This story was reported for the San Diego News Network on January 20, 2010. It has two parts. It’s been exactly one year since President Barack Obama accepted the challenge of leading the most powerful country in the world. It’s clear his presence on the nation’s center stage has shaped the dynamics of various issues plaguing the U.S., and the… Read more →
Category: Federal Politics
Shortage of health care workers a growing concern
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on December 9, 2009. The public option, Medicare and insurance for undocumented residents are just some issues related to health care being debated in the U.S. Senate at the moment. But some Americans have other concerns surrounding health care legislation — like the depleted amount of workers in the industry. Does… Read more →
Sea changes in congressional districts create Democratic hope
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on November 20, 2009. The decreasing number of registered Republican voters in California is making some Democrats optimistic of a permanent sea change. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has hopes that eight congressional districts — which have seen a rise in registered Democratic voters – will seat a Blue Dog… Read more →
Candidates separate themselves in contentious 50th District
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on November 12, 2009. California’s 50th Congressional District has had more than its share of the national spotlight, and not always for flattering reasons. Let’s start with words like “fraud” and “indictment” based on the Duke Cunningham bribery scandal (the former representative of the 50th District is now in federal prison),… Read more →
Single-payer health care advocates arrested in protest
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on November 2, 2009. Three single-payer health care supporters were arrested Monday after protesting outside the Mission Valley office of Blue Shield of California. The protest was a part of a nationwide campaign to dispute health care companies, who demonstrators claim have been raising premiums throughout the recession and have lobbied… Read more →
Religious groups take a stand on health care debate
This story was reported for the San Diego News Network on August 11, 2009. Religious Americans ready for health care reform are turning up the pressure on lawmakers Tuesday with nationwide rallies asking for change by the end of 2009. The organizations, led by the faith-based PICO (Pacific Institute for Community Organizations) National Network, have planned a 40-day-long campaign that… Read more →
Pro-pot ad hits airwaves; opponents say its a gateway drug
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on July 8, 2009. With the Golden State strapped for cash, a pro-marijuana group is launching an ad to encourage legislators to legalize and tax the drug as means for revenue. But, a poll conducted by a local agency, says people under 18 who’ve smoked marijuana are more likely to move… Read more →
Taxing sex to save California from its budget deficit
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on June 8, 2009. Single, childless, and with an average weekly income of $2,500, one would assume “Samantha” pays a hefty income tax. Not so. The 23-year-old prostitute hasn’t paid taxes in more than a year – and now she’s planning to expand her clientele. If prostitution were legal in California,… Read more →
Undercover operation nets medical marijuana patients
This story was reported for the San Diego News Network on June 3, 2009. Story was reported by Hoa Quach and Steven Bartholow. After a four-year stint in the U.S. Navy, Eugene Davidovich started to feel anxious, restless, and suffered migraine headaches. In 2002, at the end of the third class petty officer’s service — which garnered him 10 medals… Read more →
History of medical marijuana in the U.S.
This story was reported for the San Diego News Network on June 3, 2009. This was reported by Hoa Quach and Steven Bartholow. As far back as 1854, marijuana appeared in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia, the country’s official standard-setting for prescription drugs. At the turn of the century – when it was estimated 5 percent of people were addicted to opiates… Read more →