Staff

A Father’s Day Tale by California Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera

by Staff 06.16.2013 Culture

Juan Felipe Herrera shares stories and life lessons from his father.

Courtesty of UCTV

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Thumbnail image for Move to Amend – San Diego Barnstorming Event with David Cobb and Margaret Koster

Move to Amend – San Diego Barnstorming Event with David Cobb and Margaret Koster

by Staff 06.09.2013 Activism

On January 21, 2010, with its ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, the Supreme Court ruled that corporations are persons, entitled by the U.S. Constitution to buy elections and run our government.

Formed in September 2009, Move to Amend is a national coalition of over 280,000 people and organizations whose goal is amending the United States Constitution to end corporate rule by building a multiracial, cross-class democracy movement.

Move to Amend Event in San Diego

Sunday, June 16, 2013 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Sheet Metal Workers International Union
4594 Mission Gorge Place
San Diego, CA 92120

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Thumbnail image for Field of View: A Journey Through the Golden Hill Historic District

Field of View: A Journey Through the Golden Hill Historic District

by Staff 05.25.2013 Editor's Picks

Written by Jim Miller; Photos by Annie Lane

To walk in Golden Hill is to wander through a patchwork quilt of history and wonder.  As a renter in a community full of grand old houses that I’ll never be able to afford to buy, I frequently think of Thoreau’s ruminations on ownership in Walden: “As long as it is possible, live free and uncommitted.  It makes little difference whether you are committed to a farm or the county jail.”

Indeed, the grand old houses of Golden Hill may now be well beyond the reach of most folks in the neighborhood to ever buy, but, if they have eyes to see, they can, as Thoreau says of the poet who truly sees the landscape, own the whole neighborhood.  And I think of that as I watch the working class families out for walks with their kids, apartment dwellers strolling with their dogs, halfway house residents stretching their legs, or even my homeless neighbors lounging on the steps by the manicured lawn and lush garden of some lawyer’s office.

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Thumbnail image for What Kind of Person Steals a Kid’s Bike Trailer?

What Kind of Person Steals a Kid’s Bike Trailer?

by Staff 05.14.2013 Culture

Help appreciated locating our reporter John P Anderson’s stolen family bicycles!

Stolen morning of 5/13/2013 in North Park.

Editor’s Note: John P Anderson writes the SD for Free column for SDFP, reports on biking news and covers community events for the San Diego Free Press. He’s been taking a break from writing for the past couple of weeks, since he and his wife just had a new baby.

This morning two bicycles and a children’s bicycle trailer were stolen from my house in North Park (near 30th Street & University Avenue).  The items were stolen between 9:30 AM and 11:15 AM on Monday, March 13, 2013.

Inside are detailed descriptions of the bicycles and trailer – if you could share this story via social media and keep an eye out for these item it would be greatly appreciated.

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Thumbnail image for Seen Around Town: Horton Plaza Demolition and Yarn Bomb in South Park

Seen Around Town: Horton Plaza Demolition and Yarn Bomb in South Park

by Staff 04.13.2013 Business

By A Guy with a Cell Phone

Horton Plaza is falling down! Actually, the old Robinson/Planet Hollywood section of Horton Plaza facing Broadway is being bulldozed to accommodate a new public park. According to Civic San Diego, “Westfield will demolish the former Robinson’s May building and convey the land at the proposed plaza valued at $25.8 million in exchange for being relieved of profit-sharing payments through 2035.” In case you haven’t noticed, there is no longer free three hour parking.

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Thumbnail image for The Dove and the Cockerel: Meet the Author

The Dove and the Cockerel: Meet the Author

by Staff 03.23.2013 The Dove and the Cockerel

Steve Burns will be traveling in April and, if you are in Europe, here is your chance to meet the author!

On Saturday, April 6, Burns will be at Shakespeare & Co in Paris, and on Saturday, April 13, he will be Bewley’s Grafton Street Café in Dublin. He will be both locations at noon.

