaders continue to delay California’s economic recovery by increasing taxes and delaying serious budgetary reforms. The budget Speaker Pérez and Senate President Steinberg recently announced will result in a net tax increase of at least $1.2 billion annually and more wasteful spending. The Democrats proposal only prolongs the problem with its gimmicks and legislative tricks. It is time for Sacramento to live within its means and stop punishing taxpayers for its lavish spending. Our legislative leaders need to enact real tax reform which will buffer California’s budget against boom-and-bust economic cycles. Our state can no longer afford to function on a deficit year after year, a permanent fix is needed. It’s the Chamber’s mission to fight for small business and for a robust and timely economic recovery both in our State and in our region. These sorts of ineffective and cursory moves on behalf of the Democrats do nothing by put a Band-Aid on a gaping wound that is our State’s financial position. This is not a real effort to fix a worsening problem; it is, in fact, nothing more than a gesture to pacify potential critics. We need real change, and that means real action. The opinions expressed in this editorial reflect the views of its author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. If you wish to submit an editorial, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org. Printer-friendly version
3K viewsPOWERLINK APPROVED BY FOREST SERVICE; OPPONENTS VOW TO FILE LAWSUIT 10.4K
Total Views: 71 LOCAL LEADERS REACT TO DECISION WITH SHOCK & AWE July 13, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – The last 19-mile link of SDG&E’s controversial Sunrise Powerlink transmission line project has been approved by Cleveland National Forest director William Metz, the Union-Tribune reports. “We are not surprised by Metz’s decision, although we are disappointed,” Laura Cyphert, cofounder of the East County Community Action Coalition (ECCAC), an organization representing 79,000 people opposed to Powerlink, told East County Magazine. “Metz was under considerable political pressure. Fortunately we have anticipated this day, and are prepared to take every necessary legal action…Over a year ago, the legwork was started for a lawsuit against the Forest Service in the event that they permitted this project. We are well positioned to prevail in the court room.” Donna Tisdale, founder of Backcountry Against Dumps, another group that has taken legal action to halt the Powerlink, confirmed, "Our coalition (BAD, POC, ECCAC) will appeal this approval and others to follow. Our attorney is ready to go." She added, "Successful fundraising is crucial to reaching our goal to overturn all the Sunrise approvals." Other lawsuits have already been filed in state and federal courts seeking to overturn decisions by the California Public Utilities Commission and the Bureau of Land Management. Metz defends his choice Throughout the deliberative process, the Forest Service sought to balance California’s renewable energy needs with minimizing impacts to the environment to the greatest extent possible," Metz said in a prepared statement issued by the U.S. Forest Service today. "The Forest Service’s decision to authorize the project provides future access to renewable energy, improves energy system reliability, and will reduce transmission congestion in the greater San Diego area. The citizens of Southern California will benefit from implementation of Sunrise Powerlink and it is in the national interest to allow Forest lands to be utilized for this project." The decision adopts mitigation measures detailed in the Final EIR/EIS and the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Biological Opinion for defensible space, fire suppression failities and steps to miminze impacts on the environment. The decision amends the Cleveland National Forest Land Management Plan (LMP) to provide a project-specific exception regarding scenic integrity along the transmission line route, riparian conditions and biological resource condition goals in riparian conservation areas, and for the construction of the transmission line in a backcountry non-motorized area. "We carefully considered the public comments, and reviewed the information contained in the Supplemental Information Report in determining that further environmental analysis is not needed," added Metz. "A Special Use Permit will be issued to SDG&E contingent on resolution of any potential appeals to my decision, and project certification under the Clean Water Act by the State of California Water Resources Control Board." Critics assail decision Supervisor Dianne Jacob expressed deep disappointment in the U.S. Forest Service’s decision to approve the Sunrise Powerlink, but added that she is not surprised. “The approval ignores the lasting consequences that will result from the line, particularly the severe fire danger. There is a trail of pressure by SDG&E and political influence that has followed this project since its inception and the decision by the Forest Service is no exception,” she said in a prepared statement today. “Although we had hoped for a favorable decision, it has always been my belief that this matter would ultimately be settled by the courts. I’m confident in the case that will be presented by the opponents. The