August 19, 2015 (San Diego's East County)-- East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:
August 18, 2015 (La Mesa)-- State, federal and County of San Diego officials have announced that 93 square miles covering portions of San Diego City and East County communities have been put under quarantine after the discovery of four Mediterranean fruit flies — a dangerous pest that can infest more than 250 crops.
August 19, 2015 (La Mesa)—An 88-year-old man was struck and killed after his pickup truck broke down in La Mesa Monday afternoon. The victim, Reynaldo Nava of Coronado, had pulled his disabled vehicle onto a section of land between I-8 and State Route 125.
August 19, 2015 (La Mesa) - The Supporting Cast, is not a title of a play that grabs me and says “Hey, you need to see me.” However, the play it turns out is aptly named. The title is the name of a book the lead actor in the play wrote. The book is about people who are all married to famous people - thus the supporting cast. These are the heroes behind the celebrities who would not be who they are without the support of their loved one standing behind them. The wonderful support of the entire cast makes the play a hit.
Will travel to London to deliver the official Match Ball on the field for the USA v South Africa match
August 19, 2015 (La Mesa) -- Haley Harris, a 15-year-old sports enthusiast from San Diego, will be given the unforgettable experience of delivering the official Match Ball onto the field at Rugby World Cup 2015 in London, courtesy of DHL. Selected as the winner of the U.S. DHL Youth Leadership Scrum Contest, Haley will become a part of Rugby history by representing the U.S. on the world stage of Rugby World Cup 2015.
August 17, 2015 (Sacramento)--California’s Department of Education is being sued for denying access to records on the number of students who are English language learners. The Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area and Public Counsel has filed a lawsuit in Sacramento County Superior Court to obtain the records pursuant to the California Public Records Act.
August 19, 2015 (San Diego's East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include:
August 18, 2015 (San Diego)--State Senator Ben Hueso, a Democrat from the San Diego region, announced this week that Senate Bill 415, a measure that will dramatically increase voter turnout in local elections, passed the State Senate on a 26-12 vote and is now headed to the Governor’s desk for his signature. Local governments with voter turnout 25% less than the average turnout in that city will be required to consolidate their elections with state elections.
August 19, 2015 (Sacramento)-- California leads the nation with its ambitious programs to combat climate change, from ramping up renewable energy to driving the development of cleaner cars and its cap-and-trade program. Now, an interactive online map is available to track where funds from these ground-breaking programs are being invested.
August 17, 2015 (Otay) –An agent from the U.S. Border Patrol found the body of a Hispanic man alongside a roadway in unincorporated San Diego County at 6 a.m. on the morning of August 12, 2015. “The man had been shot multiple times in the upper body and died as a result of his injuries,” said Lieutenant John Maryon with the Sheriff’s homicide detail.
August 17, 2015 (La Mesa)- The San Diego East County Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce hosted its second Meet Your Candidates event at Sammy’s Woodfire Pizza in La Mesa on August 5. The speakers were Assemblyman Brian Jones, who is running for Senator Joel Anderson’s seat, and 71st state Assembly district candidate Randy Voepel, who has been Mayor and served on Santee’s city council since 2000. Voepel is running against Mike Harrison, who currently serves on Duncan D. Hunter, and Tony Teora, an engineer. (Harrison spoke at a prior Chamber event and Teora is invited for the future.)
August 19, 2015 (San Diego)—Striking a blow for Chargers’ fans, Dan Jauregui, a loyal fan known as the “Boltman” fired off a letter yesterday to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFL Chief legal officer Anastasia Danias. The letter contends that moving the Chargers to Carson is a violation of both the NFL constitution’s bylaws and the federal Sherman Antitrust Act.
“Me and other loyal Chargers fans are prepared to spearhead an initiative to force the City to file a lawsuit against the NFL unless the League and the Chargers enter into serious talks to keep the team in San Degio,” Jauregui’s letter states.
By Monica Zech, Public Information Officer for the City of El Cajon
Whether you’re looking for some hot events, a free pet, disaster response training, or tips to stay cool, the City of El Cajon has news you can use.
