Toni G. Atkins, Speaker of the Assembly - 78th Assembly District eNewsletters for July 2014Friends,
Happy Independence Day! I hope you will have the opportunity to read my July E-News before the holiday. It contains important information about the recently adopted state budget, the schedules for my upcoming community office hours and a stakeholder hearing on veterans' housing, and features on summertime fun here in the 78th Assembly District. Thank you for taking the time to check it out!
IN THIS ISSUE:
A Note from Toni
Highlights of the 2014-15 State of California Budget: Providing Stability and Expanding Opportunity
Del Mar Racetrack Will Welcome Breeders' Cup and Economic Boon
Kensington Veterinary Hospital is the Small Business of the Year
Be Fireworks Smart on the Fourth
How Can We Help You? Community Office Hours Bring My Assembly Office to Your Neighborhood
Stakeholder Meeting in San Diego on Prop 41 Veterans Housing Funds
Have You Ordered Your Snoopy Plate Yet?
Spotlight on the 78th: Free Outdoor Summer Concerts
Around the District
Warmly,
Speaker of the Assembly, Toni G. Atkins
Toni G. Atkins
Speaker of the Assembly
78th Assembly District
In this Issue:
A Note from Toni
Highlights of the 2014-15 State of California Budget: Providing Stability and Expanding Opportunity
Del Mar Racetrack Will Welcome Breeders' Cup and Economic Boon
Kensington Veterinary Hospital is the Small Business of the Year
Be Fireworks Smart on the Fourth
How Can We Help You? Community Office Hours Bring My Assembly Office to Your Neighborhood
Stakeholder Meeting in San Diego on Prop 41 Veterans Housing Funds
Have You Ordered Your Snoopy Plate Yet?
Spotlight on the 78th: Free Outdoor Summer Concerts
Around the District
A Note from Toni –
Last month, the State Legislature passed the fourth consecutive balanced, on-time state budget. The budget was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown in a ceremony right here in San Diego on June 20th. While our job of producing a budget was unquestionably made easier by our recovering economy, as well as by the temporary taxes approved by voters through 2012's Proposition 30, it also represents a number of years of hard decisions and fiscal restraint while we weathered the Great Recession. Even with new revenues available, the Legislature was committed to a responsible budget that ensures stability and expands opportunity within our state.
Governor Jerry Brown traveled to San Diego to sign the 2014-15 state budget into law. Joining us were Senator Ben Hueso (far left), Assemblymember Nancy Skinner (Assembly Budget Chair), and Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg.
To ensure stability, we pay down up to $12.4 billion in debt and grow budget reserves to over $5 billion by 2017-18. By paying down debt and building reserves, the budget provides a framework for stability when Proposition 30 revenues phase out in 2017-18. The budget also reflects the parameters of the rainy day fund the legislature approved last month and sets in place a shared solution to the underfunding of the State Teachers Retirement System.
For the first time in almost a decade, we are expanding opportunity by making real investments in our people and infrastructure. This includes significant support for education and health care, measures to reduce child poverty, continuing our commitment to veterans, and investment in affordable housing and jobs. For more detail about the budget, please read the overview below or read the entire document at www.ebudget.ca.gov.
The budget is the product of more than 70 different public hearings in the Assembly alone, including the Conference Committee, the Assembly Budget Committee and our Budget subcommittees. It is also the result of give and take with the State Senate and the Governor. By working together, we have enacted a budget that provides a stable foundation for today and a strong framework for an even brighter tomorrow.
Warmly,
Speaker of the Assembly, Toni G. Atkins
TONI G. ATKINS
Highlights of the 2014-15 State of California Budget: Providing Stability and Expanding Opportunity
Education
K-12. The budget increases K-12 public school funding by $5.6 billion over last year. This includes $1 billion more in programmatic funding than was proposed by the Governor that was added by the Legislature and represents an additional $1900 per student over what we spent in 2011-12. The budget also repays nearly $5.2 billion in funding that had been deferred from one year to the next during the Great Recession, leaving an outstanding balance of less than $900 million in K‑12 deferrals. Further, the Budget includes a trigger mechanism that will retire the remaining deferral balance should revenues come in higher than projected. The budget also repays $400 million to schools for state-mandated costs that had not been paid by the state over the past several years and encourages districts to use that funding to further implement the Common Core standards and assessment.
This budget also continues funding for implementation of the Local Control Funding Formula.
I was successful in achieving one of my priorities in the education budget by securing a change in the formula for funding the San Pasqual Academy in Escondido. San Pasqual is a residential high school for foster children, which has struggled with its budget due to its small size. Part of this year's budget package authorizes San Pasqual to be included in a special category of small, but critical, high schools which receive lump sum funding not tied to the size of its enrollment.
