LEGISLATURE GRAPPLES TO QUALIFY FOR FEDERAL “RACE TO THE TOP” FUNDS FOR EDUCATION
Printer-friendly version State’s schools, once top in nation, now rank at bottom as budget cuts ravage K-12 and higher education By Miriam Raftery December 23, 2009 (Sacramento) – The Obama administration has challenged states to compete for federal “Race to the Top” (RTT) education funds aimed at improving under-performing K-12 schools. California is eligible for $300-$700 million of those funds—provided the Legislature and Governor can agree on changing state laws by January 19, 2010 to qualify for the funding. The State Senate passed a measure that has been stalled in committee in the Assembly, which has put forward its own version of an RTT bill. State Race to the Top applications will be judged based on a 500-point scale, with points awarded in the categories of State Success Factors, Standards and Assessments, Great Teachers and Leaders, Turning Around Lowest Achieving Schools, and a "General" category that includes accountability for charter schools. The program has drawn praise from some and criticism from others. Assemblyman Mark Wyland (R-Escondido) called RTT “No Child Left Behind on steroids” in an education forum he chaired in San Diego last week. He faulted teachers’ unions for opposing the Senate measure and blamed California’s education funding gap on unfunded government mandates. The California Teachers Association supports the Assembly version. “The Assembly bill will put California in the best position to qualify for the federal funding program," said CTA President David A. Sanchez in a statement posted on the CTA website. "We commend Assembly Speaker Karen Bass for working with parents and educators to draft legislation that will build upon California’s already rigorous education standards and accountability system, and create a coherent system of school reform." CTA contends that ABx5 8 by Assembly member Julia Brownley improves the state’s assessment and testing system by using “multiple measures of student achievement, shrinking the achievement gap, as well as improving instruction and school leadership. The bill also offers greater fiscal and performance accountability for California’s charter schools.” Legislation crafted before the final Race to the Top guidelines were released is incomplete and fails to provide adequate legislative guidance, CTA contends. Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) said California’s effort to secure race-to-the-top funds is “on track” in an editorial published December 18 in the San Jose Mercury News. “Minority students would particularly benefit from two provisions the Assembly has added to the discussions,” she noted. One of those provisions would make it easier to “fire bad teachers and replace up to 50 percent of teachers in the lowest-performing schools,” a provision not favored by teachers’ unions. The other provision would steer more money to local districts; by contrast Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger wants the state to keep half. Other controversial issues at stake include removing the state cap on the number of state-chartered schools allowed, creating national standards to compare performance of school districts, and allowing parents to place students in schools outside their school district of residency. Billions of dollars in state budget cuts for education have decimated California schools, which once ranked among the top in the nation. Statewide, 2,800 schools are failing by federal achievement standards. According to the California Teachers Federation, California fell to 47th in the nation in per pupil spending earlier this year; some estimate our state will rank dead last in the nation once recent budget cuts take effect. We also rank next-to-last in student-teacher ratios, with classrooms overcrowded at many schools. Higher education has also been severely impacted. While the federal dollars target K-12 education, receiving those funds could free up other resources to stem the budgetary bleeding at state colleges and universities. Back in 1960, under Governor Pat Brown, reforms were put in place that enabled more than half of all high school students in California to attend a college or university. Today only a little over a third of all high-school students (36.3%) go on to college, lower than the national average of 40%. In the 1960s, students in the top 12.5% of their high school graduating class were guaranteed admission to the University of California system and those in the top third were guaranteed entry to state colleges. Community colleges were free to all. But those reforms have fallen by the wayside. U.C. fees have increased 300% in the past decade and 30% in the past month. Costs at CSU have skyrocketed and admission policies tightened to exclude a growing number of students. SDSU just eliminated local student guaranteed