By Miriam Raftery

April 17, 2014 (Jamul) – Superior Court Judge Ronald Prager heard arguments today in a lawsuit by family members alleging that a contractor for Jamul Indians removed and dumped human remains.  The families seek an injunction to halt construction of a casino that the  tribe is building at the Jamul Indian Village site.

Plaintiffs contend that a contractor for the tribe, C.W. Driver, dug up the families’ remains from the historical cemetery at the casino site and dumped the human remains, with Caltrans permission on the state’s construction site for a new freeway interchange in Otay.

April 17, 2014 (La Mesa) – Harmonicas and more will be wailing on Saturday, April 19 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the annual Spring Harp Fest at Harry Griffin Park, 9550 Midden  in La Mesa.

A donation of $10 is suggested.  Below is the tentative lineup of talent:

April 17, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – Hear shocking details about fire stations unmanned across our backcountry—and what could be done to keep rural residents safe.  Listen online at 5 p.m. Friday, April 18th here: http://knsj.org/knsjpopup.html or tune in to KNSJ 89.1 FM on your radio dial.

Other topics on our Friday show include an update on the Quail Brush power plant proposal,  a national effort to prevent veterans’ suicides, and  a U.S.  Fish & Wildlife Service confidential report revealing high rate of bird and butterfly deaths at desert solar facilities.

Plus Ariele Johannson shares the most fun festivals and events across East County, from a glow-in-the-dark Easter egg hunt to a harmonica festival this weekend.

By Jessica Richmond

Listen to our radio interview with Fotios “Frank” Tsimboukakis here:  http://kiwi6.com/file/t5e89mc5cl

April 12, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) - The race for California’s 38^th State Senate district seat has been heating up since the arrival of Fotios “Frank” Tsimboukakis.  He has made it a point to challenge incumbent Joel Anderson on many key issues—including taking a stand against environmentally harmful energy projects in East County. Tsimboukakis has testified in public hearings against industrial solar and wind projects, as well as the Quail Brush gas-fired power plant, while Anderson has been largely silent on these controversial plans, critics have pointed out.

Tsimboukakis has also proposed plans to make college tuition free, cut wasteful spending, and convene public hearings on funding firefighting, with an eye toward possibly repealing or amending state fire fees.  He has also pledged to hold regular town hall meetings in the district to hear from voters, faulting Anderson for not hosting town halls for constituents to share their views.

April 16, 2014 (Campo) – The Mountain Empire Campo Kiwanis invites you to savor an afternoon of leisure in the beautiful backcountry, riding the historic Pacific Southwest rails.  The journey departs from the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum in Campo, where a $45 ticket includes wine tasting by the East County Vintners Association, live presentations by local wineries, heavy hors d’oeuvres, presentations by historians and wineries, as well as a scenic train ride.

Listen online here from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wed. April 16: http://knsj.org/knsjpopup.html

Hot topics:

• ECM special investigative report on Sheriff response times. How safe is your community?

• Solar leader Daniel Sullivan says "absolutely" industrial wind/solar projects in our backcountry are not needed. We can produce more clean power for less money AND save our scenic areas. Find out what must change to stop this senseless devastation.

• Frank Tsimboukakis, candidate challenging State Senator Joel Anderson, takes stand against big energy projects in our region and shares his plan to eliminate tuitions at public universities and colleges in California.

• Ariele Johannsen’s Destination East County tells you about the hottest events coming up—from a glow-in-the-dark egg hunt to Lakeside's Western Days, a wine-and-rails ride through our backcountry and many others.

All this and more on this Wednesday's East County Magazine show!

You can listen online at the link above (it may take a few moments to load, after you click the play button) or on KNSJ 89.1 FM at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

April 17, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)-- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.

April 17, 2014 (San Diego) – This is the one-year anniversary of the Digital Gym Cinema, the only venue in San Diego where you can watch the best in Latino film every month. Starting this Friday, 200 Cartas, the gut-busting comedy starring Jaime Camil and former Miss Universe, Dayanara Torres, will be back in San Diego for a very special one-week engagement of one of the highest-grossing films of San Diego Latino Film Festival's history!

April 17, 2014 (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 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.

