July 25, 2011 (San Diego's East County) -- Cal Fire is asking for your help in identifying suspected arsonists.
If you see a fire start, report it and remember everything you saw, Cal Fire advises. Make note of any suspicious vehicles or persons. The information you have, no matter how minor, could be the key to stopping the arsonist.
July 25, 2011 (Scripps Ranch)—Each Fourth of July for the past 12 years, Sheriff’s Homicide Captain Tim Curran and his wife, Debby, have displayed a flag the size of a two-car garage at their Scripps Ranch home. But on July 5, the flag was stolen and Debby was injured as the thief made a getaway.
Update 7 p.m.: The Eagle Fire is 12,700 acres and 45% contained. There have been 6 minor injuries to firefighters. 11 miles of containment line to be built, and firefighters continue to construct, hold and improve containment lines.
"Bionic Man"-type research aims to help wounded soldiers and repair spinal cord injuries, allowing sufferers to walk again.
July 24, 2011 (SDSU News Center)--The National Science Foundation has announced an $18.5 million grant to establish an Engineering Research Center (ERC) for Sensorimotor Neural Engineering based at the University of Washington with San Diego State University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as research partners.
July 24, 2011 (La Mesa) – "Last Light," the largest collection of artwork by Wade Cline will be on display at O’Dunn Fine Art in La Mesa from July 27 to August 28. In addition, the public is invited to meet the artist at a reception July 27 from 5-8 p.m.
Cline's oil paintings are mostly moody urban scenes of San Diego, with mid-century architecture, rainy streets, and that” low energy time right at dusk,” O’Dunn said. Influenced by Wayne Thiebaud and Edward Hopper, Cline has exhibited at the Crocker and Barrios art galleries in Sacramento, the Pratt and La Jolla Artists' galleries in San Diego, and in "Art Alive" at the San Diego Museum of Art.
July 24, 2011 (Oslo, Norway) – At least 96 people are confirmed killed in Norway from a bombing in Oslo followed by shootings of teenagers at a Labor Party youth camp. A Norwegian man, Anders Behring Breivik, 32, has been arrested and charged with both crimes.
July 24, 2011 (San Diego’s East County)—Cal-Fire is now battling the 11,000 acre Eagle Fire in a unified command with the Bureau of Indian affairs and the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
July 24, 2011 (San Diego's East County) -- I applaud the UT for setting up a citizen’s editorial board. In many ways you’ve achieved a diversity of views ethinically, racially, and politically. But there are some glaring omissions.
There is not a single voice representing East County, rural residents, fire survivors, nor environmental protection interests in the backcountry.
It’s particularly unbalanced to have SDG&E represented on the board, with no one to speak for rural East County folks negatively impacted by the company’s actions.
Community members voice concerns over military training center on reservation, seek answers as to cause of wildfire that now exceeds $2.5 million in firefighting costs
July 23, 2011 (Lakeside) – Back in February 2009, SDG&E officials met with a packed hall full of residents in Lakeside, including the town’s planning board. Residents were furious that SDG&E had changed its proposed route to march 40-story high voltage towers through El Monte Valley, a County-designated scenic view corridor.
After numerous residents objected to desecration of views, SDG&E representative Laura McDonald promised that towers would be “camouflaged” by painting them tan or green. This reporter was present and can vouch for that pledge made. Don Parent and at least two other SDG&E representatives were also present.
But now SDG&E has reneged on its promise to the people of Lakeside—and its representatives have apparently developed convenient cases of amnesia.
July 22, 2011 (San Diego) – NBC headliner Danny Villalpando from Latino Laugh Festival will star in a comedy show presented by Brew Ha Ha on Sunday, July 24 at 7 p.m. in the Moxie Theatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd. Comedians Chet Sewel, Diane Jean, and Chris Clobber will also perform.
“This is our newest venue and it seats 134 so we have lots of room for you to bring a large party!” says Diane Jean. “Let us know so we can save you a section.”
July 23, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – The Eagle Fire, which began around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, has scorched 4,000 acres and is 30% contained. The cost to suppress the fire is $2 million thus far, with 814 firefighters currently on the scene. The fire began near Highway 79 in the vicinity of the Los Coyotes Indian reservation near Warner Springs.
Cal-Fire’s Roxanne Provaznik said there have been no reported injuries or structures threatened. However Ramona Patch.com and other media have reported outbuildings burned as well as property leased by a camp used for military training.
