Your right to challenge clearance projects may be taken away
UPDATE: COMMENT PERIOD EXTENDED TO APRIL 8
By Miriam Raftery
Updated March 28, 2013 (San Diego's East County)--The California Board of Forestry and CalFire has released a proposal to target about 38 million acres (1/3rd of the entire state) to be burned, chewed-up, or sprayed with herbicides. This increases its habitat clearance program five times over current levels in what the California Chaparral Institute (CCI) calls a “major threat” to wildlife.
Robert S. Taylor Jr., a fire specialist with the National Park Service, has also blasted the proposal as a “very poor use of public funds” that would cause irreversible environmental damage. “I strongly recommend that Cal Fire withdraw the current proposal and produce a new one based on best available science," he wrote. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has also criticized the plan.
March 28, 2013 (San Diego) –When it comes to open government and public access to government records, times have changed dramatically in California. Much of that change can be attributed to the tireless efforts of Terry Francke, General Counsel of Californians Aware.
Last night, Francke received the coveted Sunshine Award from the Society of Professional Journalists in San Diego. The award was presented by Donna Frye, Director of Open Government for the City of San Diego and a prior recipient of the Sunshine Award. Mayor Bob Filner also presented a proclamation honoring Francke.
March 20, 2013 (San Diego) – Come to the Kroc Center on Saturday, March 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and you will take part in a FREE community Easter Egg Hunt and festival.
The Kroc Community Church is hosting its tenth-annual, “EGG-stravaganza” at the Salvation Army Kroc Center, located at 6845 University Avenue, San Diego. This event offers local families a free, safe and fun place to celebrate the Easter holiday. Highlights include visits and pictures with the Easter Bunny, bounce houses, carnival games, arts and crafts, music and thrilling prizes.
SDSU art professor and artist Neil Shigley’s portrait, "Michael 59," will be displayed in at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. March 23, 2013 through Feb. 23, 2014.
Shigley’s work was selected as a finalist in the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition and sent to Washington D.C. where it will be included in the tri-ennial exhibition. "Michael 59" was selected as one of 48 works from more than 3,000 entries in a variety of visual arts media. The juried exhibition of portraits includes works created from both traditional media like oil paintings, drawings and photographs as well as more surprising materials such as rice, glitter, thread and video.
March 25, 2013 (Warner Springs) -- Sgt. Gil Cortez, an officer with the California Rehabilitation Center in Norco, was killed along with his service dog after his vehicle rolled over this morning on State Route 79 half a mile south of San Felipe Road.
Cortez was leading several corrections vehicles taking dogs to conduct drug searches at La Cima Conservation Camp in Julian, a fire training camp for inmates. For unknown reasons, he lost control of the Crown Victoria, which rolled over and landed upright. Officers rushed to extricate Cortez, who was taken to the Warner Springs Fire Station but died before he could be airlifted to a hospital.
March 26, 2013 (Rancho San Diego)--An impressive array of artists will display works and be honored at a reception on Friday, April 26 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Heritage of the Americas Museum at Cuyamaca College in Rancho San Diego. A percentage of all art pieces sold at the art sale, as well as 100% of proceeds from a live fine arts auction, will benefit the museum which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.
The Chris Klich Jazz trio and flautist Jim Hannibal will perform. Wine, beer, hors d’heuvres and desserts will also be served as the event. A $10 suggested donation is requested for the reception. RSVP to (619)670-5194 or hofam@sbcglobal.net to reserve space.
To read about the exceptional array of talented artists featured, scroll down.
It’s time to dig out those egg baskets and get ready to roll. County parks will host egg hunts at two East County parks on March 30 in Ramona and Spring Valley.
“County parks are the perfect places for families to gather year round but especially when spring is in the air,” said County Parks and Recreation Director Brian Albright. “These egg hunts are the perfect excuse to get outdoors with your family and rediscover the beauty of nature.”
Audio and Transcript of the Historic Argument Available HERE
March 26, 2013 (Washington D.C.)-- Today, the United States Supreme Court heard oral argument in Hollingsworth v. Perry, the federal constitutional challenge to California’s Proposition 8. The Court is considering whether Proposition 8 violates the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Califiornian voters legalized same-sex marriage, but later overturned the rights of gay and lesbian couples to wed with Prop 8's passage in November 2008. A federal district court ruled that Prop 8 was unconstitutional, a ruling later upheld by the federal court of appeals. On December 7, 2012, the Supreme Court granted certiorari in Perry to review the case. The appeal was filed by Dennis Hollingsworth, former State Senator from San Diego and Riverside counties.
