March 30, 2011 (Sacramento) – Governor Jerry Brown yesterday declared budgetary talks with Republicans “dead.” The GOP issued 53 proposed alternatives, leading the Governor to accuse Republicans of obstructing the process with new demands that would widen the budget gap, not close it. View Governor Brown's video message to the people by clicking the above image.
SDJA was the big winner at the 2011 Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair, with 50% of its high school entries taking home the grand prize, or Sweepstakes Awards, and over half of its middle school entries receiving a first place award.
Standardized Assessment Would Save $4 Million in Testing Costs and Increase the Number of Students Assessed by 2.2 Million
March 30, 2011 – In an effort to increase efficiencies in California’s higher education system and boost student success, Assemblymember Marty Block (AD-78) announced that his community college student assessment legislation has been approved by the Assembly Higher Education Committee on a unanimous vote.
March 30, 2011 (Sacramento)--Assemblymember Marty Block (AD-78) announced today that the Assembly Committee on Higher Education, which he chairs, has approved his bill to improve the campus climates for LGBT students at public colleges and universities. AB 620 would require the California State University and California Community Colleges, and request the University of California, to adopt policies on harassment, intimidation and bullying in their student codes of conduct.
General Plan Update, Health and Wellness in La Mesa on agenda
March 30, 2011 (La Mesa)—Help create La Mesa’s vision for a healthier community at a community workshop on Thursday, April 7 from 6-8 p.m. at the La Mesa Police Station community room, 8085 University Avenue in La Meas. Topics for discussion include a new Health and Wellness element as well as the 2012 general plan update (available online at www.cityoflamesa.com/GeneralPlanUpdate).
March 30, 2011 (Washington D.C.) Earlier this month, Congressman Duncan D. Hunter (R-El Cajon) introduced bipartisan legislation, the Unlawful Border Entry Prevention Act, which includes San Diego Congressman Brian Bilbray among its cosponsors. The measure would provide the Secretary of Homeland Security with full discretionary authority to build up to 350 miles of additional infrastructure on the Southwest border.
March 30, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Charles Dumars, 46, of Poway died of coronary artery disease while hiking near Ramona on Saturday, March 26, the San Diego Medical Examiner’s office reports.
Dumars was with a group of Boy Scouts and their fathers hiking in remote terrain on Black Mountain Truck Trail. According to Ramona Patch.com, a 911 call indicated that Dumars as unresponsive and CPR was in progress.
Channel 10 News to host Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce WHEEL program, offers special one-day program pass at ABC’S KGTV Channel 10 News
March 30, 2011 (Rancho San Diego) – Want to get media coverage for your business or organization? Find out how at “Media Day” on April 1st. Get tips from editors on print, online and broadcast media on how to maximize your exposure in the press. Hear from marketing and public relations experts on how to write effective press releases and develop winning strategies for “earned media coverage” – in other words, free press!
March 30, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – East County Roundup highlights important stories of interest to East County and our region, published in other media.
Latest “Roundup” headlines include:
• Jerry Brown declares budget talks dead (Sacramento Bee)
• City Council approves medical pot ordinances (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• California construction jobs up in February (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Nearly $44K of lawn art stolen since October (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• California adds nearly 100,000 jobs in February (Los Angeles Times)
• 3 arrested in stabbing near Mast Park (Santee Patch.com)
• Sleeping controller = safety concerns (CNN)
• First sign of radioactivity reaches County (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Small businesses at risk for cyber attacks (KPBS)
March 30, 2011 (Jacumba) – The San Diego Medical Examiner has identified Gregory E. Gates, 72, as the driver who was killed March 28 in an accident on westbound I-8 in Jacumba. His vehicle crossed traffic lanes, struck an embankment and rolled over.
March 29, 2011 (Rancho San Diego) – Cuyamaca College will again provide free classes and hands-on work experience in green building and sustainable energy to eligible students through a training program funded by San Diego Workforce Partnership. The $1.6 million in funding comes from federal stimulus money along with grants from the State Energy Program, Workforce Investment Act, State Energy Sector Partnership and others.
Robert Garber, interim president of Cuyamaca College, said the green building program is part of the college’s commitment to train workers for the expanding green economy.
March 29, 2011 (San Diego's East County)-- Signs of spring abound!
The past couple of weeks, our photographers found no shortage of birds and bees, flowers and trees resplendant in spring foliage. They also spotted signs of wild life both on the trail and off, as East County residents heralded in St. Patrick's Day.
March 29, 2011 (La Mesa)--A volunteer citizens group that oversees how the taxpayer-supported Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) is spending millions of dollars in voter-approved funds for infrastructure improvementprojects at Sharp Grossmont Hospital has issued its 2010 Annual Report to the Community.
March 29, 2011 (Alpine) -Do you love trees? Are you interested in promoting tree planting in Alpine? Would you like to help establish tree programs for local schools? If so, you’re invited to join "Alpine's Tree Town Party" on April 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Alpine Woman's Club, 2156 Alpine Blvd.
Learn about the oak beetle that is killing local oaks--and watch Warren Stormthunder prune a tree and then give it away to someone in the audience. Children's programs l be held throughout the day and vendors will also participate.
