December 13, 2012 (Bonita) 8:35 a.m. -- Avoid 805 through the Bonita and Southbound areas this morning, where major flooding is reported by CHP and at least two serious accidents have occurred. At I-805 south in Bonita, a four-vehicle collision has occurred including a semi-truck, CHP report. At I-805 and Meade, IPN reports an accident involving two school buses with a driver trapped in the engine compartment.
Local planning group members and residents voice concerns over stifling of powers for communities and heavy influence of developers
By Miriam Raftery
December 12, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – By a 5-0 vote, San Diego’s Board of Supervisors this week unanimously voted to place limits on the powers and influence of community planning group and sponsor group members.
The action follows recommendations made by a developer-stacked Red Tape Reduction Task Force, which had sought to eliminate planning and sponsor groups completely. Supervisors previously voted to retain the groups, but make some changes. But changes approved this week are sparking concern and outrage among many local planning and sponsor group members, as well as the public that they serve.
One local planning representative is even calling for a ballot measure to shift power from Supervisors back to local planning group members and the people in rural communities.
December 12, 2012 (El Cajon ) – Cindy Waddell graduated from Grossmont High School in 1976 and later lived in Scripps Ranch, earning her nursing degree from San Diego State Universtiy before moving to Oregon. Also known as Cindy Passalacqua and later Cindy Yuille, she lost her life in a shooting rampage yesterday at the Clackamas Town Center shopping mall near Portland, Oregon.
Former neighbor Linda Hughes recalled the slain woman as a “devoted mother, a sweet person,” ECM news partner 10 News reports. She was working as a hospice nurse in Oregon at the time of her death.
“We in Alpine …seem to be saddled with governments that cannot or will not serve us, but instead seem to serve everyone else but us.”—Lou Russo
“When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
December 12, 2012 -- (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:
December 12, 2012 -- (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:
December 12, 2012 (Alpine)—Major injuries are reported at a collision on I-8 east at Tavern Road in Alpine. According to the CHP website, a black Lexus struck a semi-truck from behind, then plummeted off the roadway.
The truck, which lost an axle, was hauling fertilizer. A major gouge in the roadway is reported at the CHP website and the right lane is blocked. A helicopter has been called to the scene and SDG&E has also been dispatched due to damage to a power pole.
People Encouraged to Protect their Properties, Keep Roadways and Storm Drains Clear
December 12, 2012 (San Diego County)--Winter rain is on its way, and San Diego County’s Department of Public Works (DPW) is once again giving away free sandbags to people in unincorporated communities to help them protect their homes, neighborhoods and streets from flooding, erosion, mud and debris flows.
December 9, 2012 (Ocotillo) –Ocotillo Express Wind, built on 12,500 acres of public, formerly protected federal Bureau of Land Management property, is now filled by dozens of towering wind turbines. Each massive turbine flashes red lights all night long. During the day, long blade shadows whirl across the desert sands, so there is no time when beleaguered Ocotillo residents or campers may escape the industrial impacts.
December 11 2012 (La Mesa)—In this centennial year, La Mesa’s annual Christmas in the Village celebration will also feature a holiday parade. The parade will roll down La Mesa Boulevard at 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, December 14 at 15.
During the celebration, the entire downtown village transforms into a winter wonderland complete with horse-drawn carriages and bonfires, strolling minstrels, carolers and street entertainers. Kids will also enjoy puppet shows, carnival and pony rides, and visits with Santa.
December 10, 2012 (San Diego)-- The mood was defiant as workers from throughout San Diego County converged at 750 B Street in downtown San Diego for a rally to protect Social Security and the rest of the social safety. This event was one of a hundred rallies held today around the nation urging Congress not to slash benefits as the "fiscal cliff" deadline approaches. Several rallies were held locally, including protests at San Diego’s Congressional members offices as well as downtown.