admission policies. According to the California Student Aid Commission, about 118,000 students will have CAL-Grants terminated. Community Colleges fees have increased and resources are spread thin. At Cuyamaca College, the state is only providing funds for 7,000 of the school’s 10,000 students, according to executive dean Henri Migala. Locally, education resources are being further strained by the growing number of refugees in East County (300-400 families a month being settled here by the federal government, primarily from war-torn Iraq). Sile some school districts have implemented innovative programs to stem the budget gap (such as the Grossmont Union High School District’s successful efforts to reduce truancy and recoup state ADA funds for average daily attendance). But other districts face a bleaker outlet. San Diego Unified School District president Richard Barrera warns that if the state implements 30% cuts as threatened, the district would face a “crisis” that would force school closures, larger class sizes, and elimination of arts and music programs. Even if California succeeds in attracting federal race-to-the-top funds, it will still fail to address the systemic budgeting problem that has left schools facing budget gaps year after year. Doug Deane, chair of the East County Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee, observed that Proposition 13 removed property tax dollars that formerly funded California’s public schools—the primary source of funding for education in most other states. He voiced concern that public education in California is "doomed" unless both parties in the Legislature can work together to find solutions. Deane, who does not favor raising taxes, believes it is unlikely
CRAFTING WITH MARY: FESTIVE FABRIC PROJECTS TO DRESS UP YOUR HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Printer-friendly version By Mary Genser December 20, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Looking for some quick ways to deck your halls and dress up your holiday dinner table? Here are some simple yet elegant holiday crafts that are inexpensive and easy –even if you lack artistic talent. The secret ingredients in all? Fabric, permanent glue sticks, and glitter paint! DIRECTIONS & SUPPLIES Purchase fabric with a holiday pattern at any fabric store or discount store with a sewing department. I found this poinsettia-themed fabric and embroidery hoops at JoAnn Fabric & Crafts at Navajo and Fletcher Parkway. I picked up a plain wooden napkin holder at Wal-Mart and an assortment of containers (jars, pots, etc.) at discount stores, though yard sales are also good sources for these inexpensive items. Cut out poinsettias (or whatever items you choose to display) from fabric. Glue onto napkin holder and outline with gold or silver glitter paint for a festive way to display holiday napkins. Glue additional shapes directly onto a ceramic pot or other container to hold a miniature Christmas tree or holiday plant. Flip a glass jar or other container upside down and wrap with a circle of fabric. Turn right-side up and tuck fabric into top of glass jar, then glue in place. Add a ribbon and bow to complete your vase for holding a holiday centerpiece or bouquet of poinsettias. Take apart an embroidery hoop and lay additional fabric over the lower hoop. Cover with top hoop and secure using screws at the bottom. Trim with lace and, if desired, glue an artificial poinsettia at the base to cover the screws. You can make an assortment using different holiday-themed fabrics. Hang on walls to deck your halls—and have a happy holiday season! Printer-friendly version
BEST LAST-MINUTE GIFT IDEAS IN EAST COUNTY
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery December 18, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Waited too late to order online? Hate battling crowds at the malls? Or perhaps you’ve been holding out for gifts that are unique and locally made. Good news! This year our “Gifts from the East” guide has plenty of great ideas for last-minute holiday shoppers who are seeking great gifts—all without venturing far from home. Be sure to tell these vendors that you heard about them in East County Magazine! APPLE CRATE COUNTRY STORE & GARDEN, 13277 B Hwy 8 Business (Old Highway 80) in El Cajon, features a delightful variety of hand-crafted decorative and useful items for the home as well as garden products, bird houses, and much more. (619)441-2700. A TRADING POST, 12168 Woodside Ave., Lakeside offers handicrafts made by Native Americans. Dreamcatchers, jewelry, fur throws, and Indian dolls are among the many items you’ll find here. The store also features lamps with leather shades and wildlifre figures, artwork, carved bears, and a whimsical collection of painted ponies, eagles and wolves. BATES NUT FARM, Valley Center – What could be tastier than a gift pack filled with delicacies such as