Fruitful wine industry restores farmers’ dreams in rural East County
Story by Miriam Raftery
Photos by Mark and Miriam Raftery
July 22, 2011 (Spring Valley) – Friends and neighbors turned out to help plant 600 grapevine rootstocks from Napa Valley last weekend at the Vineyard Mansion in Spring Valley. Afterwards, guests savored a poolside tri-tip barbecue and sampled estate-bottled vintages in a stone-lined wine cellar.
Their efforts are all part of a vision by East County vintners to establish a wine-making region along Highway 94—revitalizing the local economy with a new agricultural market to reward the fruits of their labors.
Update 4:50 p.m. - The Eagle Fire is now 2,500 acres and 5% contained. The fire is expected to continue in a easterly direction away from populated areas. The current temperature is 83 degrees, with 27% humidity; winds are 13 mph from the west. The fire is burning on Bureau of Indian Affairs and State Park lands.
Estimated cost to suppress the fire is $250,000 to date.
Currently the are 15 Engines, 25 Fire Crews, 9 Water Tenders, 7 Airtankers, 9 Helicopters, 26 Overhead (567 Firefighters).
July 22, 2011 (San Diego)-- Eastbound State Route 94 will be closed at State Route 125 on Saturday morning, July 23 from 4 until 8:30 for guardrail repair, according to the California Department of Transportation.
July 22, 2011 (Jamul) – The Deerhorn Valley Antler reports heavy Sheriff and Police presence throughout the Jamul area today due to a motorcycle gang rivalry.
“There are units from San Diego, La Mesa, El Cajon, Vista, Oceanside,” the Antler reported, adding that undercover units are also in the area.
Update: Kathryn Kevern has been located and is safe, authorities confirm.
July 22, 2011 (Tierrasanta) – San Diego Police ask the public’s help to locate Kathryn “Kate” Kevern, 53, who told a friend she was going for a walk at 7:30 p.m. last night and would return within the hour, but never came back to the home at 4792 Calle de Vida. She has short brown hair and wears prescription glasses. She was last seen wearing a white straw hat and a full length green sundress.
July 22, 2011 (Tierrasanta) – San Diego City Councilwoman Marti Emerald has issued the following statement in response to inquiries regarding her decision to sell her home Tierrasanta.
The move follows the death of her husband, Mike Klarfeld, in February, and has raised questions as to whether she intends to continue representing the district.
Emerald offered assurances to constituents in her explanation:
July 2, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – The Erickson Air Crane, a heavy-left helicopter contracted by SDG&E for construction work on Sunrise Powerlink, was called early this afternoon to help battle the Eagle Fire. The massive chopper can carry up to 30,000 gallons of water or fire retardant chemicals.
The Eagle Fire has scorched 2,500 acres and remains just 5% contained as of 5 p.m. this evening. It is currently burning about 14 miles east of Santa Ysabel near Warner Springs on tribal lands as well as state park property.
July 22, 2011 (San Diego) -- The America's Finest Beer Festival, slated to be held this weekend at Qualcomm Stadium, has been cancelled due to financial issues. Sponsored by the Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce, the event was also to have benefitted the San Diego USO.
By Judith Seid, president, Blue Summit Wealth Management
“Your guide to socially responsible investing”
July 22, 2011 (La Mesa)--According to Financial Planning, on Friday TNS released a new study which revealed that 87% of Americans with $500,000 or more in investable assets feel that the size of the US government's deficit is a major concern for them.
July 22, 2011 (San Diego's East County)-- Now there's good news for parents of nonambulatory special needs children. Only a month ago, Dream Rider Equestrian Therapy had to limit its services to ambulatory children, but now, because of two new, trained, wonderful volunteers, Dream Rider can offer equine assisted activities to all special needs children, including those who cannot walk or mount a horse on their own.
July 22, 2011 (San Diego's East County)-- Opponents of the Sunrise Powerlink have appealed a lower court decision in their federal lawsuit challenging construction of the project across federal lands to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and are preparing an opening brief, a spokesman for plaintiffs’ attorneys has informed ECM.
(July 22, 2011) -- Breaking news on Danmark's Radio reports that the capital building where the Prime Minister' Jens Stoltenberg's office has been bombed, although he is reported safe. Norwegian television NRK confirms seven dead and fifteen seriously injured, and the city is on full Terror Alert. Multiple other terrorist-related incidents are reported.
July 22, 2011 (San Diego) –Just how tough is it to balance the federal budget? While Congress wrestles with the issue on Capitol Hill, a roomful of ordinary citizens got the chance to find out on Tuesday, when Congresswoman Susan Davis’ office sponsored a workshop at San Diego State University to get constituents’ inputs on budgetary priorities.
