By Walt Meyer

September 3, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) -- For people in East County, it’s no secret that fire season is upon us. But at any time here in earthquake country, we can experience other sorts of disasters—and we should use the start of fire season as a reminder to check our emergency kits. As many who lived through the great fires of 2003 and 2007 know too well, there is often not time to think or plan, let alone pack once the fire is coming over the hills. And certainly with an earthquake there will be no advance warning.

District Records an Overall Gain of 14 Points

On August 29, 2013, the California Department of Education (CDE) released the 2013 Growth API for schools and districts in California. For high schools, the API measures how well students are performing on both the California Standards Tests (CSTs) as well as the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE).

The Grossmont District’s API increased by 14 points to 769, marking the tenth consecutive year of growth.

In addition to significant growth at the District level, two of GUHSD’s high schools demonstrated dramatic improvements. El Cajon Valley High School increased its API by 73 points and Monte Vista posted a gain of 29 points.  Below are additional highlights.

UPDATE September 3, 2013:  The Medical Examiner has identified the deceased shooter as Lionel Silva II.  At 2:16 a.m. the Sheriff sent an advisory that a robot confirmed the shooter is dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot.  Most of Grandview has been reopened to residents only, with the exception of Grandview Peak and Angel's Terrace. Murdock School, which was used as a command post, will be open for classes. Below is our earlier report.

By Miriam Raftery

September 2, 2013 (Mt. Helix) – A SWAT team standoff with a suspect who reportedly fired up to 200 rounds in all directions from inside a home at 9952 Grandview Drive  on Mt. Helix continues tonight. A Sheriff's advisory indicates the suspect, 47, is believed to be armed with a rifle, a shotgun and two handguns.

By Art Pulaski, California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer

September 2, 2013 (San Diego) – “Fifty years ago this week, union workers joined with civil rights leaders and progressive activists to march on Washington for good jobs and equal rights for all. Dr. Martin Luther King’s call for America to “rise up” and demand equality -- both economic and racial -- was a seminal moment in our nation’s history. This Labor Day much has changed since 1963. But sadly, too much remains the same.

By Miriam Raftery

Update 7:20 p.m. - Sheriff media rep advises Red Cross will be making arrangements for displaced residents overnight.  Check back for details on where a shelter will be set up.

Update 6 p.m. - The stand-off continues. We heard shots repeatedly at our home. Channel 8 reports more than 200 shots have been fired in all directions. 

September 2, 2013 (Mt. Helix) -- A gunman armed with a high-powere rifle has fired shots inside a home in the 9900 block of Grandview on Mt. Helix.  The Sheriff has made reverse 911 calls advising residents within a one mile radius to shelter in place with windows covered. Some homes have been evacuated but deputies are unable to go door to door for evacuations because they would be exposed to fire, according to a Sheriff's notice to media.

The fiancé of the 47-year-old man holed up inside the house told deputies they had an argument and the man threatened to hurt her and himself. The man had been drinking, authorities report. When deputies arrived on scene and tried to contact the suspect, the man threatened to kill the deputies. A few seconds later, shots were fired inside the house. Deputies immediately backed out of the house. Three other people inside the house got out safely and no one has been harmed as of 2:50 p.m.; deputies did not fire a shot, according to the Sheriff..

A SWAT team has been called in and a stand-off is occurring as negotiators try to get the suspect to surrender.  A Sheriff dispatcher advised ECM editor Miriam Raftery, who lives within the perimeter established, that the gunman has a high powered rifle.  A neighbor told 10 News that at least 10 or 15 shots were heard. 

August 17, 2013 (Julian) -- Julian Cuyamaca Fire Protection District invites the public to an open house at the Julian Fire Station on Saturday, September 28 from 10-4 p.m.  The station is located on Farmers Road (which becomes Main Street) just east of Julian's historic downtown district.

Guests can enjoy games, firefighters' competitions, food, music in the park, demonstrations, as well as tours of the station, trucks, ambulance and helicopter.  The event also offers home fire prevention supplies, injury simulation ocmplete with makeup and "treatment" by paramedics, and chance to win four raffle packages. 