You may attempt to identify him from the photo or look for the grey fedora. This is not an official book signing, but the first one to contact him will receive a signed copy of the first draft of The Dove and the Cockerel.

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Thumbnail image for Frank Gormlie to Speak on History of Community Planning in Ocean Beach – Tonight, Feb. 21

Frank Gormlie to Speak on History of Community Planning in Ocean Beach – Tonight, Feb. 21

by Staff 02.21.2013 Activism

A Historical Perspective of OB’s Planning “Crisis” in the 1970s and the Village’s Response

Frank Gormlie, Editor of the OB Rag, will give a program on the history of the early days of Ocean Beach’s Planning Board and the importance of O.B. residents taking part in their community groups. Frank was a member of the O.B. Planning Board, and for one year was the chair, which was also one of the first San Diego Community Planning Boards.

Frank will talk about the importance of a good community plan that reflects what the residents want, and how they want to shape their future. Frank will stress the participation of residents in running for the board, going to meetings and voting in the election.

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Thumbnail image for Protest the Keystone Pipeline at Mission Bay – Sunday, February 17th

Protest the Keystone Pipeline at Mission Bay – Sunday, February 17th

by Staff 02.10.2013 Activism

San Diego Joins National Protest Against Keystone XL

A number of prominent environmental organizations and groups have come together to organize a San Diego protest against the Keystone Pipeline and to fight against climate change – joining groups nation-wide for a day of action.

Groups such as SanDiego350.org, Citizens Climate Lobby, Sierra Club San Diego, Environmental Health Coalition, Women Occupy San Diego, and many other organizations are planning a rally on Sunday, Feb. 17th, at the Mission Bay Park Visitors’ Center, in east Mission Bay, near the I-5 freeway. Protesters are being asked to wear all-black.

Protests are also happening in Los Angeles , San Francisco and other cities across the country.

The pipeline is designed to carry dirty tar sands oil from Canada to the U.S.

San Diego speakers include:

  • San Diego Mayor Bob Filner,
  • Scripps Oceanography Professor Jeffrey Severinghaus,
  • Sierra Club San Diego Chair and Former Assemblywoman Lori Saldana,
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Thumbnail image for Public Hearing Today on Gregory Canyon Landfill in Escondido

Public Hearing Today on Gregory Canyon Landfill in Escondido

by Staff 01.31.2013 Activism

A public hearing is being held today – Thursday, Jan. 31 – at 6pm on the Gregory Canyon Landfill, and it will be at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido.

The site proposed Gregory Canyon Landfill would negatively impact a sacred site of the Luiseño tribes of Pala Indians. San Diego County’s environmental impact report for the landfill admits that these impacts cannot be fixed. The proposed landfill site is also on a natural aquifer and near the San Luis Rey River, both important sources of drinking water for North County.

Landfills are an outdated way of handling waste. With higher recycling rates than ever and improved waste reduction strategies, the county does not need another place to bury its trash.

The hearing is at the California Center for the Arts, at 340 North Escondido Blvd. in Escondido.

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Thumbnail image for Wishing You Peace and Joy!

Wishing You Peace and Joy!

by Staff 12.25.2012 Culture

You’ve probably noticed that the SanDiegoFreePress has been a little “quieter” the past few days. Some of us are out of town visiting family. The rest of us are in town enjoying the company of family and friends. You are no doubt doing the same. But that doesn’t mean that we have gone silent. We will continue to post original content throughout the week, so please keep checking back to see what is new and join in the conversation.

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Thumbnail image for The Violence Behind the Violence

The Violence Behind the Violence

by Staff 12.19.2012 Culture

America cannot truly address gun violence unless it is prepared to address the root causes of gun violence.

by Nadin Abbott

Since the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting in Connecticut, we have had many discussions on the sources of gun violence in our country. We were all shocked. Many fingers are pointing at both Hollywood and the video game industry. If we are to believe them, all this would go away if we removed the glorification of violence from the media.

I will be the first to admit this: Call of Duty is violent. It simulates war. We would be surprised if it wasn’t. It is also rated M by the ESRB, that would be for seventeen year olds and older. It’s not meant for kids. Ratings work, only if we use them as a guide.

