SAN DIEGO NEEDS TO PUT TRANSIT AND ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION FIRST
Originally Published in the ECOreport By Roy L Hales September 13, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – A statewide survey, done by the Public Policy Institute, found that 77% of Californians think public transit should be the focus of transportation spending. Only 18% said more money should be spent on highways and freeways.(1) This sentiment is strong in San Diego, where more than a decade ago 85% of the respondents said the transit system was the #1 priority.(2) When the question came up again, in 2010, 55% of those polled wanted the transit system expanded, as opposed to 32% who want more roads.(3) Now, as the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) draws up its’ transportation plan, community groups want them to put plans for a freeway expansion on hold. According to Monique Lopez, from the Environmental Health Coalition, San Diego needs to put transit and active transportation first. “They need to be developed before any more freeway expansion,” she stressed. “We are asking SANDAG to model it” Lopez used a story to illustrate how the transportation system currently favors car owners, “There is a mother who lives in Sherman Heights and works in La Jolla. It takes her two hours on multiple buses to commute to work. She works an eight hour day and then takes another couple of buses back home. She is on a bus for four hours, where it would take her twenty minutes each way in a car.” “This is an issue of access, an issue of transportation justice,” she added. “She doesn’t have the choice of driving a car, or finding a more efficient transit route.” How much time would she be able to cut off her daily commute if San Diego invested in more trolley lines? Or more direct bus routes? The Environmental Health Coalition has been asking people which would they rather see, a freeway extension or improved transit, bike and walk projects? “Where ever we go, in every neighborhood we go into, very few people choose freeway expansion. The majority choose transit, bike and walk projects. For many, that is how they commute or how they would like to commute.” “What we have seen in other communities, is that when regional governments invest in transit systems travel time is significantly reduced. People have a better quality of life as a result of it,” Lopez said. This is not the only concern, “SANDAG is proposing an extension of freeways, which is also a concern because it will increases air pollution especially for those already in toxic hotspots.” The communities most overburdened with air pollution are often near freeways. The city’s low income neighborhoods lack pedestrian infrastructure. San Diego recently released a report showing that the inhabitants of less affluent areas are ten times more likely to get hit by a car. There is a need for bike lanes and crosswalks to protect pedestrians. There are examples throughout the country that show regional governments can reduce travel time, air pollution and create transportation opportunities for individuals. Lopez added that the Environmental Health Coalition is not alone in raising this issue. Around 14 San Diego organizations have signed on to their transportation justice principles. These include: The MAACProject, Cleveland Nation Forest Foundation, City Heights CDC, BAME CDC, CASA Familiar, Operation Samahan, the Jacob Center, Bike SD, the Center for Policy Initiatives, San Diego Bike Coalition, SD350, Surfrider, Dreams for Change, San Diego Housing Federation “Even organizations like Surfrider, because climate change is an important issue to them because 55% of San Diego’s green house gases come from transportation,” said Lopez. She gets phone calls or emails, every day, from groups and individuals who want to know more about the transportation justice campaign. “Right now, SANDAG has an opportunity to right these wrongs, to take one step towards ensuring that transportation justice occurs,” said Lopez. “The first step is modeling, what would transit/bike/walk first scenario look like? Then we can have the conversation about implementing such a vision.” Footnotes: (1) Public Policy Institute of California Poll Results, 2009 (2) Public Policy Institute Survey 2000 (3) Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz and Associate. Countywide Survey on Climate Change. Prepared for the San Diego Foundation, September 14, 2010.
BARONA CULTURAL CENTER & MUSEUM HOSTS POTTERY MAKING CLASS OCT.4 WITH TONY SOARES
September 11, 2014 (Lakeside) — The Barona Cultural Center and Museum invites San Diegans to learn the art of Southern California Style Pottery Making at a workshop led by Tony Soares. Pottery is one of the oldest forms of utilitarian objects used by the Kumeyaay/Diegueño people and other indigenous groups for the storage of water, food and seeds. Tony Soares will show participants how to grind and process raw clay, shape and build a pot, and then fire the final piece. Workshop instructor Tony Soares first became interested in clay as a young boy when his grandmother taught him the basics of pottery making. He has assisted in reviving the nearly lost art of pottery construction and has taught his skills to several Native Americans nationwide in an attempt to keep the tradition alive. The workshop is the latest in this season of Ancient Spirits Speak classes designed to keep tradition and culture alive. It will take place at the Barona Cultural Center and Museum on Saturday, October 4 from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. The class is priced at $25 for the public and free for Barona Tribal Members (price includes lunch and materials). Guests must RSVP by Friday, September 19 by calling 619-443-7003 ext. 219. Class space is limited.
