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>> JOANNE: Coming up next on KPBS Evening Edition an analysis of pension reform says
it could save San Diego nearly $1 billion. There is no guarantee of that.
>> DWANE: We will dig deeper into the matter and have reaction from may candidates.
>> JOANNE: Hello thanks for joining us, I'm Joanne Faryon.
>> DWANE: I'm Dwane brown. >> JOANNE: More raids in the south bay this
morning targeting the homes of two Southwestern College officials.
Investigators seized the homes of former president and trustee.
The D.A. has been investigating claims that officials took gifts in exchange for their
votes on construction contracts. Several officials with the Sweetwater union
high school district were charged with corruption earlier this year.
>> DWANE: The debate over San Diego's pension reform initiative heated up with the release
of exact wording on the JuneÊballot measure. It includes the city attorney's description
of what the measure would do as well as analysis of what those changes would save or cost the
city. KPBS Reporter Alison St. John joins us from
the news center. Allison, you would think switching new hireees
from a pension to a 401(K) plan would save the city money but that's not the case, why
not? >> Turns out, Dwane, it will cost the city
$30 million over the next 30 years because of administrative costs to change the plan
and more deaths and disability arrangements that currently the employees qualify for that
have to get a new plan and at all times because of the amount that the employee contribution
would be 9.2% so it turns out the savings are coming from the other part of the initiative,
which is freezing the pensionable pay and the base salary often your pension is based.
>> DWANE: Okay, so freezing pensionable pay as you described it will actually save the
city almost $1 billion? >> Well maybe and maybe not Dwane.
This is the thing, the city attorney's analysis reveals that this may or may not happen because
legally you cannot bypass, even if it gets through labor negotiation it could be superseded
by a two thirds vote of the council. So part of that initiative can't be guaranteed
and that keeps the savings up in the air. >> DWANE: KPBS Reporter Alison St. John.
Now for political reaction to the pension analysis, Joanne and her guests are at the
evening edition round table. >> JOANNE: For reaction on the pension reform
analysis we're joined by San Diego City Council member, Carl DeMaio and mayorial candidate
Bob Filner who joins us by phone from Washington, D.C.
Congressman Bob Filner is the only candidate to oppose the analysis.
City Council member Carl DeMaio the analysis says this will cost the city money.
>>> The ballot measure as a whole savings millions of dollars and even adding the watered
down analysis the IBA confirms that it saves $960 million.
We believe the 401(K) will be saving money, every ballot initiative savings money and
the IBA took the worst case scenario, for instance not penalizing vesting schedules.
She started her investing on day one, which is generous, and she assumes the maximum contributions
and assumes no savings from the investment losses in the defined pension benefit plan.
We believe it's very conservative and under states the savings.
>> JOANNE: Congressman Filner, you have opposed this all along.
Your reaction? >> It says that it costs almost $100 million
for us to transition to a new system over five years and the system itself is unfair
because it says employees who do not have social security are subject to the stock market
casino, that's wrong. It doesn't save a nickel.
The referendum does not save a nickel, it's predicated on a pay raise of 5% for the next
five years of employees, and that's subject to the negotiation with the employees and
you cannot decide that in the referendum and it's doubtful that it will be 0 for five years
in a row. It's a fraud, it doesn't save, it costs, it's
unfair and there are better ways to get money into the general fund budget and save money.
>> JOANNE: I want to toss this over to you, Councilmember Carl DeMaio but first I want
to read something that speaks to what Congressman Filner just said.
This is from city attorney Jan goldSmith. He says the passage of the measure by itself
does not guarantee that an employees' base compensation will be frozen for five years.
The measure sets the city's initial bargaining position in labor negotiations with respect
to employees' base compensation however they can be over ridden by six city Councilmembers.
Even if people say they're going to pass this, it doesn't mean that pensionable earnings
will be frozen for five years. >>> That's the solution I put on the table
was to cap that for five years so we can pay down the debt.