macademia nuts, almonds, plump dried apricots and freshly made candies? Packs start at about $35, or buy items individually. http://www.batesnutfarm.biz THE BIRDWATCHER, Julian – San Diego is home to nearly 500 species of birds – more than any other county in North America! From gorgeous glass bird baths to birdfeeders to decorative items festooned with birds, you’ll find everything a bird lover’s heart could desire at this barn-like shop in historic Julian. http://www.thebirdwatcher.net/ CROSSROADS TREASURES, Santa Ysabel – Gemstones (including uncut tourmaline), geodes, fossils, petrified wood, jewelry and much more to delight children and their parents can be found at the Crossroads Treasures in Santa Ysabel, near the historic mining town of Julian. http://www.crossroadstreasures.biz/ FALCON GALLERY, 2015A Main Street, Julian has wildlife and western paintings and limited edition prints by local artists, books, crocheted throws, Native American jewelry and baskets. Julian quaint downtown district has many other unique stores and galleries as well. GOLDEN ARTISTRY, in La Mesa’s downtown Village, has stunning original jewelry designs by goldsmith/artist Terry Wythe, a master at his craft. View some of his stunning creations at www.goldenartistry.com. GOLDEN POPPY, Alpine – Fused-glass pendants and other hand-crafted jewelry, Indian baskets, pottery, kitchen items and much more to delight those on your gift list can be found at the Golden Poppy, 2526 Alpine Boulevard in Alpine. Golden Poppy is nestled among about 20 unique shops in the JK Corral ( http://www.jkcorral.com/ ). While in the area, stop by The Vine Wine Bistro or Janet’s Montana Café, two rustic and charming East County favorite dining spots next door. Print a coupon for 10% off at http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/goldenpoppy-wide.png. JULIAN CIDER MILL, Corner of Main and B Streets in Julian, features a delicious array of products including Julian apple butter, jams and jellies, honey, dried fruits, nuts, apple and cherry cider, and many wonderful stocking stuffers for those on your gift list. LA DOLCE BELLADONNA SALON, 596 N. Westwind Drive in El Cajon, is offering numerous holiday discounts for services to pamper those on your gift list—including skin, hair, nail and body services as well as teeth whitening. Visit their website at http://www.ldbsalon.com/. Print two different discount coupons at http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/belladonna-winter.png and http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/belladonna-coupon.png . NORTH START TRADING, Alpine – Native American and Western art and jewelry including Zuni fetishes, squashblossom necklaces, and works of art crafted from charred Manzanita wood burned in the cedar fire and embedded with jewels. http://northstartradingcoalpine.com/ . Print a coupon good for 20% off at http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/northstar-wide.png. PINNOCHIO’S DOLLHOUSES & MINIATURES, Rancho Bernardo Winery – This delightful shop offers miniaturized doll houses and doll furnishings as well as miniature railroads—and the proprietors will custom-make miniature replicas of your favorite rooms. The Winery has many other unusual gift shops and galleries as well. http://www.bernardowinery.com/pinocchios.aspx PRET-A-PORTER SALON AND SPA, 8043 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, offers spa treatments using earth-friendly products which you can purchase as well. Click here for a coupon to receive 50% any spa services at Pret-A-Porter: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/pret-a-poter-holiday.png . Visit the salon’s website at http://www.pretaportersalon.com/clientmanager/Live/Sites/NoFrame.asp?CID=572&DataID=1&DataCatID=&source=. ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, located at the Viejas Outlet Mall in Alpine, offers hand-made fudge, caramel apples dipped in white or dark chocolate, sugar-free treats and Rocky Pop caramel corn, to name just a few delicacies. Visit www.rockymountainchocolatefactory.com to whet your appetite, then see www.shopviejas.com for directions and a list of other stores in the center, which features factory outlet stores from top national brands. SUMMERS PAST HERB FARM, Flynn Springs – Herbal soaps (including gingerbread swirl and other holiday scents),soapmaking kits, bath and body products, cookbooks, house blend teas, potpourri, lavender products, flower seeds, plants, and fairy figurines are among the nostalgic items found here.http://www.summerspastfarms.com/ TWO SISTERS AND EWE, La Mesa – Find hand-knitted and crocheted scarves, hats and more – just like Grandma used to make at this charming store in La Mesa’s downtown village. http://www.twosistersandewe.com. Find more holiday discount coupons at http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/2111. Know of a special “find” in East County not listed here? Please post in the comments section below! Printer-friendly version
