Activist who filmed removal of bald eagle nest by wind developer faces multi-million lawsuit
By Miriam Raftery and Sholeh Sisson
June 5, 2013 (Ontario, Canada) -- Esther Wrightman, the Canadian activist who documented Nextera Energy's removal of a bald eagle nest to make way for wind turbines, now faces a multi-million dollar lawsuit by the multi-national corporation. Why? Because she created a parody version of the company's logo which read "NexTerror" and "NextError."
The company makes the bizarre claim that Wrightman's logo on a wind resistance blog could somehow confuse its corporate customers. But supporters of Wrightman contend the suit's real motivation is to silence a strong voice of dissent. Nextera also pressured Wordpress to remove the logos, but Wordpress has put the logos back up, finding that no law was broken.
June 5, 2013 (Ocotillo Wells) -- Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) and the Desert Protective Council (DPC) filed a legal action May 21, 2013 to stop open riding in the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA). If successful this action would end ORV "open riding" beyond designated trails and require the state park to implement strategies to protect the park's habitats and archaeological resources.
The park, located in east San Diego county, allows off-road driving on all 85,000 acres except for a few fenced and protected areas.
June 1, 2013 (Japatul) – Following a series of attacks on livestock in the Japatul/Carveacre area east of Alpine, a mountain lion has been captured and relocated by state Fish and Game authorities, according to Lori Briggs.
However, she indicated that a Fish and Game official advised that “there is a another lion very close.” Although lions are elusive and rarely seen, residents should be aware and take precautions to protect children and domestic animals in the area.
June 4, 2013 (Alpine) – Viejas Casino & Resort has been awarded the prestigious Four Diamond status from the American Automobile Association (AAA), officially designating the property as one of the nation’s premier resort destinations.
Fewer than 5% of the nearly 31,000 properties approved by AAA achieve the highly-coveted Four Diamond distinction.
“We are extremely proud to be acknowledged as one of the finest resort destinations in the country,” said Viejas Casino & Resort General Manager Chris Kelley. “This honor is a testament to the dedication, hard work and professionalism of our Team Members and reflects our absolute dedication to the highest standards of guest service, accommodations and amenities.”
June 4, 2013 (El Cajon) -- A man who called police to report that his wife was not breathing on Sunday night is under arrest for murder. Police found Gankil Wijdan, 39, suffering from multiple stab wounds.
Medics tried to revive her but she was pronounced dead at the scene. During question of Wijdan's husband, Salem Zora, 47, police found "inconsistencies" in his story, Lt. Mike Moulton with El Cajon Police stated.
“SB 33 is being used by wealthy absentee landowners, foreign corporations, and investor-owned San Diego Gas & Electric to industrialize over 10,000 acres of our predominantly low-income and highly fire-prone rural community of Boulevard.” -- Donna Tisdale, chair of the Boulevard Planning Group
By Miriam Raftery
June 3, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – SB 33, a bill that could force voters to pay for big energy projects through bond measures even if the majority of voters don't approve such projects, is moving forward in the state legislature. The bill has passed the State Senate and is set for hearing June 12 in the Assembly Local Government Committee. It could have a big impact in East County communities such as Boulevard, where big energy companies have engaged in a stealth campaign to stick voters with the bill for projects they don't want.
June 3, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – The House and Senate have approved the controversial Keystone Pipeline, sending the measure to President Barack Obama’s desk. The President faces mounting pressure from major campaign contributors urging him to veto the measure due to its negative environmental and climate change impacts; others urge support to create jobs.
Local representatives split down party line, with Republicans Duncan Hunter and Darrell Issa voting for the pipeline, while Democrats Susan Davis, Scott Peters and Juan Vargas voted against it.
The pipeline project sparked protests nationally and in San Diego (photo, left).
June 3, 2013 (La Mesa) – A SIG alert has been issued in La Mesa, where an EDCO trash truck overturned, spilling a dumpster onto the ramp from Severin Drive to Interstate 8 west.
In addition, 100 gallons of diesel fuel have been spilled, the California Highway Patrol website reports, and a HAZMAT team has been called to the scene.
June 3, 2013 (El Cajon) – When nursing students participate in Grossmont College’s traditional “pinning” ceremony Tuesday afternoon, June 4, more of them will be men than ever before—a sign of changing societal attitudes towards what once was considered a profession for women only.
Debbie Yaddow, dean of Allied Health and Nursing, says eight men, or 20 percent of the graduating class of 40 students, are males, compared to what it was like just 30 years ago, when Yaddow graduated from Grossmont’s nursing school, and there were zero males in the class.
Federal Funding Could Give 40 More Veterans A Place to Call Home
June 3, 2013 (San Diego) – Some 40 more homeless veterans in San Diego County will gain a roof over their heads after the federal government announced it would award $332,731 to the County’s Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
(Image left: Jim Wiegand, of Save the Eagles, sent me this amplification of an image from Google Earth with the explanation, “The blades hung out past the search area. They only looked in the cleared/gravel area around the turbine.”)
