WEEKLY CAJON CLASSIC CRUISE OPENS MAY 13TH FOR 9TH SEASON
Printer-friendly versionMay 1, 2009 (El Cajon)–Cajon Classic Cruise, the largest weekly classic car show in Southern California, returns to Main Street in Downtown El Cajon on Wednesday, May 13 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm with its 2009 Season Opener. In addition to viewing classic cars, the grand opening includes live music by the little Efert Band, a DJ from 104.2 FM radio, and children’s activities including face-painting by a clown, a bounce house and jump slide. Free to the public, the Cajon Classic Cruise features more than 500 classic, custom and hot rod cars valued at more than $10 million in a street festival setting every Wednesday evening through September 30th. In addition we will be having a “Trunk or Treat” event in October and a Parade of Lights in December. The Cajon Classic Cruise is centered on East Main Street at Prescott Promenade, just east of intersection of Main & Magnolia in the heart of Downtown El Cajon. Spreading out over several blocks, spectators stroll El Cajon’s booming Historic Downtown District while enjoying the cars, the action, restaurants, street vendors, food, DJs, and live entertainment presented amid a vibrant small town atmosphere. Printer-friendly version
BAFFLED BY BALLOT INITIATIVES? MAY 19 MEASURES PROVE STUDY IN CONFUSION
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery May 6, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—The May 19 election includes six statewide ballot initiatives (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, and 1F) that are among the most confusing in recent memory. The stakes are high: stability of California’s budget process and the ability to fund vital services such as education, healthcare and public safety for the future. But an array of conflicting arguments has left even customary allies on opposite sides of the fence on many of the initiatives. We’ve provided the most comprehensive guide yet to help you sort through the strongest arguments on all sides and understand these measures—so you can make an informed choice. Also remember, the last day to request an absentee ballot for the May 17 election is May 12. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger warns of dire consequences if measures fail, yet the California Republican Party opposes all six initiatves—while the Califiornia Democratic Party favors 1B, 1C and 1F but has a neutral stance on the others. The League of Women Voters, meanwhile, recommends a “No” vote on four propositions (1A, 1C, 1D, and 1E), remaining neutral on two. The progressive Courage Campaign urges a “No” vote on all six initiatives, as does the California Nurses Association. But the League of Conservation Voters wants the opposite– a “Yes” on all six. Educator groups are divided, too: California Teachers Association urges a “Yes” on all six measures, but the California Federation of Teachers urges a “No” on five of the measures, supporting only 1B. Service Employees International (SEIU), a labor group, has a mixed recommendation favoring 1B and 1C, opposing 1A, 1D and 1E, with no position on 1F, while the California Chamber of Commerce supports all six measures. California Taxpayers Association, a conservative group, supports four of the measures (,1A, 1D, 1E and 1F) but is neutral on the rest, while the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association opposes 1A. Here is our rundown on what the measures would actually do, and why various interest groups have taken stances for or against the initiatives. At the bottom of this story, we’ve also included links to the major interest group sites, where you can read more detailed arguments on both sides. PROPOSITON 1A: SPENDING CAP This measure limits the amount of money the state government can spend each year. Those in favor say it would bring stability to the state budget process and reduce spending. Opponents say it would likely cause big budget deficits, forcing deep budget cuts to schools, healthcare and other public services further in the future. But the League of Women Voters (LWV) and California Nurses Association, which both oppose the measure, conclude that it would make it more difficult for future governors and legislatures to enact budgets that address the state’s priorities and that it would lock in a reduced level of public services, as well as giving future governors new power to make budget cuts without legislative oversight. The measure would also extend increase in sales, car and income tax for one to two years and reduce the tax credit for dependents. It is supported by California Taxpayers Association and California Chamber of Commerce, but Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, which calls the measure a “major tax hiding behind a phony spending cap.” Support: California Taxpayers Association, California League of Conservation Voters, California Teachers Association, California Chamber of Commerce Oppose: League of Women Voters, California Republican Party, California Federation of Teachers, California Nurses Association, Calitics, Courage Campaign, SEIU CA, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association PROP 1B: EDUCATION FUNDING This measure would provide a one-time payment of $9.3 billion to schools for K-12 education and community colleges for several years, starting in 2011, to address Prop 98 funding uncertainties. It requires passage of Prop 1A to be funded. The Chamber of Commerce says that 1B “starts the process of repaying schools and community colleges as economic conditions improve. The future depends on investing in educating our children.” California Teachers Association, also supports the measure. CTA observes that “California public schools and community colleges have lost more than $11 billion in state funding over the past two years due to the budget crisis. Our schools are currently ranked 47th in per-pupil spending.” Class sizes are among the largest in the nation and more than 27,000 teachers and education support professionals got lay-off notices in March. “Art, music, PE and career technical education programs are being eliminated all over the state. We can’t let things get worse,” CTA argues. But the Califiornia Federation of Teachers opposes this measure and others, arguing that ““Propositions 1A, 1C, 1D and 1E propose a variety of schemes that will hurt children, burden the state with debt, and force cuts in 4-year colleges and universities, health care, and other social programs, while permanently underfunding public education.” California Nurses Association, which also opposes the measure, argues that “The legislature has the power to make education funding a priority and not tie funding to a spending cap as proposed with Prop 1A.” Support: California Democratic Party, California Chamber of Commerce, SEIU-CA, California Federation of Teachers, California Teachers Association, California League of Conservation Voters Oppose: California Republican Party, California Nurses Association, Calitecs PROP 1C: LOTTERY BORROWING This initiative allows the state to issue $5 miliion in bonds “securitized” by future lottery profits, effectively borrowing against future lottery revenues. Lottery revenues would no longer be a source of funds for education and the loss of education funds would be required to be made up out of the state’s General Fund, according to the LWV. “In light of California’s poor credit rating and the state of the economy, these bonds may have to be sold at interest rates very unfavorable to the state, if indeed they can be sold at all,” the LWV cautions. Moreover, the Legislative Analyst’s Office says that long term, lottery profits probably won’t cover Prop 1C requirements for funding education. Support: California Teachers Association,
