May 19, 2010 (San Diego) -- David Butler, San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk, has announced that property owners have until June 1 to submit their requests for an informal review of their properties’ assessed value. By extending the filing period from May 14 to June 1, property owners who believe their properties’ market value on January 1, 2010 is less than the value shown on their property tax bill will have an additional two weeks to submit their requests for review.
May 21, 2010 (La Mesa) -- Clayton M. Anderson, Senior Partner of the law firm of Anderson & Kriger headquartered in La Mesa, is pleased to announce two new attorneys have joined the firm. Bradley A. Schuber (San Diego Office) and Jake J. Fathy (Sacramento Office) will be assisting homeowners of single‐family residences or condominium conversions whose homes suffer from construction defects.
May 18, 2010 (San Diego's East County) -- An earthquake centered 12 miles southeast of Ocotilllo in Imperial County was felt throughout San Diego's East County and the region.
The quake hit around 5:39 this evening and was first reported as a 5.1 magnitude, however the U.S. Geological Service later downgraded it to a 4.5.
No damage has been reported. The quake is likely an aftershock from the powerful 7.2 earthquake centered in Mexico on Easter Sunday.
May 18, 2010 (San Diego) – Pazzaz, a nonprofit organization focused on helping under-achieving students attain academic success, will host two events to benefit disadvantaged students in the southeast San Diego region. On May 22, a pancake breakfast will raise funds for college scholarships. Then on June 26, the 12th annual Salute to Rising Stars Achievement Celebration will provide hope and determination to students to succeed in school and life.
May 18, 2010 (El Cajon) – Police are seeking a suspect who shot and wounded a man last night around 8:40 p.m. Officers responded to a 911 call in the vicinity of 500 North Mollison in El Cajon. One man had been shot in the abdomen and was transported to a hospital. His injury is not considered life-threatening
May 18, 2010 (La Mesa) – Enjoy Art in the Garden this Friday from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Gio Bistro Wine Bar. O’Dunn Fine Art and Bella Mesa Galleries will showcase artwork for sale, offering special pricing for art garden visitors. Also enjoy free wine-tasting, appetizers, and visiting with local artists and gallery owners.
Opponents call move a “golden opportunity” for public to weigh in and potentially halt project
May 16, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Yesterday, Cleveland National Forest issued a request for public comments on SDG&’E’s proposed Sunrise Powerlink project.
The public has 45 days to submit comments on the planned high-voltage line. As part of a national energy corridor, the line could ultimately a 1,000 foot-wide swatch of clearance through Cleveland National Forest in East County. Forest Services officials are preparing a Supplemental Information Report (SIR) to include new information received. The Union-Tribune reports that the Forest Service said Saturday that the massive power line “threatens views, creeks and roadless areas in the forest.”
May 18, 2010 (Poway) – By a unanimous 5-0 decision, Poway Unified School District’s board last night voted to eliminate all school busses for the 2010-2011 school year, with the exception of special education transportation. The District, which faces a $25 million budget gap, estimates the move will save $750,000.
The decision raises serious concerns about student safety, coming on the heels of the murders of Poway High School student Chelsea King and Amber Dubois, who was kidnapped while walking to school in Escondido.
May 18, 2010 (San Diego's East County) -- Photographers are as plentiful as the sand on the beach. It can be overwhelming to begin your search when there are so many talented people to chose from. How do you know if you are getting the photographer right for you? What do you need to know? Don't give up! Here are a few tips to help you sift through the sand.
May 18, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – An estimated 800 to 900 teachers and supporters demonstrated in front of the Grossmont Union High School District board meeting on May 13th to protest proposed cuts in salary and health benefits.
May 17, 2010 (Blossom Valley) – A woman, 44, became trapped after a vehicle struck a tree and caught fire on Blossom Valley Road near Red Pony around 6:10 p.m. this evening.
The roadway was shut down in both directions while rescuers extricated the woman, who was airlifted via Mercy Air to a trauma unit at Sharp Hospital, according to California Highway Patrol.
May 17, 2010 (Ramona) – James Leo Flaherty III has been arrested for following and harassing a 17-year-old girl walking in the 300 block of 16th Street in Ramona. The victim reports that Flaherty drove past her, staring, on Tuesday May 11 and reportedly said, “I am not going to leave you alone.”
