EARNIE MILES, A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS
Printer-friendly version By: Dennis Moore At 82 years of age, most people would be settled down into their twilight years or in a nursing home. But legendary gospel music broadcaster Earnie Miles is still going strong, after celebrating his 30th anniversary as the host of the hugely popular Sunday morning gospel music program, “The Earnie Miles Show” on KNOE-TV in Monroe, Louisiana. There are no indications that this “Man for All Seasons” will be slowing down any time soon. East County resident, Nicolas “SK” Shivers earlier profiled in the East County Magazine (March 1, 2009 – Spiritual Knowledge: Music U Can Live 2), is hoping to jumpstart his Gospel/Rap/Hip Hop career by accepting an invitation to appear and perform on “The Earnie Miles Show,” thereby gaining “SK” some national TV exposure. Earnie Miles is a household name in Northeast Louisiana, having welcomed more than 1,626 artists on his show, who have performed more than 2,798 songs on 1, 560 shows over the last 30 years. He also provided various churches and other local organizations with free publicity on his gospel TV show, with more than 13,000 announcements made on their behalf. Sure, the numbers are staggering, but his contributions at Grambling State University and various humanitarian causes across the globe are just as noteworthy. For a person to give thirty years of their life to something that he has a passion for, and do it well, is quite an achievement. That is what can be said of Earnie Miles, who has given countless performers an opportunity to showcase their talents and started them on a professional music career. Miles told me how he got started in his career, what drove him to excellence, and discussed the innumerable people whose legacies he helped shape– such as legendary Grambling football coach Eddie Robinson. Everywhere that Grambling State University’s legendary football coach, Eddie Robinson, and the school’s marching band would go–fromt Yankee Stadium in New York City to Tokyo, Japan–Earnie Miles would be there filiming. Miles produced TV documentaries chronicling this prestigious university, most notably; “Pay the Price.” Miles’ filming of the Grambling football team and their Marching Tigers’ band contributed to this marching band being the only band voted into the NCAA Hall of Fame. Also, while at Grambling in 1973, Mr. Miles produced the documentary; “Give the People What They Want,” which aired on 117 television stations throughout Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tokyo, Japan. This trailblazer was the first recipient of the Grambling State University “Drum Major Award” for his contributions to humanity in general and to the African American community. The Gloryland Pastor’s Choir of North Little Rock, Arkansas appeared on the Earnie Miles Show, November 16, 2008, showcasing talents of children ages seven through 18. I am sure it was the highlight of their lives, and deservedly so, as they were described as “Something Special,” and recommended for consideration to perform before President Barack Obama’s Inaugural Committee. As with many who have achieved something noteworthy in life, Miles started from humble beginnings. A native of Winnfield, Louisiana, he’s been a trailblazer opening doors for himself and others. In “The Earnie Miles Story,” by Billy Coleman, Miles is quoted as stating; “I don’t feel lucky to have my show, because it’s not my show. It’s the good Lord’s show and it allows regular everyday folk a place on television for the area to see us praise and worship the Lord and show our love and respect for Him for all that He does in our lives.” Earl Casey, currently CNN’s Vice-President of Public Affairs, hired Earnie Miles at KNOE TV. He wanted Miles to become the Jackie Robinson of the news media, and he did. Miles became the first black news reporter at KNOE-TV in Monroe, Louisiana in 1972, in addition to serving as host of the “Earnie Miles Show” airing gospel music. Milese shared with me many anecdotes about his life, such as the “Branch Rickey” type speech that he was given when he was hired as the first black reporter at KNOE-TV. Miles has been a man of many talents; a salesman, a humanitarian, an educator, an innovator, photographer, orator, television show host, philanthropist and news reporter. He currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Greater North Louisiana Community Development Corporation, which provides counseling and housing development for citizens in the area. . He was born May 3, 1927 in Clarence, Louisiana, and studied at Leland College, the same college where Grambling State University football coach Eddie Robinson had attended. He received a degree in Social Studies from that institution, before going on to work as a teacher at Pinecrest High School in Winnfield, Louisiana for seven years, then spending the next 12 years as a photographer for Nolan Marshall Enterprise and Grambling later on. He also served in the U.S. Air Force. During this career, Earnie and his wife Clara, raised four children and they are the grandparents of many more. Miles has had a lifetime of notable accomplishments and achievements, which continues each day. He has produced twenty-five (25) Public Service Announcements (PSA’s) featuring University graduates from around the country, which have aired on television stations throughout the South. He has been very active in humanitarian missions as well; he once raised over $35,000.00 in just three weeks to assist with helping save lives in Africa. C.A.R.E. was so impressed with Miles fundraising and passion for the cause that they sent him on a trip to Africa. Yet when I talked to him about his many legendary achievements in life, he reacted as if these are just everyday accomplishments. Earnie Miles truly is “A Man for All Seasons.” Printer-friendly version
