By Miriam Raftery

Photo courtesy U.S. Forest Service

July 29, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--They wallow in waterways and root up sensitive habitat.  They breed prolifically—and they eat almost anything—from acorns to small animals—even goats with horns!  Those portly porkers – feral pigs in East County’s backcountry—can weigh up to 250 pounds. The largest wild pig caught anywhere--a gargantuan specimen dubbed "Hogzilla," tipped the scales at over 800 pounds.

Feral pigs are descendants of domestic pigs run wild and European boars brought over by Spaniards in the 1700s. Locally, San Diego's pig population has been around since only around 2006.  We don't know how they got here. One rumor is that  hunters released a few pigs as game animals. Another theory is that the pigs migrated in from elsewhere in California or Mexico. However they came, they've found fertile ground locally, where the number of wild pigs is now estimated at over a thousand. 

Hunting wild pigs is legal in California on private property and tribal lands – though not in our region's parks, preserves, or wilderness areas.  But bringing home the bacon isn’t as easy as it sounds.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by John Dill

July 29, 2014 (Lakeside)—Multiple spot fires broke out along Wildcat Canyon Road in Lakeside just south of Barona Creek Golf Club near Founders Way shortly after noon today. The blazes sparked some tense moments for residents in this rural community where the deadly Cedar Fire of a decade ago remains a smoldering memory.

John Dill told East County Magazine that his wife called in the fire at 12:09 p.m. at mile marker 6.5.  “Within the ten minutes it took for a response, the fire went from a small area fire to a very large fire,” he said.

July is dedicated as National Grilling Safety Month – Send the Right Smoke Signal - SAFETY!

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

July 29, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - “July, August and right into Labor Day we use our barbeques than any other months. Firefighters respond to many structure and wild-land fires that involve barbeques this time of year. We also treat many victims for injuries related to barbeques says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Barbeque Safety means sending the right smoke signal and that signal is Safety!”

By Miriam Raftery

July 28, 2014 (Boulevard) – The Boulevard Planning Group meets Thursday, August 7 at 7 p.m. in the Boulevard Fire Training room, 39919 Ribbonwood Road in Boulevard.  Action items on the agenda include a faux water tower wireless communications facility near Golden Acorn, a presented by the County’s groundwater geologist, concerns over closure of the White Star fire station, and updates to a Park Lands Dedication Ordinance project priority list.

There will also be updates on numerous major projects proposed in the Boulevard area including Tule Wind, Soitec Solar, Rough Acres Ranch campground/conference center, a complaint against the Eco Substation, court actions challenging the county wind ordinance and Tule Wind, and Sempra’s cross-border high voltage transmission line.

County News Service

July 27, 2014 (Santee)-A 43-year-old Santee man has the first confirmed local case of West Nile virus  this year, the County Health and Human Services Agency reports.  There has not been a human case of the disease in San Diego County since 2012.

“We  expressed our concern over the current debate that is focusing on sending the children back while we believe it should be focusing on the care and safety of the children.”—Doug Brunson, UCCLM Committee on Border Justice

View or sign petition: http://tableucc.com/witness/sign-the-petition-central-american-refugee-crisis/

Over 50,000 young children have crossed the border to seek refugee status in the U.S. this year.  Some are fleeing gang violence and drug trafficking, others are escaping grinding poverty or trying to reunite with family already in the United States.  Many have paid large sums to smugglers and made dangerous journeys atop trains to get here from Central America, only to be placed in overcrowded, often unhealthy holding facilities while awaiting determination of their status by understaffed courts.  Some have also endured the verbal abuse of militant protestors seeking to banish them back to the horrors from which they fled.

Inspired by The Rev. Kaji Douŝa’s sermon on Sunday, July 13, members of the United Church of Christ of La Mesa gathered to discuss the child immigration crisis and how the congregation, as a justice-oriented church, should respond.

July 26, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)—The East County Magazine Show sat down with Anat Tour, whose passion is illustrating and writing children’s books produced in multi-media format with CD/DVD audio to delight youngsters.

Hear our interview here, which originally aired on KNSJ 89.1 FM:  http://kiwi6.com/file/slr2nuzhqw

 Her works include Mama’s Shoe, The Rainbow Animals and her latest work, I Dream of Puffy Clouds.  East County Magazine book reviewer Dennis Moore has called Anat Tour  East County’s “own Renaissance woman.”  Originally from Canada, Tour is a master of mathematics, art, music, writing and more. By day, she is a mother of four and a math teacher at a local high school By night she is a lead singer in a local band.  In between, she is a writer and illustrator of children’s books as well as an animator.  She has also been an international model.  Stay tuned for more works by this intriguing author!

Hear highlights of Bill Walton's inspirational speech, originally aired on East County Magazine's radio show on KNSJ 89.1 FM,  here:  http://kiwi6.com/file/rdlekk220f

By Miriam Raftery

July 26, 2014 (La Mesa)—NBA Hall of Famer and former Helix High School superstar Bill Walton is best known for his exceptional achievements on the basketball court.  But he’s also proud to be in the boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame, and knows first-hand the importance of positive role models. 

