News from California's Border Congressman

Community & Infrastructure


Headlines

 

May 18, 2011  

San Diego area organizations receive $3.3 million for local YouthBuild programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner applauded the Department of Labor selection of three local organizations to receive a total of $3.3 million for their YouthBuild programs. Each of the three organizations, the MAAC Project, the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council and Able-Disabled Advocacy, Inc., will receive $1.1 million.

"With this type of grant that goes directly to the community, we can begin to see the benefits immediately," said Congressman Filner. "YouthBuild is a great program that helps transform our at-risk youth into constructive members of society. I’ve seen first-hand how students in these programs come out with a new sense of ownership of their community and skills that help them find rewarding jobs."

A total of $75,848,000 was awarded for YouthBuild programs across the nation to provide education and training to young people. YouthBuild assists out-of-school youth in obtaining their diplomas or GEDs while providing occupational training in the construction industry. YouthBuild participants include individuals who have been in the juvenile justice system, youth aging out of foster care, high school dropouts and others. In addition to receiving academic and occupational skills training, young people develop leadership skills and participate in community service opportunities.

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April 12, 2011  

Congressman Filner Announces $1 Million for Brawley-based Head Start Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner announced today that the Brawley based Campesinos Unidos, Inc. has been awarded $1,095,502 for their Head Start program by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

"This funding goes directly to helping children get a fair chance at a good education," said Congressman Filner. "This is exactly the type of educational programs we should be backing right now because they make a real difference in the lives of so many families."

Campesinos Unidos, Inc. (CUI) is a private, non-profit organization (501c3) incorporated in 1971. They have acted as both a prime sponsor and subcontractor of numerous Federal, State and Local programs serving the rural poor. Currently, CUI provides a large Child Development-Head Start program, Employment-Training projects, a Self-Help Housing effort, and energy assistance services.

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April 4, 2011  

Congressman Filner Urges Republican Leadership to Fund Calexico Port-of-Entry Project

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner continued his efforts today to urge the Republican Leadership in the House of Representatives to fund the Calexico Land Port-of-Entry project, which was recently eliminated from the FY2011 budget by the Republican Majority in the House.

"I'm disappointed that not a single Republican member of the Border Caucus would support border infrastructure funding," said Congressman Filner. "I will continue to press the Republican Majority to fund border projects. It's vital to the economies on both sides of our border!"

Click here to view the Border Caucus letter, spearheaded by Congressman Filner, to House Speaker John Boehner. Click here to view a letter Congressman Filner sent recently to the House Appropriations Committee.

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March 14, 2011  

Congressman Filner Announces $50,000 Grant for San Ysidro Health Center

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner announced today that the San Ysidro Health Center has been awarded $50,000 for the Healthy Tomorrows Partnership for Children program.

"This grant is great news for the future of children's health in the South Bay," said Congressman Filner. "Grants like this are essential to making sure our underserved communities receive the care they need to get and stay healthy."

The funding was awarded as a discretionary grant by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. According to HRSA, the Healthy Tomorrows Partnership for Children began in 1989 with the mission to promote child health by working with communities to enhance prevention programs and to make health care for every child more accessible.

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Headlines

 

December 2, 2010  

Filner Announces Passage of Calexico Port-of-Entry Construction Authorization

Congressman Bob Filner, a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, is pleased to announce that Congress has approved a resolution authorizing expansion of the Calexico land port-of entry (LPOE). The resolution authorizes the General Services Administration (GSA) to reconfigure and expand the existing LPOE in downtown Calexico, California.

"At my request, primary POV inspection facilities will include 16 northbound inspection lanes and 5 southbound inspection lanes, instead of GSA’s original proposal of 3 southbound lanes," stated Filner. "This project will greatly improve the flow of traffic and pedestrians though the downtown Calexico LPOE."

The project includes new pedestrian processing and privately-owned vehicle (POV) inspection facilities, a new headhouse to provide supervision and services to the non-commercial vehicle inspection area, new administration offices and a parking structure. The expanded facilities will occupy both the existing inspection compound and the site of the former commercial inspection facility, decommissioned in 1996 when commercial traffic was redirected to the newly completed LPOE six miles east of downtown Calexico.

The project will be constructed in two phases. Phase I will consist of 10 northbound POV inspection lanes, a headhouse and site work necessary to accommodate those facilities on the sloping site. Phase II will consist of the balance of the project including additional site work, a pedestrian processing facility, administrative offices, five southbound POV inspection lanes, six additional northbound POV inspection lanes and the parking structure.

The authorizing resolution was passed by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on December 2nd. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved an identical resolution on November 30th. The total estimated project cost is $298,250,000. A total of $23,787,000 has already been spent on planning and design. Congress must now appropriate the remaining funding for the project to begin construction. GSA has requested $84,359,000 for construction in FY2011.

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October 27, 2010  

Congressman Filner: Federal Funds Awarded to San Diego Rail Projects

SAN DIEGO, CA - Congressman Bob Filner, a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation’s expected announcement that $45.9 million has been awarded for rail projects in San Diego County. An additional $4.4 million was awarded for the Pacific Surfliner which runs from San Luis Obispo to San Diego.

"I’m pleased that San Diego area projects are slated to receive this critical funding," said Congressman Filner. "These projects will create jobs for our region, reduce air pollution, lessen roadway congestion and improve transportation options for those commuting to work or school."

Funding for high-speed rail grants was approved as part of the FY2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act and the FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act. In total, 18 California projects will receive federal high-speed rail grants totaling $902 million, which will ensure that California remains a national leader in clean, efficient transportation systems.

