By Doug Porter
Attack mailers alleging District 9 City Council candidate Georgette Gomez is under “investigation” for “failing to disclose financial interests” paid for by the Encinitas-based Public Safety Advocates PAC appeared in mailboxes this week.
Despite the committee’s name, it’s historically been funded by development interests. Local Democrats were quick to point out the $15,000 in contributions to the group came from individuals who are also funding Donald Trump’s campaign for president. Trump donors supporting the PAC include Republican mega-donors Tom Sudberry and Lance Waite.
Public records indicate that a second mailer from the PAC is in the works, along with another mailer paid for by the San Diego Police Officers Association. The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce has also ponied up $25,000 to support the anti-Gomez effort.
Can’t Find Any Dirt? Make Something Up!
The claims being made in the first mailer (with a photograph of the candidate wearing a hoodie) stem from a City Ethics Commission complaint dismissed on September 7, 2016.
The Fair Political Practices Commission isn’t investigating Gomez. The same complaint already dismissed by the city was filed with the agency. The FPPC sends out these form letters routinely when just about anyone files a complaint, whether it’s proven or not. The State has yet to even evaluate the complaint due to the heavy workload experienced in an election year.
The individual filing this complaint is notorious for frivolous lawsuits against Democrats. He’s been part of 163 lawsuits and complaints during the last 15 years, all against Democrats.
The Gomez campaign issued a press release yesterday:
Fred Rogers, Central Committee Member for the San Diego Democratic Party said: “This is why the Democratic Party rejected Ricardo Flores. I was shocked when the Chamber of Commerce, SDG&E and other downtown interests poured over $100k into Flores’ campaign. Now, with the Trump donations, I’m appalled. We need leaders who unite in opposing Trump, not jump in bed with Trump to win an election.”
Page Two of the Letter from the City Ethics Commission
Candidate Georgette Gomez has been endorsed by the San Diego Free Press along with Councilman Todd Gloria, Assemblywoman Toni Atkins, School Board Trustee Kevin Beiser, former Councilwoman Donna Frye, and the Sierra Club.
Now, on to some other election news….
Early Voting & Bad News for Issa
Indications based on returned (but unopened) ballots around the country are looking good for Democrats.
According to an analysis published at SD Rostra, San Diego Democrats are performing about 4% better than 2012, and Republicans 2-3% worse than 2012.
As of Thursday, 96,360 voters have already voted, either by returning their mail-in ballots, or through early in-person voting. Slightly less than a million (987,087) ballots have been mailed to registered voters throughout the county.
And then there’s this bit of good news from the Los Angeles Times, which reports 408,000 ballots have been cast statewide in just the first eight days of voting:
In the hotly contested reelection race of Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista), more than four times as many ballots have been returned so far compared to the 2014 general election. And even though Republicans have an eight-point registration advantage in Issa’s district, the ballots cast so far have skewed more Democratic. In early voting, the two major parties are almost even in the number of votes cast. Issa, facing a tough race against Democrat Douglas Applegate, recently sent out a campaign mailer trying to appeal to local voters who support President Obama.
Daily Kos reports Issa challenger Doug Applegate beat his opponent in fundraising for the third quarter, $605,000 to $549,000.
And finally, NBC7 carried a report about a coalition of women who gathered at UCSD on Tuesday, asking Darrell Issa to withdraw his support for Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump.
The women, who represent various groups from across Southern California, held a news conference at UC San Diego Tuesday morning in a free speech zone on the campus.
“Congressman Issa, do you endorse this war on women? Do you endorse the grabbing and groping? The hands up skirts? The unwanted kiss? The sexual assault?” Dale Kelly Bankhead, Secretary-Treasurer of the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Union, said. “If you do not, then you will withdraw your endorsement of Donald Trump.”
They say they’re tired of being grabbed and groped by their bosses, teachers, and coworkers, and then ridiculed for protesting.
Hueso Uses Chicano Park Tragedy to Stump for Measure A
The community surrounding Chicano Park has been in shock since a truck flew off the Coronado Bay Bridge on Saturday, killing 4 people and injuring 7 more.
From NBC 7 News:
Chicano Park has been established for decades, and the Chicano Park Steering Committee says it has been asking for a better barrier to block debris and cars from falling below for years.
“This is ridiculous,” said Tommie Camarillo with the Chicano Park Steering Committee. “It could have been prevented if they would have done this long ago. I mean, it’s 46 years. Come on now, it’s not like it’s a new park.”
Camarillo said the committee is demanding the state fix the bridge to ensure another tragedy like Saturday’s never happens again.
