Toni G. Atkins, Speaker of the Assembly for State of California for Monday, 2 February 2015 "Cash For College, Tax Help, & More!"

February eNews
Dear Friend,
As we settle into the year we find that there are many important deadlines coming up: Covered California open enrollment ends on February 15th; the Cal Grant deadline is March 2nd; and it's never too early to start your taxes. Be sure to mark these important deadlines on your calendars.

IN THIS ISSUE:
A Note from Toni
Cash for College
Upcoming Events in the District
Local San Diego Businesses Can Earn Tax Credits
2-1-1 San Diego
Pacific to Plate
Free Tax Help
100 Years of Balboa Park
#GetCovered Today – Open Enrollment ends on the 15th
Fall in Love with Snoopy this Valentine's Day
Around the Capitol
Around the District
Mobile Office Hours
Contact

eNewsletters
February 2015 eNews

As we settle into the year we find that there are many important deadlines coming up: Covered California open enrollment ends on February 15th; the Cal Grant deadline is March 2nd; and it’s never too early to start your taxes. Be sure to mark these important deadlines on your calendars.

IN THIS ISSUE:

A Note from Toni
Cash for College
Upcoming Events in the District
Local San Diego Businesses Can Earn Tax Credits
2-1-1 San Diego
Pacific to Plate
Free Tax Help
100 Years of Balboa Park
#GetCovered Today – Open Enrollment ends on the 15th
Fall in Love with Snoopy this Valentine’s Day
Around the Capitol
Around the District
Mobile Office Hours
Contact
A Note from Toni
One of my first experiences in local politics was volunteering for graffiti paint-outs. Our district had a graffiti problem, so we partnered with volunteers and recruited community members to clean up the neighborhood. The taggers tried to reclaim their territory, but we painted over it as soon as they did. Our hard work paid off and they soon left the neighborhood.
This year, with Team Toni, I’m renewing our volunteer effort to improve neighborhoods throughout the 78th Assembly District, and I invite you to join me.
On January 23, we started working with the Regional Task Force on the Homeless and with WeAllCount, documenting homeless individuals. This project can lead to millions in federal and state grants for local agencies to provide targeted services. Knowing the scope of the problem in San Diego will help us work toward the goal of ending homelessness.
In February, we’ll join Wildcoast for a cleanup project in Imperial Beach. In March we’ll focus on River Kids Discovery Day by the San Diego River Park Foundation.
Why volunteer? If you want to help others, contribute to your community, challenge yourself, support a cause, gain new skills, find new friends or get extra credit for a course or program, then Team Toni is a great match for you. If you’d like to join me, let me know atSpeaker.Atkins@assembly.ca.gov.
Upcoming events for 2015 will be posted on my website: http://asmdc.org/speaker.
Warmly,