Below are the San Diego area projects that received awards:

Project: This grant award is for the San Onofre-San Diego Positive Train Control (PTC) implementation.
Grant Amount: $24,900,000

Project: This grant award is for San Diego: Preliminary Engineering/National Environmental Policy Act (PE/NEPA) for Double Track.
Grant Amount: $10,000,000

Project: This grant award is for the Del Mar: PE/NEPA for Second Track, Bridge, Signal Improvements in California.
Grant Amount: $7,000,000

Project: This grant award is for Oceanside: PE/NEPA for Bridge Replacement with Double Track.
Grant Amount: $4,000,000

Project: This grant award is for the Pacific Surfliner: PE/NEPA for Double Track, Curve Realignments.
Grant Amount: $4,000,000

Project: This grant award is for Pacific Surfliner: PE/NEPA for Double Track.
Grant Amount: $400,000

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October 1, 2010  

Congressman Filner announces $600,000 grant award to local Neighborhood National Bank

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner is pleased to announce that Neighborhood National bank has been selected to receive $600,000 award under the Bank Enterprise Award (BEA) Program from the Department of Treasury. This program enables Neighborhood National Bank to provide commercial real estate loans and affordable housing development and investments in distressed communities in San Diego.

"At a time of worrying unemployment numbers and rising poverty levels, I felt it imperative to advocate for local community banks," said Congressman Filner. "It is these institutions that will make a tangible difference in the communities they serve."

The BEA program was enacted to provide an incentive to FDIC-insured banks and thrifts to increase either their level of support to certified Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) or increase their provision of loans, investments, and financial services in distressed communities, such as opening new savings accounts, providing mortgages or investing in local small business, or both. CDFIs are specialized community-based financial institutions that are able to respond to gaps that exist in their local markets.

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August 4, 2010  

Congressman Filner supports programs to help reduce teen pregnancies in immigrant and ethnic minority communities

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner recently co-sponsored legislation to fund programs to help reduce teen pregnancies in immigrant and ethnic minority communities.

"It is a sad reality that over half of all Latina and African American girls will become pregnant at least once during their teenage years," said Congressman Filner. "While other teenagers are free to pursue their dreams, teenage mothers are less likely to finish high school, face higher rates of unemployment and have a greater dependence on public assistance. Teen pregnancy means that the disadvantages already inherent in many minority communities are compounded."

The legislation, the Communities of Color Teen Pregnancy Prevention Act, supports health education programs to strengthen young women and help them understand the long-term consequences of childbearing at a young age. It aims to reduce teen pregnancy in minority communities through sexual health education that takes into consideration cultural and linguistic differences.

Specifically the bill includes provisions to increase grants for school-based and community-based teenage pregnancy intervention programs in minority communities, authorize grants to promote and build healthy relationships to prevent teenage pregnancies, and provide grants for educational programs to teach teenagers about risky sexual behaviors. The bill will also help provide for research into the prevalence and underlying social causes of teen pregnancy and births in minority communities, and evaluate the most effective approaches to address and reduce teen pregnancies.

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July 28, 2010  

Congressman Filner announces more than $320,000 for the San Diego Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Bob Filner announced today that the federal Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded $320,403 for the San Diego Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

"We have to work together across city lines if we are going to catch online child predators," said Filner. "These funds will go to making sure we have the resources to be proactive in investigating and prosecuting those using the internet to commit crimes against children."

The San Diego Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is a collaboration of local, state and federal agencies who investigate offenders using the internet or other technology to sexually exploit children.

These funds will go to pay for one-half of the salary for two San Diego Police Department detectives, a San Diego County Sheriff’s detective, one Chula Vista Police Department detective and one San Diego County District Attorney Investigator.

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July 27, 2010  

Congressman Filner Introduces Legislation to Help Communities Build Fire Stations Worthy of Our Firefighters!

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Bob Filner has introduced the Firefighting Investment, Renewal and Employment (FIRE) Act (H.R. 5858). This bill would authorize Assistance to Firefighters Fire Station Construction Grants for each of the next 5 years, at $210 million per year.

"Our firefighters put their lives on the line each and every day without hesitation. Yet in many of our communities we have outdated and deteriorating fire stations and many of our more rural areas have no facilities at all," said Filner. "That is why I have introduced the FIRE Act--we must make sure our firefighters have the facilities they need to be able to do their jobs!"

The FIRE Act would amend the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to authorize the fire station construction grant program.

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July 1, 2010  

Congressman Filner announces Calexico, Imperial airports to receive federal grants

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Bob Filner today announced Calexico International and Imperial County airports will receive a combined total of $1,398,463 for upgrades and repairs.

"I’m happy to see so much federal funding heading to the Imperial Valley," said Filner. "Not only will these funds help make our airports safer, they will play a part in stimulating the local economy."

Calexico International Airport was allocated $239,551 to install a precision approach path indicator (PAPI), runway end identifier lighting system (REILs), and airfield guidance signs.

Imperial County Airport will receive $1,158,912 for the phased construction of the aircraft cargo apron, the design of various improvements including rehabilitation of runway lighting, relocation of the segmented circle, and installation of perimeter fencing.

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June 29, 2010  

Congressman Filner announces more than $169,000 in federal funds for repairs to Brawley Municipal Airport

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner today announced Brawley Municipal Airport will receive $169,594 from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

"I’m proud to announce Brawley Municipal Airport will receive much needed federal funds to make repairs to ensure the safety of the airport," said Congressman Filner.

The grant will provide federal funding for the rehabilitation of the aircraft parking apron at Brawley Municipal Airport. The project consists of slurry sealing and marking of the apron pavement. The repairs are necessary to preserve the service life of the pavement and to enhance the safety of aircraft operations.

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June 10, 2010  

Congressman Filner: Calexico International Airport to receive more than $350,000 for earthquake repairs

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Bob Filner announced today the Department of Transportation has awarded more than $350,000 to repair damages to the Calexico International Airport resulting from the April 4 earthquake.

"I’m glad to see federal funds are beginning to flow to make much needed repairs in Calexico," said Filner. "I will continue to do everything I can to make sure Calexico and other cities in the Imperial Valley receive the funds they need to repair and rebuild."

A total of $371,386 will go to the Calexico International Airport to remove and overlay approximately 10,000 square feet of the runway surface, reconstruct approximately 30,000 square feet of the airport access road, and install new light fixtures for the airport beacon.

