San Diego Community

SDG&E wants to change how you get billed, raising rates on people who uses the lowest amounts of electricity.

The facts are that I should not be charged MORE for using less. Further more, it's unfair that I should have to pay for someone who won't cut back like I have. -- Ashley

My concern is about the rate changes for electric bills SDGE. Why not just charge everyone the same rate so you pay for what you use and there is not an imbalance in fees. That makes more sense. -- Niki

I've thought about it all day and I still havn't changed my opinion. If I use less, I should pay less. If I save more I shouldn't have to pay for someone who doesn't. I your bill is too high USE LESS ENERGY AND DON'T EXPECT ME TO SUBSIDIZE THOSE WHO DO NOT. I am having trouble supporting myself right now, and can't pay for myself let alone others. That $2 dollars might mean I eat today or not. AND one last thought: If SDG&E wants to make those customers who have to pay more seem more fair, let them take that money out of their own pockets (SDG&E) instead of mine. -- Laurie

Well if SDG&E does what they say I am in big trouble. My wife and I live in an all Electric condo. We try our best to conserve, our bill is low most months.For example our bill was $58.14 Just the two of us also I have a medical device allowance, I guess San Diego Greedy &Expensive is not gouging it's customers enough. Oh well we try to conserve and we take it in the chops. Just like the water rates we conserve and they raise the price. -- Pat

The SDGE rate increase is absurd and ridiculou s! I have several friends employed by SDGE that receive outrageous bonuses every year. Sounds like a big scam to me! -- Liz

SDG&E wanting to change it's rate structure to charge people who use less more, makes no sense to me. If this happens then I'm through conserving. I will not pay more and use less. Lights will stay on 24 hours a day. -- Mary

I spent a lot of money to have a solar system installed on my house why should I have to spend more after I made this major investment costing me $16,000! My neighbor happens to have the largest house plan next door, the owner not only has her family living there but also has boarders living with her in the same house to make the house payment. Why should I be penalized because they use more with their larger house and I have gone to the extent of trying to conserve energy! If SDG&E wants to change the rate structure they should start by doubling the rates on those that have larger houses whose demands are larger than others. Perhaps start by charging double to those living in La Jolla, Encinitas, Cardiff, Carlsbad, Del Mar. -- Rachel

We asked whether you think the hidden message in a letter from Governor Schwarzenegger was intentional.

---

Albeit this is utter rubbish... I think the message is clear. This is the professional way of doing things in politics. Well done Mr. Governor. However, I think the media should focus on myriad global topics and leave this this bloody nonsense to gossip magazines (i.e. TMZ). -- Rene

No chance the Gov's F-word comments were mere coincidence. This expression characterizes the tenor of Schwarzenegger's administration as well as any. The comment is worth a chuckle, considering the bill he vetoed with this added message was unaminmously passed by the legislature and will likely be approved regardless. However, this attitude even without his creative writing has not and will not serve the people of the state well. -- Mike

I believe it was intentional, there is no way that the letter is only 7 lines long and they all coincidently match up to spell out the F word. The governor is not always the friendly, specially considering their history. -- Ray

Somebody had to say it. -- Vince

Now while I don't think the governor has the intelligence or wit to perpetrate this message, it is entirely possible that one of his aides did do this. Since this was most likely designed to get under the skin of a cantankerous, ill-manered buffoon like Tom Ammiano, I say well played Governor. -- Tristan

We asked you what you thought about the military's current policy.

---

Dont ask Dont Tell? Another form of discrimination that the if your a high ranking official in the military, you get away with. Come on Mr.Obama get rid of this! Disgusting Military official we are supposed to trust with our lifes. -- Virgil

I believe "Dont Ask, Don't Tell" should be overturned. Any American--gay, straight, transgender, bi-sexual--who will VOLUNTEER to serve in the military, knowing there is a strong chance they will be sent to the Middle East in what is still an extremely dangerous situation, has my support and admiration. Sexual orientation has nothing to do with patriotism. -- Stephanie

The Don't ask don't tell policy is pretty self explanatory... it's simple knuckle heads... don't ask... duh... and well, don't tell. Dooooiiiiiiiii! -- Happy

Could you please explain what it is, I also think that that navy leader had no right to exploit the cadet's private issues. -- Micah

Having gays serve openly in the Military is NUTS. Then they will want a gay pride paraded on Memorial Day. -- James Jolly

We asked your opinion on a proposed Hate Crime law, to include attacks against gay people.

