Filner Makes One Last Appearance at Point Loma Dems’ Meeting

In his last week as mayor, Bob Filner attended the Pt Loma Dem Club pot-luck, seen here with the Widder Curry. (Other photos by Judi Curry)

By Judi Curry

Sunday August 25 – was the annual pot-luck for the Pt. Loma Democratic Club.

When my husband and I were members years ago we never missed this meeting because people brought food, desserts and good will to the meeting. Today’s meeting was different in some respects – the same in others. The food was still there (in fact I tried a new recipe for lemon bars and when it was time for dessert they were all gone before I ever tasted one.) The salads were good; the camaraderie was nice, and there was an excitement in the air that permeated the atmosphere.

Our progressive mayor, Bob Filner, had resigned from office just 72 hours before this meeting. They was a lot of talk about who would take his place and maybe carry on his ideas for San Diego. The consensus was that there is probably no one that is willing to stand up to Big Business and, for the most part, we will be returning to the “Good Old Boys” method of governing. What a shame, because Filner, in spite of his foibles, had many good ideas and was set to put them in use.

In talking about the Mayor, most of us were very surprised to see him attending the meeting. In a way it was very sad and was bitter-sweet, because we were all aware of what “could have been” if things had worked out differently. We will never know what he would have accomplished if he had stayed in office longer. We can only guess what the new mayor, whomever that may be, will target as his/her goals for San Diego.

California State Senator Marty Block represents the Pt Loma and OB areas.

It was nice to see Rich Grosch at the meeting. He is the San Diego Community College President and has been for many years. He and I worked hard on the Airport problems of years ago. Unfortunately, we did not resolve anything, and the airport is still there, bigger than ever.

A featured speaker at the meeting was Marty Block – the California State Senator now representing Pt. Loma, Ocean Beach and the 39th District of San Diego. Perhaps the most important thing – among other things he said – was when it comes to electing a new Mayor that we should not fight one another in our party. We need to unite and be careful that we do not allow others in the party to end up with a split vote, thus allowing a member from another party to win the election. We should try to keep Filner’s progressive agenda at the forefront and make sure we are all on the same page.

He explained that most bills are introduced to committees in January and February. They go through a rigorous examination, and are passed from one committee to another in the party of the originator. If the bill passes those committees, it is then sent to the opposing party committee and if liked then comes up for a vote. It is interesting to note that Marty sent 25 bills to committee last year and ALL 25 bills ended up being signed by the governor. He also said that it will be easier to pass bills since a 2/3 majority is no longer needed but a simple majority will be allowed.

He is, justifiably proud of two of his bills that passed both houses. One allows a spouse or significant other of a military member on active duty, to be allowed to practice their trade that they are licensed for in another State. For example, a nurse in Iowa will be able to practice in California, and the two years it would normally take for the procedure to be accomplished will be waved.

The second bill that passed has to do with infants being born and checked for cardiology deficiencies at birth. The procedure is a simple one – putting a monitor or a finger and a toe – and the results will indicate if there might be a problem with the heart. The entire procedure costs $3 and is not a law. And, after only 9 days of it being enacted it saved the life of a newborn baby.

Sarah Boot – candidate for District 2.

We were then introduced to Sarah Boot who will be running against Lorie Zaph for the District 2 City Council seat. She was a federal prosecutor that had to quit her job in order to run for office. She has prosecuted violet criminals; slave trade pimps; private businesses; and is an advocate for women’s rights. She shares the progressive feelings of our former mayor; is a “green” person; and feels that we need to do more to protect our beaches and oceans. She says she is a strong advocate for communities and residents. She is just beginning her campaign and her fund raising is in its infancy. She will need help in gathering enough monies for her campaign. She has a fund raiser scheduled for October 2nd, and we will be hearing more about it soon.

Then our club present, Susan Peinado, introduced Chris Ward, who is the Chief of Staff for Marty Block. He is not yet a candidate for a position, but he would represent District 3 if Todd Gloria, the current City Council President runs for mayor and is elected. He had nice things to say about Marty and is gaining experience by running the San Diego office of Block.

Chris Ward.

 Hannah was introduced and she informed everyone of the Democratic Convention to be held at the Pala Indian Reservation October 4-5th. The deadline to make reservations is September 4th, and she said it would be an exciting event.

 Brandon McDonald from “Western Service Workers Association” thanked everyone for bringing back to school items for those that his organization works with. It is strictly a volunteer organization; no one is paid, including the doctors, attorney’s, workers, etc. They have over 100 volunteers, and are always looking for more people. If you want more information, called Brandon at 619-238-9763.

Susan closed the meeting by introducing the new officers – as well as the new chair’s of various committees .

There is a lot of hope, a lot of skepticism, a lot of discontent by the members of this group. The uncertainty of what is to come is stressful. Time will tell as to where San Diego is going, led by whom.

In the meantime, I personally want to say I feel greatly let down; a true mensch only comes around a few times in one’s lifetime. I am wondering if a miracle might happen and a second apparition will appear in November, in time for the election.