How Kamala Harris played hardball and won $18 billion to help California homeowners
Story by Miriam Raftery, photos by Ron Logan
February 13, 2012 (San Diego) – Last September, the U.S. Department of Justice and attorney generals from other states were ready to sign a multi-state settlement of misconduct by banks that resulted in foreclosures.The deal on the table? An estimated $4 billion or less for California, the state hardest hit by the foreclosure crisis.Moreover, no wrongdoers would be prosecuted.
So California’s Attorney General Kamala Harris stood up—and walked out.
Her actions led to a dramatically different settlement reached last week that is expected to ultimately reach $40 billion—including an estimated $18 billion for California and $1.5 billion for San Diego homeowners.
An Open Letter To the Honorable Supervisors on the Proposed Ordinance Amending San Diego county’s Regulatory Ordinances Relating to Vector Control
By Danielle Cook
February 13, 2012 (Jacumba) --I am a resident of Jacumba, a member of JAG (Jacumba Against Gnats), Secretary of the Jacumba-Boulevard Revitalization Alliance and one of the four (total) community representatives that participated on the EGIWG committee that produced the proposed new ordinance draft.
February 13, 2012 (San Diego) -- Kroc Kids Junior Theater Company is holding a casting call for all skill levels age 7-18 for the upcoming production of “Once Upon a Mattress” with performance dates of May 25-27th. Tuesday, February 28th 4:30-6:30 p.m. is the music audition, come prepared to sing with a CD for accompaniment. Thursday, March 1st from 4:30-6:30 p.m. is for callbacks and the dance audition.
February 13, 2012 (San Diego)--Several Occupy groups came together to protest outside the San Diego Convention Center at the California Democratic Convention on Saturday.
Around 100 people, including 40 local protesters and 60 from other areas including Los Angeles and Riverside, sought to draw attention of Democratic leaders and delegates. Issues included corporate power, civil liberties, homelessness and foreclosures.
“Throughout history, it was hard for black men, with no education. They couldn’t become officers. They weren’t trained right. African-Americans were always left with the worst equipment (like hats and shoes) while the white officers made 50 cents more.” – Trooper John Green
By Megan McGlamery
February 10, 2012 (Lemon Grove) In celebration of Black History Month, the Lemon Grove Historical Society hosted members of the San Diego Chapter of the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers. Dressed in authentic uniforms, the speakers—including veterans of the famed regiment and their descendants--explained the history of the Buffalo Soldiers, as well as their importance to the San Diego community.
February 13, 2012 (San Diego) 11:00 a.m. - I-8 west is shut down due to a suicide. According to the CHP website, a man waved to passing motorists before jumping to his death off a bridge at 805. Traffic is being diverted off I-8 at Texas Stsreet and a SIG ALERT has been issued.
February 14, 2012 (La Mesa)-- The City of La Mesa has awarded a construction contract to replace the sewer pipe beneath University Avenue from Massachusetts Avenue to Harbinson Avenue. Construction is scheduled to take place at night, between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6 a.m. beginning February 15. The work is expected to take four weeks to complete.
By Darrell Foxworth, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), San Diego
February 14, 2012 (San Diego)--Millions of Americans visit online dating websites every year, hoping to find a companion or even a soul mate. But today, on Valentine’s Day, we want to warn you that criminals use these sites, too, looking to turn the lonely and vulnerable into fast money through a variety of scams.
February 14, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – A late season storm left a dusting of snow across rural and mountain areas in East County, dipping as low as Descanso along I-8.
Latest Robbery was at U.S. Bank, 9643 Mission Gorge Road, Santee, California
February 12, 2012 (Santee)--The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), San Diego Police and San Diego Sheriff’s Department are seeking the public’s assistance to identify an unknown man dubbed the “Insistent Bandit.” He is believed responsible for four bank robberies dating back to January 17.
County Offers Free Blood Pressure Screenings on Feb. 14
February 12, 2012 (San Diego)--A healthy heart is the best gift on Valentine’s Day—and all year. On Feb. 10, County officials and community partners kicked off the “Love Your Heart” campaign to help residents take charge of their own health by offering free blood pressure screenings.
Chairman Ron Roberts launches the “Love Your Heart” campaign. He is joined by Donald Turko from County Dept. of Human Resources, Minh Nguyen from US HealthWorks, Dr. Nick Yphantides from HHSA, Mary Ann Barnes from Kaiser and Nick Macchione, HHSA Director.
February 12, 2012 (San Diego County) -- Distracted driving is a serious traffic safety concern that puts everyone on the road at risk. As a result, the Sheriff’s Department and CHP are increasingly cracking down on cell phone use and texting. Beginning February 13th through February 18th, Deputy Sheriff’s and CHP officers will be conducting zero tolerance enforcements. A ticket for violating either the hands free or no texting law costs a minimum of $159 for a first offense and $279 or more for subsequent violations.
February 16, 2012 (El Cajon) -- Mayor Mark Lewis announced that the El Cajon City Council voted unanimously to select Douglas Williford as its new City Manager. The selection follows a thorough nationwide search in which 64 candidates applied for the position. Williford currently serves as the Deputy Executive Director of the Southern California Association of Governments. He has past experience working in the City of El Cajon’s Planning Department, as well as similar positions with the City of Santee and the City of Irvine.
