EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP
Printer-friendly version February 18, 2011 (San Diego’s East County)–East County Roundup covers top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s eastern regions, published in other media. Top Roundup stories include: • Cartels crumble in Tijuana • City of San Diego needs 10 new fire stations, study says • Lemon Grove trying to protect funds • $2 billion in aid open to struggling homeowners • San Diego County’s homeless numbers rise • California parks must refocus to survive, study says • La Mesa thrift store gives its profits back to community • Group in honor of Amber Dubois gets new 4-footed member CARTELS CRUMBLE IN TIJUANA Criminal groups no longer operate effectively, top cop says February 17, 2011 (San Diego Union-Tribune)– The drug cartels that once ruled parts of the border region have disintegrated to the point where they are no longer able to operate effectively, declared one of the officials most responsible for fighting them in the last few years. http://www.sandiegored.com/noticias/6152/Cartels-crumbling-in-Tijuana/ CITY OF SAN DIEGO NEEDS 10 NEW FIRE STATIONS, STUDY SAYS But first step is to fully staff existing stations by ending “brownouts” February 14, 2011 (San Diego Union-Tribune)–The city of San Diego needs to build and staff 10 new fire stations at a cost of well over $100 million to reach acceptable response times, according to a study released Monday. The report comes amid a citywide “brownout” policy that calls for up to eight of the city’s 47 fire stations to go without an engine on any given day. The idled engines rotate among 13 fire stations in various neighborhoods for an annual savings of $11.5 million. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/feb/14/study-san-diego-city-needs-10-new-fire-station/ LEMON GROVE TRYING TO PROTECT FUNDS February 14, 2011 (San Diego Union-Tribune)–Like other cities throughout California, Lemon Grove is doing what it can to protect itself against Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposal to eliminate local redevelopment agencies. At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, City Manager Graham Mitchell will ask that the city pledge redevelopment agency funds to support several public works projects, putting them off limits if the state legislation is successful. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/feb/14/lemon-grove-council-trying-to-protect-funds/ $2 BILLION IN AID OPEN TO STRUGGLING HOMEOWNERS February 14, 2011 (San Diego Union-Tribune)–Four new mortgage-aid programs costing $2 billion might help 100,000 households avoid foreclosure, California Housing Finance Agency officials say. The state program, "Keep Your Home California," is available to eligible homeowners throughout the state, including in San Diego County. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/feb/14/2b-foreclosure-aid-could-help-san-diego-homeowners / SAN DIEGO COUNTY’S HOMELESS NUMBERS RISE February 14, 2011 (San Diego Union-Tribune)– A recent San Diego County-wide count of the homeless showed a 3.3 percent increase in their numbers compared to last year’s tally. The Point-in-Time Count, conducted on Jan. 28, tallied 8,802 homeless. Last year, that number was 8,517. The number of homeless living on the streets rose 3.5 percent, from 4,599 in 2010 to this year’s count of 4,758. The number of sheltered individuals went up as well, from 3,918 to 4,044. That’s a 3.2 percent increase. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/feb/14/san-diego-countys-homless-numbers-rise/ CALIFORNAI STATE PARKS MUST REFOCUS TO SURVIVE, REPORT SAYS February 13, 2011 (Sacramento Bee) –There might be no money for state parks, but money isn’t all they need. That is the basic message in a new study released Friday by California’s largest parks advocacy group. The "Vision for Excellence" report by the nonprofit California State Parks Foundation is an acknowledgment that no financial salvation is at hand for the embattled parks, and that a new mission for an austere future may be needed. http://www.sacbee.com/2011/02/12/3396748/parks.html#ixzz1DxGlSBG1 LA MESA THRIFT STORE GIVES ITS PROFITS BACK TO COMMUNITY February 14, 2011 (San Diego Union-Tribune)–It looks like any other thrift store. Books, movies, household items and all sorts of knickknacks line the shelves. But the La Mesa Thrift Shop is no ordinary secondhand store. This one gives back to the community it serves — via grocery store gift cards, emergency rations and clothes for low-income La Mesa families. It’s been lauded for giving away thousands of new toys to local kids at Christmas over the years. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/feb/14/la-mesa-thrift-store-gives-its-profits-back-to-the/ GROUP IN HONOR OF AMBER DUBOIS GETS NEW 4-LEGGED MEMBER Puppy Donated By Owner Of California Pets February 13, 2011 (10 News)– Two years after Escondido teen Amber Dubois was killed, the volunteer group formed in her memory has a new, special member with four legs. The newest member of Team Amber Rescue, which was formed as a tribute to Amber, is a six-month, yellow lab puppy. The puppy was donated by the owner of California Pets to Amber’s mother, Carrie McGonigle. http://www.10news.com/news/26851472/detail.html Printer-friendly version