---

IM 47 now , but remember when I was in my 20s back in the 80s. I had an experience that says HATE CRIMES should be against the law. Years ago, I worked in A GAY OWNED RESTRAUNT AND BAR IN FUllerton. JUST 1/2 block from the FUllerton police station in Fullerton CA. IT seems there was a hate crime at least once a week at this bar, people harrasing our customers. THREATS , customers getting beat up inthe parking lot. KNOWNING the police dept was just 1 block away. I cant tell you how many times I THOUGH people out the back door trying to come in start fights with gay customers. ME being 6ft8 and 240 lbs I was able to get people out with out a fight or much of a confrentation. On one night, the owners my managers DAVID KILBURN and AL BLACK told me that A GUY named BILLY was in the bar, and he had attacked them in the past, and also attacked the police that removed him from the bar several weeks prior to them hiring me. THEY asked me to get him out and to remind him he was banned from coming to the bar and get himout. WHILE talking to this guy, DAVID AND AL called the police. Durring the next 45 minutes to maybe over an hour , I wound up fighting this guy , the fight went out into the street. WE blocked HARBOR BLVD because the fight got so big that it stopped traffic, in the mean time Im fighting this guy because he refused to leave and attacked me, his freind as well carring a butcher knife 2 guys against me, and as the fight went out the front door an dinto the street, the patrons from the HETRO SEXUAL BAR next door came out and started throwing BEER bottles at me becasue I was winning this fight wtih these 2 guys. SO MY FEELINGS ON HATE CRIMES are very strong, all though they dont happen as much as they used to, the part that scares me is the POLICE took their sweet time coming to help me . AND I BELIEVE the only reason they showed up was becasue the fight stopped traffic on HARBOR BLVD . THEY didnt arrive til after I kicked both of these guys asses. YES WE need to include HATE CRIMES against GAYS along with all the rest of the crimes that protect other americans. ITS A SHAME that this type of crime happens today . IT makes me sick that we have to BEG for help like this when its against the law to be cruel to animals, we get tickets for parking in no parking zone, we get speeding tickets , DUI for drunk drivers. WHAT does it say about american when A TAX PAYING citizen has to do all that we do to get to be treated fairly like everyone else ? WHY should we even have to ASK that hate crimes against GAYS be included? it shouldbe a given. THIS says a lot about our country and the people that run it. TO HAVE TO ASK for HATE CRIMES AGAINST GAYS to be against the law. -- Roy

I am a straight white male , if a gay or a black kills me is that a hate crime. This is dusgusting, stop crying about everything and just live your life. -- James Jolly

There's been talk about doing away with the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, as if the civilian sector knows what's best. Trust me, this is a horrible idea, and if openly gay people are allowed to join the military, it'll be a recipe for disaster. Military life involves close contact with other servicemembers and this won't fly. As a leader of Marines, I wouldn't want any flaboyantly gay people serving with me in the combat zone. -- Greg

I think the idea of updating our nation's hate crime laws is scary... Scary because it should have been done long ago, and there shouldn't be a vote - it's just common sense! -- Gary

I feel that its about time, that we have the same protection as everyone else when it comes to violence. We have every right to be protected, and feel safe to walk the streets in any neighborhood. -- Andrew

We asked what you think about parents being held responsible for underage drinking.

---

Parents of underaged kids who provide and allow them to drink alcohol should be held criminally responsible. Where severe injury or death is involved as a result of parental negligence and alcohol abuse, parents should be charged with the appropriate crime and serve prison time as well as the the child committing the offense. -- Brian

I threw parties at my home when my parents were out of town and the cosequences weren't as strict. Now that I am a parent, and society is becoming more strict with DUIs, I would rather have my daughter's friends either give me their keys or take a cab home after partying at my home. That way the environment is more controlled and supervised. -- Steven

If the parents are home or are out for the night and aware their son or daughter is having a party and classmates are drinking alcohol, the verdict is guilty of contributing to the delinquency of minors and possibly guilty of gross negligence contributing to manslaughter. They should be prosecuted. -- Jake

That would be the best idea to have, but we shuld offer Remain Anonymous Rewards up to $200 to anyone reporting underage drinking better than people geting hurt outthere. -- Sam

Parents should never allow under age drinking. They should be put in jail. What are we teaching our kids??? Really? If a teenager is killed in a car crash because of drunk driving the person who gave them the liquor should be put in jail!!! -- Kristi

Parents who provide alcohol, or knowingly allow alcohol to be consumed in their house by anyone underage must also accept the responsibility of the danger underage drinking presents not only to the kids, but also on the roadway. -- Tina

We asked you about the theory that stepped up border security is costing lives.   Illegal Mexican immigrants are dying more, not because the US is slow on amnesty, but because of the deplorable conditions in Mexico. The US owes nothing to these people. This boat is full and can't take any more passengers. -- Albert

Crossing the boarder illegally is a risky crime, and it should be the responsibility of the Mexican government to educate and bring awareness to the issues. We should not adjust our immigration policies simply because too many people are breaking the law. That is bit backwards if you ask me, and simply against American values – no matter what the crime. -- Juan

