March 26, 2013 (Jacumba) – From wildflowers to waterfalls, the Jacumba Hikers have announced a variety of unique hiking destinations for their outings this spring. Scroll down for a list of hikes and descriptions of hikes set for April and May.
To view flyer with details, including difficulty/accessibility of hikes, click here.
Pollution of earth and water is driving indigenous peoples from their homelands
By Miriam Raftery
April 27, 2013 (San Diego)--Around the world, including here in the U.S., native people are losing lands they have occupied for countless generations. The earth and water that sustained life in their communities is being destroyed –once-mighty rivers and wetlands reduced to barren, parched or even contaminated land. The story is the same from tribes along the Colorado River to those deep in the Amazon, from the deserts of Southern California to the jungles of Mexico, from the coal fields of Appalachia to the copper mining pits of Arizona to indigenous people’s lands in Canada threatened by the Keystone Pipeline.
The culprit? Growing demand for energy and water.
Now, native people are speaking out. They hope to educate the public to conserve precious resources, sharing knowledge of the heart-breaking price being paid by people who have been given no choice—and whose very cultural identity centers around the lands and waters being lost.
April 27, 2013 (Sacramento) – Legislation by Assemblyman Brian Jones (R-Santee) to require photo identification prior to casting a ballot was killed by Assembly Democrats today in the Assembly Committee on Elections and Redistricting.
“I am passionate about this issue because the integrity of the ballot must be safeguarded so that the voices of lawful voters are not diluted or disenfranchised due to fraud and illegal conduct; this is equally as important to the credibility of elections,” said Jones. “The right to vote is a fundamental responsibility given to us by the founders of this country.”
But a Voting Rights Institute report titled “The Real Cost of Photo ID" concludes that “the problem of voter impersonation, which is the only type of fraud photo ID could conceivably address, is less likely to occur than a person being struck by lightning.” Moreover, the report found that in states that have enacted Voter ID requirements, the costs have been high. In California, the report estimates the cost of implementing Voter ID requirements during the first year would range from $37.86 million to $113.58 million.
April 27, 2013 (El Cajon)--An award winning short-story writer and an Iraqi poet will headline Grossmont College’s Literary Arts Festival April 29 through May 2.
Tobias Wolff, a Stanford professor, won The Story Prize in 2008 for his collection of short stories, “Our Story Begins.” He has published several novels and memoirs, and his work regularly appears in magazines and literary journals, including “The New Yorker,” “The Atlantic” and “Harper’s.” Wolff will read and sign his books from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1.
April 27, 2013 (San Diego) – Boston, Ricin, West Texas, what’s next? I didn’t think I’d be addressing this as the “safety topic” for the week, however. It’s been very tough last week for most of the Nation. There is something we can do!
"Homeland Security starts with Hometown Security, and all of us play a critical role in keeping our Country and communities safe,” says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. No matter what you do, day to day activities like driving, going to work, or walking down the street include some threat to your personal safety. Either through crime or circumstance, people and events can be unpredictable. This was evident last week in Boston.
April 27, 2013 (San Diego) – Mayor Bob Filner’s efforts to win the bid to host the 2024 Olympics in our border region is getting serious consideration from the U.S. Olympic Committee. The San Diego/Tijuana team is on the list of top 10 cities under consideration.
The Mayor announced his idea earlier this year at the opening of the San Diego’s new Tijuana office, alongside Mayor Carlos Bustamante, who is wholeheartedly behind the idea and committed to working together to make this happen.
“I am very serious about this proposal and clearly the U.S. Olympic Committee is paying attention,” said Mayor Bob Filner. “Imagine the message we could send to the world in the true spirit of what the Olympics is all about, bringing together people and countries. What better way to do it than with our neighbors south of the border?”
Mayor Bob Filner and Mayor Carlos Bustamante will soon name a top-notch committee to guide the bi-national effort.
April 27, 2013 (Poway) – A Sheriff’s K-9 dog search team located a body on Thursday, April 25 in the Blue Sky Ecological Preserve on Espola Road. Searchers had been looking for Richard Carter, who was reported missing Monday by his wife. Carter’s car was found parked at Blue Sky.
An identification of the body has not yet been made, pending an examination by the Medical Examiner. Cause of death has also not yet been determined.
Carter, 55, was despondent due to family problems, City News Service reported.
April 26, 2013 (Lemon Grove) – At 2:39 p.m. today, a suspect drew a pistol and ordered three employees to the ground in the AT&T store on Federal Boulevard in Lemon Grove. A second suspect then entered the store.