SAN DIEGO COUNTY AWARDED $5.1 MILLION IN FEDERAL STIMULUS FUNDS FOR ENERGY PROJECTS
Printer-friendly version El Cajon Library among county buildings slated for solar panel installation December 22, 2009 (San Diego)–The County of San Diego announced today that it has been awarded $5.1 million for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. “This grant will fund projects that will help save money and the environment by conserving energy at County facilities and encouraging green building practices in the community,” said Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Dianne Jacob. Chairwoman Jacob and Supervisor Greg Cox discussed the grant at the County Operations Center, which is undergoing a major renovation incorporating environmentally-friendly building features. View a video: http://www.youtube.com/countysandiego#p/a/u/0/1MuKXdmHb8c The federal grant, part of President Barack Obama’s economic stimulus package, will allow the County to expand its conservation efforts. The County and the Department of Energy are finalizing the agreement. Anticipated projects include: • Installation of solar panels at selected County facilities • Controls to monitor and adjust air conditioning levels to save energy at several County buildings, including the El Cajon library branch and the County Adoptions Center • Technology that will report on real-time energy efficiency at the County’s largest facilities to operate at peak efficiency, reduce energy costs, and improve maintenance • Programs coordinated by the Department of Planning and Land Use and the Air Pollution Control District to audit energy use at local businesses and reduce consumption • Green building incentives, including an update to County codes, education of staff and local builders, and reduction of permit time and cost for renewable energy projects For a full list of anticipated projects and additional information about how the County is using federal stimulus funds, visit http://www.RecoverySDCounty.org. Printer-friendly version
LEFT HOOK: THE DUMBING DOWN OF AMERICA
Printer-friendly version By Walter Davis December 23, 2009 (San Diego)–Richard struggles with the large blue recycling receptical in his effort to find plastic bottles or treasured aluminum cans to fetch money to help put his child through college. Employed, he is an honorable man; he is honest, caring, devoted – determined to provide the best for his family. He never imagined he would be going through his neighbors’ trash to support his child in school. James and Mark are clean cut, in their athletic clothing and seem out of place as they go through the trash of their neighbors. Their degrees mean little in terms of getting a job in these hard economic times. Have you seen the members of America’s disappearing middle class as they descend further and further into poverty? With American manufacturing shipped overseas to China and our homes filled with Communist Chinese products, amazingly hypocrites state that we cannot open normal trade relations with Cuba because they are communist. Communist China continues to destroy our economy and build a threatening military force with our consumer dollars. In 2008, 314 American troops died in Iraq; 509 Americans were murdered in Chicago (1) compared to 368 in Detroit (2), 14,180 nationwide (3), and 155 killed in Afghanistan during the same period (4). Americans are being told that we are going to stay in Afghanistan and Iraq until the streets are safe. The streets are not safe in this country. Mothers in Chicago know this all too well with a record level of teenaged murders underway; their kids are safer fighting in Iraq than being at home. After receiving billions of American tax payer dollars in the “Bail Out”, Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein apologized for his company’s part in contributing to America’s financial meltdown. "We participated in things that were clearly wrong and have reason to regret. We apologize”(5). While offering a meager $500 million dollars for small business stimulus, Goldman Sachs is reported to be preparing to release $17 billion dollars in bonuses to its executives (6). Corrupt financial institutions, the oil industry, arms manufacturers and the military industrial complex benefit from extended wars. The failed “war on drugs” and “war against terrorism” are more manipulations of nationalistic fervor for obscene profits than actual security threats. The greater threats to our nation are the failure to invest in education and infrastructure. Both Republicans and Democrats are guilty of perpetuating irrational fear and senseless war. Those of us who want the best for this country need to focus on solutions that invest resources here at home effectively. What do you think Richard, James and Mark are saying? (1)Bob Mc Carty Writes. 