Toni G. Atkins
Speaker of the Assembly
78th Assembly District
Cash for College
California’s students have the right to affordable, quality education. In fact, it’s part of California’s Master Plan for Education – that’s why we have programs like Cal Grants and Middle Class Scholarship to help families afford to some of the finest universities in the country.
Unfortunately, many families don’t take advantage of these programs. That’s why the California Student Aid Commission hosts Cash for College workshops. These workshops are held across the state and help students and families fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Cal Grant GPA Verification Form, which are time-consuming and often confusing to many first-generation college students.
Below is a list of Cash for College workshops in San Diego:
February 7
9 a.m. – Noon
Serra High School, 5156 Santo Road, San Diego, CA 92124
Contact: Linda Doughty, 858-569-1866, ldoughty@ucsd.edu
9 a.m. – Noon
Montgomery High School, 3250 Palm Avenue, San Diego, CA 92154
Contact: Linda Doughty, 858-569-1866, ldoughty@ucsd.edu
February 9
4 – 5 p.m.
Diego Hills Charter School, 4585 College Avenue, San Diego, CA 92115
Contact: Maia Weldele, 619-806-6588, mweldele@dhcharter.org
February 21
9 a.m. – Noon
Hoover High School, 4474 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92115
Contact: Linda Doughty, 858-569-1866, ldoughty@ucsd.edu
February 28
9 a.m. – Noon
Greater Victory Church, 1045 29th Street, San Diego, CA 92113
Contact: Linda Doughty, 858-569-1866, ldoughty@ucsd.edu
9 a.m. – Noon
Mission Bay High School, 2475 Grand Avenue, San Diego, CA 92109
Contact: Linda Doughty, 858-569-1866, ldoughty@ucsd.edu
5 – 6:30 p.m.
Diego Hills Charter School, 4585 College Avenue, San Diego, CA 92115
Contact: Maia Weldele, 619-806-6588, mweldele@dhcharter.org
The following is a list of items that you should bring when to help complete your FAFSA or California Dream Act Application:
Driver’s License (if you have one)
Social Security card or number or Alien registration number
Your and your parents’ 2014 income information, Individual Taxpayer ID Number, and tax information
2014 bank statements
Records of untaxed income (welfare benefits, Social Security benefits, child support payments)
A list of colleges you would like to attend
For more information about the Cash for College program, visithttp://www.calgrants.org/index.cfm?navId=16&.
Upcoming Events in the District
February 13
Asian Pacific Historic District Walking Tour
11 a.m.
Cost: $0 to $4
404 3rd Ave, San Diego
Contact: (619) 338-9888
February 13 - 15
Lunar New Year Tét / 春节 Festival
5 – 10 p.m.
Cost: $5 for adults, $4 for children, free parking
Qualcomm Stadium, 9449 Friars Road, San Diego
Contact: Contact@LittleSaigonSanDiego.org
For more information: http://www.lunarnewyearfestival.org
February 14
Don’t forget that the 78th Assembly District has many free romantic spots for Valentine’s Day:
Enjoy the sunset at the Glide Port over Black's Beach
Walk the Coronado Landing
Stroll Heritage Park in Old Town
Enjoy the view from Mt. Soledad cross
Paddle out on Mission Bay
Watch a movie at the South Bay Drive-in Theater in Imperial Beach
Visit Fletcher Cove Beach in Solana Beach
Take a walk through Little Italy
Picnic under the stars in Balboa Park
Walk the Embarcadero to Seaport Village
Enjoy the view at Del Mar Bluffs
Take a hike at Torrey Pines State Park
February 15

Paws FUR Pink® Run/Walk
8 a.m.
Cost: $10 - $40
NTC Park - Liberty Station, 2455 Cushing Rd., San Diego
International Dance Festival
Noon – 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Balboa Park Club Ballroom, 2150 Pan American Road West, San Diego
February 18
Preparing for Long Term Care
6 – 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Toby Wells YMCA, 5105 Overland Ave., San Diego
February 22

Jazz Greats
2 – 4 p.m.
Cost: $10-$20
Historic Balboa Theatre, 868 4th Ave., San Diego
An All-American tribute to U.S. jazz icons in honor of Black History Month, with featured artists, including vocalist Sherry Williams!
February 23
Water Conservation Workshop, sponsored by the Del Mar Garden Club
9 – 11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
1658 Coast Blvd., Del Mar
Local San Diego Businesses Can Earn Tax Credits
San Diego businesses scored big in the most recent round of the California Competes program, where businesses across the state both large and small compete to receive tax credit awards. Managed by the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), California Competes has already helped several companies expand and make new hires throughout our state.
It’s great to see so many San Diego area businesses receive tax credits through California Competes. These tax incentives will create good-paying jobs in our region and ensure that we maintain a competitive edge on the global stage.
From June 2014 until now, GO-Biz has awarded 12 companies doing business in the San Diego area nearly $7.3 million in tax credits.
You’ve probably visited of some of them, like Petco to pick up your pet products, or Modern Times Brewery to taste some of San Diego’s fine craft beers. Other awardees that have found their niche in San Diego are Underground Elephant, which provides digital marking solutions, and Fox Factory, which deals in high performance suspension products for mountain bikes, motorcycles and other off-road vehicles.
Across the state, many different types of businesses received California Competes awards—companies that did everything from semiconductor development to pet cremation. All told, in the 2014-15 fiscal year there will be $151.1 million in California Competes tax credits available. The program is available to businesses of any size, and a quarter of the money has been set aside for small businesses.
Your business could absolutely be next! With twice as many awardees as last year, it’s evident that the San Diego region is the right spot for businesses to start, expand and succeed.
According to a recent report, San Diego had its best year for innovative start-ups since 2007. And a study by the University of San Diego shows that San Diego County is on pace to add more than 30,000 jobs for the third year in a row.
We want you to achieve your goals. We want your business to thrive. And we want the new jobs you create created right here. Are you in? #CACompetes
For more information about the program, visit the GO-Biz website:www.business.ca.gov/Programs/CaliforniaCompetesTaxCredit.aspx
Or contact the GO-Biz office at (916) 322-0694.
2-1-1 San Diego