Regarding the story about how many illegal border crossers die due to tighter border enforcement. If I go into the desert, legally, and don't take precautions -- I could die. That's my fault. If people try to enter the country illegally and don't take precautions -- they could die. That's their fault. -- Bill

I think that the ACLU is causing more problems than they ever solve. They stick the noses into so many places and does not appear to have full understanding of the issues. I think it would be a great help to our country if they were disbanded. Where in the world did the get the bright idea that our immigration people would intentionally try to kill thousands of people by leaving them to die in remote area, did those people make the choices themselves. We keep hearing about what happens to the illegal immigrants being harassed, but they should have to follow the laws to become legal. -- James

Since when does the United States have to conform their policies regarding Immigration to suit another country?? Wake up people. Instead of condeming our government for trying to keep illegals out of our country and off our welfare payroll, you should be mad at the Mexican government for not doing more for their people and trying to keep them on their own side of the border. -- Leigh Ann

I thought I had heard it all, until you ran the story of enforced border protection causing 5000 deaths. That is about the lamest argument I ever heard. last I checked, illegals had capacity and chose to try and break our laws and come here. Sounds like it's Mexicos fault not ours. -- John

I think that there is not enough enforcement along the border. Just look at the USBP check points on I-15 and I-5 As far as i can see they are never open. It's tragic that people or dying trying to get into the United States, but the US Govt. has to draw the line some where. -- Pat

A fence does not cause people to be stupid enough to cross in a desert where they know they can die. Stay home amigo. -- James Jolly

The borders should be left as they are. As unfortunate as it may be, there has to be consequences for crossing our borders illegally. -- Drew

We asked your opinions on the shooting at the border yesterday.

---

Border Patrol agents have a dangerous job and put their lives on the line everyday to keep our borders safe. I feel that they were justified in their decision yesterday considering the situation they were in. It is unfortunate innocent people's lives were in danger, including the agents but, that is not the fault of the agents. The smugglers should be held accountable and to be blamed for their selfish and senseless acts held against everyone involved in yesterdays shooting. -- M.Thomas

The illegal smuglers did not care who they kill are run over why do you give the people that second guess the officers that did what they are trained to do to protect the USA air time? -- Bob

This problem could be solved very easily if Mexico would keep their people on their side of the border. These guys are criminals I support the agents. -- Georgie

I'm so tired of hearing about the poor criminals being shot at by law enforcement. The right to second-guess officers' actions should be held only by those who are willing to pick up a firearm, stand a post and put themselves in harms way to protect our country. The accountability needs to be with the coyotes endangering lives, not law enforcement. -- Paul

Either the border patrol agents are not trained according to the pursuit of their ocupation, or maybe this being "neighbors" is just patronizing petulance -- Alvar

The Border Patrol exists to protect the borders of the USA. In this age of terrorism, a group of vehicles attempting to crash their way into our country MUST be stopped. The border agents acted properly. We're proud of them. -- Jason

For all those agents knew, those vans could have had bombs, radioactive material, terrorists, etc. There job is to PROTECT our country and their own lives, not be concerned with WHY 3 vans appear to be running them down. I'm certainly glad no one was killed, but job well done guys. -- Kerry

Check into to the actions of the patrol agents? How about checking into the 3 human traffickers that stormed the border in vans filled with illegal aliens? For an agency to point blame at the U.S for protecting its borders, this is ridiculous! We have every right to protect our border as they do there’s. IN my opinion they did the right thing, how many illegals DIDN’T get across the border yesterday, how many tax dollars didn’t go to waist? Thank you border patrol agents! -- Ashley

I believe that the officers were justified for using deadly force to protect our borders. Smugglers and illegals both know what they were doing was wrong, but they continue to try and come in the U.S. illegaly. Our border should be protected!!!!! -- Billy

What some fail to realize is that, these smugglers were breaking the law; with that if the officers at the scene felt their lives were in danger the shooting was justified. When you decide to venture outside the laws set forth in a society you should be prepared to receive the consequences. Ignorance of the law is NEVER an excuse, nor is thinking you will get special treatment because of any legal status you might have. -- Brad

While I agree it is unfair that some of the innocent bystanders got caught in the crossfire, when are the Mexican citizens gonna get the drift that you CANNOT come into this country illegaly and expect to receive all the benefits that American citizens are entitled to, and most of our citizens dont even have access to it. This is America, we fight for our freedom and I for one dont like it when others try to come and take advantage of our system. If they want to come to America, let them do it LEGALLY. Those CBP officers take risks every single day they are on the job. Thank you for what you do. -- Leigh

I feel the shooting at the boarder was justified. the agent should be prased for proforming their jobs. in the military we are trained the mission takes priority. -- Herny