I will tell you this: The reason why I'm running for mayor and supporting certain council candidates
is so that we are never put in a position where politicians override the most important
mission of this ballot which is capping pay. First, this requires full and fair contributions
by city employees, they will have to pay their full share and that saves us $25 million
>>> They do that now, Carl. >> JOANNE: Congressman Filner says you do
that now. >>> And pension spike issing costly and yet
the IBA did not include those in her assessment but even with those exclusions it it saves
$960 million. >> JOANNE: I want to toss this out to you
both, and I'll get Congressman Filner go first. With this ballot measure do you think the
voters are getting the information? $963 million, I think we have agreed that
this is subject to negotiation even if this ballot measure is passed.
Do you think voters know what this measure means?
>> No because Mr.ÊCarl DeMaio and those who support it it are not telling the truth.
For example, all the horror stories that Mr.ÊCarl DeMaio raises about $250,000 pensions, these
are management employees who get phony pay raises, and it spikes their pension to twice
what their salary is. They don't need a referendum, as mayor I would
put a cap on pensions, no six figure pensions. It's only management that has them anyway,
the average 911 operator gets $27,000. >>> First when I started shining a light on
the pension crisis and uncovering it, they said there was no crisis, don't believe him,
he doesn't know what he's talk bug and now as we move forward and close the pension system,
move the 401(K)s, they're making the tired, false claims that it's not fair.
This is important that San Diegans adopt this measure.
>> JOANNE: Congressman Filner? >> It doesn't do anything about the debtor
our annual payment because this is for new hires, we probably won't have any after they
see the pension system but this does nothing for the debt that we have or the annual payment.
I have a plan which, in fact, does both. This is a fraud.
>> JOANNE: Congressman Filner thank you, and you Councilmember Carl DeMaio, thank you.
We spoke to mayorial candidates for their reaction to the pension reform analysis, here
is what they had to say, let's begin with Bonnie Dumanis.
The analysis is showing why our next mayor needs to have the proven ability to make tough
decisions. We need real reform and that's what I will
deliver as San Diego's next mayor. Nathan Fletcher says the IBA validated that
CPR will save the city hundreds of millions and we must reform the city's pension system.
>> DWANE: San Diegans are being urged to support military veterans, one program has been operating
in Chula Vista at that for 12 years. The flag outside of this facility says it
best "procedures of war and those missing in action won't be forgotten" nor will those
inside the only state funded home in San Diego county.
Retired captain Steve Milliken served 28 years. >>> Every need I have is taken care of, medicine
are provided for me, therapy is provided for me.
It's an ideal situation and I'm grateful to be part of it.
>> DWANE: He has been here seven years and has a unique perspective, as a volunteer he
raised funds for the facility and never one day did he think he would be in this home.
>>> They expedited my entrance and before I knew it I was a resident.
>> DWANE: These are primarily men who served during World War II and the Korean war.
Kenneth campen spoke 8 language in the war and eventually he sought care here.
>>> I can converse with people and I can communicate with and talk to dozens of people here every
day and I'm perfectly happy here. >> DWANE: Assemblyman Nat than Fletcher and
Greg *** are urging San Diegans to support homes like this.
Money to the veterans homes funds will help pay for additional needs, therapy equipment
and peaceful settings like this rehab garden. >> DWANE: The Chula Vista facility has a 5
star rating for its nursing care and the state plans to open two new veterans homes in the
next few years. The federal government has a program designed
to help low income families but tax officials say a lot of families aren't taking advantage
of it it and they're leaving millions on the table.
The story? Just a moment.
And we will have a look at one woman's journey documenting the lives of children in juvenile
hall. This
is
KPBS
Evening Edition. >> DWANE: The tax filing deadline next month
is a source of great stress for some but for no income earners in the know this is a celebration,
KPBS Reporter Alison St. John tells us about a program to rescue families from poverty
that leaves millions on the table. >>> A weekday morning this community center
is quietly buzzing with activity. No one here earns much but they're filing
their taxes. >>> You're getting money back here.
>>> More than a little. We can't wait!
We can't wait for the tax season to come because we know we're going to have a relief coming.
>>> Luisa and Arturo earn about $35,000 between them and they learned they equal for for more
than $8,000 in tax credits.