So now he’s leading efforts to raise funds to build a Bill Walton Gymnasium at the Boys & Girls Club in La Mesa, giving back to the children in this community, where mentors before him helped young Walton to achieve his dreams.  On Thursday, Walton delivered an inspiration speech at the Boys and Girls Club’s new Brady Family Clubhouse. 

“What great leaders do is inspire pride and loyalty,” said Walton.  “Loyalty is that human attribute that allows us as a community to come together and be part of a team—and to realize that what we have is so special, as a result of our caring about what goes on.  It’s not about us; it’s about these young children here who just have these fantastic smiles…who are just so full of dreams and full of hope.”

By Grey Feathers

Barona Cultural Center, Wildcat Canyon Road, Lakeside

July 26, 2014 (Barona) - To document, describe and explain the complex relationships between cultures and the uses of plants is the practice of ethnobotany.  This includes the use of plants as food, clothing, currency, ritual, medicine, dye, construction, cosmetics and more.The Barona Cultural Center and Museum and the Barona Indian Charter School have partnered together to practice ethnobotany.

July 25, 2014 (Santee)--Santee’s City Council has voted to approve $2,000 as its fair share to assist the San Diego Regional Task Force on the Homeless.

The vote was 3-1, over the objection of Santee Mayor Randy Voepel. Councilman John Ryan was not present.

By Miriam Raftery

Listen to our show on KNSJ 89.1 FM on Monday at 5 p.m. to hear our special report including audio highlights from this event.

July 26, 2014 (El Cajon)--Local political and religious leaders offered messages of hope for Iraqi Christians fleeing persecution and genocide in Iraq, many of them seeking to find refuge in America.   They offered a safe haven here in East County, as well as political actions now underway in Washington D.C. and Sacramento to aid Christians in their homeland.

“When they come here, I want you to tell them they will be safe here,” Mayor Bill Wells told the crowd during a prayer vigil in El Cajon’s Centennial Plaza last night  that was attended by an estimated 2,000 people.

The Mayor denounced the “unconscionable” slaughter of Iraqi Christians by ISIS terrorists who have declared a caliphate, or Muslim state, in the Mosul area, where churches dating back to Biblical times are being destroyed and Christians ordered to convert to Islam or die by the sword.

July 24, 2014 (Descanso)-- Sheriff's Deputies went door to door yesterday  in Descanso to inform the community about a registered sex offender now living in their neighborhood.

Former Campo artist now creating film on cofounder of Rancho La Puerta

By Mimi Pollack

On July 24^th, 2014, my good friend Vivian Blackstone will celebrate her 86th birthday. A woman in excellent health, she has lived an unconventional life with an artistic, bohemian and spiritual bent. That artistic side still continues as she is working on a film about Edmond Szekely [aka the professor], who along with Deborah Szekely, created and developed the world famous spa and resort in Tecate, Mexico, called Rancho La Puerta. This film is important to Vivian as the professor was an influential person in her life and she hopes this film will honor him and the influence he had on her.

By Miriam Raftery

July 23, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – Just two weeks ago, Sheriff’s deputies at the Santee station became among the first law enforcement officers in the program to carry Naloxene, a drug that reverses the effects of heroin, under a new pilot program.

By Mimi Pollack

July 24, 2014 (Tecate)--Many of us lead hectic, stressful lives, so it is always healthy to find ways to unwind. Spending a week at a spa is one good way to relax and recharge, but not everyone can afford that or has the time. Here in San Diego, we are lucky to have a world class spa and retreat, Rancho La Puerta, just across the border from East County. Founded in Tecate, Mexico in 1940 by Edmond and Deborah Szekely, Rancho La Puerta has built a solid reputation and a loyal following over the years.

By Janis Russell

July 23, 2014 (El Cajon)- At yesterday’s El Cajon Council meeting, Council had a public hearing on electronic cigarettes and hookahs, then voted unanimously to outlaw hookah lounges in the city.  One existing hookah vaping lounge in the city will be grandfathered in as a legal but non-conforming use, however no new facilities will be permitted.

East County News Service

July 25, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)- A hazardous weather warning remains in effect through tonight across our region, with high temperatures expected to continue through this weekend, cooling slightly.

Thunderstorms are also moving across the region.

East County News Service

July 25, 2014 (El Cajon) -- The recent persecution of Iraqi Christians has outraged people all over the world. Over 40,000 Chaldeans and other Iraqi Christians live in the San Diego suburb of El Cajon, which has one of the world’s largest concentrations of Chaldeans.  Tonight, elected officials, community leaders and Christian leaders of all denominations are coming together I El Cajon for a vigil in support of persecuted Iraqi Christians. 

The event is organized by City Transformation, San Diego Leadership Forum and the Chaldean Council for Public Affairs.  Leaders in attendance will include El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells, Bishop Sarhad Jammo from St. Peter Chaldean Diocese, Dr. Jim Garlow, pastor at Skyline Church, Pastor Mark Hoffman from Foothills Church, and other local political representatives, community and church leaders.