EVENTS
August 18, 2015 (El Cajon) - A Special Day of Free Concerts On August 29 In Downtown El Cajon.
On Saturday, August 29, it will be a day of music at the Prescott Promenade. Starting at 12 noon, three groups will take the stage as to “make-up” concerts for those that were rained out in May during the Dinner & a Concert series.
August 16, 2015 (Salton Sea) – The National Weather Service confirmed yesterday that a severe storm that tore through Mecca on the north shore of the Salton Sea on August 6 was a tornado that caused over $10 million in damages.
August 17, 2015 (El Cajon) – The public is invited to an Emergency Resource Fair at Parkway Plaza mall in El Cajon on Saturday, August 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. organized by Senator Joel Anderson. You can learn about earthquake safety, fire safety and how to prepare for emergencies. Organizations participating include American Medical Response, Community Emergency Response Team, SDG&E, American Red Cross, Heartland Fire & Rescue, and FEMA.
August 17, 2015 (El Cajon ) -- Chris Prokop, president of the Cajon Valley Education Association, the teacher’s union for Cajon Valley Union School District, will be the featured speaker at the East County Democratic Club’s meeting on August 20th at MJ’s Restaurant, 526 North Second Street in El Cajon. Social hour and dinner starts at 6 p.m. with program at 7 p.m.
August 18, 2015 (Ramona) -- Customers of the Ramona Municipal Water District are under pressure to conserve more water after the board of directors approved a 14 percent water rate increase at Monday’s meeting.
August 18, 2015 (La Mesa)—Our staff has been hard at work ferreting information out on proposed initiatives seeking to weasel their way onto the 2016 ballot. Here’s a scoop: La Mesa resident Pat Wright has proposed a ballot measure that would ask California voters to legalize owning ferrets as pets.
August 17, 2015 (Jamul Indian Village) – As the long-planned Hollywood Casino Jamul-San Diego nears completion following a recent topping-off ceremony, the Jamul Indian Village has elected a new Chairwoman, Erica Pinto and brought in Richard St. Jean as General Manager for the casino.
Chairwoman Pinto is the first woman elected Chair of the tribe and was the youngest person ever elected to the tribal council in 1996, at the age of 21. Her family traces its roots back as far as Jamul’s history itself—and now she has big dreams for her people and the community.
East County Magazine spoke with Chairwoman Pinto, along with the new General Manager of the casino, Richard St. Jean on plans for the new casino, in exclusive interviews on KNSJ radio. See highlights below, and hear the full radio interviews by listening here.
August 18, 2015 (Jamul) – On Sunday, we reported on a 10-hour closure of State Route 94 last Friday due to a head-on collision involving a semi-truck that left many local residents stranded and angry by the long delays. Our story included documentation of numerous past lengthy closures on the highway in the Jamul area provided by the Deerhorn Valley Antler editor.We asked the California Highway Patrol and Supervisor Dianne Jacob for comments on this serious issue.
Supervisor Jacob responded, “The public has every reason to be outraged, given the length of the closure, the dangerously high temperatures that day and the lack of communication from state authorities. I will be sharing those concerns with the Caltrans, CHP and other state officials. Drivers are already at risk on this dangerous and congested state highway, and the situation will become even more dangerous if a casino opens. Thousands of lives are at risk in the event there is a need for an evacuation of the area with nowhere to go."
Kevin Pearlstein, public information officer for the California Highway Patrol in El Cajon, today advised East County Magazine that the delay was due in part to the truck shifting and dropping part of its load.
"The truck was carrying a form of coal. When the trailer opened up like a aluminum can it spilled everywhere," he said, adding that the prolonged road closure was due to cleanup of the coal spill. The accident caused five injuries,two major and three minor to moderate, he added, and providing additional details:
August 18, 2015 (La Mesa) – More than 180 people attended the second annual Summer Bash Business Expo in La Mesa on August 12th at the La Mesa Community Center, where 47 La Mesa Chamber of Commerce member businesses participated to spotlight their goods and services.