The victim told authorities that Flaherty had previously followed her and her sister within the past year, placing a pornographic magazine in front of them in the same area.
Oil and utility industry-backed measures seek to rollback global warming bill and restrict local governments' abilities to purchase clean energy
May 17, 2010 (San Diego) – Two energy measures drawing controversy this election season will be topics of discussion at an event Tuesday evening hosted by the Sustainability Alliance of Southern California.
May 17, 2010 (Dehesa)--On a hilly downgrade that spills into Dehesa Valley, Vietnam veteran Joseph Diliberti built an earthen sanctuary on 3.7 acres. Over 31 years--shaped by ideals of Henry David Thoreau’s transcendentalism and principles of Jamaica’s Rastafarianism--the individualist hand-crafted mud houses, a lofty tree house and an Asiatic pagoda. But an unresolved weed abatement dating back to 2004 leaves Diliberti in danger of losing his land to a public auction on March 18, 2011. Compounded by penalties and interest levied by the County tax collector, a weed-cutting service billed at $25,500 has mushroomed to a $63,993 tab. On behalf of San Diego Rural Fire Protection District (RFD), Fire Prevention Services (FPS) cleared vegetation on the site for three days in 2004. FPS’ actions as a private contractor reflected new defensible-space regulations enacted after the 2003 Cedar Fire.
Since East County Magazine ran an investigative feature on Diliberti’s plight on May 3, 2010, new developments have emerged—including a grassroots effort to help Diliberti keep his land, complete with fundraising, a Facebook page, and a documentary filmmaker.
California is the Only Top Ten Producing State Without a Tax
Texas Taxes = $14.33/barrel; California only gets $4.22/barrel
May 17,2010 (Sacramento) – Last week, as Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger released an updated California Budget with massive cuts in services, Assemblymember Pedro Nava (D-Santa Barbara) called on the Governor to support his Assembly Bill 1604, the Oil Industry Fair Share Act. The bill would create an 10 percent oil severance tax on each barrel of oil produced in California and generate over $1.5 billion in revenues to fund public safety, education, human services, and other vital programs.
“At a time when classrooms are becoming more crowded, when more and more people are losing their health insurance due to unemployment, and numerous programs affecting seniors, and the disabled are facing increased cuts, we cannot allow the oil industry to get a free ride in California,” said Nava, who is also a candidate for Attorney General. “These resources belong to the people of California and therefore should be used for the benefit of all our hardworking families.”
Featuring Spanish Language Garden Tours, Ms. Smarty Plants™ Explores Plant Adaptations!, Straw Bale Construction Workshop, Introduction to Greywater Systems, Summer Extended Hours and Garden Discovery Camp!
May 17, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) —The Water Conservation Garden invites the public to enjoy its 2010 spring and summer events. Classes help residents save water and money by focusing on water smart landscaping techniques and plants. Classes are taught by experts and topics include lawn removal, water-smart landscape design, backyard composting, irrigation design and gardening for children. Pre-registration is required for all classes. To enroll call 619-660-0614 x 10. For details, scroll down.
May 17, 2010 (El Cajon)--Sycuan Casino has made a $20,000 contribution to the El Cajon Community Development Corporation to further the organization’s economic development efforts in Downtown El Cajon. The firm’s donation will support two of the El Cajon CDC’s most popular community programs: the free weekly Cajon Classic Cruise car show which commences June 30, and the free weekly Concerts on the Green which commences June 25.
May 18, 2010 (Alpine) -- A committee appointed by the Grossmont Union High School District to come up with naming suggestions for the district's 12th high school will meet Wednesday, May 19 at 5 p.m. at the Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Blvd.
The District has failed to respond to East County Magazine's written request last week for at least 24 hours notification of the naming committee meeting, as is required by law under the Ralph M. Brown Act. The GUHSD has drawn criticism from the Union-Tribune for loading up the naming committee with a majority of Republican politicians and party operatives in an apparent effort to push through a proposed Ronald Reagan High School name.
Diamond Sponsor Viejas also honored with special award
May 16, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – Huindreds turned out at the Cuyamaca College Foundation dinner last night to honor past presidents and raise money for student scholarships.
“This place has grown up. It’s a wonderful, beautiful campus that is fulfilling its role in our community,” said former Dr. Samuel Ciccati, one of four former presidents present at the event, titled “Shine On.”