I will also admit that a James Bond movie is pure schlock with quite a bit of violence. There are many other titles out there that include explosions, gun play, and bloody gore. Need I mention the Die Hard series? Argue all you want about how video games and movies encourage violent acts. But that’s merely scratching the surface and doesn’t get to the root of the real problem.

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Thumbnail image for Celebrate the Inauguration of San Diego’s New Mayor, Bob Filner

Celebrate the Inauguration of San Diego’s New Mayor, Bob Filner

by Staff 12.02.2012 Politics

It’s been a full generation since San Diego’s working families had a friend in the mayor’s office, but now there’s reason to hope for something better. Please join us Monday, December 3rd, to celebrate the inauguration and election victory of our new Mayor!

Bob Filner will be celebrating with communities all across San Diego to thank everyone who helped support the campaign. Take a look at the day’s many events to find the one nearest you!

Come inside for the details…

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New Poll: Filner Ahead by 7 Points Over DeMaio

by Staff 11.01.2012 Government

A brand new poll by Pharos Research Group just out shows Congressman Bob Filner ahead of Councilman Carl DeMaio by 7 points.

According to the polling, 47.5% of likely voters in San Diego would vote for Filner and 40.7% are for DeMaio, with 11.9% undecided.

There was also good news for Filner in the polling of favorable / unfavorable numbers. His favorable/unfavorables have improved from a week ago. His numbers come in at48.85/51.55 compared to 42.51/57.49, a week ago. Councilman DeMaio’s numbers come in at 35.31/64.69 compared to 37.75/62.25, a week ago.

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Thumbnail image for We’ve Changed Our Minds about Prop 35, but NOT about Sex Trafficking

We’ve Changed Our Minds about Prop 35, but NOT about Sex Trafficking

by Staff 10.28.2012 Voter Guide 2012

Editor’s Note: During a meeting of the SDFP Editorial Board this afternoon, some of us expressed reservations regarding our stand, as a group, on a YES endorsement of Proposition 35. We agreed that we would do more research and report back. Below are the opinions of two of our members, whose views mirror my own and are expressed much more eloquently. ~ Editor du Jour, Patty Jones

SDFP Editorial Board Member Anna Daniels

Wading through the propositions on the ballot this year required both time and effort.  I have felt largely confident about the positions I had taken on issues and candidates, except for Prop 35, the anti-sex trafficking initiative.  Along with the other SDFP editors, I had cast my vote in favor of the initiative, although it was apparent that there could potentially be fall-out for individual lives and broader civil liberties that I definitely would not support.

Come inside for the details…

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Thumbnail image for What Retired People Do to Make Their Days Interesting :)

What Retired People Do to Make Their Days Interesting :)

by Staff 10.28.2012 Satire

Working people frequently ask retired people what they do to make their days interesting.

Well, for example, the other day, Kate, my wife and I went into town and visited a shop.

When we came out, there was a cop writing out a parking ticket.
We went up to him and I said,
‘Come on, man, how about giving a senior citizen a break?’

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Thumbnail image for Elect Bob Filner Mayor of San Diego

Elect Bob Filner Mayor of San Diego

by Staff 10.26.2012 Government

The 2012 San Diego mayoral race is quite possibly the most important in this city’s history. It is a choice between two very different candidates with two nearly completely divergent visions of what this city’s future looks like.

It is a choice between one candidate who believes government should function merely to facilitate business and corporate interests, and another who believes that government’s job is to represent the best interests of the people.

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Thumbnail image for Scott Peters for Congress

Scott Peters for Congress

by Staff 10.26.2012 Government

On Nov. 6, San Diego voters will have the opportunity to choose between Republican incumbent Congressman Brian Bilbray, or his Democratic challenger, Port Commissioner and former City Council President Scott Peters. The differences between the candidates are stark, and their leadership will no doubt have a profound effect on San Diego’s future.