Guest savored food from 11 restaurants as well as wine served up by the Riviera Supper Club and the Regal bar plus Samuel Adams beer. In addition 47 guests were winners of door prizes given away. The Chamber also welcomed 14 new members to the organization. (Photo)
August 17, 2015 (Lakeside) – The County is preparing an environmental impact report on a massive sand mining project proposed in El Monte Valley. The first step is to determine the “scope” of issues to be addressed. The County will host a scoping meeting on the project on Wednesday, August 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Lakeside Community Center, 9841 Vine Street in Lakeside.
Members of the public, agencies and organizations are invited to attend and submit comments to assist the in determining the scope and content of the environmental informational impact report. Details can be found at http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/pds/ceqa_public_review.html . To have your comments entered into the official record, you must voice your comments at the public meeting or submit a letter before September 14 to:
For complete Calendar including Authors Events, go to www.SDWriteWay.org
I'M BACK
I have retired and moved to the southern Mexican beach town of Zipolite in the state of Oaxaca. If anyone wants to visit, I would be glad to help you get a place to stay and show you around.
I have to warn you though. It is not your typical resort town. It is clothing optional, marijuana smoking is legal, it is gay friendly, bars open all night, and you won't find any luxury hotels. What happens in Zipolite, stays in Zipolite. One can stay in a dormitory for about $4 a night or rooms or bungalows from$10 and up. Email me at sambookwarren@yahoo.com.
By Alan Pentico, San Diego County Apartment Association
August 17, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) - Parking is a scarce and valuable commodity in much of urban San Diego. Many property owners use towing as a tool to keep off-street parking available for tenants and their guests. But the right to tow is not unlimited. California law gives vehicle owners rights and protections against unreasonable and predatory towing. To protect yourself from the steep cost of retrieving a towed vehicle, make sure you’re familiar with the basic tenets of towing law in California.
August 17, 2015 (San Diego's East County) - School has already or soon will be starting for many of our school districts. Our First Class should be “School Safety” says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.
August, 17, 2015 (San Diego)—National Weather Service forecasters are predicting a wet winter in San Diego due to the probability of a strong El Niño, perhaps the strongest since records began in 1950.
An El Niño occurs as a result of warming ocean surface waters which release heat into the atmosphere over the Pacific, creating a chain reaction that can result in cloud formation, storms and heavy rainfall.
East County Magazine and the Santee Solutions Coalition invite you to meet our editor on Tuesday, August 25th from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Santee Library (9225 Carlton Hills Blvd.) Help us build our new Santee and Lakeside community section!
What important community events, issues and organizations do you want covered in East County Magazine?
August 16, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) ---Many wildfires are caused by vehicles – including a dozen spot fires in Ramona last Friday caused by a loose towing chain on a motor home that ignited dry brush. Poorly maintained brakes, tires, or other vehicle components can also spark fires, as can vehicles coming into contact with dry grasses.
Here are some tips for preventing your vehicle from accidentally starting a fire:
August 16, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) --Friday, August 14th was a rough day for motorists in East County. A motorhome sparked a dozen spot fires along 67, forcing closure of the highway and long delays for motorists while firefighters worked to douse the blazes.
Even longer delays were experienced by motorists along Highway 94, which was shut down for roughly 10 hours along the key border-region artery after a semi-truck collided head on with a vehicle carrying several passengers and rolled over. Inadequate notifications from official channels left motorists stuck in traffic for hours during extreme heat of over 100 degrees and an ambulance was forced to take a lengthy detour.
“Something is wrong here,” says Kim Hamilton, Editor of the Deerhorn Valley Antler. The publication's Antler Alerts provided the most reliable source of information for the public during most of the extended shutdown. “Not only was the primary artery and evacuation route closed, but there was little media coverage of it while it was taking place.”
August 19, 2015 (San Diego's East County)-- East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:
East County News Service
The Supporting Cast runs August 14 - September 13
Will travel to London to deliver the official Match Ball on the field for the USA v South Africa match
By Miriam Raftery
on Thompson
By Miriam Raftery, Photos by Leon Thompson
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