By T.J. Dunnivant
Miriam Raftery also contributed to this report
August 3, 2011 (El Cajon) -- For the second week in a row, voters staged a protest outside Republican Congressman Duncan Hunter’s 52nd Congressional District office to urge that their representative address needs of ordinary citizens over corporations and the wealthy.
August 3, 2011 (San Diego)—Ground turkey has been linked to 77 cases of salmonella nationwide, including six in California and at least one in San Diego, California’s Department of Public Health confirms. One person has died in San Franciso from the contaminated meat.
August 2, 2011 (San Diego)—By a unanimous vote, San Diego County’s Board of Supervisors today decided to redraw supervisorial districts to include a South Bay district in which racial minorities comprise the majority of the population The five white Supervisors, all Republicans, originally had proposed a map with all-white majority districts.
August 3, 2011 (El Cajon)--San Diego FBI Special Agent in Charge Keith Slotter announces the arrest of Cathy Rae Salmond, 30, as a result of the investigation into the robbery of the Bank of the West in El Cajon on Friday, July 22.
Story by Miriam Raftery; Photos by Mark and Miriam Raftery
August 2, 2011 (Alpine) -- "Oh, you're beautiful!" San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce President Scott Alevy exclaimed as his wife, Joanne, dished up a forkful of chicken. But he wasn't complimenting her cooking. Instead, Alevy was admiring Raja--a 500-pound Bengal tiger that Joanne was feeding after winning a drawing at Lions, Tigers & Bears (LTB) in Alpine.
The Chamber hosted a fundraiser to benefit the big cat rescue facility last weekend, donating 100% of proceeds to help this worthy cause while providing a memorable experience for Chamber members. View our video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFhE9h-O0Uw
August 2, 2011 (Ramona) -- ECM intern Elena Luz Pena snapped these "striking" close-ups of an unusually colorful rattlesnake at the home of her fiance's father in Ramona.
This two-foot-long critter's message is crystal clear: don't tread on me!
Update: The victim has been identified as Wesley Stewart Grove, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner. No other information has yet been released.
August 2, 2011 (Sacramento)– California labor unions are waging war against a handful of potential ballot initiatives aimed at restricting the power of local unions. The California Labor Federation has issued a warning to voters to be on the lookout for these “deceptive” petitions that are making the rounds.
August 1, 2011 (San Diego's East County) -- Very soon, East County Magazine will be unveiling a very special guide to East County written by travel writers -- offering you tips of all the very best attractions and activities. Watch our sneak preview 7-minute video here:
Sponsors needed! Call (619)698-7617 or e-mail editor@eastcountymagazine.org to learn how you can become a sponsor for one of our 10 "video adventures" for your region in East County. Each region will highlight the history, culture, and attractions. We will also have special sections for dining, lodging, wine tasting, activities, a shopping and services directory, seasonal favorites, festivals and events, and much, much more!
August 2, 2011 (San Diego)--The County Board of Supervisors is set to approve a redistricting plan today in a meeting at 2 p.m. at the county Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 310 in downtown San Diego.
August 2, 2011 (Washington D.C.)--The US Fish and Wildlife Service is asking the public to send in their comments regarding its revised draft Land-based Wind Energy Guidelines. The deadline for sending your comments is August 4, 2011.
This concerns people from anywhere in the world, as these guidelines may inspire other countries and be used as justification for killing protected species.
August 2, 2011 (El Cajon)--Heartland Fire & Rescue is accepting applications for the "reserve" portion of the Heartland Fire Academy now through August 12th. Applications will be accepted Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at 100 E. Lexington Ave. in El Cajon.
August 1, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Sempra Energy has asked the U.S. Department of Energy for a presidential permit to construct a cross-border transmission line called Energia Sierra Juarez to import electricity from Sempra facilities in Mexico. The line would cross the border near Jacumba in San Diego’s East County.
August 1, 2011 (Jamul) – A little-known but very special treat in San Diego’s East County can be found at Jamul Haven, an authentic Victorian-era bed and breakfast inn in Jamul, California. Built in 1899 as the home of “olive king” Charles Gifford, the elegant mansion later served as a stage coach stop.
August 1, 2011 (Washington D.C.) -- By a 269-161 vote, the compromise measure hammered out by President Barack Obama and bipartisan leaders of both houses passed the House of Representatives. It now advances to the Senate, which is expected to vote before tomorrow's deadline to raise the debt ceiling or face default on our national debt.
Congressman Duncan D. Hunter (R-El Cajon) voted no on the measure, citing concerns over defense spending cuts. Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) voted in favor, calling it the "best of no good alternatives." Both have issued statements explaining their positions in detail. (Scroll down for full text). San Diego Republican Congressmen Brian Bilbray and Darrell Issa voted for the measure, while Democrat Bob Filner voted against it.
In a moment of drama, Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords returned to the House floor for the first time since being shot in the head, drawing bipartisan applause as she entered the chamber to vote for the bill.
August 1, 2011 (Santee)--A brush fire that began at 8756 Mast Boulevard near West Hills High School spread into nerby vegetation, Incident Page Network reported at 4:09 p.m.
At 4:35 p.m., Heartland Fire & Rescue dispatch confirmed that the fire, which began between the high school and the ball field, is now out.
August 1, 2011 (El Cajon)--El Cajon resident Mike Shepard has been named programming/operations manager for BCA Radio San Diego properties, announced Tex Meyer, BCA Radio vice presisent and general maanger. These include XPRS FM–The Walrus 105.7, XPRS AM-XX 1090 and XEPE-ESPN AM-1700.