ECONOMIC CRISIS INCREASES SUICIDE RATE, COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH REPORTS. KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS
Printer-friendly versionMay 6, 2009 (San Diego)–May is Mental Health Month–and County of San Diego officials decided to kick it off highlighting the connection between the economic crisis and suicide. In San Diego County, the number of suicides increased 17 percent during the last five years, reaching 366 in 2008. The biggest increase took place in 2007 when the number of suicides reached 356 compared to 313 the previous year. Preliminary data for the first two months of this year indicates that about one suicide is taking place in San Diego County every day. “These are difficult economic times and the anxiety and strain are bringing more stress into people’s lives,” said Supervisor Dianne Jacob, Chairwoman of the County of San Diego Board of Supervisors. “While it’s true that unemployment and economic downturns are associated with increased rates of suicide and suicide attempts, it’s impossible to determine exactly what factors cause people to end their lives,” added Jacob at a news conference outside the Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA). Jacob was joined by Nick Macchione, HHSA Director; Dr. Jennifer Schaffer, Director of HHSA’s Behavioral Health Services; Dr. Glenn Wagner, County Chief Medical Examiner; and Stan Collins, representing Community Health Improvement Partners and the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program. “The causes of suicide are complex. Research has shown that the majority of people who kill themselves have depression or another mental or substance abuse disorder,” explained Schaffer. “Most people who are depressed do not kill themselves; however untreated depression could increase the risk of suicide. People think about hurting themselves when they feel hopeless, powerless, and despondent.” Suicide can be prevented. It’s important for people to recognize the risks and warning signs and get help immediately. Some of the risk factors of suicide include: • A mental or substance abuse disorder • Adverse life events • Family history of mental or substance abuse disorder • Family history of suicide • Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse • Prior suicide attempt Some of the warning signs of suicide include, talking of hurting or killing oneself, hopelessness, divorce or separation, loss of job, increased alcohol or drug use, and isolation from family and friends. Recently, the County’s Medical Examiner’s Office reviewed several suicides that could be attributed to financial distress. “Based on our investigative reports many suicides tend to be impulsive and drastic reactions to temporary conditions,” said Wagner. “Some investigations show evidence of the economy being a contributing factor.” The pressure and anxiety generated by the economic crisis are causing more people to turn to the County’s Access and Crisis Line for help. During March 2009, the hotline received more than 7,400 calls; a 2 percent increase compared to the same month last year. “We believe the slight increase is the result of the harsh economic times. To be sure, in early February hotline administrators began tracking calls related to economic stressors,” said Macchione. From February 6 through the end of March, 33 calls were from people concerned about their finances. On average, the County’s Access and Crisis line receives about 90,000 calls every year. Ninety-six percent of those are from people calling to inquire about mental health services. Reaching people early is important to avoid or delay the onset of mental illness and decrease the symptoms and intensity of the disease. The County is developing many new preventive services to increase suicide awareness and provide early intervention. The efforts will be focused on several different population groups including, older adults, individuals exposed to community or domestic violence, people living in rural or Native American communities, and veterans. Funding for these new services will come from about $16 million the County will receive annually from the Mental Health Services Act, approved by voters in 2004. “Suicide is a major public health concern. Our efforts to raise awareness of suicide and mental illness will continue,” concluded Macchione. People in suicidal danger should call 911. Help is also available by calling the County’s Access and Crisis Line at (800) 479-3339. Printer-friendly version
SOUTHERN POVERY LAW CENTER CHAIR TO SPEAK ON RISE IN HATE CRIMES: LA MESA, MAY 6
Printer-friendly versionApril 26, 2009 (La Mesa)–Jim McElroy, Chairman of the Board, Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), will speak on the rise in hate crimes in America during the May 6th meeting of the La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club. A recent report from the SPLC shows a 50% rise in the number of hate groups in the United States. According to the SPLC, California is home to 84 hate groups, there are 4 hate groups in San Diego, and one in Lakeside. Recently, the Department of Homeland Security sent alerts to law enforcement agencies about the dramatic rise in threats from right-wing hate groups since the election of Barack Obama, the first African-American President. McElroy is a graduate of the University of San Diego Law School and has been involved in high profile law suits against hate groups, including the successful prosecution of the White Aryan Resistance. McElroy has received many awards for his work including National Civil Rights Achievement Award from the Anti-Defamation League and was named Outstanding Attorney of the Year by the San Diego County Bar Association. The event will be held at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive in La Mesa. Social Time starts at 6:30 pm, the meeting begins at 7:00 pm. Printer-friendly version