RALLY & MARCH TUESDAY JUNE 23 TO STOP STATE BUDGET CUTS: SIT-IN PLANNED AT GOVERNOR’S OFFICE IN SAN DIEGO
Printer-friendly versionJune 20, 2009 (San Diego)–People United Against Cuts is a local coalition formed to oppose the Governor’s recent “All Cuts” budget. A press released issued by the group states, “The Governor’s proposed budget will have a catastrophic impact on children, seniors, people with disabilities, low income families, college students and HIV/AIDS patients. On June 23, 2009, we will hold a rally, march, and press conference in front of the Governor’s San Diego office to voice our opposition to these draconian budget cuts!” Participants are asked to arrive at 11:45. Rally will begin at 12 p.m. with a press conference at the Governor’s San Diego office, 1350 Front Street in downtown San Diego. A march will follow starting at 12:45 p.m. There will also be a Sit-In in the Governor’s Office immediately following the march. If you would like to participate in the Sit-In, contact Gregg Robinson at (619) 225-0377 or jgreggrobinson49@gmail.com for training. You must receive training to participate in the Sit-In. Coalition Partners Include: SEIU Local 221; San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council; Empower San Diego; ACLU of San Diego-Imperial Counties; Center on Policy Initiatives; Justice Overcoming Boundaries; Affordable Housing Coalition; Access to Independence; Children’s Defense Fund of California; International Socialist Organization; ACORN; San Diego Coalition for Peace & Justice; San Diego Disability Action Coalition; UDW Local 3930; CSEA; Supportive Parents Information Network; San Diego County Democratic Party and Plan of Action In A Changing Era. To access the Coalition’s Facebook page, search “People United Against Cuts”. In the Legislature, Democrats and progressive have sought to stave off deep cuts in healthcare, education public safety and other areas through increased fees particularly for higher-income earners and large corporations to pay a more fair share. Courage Campaign and other progressive groups argue that corporate tax cuts and loopholes through the years have left some high-income earners paying a lower percentage than when Ronald Reagan was Governor. Republicans have opposed all fee or tax increases, including closing corporate loopholes or increass on the highest wage earners. Instead, Senate Minority Leader Dennis Hollingsworth (whose district includes East County) and other Senate Republicans have called for improving the state’s "anti-business tax and regulatory climate in the state" Hollingsworth said in a press release in May. He added that he believes voters do not want legislators to "keep reaching into their pockets to pay for our mismanagement.” He called for exploration of new technologies to expand industry and create high-wage jobs. Republicans pledged in May to unveil their own road map for California’s future, but have not released details. Printer-friendly version
EAST COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION COALTION CALLS COMMUNITY MEETING WED. JUNE 24 TO DISCUSS POWERLINK, SDG&E SHUT-OFF ISSUES
Printer-friendly versionJune 23, 2009 (Lakeside) — “Today was a GREAT day for San Diego,” Laura Cyphert, co-founder of the East County Community Action Coalition (ECCAC) stated in an e-mail to the coalition’s members, which now number over 78,000, according to Cyphert. “Today the County Board of Supervisors voted 4:0 to take a position AGAINST the SDG&E ill-conceived shut off plan,” she said, adding that the vote might not have occurred without strong community involvement. “This is the win of a battle; and it shows we can win the war with continued persistent and strategic effort!” Printer-friendly version
BON APPÉTIT! OVER 20 RESTAURANTS ADD FLAVOR TO 1ST TASTE OF LA MESA AND BUSINESS EXPO, LA MESA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES
Printer-friendly versionBON APPÉTIT! OVER 20 RESTAURANTS ADD FLAVOR TO 1ST TASTE OF LA MESA AND BUSINESS EXPO, LA MESA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES June 22, 2009 (La Mesa) — The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce announced that more than 20 restaurants and food providers have signed up to participate in the first annual “Taste of La Mesa” slated for Monday, July 20, 2009 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive in La Mesa. The Title Sponsor of this event is Gio Bistro Wine Bar, owned by Gabriel and Tracy Giordano. Their restaurant was recently named ‘California Small Business of the Year” by Senator Dennis Hollingsworth for the 36th Senate District. The event is open to the public. Your $20 per person donation allows you to sample the fare from over 20 area restaurants and food providers. Participating eateries include: Bella’s Finest Chocolates, Black Jack International BBQ, The Brigantine Restaurant of La Mesa, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Continental Catering, Edible Arrangements, Gibs Ribs, Gio Bistro Wine Bar, Hooleys Irish Pub & Grill, La Casa Blanca Mexican Restaurant, MarieCallender’s, Nonnos Italian Food, Olive Garden, Riviera Supper Club, Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill, Tarantino Gourmet Sausage, Tiramisu Trattoria, The Lunch Box Cafe & Deli, and West Coast BBQ & Catering. Chamber Chairman, Michael Murphy, commented, “The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce is proud to create this first time event for our businesses and the community. La Mesa has some great eateries and we are proud to have them on display for La Mesans and other San Diego County residents to enjoy. It promises to be a fun evening with the great La Mesa weather, music, beverages and outstanding food for all who attend.” This festive event will feature live music from local performers and be hosted by Master of Ceremonies, Eric Lund, owner of Events With Pizazz. Mr. Lund is well known in East County and facilitates many local events. Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis and can be purchased from the La Mesa Chamber office, 8080 La Mesa Blvd., Suite 211, La Mesa, CA 91941, on the Chamber web site: www.lamesachamber.com and through select merchants (see web site). You may also purchase tickets at Gio Bistro Wine Bar, 8384 La Mesa Blvd. Sponsorships and additional food and merchant vendor opportunities are still available. For more information please call the La Mesa Chamber office (619) 465-7700 or e-mail at: info@lamesachamber.com. Printer-friendly version
SD SUPERVISORS ON TUESDAY WILL CONSIDER SDG&E’S PLAN TO SHUT OFF POWER ON HOT, WINDY DAYS
Printer-friendly versionThe County of San Diego Board of Supervisors will take up San Diego Gas & Electric Company’s ill-conceived electricity shut off plan at next Tuesday’s board meeting, June 23rd, which starts at 9 a.m. at the County Administration Building, 1600 Pacific Highway, Third Floor, San Diego. The discussion will center on both the issue of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) sought by SDG&E with San Diego County and the need for the County to formally oppose the shut off plan and communicate their opposition to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The discussion is being brought to the board by Supervisors Dianne Jacob and Pam Slater, who recommend the Board oppose the plan and the proposed MOU. Diane Conklin of the Mussey Grade Road Alliance in Ramona (an intervenor in the CPUC proceedings and an opponent of the plan) says Tuesday’s meeting is a “make or break moment for all of those who oppose the shutting down of electricity as outlined by SDG&E in their application to the CPUC. The CPUC is expected to vote on SDG&E’s application sometime this summer. SDG&E wants the board to go on record for their plan. Armed with such a vote, the company could claim that local — and widespread — opposition to the their shutting off the electricity could be ignored.” SDG&E, which has admitted in documents filed with the CPUC that its lines have been implicated in 167 fires locally in five and a half years, contends the shut-off is necessary to prevent fires during prime fire conditions. But many backcountry residents rely on electricity to power wells used to fight fires and provide water for livestock and families. The shut off plan is opposed by water districts, the County Office of Education, those working with the disabled, telecommunication companies, and the CPUC’s own Consumer Protection and Safety Division (which says the plan could actually increase fires) as well as the Division for Ratepayer Advocates. East County Magazine has also testified before the CPUC in opposition to the shut-off plan, which could prevent emergency and wildfire alerts from reaching some residents via e-mail, putting lives at risk. Printer-friendly version
SPORT CLIPS RAISES $2,500 FOR ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION
Printer-friendly versionJune 23, 2009 (Santee) – Terry Klinker, owner of the Sport Clips store in Santee, donned the company’s “Sporty” mascot suit and joined with other members of the haircut store’s team to participate in the 2009 Arthritis Walk last Saturday. The retail chain raised more than $2,500 through the walk as well as through a “Cut-a-Thon” held at its nine San Diego County locations on June 3rd. Customers who donated at least $5 to the Arthritis Foundation received a free “MVP” haircut. “The Arthritis Foundation is very near and dear to our hearts, which is why all of our stores are joining together in an effort to raise funds to help fight this disease,” said Ron Chamberlain, Area Developer for the San Diego and Imperial Counties. “Our goal is to collect as many donations as we can during the three-hour period while also providing customers with a championship-style haircut in return for their support.” Sport Clips’ MVP haircut, valued at up to $24, is the top-of-the-line service that includes a precision haircut, relaxing shampoo with an invigorating scalp massage, steamed towel and leave-in conditioner as well as a neck and shoulder massage. Printer-friendly version
“HOW GREEN IS MY SAN DIEGO” PROGRAM SET JUNE 30
Printer-friendly versionJune 22, 2009 (San Diego) –The League of Women Voters will host a luncheon program titled “How Green is My San Diego” with Tom Blair and Stephen Grealy from the City Environmental Systems and Waste Reduction Departments and Carolyn Chase from the Sierra Club in San Diego on June 30th. Speakers will address what San Diego is doing to become a “green” city and what else could be done. The program will also feature vendors before and after the lunch, including discussions and displays. The event will be held at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse on Harbor Island from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the 30th. Cost for the buffet lunch and program is $25 for League members and $30 for nonmembers. Parking is free. Checks may be mailed to LWVSD, 4901 Morena Blvd., #104, San Diego, 92117. For more information, call 858-483-8696. Printer-friendly version