February 14, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) -- The American Federation of Teachers is asking people to wear a pink heart today, Valentine’s Day, to show support for public education.
Update February 13, 2011 -- San Diego Police report that Richard Johannis has been found safe in Mexico.
February 12, 2011 (San Diego) – San Diego Police seek help to locate an elderly man who has medical issues from a recent stroke. Richard Johannis, 79, has been missing since Thursday night, Feb. 10 at 9 p.m. and has no coat or warm clothing with him.
He was last seen at 7600 Alvarado Road in San Diego, near Alvarado Hospital. Johannis was driving his 1997 white, four-door Chevy Lumina, California license 5GJF330.
Update 6 a.m. -- The stand-off continues this morning, with the suspect still refusing to come out, Incident Page Network reports.
February 12, 2011 (Ramona) –A suicidal man has barricaded himself inside his home at 23610 Galleria Circle in Ramona, where at least four shots have been fired, though no one is believed injured at this time. A SWAT team and crisis negotiation team have been called to the scene.
“There was arguing with his family. He also said he was suicidal,” Lt. Jim Duffy with the San Diego Sheriff told East County Magazine.
Feb. 12, 2011 (11 p.m.) - The San Diego Medical Examiner has identified the victim in this accident as Matthew David Pack, 24, of San Juan Capistrano. Cause of death has not yet been determined.
Update Feb. 12, 2011 9:30 a.m. - The rock climber has been confirmed as a fatality, San Diego Sheriff Lt.. David Brown said. "He was dangling halfway down the rock face, in the water underneath the waterfall," he confirmed. The body recovery effort continues in the rugged canyon area. No additional details on the identity or description of the man have been released at this time.
Update 11:50 p.m.
February 11, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Efforts to recover the body of a climber presumed dead at Mildred Falls have been called off for the night, San Diego Sheriff's Lt. Jim Duffy informed ECM moments ago.
The rock climber is believed to have died while awaiting a rescue helicopter this evening, East County Magazine has learned. Officials believe that the victim, a male, "was trying to rappel into the waterfall when he became entangled in ropes and was drawn into the water," Duffy said, adding that three different people reporting hearing the individual calling for help.
Incident Page Network reported at 6:05 p.m. that San Diego Sheriff’s Copter 1 was en route for a technical rescue of the hiker, who was unconscious hiker halfway down the falls, possibly a rock climber who had been rapelling. Lt. Duffy said rescuers initially responded to a man yelling for help at mile marker 9 on Eagle Peak near Mildred Falls in the Julian area at 5:17 p.m.
February 12, 2011 (El Cajon)--Grossmont College seeks former students, faculty and staff members who met their spouses at the campus. Couples who respond to college officials will be invited to a free pre-Valentine’s Day reception next year on Friday, Feb. 10, 2012 at the El Cajon community college.
The event will be one of several that the college is planning as part of its year-long 50-year anniversary celebration from June 2011 to June 2012. The reception will feature live music--including love songs from the past five decades.
February 12, 2011 (El Cajon)--On Monday, February 14, the El Cajon Citizen of the Year Committee will host its annual “Citizen of the Year” luncheon with the San Diego-East County Chamber of Commerce. This year, the committee will honor charitable auctioneer Steve Hamann as the El Cajon Citizen of the Year.
(San Diego) San Diego Police Department detectives are investigating a residential burglary that occurred in Del Cerro today around12:45 p.m. A man posing as a City of San Diego Water Department employee went to the home of an elderly couple and told them he was there to check on a problem with their plumbing. He said he needed to be allowed inside to check their faucets.
While the man distracted the residents, a second suspect entered the home and stole cash and jewelry from the bedrooms, Lt. Andra Brown with San Diego Police reports.
February 11, 2011 (San Diego). – Legal troubles are mounting for San Diego Gas and Electric's proposed "Sunrise Powerlink" transmission line with the filing of a new lawsuit this week by three local organizations against California's State Water Resources Control Board. The lawsuit was filed in California State Superior Court in Sacramento.
Helen Ofield, president of the Lemon Grove Historical Society, will present "Dr. Amorita Treganza: A Renaissance Woman" on Mar. 5 at 9:25 a.m. in the Balboa Park Club, Balboa Park, as part of the annual, two-day conference of the Congress of History San Diego & Imperial Counties.
February 11, 2011 (Rolando) – San Diego Police report that around 3:26 a.m., two suspects broke the front glass doors at Change U Beauty 6463 University Ave and entered, then stole numerous human hair extensions value at about $10,000 and an undisclosed amount of money.