Some people are reminiscent of Old Testament Prophets speaking to a people that do not want to listen. While they may not speak in the name of God, they know something is wrong and dedicate their lives to righting it. Jim Wiegand has assumed that mantle in his defense of America’s eagle population. He sometimes uses words like “fraud” and “complacency,” which I find difficult to hear – we often underestimate the extent to which denial, lack of responsibility and hard heartedness guide decisions – but I am also beginning to wonder if they are appropriate. There are very definitely appear to be forces at work to trying stop us from making a conscious choice.
It’s safe to say Summer is here! Memorial Day is behind us, schools getting out for summer break and Hot Weather is ahead. Many of us will certainly be headed for the pools! Before you take the plunge, read this says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.
June 2, 2013 (Chula Vista)--Chula Vista Police Department seeks help to find missing at-risk adult Robert Schilling, who has memory issues. He has been known to use public transportation and used to live in North County. He walks with a cane, has several medical issues requiring medication and is not familiar with the area.
He was last seen at his south Chula Vista residence at 10:20 a.m. He was wearing a green t-shirt with "Ireland" and the Irish flag on it, dark sweat pants and house slippers. Mr. Schilling, 72, is white, 5'7" tall, 140 pounds, with a white beard, thinning white hair and dark framed prescription eyeglasses.
June 2, 2013 (La Mesa) – The Helix Water District board will present its preliminary 2013-14 budget at a workshop June 4 from 9 a.m. to noon. View budget. here.
On June 5 at 3 p.m., the finance directors will present draft water rates and a proposed Proposition 218 notice set to be mailed to ratepayers June 27. Water rates will be discussed at 6 p.m. on June 5. A workshop to discuss the draft water rates and Proposition 218 notice is also set for June 19 at 6 p.m. at the Helix Water District Boardroom.
June 2, 2013 (San Pasqual) – Cal-Fire has informed East County Magazine that the 15-acre Boden Fire is burning off Highway 78 and Boden Canyon Road in the vicinity of the Boden Canyon preserve. The fire is in the San Pasqual Valley west of Ramona, burning in a westerly direction with winds approximately 10 miles per hour.
“There are no structures in the area,” Mike Mohler with Cal-Fire told ECM. The fire is burning at a moderate rate of speed. “Aircraft are staging at San Pasqual Academy and it sounds like the aircraft are holding it,” he said, adding that there is no current threat to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park located about four miles east of the blaze.
June 2, 2013 (San Diego) -- Back by popular demand, the 2013 Summer Movies in the Park is the largest free outdoor movie series in greater San Diego County. The County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation has teamed up with cities all over the County to provide a fun night of free activities for the family.
The series has expanded to include 73 movies across the County, which is up by more than 20 movies since last season. Venues in East County are included. To find a movie nearest you, follow this page on Facebook, or visit www.summermoviesinthepark.com for a calendar of events.
June 2, 2013 (San Diego) – If you’ve eaten Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend frozen berries purchased at Costco in the past couple of weeks, you may have been exposed to hepatitis and should see your doctor immediately. Thus far, 30 cases in five states have been reported, including two in San Diego County. But the disease can take up to six weeks to occur after exposure, so cases are expected to rise.
One concern is that retailers may have purchased the product in bulk for use in other products such as smoothies or frozen drinks.
Dr. Eric McDonald, the county's deputy public health officer warns that those exposed should seek medical treatment now, which may include a vaccine for Hepatitis A or treatment with immune globulin – unless you have already had the vaccine or the disease. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, call the County Epidemiology Program at (619) 692-8499.
June 2, 2013 (San Diego) – Walmart workers from across the U.S. including some in San Diego County are on strike, seeking more hours to support their families. They are joining a “Ride for Respect” traveling to a Walmart shareholders meeting in Bentonville, Arkansas on June 7 to deliver their message.
Our Walmart, a workers’ group, is asking the public to sign a petition in support. The petition states that “many workers at Walmart must rely on food stamps and even go hungry because of lack of hours and low wages.” Workers also allege that Walmart has retaliated by firing workers or cutting hours of those who spoke up for their rights. The petition asks Walmart to commit to raise wages and increase access to full-time hours so that workers will earn at least $25,000 a year.
June 2, 2013 (San Diego's East County) -- Throughout the month of June, approximately 5,340 students earning a high school diploma from nine comprehensive high schools, two charter high schools and three alternative high schools in the Grossmont Union High School District will be donning caps and gowns for commencement exercises. Below is information on each school, along with graduation schedules and names of valedictorians.
Senator Boxer seeks “citizen cosponsors” for landmark legislation to protect sexual assault victims
June 1, 2013 (Washington D.C.) – The House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday is expected to hear the Military Justice Improvement Act, a bill sponsored by 17 members of Congress including Senator Barbara Boxer (D-California), who is asking the public to support the measure by becoming citizen cosponsors here.