Plus previews of coming attractions

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Les Miserables on Mt. Helix

This week on Destination East County, we’ll start with some hot concerts and summer plays, a star party campout and the Pine Valley Days Parade.  Plus we’ll have previews of more super summertime events, from jazz in Julian to some rollicking times at the Ramona Country Fair.

By Janis Russell

Photo: Applicant Bill Adams states his case for 7-Eleven

July 23, 2014 (El Cajon)- At Tuesday’s El Cajon City Council meeting, Council had two public hearings on the appeal of planning commission’s decision denying request for beer and wine sales at 1021 West Washington Avenue and 500 North Second Street.  The stores sought permission to sell alcohol for off-site consumption. 

Council confirmed the planning commission’s decision and voted unanimously to deny the requests as well.

July 23, 2014 (San Diego's East County)--East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include:

LOCAL

• VA San Diego nurses call for improved patient care (KPBS)
• More Refugee Girls Are College Bound, Flipping the Cultural Script (Voice of SD)
• Lemon Grove nixes raises in salary, car allowance (UT San Diego)
• Man who fired homemade cannon that exploded, killing girlfriend, talks to 10 News (10 News)
• San Diego Home Prices Rise While Sales Slip Nearly 8% (KPBS)
• Nonviolent offenders charged with violent crimes (UT San Diego)
• Business improvement districts fees upheld in court ruling (UT San Diego)
• Local Fishermen Land the Big One: a Dockside Market (Voice of San Diego)
• La Mesa Politics: Candidates filing now for council, mayor  (La Mesa Today)

STATE

• State alert system would target drivers in hit-and-run collisions (SacBee)
• California Supreme Court nomination a ‘statement’ to U.S. (SFGate)
• 5 men sue over anti-terror info-sharing program (SacBee)

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

July 23, 2014 (San Diego's East County)-- East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

• Charge your phone, or you can't fly with it (APM Marketplace)
• USA Court ruling creates new uncertainty for Obamacare (Reuters)
• Candidate pool for Congress is missing moderates, study finds (CS Monitor)
• Inmate’s execution takes over two hours (USA Today)
• Lapses at high-security CDC labs reveal culture of negligence (CS Monitor)
• Florida airport staff get lesson in nation's geography

WORLD

• Malaysian Airlines flight 17 was shot down for money (Huffington Post)
• Great Wall of Japan? Locals balk at tsunami-protection plan. (CS Monitor)
• 2 Ukranian fighter jets shot down over rebel-held territory (Reuters)
• Israelis express anger over U.S. flight ban to Tel Aviv (Washington Post)
• Seized nuclear material in Iraq 'low grade': U.N. agency
• Anti-Israel protesters besiege Paris synagogue (JTA.org)

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

By Miriam Raftery

July 24, 2014 (San Diego)—A growing number of veterans who served at Ft. McClellan in Alabama, where chemical and biological weapons testing and training was done, are now suffering health problems including cancer, autoimmune diseases and birth defects in children that may be linked to exposures to these toxins. Radioactive materials were also used. Sixty Minutes has called it one of the most toxic sites in America.

Now those who served at Ft. McClellan are taking their case to Congress.  House Resolution 411, introduced by Rep. Paul Tonko D-NY] and cosponsored by several other members including Rep. Duncan Hunter [R-El Cajon]  would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a registry of certain veterans who were stationed at Fort McClellan. (Read the Bill).

By Miriam Raftery

July 22, 2014 (Jacumba) – Several registered sex offenders have been released recently in East County, with promises from authorities that electronic monitoring would protect people in the community.  But on Monday, a sex offender being monitored by authorities broke into a 70-year-old woman’s home in Jacumba and molested her, the Sheriff’s office has announced.

By Miriam Raftery

July 22, 2014 (San Diego)--How should America deal with the tens of thousands of children fleeing violence in Central America, arriving at our borders?  Many are traveling alone, trying to reach family members in the U.S.  Most are teens, but some are as young as three years old.

By Walter G. Meyer

July 22, 2014 (San Diego)--Don’t let the word “opera” in the title make you think this is your grandmother’s type of opera. Borrowing less from Verdi and Wagner than Out and Seventeen, this show is a powerful look at the very real problems of today’s teens. “Bare: a pop opera” is set in a Catholic boarding school and features some kids who have problems. Although most of the show is sung—there is very little dialog—including parts of Romeo and Juliet, the show moves quickly and is easy to follow.

July 21,2014 (La Mesa)—A case of tuberculosis has been reported at La Mesa Middle School, where others may have been exposed, , the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency reports.

July 21, 2014 (El Cajon) – Latin heartthrob Lorenzo Antonio will perform at Sycuan’s Live & Up Close Theater on Saturday, July 26^th at 8 p.m.

July 21, 2014 (Spring Valley) – The Young Actors Theatre (YAT) production of Music Man continues this weekend,  July 24-27, at the YAT Theatre in Spring Valley.

July 22, 2014 (San Diego)--The impacts of violence in Gaza are being felt here in San Diego.  Over 700 people turned out on Sunday at a rally in a San Diego park to raise donations for humanitarian relief in Israel. The rally was organized by the Jewish Federation of San Diego County.