Following a social posting by State Senator Ben Hueso claiming that passage of Measure A (SANDAG funding) would provide funding to upgrade the bridge, community residents, including SDFP editor Brent Beltrán reacted angrily:
It’s shameful that Ben Hueso would use the Chicano Park tragedy to push his political agenda. He said nothing about Measure A during the press conference. It’s equally shameful that Hueso, who is still on probation for his own DUI, would have the audacity to even speak out on this issue since the driver that caused the tragedy is suspected of being under the influence. Yet regardless of that why would Hueso ask the the sales taxpayers of San Diego to foot the bill for Coronado Bridge safety improvements when it is the responsibility of CalTrans and the state to pay for it? Especially after they’ve been told numerous times about debris falling from the bridge? Hueso needs to get off his ass and push the state to fund safety enhancements to the bridge. Not push a measure that will add more pollution to one of California’s most polluted communities. His constituents demand it and we will jam him up until those of us that utilize Chicano Park are safe.
Polling
We did three rounds of polling on CA Ballot measures, full article in @Capitol_Weekly Monday… but here are the top line results. pic.twitter.com/p2PMlwSNGd
— CA120 (@CA_120) October 21, 2016
Since even I couldn’t remember what propositions matched up with what numbers in the above chart, here’s the San Diego Free Press endorsement list, complete with emojis.
Proposition 51 $9 billion in bonds for education and schools
Proposition 52 Extends fees protecting MediCal funding
Proposition 53 Voters must approve revenue bonds more than $2 billion
Proposition 54 Conditions under which legislative bills can be passed
Proposition 55 Personal income tax increases on incomes over $250,000
Proposition 56 Increase the cigarette tax by $2.00 per pack
Proposition 57 Sentencing Reform
Proposition 58 Bilingual education in public schools
Proposition 59 State’s position on Citizens United
Proposition 60 Require the use of condoms in pornographic films
Proposition 61 Prescription drug price regulations
Proposition 62 Repeal the death penalty
Proposition 63 Background checks for ammunition purchases
Proposition 64 Legalization of marijuana and hemp
Proposition 65 Would undo parts of the plastic bag ban.
Proposition 66 Make Death Penalty Easier
Proposition 67 Ban Plastic Bags
For information on the November 2016 General Election, see our San Diego 2016 Progressive Voter Guide
Weekly Progressive Calendar: Upcoming in San Diego
Get your event listed: I try to list the next 10 days or so of mostly non-commercial events I think our readers might find of interest. I source my material from social media listings and press releases. In cases where there are competing but similar events or campaigns of the progressive persuasion, I do my best to list everything.
Documentary: Answering The Call
Friday, October 21st, 7:30pm
Digital Gym Theater
2921 El Cajon Blvd
Info & Updates
Directed and produced by San Diego filmmaker Brian Jenkins, ‘Answering the Call’ examines the advancements and challenges of voting rights in today’s society, while looking back to the march to Selma, Alabama in 1965.
The film is a compelling story inspired by the filmmaker’s activist uncle, John Witeck, and his journey to Selma – a response to Dr. Martin Luther King’s call. Mr. Witeck was a sophomore student at the University of Virginia in 1965 when he saw the horrific images from Bloody Sunday, and packed his bags to join Dr. King and other marchers in the fight for voting rights.
Jenkins revisits Mr. Witeck’s memories from 1965 and exposes new policies in Alabama and many other states which may be contributing to the suppression of minority voters.
Chicano Park Remembrance Fundraiser
Saturday, October 22, 10:30am (all day)
Mesheeka
2113 Logan Ave #4
Info & Updates
Cruz & AnnaMarie Contreras, Andre Banks, Francine Jimenez deserve to have a nice burial. This fundraiser will help the families with funeral costs.
$5 Ice Cream Social starts at 10am. Ice Cream sundae & ice cream cones. Raffle with prizes such as clothing, tattoos, hats, gift cards, paintings and more…. If nothing else this can be a time where we gather and get off our chest our feelings and thoughts, help each other cope with this terrible tragedy.
The evening starting at 5pm will bring more than a few musical performances from various artists and groups from all over playing reggae, cumbia, hip hop and more….$5 at the door
If you are interested in donating items for the ice cream social fundraiser please contact Mesheeka. If you are a musician or band and are interested in donating a musical performance please contact Mesheeka. If you are donating for raffle please contact Mesheeka. All donations are greatly appreciated and proceeds will be going to families of deceased four for buial costs. Lets help ease the suffering of these families por favor.