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May 17, 2010  

Congressman Filner honors Asian/Pacific Heritage, awards Citizen of the Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Bob Filner recently celebrated Asian/Pacific Heritage Month at the Asian Cultural Festival of San Diego, where he named Faith Bautista, Executive Director and President of the Mabuhay Alliance, "Citizen of the Month" for California’s 51st congressional district.

Congressman Filner also co-sponsored a resolution in Congress, H. Res. 1316, Celebrating Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, to pay tribute to the contributions of generations of Asians and Pacific Islanders who have enriched the nation's history.

"Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have contributed so much to our country," said Filner. "I’m glad I was able to celebrate those contributions and honor Faith Bautista as ‘Citizen of the Month’ for all of the work she has done to expand opportunities for the Asian and Pacific Islander communities in San Diego."

Asian/Pacific Heritage Month runs through May 31.

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May 13, 2010  

Congressman Filner announces $8.7 million for security measures

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Bob Filner announced today that San Diego and Imperial Counties will get more than $8.7million for security preparedness.

"It takes constant vigilance to be prepared and keep our country safe," said Filner. "This money will go to keeping our critical infrastructure safe from terrorism, major disasters and other emergencies."

The funding comes from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Preparedness Grants. San Diego received $5.5 million for transit security and $2.7 million for port security. The City of Brawley received $500,000 for emergency operations.

DHS grant programs fund a wide range of preparedness activities including planning, organization, equipment purchase, training, exercises and administration costs.

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April 20, 2010  

Congressman Filner to President Obama: Assistance from FEMA is critical to earthquake recovery

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Bob Filner asked President Barack Obama today to grant California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s request for a Federal Disaster Declaration that would help make funds available for Imperial County to rebuild after the April 4 quake that shook the valley.

"Assistance from FEMA is critical for my constituents!" wrote Filner. "I ask that full and speedy consideration be extended to the state's request, so that I am able to do all I can to assist my constituents in the recovery process."

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, governors may request supplemental Federal assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

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April 19, 2010  

Congressman Filner Supports Governor’s Request for SBA Disaster Declaration

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Bob Filner urged the Small Business Administration (SBA) to approve the State of California’s request for a disaster declaration for Imperial County. The declaration would make SBA disaster loans available for renters, homeowners and businesses that suffered losses due to the earthquake that struck the county on April 4th.

The request from Congressman Filner comes on the heels of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s request for the SBA disaster declaration in light of the April 13th damage survey that showed 43 homes and 9 businesses have suffered uninsured losses of more than 40 percent.

"I am happy that Governor Schwarzenegger has submitted the formal request for SBA assistance. Imperial County needs federal assistance to recover from the earthquake, and SBA loans should be part of the equation," said Filner. "This is a community that has been hit hard and we need to help them rebuild and get back on their feet."

If the SBA issues a disaster declaration for Imperial County, homeowners and renters would be able to apply for damages to their home, personal property, and vehicles and businesses would be able to apply for loans for damages to their real estate or business contents and for economic losses.

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February 22, 2010  

Congressman Bob Filner Announces Funds to the San Diego Association of Governments!

Congressman Bob Filner is pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $20.2 million to the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) under the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program.

SANDAG will use the award to complete the development of a 6 lane highway that will connect Otay Mesa and future Otay Mesa East border crossing to I-805.

"This project is particularly important to my constituents because it will improve the flow of goods between the United States and Mexico, eliminate substantial truck traffic through residential communities, and improve the regions air quality by lessening congestion and truck idling at the border," said Congressman Filner. "The project will also create critically important jobs for the region's economic vitality!"

The TIGER grant program was included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to spur a national competition for innovative, multi-modal and multi-jurisdictional transportation projects that promise significant economic and environmental benefits to an entire metropolitan area, a region or the nation. Projects funded include improvements to roads, bridges, rail, ports, transit and intermodal facilities.

In total, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood announced $1.5 billion in TIGER grant awards to fund 51 innovative transportation projects nation-wide. Three other projects in California also received awards for a total of $130 million.

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January 13, 2010  

Congressman Filner Congratulates Calexico High School!

Dear Editor,

I would like to extend my congratulations to the principal and students of Calexico High School for being selected as the number one school in the United States in AP Spanish Language by The College Board AP Report to the Nation!

I am always pleased to learn when our students are being recognized for their hard work and academic achievement. I also extend my personal congratulations to teachers Yolanda Cota and Ana Montes for their outstanding work with the students.

Keep up the good work!

Sincerely,

Congressman Bob Filner
Representative for California’s 51st Congressional District

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Headlines

 

September 29, 2009  

Congressman Filner Announces Assistance for Farmers and Ranchers

Congressman Bob Filner announces that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently designated San Diego and Imperial counties as part of a contiguous natural disaster area due to drought that began January 1, 2009, and continues. Farmers have eight months from the date of the USDA declaration – September 17, 2009 – to apply for assistance to help cover their losses.

"I am pleased that the USDA is acknowledging the hardship and heavy financial burden suffered by our farmers and ranchers due to water scarcity," said Congressman Filner. "This declaration is a starting point to provide assistance, as the state and federal authorities work to ensure stable water supply."

The designation from USDA qualifies agricultural producers to apply for low interest Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans and the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program that was approved as part of the 2008 Farm Bill. Interested farmers and ranchers may contact their local USDA Service Centers for further information on eligibility requirements and application procedures for these and other programs, such as the Emergency Conservation Program, Federal Crop Insurance, and the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program. Additional information is also available online at http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov.

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September 25, 2009  

Congressman Filner Announces Assistance for Farmers and Ranchers

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.

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September 18, 2009  

Filner Announces Recovery Act Funding for SDSU Carbon Capture Research

Congressman Bob Filner is pleased to announce that a $299,993 Recovery Act grant has been awarded to the San Diego State University (SDSU) Research Foundation through the U.S. Department of Energy. The funding will be used for a web-based CO2 subsurface modeling project and will create training opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students to develop the skills required for implementing and deploying carbon capture and storage technologies.

"If we are serious about cutting greenhouse gas emissions, then we need trained scientists to find ways to limit carbon emissions from coal-fired utilities," said Congressman Filner. "This funding for SDSU carbon capture research is the key to making so-called ‘clean coal’ a potential reality."

