April 3, 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.
April 17, 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:
April 17, 2013 (Spring Valley) – For the second time in a week, a homeless man has died in East County. Last week, Mike Brown’s body was found beside a freeway onramp in El Cajon, just days after he was beaten and robbed of the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card he needed for food, an acquaintance of the victim told ECM.
Today, a homeless man died of smoke inhalation when the commercial trailer where he had been sleeping caught fire in Spring Valley. The deaths highlight the dangers of living on the streets or in makeshift shelters in East County, which has no shelter to house the growing number of homeless persons in our region.
April 17, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – A red flag warning is effect starting 9 a.m. Thursday to 5 p.m. Friday due to strong winds and low humidity, along with warm temperatures that combined will create “explosive fire growth potential,” according to the National Weather Service.
Northeast winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts of up to 50 mph are forecast. Daytime relative humidity of 5 to 10 percent is predicted with poor overnight recovery.
April 17, 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 17, 2013 (Santee) -- Trolley service has been restored in Santee, an Metropolitan Transit spokesperson has informed ECM. At 1:57 p.m. the trolley struck a pedestrian, who has been transported to a local hospital. The trolley drive applied the brake but was unable to avoid the collision, said Rob Schupp.
April 17, 2013 (Ramona) -- A small brush fire in the West Ramona area is contained, however live power lines are down at Walnut and Davis streets. Avoid the area. SDG&E reports 101 homes are without power due to a combination of causes.
April 17, 2013 (La Mesa) – Community members are invited to support arts programs in local schools on May 2, 2013 from 5-8:30 p.m. when winners of the Golden Artistry Jewelry Design competition will be unveiled at the La Mesa Community Center’s Arbor Room, 4975 Memorial Drive in La Mesa.
Students from the Grossmont Union High School District compete annually in the competition sponsored by Golden Artistry. The program benefits arts programs in GUHSD schools. The winning design will be made into a dazzling piece of jewelry by master goldsmith Terry Whyte. You can vote for the Community’s Choice Award; this year’s theme is “growth.” View finalists: http://goldenartistrydesigncompetition.webstarts.com/
“When I was exposed to metalsmithing, it seemed accidental. I saw a professor silver solder a strip of silver into a ring form, and I knew I had to try to make a ring,” says Whyte. Three weeks after completing his first ring, he recalls, “I was in business. Nearly three years later, I was accepted into an apprenticeship situation with an English goldsmith.”
April 15, 2013 (San Diego)- Last week, in the KPBS studio at San Diego State University, U-T San Diego public engagement reporter Matt Hall moderated a three-member panel hosted by the San Diego Chapter of Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) to explore the controversial issue of press credentials.
Should San Diego Police Department stay in charge of who gets press credentials countywide?
Who needs press passes—and how does SDPD determine who does and doesn’t receive them?
These are among the questions addressed on a panel consisting of U-T San Diego public safety reporter Kristina Davis, true crime author Caitlin Rother, and freelance videographer James ‘JC’ Playford, who filled in for San Diego Reader journalist Dorian Hargrove originally scheduled.
April 17, 2013 (Spring Valley)- The Spring Valley Community Center put on its 8th annual “It’s How We Live!” Festival on April 13 at the Spring Valley Park near the center. This is a health and wellness event that is geared towards families to inspire and help them live healthier lives, and to recognize that being healthy can be fun. Their unofficial motto is ‘Go play. Get fit. Get healthy.’
April 17, 2013 (Boston)—The FBI laboratory has analyzed pieces of black nylon recovered from the finish line at the Boston Marathon and has determined that both explosives were placed in a dark-colored nylon bag or backpack.
“The bag would have been heavy because of the components in it,” said Richard DesLauriers, special agent in charge of the Boston division of the FBI. The FBI, in conjunction with other agencies, is scouring databases andinterviewing eyewitnesses after securing the downtown area. More than 2,000 tips have been received on the bombings, which killed three people and injured 176 on Monday.
“Importantly, the person who did this is someone’s friend, neighbor, coworker, or relative. We are asking anyone who may have heard someone speak about the marathon or the date of April 15 in any way that indicated he or she may target the event to call us. Someone knows who did this,” Agent DesLauriers stated in a press release sent to media nationwide.
April 18, 2013 (Descanso) – The Descanso Town Hall will be honored on Saturday, April 20 at 10 a.m. and you are invited to join in the festivities. The historic Town Hall has been selected by E Clampus Vitus, a national primer historical society, to be honored with a monument and plaque.
This historical preservation society, under the leadership of Descanso’s own Warren Geiske, will be unveiling the monument on April 20.
What determines a structure as a historical building includes age, era in which it was built and style. Descanso’s Town Hall was built in 1898, during the time when town halls were being built across the United States. The purpose for town halls was to build a meeting place where one could get married, have a wake, enjoy a square dance, a pot luck, or even attend church—much the same ways in which Descanso’s town hall continues to be utilized to this day.