Protest US Navy Dolphin Captivity
Saturday, October 22, 9:30am
Spanish Landing West (Off Harbor Dr.)
Info & Updates
For years the U.S. Navy has held dolphins in small enclosures and used them in many areas. of warfare and animal testing. Most people in San Diego are not aware of what is happening with the government and our tax dollars.
We will protest on land and sea!
Need paddle boarders and people with kayaks in the water. We will meet in the parking lot that is closest to the bridge.
Roadmap to a NonViolent Future
Saturday, October 22, 10am
Peace Resource Center of San Diego
3850 Westgate Pl
Info & Updates (Please RSVP)
Nonviolence is much more than simply the absence of violence – it is better described as “love in action” and is, as Martin Luther King said, a way of life for courageous people.
The Metta Center’s Roadmap is a framework that individuals and groups can use to gain a sense of united nonviolent action and begin to design a strategy for concerted action along nonviolent lines leading to major, systemic change (some call it “The Great Turning.”). The message of the Roadmap is that “we all belong here” – everyone can find themselves and their passion within the roadmap, and realize that they are part of a bigger picture. Working together, we can create a powerful, nonviolent strategy for weaving our work together toward a safer and saner future.
In this participatory workshop, we will discuss nonviolence and related core concepts, the Roadmap model, and seek to find our places within it and how our work and passions are connected. It will include building community and connecting with others who are interested in practicing nonviolence in their daily lives and work. Together, we can be unstoppable! Workshop will be facilitated by Stephanie Steiner, Director of Education at the Metta Center for Nonviolence, Peace Studies professor at San Diego City College and Chapman University, and board member of the Peace Resource Center. We will start promptly at 10 – please arrive on time!
No on Measure B Forum
Saturday, October 22, 5pm
SDPL Mission Valley Branch Library
2123 Fenton Pkwy
Info & Updates
The San Diego County Democrats for Environmental Action No on Measure B Forum will feature several speakers in a presentation expected to run until 7:00 that evening.
Measure B would enable the proposed 600-acre Lilac Hills Ranch development, slated for an area north of Deer Springs just east of I-15, and just south of West Lilac Road in Valley Center. It is nowhere near any transit centers, and essentially calls for 1,700 homes and commercial development to be dropped into a rural landscape.
This is a countywide ballot measure – all voters in the county are eligible to vote on it. We need San Diego County to follow the example of San Diego County Democrats for Environmental Action, the San Diego County Democratic Party, Sierra Club San Diego and other conservation groups around the county and VOTE NO ON B.
National Day of Protest to Stop Police Brutality,
Repression and the Criminalization of a Generation.
Saturday, October 22, 6pm
City Heights Weingart Library and Annex
3795 Fairmount Ave
Info & Updates
Those killed by every branch of Law Enforcement in SAN DIEGO is up to 600,
October 22nd is a day that people around the nation have mobilized every year since 1996 for a National Day of Protest to Stop Police Brutality, Repression and the Criminalization of a Generation. It is crucial that we bring forward a powerful National Day of Protest in cities and towns across the U.S. to challenge the ongoing violence against the people. This October 22nd, stand with thousands across the country to express our collective outrage, creativity, and resistance in response to the crimes of this system.
*******WEAR BLACK, FIGHT BACK!*******
5pm Set up and poster making
5:30pm, KYR’s and information distribution
6pm Opening Blessing (Grupo Danza Azteca Quetzalhuitzilin) , Rally at City Heights Performance Annex, Speakers and Performance Artists
Candlelight March then have an OLB Action on the I-15 Overpass
Obama: No DAPL
Monday, October 24, 7am
9600 La Jolla Shores Rd.
Info & Updates
The Pres will drive by “sometime” in the morning so we’re starting at 7 am. You could probably arrive at 8 and maybe later but parking will be harder and at some point they’ll shut down roads for the motorcade.
Join us to call on President Obama, who will be in San Diego to headline fundraisers, to use his last months in office to say no to the Dakota Access Pipeline and keep fossil fuels in the ground.
We’ll be near the Obama event with lots of signs as his motorcade and guests go by and hopefully get local media. Actual address is 9706 La Jolla Farms Rd – we’ll move closer as the Pres approaches.