VIEJAS HOSTS STATE’S LARGEST BBQ COOKING CHAMPIONSHIP OCT. 17
Printer-friendly version Teams from around the country cook up a good time at free “Smokin’ in the Park” Festival October 14, 2009 (Alpine) – Looking to spice up your week? Viejas Casino & Outlet Center will host California’s largest BBQ cooking championship again this year in one of East County’s most popular free events of the season. The “Smokin’ in the Park” BBQ Championship & Festival (www.viejasbbq.com) is back for its fifth year…bigger and better than ever. This year, more than 60 teams will compete for $23,000 in cash and prizes, making it the largest competition of its kind in the state. Anew feature this year will be the People’s Choice Award, where event attendees can purchase a sample from various award-winning teams and vote for their favorite. This year’s event has also expanded to include two stages of live entertainment (featuring Los Lobos, The Texas Tornados and many more), multiple beer gardens, a kids play area, vendors, plus all the sights, sounds and smells a barbeque lover can handle. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, October 17 in the Viejas Outlet Center Parking lot, directly across from the Viejas Casino on Willows Road in Alpine. The event and parking are free and open to the public. The “Smokin’ in the Park” BBQ competition is sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society (KCBS), and the Grand Champion may advance to the 22nd Annual Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational in 2010, in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Teams competing in the BBQ Championship will be judged in four meaty categories; chicken, pork shoulder, beef brisket and pork spareribs. Cooking begins on Friday night at 10 p.m. and judging begins at noon on Saturday with the winners announced at 4 p.m. Sample barbeque plates will be sold along with People’s Choice sample tickets. All proceeds will benefit the Alpine School District’s Math and Music Program. The event will also feature appearances from Channel 4’s own backyard cook, Sam the Cooking Guy. For more information on the event, visit www.viejasbbq.com or call 619-659-2070. And as always, event attendees will get to enjoy savings up to 70% at brand name stores at the Viejas Outlet Center. Printer-friendly version
SAN DIEGO MEAT COMPANY RECALLS GROUND BEEF AFTER USDA FINDS E-COLI CONTAMINATION
Printer-friendly version MEAT SOLD TO LOCAL RESTAURANTS & CATERERS, USDA WARNS—BUT COMPANY REFUSES TO RELEASE NAMES October 14, 2009 (San Diego) – San Diego Meat Company is recalling approximately 925 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E-coli, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced yesterday. According to the USDA, the meat was distributed to local restaurants and caterers. However San Diego Meat Company refused a request today from East County Magazine to provide names of local food establishments that may have received contaminated beef. “There haven’t been any illnesses reported,” said Bob Watkins,co-owner. “That’s between us and our customers. The USDA’s test came back positive; our test on the same batch came back negative…We decided to err on the side of caution.” None of the meat was distributed to schools or grocery stores, the meat wholesaler confirmed. The products subject to recall include: • " 15-pound cases of "SAN DIEGO MEAT, GROUND BEEF PATTIES." • " 10-pound bags of "SAN DIEGO MEAT, BULK GROUND BEEF." Each case and bag bears establishment number "EST. 4116" inside the USDA marks of inspection and "Safe Handling Instructions" on the back. The front of each package advises "KEEP REFRIGERATED." The above products were produced October 7, 2009 through October 9, 2009 and October 12, 2009 and were distributed to restaurants and two caterers in the San Diego County area. FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers (including restaurants) of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. The problem was discovered through FSIS microbiological sampling. FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of these products. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a physician. E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness. Consumers with food safety questions can "Ask Karen," the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. For more information on the recall, and for safe cooking instructions for ground meats, visit http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_052_2009_Release/index.asp Printer-friendly version
GROWING GREEN CAREERS: CUYAMACA COLLEGE HOSTS FORUM OCT. 16