Moonshot for Green Job Creation Within Reach of New San Diego Leaders, Community
By Kathleen Connell
December 8, 2012 (San Diego)--As the post-election celebrations end and 2013 approaches, new leaders have been elected in San Diego in what many consider a historic moment in the region. At the same time, San Diegans, the nation, and the globe are struggling to come out of a recession so deep, it is often referred to as the second Great Depression. Meanwhile profound challenges - climate change and Hurricane Sandy - have swept through the East Coast and the consciousness of Americans as Sandy pushed the detritus of climate denial aside in its terrible force, damage and cost.
Neighbor who reported fire says rooster crowing alerted him to the blaze
By Miriam Raftery
December 9, 2012 (La Mesa) – “It sounded like really big thunder,” ECM writer and La Mesa resident Ariele Brooks said of propane tank explosions that damaged the exterior of Gingham’s Restaurant on La Mesa Boulevard downtown. “First my back door rattled two times about 5 or 10 minutes apart…Nothing was out there, so I thought maybe it was an explosion. But then there was this very loud sound.”
Another neighbor, Bob James, told La Mesa Today that a rooster crowing awakened him. Spotting flames, he called 911. "The rooster is a hero!" he proclaimed. (No word on whether the plucky foul who saved the downtown village will sway councilmembers on the merits of owning roosters, which is currently prohibited in La Mesa.)
December 7, 2012 (San Diego)--In a stunning unanimous vote Tuesday, the San Diego City Council supported a Constitutional amendment to overturn the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, which allowed virtually unlimited corporate donations to political campaigns. The vote was 8-0 to limit the power of money in politics, with one absent councilmember not voting.
The resolution asks Congress to begin the process to amend the U.S. Constitution to overturn the Supreme Court’s 2010 decision Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission “so that the expenditure of corporate money to influence the electoral process is no longer a form of constitutionally protected speech.”
December 8, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—The public’s right to know what’s on the agenda for local government boards is now fully restored--thanks to a provision tucked within the fine print of Proposition 30, the tax measure to aid schools passed by voters in November.
Back in July, the cash-strapped California Legislature suspended a section of the Brown Act that required local government boards to post agendas at least 72 hours before a meeting. Because the law required the state to reimburse local governments for such costs, the state simply eliminated citizens’ right to know what actions government bodies had scheduled.
“Since the election, the Brown Act mandate is fully back in force and agencies can no longer claim reimbursement for mandated costs. That's a side effect of the passage of Prop 30,” Terry Francke, general counsel at Californians Aware (CALAWARE) told ECM.
December 8, 2012 (Bonita) – Today Sheriff’s deputies, with help from Alcoholic Beverage Control agents, conducted drunk decoy operations in Imperial Beach and Bonita. Of 11 retail outlets visited, six sold alcohol to individuals who appeared to be intoxicated.
An undercover Deputy Sheriff was sprayed with alcohol for the operation, then entered the establishments acting intoxicated and reeking of alcohol. Where alcohol was sold to the decoy, plainclothes deputies entered and provided informational handouts to the persons who made the sales; no enforcement actions were taken.
December 6, 2012 (Campo)--A mouse trapped in Campo during routine monitoring has tested positive for the potentially deadly hantavirus, officials from the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health said Thursday.
County officials said it was normal to find rodents carrying hantavirus in San Diego County, but that they rarely posed a threat to people if they remained in the wild. However, they said people should protect themselves whenever cleaning up after rodents if they found them in their homes or on their properties.
December 8, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning starting tonight at 6 p.m. through Tuesday at 2 p.m. for San Diego’s inland valleys. A red flag alert means conditions for wildfire danger are high.
In addition, a high wind warning has been issued from now through 4 p.m. Monday by the National Weather Service in San Diego. A dense fog advisory has also been issued for tonight and tomorrow morning. Use caution if you must drive during these conditons.