He can call a stop to the Dakota Access Pipeline, prevent leasing any new federal lands for oil, gas and coal extraction, and more. Please RSVP and share widely! More info / RSVP: http://sandiego350.org/blog/event/7454/
Partners include: California Nurses Association, Artful Activist
Speaking Out Against Racial Profiling
Wednesday, October 26, 2pm
City Administration Building
202 C Street
Info & Updates
SDSU’s report analyzing San Diego Police Department’s demographic data on traffic stops is scheduled to be presented at this City Council Public Safety & Livable Neighborhoods Committee meeting. Join us to learn about the findings in this report, but more importantly make sure we support and elevate our community’s voices. It is too often that our stories go unheard by our lawmakers, so let’s make our voices count and share what it means to drive while black or brown in San Diego.
Have a personal experience about DRIVING WHILE BLACK or BROWN in San Diego? Want to share it? Want to know more?
Let your voice be heard – share your story with your community members and lawmakers at the San Diego City Council Public Safety & Livable Neighborhoods (PSLN) Committee meeting.
To RSVP or for more info, contact:Gerrlyn Gacao, ggacao@aclusandiego.org
Lillian Faderman: Stories of the Gay Revolution
Wednesday, October 26, 6pm
Diversionary Theater
4545 Park Blvd
Info & Updates (Tickets)
Celebrate LGBTQ History Month with Lambda Archives of San Diego as we host Lillian Faderman, an award-winning scholar and author of gay and lesbian history and literature, to give a sweeping overview of the history of the struggle for LGBTQ civil rights. How did we get from there to here? How did we build political power? What can we learn from our history? Faderman will offer stories and insights from her recently published book, The Gay Revolution: The Story Of The Struggle (2015).
Youth Leadership in the Trans Liberation Movement Panel
Friday, October 28, 6:30pm
Sunset Temple
3911 Kansas Street
Info & Updates
The Transform California campaign is building a coalition of transgender advocates and supporters to promote safety, respect, and build understanding of transgender issues. This coalition is bringing together organizations, businesses, families, faith communities, and allies to share solidarity practices, and lift up transgender leadership in multiple movements.
This panel is the first part of the #FREEourselves inter-movement conversations with the intention of building across differences, highlight concrete strategies, actions and tools to create inclusive movement and community spaces for TGNC people within broader movements for racial, economic, and social justice. Join us as we bring together San Diego community leaders to learn about transgender youth organizing in the community and ways adults can show up for transgender and gender non conforming youth!
International Day of Remembrance for Victims of Police Brutality
Saturday, October 29, 2pm
World Beat Center
2100 Park Blvd
Info & Updates
The Family of Alfred Olango will host their first annual International Day of remembrance for victims of police brutality having a cultural conversation around police reform in the United States and around the world. More info. to come in coming days!
On This Day:1933 – Wisconsin dairy farmers began their third strike of the year in an attempt to raise the price of milk paid to producers during the Great Depression. Several creameries were bombed before the strike ended a month later. The economy eventually improved, allowing the farmers to make more money. 1964 – The movie musical “My Fair Lady” made its world premier in New York. 1967 – Thousands of demonstrators marched in Washington, DC, in opposition to the Vietnam War.
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Doug Porter
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The same shadow group is funding Jack Feller in Oceanside- MANY of those donors have projects pending or coming up in O’side. Pay to play?
RE: Gomez vs. Flores, District 9. I don’t know if facts are being slightly distorted here, or just not clearly explained, in regard to ‘contributions’ to Flores’ campaign. Third parties can spend on behalf of candidates as long as they don’t coordinate with the candidate and/or his/her campaign committee. Can anyone check (I don’t know where to look) and comment here as to whether Flores’ campaign has actually accepted contributions from downtown interests (e.g., Chamber of Commerce, SDG&E, etc.)?
I realize the downtown interests have their preferred candidate and are happy to try and tip the scales. For his part, Flores makes a big deal of wanting to stay focused on his District’s constituents’ interests — police, fire, parks, the homeless, streets, sidewalks, etc. — and to avoid partisan political games. He also opposes both Props C and D, and observes that (1) the proposed $120M new TOT money would more than pay to fix all our streets and sidewalks, (2) if either Props pass they will stay tied up in litigation for ten years, and (3) spending new TOT money on a stadium/convention center expansion will foreclose the possibility of having new TOT money for neighborhood needs. What I don’t know is if he’s actually taking downtown money for his campaign. If he is, that could be very telling — you generally dance with them what brung you.
Thoughts?
The myth of any distance between campaigns and PACs is right up there with golden unicorns who poop rainbows.
Have we heard the candidate denounce these tactics? I don’t think so.
It doesn’t matter who he physically takes money from- the fact that he’s supported through hit pieces on Gomez by the “Safety” group, which is nothing more than a front for big development, should tell you all you need to know.