20 Nov 2009. 20 Nov 2009. http://bobmccarty.com/2009/01/03/number-of-chicago-murders-in-2008-tops-number-of-us-soldier-deaths-but-medias-not-reporting-it/1 (2) Wikipedia Crime in Detroit Michigan. 20 Nov 2009. 20 Nov 2009. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crime_in_Detroit,_Michigan (3) Vancouverite: 14,180 Americans Murdered, 89,000 Raped in 2008. 20 Nov 2009. 20 Nov 2009. http://www.vancouverite.com/2009/09/14/14180-americans-murdered-89000-raped-in-2008/ (4) The Washington Post: Faces of the Fallen. 20 Nov 2009. 20 Nov 2009. http://projects.washingtonpost.com/fallen/search/?age=&branch=&month=&year=2008&q=&theater=Afghanistan&state=&x=4&y=12 (5) Cowley, Stacy. CNNMoney: Goldman, Buffet Launch $500 Million Small Biz Initiative. 17 Nov 2009. 20 Nov 2009. http://money.cnn.com/2009/11/17/smallbusiness/goldman_sachs_warren_buffet_small_business/index.htm (6) Rooney, Ben. Bankers Bonuses: 40% Bigger This Year. 9 Nov 2009. 20 Nov 2009. http://money.cnn.com/2009/11/09/news/economy/bank_bonuses/index.htm Printer-friendly version
HENRY’S DONATES $10,000 WORTH OF FOOD FOR HOLIDAYS AS NEED TRIPLES
Printer-friendly versionStill time for shoppers to donate food purchases for needy families in East County December 22, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Record numbers of shoppers are bagging hunger this season to match record numbers of the needy, with help from Henry’s Farmers Market’s annual Grab ‘n’ Give holiday food drive, which runs until January 4, 2010. Henry’s is on the way to top its 2008 donation amount of 7,000 pounds of food donations. “We’ve already been able to deliver $10,000 worth of food through Henry’s program,” stated Edward Stapleton, Facility/Pantry Manager of the Burbank Temporary Aide Center (BTAC). “It is one way that helps BTAC fulfill its mission of providing the poor, working poor, and homeless of the local community with basic services they need to live with dignity.” Gerry Wilson, Warehouse Operations Supervisor of the Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County Food Bank, in the Inland Empire, reported that the estimated amount of food received from just three Henry’s markets to date has already been 13,050 pounds total. “We normally estimate about 15 pounds per person,” said Wilson, “so we can safely say that Henry’s has donated enough food, so far, to serve 870 persons!” “This is an especially important year for donations because of the increased need, which about tripled in the last couple of years,” says West Valley Food Pantry Director (and founding volunteer) Jeanne Bain. “We will have picked up close to 1000 bags to distribute to individual families by our 200 volunteers. The Henry’s healthy snacks are ‘a special treat’ in addition to the basics included in our meals.” Shoppers can participate in the drive at any of the 32 Henry’s Farmers Market locations throughout Southern California, including La Mesa and Santee in East County. Shoppers find pre-packaged Grab ‘n’ Give grocery bags priced at a 10% discount at a display near the checkout stands. The bags are filled with non-perishable healthy food basics (tuna, peanut butter, etc.) and snacks. After paying for them, along with their own groceries, customers simply drop off the bags at the donation bins located near the exits. Printer-friendly version
GREEN JOBS GRANTS FOR SAN DIEGO AREA ANNOUNCED
Printer-friendly versionDecember 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: • San Diego Able-Disabled Advocacy will receive $100,000 to establish a Green Industries Advisory Council, create curricula for entry-level green jobs, and organize a green industries job fair in San Diego. • The San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council will receive $100,000 to enhance the San Diego workforce’s competitive edge in emerging green technology sectors. • The State of California Employment Development Department will receive $1,250,000 to conduct green occupational skills research and identify training needs for employment in emerging green occupations. • The awards were made under two competitive solicitations for State Labor Market Information (LMI) Improvement grants and Green Capacity Building grants. In addition, three additional Green Jobs grant competitions have closed – Pathways out of Poverty grants, Energy Training Partnership grants, and State Energy Sector Partnership grants, Filner added. Applications are being reviewed and announcements are expected later this winter. Printer-friendly version