ECM WORLD WATCH: GLOBAL AND NATIONAL NEWS HEADLINES
Printer-friendly version February 17, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) ECM World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about the most important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflecting all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines recently include: U.S. • Public employee union protests spread from Wisconsin to Ohio • Planned Parenthood financing is caught in budget feud • House approves Patriot Act extension, sending it to Obama • Caregivers of wounded troops still waiting for benefits signed into law by Obama • EPA chief criticizes GOP assault on greenhouse gas regulation WORLD • Protesters, police clash in Libya • Appeals planned after Amazon residents win appeal against Chevron • Mexican police chief killed in bold attack • Security forces, opposition forces clash in Tehran • Tunisia deploys troops to stop Italy-bound migrants • Protesters, police clash in Bahrain “day of rage” • On the front lines in Somalia • Military rulers dissolve Egypt’s Parliament • Yemeni police block protesters’ march on palace • Iran’s 1979 revolution is a cautionary tale • Iran protests—hundreds of thousands march, tear gas fired • Iran MPs urge death for opponents • Somali govt. soldiers kill 4 at rally • ‘Maximum security’ at 4 Israeli embassies due to threats • Over 200 dead in south Sudan massacre PUBLIC EMPLOYEE UNION PROTESTS SPREAD FROM WISCONSIN TO OHIO February 17, 2011 (Bloomberg) — Demonstrations against bills to restrict public employees’ collective-bargaining rights spilled from Wisconsin into Ohio in what union leaders said was becoming a national fight. In Madison, Wisconsin, crowds police estimated at 25,000 engulfed the Capitol and its lawns during a third day of protests as Democratic state senators boycotted the legislative session. In Columbus, Ohio, about 3,800 state workers, teachers and other public employees came to the statehouse. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-17/public-employee-union-protests-spread-from-wisconsin-to-ohio.html PLANNED PARENTHOOD FINANCING IS CAUGHT IN BUDGET FEUD February 17, 2011 (New York Times) –Almost unnoticed in the wars over the federal budget has been a pitched battle over money for Planned Parenthood, which provides contraception, medical services and abortions at 800 clinics around the country. For the last several weeks, those on opposite sides of a sharp cultural divide have engaged in dueling rallies, virtual conferences, online petitions and phone banks as crucial Congressional votes drew near. At stake is more than $75 million that Planned Parenthood receives to provide family planning assistance to low-income women, money that its opponents say only frees up funds for abortions. Now, in a surprise step that has set off deep alarm among advocates for women’s health, the newly conservative House of Representatives has proposed cutting the entire $317 million program of aid for family planning, known as Title X, in a 2011 spending bill that is expected to pass by the weekend. A proposed amendment to the bill would also bar Planned Parenthood from receiving any federal funds for any purpose. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/18/us/politics/18parenthood.html?_r=1&hp HOUSE APPROVES PATRIOT ACT EXTENSION, SENDING IT TO OBAMA February 17, 2011 (Washington Post) — The House on Thursday passed a 90-day extension of key provisions of the Patriot Act counterterrorism surveillance law, sending the measure on to President Obama for his signature. The measure passed on a vote of 279 to 143. It extends three provisions of the law until May 27, a compromise reached by congressional leaders to give lawmakers more time to consider re-authorizing them for a longer period of time. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2011/02/house-approves-short-term-exte.html?hpid=moreheadlines PROTESTERS, POLICE CLASH IN LIBYA February 16, 2011 (NPR) — This week in the city of Benghazi in Libya, hundreds of protesters clashed with government forces. It’s just the latest addition to the list of Arab countries where people are protesting. We hear from BBC correspondent Jon Leyne, based in Cairo, who’s covering events in Libya. http://www.npr.org/2011/02/16/133816000/Protesters-Police-Clash-In-Libya?ft=1&f=2&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NprProgramsATC+%28NPR+Programs%3A+All+Things+Considered%29 APPEALS PLANNED AFTER AMAZON RESIDENTS WIN VERDICT AGAINST CHEVRON February 15, 2011 (CNN)– (CNN) — A judge in Ecuador this week awarded $8.64 billion to Ecuadorian residents of the Amazon who had sued Chevron for years of crude oil pollution, but both sides said Tuesday they will appeal the verdict. http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/02/15/ecuador.chevron/index.html?hpt=T1 CAREGIVERS OF WOUNDED TROOPS STILL WAITING FOR BENEFITS SIGNED INTO LAW BY OBAMA February 14, 2011 (Washington Post) — Nine months after President Obama authorized a broad expansion of benefits for those caring for service members severely wounded in the nation’s two current wars, none of the assistance has materialized and it is caught up in a bureaucratic tangle that could shrink the number of families eligible for the help. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/13/AR2011021303455.html MEXICAN POLICE CHIEF KILLED IN BOLD ATTACK: REPORT February 14, 2011 (Reuters)– Suspected drug hitmen killed a senior police chief in one of the most brazen attacks yet in Monterrey, Mexico’s richest city, El Norte daily reported. http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/14/us-mexico-drugs-idUSTRE71D3DG20110214 SECURITY FORCES, OPPOSITION PROTESTERS CLASH IN TEHRAN Eyewitnesses say tear gas used to disperse pro-Egypt demonstration; protesters chant "death to the dictator"; security forces cut phone lines, blockade opposition leader’s home. February 14, 2011 (Jerusalem Post)– Eyewitnesses reported Monday that sporadic clashes have erupted in central Tehran’s Enghelab or Revolution square between security forces and opposition protesters. Tear gas was used to disperse the protesters, but witnesses report that many have still gathered in nearby Enghelab Avenu. http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=208182 TUNISIA DEPLOYS TROOPS TO STOP ITALY-BOUND MIGRANTS February 14, 2011 (Reuters) — Tunisia has deployed soldiers to stop a tide of illegal immigrants trying to reach Italy, a military source said on Monday, after Rome said a revolution in the north African country had set off a "biblical exodus." More than 4,000 migrants have crossed the sea from Tunisia to the small Italian island of Lampedusa in the past week, underscoring the lingering instability in Tunisia since protests ousted its president exactly a month ago. Some analysts believe revolts in Tunisia and Egypt could spread to other countries in the region, creating a potential nightmare scenario for European governments which have
GOOD MONEY: TAX & ESTATE PLANNING CHANGES FOR 2011 & BEYIOND
Printer-friendly version “Your guide to financial planning & socially responsible investing” By Judith L. Seid, CFP ® President, Blue Summit Wealth Management February 17, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) — We had been updating you throughout 2010 on Congress’ inaction in addressing the estate tax debacle. It seems as though this inaction and deaths of four billionaires alone last year cost the federal government roughly $6.5 billion in taxes. Yikes! So the debate is over, for now, with the 11th hour passing of “The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010″ on December 16th. This fix is temporary for only two years, therefore the debate now begins on what to do after 2012. The unhappy reality that in less than two years we will be in a replay of last year’s tax debates, but the country will also be in the middle of a presidential campaign! Tax rates on both pay and investment income will be set to spike one more time, and the estate tax will revert to a $1 million-per-individual exemption and a 55% top rate, unless Congress acts to make a more permanent change. President Obama made a mistake in not passing new tax policy before the 2010 elections, as the Republicans would like to make upper-income tax cuts permanent. Let’s recall that the original tax cuts were made by President Bush when he first took office and the country was running a budget surplus. A lot has changed since then with a record $1.4 trillion deficit in 2010, expected to continue in 2011, forcing the US to borrow about 41 cents for every dollar it spends. We are now living WELL beyond our means and continuing the tax cuts just doesn’t make sense. We deepen the burden and worsen the mess our children will be left with. This demonstrates the inability of our leaders to do what is necessary. The Simpsons-Bowles Deficit Commission did come up with recommendations to cut the deficit spending and is a good start, but will Congress act on it? So here is an overview of what you face in 2011 and beyond. Remember that after 2012, many provisions are set to revert back to what they were before 2001, and a few even expire this year. Starting in 2011: Lower Income Tax Rates Extended The new law carried over the 2010 tax rates through 2012, but brackets are a tad higher due to adjustments in inflation. These rates, including the “new” 10% bracket are set to expire at the end of 2012 Tax brackets had been scheduled to increase to those that were in effect prior to 2001, before the Bush tax cuts went into effect so consider this a reprieve for now. Below are the 2011 Federal Income Tax Rates: Capital gains taxes – Lower Capital Gains and Dividend Tax Rates Extended Through 2012 -The tax rate reductions for long-term capital gains (assets held over one year) remain in effect for 2011 and 2012. The rate is zero for taxpayers in the 15% bracket or under (up to the amount that when added to your regular income still puts you in the 15% bracket or below) and 15% cap gain taxes for those in the 25% bracket and above. These rates expire at the end of 2012. . I believe it’s a foregone conclusion that investment tax rates will increase, it’s only a question of when. If you escaped a 2011 increase, it’s time to prepare for 2013. Itemized deductions and personal exemptions – The EGTRRA’s repeal of the itemized deduction phaseout and the personal exemption phaseout, scheduled to sunset in 2011, is extended for two years. Estate Tax – Please don’t get the idea that you should avoid doing estate planning because an estate tax won’t apply to you at the new levels, as