• IRS Chasing Children For Dead Parents' Debts (NPR)
• Three border officials face charges (SD Reader)
• A look at chances of getting audited by IRS (UT San Diego)
• Obama Administration Slapped With 'Muzzle Awards' for Threatening Free Expression (Reason)
• Senate report: Interrogation methods 'far worse' than CIA acknowledged (CS Monitor)
•  Three people killed in shootings at Jewish centers in Kansas (Reuters)

WORLD

• Water flows to Colorado River Delta  (U-T San Diego)
• Rwanda, the world's swiftest genocide (CS Monitor)
• (2 powerful earthquakes hit Solomon Islands (AP)
• A look at Ukraine's fast-growing Russian gas bill (UT San Diego)
• Can Russia's military fly without Ukraine's parts? (CS Monitor)

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

April 17, 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

• Team 10 examines number of criminals monitored by GPS (10 News)
• See how your SDG&E bill could change (UT San Diego)
• (Ramona) Contractor linked to a string of burglaries (UT San Diego)
• UT San Diego key backer in “jobs tax” defeat (SD Reader)
• Santee Fire Chief resigns (UT San Diego)
• Where the mayor found cash (Voice of San Diego)
•  “Moon Jellies” invade Mission Bay ( NBC 7 San Diego)
• State Division of Occupational Safety and Health issues citations in fatal tree-trimming accident
• Ken Cinema to close on April 27 (San Diego Reader)
• Gas prices soaring as supply seems plentiful (10 News)
• Mike Aguirre Announces Legal Action Against San Onofre Settlement

STATE

• Jerry Brown calls special legislative session on rainy day fund (Sacramento Bee)
• Steinberg plan would dedicate California cap-and-trade dollars to housing, transit (Sacramento Bee)
• Ex-city official gets nearly 12 years in scandal (UT San Diego)

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

By Miriam Raftery

April 15, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – In 2012, we reported on a potentially promising new technology to build roadways out of glass capable of producing solar power.

April 15, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – Night sky photographer Dennis Mammana (© Dennis Mammana/dennismammana.com) captured this beautiful image of a rare ‘blood moon” eclipse overnight in the Anza Borrego Desert.

April 16, 2015 (El Cajon) – Homegrown live music from seven bands with a diverse mix of styles will be coming to Cuyamaca College with the return of the Coyote Music Festival from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. Now in its sixth year, the free outdoor festival has retained its eclectic vibe, with a host of young talent playing everything from coffeehouse acoustic pop to Tejano rock. The mostly young crew of volunteers is a reminder that the event is actually a class assignment for students enrolled in Music Industry Studies, a transfer degree program unique locally to Cuyamaca College that focuses on the practical aspects of developing careers in the music industry.

April 16, 2014 (San Diego County) - April showers bring May flowers, as the saying goes. But so far, this April has brought very little rainfall—so the County is asking your help to conserve water.

April 16, 2014 (San Diego County) - Easter bunnies are cute and cuddly--but wild rabbits found locally may be carrying a dangerous disease known as Rabbit Fever, County health officials warn this week. The disease is carried by ticks—so it’s important to know how to protect yourself if you’re hiking or working in brushy areas.

East County News Service

April 16, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) –HBO’s Real Time Host, Bill Maher, has launched a “flip a district” series in which voters are invited to submit videos showing why their representative should be ousted.  His latest target? Congressman Duncan D. Hunter,. Hunter was asked about his opposition to a measure aimed at protecting women against pay discrimination.   When Hunter responded that “there really isn’t gender discrimination,” the audience responded by booing him.  View video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDGjia4VgCA&feature=youtu.be

Easter egg-stravaganza events and much more!

By Ariele Johannson

April 16, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--This week’s Destination: East County begins with a Chamgane Brunch, glow-in-the-dark egg hunt and other Easter events--then ends with fishing and a Spring Harp Festival.

But that's not all. We have a fabulous preview of some great upcoming events all right here in East County and San Diego’s inland region.

By David Dickens

April 10, 2014 (San Diego)- The East County has produced many superstar athletes for several years now. Most of the athletes have come via land, however  a Seastar has been born right here in our own backyard. The San Diego SeaStars, formerly the Sweetwater Dolphins established in East County back in 1977, practice at Mount Miguel High School in Spring Valley four times a week.

April 16, 2014 (El Cajon) – Inequality for All, a film by Robert Reich,  documents how  massive consolidation of wealth by a handful of people threatens the middle class, the viability of the American workforce and the foundation of democracy . Reich is the former U.S. Secretary of Labor and professor of public policy at the University of California, Berkeley. 