May 16, 2010 (Spring Valley) – Shortly after midnight, Sheriff deputies from the Lemon Grove Station responded to a report of multiple gunshots fired during a fight involving up to 20 people outside Rallys Hamburgers at 8667 Jamacha Road in Spring Valley.
May 16, 2010 (Washington, D.C). – U.S. Congressman Bob Filner has announced that San Diego and Imperial Counties will get more than $8.7 million for security preparedness. In San Diego, funds include protection of ports and public transit.
“It takes constant vigilance to be prepared and keep our country safe,” said Filner. “This money will go to keeping our critical infrastructure safe from terrorism, major disasters and other emergencies.”
May 16, 2010 (Alpine) - Attention all dog lovers! The Alpine Stagecoach Lions Club presents the 6th Annual Novelty Dog Show at10:00am, Saturday, June 6th, 2010 at the Viejas Outlet Center , 5005 Willows Road in Alpine.
May 18, 2010 (Campo) – At least ten children have been injured in a collision this morning between a school bus and a light pole in the parking lot at Golden Acorn Casino on the Campo Indian reservation. Patients with injuries ranging from mild to moderate have been transported to Grossmont and Alvarado hospitals.
May 16, 2010 (Alpine) – Football helmet construction hasn’t changed for decades. But now, new helmets contain air bag-type cushions, providing better protection from head injuries.
Majority Vote Budget Initiative qualifies for ballot
How would you balance the budget? Take the Next10 budget challenge
By Miriam Raftery
May 14, 2010 (Sacramento) – Facing a budget deficit of over $20 billion, today Governor Schwarzenegger proposed deep new budget cuts. The Governor proposes the complete elimination of the CAL-Works program (which will impact over 80,000 low-income parents and their children in San Diego County), slash in-home care for seniors and the disabled (including 23,000 seniors and disabled persons in San Diego County), and sharply cut funds for the Healthy Families program, among other drastic measures.
Hoping to end budget gridlock, teachers, firefighters and nurses last week joined together to submit more than 1.1 million signatures and qualify a Majority Vote Budget Initiative for the November 2, 2010 election. “Late budgets hurt all Californians and the budget crisis is continuing to be the top issue in the state,” said Kay McVay, President Emeritus of the California Nurses Association, “This initiative will not end all of the gridlock, but it is a step in the right direction.”
Update May 20: Supervisors approved the Fuerte Ranch Estates project.
May 14, 2010 (Mt. Helix) – County Supervisors will vote Wednesday on whether or not to approve Reynolds Communities proposed Fuerte Ranch Estates development on the site of a former chicken ranch. Reynolds has scaled back initial plans from 76 to 36 homes on the 27-acre parcel adjacent to Damon Lane County Park at Fuerte Drive and Damon Lane.
The plan has ruffled feathers among many area residents, also raising hackles of East County planners.
May 19, 2010 (San Diego) -- David Butler, San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk, has announced that property owners have until June 1 to submit their requests for an informal review of their properties’ assessed value. By extending the filing period from May 14 to June 1, property owners who believe their properties’ market value on January 1, 2010 is less than the value shown on their property tax bill will have an additional two weeks to submit their requests for review.
This year’s event includes a juried art show, exhibitions by women artists of the west
May 18, 2010 (San Diego) – Pazzaz, a nonprofit organization focused on helping under-achieving students attain academic success, will host two events to benefit disadvantaged students in the southeast San Diego region. On May 22, a pancake breakfast will raise funds for college scholarships. Then on June 26, the 12th annual Salute to Rising Stars Achievement Celebration will provide hope and determination to students to succeed in school and life. 
May 18, 2010 (El Cajon) – Police are seeking a suspect who shot and wounded a man last night around 8:40 p.m. Officers responded to a 911 call in the vicinity of 500 North Mollison in El Cajon. One man had been shot in the abdomen and was transported to a hospital. His injury is not considered life-threatening
May 18, 2010 (La Mesa) – Enjoy Art in the Garden this Friday from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Gio Bistro Wine Bar. O’Dunn Fine Art and Bella Mesa Galleries will showcase artwork for sale, offering special pricing for art garden visitors. Also enjoy free wine-tasting, appetizers, and visiting with local artists and gallery owners.
May 18, 2010 (Poway) – By a unanimous 5-0 decision, Poway Unified School District’s board last night voted to eliminate all school busses for the 2010-2011 school year, with the exception of special education transportation. The District, which faces a $25 million budget gap, estimates the move will save $750,000.