Every hour of every day, people in San Diego County are searching for services and resources to navigate life’s many challenges – from health-related information like affordable insurance and prescription assistance to food or financial assistance, housing resources, substance abuse treatment, care for a child or aging parent, or resources for our military and veteran community.
With thousands of services in our community, finding help can sometimes seem impossible. And the pressures of a new year can make that search even more difficult.
2-1-1 San Diego can help.
With more than 400,000 annual connections with customers, 2-1-1 serves the entire population of San Diego and Imperial counties as the region’s primary connection to more than 6,000 community, health and disaster services in more than 200 languages and dialects, 24 hours a day. By dialing 2-1-1, callers are linked to a highly-trained Customer Service Representative, who connects them to the best and closest resource in their community and empowers them to take the next step.
People can also connect to services by going to 2-1-1’s searchable online database atwww.211sandiego.org.
With a new year upon us, here are some of the timely resources and programs people can connect to through 2-1-1’s services:
Financial Assistance and Tax Preparation Services:
As a partner in the County’s Thrive initiative, 2‐1‐1 promotes free information and assistance for tax time. 2-1-1’s services include outreach and education to callers on the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and how to claim their credit at either a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) preparation site or online through MyFreeTaxes.com, the only completely free online tax preparation site for income-eligible filers.
With six VITA-certified staff, 2-1-1 allows each individual caller to schedule an appointment at the caller’s nearest VITA tax site (to have their income taxes completed at no cost by a trained volunteer) or provide information on the MyFreeTaxes program, empowering a caller to complete tax returns on his or her own.
Food and Health Assistance: Enrollment Center
2-1-1 San Diego’s Enrollment Center provides assistance enrolling in several programs over the telephone, saving time and resources. Certified specialists help callers learn more about available benefit programs, compare options and offer help applying for CalFresh, Medi-Cal and Covered California over the phone. This unique program helps eliminate barriers to in-person enrollment, such as transportation, childcare or physical limitations. To get connected, people can call 2-1-1 or visit www.2enrollme.org to make an appointment.
Military and Veteran Services: Courage to Call
Through a collaborative partnership with the County of San Diego, Mental Health Systems and Veterans Village of San Diego, 2-1-1 provides our region’s veterans, military and their families with a 24/7 helpline providing free, confidential information, support, and guidance. Staffed by highly trained veterans, people can connect to our peer-to-peer line for critical resources by dialing 2-1-1 or use chat capabilities accessible at www.211sandiego.org.
For more information or to search for services, please dial 2-1-1 or go towww.211sandiego.org.
Pacific to Plate