there are many other reasons to get your estate documents in order. That being said, for individuals dying after 2010, the federal estate tax now applies with the first $5 million exempted (increased from $3.5m in 2009) and a 35% maximum rate (lowered from 45% in 2009). The current federal estate tax rules are scheduled to end after 2012. The federal estate tax was scheduled to revert to its pre-EGTRRA (Bush tax cut) levels ($1 million exclusion, 55% max rate) beginning January 1, 2011, after a zero estate tax in 2010. The Act reinstated the estate tax and for decedents that die after December 31, 2009 but before January 1, 2013 at a maximum rate of 35 percent with a $5 million exclusion. The exclusion amount is adjusted for inflation for decedents that die in 2012. The Act also replaces the modified carryover basis rules with the stepped-up basis rules that were applicable until 2010. The American Bar Association section that focuses on estate law estimates that less than one-half of 1 percent of people who die in 2011 will pay an estate tax. That’s a fraction of the 10.5 percent of estates that paid Uncle Sam in 1977. Options for Claiming the Estate Tax for Death in 2010 – Due to the inaction of Congress to enact a new law during most of 2010 (while the death tax was zero, but limited step up in basis), the estates of people who died in 2010 will have two options for a tax bill. If they chose to treat the estate by the tax laws in place in 2010, they will have to calculate the capital gains on all assets in the estate to determine if the value is above a level the IRS is allowing. This “artificial step-up in basis” is $1.3 million to any heir and $3 million to a surviving spouse. The other option is to apply the 2011 law, which would exempt the first $5 million of the estate and impose a
BORDERS BOOKS DECLARES BANKRUPTCY, FOLDS EL CAJON STORE
Printer-friendly version February 17, 2011 (El Cajon) – Closing a chapter for local book lovers, the Borders Group has announced plans to close 200 Borders bookstores nationwide, including stores at Parkway Plaza in El Cajon and in the Gaslamp district downtown. The company filed for bankruptcy reorganization after running up over a billion dollars in debt. Three San Diego County stores will remain at Mission Valley, Carmel Mountain Ranch and National City. Craig Maxwell, owner of Maxwell House of Books in La Mesa, observed that books are more available than ever before in both physical and digital formats, Yet he wrote in an e-mail to ECM, “Ironically, the popularity of reading (real literature) is at an all time low. I would suggest that the causes of this decline consist primarily of cultural (i.e., religious, moral and educational) factors that run beneath–deeper–than economic explanations.” Others have cited the rise in electronic media as a factor in the younger generation’s declining interest in books amid an era where information on revolutions is texted and Twittered, while video games and surfing the Internet fill those idle hours once occupied by reading books. CEO Scott Henry has said the company’s strategy going forward will include enhancing its customer loyalty program, aggressively expanding Borders.com and its e-book market share, offering more non-book items, cutting costs and improving customer service. Another 75 stores may need to be closed, he said, according to the Associated Press. Although Borders was a competitor in the book-vending business, Maxwell laments the demise. “I don’t see how the loss of a bookstore can be interpreted as anything but a sad commentary on society,” he said, “especially one that purports to be self-governing. How can a democracy run by illiterates work?” Printer-friendly version
BLOCK BILL REQUIRES GOVERNOR TO NOTIFY CRIME VICTIMS & FAMILIES BEFORE COMMUTING SENTENCE
Printer-friendly version Commutation Transparency Legislationl Sponsored by San Diego County District Attorney February 17, 2011 (San Diego)–Assemblymember Marty Block (AD-78) today joined with San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and Assemblymember Nathan Fletcher (AD-75) to announce legislation that would provide notification to victims and their families when the Governor considers an application for commutation of a sentence. In December, outgoing Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger provoked outrage locally when he commuted the sentence of Esteban Nunez, son of a former Assembly Speaker. Nunez pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the near-fatal stabbing of Louis Don Santos, 22, near San Diego State University. AB 648 would provide opportunity for the district attorney, victims and their families to recommend in favor or against a commutation or pardon, to ensure that the Governor has all the information available before making a decision. “The Governor’s long-standing authority to perform acts of commutation is a constitutional prerogative that should be maintained, yet it is reasonable for the process to include certain notification to the parties involved. AB 648 brings transparency to the process by informing the district attorney, victims and their families of the potential change in sentencing, and gives them the opportunity to support or oppose the application,” said Assemblymember Block. He added, “When decisions are made that affect