EAST COUNTY’S JIMMIE JOHNSON NAMED AP MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Printer-friendly version HOMETOWN HERO BECOMES FIRST RACE CAR DRIVER TO WIN PRESTIGIOUS AWARD Story and photo by Miriam Raftery December 22, 2009 (El Cajon) –Jimmie Johnson of El Cajon, the only driver ever to win four consecutive NASCAR championships, has been named Male Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press. The only race car driver ever to with the award since its inception 78 years ago, Johnson received 42 votes from editors of newspapers that are members of the AP, beating out golfer Tiger Woods, NBA star Kobe Bryant, tennis star Roger Federer, Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt and baseball slugger Albert Pujols for the honor. “The wave is finally peaking, and we don’t know where it’s going to take us,” Johnson said, according to a San Diego News Network (SDNN) report. Earlier this month, Johnson gained accolades for his charitable endeavors as well as his athletic achievements when he donated half a million dollars to schools in San Diego County, including Granite Hills High, Greenfield Middle and Crest Elementary schools, which he attended in East County. He also gave another half million dollars to out-of-state schools. Some critics have questioned whether Johnson, a racecar driver should be considered an athlete. But Yahoo! Sports blogger Jay Busbee concludes, “He’s the most successful athlete currently competing right now, and it’s not even close.” Busbee observes that physical demands of the sport include “the intense heat of the car’s interior, the physical strength needed to wheel a car for 500 miles” as well as “mental discipline, ultra-fast twitch reflexes and utter, stone-cold fearlessness that only the best athletes possess.” Johnson maintains he’s “100 percent” an athlete and says he can run five miles in 34 minutes, 55 seconds, according to SDNN. “So to anyone who wants to head-to-head with me in athletic ability, let’s go,” he challenged. His fame has attracted HBO Sports’ 24/7 TV show, which will be covering Johnson’s preparation for the 2010 season-opening Daytona 500 with a four-part series. This season, he’s won four of seven races. Next up, he’s gearing up to try and win his fifth NASCAR championship. Printer-friendly version
FREEBIE ALERT: IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH—TAKE A WALK WITH YOUR COMMUNITY DEC. 30
Printer-friendly version By Nancy Clement December 22, 2009 (La Mesa and Spring Valley) — Start the New Year off right by walking your way to health! Live Well invites you to come and “Take a Walk with your Community” at a fun-filled event that features a 30 minute hosted walk, free entertainment, refreshments and a special guest. This special event will occur simultaneously at both Harry Griffen Park in La Mesa and Lamar Park in Spring Valley from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 30th. Please register early by going online at www.cityoflamesa.com/LiveWell and click on the link for "Take a Walk with Your Community! Nancy Clement is an east county Realtor®, mortgage broker and freelance writer and can be reached Dollar-wiseDivas@cox.net. Dawn Clement is a stay-at-home mother of three, a freelance writer, and creative shopper. Printer-friendly version
LEMON GROVE SHERIFF’S STATION JOINS EFFORT TO DEPLOY SOBRIETY CHECKPOINTS OVER THE HOLIDAYS
Printer-friendly versionDecember 22, 2009 (Lemon Grove) — The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department joins law enforcement across the state as part of California’s 18 Day Holiday DUI Crackdown Campaign with law enforcement agencies deploying 300 DUI/Drivers License Checkpoints statewide from December 18 through January 3. Funding for the special enforcement campaign is from a grant by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Lemon Grove Sheriff’s Station has planned a DUI/CDL checkpoint on Saturday, December 26, 2009. Based on past years’ statistics, the day after Christmas, when it falls on a weekend, has shown an increase of DUI drivers, due to the continued celebration with visiting family and friends. In 2008, 11,773 people died in highway crashes involving a driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. In California 1,029 were killed on state and local roads driving with a .08 BAC or higher with another 28,457 injured in Alcohol Involved Collisions. “Drunk driving is simply not worth the risk. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for impaired driving can be significant,” said Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the California Office of Traffic Safety. “Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, attorney fees, time away from work, and dozens of other expenses. So don’t take the chance. Remember, if you are over the limit, you are under arrest.” Law enforcement encourages everyone planning a family gathering over the holidays to first think about how your friends and family will get home after drinking during holiday celebrations. Everyone is encouraged to “Report Drunk Drivers – Call 911” and be ready to describe the vehicle, its location and direction of travel to make your community safer into the New Year. Printer-friendly version