Palantir is rewriting security and privacy, creating massive database shared by federal agencies including ICE and the military

FDA creates hurdles for Americans to get COVID-19 vaccine, puts infants at risk with changes to Hepatitis-B vaccine recommendations

As politics in San Diego has shifted blue over the last decades, local broadcast industry has turned MAGA red

California students with disabilities face ‘terrifying’ special ed cuts after Trump changes

East County AWP construction boosts cost, but officials say recycled water supply is worth the price

Loveland Reservoir draining underway brings pushback from East County residents

From the Fire Chief’s Corner: Christmas tree safety

Fiery crash in Ranchita kills girl, 8, injures seven others

County officials respond to November coyote attack at UTC

Grossmont Healthcare District Awards Nearly $4 Million to Strengthen Health and Wellness Services Across East County

Shredded cheeses recalled in 31 states due to possible metal fragments: Cheese were sold at major retailers under several brand names

FBI San Diego investigation leads to seizure of fake cryptocurrency investment domain used by Tai Chang scam compound in Burma: 400 San Diegans victimized

FROM THE REAL ESTATE TRENCHES

By  Charlotte Reed,  Realtor, SRES, CRS
 
Real Estate is my business…my only business
 
A weekly column that focuses on Real Estate news that will have an impact on buyers and sellers of real estate in San Diego East County.
 
February 13, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s top real estate stories are:
 
  •         Big Bank/Feds settlement
  •         Free Homeowners counseling
  •        Weekly ESDCAR meeting 

ELDERLY WOMAN ROBBED OF PURSE AT GROSSMONT CENTER

 
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.   

 

ON THE SILVER SCREEN: KILLER "ELITE"

By Brian Lafferty

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.

 

ARMED ROBBERY AT YUM YUM DONUTS IN LA MESA

 

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. 

GUHSD ANNOUNCES SPECIAL MEETING FEB. 16 ON CONTROVERSIAL BOUNDARY CHANGES

 
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."

SANTEE-BASED COMPANY HELPS BRIDES DECORATE ON A BUDGET

 
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.

POLICE INVESTIGATE INDECENT EXPOSURE NEAR SCHOOL

 

 
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. 

 

SPRING VALLEY STUDENTS COMPETE IN COUNTYWIDE SCIENCE OLYMPIAD

 

 
By Sophie Coston
 
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.

 

VET'S BEST FRIEND: SERVICE DOG HELPS INJURED MARINE

By Kate Malatino

 
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.

 

GOVERNOR, CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS AND STATEWIDE OFFICERS TO HEADLINE CALIFORNIA DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION IN SAN DIEGO THIS WEEKEND

 

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. 

YES, THERE IS A FREE LUNCH! FEB. 25 FOR SENIORS INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING AT ALVARADO HOSPITAL

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.

ATTENTION FOOD LOVERS: “APHRODESIAC DINNER” COOKED UP BY SYCUAN’S CHEF

 

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).

BALLS, CLUBS AND LOVE: GOLF TIPS FOR CELEBRATING VALENTINES DAY

 

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.

ON THE SILVER SCREEN: "HOUSE" OF SPY GAMES

By Brian Lafferty

 

February 10, 2012 (San Diego) – Has Daniel Espinosa seen every single Tony Scott film? Based on what I saw in Safe House, I don’t doubt it. Safe House is so influenced by his films that it could very well have been directed by Scott.

 

ON THE SILVER SCREEN: FANTASY "ISLAND"

By Brian Lafferty

 

February 10, 2012 (San Diego) – After watching Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, I wondered what Six Year Old Me would have thought. Six Year Old Me would have loved it. He would have laughed, he would have been thrilled, and he would have had fun.

 

PROP 8 RULING BY FEDERAL COURT MAY BE A LASTING VICTORY FOR SAME-SEX COUPLES

By Serena Scaglione

February 9, 2012 (San Diego)--Tuesday’s decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to rule the Proposition 8 ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional may withstand a challenge to the nation’s highest court, due to the tight legal grounds surrounding the issue that are specific to California. 

DEVICE AT VIEJAS OUTLET CENTER FOUND HARMLESS

 

February 9, 2012 (Alpine) –At 8:15 p.m. tonight, Sheriff’s dispatch confirmed that a suspicious device has been found at the Viejas Outlet Center, 5000 Willows Road in Alpine.  The Sheriff’s Bomb and Arson squad was dispatched and found the device to be harmless.

"Out of an abundance of caution, we evacuated the outlet center," Robert Scheid, Viejas spokesman told ECM.  

RANDY JONES 5K FOR INDEPENDENCE FEB. 18 AT SANTEE LAKES TO BENEFIT HOME OF GUIDING HANDS

February 9, 2012 (Santee) – The Randy Jones “5K For Independence” walk and fun run will be held on February 18 at Santee Lakes.  The event benefits Home of the Guiding Hands, which assists developmentally disabled adults and which has been hard-hit by state budget cuts.