The SDSU web-based CO2 subsurface modeling project will build a comprehensive simulator to model carbon injection into sequestration sites. Specifically, the project seeks to understand how carbon sequestration into a water-filled reservoir would affect the subsurface based on resulting chemical reactions.

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September 15, 2009  

Congressman Filner Announces Grant for the 19th Annual Mariachi Festival Sin Fronteras Concert

Congressman Bob Filner today announced that Challenge America, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), is awarding a $10,000 grant to support the 19th Annual Mariachi Festival Sin Fronteras concert. This concert culminates six days of cultural activities presented by the City of Calexico in cooperation with the local business community.

"The artists invited to participate in the concern are Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, fifth generation musicians representing this internationally recognized 112-year-old Mexican ensemble; Mariachi Divas, the 2008 Grammy winning all-female group based in Los Angeles; and Mariachi Mixteco, aspiring young musicians from Imperial Valley," said Congressman Filner.

"The grant is part of the NEA’s Challenge America program that enables organizations, particularly those that are small or mid-sized, to extend the reach of the arts to areas of our country that have limited access." continued Congressman Filner.

NEA’s Challenge America most often funds local projects that involve experienced professional artists. The amount of each Challenge America grant is $10,000.

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September 9, 2009  

Congressman Bob Filner Recognizes the 2009 Chula Vista Park View Little League World Championship Team in Congress!

Congressman Bob Filner has introduced a Congressional Resolution to celebrate and honor the Chula Vista Park View Little League team for winning the 2009 World Championship game of the Little League World Series.

"I commend the hard work, determination, and commitment to excellence of the athletes, parents, coaches, and managers of the Park View Blue Bombers," said Congressman Filner. "These boys displayed the success of solid coaching and execution of fundamentals and discipline. They are indeed the pride of Chula Vista!"

On Sunday, August 30, 2009, the Park View Little League Team from Chula Vista, California, rallied to defeat the Chinese Taipei Little League Team by a score of 6-3 to win the 2009 Little League World Series Championship. Throughout their six games, the World Champions hit a Little League World Series record 19 homers, breaking the previous mark of 15 set in 2003 by a team from Tokyo, Japan.

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September 2, 2009  

Congressman Filner Announces Funding for Community Health Center Development

Congressman Bob Filner is pleased to announce that $80,000 has been awarded to Operation Samahan in National City under the Health Center Program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The funding will be used to conduct research and strengthen health services provided to underserved communities, particularly low-income Asians and Pacific Islanders.

"As healthcare is one of our country’s greatest challenges in the 21st century, businesses such as Operation Samahan play a vital role in providing services for low-income families," said Congressman Filner. "We must work together to support successful healthcare reform in an effort to provide essential health services for every American."

Samahan – a Tagalog word that means "working together" – was founded by the Filipino community 35 years ago in a small barbershop in downtown San Diego. What started as a community project initiated by Filipino health professionals has turned into a primary care and multi-service center serving low-income, un-insured and under-insured families and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

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August 31, 2009  

Rep. Filner Announces Funding for Quechan Tribal Housing Authority in Winterhaven

Congressman Bob Filner is pleased to announce that $600,000 in Recovery Act funding has been awarded to the Quechan Tribally Designated Housing Authority in Winterhaven by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

"Since the Recovery Act was passed in February, HUD has allocated $500 million in Native American Housing Block Grants (NAHBG) to nearly 600 eligible tribes and tribal housing entities," said Congressman Filner. "I am pleased that a portion of this funding will help boost the economy and revitalize neighborhoods in the Imperial Valley!"

Priority is given to grant applicants that create job opportunities and bring economic recovery to tribal communities and also projects that promote energy efficiency. Additional information about the ongoing competitive grant process is available online at www.hud.gov.

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August 28, 2009  

Congressman Filner Announces Funding for El Centro Economic Development

Congressman Bob Filner is pleased to announce that $3,199,933 has been awarded to the City of El Centro through the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA). The funding will be used to help build infrastructure to serve commercial development in three areas: the El Centro Town Center II, the El Centro Town Village industrial site, and the 8th Street industrial site.

"This investment will create more than 400 jobs and attract private investment to the Imperial Valley region by building the infrastructure needed to establish these vital commercial areas," said Congressman Filner. "Additionally, the proposal estimates the creation of $120 million in entrepreneurial opportunities."

This construction will diversify the largely agricultural local economy by giving new businesses space to locate and linking them to the global economy through nearby railroad and airport access. The EDA is an agency that supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States.

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August 21, 2009  

Congressman Filner Announces Funding for San Diego Transportation Projects

Congressman Bob Filner is pleased to announce $72.1 million in Recovery Act funds for transit improvements in California. This includes $72,070,553 for use within San Diego County by the San Diego Association of Governments to design and construct the trolley wayside, trackway modifications, and stations to support new low-floor vehicle operations on the Blue Line between the Old Town Transit Center and San Ysidro.

"President Obama signed the Recovery Act into law in February and, as a result, already more than $4.2 billion has been awarded for transit improvements throughout the country," said Congressman Filner. "The demand for public transportation is growing and this grant will help us meet that need and create more jobs here in San Diego."

The San Diego funding will also be used for the construction of the San Luis Rey multi-modal transit center, rail electrification, track improvements, and a bridge replacement along the Los Angeles – San Diego (LOSSAN) rail corridor.

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August 11, 2009  

A Waterfront that Works For All

By Congressman Bob Filner

What happened to the vision? A grand public gateway consisting of a continuous 10-acre park and gathering place at the foot of Broadway was promised to San Diegans in the Port of San Diego’s Master Plan (PMP). Now we have the old "bait and switch."

The waterfront is to serve as the City’s major open space, its park and its playground. We have an opportunity to create a great civic asset geared not just towards visitors, but to all San Diego residents by looking at cumulative impacts of all the recently approved projects including the Navy Broadway Complex site.