February 11, 2011 (La Mesa) -- Following a traditional Mardi Gras pancake meal at 5:15 p.m., Copper Creek Band will perform, 7 p.m. on March 2 at the Community Center of St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, 8650 Lake Murray Blvd., La Mesa.
World, U.S. and local leaders react to peaceful toppling of regime by Egyptians seeking democracy
February 11, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak announced his resignation today, following 18 days of massive protests by Egyptians demanding democracy.
The Egyptian military is currently in charge, leaving questions over who will ultimately fill the void left by Mubarak and when democratic elections may occur. Still, news of Mubarak’s departure has been greeted with cheers in the streets of Cairo and cautious optimism by most world leaders.
February 11, 2011 (San Diego) -- A jack-knifed semi truck on I-15 north of Rancho Bernardo Road continues to clog traffic during rush hour. The accident, which occurred shortyl after 3 p.m. today, spilled more than 100 gallons of diesel fuel. Three lanes remain closed as of 5:30 p.m. and CHP officers have been dispatched to replace cones after several motorists traveled into lanes that were shut down. A SIG alert remains in effect.
February 11, 2011 (La Mesa) -- The City is currently looking for a youth representative to serve on the Environmental Sustainability Commission. Applicants must live within the city limits of La Mesa and may not be more than 21 years of age. Applications may be obtained by accessing the City of La Mesa website, www.cityoflamesa.com or from the City Clerk’s office in La Mesa City Hall, 8130 Allison Avenue, during normal business hours.
GUHSD BOARD VOTES TO MOVE FORWARD WITH DESIGN PLANS AND AVOID DELAY….FOR NOW
By Miriam Raftery
February 11, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – “Please keep your promise and build the new High School for us,” 12-year-old Alpine student Dominique Markowitz implored the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) board during last night’s meeting, echoing the sentiments of nearly everyone in an overflow crowd that filled three rooms.
Trustee Priscilla Schreiber successfully fought to prevent the Board from approving a proposal by the Superintendent to delay construction bids indefinitely. She also pushed fellow Board members to unanimously authorize submitting site design plans to the state’s Division of State Architects review board. The Board voted 5-0 to approve several other components of the Superintendent’s proposal to keep the project moving forward, but language to delay construction bidding indefinitely was removed from the resolution adopted.
February 11, 2011 (Alpine) – “What’s my vision? Two words: nation building,” Anthony Pico, chairman of the Viejas band of Kumeyaay Indians, told tribal members and guests at a swearing-in ceremony yesterday for newly elected tribal council members. View a video of Chairman Pico speaking on his vision of nation building.
Two weeks ago, the Viejas tribal council unanimously approved the nation-building concept. In late February, council leaders will meet with representatives from the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government to begin dialogue and create a two-day workshop on defining nation-building, Pico revealed.
February 11, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) -- Recently, I read about February 14-20 being the “Random Acts of Kindness” Week. Most of us have heard this phrase, but where did it come from and what does it really mean?
February 11, 2011 (La Mesa)--The La Mesa Police Department, in a continuing effort to partner with communities, wiill host a neighborhood forum on Wednesday, February 23, 2011, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Lemon Avenue Elementary School, 8787 Lemon Avenue, La Mesa. This forum is part of a series of community forums to encourage public discussion and questions about issues specific to the individual neighborhoods within the City of La Mesa.
February 11, 2011 (San Diego's East Count)--On Thursday February 10, the SD County Taxpayer Association held an informative breakfast on 401(k) plans for public employees. All County and City leaders were invited to attend for free--but only representatives from the City of San Diego, San Marcos, Oceanside, the Port Authority, SD County Water Authority and the SD Firefighters and Police Associations were present, besides the public.
Since no East County city or Other County officials or their representatives were in attendance, I guess they already had all the answers and had determined that this route was not for them. With Helix Water District currently under employee MOU negotiations and paying the most beneficial employee package of any public agency, it would have been nice to at least see one of the two negotiators in attendance for good PR even if they didn't plan to use the information.
February 12, 2011 (Rancho San Diego) -- Cuyamaca College of the Performing Arts will present a combo jazz concert led by music instructor Paul Kurokawa on Wednesday, February 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center.
Tickets cost $8 for general admission and $5 for students or seniors.
February 10, 2011 (La Mesa): "This event turned out better than I ever could have imagined!" exclaimed Kim Fleming. "The outpouring of support from the students, teachers, and staff at Helix was overwhelming."
Fleming, a special education teacher, provided the heartbeat for the First Annual Games of Champions at Helix Charter High School. The inaugural event, held on February 9th at the school's Benton Hart Stadium, brought together the entire Helix High Community to support a demonstration of athletic prowess by some of the school's most special students.