>>> First we pay off borrowed money, and then pay off our bills and then whatever we have
left over we do something special with the kids.
>>> If you didn't have this tax credit what difference would that make to your life?
>> My God welding in debt the rest of our lives.
Accumulate debt every year and we have to have a maxed out credit card and probably
eventually file bankruptcy. >>> I think low income families especially,
this is how they pay their rent for the rest of the year.
I have known of families that we have been working with that have been able to go out
and get their own apartment and move out of shelters.
>>> This worker says the money doesn't benefit the individuals who file, this generated $1.7
million in tax credits for 900 north county residents, who spent the money in the communities.
>>> Jose was unable to work buzz ofÊ because of an illness.
>>> We're going to get about $4,000, and it's going to help us and we will use it for putting
into a fund for my boy going to college. >>> Tony Perez is an acting student at Cal
State SanÊMarcos. >>> This is memorable.
Last week I had a lady that came in, she was expecting to pay taxes.
When I broke down her return, explained she was going to receive a refund including that
she qualified for the earned income tax credit, she was happy, grateful!
>>> The earned income tax credit is one of the most important programs to help keep families
out of poverty. About 20% of the people who qualify don't
claim it. In fact in San Diego county it's estimated
more than $70 million goes unclaimed. >>> I don't think people understand what it
is. This is not money that people have paid into
the IRS, this is money that the government or the IRS I should say is giving clients
or taxpayers for working and having a very low wage.
>>> State wide it's estimated that more than a billion dollars that could have benefited
low income earners went unclaimed but people on the edge of poverty are more likely to
claim the tax credit than food stamps. Only about one third of the people who qualify
for food aid get it. >>> You have to provide your income information
and tax return and you automatically qualify for it.
For food stamps you have to go through an extended process of application and sometimesÊ
there is a stigma behind it as well, too, when you're at the counter you're paying food
stamps and sometimes people get embarrassed, but no one knows if you get the income tax
credit or not. >>> And it is marketed as something that's
for families that work hard that just aren't making it.
Whereas food stamps is seen more as a handout, a welfare program.
>>> 20% of the people who qualify for this don't apply for it.
Why do you think that is? >> They're crazy!
I don't know why they don't do that. It's a lot of money that they are throwing
away and you don't get it back. The IRS will haunt you for years trying to
get their money but if you don't file you don't get it back.
>> DWANE: That story from KPBS Reporter Alison St. John, a report by the new America foundation
estimates more than $1 billion in earned income tax credits went unclaimed in California.
It could have generated more than 8,000 jobs, one warning not all tax credits are above
board, the IRS warned of a scammed where low income earners are lured into filing bogus
credits. Look out for tax scams, who require no documentation,
want large upfront fees or offer to split income tax refunds.
The one featured in our program requires proof of earning.
Today the government tested whether it's unusual and cruel to sentence a 14 year old to prison
without the possibility of parole. The Supreme Court struck down the penalty
for juveniles declaring kids are different than adults.
In San Diego one woman has spent the last year and a half documenting the lives of kids
in juvenile hall. She talks with Joanne.
>> JOANNE: Susan Madden Lankford spent 18 months in San Diego juvenile hall getting
to know the kids who many think are beyond repair.
They came out of the experience that one good enough someone can make a huge difference
in their lives. She is hear here to talk about the book of
photographs and personal essays she published, "born not raised" tells the story of children
who have been failed by their families and by the system, Susan, thanks for being here.
I want to start off with "good enough someone" what does that mean?
>> When I did work with Dr.ÊDiane Campbell following the year and a half my daughter
and I were in the facility. She showed me places where the children are
vulnerable, they haven't had the bedrock of early childhood development but she said if
you have a good enough someone, anyone who can step in if you're suffering from alien
nation, neglect, abuse, that type of thing, that can carry you through.
>> JOANNE: The timeline is the beginning of the book, tell me about that.
>>> That's correct, the timeline is to show that from bit to the age of 20 the various
developmental things that take place with kids.
You don't realize from 0 to 2 the importance of what is going on with a young child.