“The clerks were threatened with the gun if they did not cooperate,” said Sgt. Carlos Medina with the Sheriff’s Department. Employees were ushered into the back of the store and into a bathroom. Meanwhile the thieves opened a safe and stole about 30 electronic devices, including phones and computers, along with cash.
Photos courtesy ECM news partner 10 News and Heartland Fire
April 26, 2013 (La Mesa)—Jackson Pavlicek of La Mesa is under arrest for reckless burning of property. According to La Mesa Police, Pavlicek extinguished a cigarette in the backyard of a home in the 9600 block Dillon Drive on the Grossmont Knoll, igniting dry brush. The fire quickly spread to the house and also damaged the roof of a neighboring home, as well as trees and fences.
Heartland Fire & Rescue crews from La Mesa, Lemon Grove and El Cajon, as well as units from Santee, San Diego and Cal Fire, had the fire fully contained in about one hour. The blaze sent smoke billowing forth that was visible from State Route 125.
April 30, 2013 (La Mesa)—Emmy award-wining comedian Russ T. Nailz, known for his apperances on TV and radio, will headline Brew Ha Ha’s comedy show Wednesday, May 1. The fun starts with a mixer at 6, followed by showtime from 7:30-9 p.m. at Haritna, 7303 El Cajon Blvd. in La Mesa.
There is no cover charge and no drink minimum. Mediterranean food is available at the restaurant, which was voted #1 in San Diego by A-List.
Some adult language; 13 and up admitted with adult. Reservations highly recommended.
“I really want to say `Dismantle it and give the land back to the tribes…I’d like to ask the Attorney General to…give this commission more teeth so we could say `Tear that wall down.” -- Commissioner Marshall McKay
(For full unedited videos, scroll to bottom of this story)
By Miriam Raftery
April 26, 2013 (San Diego) – At a hearing in San Diego on Monday, members of the state Native American Heritage Commission heard several hours of emotional testimony from Native Americans who contend that the U.S. Bureau of Land Management ignored their concerns and its duty to protect a clearly documented sacred site and cemetery in the fast-tracked approval process for the Ocotillo Express Wind Facility.
By a 4-0 vote, with the remaining commissioners absent, the NAHC voted to grant requests by Viejas and Quechan tribes to declare the 12,400 acre Ocotillo wind project site a sanctified Native American sacred site. Further, the commissioners voted unanimously to ask California Attorney General Kamala Harris to research if legal action can be taken.
April 25, 2013 (El Cajon)-El Cajon’s City Council took a major step at Tuesday’s meeting toward revitalizing and reopening the East County Performing Arts Center.
Council voted unanimously in favor of sending Pro-Tem Mayor Bill Wells and Councilmember Gary Kendrick to meet with two representatives from the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) to discuss feasibility of refurbishing ECPAC and also constructing a multi-use facility in front of the theater. Together, the two facilities would serve as a magnet for arts and culture in East County under the vision put forth by supporters.
Councilman Gary Kendrick spoke in favor of the plan. “I’m open to re-opening this. We need to fix the roof and take care of ADA issues. I spoke with Priscilla Schreiber (current GUHSD board member),” he explained. “The topic of ECPAC came up. Her idea is for the district to build a multi-use facility in front of the performing arts center rather than 10 multi-use facilities on each campus.”
April 25, 2013 (San Diego's East County) -- In an effort to help restore integrity to our federal elections, Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-CA) re-introduced legislation that would prohibit top state election officials from participating in federal campaigns.
The Federal Election Integrity Act would prohibit a chief election official of a state from serving on federal campaign committees or engaging in other political activity on behalf of federal candidates in any election over which the official has supervisory authority.
“Imagine if someone could be both the coach and the referee in a game,” said Davis. “That would certainly not be fair. So why would we then allow one person to both officiate an election and chair a candidate’s federal campaign committee? Someone who has a vested interest in a federal campaign should not also be able to oversee an election in which that candidate runs. Congress needs to take this long-overdue step to restore the faith of the American people in the election system.”
April 25, 2013 (Santee)—Three items before the Santee City Council this week reflect a growing green agenda. These included adoption of a program to help residents finance solar energy and energy efficiency improvements, declaration of May as bike to work month, and announcing April 27 as Arbor Day, when trees will be planted as part of SanTree Fest.
