Congressman Bob Filner

Opening New Schools!
On Friday, January 20, I attended the grand opening for the Veterans Elementary School in Chula Vista. Located in the Otay Ranch area, this new school is dedicated to the veterans who have fought and sacrificed for our country. I was honored to march in the grand opening parade with several active and retired service members, along with students who were eagerly anticipating the opening of their new school facilities.

As our area continues to experience an economic boom, the need for new school facilities rises. Veterans Elementary was built in less than a year and is Chula Vista's 43rd school! The district plans to break ground on the 44th site this June.

Veterans will be welcomed as volunteers at the school, where they will read to classes and participate in school wide assemblies. Students will also have opportunities to visit veterans retirement homes on a regular basis.

Congressman Filner marches along side veterans and the children who will benefit from this new facility

Spot Light: Local's Students Interning in Washington
Every semester, I am delighted to have the opportunity to host interns in my Washington D.C. and district offices. These interns are usually college aged students looking for hands-on experience and insight into how our government operates.

In December, Erin Bala, completed a three-month internship in my Washington D.C. office. A third year student at San Diego State University and a native of San Diego, Erin was a part of the Panetta Institute, which places interns across Washington D.C. and helps them gain real-world experience in government relations.

Interns in both my Washington and District Offices learn how I serve our community by assisting me and my staff while we fulfill the needs of the 51st District. If you would like more information on interning in any of my offices, please contact me at (619) 422-5963.

Fall 2005 Intern Erin Bala and Congressman Filner

Crime Fighter of the Month
This month I am proud to name the Border Puppy Task Force as January's “Crimefighters of the Month.” The Border Puppy Task Force is known throughout the South San Diego area for their efforts to fight crime and stop underage puppies from being smuggled across the border. Comprised of 14 California animal welfare and law enforcement agencies, the Task Force has been the focus of a number of headline news stories for their efforts to look into the epidemic of puppy smuggling.

Every year, thousands of puppies, many of them young breeds, are brought across the border. They are sold out of cars in shopping centers and parking lots. The economic incentive driving this phenomenon is the huge profits made by the Mexican breeders and middlemen who sell them. The breeders do not spend money on vaccinations and healthcare that is expected of American breeders.

Americans who buy these puppies think they are getting a great deal. However, many people are shocked and heartbroken when these dogs die within weeks of purchase or require extensive medical care. The dogs that are brought across the border are usually too young to be separated from their mothers and often infected with communicable diseases that are virtually unheard of in America.

The Border Puppy Task Force’s leadership and efforts is truly inspirational. Their commitment to continue the fight against such inhumane treatment of man’s best friend is highly commendable, and I am honored to present the team with this award.