Printer-friendly version All-day forum joins industry with education in ‘greening’ the classroom EL CAJON – With all the buzz surrounding the burgeoning green industry and the promise it holds for a flagging jobs market, Cuyamaca College is hosting a forum this week aimed at helping local high school and community college educators ride the wave of the green economy. The free symposium, “Growing Green Careers,” is planned for 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, inside the new communication arts theater for instructors, administrators and counselors to hear experts talk about the vital link between emerging green industries and education, and to share ideas on preparing students for promising jobs on the horizon. Sponsored by the Economic and Workforce Development Program of the California Community Colleges, the event at the Rancho San Diego campus will highlight programs such as renewable energy, automotive/transportation, environmental management, green construction, landscaping, energy efficiency, and water /wastewater technology. “What better place than Cuyamaca College – one of the greenest campuses you’ll find anywhere – to hold this timely event,” said Chancellor Cindy L. Miles. “And I mean ‘green’ in every sense: from the college’s visual landscape to its renowned programs preparing students for green jobs. These are the up-and-coming careers forecast for growth as people become increasingly aware of the critical need to protect limited environmental resources. “The Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College is not only a learning environment, but a model for the entire community and beyond.” Governing Board President Bill Garrett said the symposium reflects the district’s commitment to career technical education and its direct impact on the state’s economy. “The symposium offers an important opportunity for business and industry leaders to speak directly to educators about the workforce skills they’re looking for,” he said. “Jobs tied to these green industries require specific skills. Educators and industry representatives will benefit from open dialogue about the programs and curricula being introduced to meet the training needs of these emerging fields.” An event highlight will be the unveiling of a model of a soon-to-be-constructed wing of Scripps Ranch High School, which will house its sustainable technologies program. Aptly named, with its abundance of glass panels for optimum natural lighting, along with solar panels, wind turbines, and use of crushed glass and other recycled materials, the school’s Green Technology and Energy Building will offer hands-on learning for students. They can monitor energy-usage data from a bank of sleek computer screens inside the lobby of an observation tower, or check out the old-world technology of a sundial etched in concrete at the entrance of the alternative fuels building. Greg Quirin, a program specialist in career and technical education at San Diego Unified, who will be presenting the model, said the building is the K-12 school district’s first foray into introducing green technologies as a career path. “The facility, along with the corresponding sequence of courses, is likely to be the first ever of its kind in the state of California offering college and career preparation in green technologies,” he said. The forum’s keynote speakers are Rene Trevino, executive director of the Navy Region Southwest, which encompasses six states and 75,000 active-duty sailors, and Mark Cafferty, president and CEO of the San Diego Workforce Partnership, a $50 million non-profit umbrella organization for job-training programs. “They will address the diverse educational opportunities presented by the community college system,” said Cuyamaca College Interim President Ron Manzoni. “Cuyamaca College takes special pride in presenting this event because it was our proposal selected by a regional consortium of college deans to receive a $90,000 grant from the state chancellor’s office to fund the symposium and related activities.” Manzoni said Cuyamaca’s course offerings in water/wastewater technology and development of a new degree and certificate program in sustainable urban landscaping, in addition to a just-announced $1 million state grant to further enhance green-jobs training, are examples of the college continuing to lead the way in preparing future workers in the emerging green industry. Also speaking will be Kelly Jenkins-Pultz, a program analyst with the U.S. Department of Labor, whose topic focuses on women in green careers. Panel presentations by industry leaders, including the manager of electric transportation for San Diego Gas & Electric and director of programs at the California Center for Sustainable Energy, will be followed by breakout sessions led by educators including Rick Wilson, a professor in Cuyamaca’s environmental health and safety management program, and Brad Monroe, coordinator of the college’s ornamental horticulture program. The group discussions moderated by Cuyamaca instructors, as well as those from San Diego Miramar and City colleges, and San Diego Unified School District , the San Diego Electrical Training Center, and others, will provide opportunities to share what schools