To us at the OB Rag and San Diego Free Press the choice is an obvious one: Scott Peters.

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Thumbnail image for San Diego Free Press T-Shirts Now Available – Support a Free Press in San Diego

San Diego Free Press T-Shirts Now Available – Support a Free Press in San Diego

by Staff 10.05.2012 Activism

We now have T-shirts to send you – just send us a donation. Yes, finally, after publishing for over four months, we have T’s available – and bumper stickers, as well. So, support a free press in San Diego – support the San Diego Free Press by getting one of our very nifty, smart-looking and stylish T’s.

We have two new sets of T-shirts.

The first is our black T with the San Diego Free Press banner logo. We have sizes in medium, large, X-tra large, and XX-tra large. It’s yours for a $15 donation (plus mail charge).

We also have San Diego Free Press bumper stickers, for $1 donation.

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San Diego City Council Passes Two Measures to Hold Banks Accountable for Abandoned Homes

by Staff 09.20.2012 Activism

Certain circles of San Diegans are celebrating. The article in the UT San Diego yesterday [Wed. Sept. 19] said it all:

“The San Diego City Council Tuesday unanimously approved two out of three ordinances designed to keep banks accountable for distressed homes.”

The two ordinances passed will arm San Diego with more methods and ways to monitor and hold property owners responsible for abandoned properties, and they also will require banks that conduct business with the city of San Diego to provide information on lending, foreclosures and service to minority communities. The third ordinance will not be discussed until October.

Progressives who worked on these issues are giving thanks to the leadership of Councilmembers Todd Gloria and Tony Young. A broad coalition had come together to apply pressure and the San Diego City Council passed the Abandoned Properties Ordinance and the Responsible Banking Ordinance the same evening.

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Thumbnail image for Payday lenders busted by San Francisco City Attorney for excessive interest charges: You may be eligible for a settlement

Payday lenders busted by San Francisco City Attorney for excessive interest charges: You may be eligible for a settlement

by Staff 08.23.2012 Activism

by Jim Bliesner

City Attorney Dennis Herrera was joined at a news conference today by City Treasurer José Cisneros, San Francisco Labor Council Executive Director Tim Paulson,and S.F. Interfaith Council Executive Director Michael Pappas to highlight the upcoming final 60-day mark of the City’s statewide push to locate consumers who may be eligible for restitution from Money Mart and Loan Mart in amounts ranging from between $20 to $1,800. Victims of the payday lenders ‘predatory lending schemes were also on hand to speak to the news media about their own experiences.

The restitution outreach program is among the terms of an agreement Herrera’s office negotiated to settle his office’s 2007 consumer protection lawsuit against payday lenders Money Mart and Loan Mart and an affiliated out-of-state bank for unfair and fraudulent business practices. The alleged wrongdoing stemmed from the lenders’ marketing of short-term installment loans and oversized payday loans, usually targeted to low-income borrowers, at exorbitant and illegal interest rates. While the settlement requires the lenders to engage an independent administrator to make “reasonable efforts” to contact all eligible claimants, Herrera’s office is authorized to undertake additional outreach efforts in advance of the Oct. 1, 2012 deadline to reach all potential claimants who may have moved, or who may have dismissed or misunderstood letters from the restitution administrator.

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Thumbnail image for Activists call NRC Ruling on San Onofre “Dangerous Coverup”

Activists call NRC Ruling on San Onofre “Dangerous Coverup”

by Staff 07.24.2012 Activism

The announcement on July 19th by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) stating that Southern California Edison (SCE) – the owner of the San Onofre Nuclear Power station – had complied will all regulations is yet another dangerous case of regulators looking the other way coupled with gutted unsafe regulations, according to local anti-nuke activist groups. The groups include Residents Organized for a Safe Environment (ROSE), Citizens’ Oversight, and the Peace Resource Center of San Diego.

Listen to the activists:

Carol Jahnkow of the Peace Resource Center of San Diego:

”It’s a very sad commentary when regulatory agencies will allow transgressions to occur and will not speak out about them, to avoid scrutiny themselves.”