Story and photos by Rachel Wattson
May 18, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – An estimated 800 to 900 teachers and supporters demonstrated in front of the Grossmont Union High School District board meeting on May 13th to protest proposed cuts in salary and health benefits. 
May 17, 2010 (Ramona) – James Leo Flaherty III has been arrested for following and harassing a 17-year-old girl walking in the 300 block of 16th Street in Ramona. The victim reports that Flaherty drove past her, staring, on Tuesday May 11 and reportedly said, “I am not going to leave you alone.”
May 17, 2010 (San Diego) – Two energy measures drawing controversy this election season will be topics of discussion at an event Tuesday evening hosted by the Sustainability Alliance of Southern California. 
May 17, 2010 (Dehesa)--On a hilly downgrade that spills into Dehesa Valley, Vietnam veteran Joseph Diliberti built an earthen sanctuary on 3.7 acres. Over 31 years--shaped by ideals of Henry David Thoreau’s transcendentalism and principles of Jamaica’s Rastafarianism--the individualist hand-crafted mud houses, a lofty tree house and an Asiatic pagoda. But an unresolved weed abatement dating back to 2004 leaves Diliberti in danger of losing his land to a public auction on March 18, 2011. Compounded by penalties and interest levied by the County tax collector, a weed-cutting service billed at $25,500 has mushroomed to a $63,993 tab. On behalf of San Diego Rural Fire Protection District (RFD), Fire Prevention Services (FPS) cleared vegetation on the site for three days in 2004. FPS’ actions as a private contractor reflected new defensible-space regulations enacted after the 2003 Cedar Fire. 
California is the Only Top Ten Producing State Without a Tax
Featuring Spanish Language Garden Tours, Ms. Smarty Plants™ Explores Plant Adaptations!, Straw Bale Construction Workshop, In
troduction to Greywater Systems, Summer Extended Hours and Garden Discovery Camp! 
May 17, 2010 (El Cajon)--Sycuan Casino has made a $20,000 contribution to the El Cajon Community Development Corporation to further the organization’s economic development efforts in Downtown El Cajon. The firm’s donation will support two of the El Cajon CDC’s most popular community programs: the free weekly Cajon Classic Cruise car show which commences June 30, and the free weekly Concerts on the Green which commences June 25.
May 18, 2010 (Alpine) -- A committee appointed by the Grossmont Union High School District to come up with naming suggestions for the district's 12th high school will meet Wednesday, May 19 at 5 p.m. at the Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Blvd. 
May 16, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – Huindreds turned out at the Cuyamaca College Foundation dinner last night to honor past presidents and raise money for student scholarships.
May 16, 2010 (Barrett Lake) -- Highway 94 is closed at Barrett Lake due to a collision between a car and a motorcycle, CHP reports.
May 16, 2010 (Spring Valley) – Shortly after midnight, Sheriff deputies from the Lemon Grove Station responded to a report of multiple gunshots fired during a fight involving up to 20 people outside Rallys Hamburgers at 8667 Jamacha Road in Spring Valley.
May 16, 2010 (Washington, D.C). – U.S. Congressman Bob Filner has announced that San Diego and Imperial Counties will get more than $8.7 million for security preparedness. In San Diego, funds include protection of ports and public transit.
May 16, 2010 (Alpine) - Attention all dog lovers! The Alpine Stagecoach Lions Club presents the 6th Annual Novelty Dog Show at10:00am, Saturday, June 6th, 2010 at the Viejas Outlet Center , 5005 Willows Road in Alpine..jpg)
May 18, 2010 (Campo) – At least ten children have been injured in a collision this morning between a school bus and a light pole in the parking lot at Golden Acorn Casino on the Campo Indian reservation. Patients with injuries ranging from mild to moderate have been transported to Grossmont and Alvarado hospitals.
May 16, 2010 (Alpine) – Football helmet construction hasn’t changed for decades. But now, new helmets contain air bag-type cushions, providing better protection from head injuries.
The City of Santee’s annual Santee Summer Concert Series is set to bring high-energy performances for all ages.
May 14, 2010 (Sacramento) – Facing a budget deficit of over $20 billion, today Governor Schwarzenegger 
Update May 20: Supervisors approved the Fuerte Ranch Estates project.
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