Active faulting has been found in the North Embarcadero area near Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway. Since 2006, multiple signs of active faulting on the Navy Broadway Complex site still have yet to be addressed. The outstanding seismic issues and national Homeland Security concerns have not been resolved, as required by the California Geologic Survey. In fact, recently the Navy misrepresented a letter from the United States Geologic Survey (USGS), claiming that the federal government agency approved the Navy Broadway Complex fault investigation. No such approval has taken place.

On July 2, 2009, the California Coastal Commission sent a letter to the Port that stated that the North Embarcadero Visionary Plan (NEVP) is not consistent with the certified Port Master Plan. The letter continued to say that, "while the NEVP should be used as guidance, the certified Port Master Plan is the standard of review by which all new development must be measured… It is not possible to achieve a comparable level or quality of public open space in a fragmented arrangement of sidewalks and setbacks than would exist in a large, continuous open space."

The California Coastal Commission is correct that an update to the Port's Master Plan is required in light of the many development projects approved over the last two years including the Navy Broadway Complex and offsite parking, Lane Field North, Lane Field South, the B Street Pier Cruise Ship Terminal, the Broadway Cruise Ship Terminal, Rucco park, the Old Police Headquarters, the deletion of the 10-acre gateway park and the planned public park and open space on the Broadway Pier.

An update to the Port of San Diego’s Master Plan is the perfect opportunity to confirm or deny active faulting on the Navy Broadway Complex. San Diegans, Navy personnel, and visitors deserve a safe, engineered, public waterfront that works for all.

Congressman Bob Filner
Representative for California’s 51st Congressional District

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August 4, 2009  

Rep. Filner Announces Recovery Act Funds for San Diego

Congressman Bob Filner is pleased to announce that $132,130,917 in funding has been awarded to San Diego agencies by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. As of July 17, over $230 billion has been made available to support states and individuals and to wisely invest in existing and emerging sectors of our Nation’s economy. These investments include tax cuts for families and critical funds for new roads and improved highways, improved schools, safer communities, and modernized energy systems.

"This funding will give assistance to families, provide new resources to local governments and businesses, and help end the economic free fall that has gripped the country for more than 18 months," said Congressman Filner. "Our economic problems have been years in the making and they won’t be solved overnight, but the Recovery Act has helped put us on the right track."

Awards have been made within San Diego as follows:

$26,244,000 - San Diego Defense Research Program
$21,296,000 - Otay Mesa U.S. Land Port of Entry
$373,802 - Chula Vista Congregational Tower Rental Assistance
$128,544 - San Ysidro Del Prado Rental Assistance
$580,437 - Chula Vista Kiku Gardens Rental Assistance
$899,444 - San Diego Logan Square Gardens Rental Assistance
$2,913,456 - San Diego Meadowbrook Apartments Rental Assistance
$203,893 - National City Summercrest Rental Assistance
$1,155,341 - San Ysidro Vista Terrace Hills Rental Assistance
$78,336,000 - San Diego Highway Infrastructure Improvements
In addition, the Recovery Act will award $740,990 to individual homeowners and $8,372,367 to commercial lenders throughout San Diego as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Single Family Housing Programs.

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July 31, 2009  

Congressman Filner Announces Funding to Support Medical and Community Center Facilities in the Imperial Valley!

Congressman Bob Filner is pleased to announce that $36,300 in Recovery Act funding has been awarded to community facility projects in Imperial County by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development’s Community Facilities program. This funding helps finance essential community facilities for public use in rural areas.

These facilities include child care centers, hospitals, medical clinics, assisted-living facilities, fire and rescue stations, police stations, community centers, public buildings, and transportation. Through this program, USDA ensures that such facilities are available to all rural residents. Public bodies, non-profit organizations and recognized Indian tribes are eligible to apply for funding.

"The Recovery Act is designed to jump-start the nation’s economy, create and save millions of jobs and help address long-neglected challenges," said Congressman Filner. "Nearly $179.6 million in Recovery Act funding has been announced for community facility projects."
The Niland Fire District will receive $15,000,
United Families Inc. of Salton City will receive $10,650,
United Families Inc. of Westmorland will receive $10,650.
President Obama signed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 into law on Feb. 17, 2009. For more information about USDA’s Recovery Act efforts, please visit www.usda.gov/recovery.

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July 27, 2009  

Rep. Filner Votes to Spur Economic Recovery by Investing in Housing, Transportation Infrastructure

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner has voted to help spur our economic recovery and create jobs with targeted investments in a modern transportation system and housing assistance for all Americans. The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, H.R. 3288, builds on the work of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and our long-term economic plan to provide short-term help in the form of housing and jobs for those hurt most by the economic downturn and long-term solutions like improved infrastructure to put our economy on sound footing for the future.

"By passing this bill on time and under budget, the House continues to enact key pieces of President Obama's long-term economic plan," said Congressman Filner. "We are committed to passing fiscally responsible appropriations legislation that invests in key priorities to grow our economy, while also cutting and eliminating programs that aren't working."

The legislation will address the challenges of keeping our transportation system safe, secure and up-to-date. To increase Americans' use of public transportation and help wean us off of our addiction to foreign oil, we invest in the next generation of high-speed passenger rail and new commuter rail and light rail systems. We also improve and repair our nation's aging highway system and modernize our air traffic control system to make travel safer, easier and more efficient.

"Rebuilding and modernizing our roads, public transit and railways is overdue and absolutely necessary to maintain our safety and security and help minimize our dependence on foreign oil," said Congressman Filner "It's also a key tenet of our long-term economic plan and will pave the way for a new clean energy economy."

To ensure that all Americans have access to housing and shelter during this economic crisis, the bill increases funding for rental vouchers and housing assistance for the neediest Americans - the disabled, elderly and homeless veterans. The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act also invests in counseling to help families who are at risk of foreclosure stay in their homes and weather the mortgage crisis.