March 26, 2013 (San Diego) – With more than 350 education abroad programs in more than 50 countries, international study is a central part of the educational experience at San Diego State University. Through the university’s Office of International Programs and the College of Extended Studies, SDSU continues to expand its international offerings to include educational, research and service-learning programs.
March 26, 2013 (San Diego) – Kids interested in the theatrical arts can sign up in April for classes in acting, dance, and voice offered by Young Actor’s Theatre.
Details are below. All classes run 8 weeks from April 8-June 7 and cost $150 for the session.
March 26, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – As swim season approaches, the East County Family YMCA reminds kids and adults about the importance of practicing safety when in and around the water. The Y offers a variety of swim programs in East County, where swimmers can have fun while developing confidence, engaging in physical activity and learning safety skills that can save lives.
“The East County Family YMCA is committed to providing as many opportunities as possible for everyone to learn basic swimming lessons and water safety practices,” said Laura Merritt, Director of Marketing and Development. “We encourage kids and adults to have fun when in and around the water, but to always make safety their first priority.”
March 26, 2013 (Jamul) --The next East County Produce Exchange will be held on Saturday, March 30th in in the Jamul Hardware parking lot, 13881 State Route 94 from 3:30-5:00. The Exchange is a monthly event in Jamul, where people come from all over the county to exchange freshly grown fruits and vegetables.
The produce exchange is like a farmer’s market, but it is a free event. There is no money involved.
March 26, 2013 (El Cajon) -- A one-act play exploring the human condition and a performance employing the magic of Mask Theatre and movement will be performed April 5 and 6 at Grossmont College, both as fundraisers for the theatre arts program.
Brian Rickel, Grossmont College theater arts instructor, will portray 14 different characters in, “Judevine: A Solo,” at 7:30 p.m. April 5, in a performance that contains adult themes and language. Originally written by David Budbill as a two and three-act play, “Judevine” uses a collection of vignettes and monologues to portray 24 different characters. Directed by Kari Hayter, Rickel’s adaptation draws from both versions of the play and a book of poetry, on which the play is based.
May 25, 2013 (Lemon Grove) – California Highway Patrol is searching for the driver of a Chevrolet Silverado truck whose driver fired four or five shots at a Marine on his way to training at a San Diego Naval base. The shooting happened on the northbound 125 connector to westbound State Route 94 in Lemon Grove.
The Silverado truck was found in San Ysidro later in the day, but its occupants have not been located. The registered owner was not driving the truck when the shooting occurred. The incident happened early this morning around 4:30 a.m.
March 28, 2013 (La Mesa) – Harmonica John and Budd Willis will present the 14th annual Spring Harp Fest featuring top harmonica players live at Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden Street in La Mesa. Musical concerts will take place on March 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Admission is free, though a suggested $5 donation will benefit the San Diego Blues in the Schools program.
This year’s performers slated include Raphael Harp, Mark of the Blues Abbott, Nick “Chowda” Walsh, Dan “Dirty” Rice, Steve Bulger with 145th Steret, the World Famous Unknonw Player’s Jam, and Billy Watson.
March 25, 2013 (El Cajon) – Nearly 3,000 volunteers and students statewide from elementary grades through high school converged on Cuyamaca College all day Saturday for the 2013 California Destination Imagination State Tournament, a precursor to a global competition designed to help children develop critical thinking skills in a fun, creative way.
The students worked since last fall on the Team Challenge portion of the competition, choosing from among seven technical, scientific, fine arts, structural engineering and community service projects created by the non-profit organization, Destination Imagination, based in Cherry Hill, N.J. The 200 teams that competed Saturday already won a top spot in one of California’s seven regional competitions held in February. Local schools represented included Granite Hills High School in El Cajon, Flora Vista Elementary School in Encinitas, and multiple schools from Cardiff and Encinitas.
March 25, 2013 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove Academy joined local efforts to educate students and parents of the dangers of drugs and alcohol in East County by hosting its first Underage Drinking Forum on Thursday. The event, which took place on March 21, featured a complimentary pizza dinner, a presentation by a local drug and alcohol expert, as well as a separate break-out session for youth.
