In case you haven’t heard, Senate Bill 905 – which could allow some bars in California to stay open until 4 a.m. – is still alive and kicking. As residents of communities that would evidentially be affected, we’re pleading with Gov. Jerry Brown to consider the well-being of his constituents before signing any such bill.
Despite our state’s efforts to promote health and wellness, California leads the nation in the harmful consumption of alcohol. But this isn’t just a state-wide trend, we’re seeing this on a national scale. Nationally, the number of cases of alcohol related cirrhosis continues to increase, in fact, California has the second largest increase after Louisiana. Additionally, binge drinking is an increasingly common, costly, and deadly pattern of excessive alcohol use in the United States. Binge drinking is most common among younger adults aged 18–34 years, an age group that would be disproportionally affected by extending bar hours. A recent study published in the BMJ found rising deaths in young Americans due to liver disease. The liver is a critical organ and it’s essential that young people are informed of the risk they’re taking when consuming alcohol.
The American Liver Foundation’s California divisions in San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco recently placed an OpEd opposing SB 905 in the Sacramento Bee. Read the OpEd HERE.
Picture: Scott Suckow, Executive Director – American Liver Foundation Pacific Coast Division, represented the Alcohol Policy Panel of San Diego County at a press conference in LA opposing SB905.
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Our 15th Annual Flavors of San Diego is just a few weeks away! We are so excited to once again have the incredible support of some of our favorite local Chefs!
This Year's Line Up
Chef Chris Aguirre of Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Chef Daniel England of OMG Hospitality Group
Chef Jon Eyer of Evolution Hospitality
Chef Christopher Gardner of Vounteers of America, Southwest
Chef John Medall of Oceanaire
Chef Israel Ortiz of Harrah's Resort & Casino
Chef Jon Palsson of Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
Chef Stefan Perutka of Hotel del Coronado
Chef Aron Schwartz of Marina Kitchen
Chef Tyler Smith of Evolution Hospitality
Chef Jeffrey Strauss of Pamplemousse Grille
Chef Shelly Velez of Nautilus
More Coming Soon!
If you would like to nominate a Chef who may be interested in particiapting in this year's Flavors of San Diego, please reach out to Lauren Smith at lsmith@liverfoundation.org or (619) 291-5483.
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The American Liver Foundation has received funding to conduct a roundtable/focus group with family members and others who care for individuals battling liver cancer. We are looking to assess gaps in information, resources, and/or support to gain a greater understanding of the needs of the CAREGIVER. Participants will be asked to share their personal stories and participate in facilitated discussions and be available, able and willing to travel to NYC October 14-15, 2018 to attend an on-site meeting at ALF’s National Office. If you’re interested in being considered, please contact Peggy Beers, ALF Community Outreach and Education Manager at Phone 619-291-5483 or by e-mail mbeers@liverfoundation.org
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We have many wonderful ways and great reasons to get involved with the American Liver Foundation and give back to the community while making new friends at the same time!
Below are current opportunities available with the Pacific Coast Division.
Special Events Intern
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The American Liver Foundation is pleased to be an organizational partner of 2-1-1 San Diego, a resource and information hub that connects people with community, health and disaster services. Their mission is to serve as a nexus to bring the community (organizations) together to help people efficiently access appropriate services, and provide vital data and trend information for proactive community planning. It’s a free, 24 hour confidential phone service and searchable online database. To learn more CLICK HERE.
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On August 28th, the U.S. Department of Labor issued an opinion letter on living organ donation which protects the job security of living donors who are eligible under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This important clarification ensures that eligible employees who seek to use time off to donate an organ to help save another’s life are entitled to unpaid, job-protected leave.
This clarification was a direct result of efforts by Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) through her work on the House Appropriations Committee. Rep. Herrera Beutler developed language that was included in the Committee Report to the Fiscal Year 2019 Appropriations Bill for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies. The Report Language directed the Department of Labor to issue a clarification on FMLA for living donation.
We thank Rep. Herrera Beutler for making this possible. While this is a huge victory for patients and organ donors, we need to keep advocating for the Living Donor Protection Act (H.R. 1270) to provide protection from discrimination in the pricing or availability of life, disability or long-term care insurance. ALF’s Pacific Coast’s Division covers San Diego and Imperial Counties and the state of Hawai’i. Currently Congressman Scott Peters has signed on as a co-sponsor. Please write your federal legislators today, if you have not already done so, to ask them to become a co-sponsor of H.R. 1270.
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