victims, it is unacceptable when they or their families find out by reading it in the news. This legislation takes a simple and straightforward approach to ensuring that everyone involved can voice their opinion before a decision is made, and makes sure the Governor has all the information available to him or her when exercising their constitutional authority to commute or pardon a sentence.” The California Constitution authorizes the Governor to grant reprieves, pardons or commutations, but current law does not provide for notice to victims or a chance for them to be heard during the consideration of an application for commutation or even pardon. To remedy that AB 648 would require that the applicant of a commutation notify the district attorney of the county where the conviction occurred of their intent to apply for a commutation, 30 days before the Governor acts. Current law only requires the district attorney to be notified in the case of a pardon. The bill is sponsored by San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis. “When the governor is making a serious decision about shortening a convicted criminal’s prison term, we believe victims and prosecutors should absolutely be part of that process,” said District Attorney Dumanis. “Last-minute commutations like the one made recently, without all the facts or input from the parties, only fuel the public’s mistrust of government and greatly diminish justice.” The bill would also authorize the district attorney to submit a written recommendation to the Governor for or against pardon or commutation of sentence. The bill would further require the district attorney to notify the victim of the crime and their family, to allow those individuals to submit a recommendation to the Governor for or against pardon or commutation of sentence. AB 648 is jointly authored by Assemblymember Nathan Fletcher (AD-75). “This legislation is about protecting victims’ and their families and ensuring law enforcement perspectives and concerns are addressed,” stated Assemblymember Fletcher. “A pardon or commutation is a power exercised exclusively by a Governor. However, we need to put in place proper checks and balances to ensure abuses of power like the recent one is stopped.” Existing law also requires the Governor to communicate to the Legislature on each case of reprieve, pardon or commutation and include specific information in that communication. AB 648 requires the Governor to file a written report with the Legislature and include the application for each reprieve, pardon or commutation received by the Governor, or his or her predecessor in office, and would require that the report be available to the public. AB 648 requires a majority vote by both the Assembly and the Senate. Printer-friendly version
GIRL, 10, ESCAPES KIDNAP ATTEMPT IN CITY HEIGHTS
Printer-friendly version February 16, 2011 (San Diego) – A Hispanic man in his 50s, driving a white four-door car attempted to abduct a 10-year-old girl walking to Euclid Elementary School at 8 a.m., San Diego Police report. According to Sgt. Ray Battrick, the girl was walking northbound in the west alley of 4000 46th Street approaching Polk Avenue when the man asked if she wanted a ride. She refused and kept walking. The man got out, grabbed her from behind, and pulled her by the arm towards his car. She screamed and kicked him. The victim got away and ran to Euclid Elementary School, where she told a teacher about the attempted kidnapping. She was not injured. The man was described as 6’0” to 6’1” tall, medium build, with dark skin. He was reportedly wearing a blue baseball cap, light blue windbreaker, and light brown pants. SDPD Mid City Division and Child Abuse are investigating. If you are not yet signed up to receive free Viejas Wildfire & Emergency alerts via email, as well as a free weekly newsletter from East County Magazine with top news and events, sign up free at the top right side of our homepage. You can also follow ViejasAlerts on Twitter to receive brief text message alerts on your mobile device. Printer-friendly version
THE AGING PROCESS: WHAT’S NORMAL? FIND OUT FEB. 23
Printer-friendly version February 16, 2011 (La Mesa)–The Grossmont Healthcare District’s Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, will host a free seniors’ discussion group on “The Aging Process: What is Normal, What is Not,” on Wednesday, February 23 at 11 a.m. The event will feature a presentation by Andrea Holmberg, program coordinator, Sharp Grossmont Hospital Senior Resource Center. Holmberg will discuss factors that affect the way we age, the normal changes to be expected and how to increase well-being later in life. Handouts will be provided and healthy refreshments will be served, according to Kathy Quinn, library director. The public is invited to attend. The Herrick Library, which opened in 2002, is a public library specializing in health research information. It is operated by the Grossmont Healthcare District, a public agency that supports health-related community programs and services in San Diego’s East County. For more information or to RSVP, phone the library at (619) 825 5010 or visit www.herricklibrary.org. Printer-friendly version
THE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE FOR BLACK WOMEN IN SAN DIEGO: WASTELAND OR PROMISED LAND?
