Special early-bird rates for ECM members now available

January 28, 2012 (San Diego)--Environmental law professor Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. will be the keynote speaker at UnitedGREEN’s second Forging a Sustainable Future Symposium March 3 and 4, 2012 at San Diego State University.

Kennedy is a professor at Pace University, lead counsel for the Natural Resources Defense Council, and founder of the Waterkeeper Alliances. Son of former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of the late President John F. Kennedy, he will share his vision for the future.

Tickets are now on sale at www.UnitedGreen.org. Tickets for East County Magazine members/donors is just $35 for those who reserve by February 15, since we are an affiliated organization of UnitedGreen through our parent nonprofit Heartland Coalition. (Cost for non-members is $95, and $35 for all students). 

January 28, 2012 (San Diego)--In conjunction with its Forging a Sustainable Future Symposium to be held March 3-4, 2012 at San Diego State, UnitedGREEN is offering three $1,000 scholarships to students engaged in research projects. Students conducting research in how to make the San Diego, Imperial County, and Tijuana region sustainable in the areas of food, energy, water are encouraged to apply for this award.

Top entries will present their research at the March FSF Symposium, display their work at the event, and publish it on the www.unitedgreen.org website. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is the keynote speaker for the FSF event.

Our Guide to Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms in East County

By Ariele Johannson

Note: Please help us update this directory. If you know of any CSA programs we missed, please contact Ariele at arielejohannson@gmail.com or editor@eastcountymagazine.org. Farmers: Please send in any changes and visit our blog to connect with other farmers to help create a self-sufficient East County.

January 26, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--Eating healthy means including plenty of fresh foods-- and the freshest of all are those grown here in East County. Have you thought about allotting part of your food budget to locally-grown organic fruits, vegetables, milk, meats, and more?

January 28, 2012 (Washington, D.C.) – Yesterday the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 290, the War Memorial Protection Act. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-El Cajon), a member of the House Armed Services Committee and veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The War Memorial Protection Act—which allows for the inclusion of religious symbols on war memorials—was introduced by Hunter in response to a ruling by the Ninth Circuit which declared San Diego’s Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial unconstitutional. The measure is expected to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

January 27, 2012 (San Diego)--The International Rescue Committee (IRC), a nonprofit organization active in assisting refugees in San Diego and around the world, has been named number five on Global Journal’s list of the top 100 best non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the world. View the full list: http://theglobaljournal.net/photo/full_view/575/.

“I want to congratulate the IRC for this accomplishment,” said Hamse Warfa, San Diego Refugee Forum.

In San Diego, one of the nation’s leading counties for resettlement of refugees from war-torn nations in Africa and the Middle East, the IRC helps refugees find shelter and food, learn English, obtain job training skills and other important necessities for beginning a new life in America.

By Brian Lafferty

January 27, 2012 (San Diego) – Around this time last year, Sanctum hit theaters. Set in a series of frigid, but gorgeous underwater caves, it boasted beautiful cinematography. Unfortunately, it was a dopey survival movie whose sole purpose was to kill off its cardboard characters in gruesome ways.

January 27, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) –California Rare Fruit Growers have partnered with the Paul and Helen Thompson Endowment Committee to offer free bare-root fruit trees for schools, nonprofit organizations, and community gardens. Varieties available include apples, peaches, pears, persimmons, and pluots.

January 27, 2012 (El Cajon) – In response to numerous complaints from parents and residents who were not informed before the Grossmont Union High School District voted to change school boundaries, the District today announced that it will host two public information forums and accept public comments.

The meetings will be held in the Cajon Valley and La Mesa/Spring Valley districts on February 7 and 8.

 
January 27, 2012 (Sacramento)-- State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson congratulated First Lady Michelle Obama and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for making fresh fruits and vegetables the focus of the first major changes to school meals in more than 15 years.

 
Alvarado Hospital Recognized

January 27, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for Saturday due to high winds and warm, dry weather that will create “explosive fire growth potential.”

 January 27, 2012  (San Diego County) -- The winter series of the San Diego County Library Acoustic Showcase is coming to an end with eight concerts taking place in February!  The Acoustic Showcase series offers a wonderful variety of some of San Diego's very best singer/songwriters, folk music performers and story tellers. 