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June 20, 2009  

Filner Announces YouthBuild Grant Awards:
Funding will Provide Opportunities for Disadvantaged Youth

Congressman Bob Filner is pleased to announce the release of $1,387,100 in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Labor YouthBuild program within the 51st Congressional District – $687,500 to the San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council and $699,600 to the Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee (MAAC) based in Chula Vista. The YouthBuild program is providing $114 million to 183 community groups nation-wide for education and job skills training for disadvantaged youth to achieve economic self-sufficiency, including $42 million dollars allocated through the federal Stimulus Act.

"The YouthBuild program helps deserving kids find meaningful work and serve their communities," said Filner. "The Labor Council and MAAC will be able to tap into the energy and talents of our youth so they can help others while they help themselves. It’s a great program!"

The Labor Council and MAAC YouthBuild programs will each train approximately 80 youth who will help increase the supply of permanent affordable housing for homeless and low-income families by constructing and rehabilitating low-income housing units in their own communities.

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June 19, 2009  

Filner Secures Funding for Critical Community Projects in San Diego, National City, Chula Vista

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner has secured significant funding for critical community projects within California's 51st District through the bi-partisan Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill as follows:

  • $1.2 million for the Regional Communications System Upgrade through the County of San Diego, which will also benefit Imperial County.
  • $95,000 for the Homeless Outreach Program and Enforcement (HOPE) Project through the City of National City, CA.
  • $200,000 for Gang and Drug Crime Investigation and Prosecution efforts through the County of San Diego District Attorney's office.
  • $350,000 for the Regional Gang Enforcement Collaborative through the County of San Diego Sheriff's Department.
  • $400,000 for the Prisoner Re-entry Employment Program through San Diego Second Chance.
  • $100,000 for the Turning the Hearts Center in Chula Vista, CA.

"These are key investments in our priorities," said Rep. Filner. "As a result of this bill and the Recovery Act we passed earlier this year, we're boosting crime prevention and noticeably improving people's lives."

This bill begins to lay a new foundation for lasting prosperity and security with investments in programs that help local and state governments keep their citizens safe, and research and development programs that facilitate scientific innovation and discovery.

In the areas of justice and crime-prevention, the legislation:

  • Significantly increases funding for the FBI to boost our national security efforts, address the growing threat of cyber crime and prosecute financial fraud.
  • Invests heavily in protecting our borders, providing $2 billion for the Drug Enforcement Administration to combat drug trafficking with 128 new positions in the Southwest and enhanced resources to investigate, disrupt and dismantle major Mexican drug cartels.
  • Provides additional funding for the prosecution of violent crimes against women and strengthens services for the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
  • Invests $1.1 billion in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to reduce violent crime and combat drug trafficking along the southwest border.

The bill also makes significant investments in scientific research and innovation. Specifically, the legislation:

  • Helps our students succeed in a global job market by investing in science, technology, engineering and math education.
  • Renews our commitment to reduce global climate change with funding for research.
  • Invests $6.9 billion in the National Science Foundation for the most promising scientific research and innovation.

"America's success has always depended on our ability to innovate," said Rep. Filner. "To keep up and compete in a new global economy, we must support scientific research, discovery and education at every level. I'm proud to say that this bill makes historic investments to encourage the work of our scientists, researchers, students and educators."

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April 17, 2009  

Congressman Bob Filner Announces Emergency Food And Shelter Award For San Diego County

Congressman Bob Filner announced today that $1,039,932 has been awarded to San Diego County by the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP). Federal funds totaling $100 million were made available to the EFSP, through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), to bring immediate relief to communities to address unemployment and poverty in light of the economic climate faced by our country.

Funds will be distributed to support social service agencies in more than 2,500 cities and counties across the country. EFSP grant funds are used to supplement food, shelter, rent, mortgage and utility assistance programs for people with non-disaster related emergencies.

Additional jurisdictions in California may be selected at a later date by the EFSP State Set-Aside Committee. The EFSP National Board, chaired by the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and composed of representatives from American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; United Jewish Communities; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.; The Salvation Army; and United Way of America, provides supplemental funding to shelters, soup kitchens, and food banks. One-month awards for rent, mortgage, and utility assistance are also available. The funds are used to help individuals and families with non-disaster, temporary emergency needs.

In each funded jurisdiction, a Local Board advertises the availability of the funds, establishes local priorities, selects local non-profit and government agencies to receive supplemental funding, and monitors program compliance. The Local Board's composition mirrors the EFSP National Board, with a local government official replacing FEMA and board members voting to select their chair.

The EFSP has been in existence since 1983 and was authorized under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987. With the ARRA funding, more than $3.404 billion in federal aid will have been disbursed through the EFSP since its inception to communities nationwide, and has accounted for millions of additional meals and nights of shelter to the hungry and homeless most in need across the nation.

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March 27, 2009  

Congressman Filner Announces Release Of Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Funds To San Diego County!

Congressman Bob Filner is pleased to announce the release of $7.5 million in AIP funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act - $2.5 million to rehabilitate the taxiway at Gillespie Field and $5 million to install guidance signs at San Diego International. Filner serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation, which oversees the AIP program.

"I'm pleased that the Federal Aviation Administration is moving quickly to get AIP funds to eligible airport projects that have completed design and planning requirements." said Congressman Filner. "Not only will this create jobs in San Diego, but it will also improve safety and efficiency at the airport!"

For more information about the FAA and other U.S. Department of Transportation resources related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, visit the agency on line at www.faa.gov.

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March 19, 2009  

Congressman Filner Votes to Renew America’s Commitment to Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Filner has joined a bi-partisan majority in the House of Representatives in voting for a bill that will launch a new era of American service and volunteerism. The Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act, H.R. 1388, answers President Obama’s call for Americans of all generations to help get the country through the economic crisis by serving and volunteering in their communities.

The House passed the GIVE Act by a vote of 321 to 105. The Senate is also considering similar legislation.

"President Obama called for all Americans to dedicate themselves to serve in their communities in this time of economic crisis," said Filner. "Americans have always responded in times of crisis and this bill helps provide them with the tools to rebuild their communities. I am proud to stand with President Obama on this bill that will provide critical opportunities for Americans to give back."