Retired narcotics officer and Executive Director of The Proactive Network Against Substance Abuse, Phil Hubbs, educated a group of nearly 40 parents about current drug and alcohol trends. He also showed parents a display of various household items such as hand sanitizer, whipped cream canisters and keyboard cleaner that kids use to get drunk or high.
March 25, 2013 (La Mesa) – The Grossmont Healthcare District’s Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, will host a free senior discussion group on “Reiki: How It Can Help You” from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27. The public is invited to attend, and RSVP is not required. The speaker will be Lucy Olivier, a master teacher and practitioner in Usui Reiki and Karuna Reiki natural healing systems since 1998.
March 25, 2013 (San Diego) – Sam Warren is the publisher and editor of www.SDWriteWay.org. Visit the site for additional news and calendar events for both Readers and Writers.
READERS
MARCH
March 27 (Wednesday, 7:30 pm) — Warwick's will host author Amy Hatvany, who will discuss and sign her latest novel Heart Like Mine. This event is free and open to the public. In order to be signed, Heart Like Mine must be purchased from Warwick's.
March 25, 2013 (La Mesa)--La Mesa Police Officers responded to a report of a fight and a possible stabbing in the 8100 block of La Mesa Boulevard last night. According to Police, a 29 year-old victim was walking with two friends westbound in the 8200 block of La Mesa Boulevard. Words were exchanged between the victim’s group and a group of five male suspects they encountered on the sidewalk. A fistfight broke out between both groups. During the fight one of the suspects armed himself with a pocket knife and stabbed the victim two times in the upper torso.
March 25, 2013 (San Diego)--Project Wildlife is planning for some new arrivals. Each year during nesting and birthing season, the center receives thousands of animals that are sick, injured, or orphaned. Project Wildlife staff and volunteers give these wildlife babies a second chance.
You are invited to view these adorable baby birds and mammals at the Fourth Annual Wildlife Baby Shower at their Central Triage Center in Linda Vista on April 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Rural areas could have major impacts, loss of service;
Postal Rep says San Diego Congressman blocks reforms
By Nadin Abbott
March 25, 2013 (San Diego)—Over 600 people from as far away as Brawley and Los Angeles turned out at Sunday’s “Delivering for America” rally to protest impending slashing of postal services that could leave some rural residents with no mail delivery.
“Rural customers will probably feel the worst of it,” George Elias, Executive Vice President, Branch 70 of the Letter Carriers Union told ECM, referring to the upcoming elimination of Saturday mail service. Moreover, Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe wants to stop door-to-door delivery and close some rural Post Offices, he said.
March 28, 2013 (San Diego's East County)--We all know about going "green" around our homes. Recycling newspapers, plastic and aluminum has become so commonplace that we actually look for recycling bins when we're out and about. How many times have you gone to a dinner party and helped with the cleanup by asking, "Do you recycle?" All of this is aimed at the goal of reducing our individual carbon footprints. If we can all lower the amount of carbon by-products released into the atmosphere we'll be taking proactive steps to bolster our fragile eco-system.
Now the green movement has spread beyond homes and businesses and out into the travel industry. Yes, you can see the world and still go green.
March 29, 2013 (Santee)--Santee Lakes hosts an "Eggstravaganza" event this Saturday complete with continuous egg hunts, live entertainment, pony rides, petting zoo, craft booths and carnival rides.
This event is brought to you by Padre Dam Municipal Water District and the City of Santee. Click here for more information.
March 27, 2013 (La Mesa)- At yesterday’s La Mesa City Council meeting, Councilmember Ernie Ewin requested an update on the status of the Park Station project, a proposed 18-story mixed use building.
City manager David Witt asked Bill Chopyk, Community Development Director, to discuss the process.
SDSU will be on the road this week for Mountain West play with a three-game series at conference foe New Mexico beginning Thursday, March 28, at 2:05 p.m. (MT) at Lobo Field in Albuquerque. The Aztecs and Rebels will also meet in singles games on Friday (March 29) and Saturday (March 30) at 2:05 p.m. and 1:05 p.m. respectively. The games were originally scheduled to be played at Isotopes Park, but have been moved to the on-campus Lobo Field with all three contests being played in the afternoon. The series runs Thursday through Saturday due to Easter falling on Sunday (March 31).