Printer-friendly version February 16, 2011 (San Diego) — Is San Diego a land of opportunity for black women, or are opportunities for black female leadership dwindling? Find out at a panel discussion sponsored by San Diego Democratic Women’s Club on Saturday, February 26 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Weingart City Heights Library community room, 3795 Fairmount Avenue in San Diego. The event is free and open to the public. Other questions to be addressed include: • Who will determine when, how, and by whom the concerns of black women are addressed as San Diego undergoes changing demographics, a shifting political terrain, and ongoing economic and educational challenges? • What opportunities remain for black women to assume positions of leadership in our region? Panelists will include African American women in business, nonprofits, education and politics. The panel discussion will be followed by responses from a diverse group of community leaders with a question and answer session. Printer-friendly version
CLEANTECH SAN DIEGO LAUNCHES MENTORING PROGRAM WITH THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AND DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 16, 2011 (San Diego) — In an effort led by the Small Business Administration and Department of Energy, CleanTECH San Diego has been selected as an accelerating organization of the Entrepreneurial Mentor Corps (EMC), a collaborative among the Clean Energy Trust of Chicago, Nevada Institute for Renewable Energy Commercialization of Incline Village, Nevada, and the Clean Tech Open of San Francisco. The Environmental Mentor Corps is part of a national effort to implement policies that provide resources to support the green economy, facilitating the proliferation of cutting-edge technology research and development. As a component of Startup America, a White House initiative to promote innovation, entrepreneurship and job creation, the EMC will provide a platform to accelerate DOE funded companies as they continue to refine and develop their technologies. Through this program, CleanTECH San Diego will match small cleantech businesses with qualified subject experts who will provide business, financial, and technical mentoring to accelerate the commercialization of their renewable energy technology. This initial component of the EMC pilot will provide mentoring for 100 small, clean energy companies. CleanTECH San Diego’s partnership with the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) will help commercialize new technologies and grow successful businesses. CleanTECH San Diego will convene companies from the West Coast, Colorado, and New Jersey and provide them with networking opportunities, webinars, leadership events, and national conferences. "Once again, San Diego has been identified as a leader in the cleantech space," said Jason Anderson, Vice President of CleanTECH San Diego. "This partnership with the SBA and DOE solidify our efforts to support the growth and success of early-stage cleantech companies. We look forward to working with both agencies to accelerate the growth of young cleantech companies." "Who better for entrepreneurs and startups to learn from than CleanTECH San Diego – who has been down a similar path before," Mills said. "CleanTECH San Diego can provide valuable insights critical to small business’ success; from opportunities for financing, advice on hiring to even walking an entrepreneur through steps for taking a product or idea into the commercial market. The Entrepreneurial Mentor Corps will mobilize some of the best and brightest business leaders to help create the same opportunities for success for the next generation as well as drive innovation and job creation in Southern California." SBA Administrator Karen Mills. For more information about CleanTECH San Diego please visitwww.CleanTECHSanDiego.org or contact Jason Anderson atjasona@cleantechsandiego.org. About CleanTECH San Diego CleanTECH San Diego is a non-profit membership organization formed to accelerate San Diego as a world leader in the clean technology economy. It is a catalyst that serves as the hub for a diverse group of stakeholders to advance a common agenda. CleanTECH San Diego advocates for new sources of investment capital, workforce development, international trade, federal and state research funding, targeted regulation, and sustainable land-use planning and development. Printer-friendly version