September 2, 2013 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa Police Officer Tim Purdy suffered a concussion and sore neck after his motorcycle crashed into a curb during pursuit of a stolen vehicle tonight on Jackson Drive. 

On behalf of East County Magazine, we wish you and your family a very Happy Labor Day!

The first  national Labor Day was adopted by Congress in 1894 and signed into law by President Taft, following a tradition began by  New York in 1884 followed by several other states. Today we honor the contributions of American workers to our nation. 

This year is a special occasion, since it marks the centennial celebration of the U.S. Department of Labor.  The first Labor Department Secretary was a former coal miner who helped found the United Mine Workers Union.

Founded 100 years ago in 1913, the Department o f Labor has helped usher in many reforms and protections for workers that modern-day people may take for granted--such as  the 40-hour work week and overtime pay, worker’ compensation for ill and  injured employees,  the Equal Pay act for women, laws to prevent discrimination based on race, outlawing child labor, enabling those with disabilities, and adopting OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Act to protect workers from dangers in the work place.

By Derek Carlyon

September 1, 2013 (Rancho San Diego)--The Friday night lights were back on as East County’s Steele Canyon Cougars faced off against the South Bay’s Chula Vista Spartans in the season opener.  The Cougars were favored to win, but the Spartans would be no walk in the park coming off a 6-5 record just a season ago.  The game focused on Steele Canyon’s high powered offense and the Spartans’ efforts to slow it down and stay in the game. 

After exceptional junior Jordan Johnson (who plays both safety and quarterback) led the Cougars deep into Spartan territory, Steele had to settle for a 30-yard field goal by senior kicker Kenneth Bagdasar.  Bagdasar was strong all game, going five of five on point-after-attempts and also booting another 25-yard field goal.  He could easily be one of the best legs in East County this season.

By Miriam Raftery

August 27, 2013 (San Diego’s East County ) – A proposed tiered equine ordinance aimed at making it easier for backcountry property owners to stable horses will be on the agenda for Supervisors to consider on Wednesday, September 11.

“When it comes to allowing stables, we need to take a more sensible, tiered approach so more people can take part in equine activities,” Supervisor Dianne Jacob, who represents East County, has said.  “As a former horse owner and long-time rider, I think these changes will also strengthen the economic vitality of our rural areas.”

Update August 31:  A gun has been found but the suspect remains at large.

August 30, 2013 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police and the San Diego Sheriff’s helicopter are searching for a suspect after shots were fired at 7520 El Cajon Boulevard in La Mesa shortly after 7:30 p.m.  The incident began with a fight inside a hookah lounge that spilled outside intot he street. The suspect began firing shots at the business, according to police.

The suspect ran north on Comanche and was last seen in the area of 4900 Comanche.  He is described as a black male, 6 feet tall, 250 lbs, wearing a blue shirt and dark pants. Call 911 if seen.

Customers encouraged to save energy to earn credit on bills                                                            

August 30, 2013 (San Diego) – San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) has called a ‘Reduce Your Use’ event day tomorrow (Aug. 31) due to hotter-than-average temperatures.

While SDG&E has adequate electricity resources to meet the demand, residential customers can help reduce strain on the electric grid by reducing their electricity use tomorrow between 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.  By doing so, they will be eligible to earn a bill credit of $0.75 per kilowatt hour saved.

Here are some quick tips to help  save energy at home:

August 31, 2013 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club has invited Professor Isaac Martin to present “Why do the Rich get Richer and Stay Richer?” on September 4 at 7:00 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa.  Martin is a professor of sociology at UC San Diego and the author of the books Rich People’s Movements: Grassroots Campaings to Untax the One Percent and The Permanent Tax Revolt: How the Property Tax Transformed American Politics.

A reader sent links to an amazing video shot during a ride on a freight railway line through the rugged Carrizo Gorge, across Goat trestle , through tunnels and the Seven Sisters bridges.  This line is not open to the public, so enjoy this rare footage!   

The Carrizo Gorge portion starts about 32 minutes into this video, westbound from Plaster City in Imperial County, then through the rugged Carrizo Gorge in San Diego's East County:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYt91UpxH6U