SERIES RECORD
SDSU leads its series against New Mexico by the count of 98-61. The Lobos have won 18 of the last 25 meetings between the teams dating back to the 2008 season. That mark includes the Lobos winning five of six during the 2012 regular season as well as the contest between the teams in the championship game of the 2012 Mountain West tournament. San Diego State has a record of 63-27 vs. UNM in San Diego, 31-30 in Albuquerque and 4-4 on neutral fields.
March 30, 2013 (San Diego's East County) -- For nearly a century, Easter sunrise service has been an annual tradition atop Mt. Helix.
This year's service will be held at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 31 and will be hosted by Christ Luthern Church of La Mesa. Free shuttle service will be provided starting at 5:30 a.m. from three locations: the Brigantine Restaurant on Fuerte, the San Miguel Fire Station on Vivera, and the Grossmont Center parking lot near Walmart.
March 24, 2013 (Ramona) –“It all started with my horses,” Tammy Rimes told ECM at the grand opening of Hacienda de las Rosas Winery’s new Mission-style tasting room in Ramona.
In addition to Spanish-style wines, the opening featured dazzling displays of horsemanship, including riders in Peruvian-style attire demonstrating the Peruvian Paso breed’s unique gait, steady ride ( riders carried glasses of champagne as they rode) and a “Marinera” dance that includes a stallion, rider, and dancer with swirling skirts. (View video of the Marinera dance.)
March 24, 2013 (Alpine)—Seven Alpine businesses have filed a lawsuit alleging that SDG&E failed to adequately reimburse business owners for losses caused by the two-year project to underground the high-voltage Sunrise Powerlink lines along Alpine Boulevard. Plaintiffs allege that some businesses were forced out of business, while others suffered hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost revenues.
An attorney for plaintiffs contends that SDG&E did not live up to its promises to mitigate construction impacts by limited portions of Alpine Boulevard, instead creating a “gauntlet of construction obstacles” that drove customers away.
The Miss San Diego Cities Pageant in conjunction with the Miss San Diego Pageant and Scholarship Association invites the community to a fundraiser to support Taylor Cunningham and the Cunningham Family, today Tuesday, March 26 all day at the Chilis restaurant in Santee on Mission George Road. Chilis will donate a portion of all orders (dine in and take out) for parties who bring in the attached filer in support of Taylor Cunningham and Family.
Taylor currently holds the title of Miss San Diego's Outstanding Teen. She and her mother and two sisters were hit by a wrong way drunk driver on the Eastbound 52 just more than a week ago.
By Caprice Harrison
March 26, 2013 (San Diego) – Kids interested in the theatrical arts can sign up in April for classes in acting, dance, and voice offered by Young Actor’s Theatre. 
March 26, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – As swim season approaches, the East County Family YMCA reminds kids and adults about the importance of practicing safety when in and around the water. The Y offers a variety of swim programs in East County, where swimmers can have fun while developing confidence, engaging in physical activity and learning safety skills that can save lives.
March 25, 2013 (El Cajon) – Nearly 3,000 volunteers and students statewide from elementary grades through high school converged on Cuyamaca College all day Saturday for the 2013 California Destination Imagination State Tournament, a precursor to a global competition designed to help children develop critical thinking skills in a fun, creative way.
March 25, 2013 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove Academy joined local efforts to educate students and parents of the dangers of drugs and alcohol in East County by hosting its first Underage Drinking Forum on Thursday. The event, which took place on March 21, featured a complimentary pizza dinner, a presentation by a local drug and alcohol expert, as well as a separate break-out session for youth.
March 25, 2013 (La Mesa) – The Grossmont Healthcare District’s Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, will host a free senior discussion group on “Reiki: How It Can Help You” from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27. The public is invited to attend, and RSVP is not required. The speaker will be Lucy Olivier, a master teacher and practitioner in Usui Reiki and Karuna Reiki natural healing systems since 1998.
March 25, 2013 (San Diego) – Sam Warren is the publisher and editor of 
March 25, 2013 (La Mesa)--La Mesa Police Officers responded to a report of a fight and a possible stabbing in the 8100 block of La Mesa Boulevard last night. According to Police, a 29 year-old victim was walking with two friends westbound in the 8200 block of La Mesa Boulevard. Words were exchanged between the victim’s group and a group of five male suspects they encountered on the sidewalk. A fistfight broke out between both groups. During the fight one of the suspects armed himself with a pocket knife and stabbed the victim two times in the upper torso.
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