Feb. 29 meeting will allow public testimony on Red Tape Reduction Task Force recommendations, including developers’ proposal to eliminate community planning groups and Resource Protection Ordinance

By Miriam Raftery

January 27, 2012 (San Diego)—A lawsuit filed by Californians Aware has succeeded in persuading the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to vacate votes that approved key changes made by a developer-stacked Red Tape Reduction Task Force without public input. The lawsuit alleged that the Board violated the Brown Act by voting on items not listed as action items on the agenda.  Now, the County has announced it will hold a public hearing on February 29. 

By Miriam Raftery

January 26, 2012 (Palomar) – Last week, we reported that Friends of Palomar Mountain State Park launched a pledge drive to save this beautiful place from closing forever.  They asked the state to keep the park open if their group can raise $60,000 to fill the gap between revenues and operating expenses. Already, $16,625 has been raised.

Today, chairman Rick Barclay revealed, “We've received a generous matching pledge challenge from Mr. & Mrs. Robert S. Wilson of Rancho Santa Fe: If we can raise $30,000 in pledges and donations, they’ll match that amount.”  Now only $13,375 more is needed to reach the $60,000 total.

By Miriam Raftery and Mia Myklebust

January 26, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) - President Barack Obama laid out some ambitious new legislative plans in Tuesday night’s State of the Union speech. Here’s a bipartisan sampling of reactions from local business and community leaders, as well as voters.

Scott Alevy, president and chief executive officer of the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce, voiced support for some of the president's economic proposals, while voicing skepticism over other points in the speech. “Anything that brings jobs to Americans, be it jobs coming back from another company or creating jobs, is good,” said Alevy. “As a veteran myself, I love the idea of employing the veterans coming back with a Jobs Corps.”

President calls for trade reforms to bring jobs back to U.S., tax fairness and more

By Mia Myklebust and Miriam Raftery

January 26, 2012 (San Diego)—The State of the Union address traditionally reviews the condition of our nation and previews the President’s legislative plan for the future. This year, Barack Obama’s speech had added importance as his last State of the Union address before the 2012 election.  The incumbent presidents challenges were to address successes of his current term and his long-term goals for a potential five more years.    

The President provided evidence that economic recovery is underway. He touted his administration’s success in combating terrorism, eliminating Osama bin Ladin, ending the Iraq War and improving America’s relationships overseas. In addition, he laid out ambitious proposals for “an America built to last.”  He issued repeated calls to action, among them:

•   Trade reforms and tax credits for businesses that bring jobs back to America
•   Tax “fairness” to help middle class Americans
•   Invest savings from ending the Iraq war into reducing the deficit and creating jobs
•  Creation of a Veterans Jobs Corps
•  Prevent high school drop-outs and provide incentives to stop tuition hikes
•  End oil subsidies, increase U.S. oil production, and support clean energy  technologies
  

By Mia Myklebust

January 27, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Looking for something luscious for your special someone?  We promise you’ll love our guide to the most delectable treats in town! Whether you’re seeking candies, cakes, crepes or gelatos, we’ve found an appetizing array of choices.  Or surprise your heart’s delight with a special gift—such as candy-making class or a gourmet chocolate-of-the-month club.

Scroll down for these delicious options, and more "sweet" surprises.

Creations will be displayed at Parkway Plaza and auctioned; entry deadline extended to Feb. 15

January 26, 2012 (El Cajon) --Hoping to make its first "Barkitecture" competition, the ACES Foundation asks your help to design the uldimate "doggy dream house" or "cat condo." Companies, nonprofit groups and individuals are encouraged to let their creativity run wild by designing, building and donating their most delightful and original dog and cat dwellings to the ACES Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit whose mission is to assist the El Cajon Animal Shelter.

By Dennis Moore

 
January 26, 2012 --  (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:   

•  San Miguel Fire Agency may contract out its mission (San Diego U-T) 
• Judge strikes down political fundraising limits in San Diego (LA Times)
• Ex-Helix QB Smith one win away from Superbowl (UT San Diego)
• Citing costs, poor service, charters ditch district special ed
• Special Report: La Mesa Policing 2012—Can the robbery wave be stopped? (La Mesa Today) 
• Fair Trade La Mesa organizers hold monthly events (La Mesa Today)
• Doug Manchester, cheerleader in chief (Voice of San Diego)
• How to dodge lobbyist regulations, the expensive way (CityBeat) 

• Federal judge blocks California cuts to in-home care program (Sacramento Bee)
• Plan would eliminate tuition to UC’s benefit (San Francisco Chronicle 
• Protesters briefly trap regents inside building at UC Riverside (LA Times blog)
• Cal-State caps pay for university presidents (Los Angeles Times) 

BP and Amonix seek to reap the sun in East County

By Miriam Raftery

January 22, 2012 (Jacumba) – Jacumba, a high desert town with a population of just 561 in the last census, now finds itself at “ground zero” for major energy projects.  Already, adjacent and formerly protected federal wilderness areas have been approved by the Department of the Interior for massive wind turbines 40 stories tall. 