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Thumbnail image for California to Mortgage Lenders: The Party’s Over!

California to Mortgage Lenders: The Party’s Over!

by Staff 07.03.2012 Business

California became the first state in the country yesterday to enact tough consumer protection legislation holding home mortgage lenders to a higher standard that will help financially troubled borrowers stay in their homes. The legislation, SB 900 and AB 278, will make California the first state to prohibit lenders from “dual tracking,” the practice of negotiating with clients to modify a mortgage while concurrently pursuing foreclosure, outlaw “robosigning”, allow state agencies and private citizens to sue financial companies if lenders willfully or recklessly violate the law, and simplify dealings between homeowners and banks by requiring a single customer representative for consumers to work with. The bill requires all lenders to abide by a number of provisions of the national mortgage settlement negotiated by state attorneys general earlier this year to rein in foreclosure abuses.

The Assembly approved the legislation on a 53-25 vote, and the Senate voted 25-13.

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Thumbnail image for Monday, July 2nd,12pm– Fair Trade Not Free Trade Rally!

Monday, July 2nd,12pm– Fair Trade Not Free Trade Rally!

by Staff 07.02.2012 Activism

Labor and the STOP TPP Coalition Sponsor a Kick-Off Press Conference / Protest Rally / Street Theater

Today begins a week of protests and teach-ins aimed at raising public awareness about the negotiations taking place at San Diego’s Hilton Bayfront Convention Center concerning a the 13th round of negotiations on a proposed trade pact called The Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP).  The nations involved are the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Chile and Peru. Japan, Mexico and Canada have indicated a desire to join. The economic power of this group is more than 40% larger than the 27-nation European Union. While the claimed purpose of TPP is to promote development and create jobs, protesters say this meeting is one of the final conclaves to secretly negotiate the economic structural adjustments necessary to appease the world’s largest multinational banks and multi-unit corporations.

Today’s events include a kickoff protest/press conference at noon in the park across from the Bayfront Hilton and the first of six days of a Better World Conference featuring speakers on Worker’s Rights, Outsourcing, Walmart, and Gentrification at the Logan Heights Branch Library starting at 6:30.

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Thumbnail image for Local Residents to Ask Oceanside City Council: ‘Is Our Community Prepared for an Accident at San Onofre Nuclear Power Station?’

Local Residents to Ask Oceanside City Council: ‘Is Our Community Prepared for an Accident at San Onofre Nuclear Power Station?’

by Staff 06.26.2012 Activism

Oceanside, CA – On Wednesday, June 27, 2012, residents from Oceanside will attend the Oceanside City Council meeting and request that the Council place the issue of the safety of their community should there be an accident at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station on a future Council Agenda for in-depth discussion and presentation by experts.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission met in San Clemente on June 18th and pledged that San Onofre will remain shut down until a solution is found to fix the problem (a release of radioactive steam and unexpected, accelerated tube wear) which precipitated the emergency shutdown on January 31, 2012.

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Thumbnail image for Did County Supervisor Ron Roberts Do A $1.56 Million End Run Around the General Plan?

Did County Supervisor Ron Roberts Do A $1.56 Million End Run Around the General Plan?

by Staff 06.25.2012 Culture

“The process of public engagement [in developing the County of San Diego General Plan] had hundreds of hearings over 10 years…So the implication is that anything that is coming forward now would be inconsistent. It would be amazing if there is going to now be wholesale General Plan amendments.” San Diego County Planning Commissioner Michael Beck, Nov. 9, 2011 interview with KPBS

Last Wednesday, June 20th, the County Board of Supervisors held a hearing for 137 private property requests that would require amending the County’s new General Plan, which was approved in August 2011. These private property owners were critical of the plan’s guidelines which would concentrate new construction closer to existing infrastructure and down-zone to lower density numerous back-country and desert properties. Although this was not the first time that the Board of Supervisors had heard testimony on this contentious issue, Ron Roberts, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors stunned those attendees who were against the proposed amendments and were there to support the General Plan.

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