April 16, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – After two bombs exploded at the finish line of yesterday’s Boston Marathon 3 hours and 45 minutes into the race, East County Magazine’s reporting team and other local media have been working to learn the fates of local residents in the race. Nearly 200 runners were from San Diego County. Of those, 18 were East County or inland areas—and six of those did not finish the race.
Ramona Patch reports that Ramona resident Steven Tally crossed the finish line moments before the bombs exploded, killed three and injured at least 176 people. “We are OK. I was through the finish and a block away,” Tally posted on his Facebook page, a friend told Patch.
Four El Cajon runners participated, but only one (Keith Burns) finished the race. Three did not, and are not accounted for in any media reports. They are Richard J. Currier, Blair J. Faulwetter, and Debbie Moore. ECM seeks information on these local athletes.
April 16, 2013 (La Mesa) – Tickets are now on sale for the 5th Annual Taste of La Mesa to be held on June 10 from 5 – 8 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa. The event features great food and desserts from local restaurants, as well as entertainment.
California woman shocked in shower by voltage from substation wins landmark case;
Stray voltage complaints, health concerns mount in East County
By Miriam Raftery
April 16, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – A toddler living near the Kumeyaay Wind facility in Campo has had a tumor the size of a potato chip bag removed from her abdomen, Boulevard Planning Group Chair revealed last night at an Activist San Diego event on energy issues last night.
Other people living near wind turbines and an electric substation in the vicinity have developed brain, stomach and kidney cancers—symptoms linked to exposure to electricity and stray voltage, as ECM has reported.
April 16, 2013 (El Cajon ) -- Organized by youths for young people and adults, tonight's "Critical Teen Issues" forum in El Cajon will cover bullying, alcohol, drugs, suicide and safety issues. Hear what East County youths say about how their lives are impacted and join a candid conversation about how to solve these problems. Use instant technology to learn what forum participants think about these issues.
The forum will also include a resources fair, drawings and refreshments. This event was organized by Students Together Against Alcohol and Drugs. For more information visit www.drugsfreesandiego.com.
April 15, 2013 (Boston) – Two bomb blasts ripped through the finish line area at the Boston Marathon today, turning the athletic event into a scene reminiscent of a war zone. Over 100 people have been treated at Boston-area hospitals, some with serious injuries including amputations of limbs. Two people are reported dead, including a child, CNN reports.
Approximately 191 people from San Diego County were running in the event, according to the Boston Marathon website. That includes from San Diego as well as several from East County and inland areas: Five from La Mesa, Four from El Cajon, four from Poway, and one each from Lakeside and Ramona. A hotline has been setup for families seeking information at 617-635-4500.
Today was a holiday, Patriot’s Day, in Massachusetts. The occasion honors the battles of Lexington and Concord during the Revolutionary War and celebrating America’s spirit of independence.
April 13, 2013 (Jamul) -- Saturday marked the first Jamul Hot Rod and Chili Cook Off held at Pio Pico / Thousand Trails Family Camping Resort this year. This annual event had been previously held at Simpsons Nursery for the last several years but was moved to Pio Pico because of closure of the nursery.
The Jamul Hot Rod and Chili Cook Off is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club to benefit the “Serving the Children of the World” charity. Pio Pico Thousand Trails donated their campground for the one day event. This year’s Hot Rod and Chili Cook Off was highly successful, with an estimated 60 hot rods and 32 vendors participating, according to Myrna Thornton, Pio Pico event Vendor Coordinator.
April 14, 2013 (San Diego) – Let’s Rock! The month of April is declared “Earthquake Preparedness Month” by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services according to Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. We are “way” over-due for an earthquake. This week we’ll focus on general earthquake safety and next week we’ll review earthquake preparedness at work. Now is the time to prepare, not afterwards says Chief DiGiovanna!
April 14, 2013 (San Diego) – Dear EarthTalk: What would you say are the most important steps we need to take as a nation to counter the impacts of climate change?
- Ned Parkinson, Chino, CA
Americans care more about the environment than ever before and the overwhelming majority of us acknowledges that climate change is real and human-induced. But still we continue to consume many more resources per capita than any other nation and refuse to take strong policy action to stave off global warming—even though we have the power to do so.
April 14, 2013 (San Diego) -- Dear EarthTalk: I know that some of us are genetically predisposed to get cancer, but what are some ways we can avoid known environmental triggers for it?
- B. Northrup, Westport, MA
Cancer remains the scourge of the American health care system, given that four out of every 10 of us will be diagnosed with one form or another during out lifetime. Some of us are genetically predisposed toward certain types of cancers, but there is much we can do to avoid exposure to carcinogens in our environment.
April 13, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – A developing low pressure trough in the west is forecast to drive westerly winds across the mountains and deserts through Tuesday. Strong, gusty winds will likely cause blowing dust and sand in desert areas, causing hazardous driving conditions.
Gusts of 58 miles per hour and sustain winds of at least 40 mph may occur.