Council voted unanimously to join FigTree Energy Financing’s Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program, which allows residents to finance solar and energy-efficient projects at low finance rates with zero cost to the city. http://www.figtreecompany.com/
April 25, 2013 (La Mesa)—Three robbers, one armed with a handgun, held up the Los Piños Taco Shop at 5660 Lake Murray Boulevard in La Mesa last night at approximately 9:52 p.m. They remain at large despite a search by the Sheriff’s ASTREA helicopter and a canine unit.
All three are described as African-American men in their late teens or early 20s, wearing bandanas over their faces. Each was approximately 5’10 and weighs around 165 pounds. One wore eye glasses and another had a dark gray hooded sweatshirt. All wore dark clothing.
April 25, 2013 (El Cajon) – In celebration of El Cajon’s Centennial, the El Cajon Historical Society will sponsor a tour of the Historic JPR Hall Ranch House in El Cajon on Saturday, May 4, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Lemonade and iced tea will be available in the garden. Admission is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Reserve space by mailing checks to ECHS, P.O. Box 1973, El Cajon, CA 92022.
This home is rarely open to the public. Proceeds benefit the El Cajon Historical Society.
Below is an excerpt from Bus and Auto Tour of Historical El Cajon by the El Cajon Historical Society. The excerpt describes the Historic JPR Hall Ranch House, which was the focal point of a 60-acre ranch with wheat, hay, an orchard and a vineyard planted by the parents and siblings of W.D. Hall.
April 25, 2013 (Crest) – The County library in Crest will hold El Dia de los Niños/El Dia de los Libros (Children’s Day/Book Day) on Tuesday, April 30 at 4:30 p.m. The celebration includes bilingual story times in Spanish, French and Arabic. In addition, you can enjoy music and refreshments, plus learn how to make paper flowers.
The library is located at 105 Juanita Lane in the Crest community of El Cajon. For more information on county library events, visit www.sdcl.org.
April 25, 2013 (Lemon Grove) – The Lemon Grove Historical Society will present FILM NIGHT AT LEE on May 2 at 7 p.m. in the H. Lee House Cultural Center, 3205 Olive, Lemon Grove. Two Emmy Award-winning historical documentaries by Jack Ofield will be accompanied by artifacts from the films.
"Balboa Park: A Living Legend" features original black and white and color footage from the 1915 and 1935 expositions that marked the birth and rejuvenation of the park. The unique beauty and attractions that made the park one of the world's great urban spaces are fondly recalled by eye witnesses to the expositions. The late San Diego Congressman Lionel Van Deerlin narrates the half-hour production.
Turn in Unused, Expired or Unwanted Medications on April 27, 2013
April 25, 2013 (San Diego) – The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced that the 6th National Prescription Take Back will be held on April 27, 2013 from 10 am to 2 pm.
DEA and its law enforcement and community partners will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. On Saturday, April 27th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. DEA and its partners will hold their sixth National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day with 39 sites in San Diego and 3 sites in Imperial Counties. The Imperial County locations are as follows: Food 4 Less, 109 W. Birch Street, Calexico, CA; Vons, 750 N. Imperial Avenue, El Centro, CA; and Vons, 475 W. Main Street, Brawley, CA. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
First in our series on the best roadside diners along East County's highways
An East County Eater review by Ariele Johannson
April 24, 2013 (Lakeside)--Cafe 67 in Lakeside is a delight, featuring great home-made food and an entertaining vintage ‘50s “movie” decor. The restaurant atmosphere is “old-fashioned diner,” but even better. Patrons take a step back in time when they enter this eatery decorated with old movie posters, antiques, ceramic icons like Betty Boop, and movie star portraits.
The menu at Cafe 67 is also reminiscent of old movies, TV shows, and cartoons. The Kids’ Menu has several choices with names such as The Fonz, Lassie, Snoopy, and Spanky. Best of all, the food is hearty and home-made, with breakfast and lunch served all day at the Café.
How exactly do an East Country actor and a San Diego homeless man become friends? Theatre, of course.
Story and photo by Ron Logan
April 22, 2013 (Little Italy, San Diego) – Jerry is homeless. He likes movies and the arts. As a younger man he enjoyed watching the filmmaking students at Long Beach State University as they created their films near his home. As it turns out, he also has a knack for theatre.
Jerry is one of the estimated 10,000 homeless in San Diego County. He is a pleasant man. A San Diego native; intelligent, well-spoken and polite. Nearly 56 years young, he has been on the streets for about seven years now.
When I first heard about Jerry I assumed he might have fallen on hard times and wasn't very happy – that he didn't have control of his situation. I was wrong.
