AFSCME LOCAL 127 and the City of San Diego mutually reach impasse over privatization guidelines

 After several months of negotiating with the City of San Diego over the guidelines of Mayor Jerry Sanders’ privati-zation program, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 127 (AFSCME Local 127) and the City of San Diego have reached impasse after Sanders reversed course on a number of safeguards protecting taxpayers, city services and employee healthcare. Both the City and Local 127 mutually declared impasse on Wednesday, September 23, 2009.

 Last September, the City of San Diego was ordered to return to the negotiating table by order of the California Public Employees Relations Board on the outsourcing program, known as “managed competition.” Judge Thomas J. Allen ruled that Mayor Sanders failed to bargain in good faith with the city’s unions as well as failed to follow the proper impasse procedures as the city attempted to impose the program in 2007.

 “It’s clear that the Mayor wants to get this program done at any cost, even if that means cost overruns,” said Joan Raymond, a sanitation truck driver for the City of San Diego and President of AFSCME Local 127. “’I’m concerned with providing the residents of San Diego with quality services that respect their needs and well being. I just ask that the mayor see it the same way, that he look at citizens as more than just votes, but as his friends and neighbors, who are counting on him not to overlook the potential dangers that may arise in their community as a result of pushing through a weak program .”

Former Councilmember Toni Atkins Endorses David Alvarez for San Diego City Council

 Former San Diego City Councilmember Toni Atkins has endorsed David Alvarez in his campaign to become the next Councilmember from San Diego’s Eighth District.

 “I enthusiastically endorse David Alvarez for City Council. He has the passion, commitment and experience to serve the communities of District 8,” said Atkins.

Labor Council Endorses Howard Wayne in City Council race and Jim Duffy for Sheriff

Rep. Susan Davis, Sen. Barbara Boxer and Assembly Candidate Toni Atkins also endorsed

 The San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council announced its endorsements of San Diego City Council District 6 candidate Howard Wayne and Sheriff candidate Jim Duffy for the 2010 election.

 Wayne, a Deputy Attorney General who specializes in consumer protection cases, has a strong track record on protecting workers, improving access to health care, and preserving the environment. As a former California state assemblyman, Wayne earned a 95 percent lifetime voting record with the California Labor Federation and authored first-in-the-nation laws that provided breast cancer treatment to uninsured women and bacterial testing of coastal waters.

 Local union members also endorsed Duffy in the hotly contested race for San Diego County Sheriff. A former President of the Deputy Sheriffs Association of San Diego County, Duffy understands the needs of the public servants who keep our county safe for all San Diegans.

 The Labor Council also announced the endorsements of the reelection campaigns for Senator Barbara Boxer of California and Rep. Susan Davis in the 53rd District Congressional race.

City of Chula Vista:

Interm Councilmember and Port Commissioner Selected for Chula Vista

 The Chula Vista City Council has selected Planning Commission member Mitch Thompson to fill the interim council seat vacated by Council-member John McCann while he is on active duty in Iraq.

 In addition to the Interim Councilmember selection, the Council also appointed former Mayor Steve Padilla as the City.s representative on the San Diego Unified Port District’s Board of Port Commissioners.

Congressman Filner Announces Funding for Chula Vista Energy Efficiency Program

 Congressman Bob Filner is pleased to announce that a $1,974,300 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) has been awarded to Chula Vista through the U.S. Department of Energy. This Recovery Act funding will be used to improve energy efficiency, reduce energy consumption and fossil fuel emissions, and create green jobs locally.

 “Our community can now make strategic investments to help meet the nation’s long term clean energy and climate goals,” said Congressman Filner. “Transparency and accountability are important priorities for this Energy Efficiency Program and all Recovery Act projects.”

 The award can be used to create financial incentives for energy conservation improvements, to implement more energy efficient transportation programs and to install renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind energy, onto government buildings.

Energy Subcommittee – Tuesday October 6th at 10:00a.m.

Location: Council Chambers, City Hall, Chula Vista, CA 91910

 An Energy Subcommittee meeting in Chula Vista will be held on Tuesday October 6 at 10:00 a.m. The public is invited to attend and public comments are encouraged.

The agenda includes: Nicola Hedge -brief presentation (10 minutes) on Focus 2050 Study; Draft Business Energy Assessment Ordinance – F.R.E.E. (presentation from staff)