What can take place if tantrums are not worked out and carried forward to the age of the
5 then you have a youth entering into the school grade and disruptive and all of the
sudden someone says oh he's got ADHD, what it is is behavior that was missed when he
was 2 to 3. >> JOANNE: We want to show people at home
the photos. Let us knowÊ explain them for us, because
they're not just your regular photos, there are other meanings and reasons as to why we
are seeing what we're seeing. Tell us what we're seeing.
>>> One of the cells that's at the Kearney Mesa facility.
>> JOANNE: There is nobody in this picture, how come?
>> Confidentiality, we were not allowed to take cameras into the juvenile hall, so I
created photographs and asked them to write how this makes them feel.
We are seeing here one child's portrait of guns and anger and horrific. So this is gang
behavior and he popped that drawing out. >> JOANNE: The next one up now, what are we
seeing? >> We did not take thisÊ we took the image
but not until we took our documentary film, at that time we were permitted to bring video
work and do Stills so these are the kids and their exercise time out in the yard.
>> JOANNE: The next one? >> This is a special drawing that was done
by a gal we call Sans in the book. She had actually played Russian roulette with
her mother's head and she was incarcerated for a good period of time, supposedly, she
had acting out problems, she was in the girls rehab facility meeting sessions and she had
a powerful personality. When she was removed and sent home and we
had been there long enough that we experienced that, we were able to go to her home.
She was miserable at home, she reoffended to go back to the facility because the facility
was becoming her family. >> JOANNE: And this picture that she drew?
>> A lot of sadness in her life and neglect, abuse.
Her mother was basically acting as a teenager with her and it was hard for her.
She loved the relationship she had with with Polly and with me and with the other girls
so that became comfortable because there was learning.
A lot of these kids are teachable. >> JOANNE: When you get a picture like that
and you ask a girl to draw something like that and you get that how does that make you
feel? >> Lost.
One of the reasons why we wanted to do this book, we want people to see who these kids
are, we want them to understand the trauma that they have sustained in their lives, plus
the fact that I had visited with a lot of their mother's and in my book "women doing
time" a lot of these kids are products of the women who are incarcerated in the local
jails. >> JOANNE: What did you want people to take
away when they see this book. >>> These kids can be saved, not all of them,
there are 8% who are serious felons, those are kids that really are going to be locked
away for the rest of their lives but we are creating another pipeline for prison and we
can't afford that. We can afford to help these kids and be volunteers
and active and take on these kids, find that sparkle in them, give them something positive,
not have them oppressed with alien nation and with the hardship that they have had,
they have lost the ability to have any competency in school, they are on drugs, living the lives
that their parents lived. >> JOANNE: Susan do you have a web site?
>> It's going to be in Barnes & Noble, this book, it's on Amazon, presently.
I'll be at Warwick's doing book signs and my web site is www.humaneexposures.com.
>> JOANNE: Thank you. >> JOANNE: Welcome back to the public square
on KPBS Evening Edition. A few weeks ago we introduceded you to a San
Diego man who joined a local Syrian club to socialize and later found himself pleading
for help in his family in his home land. We were told he had not been a political activist
or even in regular contact with his extended family but all that changed when protests
began against the Syrian president. Last year Yassir joined a rally in front of
the White House to mark the one year revolution of the Syrian revolution.
A few joined him and together they collected more than $1 million for the humanitarian
aid two Syria. You can join this conversation by following
us on Twitter, like us on Facebook and you can always send me an email.
Now let's go back to Dwane at the news desk for a recap of tonight's top stories.
>> DWANE: The the homes of two former Southwestern College officials were raided today by the
district attorney's office. The charges were for looking into gifts used
to bribe for construction projects. The city's pension reform is still under fire.
San Diegans are being urged to give back this tax season to those who have dedicated themselves
to military service, the state veteran's home fund is asking people to make donations through
state income tax returns. There is one in Chula Vista.
You can watch and comment on any of the stories you saw tonight on our web site, www.kpbs.org/news/evening
edition. Thanks for joining us, have a great night.
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