facts and evidence in the record are on our side.” Ray Lutz, Democratic candidate for the 52nd Congressional district, leveled criticism at Republican and Democratic leaders who supported Powerlink. “I am, like so many residents in the East County, disappointed that elected officials tend to do a minimum of investigation into the facts and instead rely on the findings of other organizations, or go by the sugar-coated statements from SDG&E and the energy-industrial complex. Such was obviously the case of Mr. Metz,” Lutz said. “He relied on the findings by the CPUC and the BLM, who relied on the findings of officials like Schwartzenegger and Feinstein who actually spent no time to find out the underlying facts of the project before they endorsed it.” He added, “SDG&E continues to say that it is the most studied project in history, but they always fail to mention that the 11,000 page Environmental Impact Report recommended in their top three options that the transmission line not be built at all. Their claim that this line will help the robustness of the grid does not stand up to any scrutiny, since SDG&E must power-down these transmission lines in any high-wind events.” Congressman Duncan D. Hunter (R-El Cajon), sent a letter to Metz opposing the project in its final phase. But Lutz calls that effort “too little too late" and arguably "more harm than good" since Hunter advocated nuclear as an alternative. “At this point, our last hope is through the courts, and then perhaps to citizen action of chaining ourselves to the tractors to stop this hideous perturbation of common sense,” Lutz concluded. “The Powerlink must be stopped, and I will fight with all residents in the East County to stop it!” Opponents have argued that there is no guarantee that the high-voltage line will carry energy from green sources, since SDG&E refused to guarantee to the California Public Utilities Commission that any of the power would be from renewable. The company has been negotiating to bring power from large-scale wind and solar projects in the Imperial Valley. Many area residents have also opposed Powerlink due to concerns over fire safety, since the state’s environmental impact report indicated Powerlink poses a severe and unmitigatable fire risk, including fire-prone areas such as Lakeside. Health concerns from electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs) and loss of views have also been raised as issues. Some expressed skepticism over the integrity of the process, noting that the Forest Service refused to hold a public hearing on the matter. A
10.4K viewsEDITORIAL: MIKE CULLY SAYS “CALIFORNIA NEEDS A LEADER LIKE MEG WHITMAN” 3.6K
Total Views: 41 By Mike Cully January 16, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) — It’s the beginning of a new year and California’s economic hardships haven’t changed. We face a 12 percent unemployment rate – one of the highest in the country – and a $20 billion deficit. Overtaxed and overregulated, companies are closing their doors and moving to neighboring states with lower costs to do business, and discouraged workers are leaving town in order to make a living. I am concerned about the future of California. That’s why I am supporting Meg Whitman to be California’s Republican nominee for governor. Meg is the only candidate with well-rounded experience and a bold vision to lead our state during these challenging times. Her business experience spans 30 years, including positions at Procter & Gamble, Hasbro and Disney. When she joined eBay as CEO in 1998, the company was a 30-person start-up with a little over $4 million in revenue. Just ten years later, when Meg stepped down, eBay was a global e-commerce leader with 15,000 employees and nearly $8 billion in revenue. Meg understands that for California’s economy to recover we must foster growth among the state’s small businesses. After all, small businesses make up a major part of the economy in communities across the state. As governor, Meg will cut taxes and reduce regulations to give small businesses greater incentive to expand and hire more workers. And she’s pledged to make certain California is competitive with other states by streamlining regulations and modifying workplace rules. Meg is determined to make a difference and she knows more about spurring job creation and running complex budgets and organizations than any other candidate in this race. California needs a seasoned leader like Meg Whitman who can get us out of our economic mess and restore discipline in Sacramento. Mike Cully is the President and CEO of the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce. Prior to this, Cully was the President and CEO of the Visalia Chamber of Commerce. The opinions in this editorial reflect the views of its author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org. Printer-friendly version
3.6K viewsFILNER JOINS 20 MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO ESTABLISH POPULIST CAUCUS FOR MIDDLE CLASS ECONOMIC ISSUES 4.5K
Total Views: 37 By Miriam Raftery February 12, 2009 (Washington, DC) Today, Rep. Bob Filner (D-San Diego) announced that he has joined with 20 other Democratic members of Congress to form the Populist Caucus, the only caucus in Congress devoted solely to addressing middle class economic issues. Printer-friendly version
4.5K views