In California, more than 240,000 people of all ages and backgrounds are currently involved with 406 national service projects throughout the state, helping to meet local needs, strengthen communities, and increase civic engagement, according to the Corporation for National & Community Service.

The GIVE Act would more than triple the number of volunteers nation-wide from 75,000 to 250,000, and increase the education reward they receive to $5,350 for next year, the same as the maximum Pell Grant scholarship award. The education award would also be linked to match future boosts in the Pell Grant scholarship in order to keep up with rising college costs.

This legislation would create a new national Call to Service campaign and would encourage Americans to observe September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

The GIVE Act would also provide new incentives for middle and high school students to volunteer in their communities. It would create a Summer of Service program to engage students in service and allows them to earn a $500 education award to be used for college costs.

In addition, H.R. 1388 would:

  • Strengthen existing service programs and create new innovative programs to help improve student achievement and graduation in low-income schools, expand health care access, provide seniors with help living independently, enhance services for veterans, and help build a green, energy-efficient economy;
  • Establish a Veterans Corp to meet the unique needs of veterans and military families;
  • Expand the focus of the National Civilian Community Corps to infrastructure improvement, environmental and energy conversation, and urban and rural development, in addition to disaster relief;
  • Create new opportunities for Baby Boomers and seniors to serve and volunteer;
  • Recruit scientists and engineers into service to keep America competitive; and
  • Build a nationwide community-based infrastructure to leverage investments in service.

For a more detailed fact sheet, click here.

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March 5, 2009  

Congressman Filner Supports A Fair Plan To Keep Americans In Their Homes!

The Helping Families Save Their Homes Act will keep hundreds of thousands of families from losing their homes without spending one federal dollar

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Filner joined a majority in the House of Representatives today in support of legislation that brings fairness and hope to families who are facing foreclosure. The Helping Families Save Their Homes Act was approved by a vote of 234-191. A record 5.4 million homeowners were either behind on payments or in foreclosure at the end of last year, according to an industry survey. It is vitally important that we address our nation’s housing crisis. The Helping Families Save Their Homes Act will put in place a key first piece of President Obama’s comprehensive Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan. The President announced details of his plan yesterday, including a website, www.financialstability.gov, with an eligibility quiz for homeowners struggling to make their payments.

"This legislation is about fairness. It’s about giving a family who owns one home the same rights to keep their home when they face bankruptcy as the investors and speculators who own two or three," said Filner. "California is one of the hardest hit states in the foreclosure crisis – 9.13% of our mortgages are past due. That’s more than 538,000 loans that this bill could help Californians refinance!"

The Helping Families Save Their Homes Act gives bankruptcy judges the ability to modify existing mortgages for families who file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy as an incentive to spur lenders into voluntarily modifying loans. It gives lenders the confidence to modify loans by protecting them from some lawsuits. And it spurs mortgage refinancing by fixing the Federal Housing Administration’s Hope for Homeowners Program, reducing fees and offering new incentives for lenders.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing is a last resort for many families who are unable to make ends meet in the midst of this recession. It is a strict and intrusive process that forces a family to open their finances up to the scrutiny and management of the courts for up to five years.

This legislation is critical to the overall recovery of our economy. Home prices dropped 18 percent in the last quarter of 2008. More than 14 million homeowners owe more on their mortgage than their home is worth, and they cannot refinance. Many are facing foreclosure through no fault of their own. This is an important step in helping America recover.

Congressman Filner added, "Stabilizing the housing market is central to restoring the American economy. We all stand to lose if we do not stop the steep decline in home prices. In fact, each foreclosed home reduces nearby property values by as much as 9 percent. I am proud to support this fair approach to our housing crisis and work with the President to help American families keep their homes and strengthen our neighborhoods!"

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Headlines

 

November 17, 2008  

Filner Honored for His Work with Rural Communities

Congressman Bob Filner was recently honored for his efforts on behalf of vulnerable, low-income rural communities at the 2008 San Diego Tardeada to benefit California Rural Legal Assistance. Pictured here with the Congressman are (from left) David Valladolid, President of the Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) and Jose Padilla, Executive Director of California Rural Legal Assistance.

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August 11, 2008  

Filner Opposes Nuclear Technology Transfer to Saudi Arabia

Congressman Bob Filner recently co-sponsored H.R. 6298, legislation to restrict nuclear cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

"The proliferation of nuclear technology in the Middle East will only increase regional instability and hinder the establishment of a durable and lasting peace," stated Filner. "With the vast reserves of fossil fuels and potential for solar power development in Saudi Arabia, there is no clear energy-related reason for such an agreement."

H.R. 6298 would disapprove of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Concerning Cooperation in Nuclear Energy and Other Energy Fields signed by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Saud al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz al-Saud on May 16, 2008 in Riyadh.

H.R. 6298 would also encourage the U.S. and Saudi Arabia to enter into full cooperation in the development of renewable energy sources in Saudi Arabia, including a solar energy program that takes advantage of that country's strong solar energy potential; and reiterate that the United States is committed to the nonproliferation of nuclear weapons and to preventing the acquisition of nuclear weapons by the Islamic Republic of Iran.

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October 30, 2008  

Filner Announces Emergency Highway Funds For California

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner, a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, is pleased to announce that the Federal Highway Administration is releasing $119 million under the Emergency Relief program to cover costs incurred to repair roads and bridges damaged by naturally occurring catastrophic events.

"We created the Emergency Relief program to help states rebuild infrastructure destroyed by natural disasters," Filner stated. "The 2004 and 2005 winter storms wreaked havoc on our roads and I am very pleased that California will be receiving $119 million to help with recovery efforts."

Specifically, FHWA will provide $50 million for repairs related to the December 2004 winter storms that severely impacted Southern California and $69 million for repairs related to the December 2005 winter storms that severely impacted Northern California. The storms delivered a record amount of rainfall that resulted in area-wide flooding, mudslides, debris accumulation, and washed out and damaged roadways.

The following eight Southern California Counties were impacted by the 2004 storms: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura. The following 40 Northern California Counties were impacted by the 2005 storms: Alameda, Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Humboldt, Kings, Lake, Lassen, Madera, Marin, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Trinity, Tulare, Tuolomne, Yolo, and Yuba.