El Cajon City Council is accepting applications for five vacancies on the City’s newly created Veterans Commission.
The filing period opened April 24 and closes May 20 at 5:30 p.m. Interviews will be conducted May 28 at 7 pm. in Council Chambers, 200 Civic Center Way in El Cajon.
April 24, 2013 (La Mesa)--Euene Rentfrow, reported missing April 22 in La Mesa, has been located in Escondido.
La Mesa Police had sought public help to find Rentfrow, who suffers from dementia. Rentfrow, 72, had been seen at San Diego RV, 7407 Alvarado Road. He was wearing a red and blue flannel shirt and camouflage pants.
April 24, 2013 (San Diego) – Join San Diego’s green leaders at the Green Experts Academy on May 7 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Discover the latest initiatives as San Diego moves toward a carbon-free future. Learn cutting edge info on job creation and green policy, plus best practices form global solar leaders that could help San Diego rapidly reach 100% renewable energy utilization.
Speakers include Supervisor Dave Roberts, San Diego Unified School Board Vice President Kevin Beiser, and Peter Vogel, Executive Vice President of Wirsol Solar in Canada will be among the speakers. Event includes networking with top green leaders in San Diego, complimentary buffet, beverages, free parking and event material.
"Believer, wife, mother, grandmother, pastor, and musician"
Services set for May 3
April 24, 2013 (La Mesa) -- Carol Garlow, 62, Pastor of prayer and intercession at Skyline Church and wife of Senior Pastor Dr. Jim Garlow, passed away at her home in El Cajon on Sunday, April 21, 2013 after a nearly six-year courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She was comforted and surrounded by her family and close friends.
“She never stopped praying and caring for others throughout her entire journey, right up to the very end of her life,” said Jim Garlow.
April 24, 2013 (Washington D.C.)--Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-CA) cosponsored legislation to block the doubling of interest rates on Stafford student loans set to kick in July of this year. The Student Loan Relief Act (H.R. 1595) would continue the current 3.4% rate through 2015.
“We need to ensure that access to higher education stays within the reach of middle class and lower-income families,” said Davis, a senior member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee. “If we want our children - and America, for that matter - to be competitive in the global economy, access to an affordable college education will be key.”
April 24, 2013 (San Diego's East County) -- A sure sign of spring in East County is when you see wild lilacs (ceanothus) blooming, covering fields and hillsides in a tapestry of lavender and purple. ECM editor Miriam Raftery captured these beautiful blooms in Deerhorn Valley.
April 24, 2013 (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:
April 24, 2013 (San Diego) --If you are concerned about media control, ownership and reform and how your community is served, a summit this Saturday may offer thoughtful perspectives. While the focus will be on Los Angeles news coverage, don’t think that these discussions will not affect you. Media concerns and new ideas for better news in any area of the country concern all of us and the summit speakers are quite impressive.
LA Media Reform Group announces its 6th Annual LA Media Reform Summit at Occidental College in Los Angeles from 1-5 p.m. followed by a reception. The summit is co-hosted by: California Common Cause, The LA Progressive, and the Occidental College Urban and Environmental Policy Institute. To complete the evening MoveOn is hosting the first public showing of a new documentary on whistleblowers and the free press.
April 24, 2013 (Rancho San Diego)- The 20th annual spring garden festival hosted by the Water Conservation Garden and Cuyamaca College, will be taking place this Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cuyamaca College. This festival includes experts on raising urban chickens, beekeeping and vegetable gardening, as well as garden professionals, a plant sale, animal encounters for kids, live music and more.
Elizabeth Ramos, director of marketing and events at the Water Conservation Garden, participated in an exclusive interview with ECM last week to give more details about the garden’s mission and the festival. Listen to a recording of our interview with Ramos here: http://kiwi6.com/file/df12etpwb7. For more details, scroll down.
April 27, 2013 (San Diego) – Mayor Bob Filner’s efforts to win the bid to host the 2024 Olympics in our border region is getting serious consideration from the U.S. Olympic Committee. The San Diego/Tijuana team is on the list of top 10 cities under consideration.
April 30, 2013 (La Mesa)—Emmy award-wining comedian Russ T. Nailz, known for his apperances on TV and radio, will headline Brew Ha Ha’s comedy show Wednesday, May 1. The fun starts with a mixer at 6, followed by showtime from 7:30-9 p.m. at Haritna, 7303 El Cajon Blvd. in La Mesa.
By Nadin Abbott
Turn in Unused, Expired or Unwanted Medications on April 27, 2013
Recent comments