February 11, 2011 (Escondido)--What could be sweeter on Valentine’s Day weekend than to indulge at the second annual “For the Love of Chocolate and SweetArt Festival” on February 12? Bring your sweetheart—or just your sweet tooth.
February 8, 2011 (Spring Valley) – Two suspects in a dark minivan tried to kidnap a 12-year-old girl walking to La Presa Middle School at St. George and Ramona streets in Spring Valley at 8 a.m. this morning.
February 8, 2011 (Spring Valley) – Curtis Haynes, 45, was shot four times after refusing to give up his wallet to a pair of robbers while walking outside the San Miguel Fire Station, in 3255 Helix Street in Spring Valley. He was struck in the torso, arm and both legs during the attack, which occurred around 7:03 p.m. last night.
February 8, 2011 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa Police officers responded to a report of a robbery at Yum Yum Donuts, 7550 El Cajon Blvd., at 2:28 a.m. Two employees reported that a pair of armed male suspects stole cash, then fled on foot.
Editor's note: This issue is slated to be addressed by Supervisors on Wed. Feb. 9.
“The County Board of Supervisors should know that 23 of the 26 Community Planning and Sponsor Groups have voted to support the proposed General Plan Update. They should also know that S.O.R.E's late-stage attempt to block adoption of proposed General Plan is not based on any new information. “ – Donna Tisdale
By Donna Tisdale
February 8, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) -- The current controversy, ginned-up by Save Our Rural Economy (S.O.R.E.), an apparently well funded coalition of builders, developers, Realtors, some farmers, and in our area--absentee land owners, is based on rehashed old news that has been repeatedly analyzed and responded to by County staff at various stages of this long-drawn out update process.
February 12, 2011 (Ramona) –A suicidal man has barricaded himself inside his home at 23610 Galleria Circle in Ramona, where at least four shots have been fired, though no one is believed injured at this time. A SWAT team and crisis negotiation team have been called to the scene.
February 12, 2011 (El Cajon)--Grossmont College seeks former students, faculty and staff members who met their spouses at the campus. Couples who respond to college officials will be invited to a free pre-Valentine’s Day reception next year on Friday, Feb. 10, 2012 at the El Cajon community college.
By Jeremy Los
(San Diego) San Diego Police Department detectives are investigating a residential burglary that occurred in Del Cerro today around12:45 p.m. A man posing as a City of San Diego Water Department employee went to the home of an elderly couple and told them he was there to check on a problem with their plumbing. He said he needed to be allowed inside to check their faucets.
February 11, 2011 (La Mesa) -- Following a traditional Mardi Gras pancake meal at 5:15 p.m., Copper Creek Band will perform, 7 p.m. on March 2 at the Community Center of St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, 8650 Lake Murray Blvd., La Mesa.
February 11, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak announced his resignation today, following 18 days of massive protests by Egyptians demanding democracy.
February 11, 2011 (La Mesa) -- The City is currently looking for a youth representative to serve on the Environmental Sustainability Commission. Applicants must live within the city limits of La Mesa and may not be more than 21 years of age. Applications may be obtained by accessing the City of La Mesa website, ![](/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/resize/AlpineHigh-DominiqueMarkowi-200x243.jpg ""If you go against your promise, at least four of my friends will die," Dominique Markowitz, 12, told the board, citing highway death stastistics for Alpine students commuting long distances.")
By Miriam Raftery
Increase your enjoyment of living
February 11, 2011 (San Diego's East Count)--On Thursday February 10, the SD County Taxpayer Association held an informative breakfast on 401(k) plans for public employees. All County and City leaders were invited to attend for free--but only representatives from the City of San Diego, San Marcos, Oceanside, the Port Authority, SD County Water Authority and the SD Firefighters and Police Associations were present, besides the public.
Story and photos by Ron Logan
February 11, 2011 (Escondido)--What could be sweeter on Valentine’s Day weekend than to indulge at the second annual “For the Love of Chocolate and SweetArt Festival” on February 12? Bring your sweetheart—or just your sweet tooth.
February 8, 2011 (Spring Valley) – Two suspects in a dark minivan tried to kidnap a 12-year-old girl walking to La Presa Middle School at St. George and Ramona streets in Spring Valley at 8 a.m. this morning.
February 8, 2011 (Spring Valley) – Curtis Haynes, 45, was shot four times after refusing to give up his wallet to a pair of robbers while walking outside the San Miguel Fire Station, in 3255 Helix Street in Spring Valley. He was struck in the torso, arm and both legs during the attack, which occurred around 7:03 p.m. last night.
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