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May 10, 2008  

Filner Says: American Flag Production Should Benefit American Businesses

Congressman Bob Filner today announced his introduction of legislation to ensure that all American flags flown over federal government buildings and on federal property should be made in the United States.

The U.S. Census bureau estimates that $5.3 million worth of American flags were imported from other countries in 2006, mostly from China. Although U.S. law requires every flag be labeled with its "country of origin," the number of foreign-made American flags has steadily grown over the past few years.

"The American flag is much more than our national symbol. It embodies our courage, liberty, and justice," said Congressman Filner. "The flag reminds us each and every day of the sacrifices that were made for justice and freedom. So, as we proudly fly the Stars and Stripes, we must ensure that they were homespun in the United States!"

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March 4, 2008  

Children’s Defense Fund Declares Filner: One of the "Best Representatives for Children"

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner today thanked the Children’s Defense Fund Action Council (CDFAC) for naming him among the "Best Representatives for Children." The CDFAC today released its 2007 Nonpartisan Congressional Scorecard, which grades every Member of Congress based on key votes affecting children, and Congressman Filner voted to protect the health and well being of California’s children 100 percent of the time. Filner achieved this distinction by voting to support the first increase in the minimum wage in a decade, access and quality improvements in Head Start, and additional funds for student loans.

Congressman Filner said, "I am honored to be recognized as one of the Best Representatives for Children, and I truly believe that providing for our children will create a better future for us all. Universal education and equal opportunity for children are central elements of the American dream, and without them our nation would not be what it is today. I will continue to fight to ensure that every child has the security, opportunity and resources to flourish and that every parent is able to provide the necessary support!"

"I applaud Congressman Filner for his commitment to improving the lives of children," said CDFAC President Marian Wright Edelman. "With 9.4 million uninsured children in America and nearly 13 million living in poverty, it is critical that we elect Representatives committed to making children a priority. Filner is a dedicated advocate for children and has truly earned the distinction of being one of the best Representatives for children."

The Children’s Defense Fund Action Council educates the nation about the needs of children and encourages preventative investment before they get sick or into trouble, drop out of school, or suffer family breakdown. The CDF Action Council began in 1969 and is a private, non-profit organization that has never taken government funds.

CDFAC developed an interactive map and other online tools to show how Members of Congress voted by state. To see the interactive map as well as the 2007 Congressional Scorecard in its entirety, which includes the grades of all Members of Congress, visit: www.cdfactioncouncil.org.

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December 31, 2007  

Congressman Filner Applauds The Center For Family Solutions

Congressman Bob Filner today announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded a $169,864 grant to WomanHaven, Inc. WomanHaven, Inc, which recently changed its name to the Center for Family Solutions, provides shelter and services for all members of families who have been subject to domestic violence.

Congressman Filner pointed out that, "Many families continue to suffer from domestic violence, and I am thankful that the Center for Family Solutions is there to help not only victims of abuse, but their entire families, get back on their feet and learn to respect themselves and one another!"

In 1977, WomanHaven, Inc was created by a small group of community activists concerned about victims of domestic violence. Since that time, the group has dramatically increased their level of service. WomanHaven, Inc, now the Center for Family Solutions, provides shelter and services for victims, counseling for aggressors and their families, and prevention and awareness programs in local schools and the community. The Center serves all of Imperial County as well as rural parts of San Diego and Riverside Counties. In the first year that WomanHaven existed care was provided for 56 people. Last year the Center provided shelter and other services for more than 4,500 people in Imperial County.

Dr. Barbara Shaver, Executive Director of the Center for Family Solutions, speaking on behalf of their community Board of Directors and staff, "We are very grateful for the support of HUD and of Congressman Filner in our efforts to help victims and their families, by providing shelter, education and violence prevention services. Children in violent families often grow up to be troubled, join gangs, fail in school, become batterers, and never achieve their full potential. Ninety-nine percent of the men and women incarcerated in California grew up in violent homes, and children who do so tend to perpetuate this behavior into the next generation, because they don’t know how to be non-violent. We are dedicated to breaking this cycle in Imperial County and appreciate the support of HUD in our efforts."

"Preventing abuse is in everyone’s best interest. Unfortunately, many children who grow up in abusive households repeat the mistakes their parents made, becoming victims, abusers and too often criminals. We need to stop this trend before it starts in order to prevent much pain and suffering, which is why the services at the Center for Family Solutions are so important!" said Congressman Filner. "I applaud their efforts, and I know that they inspire everyone to do his or her part!"

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November 10, 2007  

Congressman Filner Requests Federal Funding to Rebuild Fire-Damaged Areas

Congressman Bob Filner and Congresswoman Susan Davis (CA-53) recently requested that President Bush provide additional Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance related to the Southern California Wildfires. Their letter, which was also signed by Congressmen Ken Calvert (CA-44), Darrell Issa (CA-49), Brian Bilbray (CA-50), and Duncan Hunter (CA-52), urges the President to authorize FEMA to waive all state and local cost-sharing requirements for debris removal and emergency protective measures including police, firefighters, health care providers, and the sheltering and feeding of evacuees.

My deepest gratitude goes out to the firefighters, emergency responders, military personnel, and volunteers who worked diligently to protect the lives and property of friends and neighbors. Unfortunately, we still have a challenging road ahead of us as we rebuild our homes and businesses. Federal assistance for the cost of the fire damage and reconstruction is necessary if we are to quickly and effectively return to our former lives, and I am committed to ensuring that the assistance is adequate and timely. I have been inspired by our community, and I know that we can do this together!" said Congressman Filner.

On October 24, 2007, Governor Schwarzenegger requested and President Bush issued a major federal disaster declaration for the counties of Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego. Under the Stafford Act, these areas are eligible for federal assistance to help the local governments, families, and businesses recover from the wildfires. Stafford Act assistance generally contains a cost sharing requirement for the state and local governments. The President can waive these requirements and recommend 100 percent reimbursement.

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