Any agency that trains it's personnel on Force Protection, are taught that a gun is used as a last resort or if you or your comrades lives are in danger, if the agent felt his/her life was in danger he/she has an obligation to protect themselves and their fellow members. A car charging towards you could be considered having your life in jeopardy. If that is in fact the case after the investigation, the officer had every right to discharge his/her weapon. -- Mark

They did the right thing. They didn't know what type of threat was coming at them. Smugglers or terrorist. -- Julio

They were illegals! The agents felt trapped by the vans trying to force their way across the border. They were justified. What is wrong with the liberals groups condemning this. These people were illegal and forcing their way across the border. Give me a break from this liberalism. -- Murray

Law Enforcement officials shot at criminals and lawbreakers who put their lives in danger. Case closed. The woman from the American Friends Service Committee should have a van load of criminals driving straight towards her and see what she does. -- Bob

"Friends" of what. These morons are the one's I want investigated. Are they another Acorn type organization getting tax money. I am sick of these "bleeding hearts". -- James Jolly

Uncalled For!! Every lane to exit the border station after you cross has tire piercing devices, they could have easily stopped the vehicles without having to open fire and put people in danger. Besides, INS should trigger businesses that hire illegal aliens instead of trying to stop the flow through the border. -- Cacho

The agents actions put many innocent bystanders lives at risk. The agents have a right to defend themselves...but when they make a decision to discharge their firearms in an area in which there are thousands of travelers, then that's a policy that needs to be reevaluated. -- Ron

I am very pleased with the action that our CBP Officer's took in yesterday's event. Its impossible for someone who was not there and did not see a 3000+ pound vehicle coming towards them give an opinion as to wether or not the officers were justified to shoot. I am sick and tired of all these civil liberties groups doubting our officers decisions. Its for these reasons why our officers often times second guess themselves on wether or not to shoot even when their own lives are at risk. These officers did what they had to do and let's not give the smugglers another tool (the justice system) to get out of their problems. I don't see any civil liberties groups making an attempt to capture and prosecute all of the illegal aliens that frequently assault our Border Patrol Agents. -- Alfonso

We asked your opinion on the new risque coffee cart in Clairemont.

---

I believe that their business is indeed appealing and has potential to do well, but I still believe that it's all about location and I agree with the Clairmont locals that the location they've selected was morally wrong. -- Kristin

This is a savvy business plan, however it shows a lack of morals and values in young women today. There are other ways of making an honest living. -- Alex

i think people should worry about the sneak a peak bieng next to a school and churh its not like they are naked. i think its a good sells pitch and im stoppin there tomorrow for coffee. -- Jesus

We live in San Diego. You can't walk one block without seeing some guy topless or some girl in a bikini. If a couple of girls want to sell coffee in a bikini more power to them. It's casual Friday every day of the week for them. -- Cooper

I think it's rediculous that sexuality still garners more controversy than violence. It's okay for our children to be exposed to endless mindless violence in the mass media, but the second someone shows a little skin, it's simply unacceptable. These women are wearing swimsuits, so what's the problem? -- Jon

It's really not that serious. Should we avoid the beach because of woman in bikinis? Should we cut out the swimsuit section from the Sunday Paper? No! People need to get over it and find something better to complain about. Stop picking fights with those that are just trying to make a living! -- James

The barista is only wearing a bikini! Go to any of the beaches in San Diego and you'll see girls wearing the same thing. Other businesses are only jealous for not exploiting sex appeal first. -- Brandon

Danna Barron needs to get a life and leave the girls alone. Half the high school kids shes worried about are probably boinking in the parking lot anyway. MYOB and leave the girls alone. -- Jody

My thoughts on the bikini baristas: I think it's great that a couple of young entrepreneurs have come up with a somewhat unique business model and are experiencing success. As far as those who feel the location is inappropriate? Give me a break. We live in San Diego. What are you going to see when you go to any of our fine beaches? If the idea of a bikini offends you, feel free to move to the midwest. -- Justin

I was watching your news and you did a thing on the two girls in there bikinis selling coffee. I don't think that should be aloud. Its like there selling sex but instead there selling coffee. Not a good thing to have wear kids well be walking around. I don't live to far from there and im sure not going to stop by and buy some coffee. -- Kel

If the girls are selling coffee in bakini's I think that is allright. Even though thhere is a middle and high school and church on the same street it is okay just as long as the girls don't do anything ileagal. -- Liam

It's proof that men don't degrade women, women degrade themselves. -- Vince

This country was built on the concept of small businesses, hard work, and ingenuity...these girls are just carrying on the tradition of our forefathers so i say god bless 'em. -- Dean

To bad now, Obama will want to regulate their tips, sorry girls. -- Jmes Jolly