The number of sexual assaults in the U.S. military rose by 35% from 2010 to 2012, according to a Defense Department report which found 26,000 members of the military had been victims of sexual assault – 70 assaults a day. Yet only 10% were even reported, and far fewer were prosecuted.
Demands for reform have been fueled by two assaults in May in which military sex prevention officers were themselves charged with sexual abuse and other cases in which general overturned guilty verdicts in sexual assault cases.
May 31, 2013 (San Diego) – January saw the release of 56 Up. That film was the latest in a unique documentary series that began in 1964, in which Michael Apted interviewed a group of 7-year old kids from disparate backgrounds. The project became literally a lifelong labor of love, as Apted has revisited these people every seven years.
Five months later, San Diego screens are blessed with Before Midnight, the third film in a series that may or may not have been inspired by the Up documentaries, but feels very much like a fictional version of them. To watch Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, and Before Midnight is akin to imbibing a bottle of fine wine that has gotten better with each nine-year passage.
May 31, 2013 (Spring Valley)—What should be done with the former Evergreen Nursery property in Spring Valley? That was the key question before the Spring Valley Planning Group Wednesday night.
David S. Thomson, Chief Executive Officer for Mastercraft Homes Group, the owner of the property, came to offer his proposal, along with his team.
During earlier meetings there was a palpable hope that the site would be developed into a commercial site, or a mixed use residential and commercial site that would include a community meeting place for Spring Valley residents.
But Mastercraft's plan didn’t include that. Thomson stated that “due to the economy and oversupply (of commercial property) nobody recommended that,” then noted that it is still a “bad retail environment.”
“Through the years that we had known you, you had been a blessing to know. How sweet and kind you are to all our family. We will cherish every moment and memories we had with you. We love and miss you and you will never be forgotten.” – sign beside the road, where Michelle St. Clair was fatally burned
May 30, 2013 (Lakeside) – Beside the scorched earth where Michele St. Clair was found severely burned during a brush fire on May 12, her friends have created a makeshift memorial . Flowers, crosses, ragged stuffed toys and a hand-lettered sign on cardboard reveal how she touched the lives of those who came to know her, before succumbing to her injuries on May 16.
St. Clair, a Navy veteran who by all accounts worked hard, refused to take handouts, and was not an alcoholic or an addict when she died.
May 30, 2013 (Santee) – The Knights of Columbus of Guardian Angels Church, located at 9310 Dalehurst Rd., Santee, CA 92071, is having a large rummage sale on June 1 and 2 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 7:00 a.m. to 12 noon on Sunday.
Some proceeds go to the Church pantry, which helps people in need, as well as other charity projects supported by Knights of Columbus.
May 30, 2013 (La Mesa)- La Mesa’s City Council unanimously approved increasing sewer service rates at its May 14 meeting. For the average family, the rate will rise by 7% in each of the next two years. Ironically, citizens' successful effort at conserving water has reduced city revenues--and was among the factors cited by Council to justify the rate hike, which drew strong objections from some residents present.
Some graduates celebrate triumph over adversity; Iraq war veteran to graduate with daughter
May 30, 2013 (El Cajon) – A campaign to improve student success is paying off at Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges, where more than 1,700 graduates will receive a record number of degrees and certificates at commencements in early June.
New programs and services helping students achieve academic goals, along with voters’ approval last fall of a tax plan tempering years of debilitating budget cuts, are credited for the strong numbers.
With many graduates earning multiple credentials, Grossmont College will award more than 2,100 degrees and certificates at its commencement ceremony June 5. The following day, Cuyamaca College will confer 830 of the hard-earned associate degrees and certificates at its commencement.
May 30, 2013 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights brings you cutting edge news each week that could impact your health and our future.
May 31, 2013 (San Diego's East County) --ECM 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:
“Your source for Trusts, Wills, Probate, Family Law & more”
By: Stephen C. Ross, Esq.
May 30, 2013 (San Diego County) – There are three potential legal remedies for couples who want to terminate or alter their marital or domestic partnership status. They include dissolution, legal separation and nullity. Dissolution terminates the status of a valid marriage resulting in the parties being considered single persons commencing on the date status is terminated. Legal separation is an option for spouses and partners who choose not to live together while maintaining the marital or partnership status. The third potential option, nullity, is the subject of this article.
May 30, 2013 (San Diego) -- Taking a quick look around, it's easy to cynically conclude that Memorial Day has become nothing more than a paean to big sales at the mall, beach BBQ's, and getting a day off from school and work. Not that there's anything wrong with any of those things - but let's please not forget to whom this day really belongs. And for the record, this holiday isn't just for our brave warriors who made the ultimate sacrifice. It's also for those who served our country and are still with us.
As I reported late last year in The Daily Beast, as many as 30 percent of post-9/11 veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a type of anxiety disorder that can occur after you've seen or experienced a traumatic event that involved the threat of injury or death. PTSD is often debilitating. These veterans need our help. Now.
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