San Diego’s Tuna Harbor Dockside Market, and other coastal fish markets like it, should be able to grow and thrive. But changes to state law are needed to support them, and I’ve partnered with San Diego County, the San Diego Port District and other San Diego lawmakers to ensure that will happen with my “Pacific to Plate” legislation.
The Tuna Harbor market is small, but impressive and has made a big splash since its August 2 opening, drawing 350 visitors a week, who spend about $15,000 on more than a ton of fresh seafood brought directly to the pier by local fishermen.
Though the Market has been successful, there are still some barriers in state law. The “Pacific to Plate” bill I’m introducing in the Assembly will help keep red tape from tangling up this boon to San Diego’s blue economy.
Currently, Fishermen’s Markets are not defined in state law as food facilities, complicating permitting. In addition, a special exemption is needed to allow vendors to clean fresh fish, an important service for fish-loving, but squeamish patrons.
I joined San Diego County Supervisor Greg Cox, Port of San Diego Board Chairman Dan Malcolm and local fisherman Peter Halmay – the grass-roots force behind the market – for a news conference January 17 to announce “Pacific to Plate.”
The legislation would:
Allow Fishermen’s Markets to operate as food facilities and for fresh fish to be cleaned for direct sale at the markets, and
Streamline the permit process, so commercial fishermen can organize under a single permit—just as Certified Farmers' Markets do.
“This bill can help us establish more fishermen’s markets, create more jobs for local fishermen and give San Diegans more fish caught fresh off our waters,” said Supervisor Cox,a champion of the market.
The bill has attracted broad bipartisan support from San Diego’s state delegation. Assemblymembers Rocky Chávez, Brian Jones, Brian Maienschein, Marie Waldron and Shirley Weber are co-sponsoring “Pacific to Plate,” along with state Senators Joel Anderson, Patricia Bates, Marty Block and Ben Hueso.
The Tuna Harbor Dockside Market takes place from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. every Saturday on a pier just north of Seaport Village and west of the Headquarters. Metered parking is adjacent to the Chesapeake Fish Co., 535 Harbor Lane.
Free Tax Help
Did you know that your family may qualify for free tax preparation services?
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax information and assistance for low-income families. If your household income is $53,000 or less, you qualify to have your taxes prepared by a trained volunteer free of charge.
Here are two organizations that can help to connect you to VITA services near you:
SAY San Diego, a local charity, can help you find VITA services throughout the North Central San Diego area, including Clairemont, Linda Vista, Kearny Mesa, Mira Mesa and Pacific Beach.
Contact SAY San Diego at: 858-565-4148 x280 or http://www.saysandiego.org/ for more information or to schedule an appointment.
2-1-1 is a partner in the County’s Thrive initiative and offers free information and assistance for tax time. 2-1-1’s services include outreach and education to callers on the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). 2-1-1 will explain how to claim your credit online through MyFreeTaxes.com, the only completely free online tax preparation site for income-eligible filers, or through a local VITA provider.
More information and a list of free tax assistance locations can be found on the 2-1-1 website and online database at www.211sandiego.org or by calling 2-1-1.
Don’t forget to bring the following documents to your VITA appointment:
Valid photo identification
Valid Social Security Cards/ITIN letters
Birth dates for primary, secondary, and dependents on the tax return
Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers
Bank routing number and account number for Direct Deposit (your bank checkbook)
College Tuition Document (Form 1098-T), Student Loan Interest Form (1098-E), if applicable
To claim the California Renter's Credit, bring your landlord's name, address, and phone number
Total amount paid for day-care, if applicable
Day-care provider's identifying number, if applicable
Form 1095A if insurance was purchased through the marketplace
100 Years of Balboa Park

The recent re-opening of the California Tower is one of many special events that will take place in Balboa Park throughout 2015 to celebrate the centennial of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition.

In 1915, the state hosted four million visitors to celebrate the completion of the Panama Canal.
The California Tower was built as part of the exposition and the structure is home to the San Diego Museum of Man. The tower, which soars high above Balboa Park, also offers a 360-degree view of San Diego from the sea to the border (and everything in between). For 80 years, however, San Diegans and the city’s many visitors could not gain access to the panorama, though the reason why remains a mystery.
On January 1, after extensive renovations, it re-opened to the public for the first time since 1935. Visitors must walk up 125 steps to enjoy the expansive view of miles and miles of San Diego County – stretching all the way to Mexico on especially clear days.
I had the honor of representing Balboa Park when I was the council member for San Diego’s 3rd District. Now as an Assembly Speaker, I’m proud to say the state is part of the next phase of this project, adding thousands of dollars to the effort to keep the California Tower open for future generations.
I hope you’re able to make your way to Balboa Park soon, not only to enjoy this marvelous attraction, but also to be part of our city’s special centennial celebration.
Entry to the California Tower costs $22.50, which includes admission to the Museum of Man (there are discounts for seniors, youths and military members.) Preferred times are selling out, so check online to reserve a spot. This is the first of a regular feature in the newsletter spotlighting an aspect of the 2015 centennial celebration.
#GetCovered Today
Covered California’s 2015 open enrollment period is currently underway. The deadline to enroll is February 15th, 2015.
If you weren’t looking to make changes to your plan, then great news – plans were automatically renewed on December 15th. Be aware, though – plans have changed so you should check yours for any updates.
Covered California is the state’s health care marketplace that opened last year under the Affordable Care Act. During this open enrollment period, more than one million Californians sought coverage, indicating that the system is working and the demand and need for affordable health care is strong.
Covered California officials hope to increase enrollment, fix issues that consumers faced during the first open enrollment period and simplify the renewal process.
Health care is a necessity we cannot ignore – make sure that you and your loved ones are covered today.
To learn more or apply for coverage, please visit www.coveredca.com today. The website contains a wealth of information on plan options, community organizations that can assist you with enrolling, and costs.
This Valentine’s Day, join Vice President Joe Bidden, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Mindy Kaling in urging your loved ones to #GetCovered.