and colleges are doing across the state to prepare students for these up-and-coming careers. Event coordinator Alan Ridley said he hopes the symposium will lead to other public events to further highlight Cuyamaca’s embracing of green technology and the college’s broadening educational scope. “This is the culmination of my lifelong interest in green energy,” said Ridley, who has provided wind farm tours and green roof seminars to the public through the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District’s continuing education program. “I have been walking on air these last few months. This is truly exciting.” To register for the limited number of seats still available for the symposium, online registration is available at www.sdicoe.net/events.asp. For further information, email alan.ridley@gcccd.edu or call him at (619) 660-4425, or view the event flyer. Cuyamaca College is at 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway in Rancho San Diego. For campus and driving maps and more about the college, go to www.cuyamaca.edu. Printer-friendly version
CAL-FIRE CANCELS NO BURN ORDER
Printer-friendly version October 14, 2009 – It’s safe to light a campfire again, state fire officials have determined. Today, CAL FIRE lifted its no-burn proclamation due to an improvement in fire conditions, including increased relative humidity and higher fuel moisture, as well as increased availability of fire protection resources. The suspension of burning permits and other uses of open fire had been effect since September 21 in San Diego and Imperial Counties, on all lands for which CAL-FIRE had responsibility. Today’s announcement was issued by Ned Nickerson, Assistatn Chief, and Dan Pagni, Fire Captain, both with the San Diego Unit of CAL-FIRE. Printer-friendly version
EAST COUNTY RESIDENTS FEATURED IN NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE CONFERENCE OCTOBER 16-17
Printer-friendly version October 14, 2009 (San Diego)—Experts on near-death experiences will be in town for the annual conference of the International Association for Near Death Studies from October 15 – 17. There will be a pre-conference Healing/Arts day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 15th, followed by the full conference for the next two days. In addition, several East County residents will be featured as speakers and panelists. The conference theme will be "Transformed in the Light: Helping Humanity with Balanced Abilities after NDEs". The theme reflects the "psychic, healing, and artistic abilities many near-death survivors discover and the changes they make in their life’s direction following a near-death experience," according to a press release issued by conference organizers. Speakers include authors Charles Tart, PhD, internationally known transpersonal psychologist; Jeffery Mishlove, PhD, parapsychologist and President of the Intuition Network; PMH Atwater, LHD, a researcher who underwent a near-death experience, and Melvin Morse, MD, pediatrician and pioneering researcher of children’s NDEs. Research and experiencer presentations and panels round out the program. Many local community members have been instrumental in putting on this international conference: 1) Beverly Brodsky, an El Cajon resident, is the chair of IANDS in San Diego County and the leader of the San Diego contingent planning this conference. Beverly’s near death experience (NDE), which happened 39 years ago, revealed everything that currently matters in her life, she says. The International Association for Near Death Studies (IANDS) gave her a voice to end 18 years of silence. Her account is the concluding one in Dr. Kenneth Ring’s book Lessons from the Light (2006 –paperback reprint), as the most complete in his collection. She is also featured in Arvin Gibson’s They Saw Beyond Death (2006), P.M.H. Atwater’s Children of the New Millennium (1999). She was profiled in McCalls, the BBC documentary The Human Body, did the first NDE program on Israeli public radio, and has been featured in Who’s Who in America for the past three years. A Vassar graduate, retired Federal analyst, transformative experience researcher, Science of Mind minister and Director, and acclaimed international speaker, Beverly believes in the mission of IANDS on the local level to support people who have had similar experiences by providing community for them and educate similar experiencers by providing community for them and educate the public about mysteries surrounding the last taboo—death. 2)Yolaine Stout is a writer and life coach who lives in Alpine, CA. She had a suicidal near-death experience in 1982 due to severe depression. An atheist at the time, her NDE turned her beliefs about the purpose and meaning of life, and what follows, inside out. She is the past President of the International Association for Near-Death Studies and is President and Founder of ACISTE, an organization to address integration needs of experiencers. She is the author of Your Blueprint to Passion: A Spiritual Solution to Depression and is working with Dr. Kenneth Ring on a series of workshops based on his book: Lessons from the Light. 