March 29,2011 (La Meas)--The Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, a consumer health library in La Mesa, is featuring an exhibit of 22 paintings by El Cajon resident Hazel Ross. The paintings include Ross’ signature watercolor landscapes and portraits in pastel. Art will be on exhibit now through the month of May.
March 29, 2011 (San Diego)--Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) and Education Secretary Arne Duncan made a call for education reform, framing the issue in a national security context. The push for reform was at a recent press conference following a tour of an early childhood facility at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
March 29, 2011 (El Cajon ) – Twenty artists displayed more than 100 works, met with visitors and shared secrets of their success at “Wine Down Wednesday” last week. The event, held at Westfield Parkway Plaza in the Macy’s court, showcased artwork from St. Clair Gallery with 20% of proceeds benefitting St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center.
March 29, 2011 (La Mesa)—David Zaloudek decided to combine his two passions: coffee and restoring vintage light fixtures. You can savor and purchase both at Marcella June’s Coffee Lounge, La Mesa’s newest java joint at 8513 La Mesa Blvd. The coffee lounge is named in honor of Zaloudek’s mother, whose portrait adds a vintage touch in keeping with the period lighting that softly illuminates this cozy, one-of-a-kind shop.
March 28, 2011- Plumeria blooms, the traditional Hawaiian lei flowers, conjure up the exotic mystique of the tropics. This weekend, several East County growers will showcase their sweet-scented blossoms at the Southern California Plumeria Society’s cutting sale.
March 27, 2011 (San Diego) There are now about 4,000 homeless folks in San Diego County, with many of them located downtown on the streets. Many of them are the "newly homeless" and have nothing other than the clothes that they are wearing. The nights can be very cold and wet.
Update 8:50 p.m. - The eastbound lane is now open. There is damage to a guardrail, so use caution.
March 27, 2011 (El Cajon) 8:10 p.m. -- An accident has shut down La Cresta Blvd. near Mountain View in El Cajon, the main access route into the Crest community. The road is expected to remain shut for several hours, an area resident has informed ECM.
March 27, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) -- Recently a few of my Leash Your Fitness “dog friends” were in a car accident with their mom. Thank goodness that everyone is safe, but it made me think about how safe my dog, Jack, is in the car with me.
You can help by collecting Box Tops, Campbell Soup Labels, Coke Rewards and joining Target’s Take Charge of Education program
March 27, 2011 (Alpine)--Public schools are getting hit with major budget cuts. Now, Alpine Elementary School hopes to raise its own money--with your help.
“Each fundraiser brings lots of money and educational items to our school and requires minimal effort and almost no cost to you,” says spokesperson Sharmin Self, who said teachers are currently having to pay for many school supplies out of their own pockets.
Scroll down for details that Self provided on how you can help.
March 27, 2011 (San Diego) – I’ve seen movies that begin full speed and with ambition but collapse under their own weight. On the other end of the spectrum, there have been movies that try to be extremely low-key but eventually implode for the same reason. A Somewhat Gentle Man goes for the mundane and something in me kept anticipating a collapse. When it became apparent three-quarters of the way through that this wouldn’t happen, I sat back and enjoyed.
Project would negatively impact Sycamore Canyon, Mission Trails areas, say opponents, who accuse Cities of "stealth" attempt to approve project without notifying Santee residents
Standardized Assessment Would Save $4 Million in Testing Costs and Increase the Number of Students Assessed by 2.2 Million
March 30, 2011 (Washington D.C.) Earlier this month, Congressman Duncan D. Hunter (R-El Cajon) introduced bipartisan legislation, the Unlawful Border Entry Prevention Act, which includes San Diego Congressman Brian Bilbray among its cosponsors. The measure would provide the Secretary of Homeland Security with full discretionary authority to build up to 350 miles of additional infrastructure on the Southwest border.
March 30, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Charles Dumars, 46, of Poway died of coronary artery disease while hiking near Ramona on Saturday, March 26, the San Diego Medical Examiner’s office reports. 
March 29, 2011 (Rancho San Diego) – Cuyamaca College will again provide free classes and hands-on work experience in green building and sustainable energy to eligible students through a training program funded by San Diego Workforce Partnership. The $1.6 million in funding comes from federal stimulus money along with grants from the State Energy Program, Workforce Investment Act, State Energy Sector Partnership and others.
March 29, 2011 (La Mesa)--A volunteer citizens group that oversees how the taxpayer-supported Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) is spending millions of dollars in voter-approved funds for infrastructure improvementprojects at Sharp Grossmont Hospital has issued its 2010 Annual Report to the Community.
March 29, 2011 (Alpine) -Do you love trees? Are you interested in promoting tree planting in Alpine? Would you like to help establish tree programs for local schools? If so, you’re invited to join "Alpine's Tree Town Party" on April 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Alpine Woman's Club, 2156 Alpine Blvd. 
By Jeremy Los
SDSU and San Diego residents are invited to participate by donating gently worn jeans
By Dave Patterson
2011 (El Cajon) 8:10 p.m. -- An accident has shut down La Cresta Blvd. near Mountain View in El Cajon, the main access route into the Crest community. The road is expected to remain shut for several hours, an area resident has informed ECM.
By Brian Lafferty
By Miriam Raftery
Recent comments