Early Childhood Education. In addition, this year's budget increases funding for pre-school by $155 million and child care by over $100 million, increasing the number of available slots by 13,000.
Community Colleges. Community colleges will receive $187.7 million in additional funding to accommodate increased enrollment and to meet the increased cost of living. $547.5 million is allocated to repay debt that is owed to the community college system by the state. The budget also allocates $50 million for career technical education and a total of $6 million to improve campus internet access.
The budget also provides $170 million to improve and expand community college student success programs and to strengthen efforts to assist underrepresented students and student veterans. This includes $100 million to increase orientation, assessment, placement, counseling, and other education planning services for all students.
UC and CSU. The University of California and Cal State University will each see their budgets increased by $142 million, plus an additional $50 million in one-time funds, both of which will contribute to fiscal stability in our public higher education systems. The budget assumes a freeze on UC and CSU resident tuition from 2013-14 through 2016-17 to avoid contributing to higher student debt and tuition levels.
To better help students finance their higher education, Cal Grant B stipends for low income students will be increased $175 ($11.9%.) A planned decrease in Cal Grant awards for students attending private institutions has been delayed for one year. The budget also includes $107 million to begin implementation of the Middle Class Scholarship program.
I was also very pleased to be able to secure $2 million toward the implementation of Cal-BRAIN, the California Brain Initiative, which will map the brain and has the potential to make significant advances in treating conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The program will fund hubs at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and UC San Diego.
Other Investments in Future Opportunity
Fighting Poverty. The budget addresses child poverty with increased resources for families through the Cal Works program and with funding to fight homelessness. Ten million dollars is also allocated to provide food stamps through the CalFresh program and other financial support to children.
Public Health. Full funding for the expansion of Medi-Cal under the Affordable Care Act is provided. The budget also provides $187 million for Medi-Cal rate increases for managed care and also provides rate increases for the PACE program.
Other public health programs funded in this budget include the restoration of the Black Infant Health Program and HIV demonstration projects.
The budget funds overtime for home care services for the elderly and disabled.
Infrastructure. We are investing $1.2 billion in infrastructure projects, including streets and roads, affordable housing, energy efficiency in schools, and court facilities.
The budget includes $142 million in drought response resources, including fire protection, protecting fish, and a variety of emergency water needs.
Deferred maintenance for our state parks will receive $40 million.
Proceeds from auctions of carbon credits, so-called Cap and Trade Funds, are invested in a variety of environmentally critical projects, including $250 for the High Speed Rail system, $200 million for low-carbon transportation, and $130 million for sustainable communities and affordable housing. Much of this investment is slated to continue into future years.
Courts. Our court system sustained significant budget cuts during the Great Recession, severely impacting access to justice. This trend is reversed in the current budget through a $223 million funding increase.
Local Governments. The state will begin to pay down previously unfunded mandates to local governments. In San Diego, if revenues continue to be strong, County government could receive as much as $34 milllion, the City of San Diego could get $2.5 million back, and the Cities of Del Mar, Coronado, and Imperial Beach are slated to receive up to $90,000, $87,000 and $89,000 respectively.
The budget allocates $500 million for local jail space and other public safety facilities, critical to the success of the criminal justice realignment program that transferred many lesser offenders from state prison to local custody.
Veterans. County Veterans Service Offices will once again receive a $3 million budget allocation, allowing these offices to reach many more veterans, especially women vets. It is anticipated that this investment will leverage an additional $47 million in federal funding each year. These funds continue the financial commitment made in last year's budget to reduce the backlog of service claims from veterans that has been the focus of heated outcry at the federal level in recent months.
For additional information about this year's state budget, please visit www.ebudget.ca.gov/2014-15/Enacted/BudgetSummary/BSS/BSS.html.
Del Mar Racetrack Will Welcome Breeders' Cup and Economic Boon
As much as $75 million will be added to the local San Diego economy when the Breeders' Cup, one of thoroughbred horseracing's most prestigious events, comes to the Del Mar Racetrack in November 2017. This was made possible by AB 1074, legislation I carried last year that made Del Mar eligible to extend its racing season following the closure of Hollywood Park Race Track at the end of last year. November racing dates had previously belonged to Hollywood Park.
Opening Day at the Del Mar Racetrack The two-day event will bring everyone from jockeys to high-rolling thoroughbred owners to our area, which will boost our hotel, restaurant, and other revenue. It will also generate national media exposure for our area, much like a Super Bowl or Comic-Con.
I don’t plan to wait until November 2017 to enjoy horseracing at Del Mar, however. Perhaps I will see you later this month on Opening Day, July 17th. Don’t forget your hat!