Now, BP Solar –part of the BP corporation made infamous by the Gulf  Coast oil spill, wants to build a massive solar farm on the outskirts of Jacumba. So does Amonix, a major solar corporation. Together, the two solar facilities would cover over 1,300 acres—roughly the size of Balboa Park (1,200 acres), over two square miles. 

But many rural residents are far-from-pleased about these new prospective neighbors.

January 27, 2012 (San Diego) - Tickets are now on sale for the Lady Antebellum concert on March 24 at the Cricket Ampitheatre.

"We can't wait for our first big headlining tour in arenas," said Hillary Scott.  "We hope to create a once-in-a-lifetime concert experience and make some really special memories with our fans."
 
The trio's live show has earned glowing reviews from critics across the country.

January 26, 2012 --  (San Diego’s East County) – ECM World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflecting 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:  

• State of the Union: Obama calls for tax fairness (BBC)
• Starbucks pro-gun policy prompts gun victims’ advocate group to announce nationwide boycott on Valentine’s Day
• Army says suicides down, but violent crimes up (MSNBC)
• Senate Dems make Mitt Romney the poster boy for tax reform (The Hill)
• Wisconsin recall petition of Gov. Walker gets 1 million signatures (Washington Post)

• South Carolina primary: Newt Gingrich defeats Mitt Romney (ABC)
• Obama launches swing state tour (CNN)
• Santorum hails delayed Iowa win as huge upset (CNN)
• Bain Capital owns Clear Channel:
• Romney parks millions in Cayman Islands offshore tax haven (ABC News)
• Ex-wife claims Gingrich sought open marriage, Gingrich says allegation false (Fox News)
• Perry drops out, endorses Gingrich (CNN)

• Navy Seal raid frees Somali hostages (BBC)
• Israel rattled as hackers hit bourse, banks, El Al (Reuters)
• The secret document that transformed China (NPR)
• Recent attacks by radical Islamist sect in Nigeria (San Diego U-T)
• Afghan asylum bids hit 10-year high (San Diego U-T)

• Blind can see again: First patients seen to improve with stem cell tissues (Reuters)

January 26, 2012 (Lemon Grove)--The sound of drumbeats, horses' hooves and rifle fire, and the snap of flying colors amid the wide open spaces of the American West are yours on Feb. 2 at 7 p.m.   Descendants of the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments of the famous African American Buffalo Soldiers will relive the glory days, when they were the advance guard in the nation's Western expansion.

Take our poll: Should the GUHSD have notified all residents by mail before changing school district boundaries? 

By Miriam Raftery

January 21, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – At a Grossmont Union High School District board of trustees meeting on October 13, trustee Priscilla Schreiber asked Superintendent Ralf Swenson how workshops on proposed district boundary changes would be publicized. Swenson replied, “We are sending out mailers, putting things on websites, and we are working with our feeder districts to get the word out through their schools…”

But no mailers were ever sent to district residents. Nor did feeder schools (middle and elementary) notify parents of future high school students. Yet the district approved boundary changes November 10 that will affect thousands of students. Now a clamor has arisen among parents who had no idea such changes were in the works—and want the action reversed.

January 26, 2012 (San Diego)--Did you know it is illegal for drivers under age 18 to drive while using a wireless telephone, even if equipped with a hands-free device?  Did you also know that your teen is more likely to be involved in a collision by having one passenger in the car, even if that passenger is you?

January 25, 2012 (San Diego)—Terence Jarvis and David White have been charged with a series of crimes that occurred during a 12-hour period on December 27 and 28, including the robbery and attempted murder of 18-year-old Grant Richman in the College West neighborhood.

Richman was savagely beaten and not initially expected to survive his injuries. But Lt. Kevin Rooney with San Diego Police advises, “He did and he continues to improve.”

Former director of The La Jolla Historical Society to assume leadership role on February 21

Rancho San Diego, CA—After an intensive search, The Water Conservation Garden has hired a new executive director to succeed retiring director, Marty Eberhardt.