THE ATTORNEY’S CORNER: ESTATE PLANNING FOR FAMILY BUSINESSES
“Articles Concerning Trusts, Wills, Probate, Family Law & more” By Stephen C. Ross, Esq. September 13, 2014 (San Diego County) – Planning to pass on a family business can be very challenging due to the many issues that must be considered. Business succession issues include: who will take over from the current owner; potential income and transfer taxes; when does the ownership transfer take place; how should the new owner hold his/her interest; and, are there family members to consider who are not active in the business. A buy-sell agreement is an important part of any plan to pass on a closely held business. Such agreements can designate who is to receive company shares and in what quantity. The agreement may grant a right of first refusal to certain individuals and/or entities. Ownership of the business in the event of divorce may also be included in the agreement. A primary goal of buy-sell agreements is to establish the price of the business for estate tax purposes. The agreement must meet six criteria if it is to successfully establish the business price for estate tax calculation. They include: agreement must be made in good faith; it cannot pass the business to family members for less than full value; agreement terms must be similar to those found in arm’s-length transactions; business price must be the same both during the owner’s life and at death; deceased owner’s estate must be required to sell the business at the agreement price; and, price is either fixed or subject to calculation. Stephen represents estate planning, trust, will, probate, trust administration, business formation, stepparent adoption and family law matters. He conducts estate planning and probate seminars throughout San Diego County. For more information or to schedule a seminar contact Stephen at (619) 795-8524, stephen@stephenrosslaw.com or visit www.stephenrosslaw.com. Disclaimer: Information contained in this article is believed to be accurate. However, you should seek professional legal advice before relying on the information. Stephen is not licensed to practice law in any state other than California and “The Attorney’s Corner” is not intended as an advertisement. Visiting Stephen’s website does not create an attorney-client relationship and confidential information is not protected until a written agreement is signed.
OUR JULY RADIO SHOWS ARE NOW ONLINE: LISTEN HERE
Our East County Magazine Show’s July radio broadcasts are now online, covering hot issues from the Banner Fire to immigrant children to local rallies to save Iraqi Christians. We also interviewed local authors, musicians, a new winery owner, and a representative of the Lions Clubs’ Camp Jack in Descanso for disadvantaged children. Plus we had coverage and analysis of local and national issues, from the minimum wage to some controversial Supreme Court rulings. We also rebroadcast of our interview with Sycuan Chairman Daniel Tucker on the tribe’s Emmy Award winning documentary on Kumeyaay history, plus on the 4th of July weekend, we re-aired our “Spirits of 1776” dramatic presentation featuring `interviews’ with our nation’s founding fathers and mothers. Plus we brought you on-the-scene coverage of Descanso Days. For a full list of interviews and issues on each of our July shows, click here, or click “read more” and scroll down. To listen to future shows, tune in to KNSJ 89.1 FM Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9 a.m. or listen online live during our broadcasts at www.KNSJ.org. Audio links to listen to shows are at the bottom of this page, below the archives of shows. Wednesday, July 2, 2014 Introduction Viejas Wildfire Alert: Cal Fire declares high fire hazard for holiday weekend ACLU San Diego files lawsuit against immigration officials for preventing U.S. citizen from returning from Mexico Free and low-cost rides home and designated driver programs for 4th of July weekend; Sheriff announces DUI patrols Alpine Fire Protection District appoints replacement for deceased member Jim Archer Destination East County: festivals and events East County Magazine public service announcement, Station ID Fireworks safety tips Spirits of 1776: “Interviews” with Founding Fathers and Mothers (dramatic special presentation) Closing credits Friday, July 4, 2014 Banner Fire updates: Julian 4th of July parade cancelled, evacuations lifted, road closures remain in effect Viejas Wildfire Alerts public service announcement Destination East County: festivals and events My Life site finds San Diego most patriotic city in U.S. Free and low-cost rides home and designated driver programs for 4th of July weekend; Sheriff announces DUI patrols Station ID East County Magazine public service announcement Spirits of 1776: “Interviews” with Founding Fathers and Mothers (dramatic special presentation) Supreme Court rules buffer zone around abortion clinics is unconstitutional, despite buffer zone around Supreme Court building Green Scene: White House sets up task force to reverse decline in bees and other pollinators ACLU applauds Supreme Court ruling requiring police to get warrant before searching smart phones (Public News Service) USFDA approves first wearable exoskeleton device, Rewalk, to help paraplegics stand and walk Closing credits Monday, July 7, 2014 Local Government Report: hot issues on this week’s agendas Public service announcement: CalTrans work on local highways through 2016 Controversy over immigrant families heats up after Murrieta confrontation; San Diego community members speak out in support of immigrants (sound clips and interview at local rally) AB 2389 aims to keep jobs in aerospace industry, create new jobs (Public News Service) Station ID People Power: Banner fire updates: Julian rallies to help fire survivor My Life, Social Media Website, finds San Diego most patriotic city in U.S Capitol Report: Supreme Court’s Hobby Lobby ruling: analysis and reactions; 5 Catholic justices rule that workers lose rights to birth control at family-owned corporations that raise religious objections CalTrans work on local highways announced; public service announcement East County Magazine public service announcement, Viejas Wildfire Alerts public service announcement, Station ID Sycuan tribe wins Emmy award for documentary film on history of Kumeyaay Tribal Beat: Interview with Sycuan Chairman Daniel Tucker (rerun of interview taped at debut of “Our people, our culture, our history” film Station ID Bookshelf: Interview with Simonetta Carr, award-winning author of Christian children’s books and a historical novel Don’t leave pets in hot vehicles: County News Service Viejas Wildfire Alerts public service announcement Closing credits Wednesday, July 9, 2014 La Mesa Council votes to snuff out electronic cigarettes, as one member lights up in protest Blackwater back in headlines: NY Times reports Blackwater blocked inquiry, company representative threatened to kill State Department’s chief investigator Newsmaker: Interview with Enrique Morones at Border Angels, on efforts to help immigrant families Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez tours facility housing refugee youths from Central America Station ID Interview: Lenore Perez, San Diego Symphony, on “Your Song, Your Story” series of free public concerts East County Magazine public service announcement, Station ID, Viejas Wildfire & Emergency Alerts public service announcement New law legalizes wine-tasting at farmer’s markets Destination East County: festivals and events CHP seeks witnesses to July 4 accident that injured children on I-15 north of State Route 52 Station ID Wildest Jobs: Interview with Lakeside’s rodeo cowboy (rerun) Closing credits Friday, July 11, 2014 Rerun of July 9 show, which was interrupted during transmission by weather issues Monday, July 14, 2014 Iraq updates: House resolution and rally New bill to allow wine sales at farmer’s markets Vines and Wines: interview at Hatfield Creek Vineyards Station ID News: Grossmont Hospital CEO dies El Cajon Veterans Commission announces two openings El Cajon moves forward on Marriott Hotel Symphony concerts for communities Cocos Fire arsonist arrested Viejas Wildfire Alerts public service announcement, Station ID Salmonella outbreak linked to chickens Green Scene: plants with pesticides, sold at big box stores, are killing bees State weighs water waste fines Wildest Jobs: interview with Lakeside’s rodeo clown Wildfire safety tips Closing credits Wednesday, July 16, 2014 New show open SDG&E to test drone Jobs Talk: Minimum wage ordinance passed by San Diego City Council Station ID Woman assaulted in Alpine Citizens Bond Oversight watchdog member Nick Marinovich resigns Citizens save children left in hot car Drought hits local ranchers hard Green Scene: new plan for Cuyamaca Rancho State Park Sales tax to drop in El Cajon Two fires; Mission Trails closed Viejas Wildfire Alerts public service announcement, East County Magazine public service announcement, station ID East County Magazine wins big at Society of Professional Journalists awardsw Summer hunger: public service announcement
ON 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT REP. SUSAN DAVIS FIGHTS FOR STRONGER PROTECTIONS FOR WOMEN
September 13, 2014 (Washington D.C.) — Congresswoman Susan Davis marked 20 years since President Bill Clinton signed the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) on September 13, 1994 with a call to redouble efforts to end violence against women. “In the two decades since the enactment of the Violence Against Women Act, we have seen some real progress in protecting women and children,” said Davis. “But as we are seeing recently in media reports of incidents across the country there is still plenty of work to do. A life lived in fear is no life at all. Women should be able to feel secure at home, the workplace and in our neighborhoods.” Davis is an original cosponsor of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (H.R. 11) to strengthen the abilities of the federal government, states, law enforcement, and service providers to combat domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In 2012, Davis fought against efforts by the House majority to weaken VAWA. Supporters of full reauthorization prevailed in March 2013 when Congress sent the Senate version of H.R. 11 to President Obama for his signature. The latest reauthorization of VAWA strengthens protections for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, Native American women and undocumented immigrants. As campus sexual assault is on the rise, Davis recently introduced the Survivor Outreach and Support (S.O.S.) Campus Act to establish an independent victims advocate on campus. In her role as Ranking Member of the Military Personnel Subcommittee, Davis has been instrumental in establishing new policies to combat sexual assault in the military. VAWA has been critical landmark legislation, instituting stricter sentencing guidelines for repeat federal sex crime offenders and provides resources to tribal, local, and state law enforcement communities to address violent crimes against women. VAWA funds training for over 500,000 law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges and other personnel every year. In addition, the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which responds to more than 22,000 urgent calls for help every month, was also created under this legislation. Davis will continue to work to champion and strengthen this vital, life-saving law.