Participants are invited to stay at Santee Lakes for a day of family fun, picnic lunch, beer garden, and awards ceremony.

ATTORNEY GENERAL KAMALA D. HARRIS SECURES $18 BILLION CALIFORNIA COMMITMENT FOR STRUGGLING HOMEOWNERS

 
February 9, 2012 (Los Angeles) -- Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today announced an historic commitment to California of up to $18 billion that will benefit hundreds of thousands of homeowners in the state hardest hit by the mortgage crisis. 
 
"California families will finally see substantial relief after experiencing so much pain from the mortgage crisis," said Attorney General Harris. "Hundreds of thousands of homeowners will directly benefit from this California commitment." 

READER'S EDITORIAL: GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT SHOULD NOT FUND ENERGY COGENERATION EXPANSION WITH BORROWED MONEY

 

 By Jim Stieringer, La Mesa
 
February 9, 2012 (La Mesa)--In 2006 East County voters approved Proposition "G" authorizing the sale of general obligation bonds of $247 million to provide and improve various facilities at Grossmont Hospital. Included is an expansion of the hospital's central energy plant. The Grossmont Healthcare District is now considering adding a cogeneration feature to the plant  to be acquired through a "lease/purchase" agreement for $17,900,000 to be paid over a ten year (120 month) period at a rate of around $2,000,000 per year. 

LA MESA TURNS 100, LET’S CELEBRATE!

 
February 6, 2012 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Centennial kicks off on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 from 3:00–3:30 p.m. at the La Mesa Blvd. Trolley Station, where the City Council and Centennial donors will ride a specially wrapped La Mesa Centennial trolley to the Trolley Station.  You will be able to remember the event with a free Centennial keepsake that will be given away at the unveiling.

 

ECM WORLD WATCH: GLOBAL AND NATIONAL NEWS

 

February 9, 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:  

 

 

 
U.S.

General news  

  • Group urges FTC action on Google privacy (USA Today)
  • Dems fight back against GOP in contraception battle (CBS)
  • Forgetting a key lesson of Watergate? (CNN)
  • Child labor for Victoria’s Secret cotton examined by U.S. (Bloomberg Business)
  • U.S. Brigadier General dies in Afghanistan (CNN) 
Presidential election  
  • Santorum sweeps Minnesota, Missouri, Colorado (CNN)
  • Mitt Romney wins overwhelming victory in Nevada caucuses (Washington Post) 
 WORLD  
  • NATO vs. Syria (American Conservative)
  • Syrians storm embassies after uprising's worst violence (Reuters)
  • Activists: Syrian assault leaves 250 dead (NPR)
  • U.N. vote on Syria fails (NPR)
  •  ‘Hezbollah will hit Israel if Syria attacked’ (Jerusaleum Post)
  • Iran vows to hit any country that stages attack (San Diego UT)
  • Thousands stranded by rising floodwaters in Australia (CNN) 
Health  
  • Blind doctor can see again (Jerusalem Post)
 
Scroll down for excerpts and links to full stories. 

EMERALD OUTLINES STEPS TO SUSTAINABILITY; PARTNER "TWEETS" THE NEWS


Part II of the Forging a Sustainable Future Conference will be held March 3 and 4 at San Diego State University.  For tickets and details click here. If you missed Part I of this important event, ECM is publishing a series of articles highlighting presentations by key speakers last November, starting with these colorful opening statements.

February 9, 2012 (San Diego) – Councilwoman Marti Emerald, a former TV consumer affairs journalist called on San Diegans to join with her in calling for sustainable practices here in our community, and around the world during Part I of United Green's Forging a Sustainable Future conference in November 2011. “This is survival, folks,” she said. 

She brought a surprise guest: Cassis, a green-winged macaw who joined her onstage during opening remarks to drive homeher message. "You won't find these in the wild," Emerald said. "Their habitat has been destroyed." 

EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: TOP LOCAL AND STATE NEWS

 

 
February 9, 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:    
 
 LOCAL

 

  • Grossmont High School teachers vote to explore becoming charter (La Mesa Patch)
  • Fire Chief Augie Ghio chats about state of San Miguel Fire District following release of RFPs (La Mesa Patch)
  • City Council okays livestock for city residents (10 News)
  • A Guide to Understanding the Sweetwater Scandal (Voice of San Diego)
  • San Onofre shutdown costing up to $1 million a day (KPBS)
  • Secrets of the Centennial: How suffrage put progressive town on path to self determination (La Mesa Patch)
  • Light on cockroaches (Valley Roadrunner editorial on Supervisors’ recent actions)
  • Bob Filner to La Mesa: You have a stake in who is mayor of San Diego(La Mesa Patch)
  • Nuke inspections focus on unusual wear on tubes (Sacramento Bee) 
STATE  
  • Federal appeals court: CA gay marriage ban is unconstitutional (AP)
  • Governor signs bill that allows internal borrowing (Sacramento Bee) 
Scroll down for excerpts and links to full stories. 

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