Fall in Love with Snoopy this Valentine’s Day

This year, give someone special the gift that keeps on giving: a Snoopy License Plate!
These new California license plates feature Snoopy doing the “happy dance,” an image donated by Jean Schulz, the widow of Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz. The bottom of the plate reads “museums are for everyone” because proceeds go to the California Cultural and Historical Endowment (CCHE) to help museums make badly needed capital improvements.
As mentioned earlier, this year marks the centennial celebration of Balboa Park, home of more than 15 wonderful museums. Why not commemorate this historic event with a license plate that not only contributes to Balboa Park’s museums, but all 1,400 museums in California?
Standard plates start at $50 but you can buy a personalized plate for $98. There’s even a gift certificate option when you go to Snoopyplate.com, which makes for a fun way to surprise a loved one this Valentine’s Day.
Around the Capitol

I almost couldn’t resist taking one back home to San Diego at the Legislative Pet Wellness Fair.

Assemblymembers Das Williams, Phil Ting and I were glad to meet with the new San Francisco Consul General of China Luo Linquan.

I met with three great chefs – Jamie Oliver, Alice Waters and Ann Cooper – to talk about safe, clean drinking water and healthy, delicious food.
Around the District

I checked out the wonderful local art at the San Diego History Center’s Master Works of Exposition Era.

The Human Rights Campaign partnered with San Diego Youth Services for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Services to get donations for our homeless LGBT youth. I was happy to see that the donations filled the room!

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Mobile Office Hours

Tuesday, February 3
4 to 5 p.m. (With Staff)
Central Library
Mary Hollis Clark Conference Center
330 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92101

Wednesday, February 4
6 to 7 p.m. (With Staff)
University Heights Library
4193 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA  92103

Wednesday, February 11
1 to 2 p.m. (With Staff)
North Park Library
3795 31st Street
San Diego, CA  92104

Thursday, February 12
10 to 11 a.m. (With Staff)
Solana Beach County Library
Earl Warren Middle School
157 Stevens Ave.
Solana Beach, CA 92075

Thursday, February 12
11:30 to 12:30 p.m. (With Staff)
Del Mar County Library
1309 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar, CA 92014

Tuesday, February 17
4 to 5 p.m. (With Staff)
University Community Branch Library
4155 Governor Drive
San Diego, CA  92122

Tuesday, February 17
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. (With Staff)
Pacific Beach Library
4275 Cass Street
San Diego, CA  92109

Wednesday, February 18
4:30 to 5:30 p.m. (With Staff)
San Diego Law Library
1105 Front Street
San Diego, CA 92101

Thursday, February 19
4 to 5 p.m. (With Staff)
La Jolla/Riford Library
7555 Draper Avenue
La Jolla, CA  92037

Saturday, February 21
12:30 to 1:30 p.m. (With Speaker Atkins)
Imperial Beach County Library
810 Imperial Beach Blvd.
Imperial Beach, CA  91932

Wednesday, February 25
12:30 to 1:30 p.m. (With Staff)
Pt. Loma/Hervey Library
3701 Voltaire Street
San Diego, CA  92107

Wednesday, February 25
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. (With Staff)
North Park Library
3795 31st Street
San Diego, CA  92104

Thursday, February 26
5 to 6 p.m. (With Staff)
Coronado Library
640 Orange Ave.
Coronado, CA 92118

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Contact

Capitol Office: State Capitol P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, California 94249-0078 United States Tel: (916) 319-2078 Fax: (916) 319-2178

District Office: 1350 Front St. Room 6054 San Diego, California 92101 United States Tel: (619) 645-3090 Fax: (619) 645-3094

Facebook: facebook.com/SDToni
Twitter: @toniatkins
Website: http://asmdc.org/speaker

Warmly,

Toni G. Atkins
Speaker of the Assembly
78th Assembly District

Website: http://www.asmdc.org/speakerEmail: Speaker Toni G. Atkins
Capitol Office:
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, California 94249-0078 United States 

Tel: (916) 319-2078
Fax: (916) 319-2178 District Office:
1350 Front Street
Room 6054
San Diego, California 92101 United States
Tel: (619) 645-3090
Fax: (619) 645-3094
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