SDG&E PREPARES FOR HEAT WAVE
Tips Available for Customers to Save Energy Sept. 12, 2014 (San Diego)– As some of the hottest weather of the year approaches over the next several days, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is prepared to meet system demand with crews on standby if needed, and tips available for customers to save energy and avoid high bills caused by increased energy use. SDG&E has adequate power supplies lined up to meet customer demands during the heat wave. Despite having adequate electric resources, conditions may change anytime due to unexpected situations. With expectations that demand on the electric system may near record-peak levels, the utility is preparing for any potential issues that could arise with increased levels of crews and personnel on standby to monitor the system and address any outages quickly and safely. Additionally, SDG&E is working closely with the California Independent System Operator Corporation in coordination on system status and needs. “At SDG&E we are focused on providing safe and reliable energy for our customers,” said Caroline Winn, SDG&E’s vice president of customer services. “During this heat wave, we are prepared to keep our system running safely and smoothly under any circumstances that may arise.” Air-conditioning use typically increases when temperatures go up, and coupled with the rising cost of energy, some customers may see an increase in their upcoming utility bills. SDG&E offers a variety of tips, resources and solutions to help customers find smart ways to reduce their energy use now to avoid being surprised by high bills. Energy-saving tips for residential customers: Close blinds and curtains during the warmest hours of the day. Use fans. Use a ceiling or portable fan instead of air-conditioning (A/C). Adjust your thermostat if possible. Set it to 78°F for summer A/C. Power down equipment and use smart strips. Unplug items when not in use or use a smart power strip. Switch off and replace. Turn lights off when you leave a room and replace regular bulbs with LEDs, which use 90 percent less energy than regular bulbs. Lower your water temperature or try a cold water wash with clothes, especially if you have an electric water heater. Change out a single speed pool pump to a variable speed one. SDG&E offers a $200 rebate on select models. Monitor your energy use. Go to My Account to check out the Energy Management Tool and sign up for energy alerts to receive email or text alerts when your energy use or spending goal reaches a certain limit. Sign up for a no-cost programmable communicating thermostat (PCT). Using a PCT makes it easy to control your A/C through your smartphone. Sign up at sdge.com/thermostat. It is possible that SDG&E may need to call on customers to help reduce demand through conservation. Customers are encouraged to sign up for Reduce Your Use Rewards alerts to receive a notification if the program is activated. By signing up for alerts, customers will have the opportunity to earn a bill credit for saving energy on a Reduce Your Use Rewards day. Visit sdge.com/reduceuse for information on how to sign up for alerts. San Diego County residents can also find relief from the heat through Cool Zones, with more than 100 air-conditioned locations available to help residents cool off and reduce their energy bills by giving them a break from turning on home A/C units. SDG&E partners with the County of San Diego’s Aging and Independence Services to provide Cool Zones throughout San Diego, and a list of locations is available at SDG&E’s Cool Zones website which includes a map where residents can search for the nearest site. Visit sdge.com/save-money for more information on ways to save money every day or call Energy Savings Center at 800-644-6133 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to talk to an energy service specialist.