A Pretty Good Election, but the Right Still Rules (tags)
The November 6, 2012 election turned out fairly well for progressives — from Barack Obama retaining the presidency to a true Left-wing Democrat like Bob Filner winning for Mayor of San Diego — but the Right is still strong. The issue agendas and terms of discussion continue to be dictated by an increasingly militant Right wing and America's pathetic, ill-organized remnant of a Left no longer has the power to put pressure on the political system for progressive reforms the way it did in the 1890's, 1930's and 1960's.
Police Line Up for Congratulations at San Diego City Council (tags)
On Monday, July 23 the San Diego City Council voted unanimously to commend the San Diego Police Department, County Sheriff's Department, Highway Patrol, Harbor Police and FBI for a job well done in creating a police-state atmosphere in San Diego during the biotech convention June 24-27, keeping down the number of protesters and profiling people based on their clothing choices and anti-corporate T-shirts. Picture shows a line of some of the police officers who attended the meeting to receive this honor.
San Diego City Council Endorses Police Actions at BIO 2001 (tags)
Full text of the resolution passed by the San Diego City Council unanimously July 23 honoring the various police jurisdictions and city agencies for keeping the number of anti-biotech protesters low and maintaining order during the BIO 2001 convention June 24-27. [Posted by Mark Gabrish Conlan of Zenger's Newsmagazine, who transcribed it from his tape of the City Council meeting.]
San Diego City Council Puts Beach Drinking Ban on Ballot (tags)
The San Diego City Council on July 23 responded to a public referendum petition to put its controversial ban on drinking on city beaches to a public vote. Opponents of the ban focused on the $180,000 it would cost to add the issue to the March 5, 2002 election. Supporters said that's a drop in the bucket compared to the costs of additional police to patrol the beaches and prevent alcohol-related crime.
Queers, People of Color Clash Over San Diego City Council Redistricting (tags)
The independent commission redrawing San Diego's City Council districts is considering two maps — one which keeps the city's Queer vote concentrated in one district, one which splits it in order to create a district that might elect a third person of color to the Council. The controversy highlights differences of interest between Queers and people of color, between working-class and poor people and small business owners, and between minorities that are recognized in federal civil rights law and ones that aren't.