3) Vanessa Chicca is a Bonita resident who founded the San Diego Chapter of IANDS many years ago and served as its President for ten years..Her past conference presentations have included The Significance of Spirituality in Healthcare, A Walk in the Garden,and Homesick for Heaven. She is currently serving as Chairman of the San Diego CountyCoalition for Improving End of Life Care. Vanessa is also an active member in the SanDiego Bereavement Consortium, and the Senior Specialists Networking Group of SanDiego County. She has worked with Dignity Memorial since 1998 when she joined GlenAbbey Memorial Park & Mortuary, in Bonita, California. She is the author of Love Is Your Legacy. The Teeny Tiny Diet Book and the Create Your Own Cookbook Kit. 5) Gary Guthrioe states that “My first memories of life were in Point Loma, Californiawhere we lived one block from the bay of San Diego. I swam a lot with my 3 brothers and other children in the neighborhood. After high school I joined the Navy and became a medic at a naval hospital on Long Island, New York. In college I majored inLanguages and became a teacher in Australia and Singapore. I then taught English in the Middle East for 20 years among the Arabs, spending my vacations mostly in neighboring countries, India in particular because of its unique culture. Now my book on near death studies is being published." 6) Sharon Lund is a San Diego resident who has danced with life and death. She has overcome nine years of sexual abuse as a child, suicide attempts, anorexia, destructive relationships, and HIV/AIDS for twenty-six years. She has had two near-death experiences. Sharon will be presenting at the IANDS Conference, as well as showing her documentary Dying to LIVE: NDE, and selling her books. The conference will be held at Mission Valley Resort, 875 Hotel Circle South, from 8-5 Friday and Saturday, plus evening events. Registration 7-8 a.m. each day. Call 1-800-362-7871 for hotel information. For more information in the International Association for Near Death Studies, contact Beverly Brodsky at 619-660-5106. Printer-friendly version
CRAFTING WITH MARY: THESE PUMPKINS ROCK!
Printer-friendly version By Mary Genser October 14, 2009 (La Mesa) –Hand-painting pumpkin stones make delightful additions to your home during Halloween and throughout the fall holiday season. You can use them as decorations, paperweights, gifts or party favors. To make your own festive pumpkins, you will need: River stones (any size) White acrylic paint Acrylic paints: orange (pumpkin), red, green, and yellow Glitter paint (optional) Polyurethane clear satin Miniwax varnish, fast-drying Instructions: Varnish the back side of each stone. After varnish dries, paint the opposite side of the stone white, applying a couple of coats for best results. Next, paint over the white side with two coats of pumpkin-colored paint. Draw wedges of the pumpkin using thin, red lines. Paint the stem with green and yellow paint. If desired, you can add gold glitter paint to accentuate details. When dry, varnish to complete your decorative holiday pumpkins. Printer-friendly version
GALA TO BENEFIT GROSSMONT COLLEGE FOUNDATION OCT. 24 AT BARONA
Printer-friendly versionThe Grossmont College Foundation, a fund-raising organization that supports Grossmont College students and educational programs, will host its 2009 Dinner Gala and Auction fund-raiser on Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino. The public is invited to attend. The Foundation’s Gala, the eighth annual, will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a reception and silent auction, followed by dinner starting at 7 p.m., live auction and live entertainment by student performers. More than 130 auction items will be available to the highest bidder. The 2009 theme is “Reaching New Heights With You.” The theme reflects the college’s partnership with the community that assists in the college’s efforts to reach “new heights” in educational excellence, workforce training, scholarship programs and an endless array of new opportunities for students, according to Ernest Ewin, Grossmont College Foundation executive director. Three Grossmont College Foundation Board Members are serving as co-chairs of the event. They include retired city planner Judy Garrett, Vicki Whitmire of San Diego National Bank’s Navajo Road branch, and Karol Schoen of Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino. Tickets are priced at $200 per person. For more information about tickets and donation opportunities for the silent auction, contact Alexis Popko at the Grossmont College Foundation office at (619) 644-7109, or via e-mail at grossmont.foundation@gcccd.edu, or visit www.grossmont.edu/foundation. The Grossmont College Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that directly supports Grossmont College students, faculty and staff through scholarships, educational equipment and supplies, facilities and education programs. Printer-friendly version
GROSSMONT ANNOUNCES OPENING ON CITIZENS BOND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