Kensington Veterinary Hospital is the Small Business of the Year
Kensington Veterinary Hospital and its owners Dr. Patricia Ungar and her husband Phil Linssen were honored as 78th Assembly District Small Business of the Year at a ceremony in Sacramento. Kensington Veterinary Hospital has been a neighborhood-based practice since 1990. They offer a blend of conventional medicine and leading edge integrative medicine, including acupuncture, nutrition, and homeopathy. They also donate many services to animals and people in need. They helped provide a badly needed fence for a community park, sponsored the Kensington Vet Hospital Normal Heights Little League team, and partnered with local schools.I have known Dr. Ungar since I served on the San Diego City Council and represented the community of Kensington. It was with great pleasure that I was able to honor this important community fixture as my district's Small Business of the Year. You can find more information about them at www.kensingtonvet.com.
Phil Linssen (l) and Dr. Patricia Ungar, owners of Kensington Veterinary Hospital, joined me in Sacramento to be honored as the Small Business of the Year for the 78th Assembly District.
California is home to more than 3.5 million small businesses which employed half, or 6.3 million, of the state's private workforce in 2011. Most of these firms have fewer than 100 employees. Small businesses are a key component of a successful California economy. The Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development, known as Go-Biz, has many resources designed to help small businesses succeed. They can be found at www.business.ca.gov/Programs/SmallBusiness.aspx.
Be Fireworks Smart on the Fourth
The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate the tenacity and sacrifice that led to the independence of the United States and our more than two centuries as a beacon for democracy. Naturally, we like to celebrate our nation's birthday with fireworks, but it is best to leave the pyrotechnics to the experts.Consumer fireworks of all kinds are illegal in the City and County of San Diego. This includes sparklers, firecrackers, cherry bombs, bottle rockets and even poppers. The danger of these products cannot be overestimated, especially in this time of drought. According to the National Fire Protection Association there are far more U.S. fires reported on a typical Independence Day than on any other day of the year and fireworks account for more than half of those fires. These fires resulted in an estimated $42 million in direct property damage in 2008. That same year saw 7,000 fireworks-related injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms. The highest injury rates were for teenagers 15 to 19 and children aged 5 to 9.
Instead of risking these dangers, I encourage you to enjoy one of the many professional and civic fireworks displays throughout our region. Following are fireworks shows scheduled in the 78th district. For information about fireworks and July Fourth celebrations throughout San Diego County visit www.sandiego.org/campaigns/summer-in-san-diego/4th-of-july.aspx.
Annual Big Bay Boom July 4 Fireworks Show
9 pm
Multiple locations along San Diego Bay
Sea to Shining Sea 4th of July Fireworks
10:10 pm
SeaWorld
La Jolla Fireworks Show
9 pm
Ellen Browning Scripps Park
Ocean Beach Fireworks Show
9 pm
Over the OB Pier
Fourth of July Celebration in Coronado
9 pm
Over Glorietta Bay
San Diego County Fair 4th of July Celebration
9 pm
Del Mar Fairgrounds
Have a safe and happy Independence Day!
How Can We Help You? Community Office Hours Bring My Assembly Office to Your Neighborhood
Starting this month, my Assembly office will be on-location in your neighborhood. These Community Office Hours are an opportunity for you to meet with staff and obtain information on state services and events in your community. Please join us!Tuesday, July 1
11:30 am - 1 pm
Central Library
330 Park Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92101
RSVP For This Event
Wednesday, July 2
6 - 7 pm
University Heights Library
4193 Park Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92103
RSVP For This Event
Wednesday, July 2
1 - 2 pm
North Park Library
3795 31st Street
San Diego, CA 92104
RSVP For This Event
Thursday, July 3
10:30 - 11:30 am
Pacific Beach Library
4275 Cass Street
San Diego, CA 92109
RSVP For This Event
Wednesday, July 23
5:30 - 6:30 pm
North Park Library
3795 31st Street
San Diego, CA 92104
RSVP For This Event
Monday, July 28
11 am - 12:30 pm
N. University Community Library
8820 Judicial Drive
San Diego, CA 92122
RSVP For This Event
Stakeholder Meeting in San Diego on Prop 41 Veterans Housing Funds
The passage of Proposition 41 by the voters on June 3rd means almost $600 million will become available to help veterans and their families to secure affordable housing and services that will help prevent homelessness. Stakeholder meetings are scheduled across the state for the purpose of gathering input on how these funds should be utilized. The San Diego meeting will be held on July 15th at 10:00 am in the State Office Building, 1350 Front Street, Room B109, in downtown San Diego. Additional information and registration for the meeting is at http://hcd.ca.gov/fa/vets/.Have You Ordered Your Snoopy Plate Yet?