February 13, 2012 (La Mesa) -- A purse-snatching prompted at Grossmont Center prompted an intensive but unsuccessful search for a suspect on Saturday night, February 11. The suspect approached a 71-year-old woman from behind as she was walking with her husband through the parking lot near BJ’s Restaurant shortly before 8 p.m., then grabbed her purse from her shoulder and ran off toward Grossmont Hospital.
February 13, 2012 (San Diego) – Elite Squad: The Enemy Within is populated with politicians more corrupt than Randy “Duke” Cunningham and a slew of dirty cops. With so many stock characters and potentially tiresome tropes like chases and shootouts, the film could have easily become a hotbed of clichés. Elite Squad, against all odds, transcends them all with a complex script. Nothing – not the characters, plot, themes, nothing – in this movie is as simple as black and white.
February 11, 2012 (La Mesa) -- On 02/11/12 at approximately 3:44 PM, a male armed with a gun robbed the Yum Yum Donut shop located at 7550 El Cajon Boulevard in La Mesa.
The male suspect entered the store, displayed a black handgun, and demanded cash from the clerk. After the clerk complied, the suspect left the store on foot. The suspect was last seen on foot eastbound toward Comanche Drive.
February 11, 2012 (Santee) - Grossmont Union High School District will host a special Board meeting Thursday, February 16 to review its newly enacted high school boundaries and open enrollment policies, as well as consider alternative options for the 2012-13 school year. This public meeting will be held in the theater at West Hills High School at 8756 Mast Blvd. in Santee at 6:00 p.m.
"This was the best possible outcome that we could have hoped for. The decision to change the boundaries can only be reversed by the board," said Greg Kerrebrock, a parent who has led efforts to get the board to reverse the boundary changes...."I would urge those who are truly concerned or significantly affected to seize this opportunity and make an appearance next Thursday."
February 11, 2012 (Santee)--So you’re engaged! Congrats! Now what? Wedding season is in full swing and brides-to-be and their fiancés are starting the fun yet sometimes overwhelming planning process. It’s no surprise that the budget is usually one of the first items discussed.
February 10, 2012 (San Diego)-- San Diego Police Department Mid-City Division detectives are looking for a Hispanic male suspected of exposing himself to two Hoover High School students as they walked home Wednesday afternoon.
The girls were walking westbound on 3700 Orange Avenue when they passed the suspect’s vehicle parked at the curb. The suspect then drove past the girls and, again, parked at the curb where they were would pass him.
February 10, 2012 (Spring Valley) -- After four months of spending many evenings and weekends preparing and learning about a variety of science subjects, the Spring Valley Middle School Science Olympiad team competed in the San Diego County Regional Science Olympiad. The annual competition took place on Saturday February 4 at Rancho Bernardo High School with 28 schools from all around the county, and 90 total middle school teams. Spring Valley Middle School, which is part of the La Mesa – Spring Valley School District was the only East County middle school that participated in the countywide event.
February 8, 2012 (San Diego)--Gabe, a San Diego military veteran, is a seemingly laid-back, young guy. He's quick to smile, easy to joke with and can often be found wearing a tee shirt that's printed to appear like a tuxedo. However, if you get to know Gabe, you quickly realize how intense he actually is. He is fearless and ambitious - an unstoppable combination.
February 10, 2012 (San Diego) -- An individual who jumped off a bridge in an apparent suicide was struck by a vehicle and died at the scene, Officer Larry Landeros of CHP informed ECM at 1:40 p.m. All lanes but one have been shut down on southbound 805 at Balboa.
February 10, 2012 (San Diego) -- Local off-road enthusiasts don't have to head east to the Mojave Desert to enjoy watching the "King of Hammers" competition, which starts today. You can view a live-streaming video here: http://www.ustream.tv/ultra4.
February 10, 2012 (San Diego) – Democratic delegates and party activists from East County are among the participants at the three-day California Democratic Party Convention taking place Friday through Sunday at the San Diego Convention Center.
RSVP by Feb. 21 for “lunch and learn” with prizes and more
February 10, 2012 (San Diego) – If you’re an active senior or retiree with plenty of free time and a desire to make a positive difference in people’s lives, you’re invited to a free “Lunch and Learn” at Alvarado Hospital on Saturday, February 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Plus win an “Ultimate Romance Package” vacation in Sycuan’s Facebook Contest
February 10, 2012 (El Cajon)-- Sycuan Golf and Tennis Resort, is putting on a unique Aphrodisiac themed Valentine's Day dinner, created by Executive Chef Augie Saucedo (formerly of the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club).
February 10, 2012 (El Cajon)--Sycuan Golf & Tennis Resort understands ‘golf romance’ and how to treat sweeties to a day on the course…and tagging along. Can you play your lie? Know where to park your cart? Ready to talk it up? After polling our golfers, instructors and staff, here’s the top tips of what to do.
The resort is also offering a special "couple's retreat" for a full weekend of romance on the greens.
By Miriam Raftery
County Offers Free Blood Pressure Screenings on Feb. 14
By Kate Malatino
February 10, 2012 (El Cajon)-- Sycuan Golf and Tennis Resort, is putting on a unique Aphrodisiac themed Valentine's Day dinner, created by Executive Chef Augie Saucedo (formerly of the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club). 
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