August 1, 2011 (San Diego)—The wife of Officer David Hall called San Diego Police today to report that her husband had shot and killed himself at their Linda Vista home. He was pronounced dead at the scene of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, said Lt. Andra Brown.
Update August 1: The House has passed the compromise measure 269-161 late today. Rep. Hunter voted no. His explanation may be found here: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/6852
August 1, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) –Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-El Cajon) has served in combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. But now he’s facing fire from both sides of the political aisle as tomorrow’s deadline draws near to approve a plan to raise the debt ceiling, or see the U.S. default on its debts.
Rep. Hunter has reportedly not yet made up his mind how he will vote on the high-stakes measure.
August 1, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Gearing up for another rough-and-tumble campaign season, our Political Wrangling column is back with answers to questions inquiring minds want to know.
Which Presidential candidate flunked 13 of 13 fact-checks?
What prominent candidates are eyeing Bob Filner’s seat in Congress, in a redrawn district that includes the southern chunk of East County?
Which liberal school board member may be living outside her San Diego district, making her potentially ineligible to serve?
Which local Republican official admits to paying off folks to pack a council hearing in support of hiking rental rates for mobile home owners?
What national office holder is collecting rent from public servants providing security for his family?
"...When this happens to elected officials and they choose to drive under the influence, that just shows the public how prevalent the problem is…” -- Eloisa Orocco, executive director, MADD San Diego County.
By Miriam Raftery
August 1, 2011 (Sacramento)—Assemblyman Republican Martin Garrick, whose name has been floated as a potential candidate in a redrawn State Senate District that includes much of San Diego’s East County, has been sentenced on drunk driving charges in Sacramento. Garrick pled no contest to driving with a blood alcohol content nearly twice the legal limit.
August 1, 2011 (San Diego) –Witnesses reported that a big-rig with an empty trailer for hauling automobiles zig-zagged across several lanes of traffic before plummeting over the side of I-15. The vehicle came to rest on Murphy Canyon Road in front of Wal-Mart at 6:40 a.m.
August 1, 2011 (Washington D.C.) – President Barack Obama and Congressional leaders from both parties reached a last-minute deal last night aimed at forestalling the U.S. from defaulting on the national debt by tomorrow’s deadline. But the agreement hinges on getting both sides of Congress to pass it swiftly.
August 1, 2011 (Lemon Grove) -- Ready for some hot August nights? There's still time to catch the last two free summer concerts of the season at Lemon Grove's Berry Park. Videographer Jack Winemiller prepared a video report for ECM, including interviews with a teen queen, reminiscences of an event organizer, and of course, music!
July 31, 2011 (Cleveland National Forest) – On Saturday, August 13, the San Diego Archaeological Center will host a presentation on volunteer opportunities including the Cleveland National Forest heritage program, “Passport in Time.” The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road in Escondido.
July 31, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for San Diego County’s mountains and deserts for this afternoon through 8 p.m. this evening. A flash flood warning was also issued for central portions of the County this afternoon including the recently burned areas near Warner Springs and Julian.
July 31, 2011 (Spring Valley) Elisa Maria Osuna, 27, of Chula Vista was killed when her car swerved off Highway 94 eastbound in Spring Valley and plunged down an embankment, striking a building at 3:23 a.m. yesterday morning.
July 30, 2011 (San Pasqual) – A motorcyclist suffered a broken nose, broken hip and facial laceration in an accident yesterday at 3:43 p.m. on San Pasqual Valley Road near State Route 78. According to Officer David Stafford with San Diego Police, the man, who is in his late 20s to early 30s, lost control of his motorcycle and struck a guard rail.
July 31, 2011 (Sacramento) -- The Federal and State Renewable Energy Action Team (REAT) launched a joint environmental review for the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan (DRECP or Plan) that seeks to streamline permitting of renewable energy facilities for seven counties in the California desert, including San Diego and Imperial Counties.
Public meetings are set for August 16 and 24, with written comments encouraged for those who cannot attend.
August 2, 2011 (San Diego)—By a unanimous vote, San Diego County’s Board of Supervisors today decided to redraw supervisorial districts to include a South Bay district in which racial minorities comprise the majority of the population The five white Supervisors, all Republicans, originally had proposed a map with all-white majority districts. 
By Jeremy Los
August 1, 2011 (San Diego's East County) -- Very soon, East County Magazine will be unveiling a very special guide to East County written by travel writers -- offering you tips of all the very best attractions and activities. Watch our sneak preview 7-minute video here:
August 2, 2011 (San Diego)--The County Board of Supervisors is set to approve a redistricting plan today in a meeting at 2 p.m. at the county Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 310 in downtown San Diego.
By Mark Duchamp, CEO, European Platform Against Wind Farms 
August 1, 2011 (Jamul) – A little-known but very special treat in San Diego’s East County can be found at Jamul Haven, an authentic Victorian-era bed and breakfast inn in Jamul, California. Built in 1899 as the home of “olive king” Charles Gifford, the elegant mansion later served as a stage coach stop.
3 local representatives vote yes, 2 oppose
August 1, 2011 (San Diego)—The wife of Officer David Hall called San Diego Police today to report that her husband had shot and killed himself at their Linda Vista home. He was pronounced dead at the scene of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, said Lt. Andra Brown.
Raftery
July 31, 2011 (Sacramento) -- The Federal and State Renewable Energy Action Team (REAT) launched a joint environmental review for the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan (DRECP or Plan) that seeks to streamline permitting of renewable energy facilities for seven counties in the California desert, including San Diego and Imperial Counties.
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