We're more than halfway there to making the Snoopy plate a reality! As of mid-June, over 4,000 people have placed pre-orders for the plate, which features the beloved beagle doing his signature twirling feet dance.
Once we reach 7,500 orders, DMV will begin producing the plates. Proceeds from this specialty plate will support California museums and cultural institutions and was made possible by my bill AB 482, the generosity of the family of Peanuts creator Charles Schulz, and the cooperation of the DMV, Department of Natural Resources, the California Cultural and Historical Endowment, and the California Association of Museums.
I hope you will join me in displaying support for our state's museums by going to www.SnoopyPlate.com to order your Snoopy plate. Like all specialty license plates, the plate will cost $50, plus another $48 if motorists want their plate personalized.
Spotlight on the 78th: Free Outdoor Summer Concerts
Every season is wonderful in the 78th, but outdoors is the place to be especially during the summer. All summer long throughout the district you can enjoy music under the sun or the stars at a number of free concerts. Here is a sampling.
Twilight in the Park
Tuesdays-Thursdays
6:15-7:15 p.m.
Balboa Park, Spreckels Organ Pavilion
Info: (619) 239-0512
Organ Pavilion, Balboa Park
Coronado Summer Concerts-in-the-Park
Sundays
6 p.m. (unless otherwise noted)
Spreckels Park
Orange Avenue (between 6th and 7th streets)
(619) 437-8788
Spreckels Park
Del Mar Twilight Concert Series
One Tuesday a month
At 5pm and 7pm
Powerhouse Park
1600 Coast Blvd.
Info: (858) 635-1363
Powerhouse Park
Bird Park Summer Concerts
August 9th, July 12th and July 26th
5:30 - 7:30pm
Bird Park in North Park
Upas Street at 28th Street
(800) 413-NPCA
Bird Park
The University Heights Summer in the Park Concert Series
July and August
Friday evenings: 6 - 8pm
Trolley Barn Park
1998 Adams Avenue
(619) 297-3166
Trolley Barn Park
Point Loma Summer Concert Series
Friday nights: 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Point Loma Park
Optimist Field
1049 Catalina Boulevard (near the intersection with Varona Street)
information@plconcerts.org
Pt. Loma Park
La Jolla Concerts By the Sea
Sundays: 2 - 4 pm
Scripps Park (La Jolla Cove)
(858) 454-1600
Scripps Park
Pacific Beach Concerts on the Green
July 20 through August 10
Sunday afternoons: 4 - 6:30 pm
Kate Sessions Park
Lamont Street (just north of Beryl Street)
information@pbconcerts.org
Kate Sessions Park
Solana Beach Concerts at the Cove
Thursdays: 6 - 7:45 pm
Fletcher Cove Park
140 S. Sierra Avenue
Solana Beach
(858) 720-2453
Fletcher Cove
Around the District
On June 6th we held a San Diego swearing-in ceremony so I could celebrate my becoming Speaker with several hundred of my fellow San Diegans. I was very honored to be joined by (l to r) Reverend Dan Koeshall, Mayor Kevin Faulconer, Council President Todd Gloria, Speaker Emeritus John A. Pérez, and former Senator Chris Kehoe for the ceremony. Not pictured here but also joining me on stage were San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council President Mickey Kasparian, Assemblymember Shirley Weber, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, Congressman Scott Peters and my spouse Jennifer LeSar.I was thrilled to meet the Whittington family at the recent Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast in San Diego. Jeff and Hillary Whittington have unconditionally supported their transgender son Ryland during his transition. You can see the story of this amazing family at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoicaP7KFok.
It was a great pleasure to be able to recognize San Diego Police Department's Sergeant Rick Schnell, who recently retired after 35 years of dedicated service to the department. Sgt. Schnell and his partner Officer John Liening developed what is now called the Serial Inebriate Program (SIP) which diverted chronic alcoholics out of the criminal justice system and into treatment programs. He also has led the department's Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) since 2003. HOT is one of the nation's first programs to combine the services of law enforcement, mental health providers, and other social and health services to address the needs of chronically homeless people.
Laila Al-Shamma, a 17-year old student at La Costa Canyon High School, has won national recognition for revitalizing the Gay Straight Alliance at her school and creating a visible, supportive environment for LGBT high school students like herself. In this photo, we are attending the North San Diego County LGBTQ Center's annual gala, at which we were both honored.-------
Capitol Office:
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0078 United States
Tel: (916) 319-2078
Fax: (916) 319-2178
District Office:
1350 Front Street
Room 6054
San Diego, CA 92101 United States
Tel: (619) 645-3090
Fax: (619) 645-3094
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