April 13, 2013 (Lemon Grove) – A man with physical limitations was transported to UCSD Medical Center with mild injuries after escaping a fire at a duplex in the 7200 block of Central Avenue in Lemon Grove. Two dogs also escaped the fire, but two cats were found deceased, overcome by smoke.
Red Cross will be assisting five adults and two children displaced in the fire, as well as the two dogs.
April 13, 2013 (San Diego) – A growing movement seeks to build awareness of social and environmental justice issues related to energy production. While the world has jumped on the “green bandwagon” in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and use of fossil fuels and nuclear, how much difference are alternatives such as wind and solar power really making? What are the unforeseen consequences on communities, public health and the environment? Why isn’t the media reporting on these issues?
On April 15, prominent environmentalists and community leaders will speak on local experiences and on growing national/international movements seeking social and environmental justice. Speakers at the event titiled “Energy Projects, Fracking, and Rights of Mother Earth” include Donna Tisdale, chair of Boulevard Planning Group and co-founder of two nonprofits battling big energy projects in East County, Terry Weiner with the Desert Protective Council and Solar Done Right, attorney Bill Pate who handled a legal challenge to the Ocotillo Wind Energy Facility, Peg Mitchell with SanDiego350.org and Citizens Climate Lobby, and Carlos Pelayo, Asociación de Jornaleros y Trabajadores de Casa.
April 13, 2013 (Santee) – A Santee security guard who told Sheriff’s deputies that he was shot at in his vehicle and fired back has been arrested for filing a false report, negligent discharge of a firearm and planting evidence.
Lance Wright, 22, an employee of Bravo 3 Security, called 911 shortly before 4 a.m. on April 5 to report that while driving on Woodside Avenue near Highway 67 in Santee, he saw flashing lights. Wright claimed that as he pulled over, a red Suburban drove by and shots were fired at him, so he fired back.
“The selection committee believes these are the best of over 100 films screened at the annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival hosted every January in Nevada City, California,” said Nancy Kramer, co-founder of the Julian Film Festival. Click here for a full list of films.
April 14, 2013 (San Diego) -- I recently started a new job in downtown San Diego, and that means for the last three weeks I’ve been witnessing the slow death of an old friend. No, I don’t mean a human being. I’m referring to the huge building in front of Horton Plaza that used to house San Diego’s outlet of the long-defunct Planet Hollywood restaurant chain and, more importantly to my point of view, the Sam Goody’s record, video, electronics and entertainment store. It’s being torn down to make way for a so-called “expansion” of Horton Plaza Park that, judging from the artists’ renderings of what it’s supposed to look like, is a typical San Diego public project: spectacularly ugly, offering no continuity with the original park and looking more like an industrial park’s patio than a community gathering center. But that’s another story.
April 13, 2013 (Sacramento) – In a surprise and unprecedented move, the California Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) is recommending the State Legislature create an independent Office of Inspector General to oversee California’s system of Developmental Centers, which has been plagued with reports of deadly neglect and abuse. This week, people with developmental disabilities and former Developmental Center residents rallied outside the State Capitol, calling on State Legislators and Governor Jerry Brown to shut down California’s failing Developmental Centers and to give people with developmental disabilities the freedom to live with the respect and dignity they deserve in community-based settings.
April 13, 2013 (San Diego) – Echo Eden along with community partners San Diego Loves Green, Live Fit Films, Regenerative Homes and Heartland Coalition announce the Earth Day Food Forest Campaign in San Diego. Together these organizations have come together to help launch the first phase of a new regional community garden initiative that they are spearheading for the San Diego region. Community members are invited to do something meaningful this Earth Day and support this project by buying a 5' to 7' fruit or nut bearing tree that can either be planted in the first of its kind Food Forest or in your own yard.
April 17, 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:
April 16, 2013 (La Mesa) – Tickets are now on sale for the 5th Annual Taste of La Mesa to be held on June 10 from 5 – 8 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa. The event features great food and desserts from local restaurants, as well as entertainment.
April 14, 2013 (San Diego) – Let’s Rock! The month of April is declared “Earthquake Preparedness Month” by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services according to Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. We are “way” over-due for an earthquake. This week we’ll focus on general earthquake safety and next week we’ll review earthquake preparedness at work. Now is the time to prepare, not afterwards says Chief DiGiovanna!
For complete Calendar including Authors Events, go to 
By Mark Gabrish Conlan
April 13, 2013 (Sacramento) – In a surprise and unprecedented move, the 
April 13, 2013 (San Diego) – Echo Eden along with community partners San Diego Loves Green, Live Fit Films, Regenerative Homes and Heartland Coalition announce the Earth Day Food Forest Campaign in San Diego. Together these organizations have come together to help launch the first phase of a new regional community garden initiative that they are spearheading for the San Diego region. Community members are invited to do something meaningful this Earth Day and support this project by buying a 5' to 7' fruit or nut bearing tree that can either be planted in the first of its kind Food Forest or in your own yard.
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