I planned to go as a neutral observer. But since our table was short one participant, i found myself recruited for a lively and enlightening session. Creative minds proved adept at thinking outside the box—challenging conventional wisdoms, expanding the choices presented for cutting costs and raising revenues, plus citizens came up with some innovative ideas of their own.
Update 2:30 p.m. - The Dog Fire is now 70% contained and full containment is expected within the hour.
July 22, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Three small brush fires have burned into one at Doghouse Junction and Otay Truck Trail (Thomas Brothers Map 1353 H11) along the U.S./Mexico border. The fire was reported at 5:40 a.m. and cause is under investigation.
Two air tankers have been added to the incident and fire crews are beginning to be flown to the fire scene, Roxanne Provaznik has informed East County Magazine.
Update July 22, 2011 5 p.m. - A fatality has been confirmed. No further details are yet available.
July 22, 2011 (Pine Valley) 12:20 a.m. – More than an hour after a car plunged off an embankment, authorities on scene are still awaiting for a Life Flight helicopter to arrive. The accident is now being described as a possible fatality.
July 21, 2011 (Anza Borrego) – A major brush fire has started near Highway 79 and S2 in an extremely remote area near a campground, Incident Page Network reported at 11:28 p.m. tonight. The blaze has swelled from 30 acres to 80 acres in just 20 minutes. It is burning in the Anza Borrego State Park.
Note corrected location: An earlier release from IPN incorrectly listed the fire on Highway78
2011 (San Diego's East County) -- Cal Fire is asking for your help in identifying suspected arsonists. 
Update 7 p.m.: The Eagle Fire is 12,700 acres and 45% contained. There have been 6 minor injuries to firefighters. 11 miles of containment line to be built, and firefighters continue to construct, hold and improve containment lines. 
July 24, 2011 (La Mesa) – "Last Light," the largest collection of artwork by Wade Cline will be on display at O’Dunn Fine Art in La Mesa from July 27 to August 28. In addition, the public is invited to meet the artist at a reception July 27 from 5-8 p.m.
July 24, 2011 (Oslo, Norway) – At least 96 people are confirmed killed in Norway from a bombing in Oslo followed by shootings of teenagers at a Labor Party youth camp. A Norwegian man, Anders Behring Breivik, 32, has been arrested and charged with both crimes. 
uly 24, 2011 (San Diego’s East County)—Cal-Fire is now battling the 11,000 acre Eagle Fire in a unified command with the Bureau of Indian affairs and the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
July 23, 2011 (San Diego’s East County)--Wildfires are on the increase. Yet most wildfires can be prevented.![](/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/resize/powerlink%20fly%20yard2-400x239.jpg "SDG&E claims these shiny silver towers are the "best solution" to blend in against scenic El Capitan in Lakeside.")
By Miriam Raftery
July 22, 2011 (San Diego) – NBC headliner Danny Villalpando from Latino Laugh Festival will star in a comedy show presented by Brew Ha Ha on Sunday, July 24 at 7 p.m. in the Moxie Theatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd. Comedians Chet Sewel, Diane Jean, and Chris Clobber will also perform.
Update 4:50 p.m. - The Eagle Fire is now 2,500 acres and 5% contained. The fire is expected to continue in a easterly direction away from populated areas. The current temperature is 83 degrees, with 27% humidity; winds are 13 mph from the west. The fire is burning on Bureau of Indian Affairs and State Park lands. 
July 22, 2011 (Jamul) – The Deerhorn Valley Antler reports heavy Sheriff and Police presence throughout the Jamul area today due to a motorcycle gang rivalry.
July 22, 2011 (Tierrasanta) – San Diego City Councilwoman Marti Emerald has issued the following statement in response to inquiries regarding her decision to sell her home Tierrasanta. 
July 2, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – The Erickson Air Crane, a heavy-left helicopter contracted by SDG&E for construction work on Sunrise Powerlink, was called early this afternoon to help battle the Eagle Fire. The massive chopper can carry up to 30,000 gallons of water or fire retardant chemicals.
July 22, 2011 (San Diego) -- The America's Finest Beer Festival, slated to be held this weekend at Qualcomm Stadium, has been cancelled due to financial issues. Sponsored by the Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce, the event was also to have benefitted the San Diego USO.
y Judith Seid, president, Blue Summit Wealth Management
by Kristin Kjaero
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