Printer-friendly version October 13, 2009 (La Mesa)–The Grossmont Union High School District is seeking applications to fill an opening on the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC). The CBOC is responsible for implementation of Proposition H, the $274 million general obligation bond measure passed in 2004 to bring facility improvements and renovations to the district’s schools. In addition, the CBOC also oversees Proposition U, the $417 million general obligation bond measure passed in 2008 to substantially complete modernization of all District schools, provide classrooms and equipment for Career Technical Education, and construct a new high school in the Alpine/Blossom Valley area. The appointee will serve a two-year term beginning November 2009 in the capacity of “Community Member-at-Large” and will be eligible for a second two-year term. In order to apply, you must…. a) Be at least 18 years of age b) Not be an employee or official of this district c) Not be employed as or by a vendor, contractor, or consultant of this district d) Be willing and able to attend monthly meetings of the committee (Monthly meetings are typically scheduled on the last Wednesday of each month at the Grossmont High School library beginning at 5:00 p.m.) e) Be willing and able to attend monthly subcommittee meetings There will be a preference for residents within the physical boundaries of the Grossmont Union High School District. Preference may be given for individuals possessing skills, training and experience in finance, facilities, and/or construction or related experience. Applications may be submitted up through 12:00 noon, Wednesday, October 28, 2009. Applications received after that time will not be considered. Application forms are available online at www.guhsd.net, as well as at high school administrative offices and at the district administrative offices, 1100 Murray Drive, El Cajon. The completed application can be submitted via Fax: (619) 465-6251; U.S. Mail: GUHSD, Business Services, P.O. Box 1043, La Mesa, CA 91944-1043; or personal delivery: Reception Desk, GUHSD Office, 1100 Murray Drive, El Cajon, CA. Printer-friendly version
MWD TAKES PENSION HIKES OFF THE TABLE: WATER PENSION PROPOSAL FIRED UP CONTROVERSY
Printer-friendly version By Francine Phillips Photos courtesy of Helix Water Distict October 13, 2009 (San Diego) – The Metropolitan Water District (MWD), which supplies water for most San Diegans, decided yesterday to re-visit labor negotiations rather than pass a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlined a pension arrangement that was retroactive and underfunded by 75 million. MWD’s action was the result of widespread public protest that the 11 percent rate hike coming in November would be partially funneled into pension debt for 2,000 employees. Last Friday, Oct. 9, in a joint luncheon meeting of the Catfish Club and the City Club, San Diego City Council President Pro Tem Kevin Faulconer challenged Timothy Brick, chairman of the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) in face-off over the issue. Moderators included KNSD reporter Gene Cubbison and Los Angeles Times reporter Tony Perry. “We are facing an 11 percent increase in our water rates in November,” said Faulconer. “The people of San Diego expect me to do everything in my power to lower rates, and that means absolutely opposing a pension plan that is going to guarantee unfunded liabilities in the future. Those pension structures will never be negotiated; never be rescinded. Once they are in place, you are stuck with them. It’s the wrong thing to do. It’s wrong for San Diego.” Brick responded that new employees will raise their contribution to the pension plan and that $75 million was an insignificant amount of money, literally, “…a drop in the bucket.” He pointed out that the pension formula for San Diego Country Water Authority employees was more lucrative than the one for MWD and that their pension was the second lowest percentage of pay of 23 Southern California water agencies. The moderators wasted no time getting off the subject of pensions and challenging Brick and Faulconer on the repair of water delivery systems, the support of desalinization and use of gray water, of inequities in water rights between Imperial Valley and urban San Diego, and possible outreach to Baja as a water source. The debate opponents agreed that in the big picture issues, it was important to be united in San Diego’s search for a sustainable water source. That didn’t let Brick off the hook, though, in terms of the pension proposal – a mistake that Faulconer has had to deal with firsthand. “I chair the Audit Committee that has been navigating the City of San Diego out of the financial crisis caused by $1 billion in pension liability. We reduced pensions in our City,” said Faulconer. “I suggest that in view of ever-increasing rate hikes forced on the people of San Diego, our local representatives on the MWD board insist that staff go back to the table and create an MOU with no pension increases.” On Tuesday, Oct. 13, the MWD board did just that. Pensions increases are off the table and the MOU is being renegotiated. According to District 2 Communications Director Tony Manolatos, “The debate was one of many nails in the coffin of this pension plan. Councilmember Faulconer is thrilled to find that MWD has responded by switching gears on this plan. It’s a big win for all of San Diego because we would all have paid the price of those pensions for years to come.” Printer-friendly version