The film will be shown on April 17 at 7:15 p.m. during a meeting of the East County Democratic Club at  Coco's Restaurant, 1025 Fletcher Parkway, El Cajon, CA 92020.  A discussion will be held after the film showing.  View a film trailer here: 

April 16, 2014 (San Diego) - Have you ever wanted to create a new society from scratch?

FOX’s new unscripted social experiment series “UTOPIA” is searching for candidates to create a whole new world. Nationwide casting is now underway and we’re seeking motivated pioneers who have the ideas, skills and determination to create and run an ideal society. The actual casting event in San Diego will be the Earth Fair 2014. It will take place on Sunday, April 27th from 10AM - 5PM at Balboa Park.

East County News Service

Source: Senator Joel Anderson

April 16, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – Senator Joel Anderson’s office has provided a list of scholarships  and grants available.  Below is a list, along with other helpful information share with college students and soon-to-be college students.

"My wife and I are the proud parents of two college graduates and we know first-hand how expensive college can be these days. That’s why we want you to have this valuable information," says Senator Anderson (R-Alpine).

By Miriam Raftery

April 16, 2014 (Washington D.C.) –Veterans from across America converged on Capitol Hill on March 31, meeting with members of Congress and the administration. They sought help to prevent suicides among returning veterans.

By Miriam Raftery

April 16, 2014 (El Cajon)—Yesterday the prosecution rested its case in the trial of Kassim Alhimidi, an Iraqi immigrant who is accused of murdering his wife, Shaima Alawadi.  Alhimidi’s fate now rests in the hands of a jury at the courthouse in El Cajon.

The killer repeatedly struck Alawadi in the head from behind while she was sitting at a computer in her El Cajon home in March 2012.  Police believe the murderer was someone  the victim knew and trusted, since she was not wearing her hijab, a traditional head scarf, during the attack.

Photo (left): Ivanpah Solar testing; photo by  Tom Budlong

Photo (center): warbler with over 50% of its feathers burned was found alive, but died of its injuries

Monarch butterfly (photo, right) numbers are down 90% in the most recent Pacific migration

By Miriam Raftery

April 15, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – Last month we reported that themonarch butterflies’ annual migration to Mexico is down 90%.  Various theories have been proposed.  But now a newly released study by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service reveals  that “hundreds  upon hundreds of butterflies” including monarchs, along with dragonflies, were found dead at the Ivanpah solar site.

April 15, 2014 (San Diego County) - The Keystone pipeline proposal has hit a Nebraska stop sign, but it has deeper problems than right-of-way issues across the United States.  After all, the controversial proposal for transporting Alberta’s tar sands across America was never just about the pipeline.  Just ask the thousand students who rallied in front of the White House recently, who were willing to be arrested to make their point.

April 15, 2014 (La Mesa)--The Independent Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (ICBOC), a group of volunteers monitoring how the Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) is spending millions of dollars in taxpayer-approved bonds for new and improved patient care facilities at Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa, has issued its 2013 Annual Report to the Community.

April 14, 2014 (Mt. Helix) -- On Saturday, May 17, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am, part two of Mt. Helix Park’s Nature/Sustainable Living lecture series will be held in the ampitheater atop Mt. Helix.This free, one-hour lecture on landscaping with California native plants will feature guest  speaker, Greg Rubin, President of California’s Own Native Landscape Design, Inc. and co-author of "The  California Native Landscape: The Homeowner's Guide to Restoring Its Beauty and Balance.”

- Golfers join Lakeside Firefighters to raise money to fund afterschool programs for East County youth -

April 15, 2014 (Lakeside)--On Tuesday, May 6, the Lakeside Firefighter’s Association will host the First Annual Lakeside Firefighters Golf Tournament at Cottonwood Golf Course benefitting Stoney’s Kids, an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that funds programs that help East County children develop skills, self-esteem and confidence.

By Nicolee Hill          

April 1, 2014

April 15, 2014 (La Mesa)-- Master Goldsmith and Jewelry Designer, Terry Whyte of Golden Artistry Jewelry Design is hosting this annual competition to be held in conjunction with Golden Artistry’s 30th anniversary. The event will be held on May 2, 2014 from 5:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. at the La Mesa Woman's Club, 5220 Wilson, La Mesa , CA 91942. Numerous local vendors and restaurants will be donating gifts and services to be raffled off. In addition, Terry Whyte will auction off one of his original pieces of jewelry and the Grand Prize winning design.  All proceeds will go to the Golden Artistry Foundation which will disperse funds to local schools’ jewelry programs and to the internships at Golden Artistry.  Members of the community are encouraged to participate in this event.