Backcountry residents concerned about potential proactive electricicty shutdowns due to high winds can monitor SDG&E's website for updates at http://www.sdge.com/tools/windspeed-dashboard
December 8, 2012 (La Mesa)--East County freeways are socked in by fog described as "pea soup" by ECM journalist Paul Kruze. Kruze reports zero visibility at 10:10 p.m. through La Mesa including the junction of Interstate 8 and State Route 125. Kruze said he relied on speed bumps to avoid going off the roadway due to the thick fog.
The National Weather Service has forecast heavy fog for tonight across much of the county, as well as high winds. Avoid driving if possible and be sure to use low beam settings on your headlights if you encounter fog.
December 7, 2012 (San Diego) – East County makes a strong showing in the upcoming San Diego Pottery Tour on December 8 & 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tour is a celebration of ceramics, city-wide with over 25 potters in 10 locations from Spring Valley to Point Loma. Seven of the studios are located in East County with local artists David Cuzick, Mary Cuzick, Eric Rempe and Danae Dehne, to name just a few.
The tour is self-guided and free. Click here for a map of the studios along with which artists are located at them.
San Diego’s County Clerk “ready to respond immediately”; marriages could resume soon if court finds Prop 8 challengers lack legal standing to appeal
By Miriam Raftery
December 7, 2012 (Washington D.C.) – The U.S. Supreme Court today announced that it will review two cases involving same-sex marriage, including an appeal by petitioners seeking to overturn Proposition 8 including former San Diego State Senator Dennis Hollingsworth.
California voters initially voted to legalize same-sex marriage, but later passed Proposition 8 which banned same-sex marriages. California’s Attorney General refused to appeal Prop 8 to the Supreme Court after the 9th circuit court of appeal found it unconstitutional. Thus other petitioners appealed including Hollingsworth, leader of the group Protect Marriage, asking the high court to strike down the 9th court ruling.
December 7, 2012 (Alpine) -- A manhunt for a suspected human smuggler with a long criminal record has failed to locate the suspect, ECM news partner 10 News reports. Martell Valencia-Cortez fled following a traffic stop near Viejas Casino this morning. Border Patrol offices tried to pull the vehicle over, but Valencia leaped out and fled on foot.
An intensive search via helicopter and agents scouring canyons and ravines failed to locate him. Authorities have warned that the suspect may try to steal a vehicle and escape into Mexico.
Firefighters removed 500 tons of trash to extinguish the blaze
By Nadin Abbott and Miriam Raftery
Photos by Billy Ortiz and Nadin Abbott; view video by Billy Ortiz
December 7, 2012 (El Cajon) -- A large fire is now under control at a Waste Management facility at 1001 West Bradley Avenue near Gillespie Field in El Cajon.
"There are flames shooting out of a big pile of trash," Councilman Gary Kendrick told ECM shortly after the fire was reported at 5:48 p.m. to Heartland Fire dispatch. "It smells pretty bad and there is a lot of smoke." The facility is a transfer station, he said, adding that a large number of emergency vehicles are at the scene.
Acorn-clogged heater, CO detector created grave danger
December 7, 2012 (Ramona)--Three people were taken by ambulance to UCSD to be treated for high levels of carbon monoxide yesterday. Fortunately, they were released later and are expected to recover. But their ordeal is a reminder of the importance of inspecting and maintaining furnaces, as well as having a working carbon monoxide detector, County officials warn.
At approximately 9:30 a.m. Thursday, a 911 call was made from the 24000 block of Highway 78 reporting a medical emergency of a patient that was possibly cardiac in nature. Shortly after a second person in the same household became ill, the person making the 911 call became unresponsive to dispatchers.
December 9, 2012 (El Cajon)--Where else can you have fun, and do great things for kids at the same time? Sign up for the December 12 golf tournament at Cottonwood Golf Club, and bring an unwrapped toy for East County Toy and Food Drive. For a fee of $49.00, the tournament includes:
December 7, 2012 (San Diego)--At the ripe age of two, Journey’s birthday party is making a difference in the lives of victims of Hurricane Sandy. This beautiful young girl is turning her second birthday party into an event to remember.
Journey’s family has chosen to ECHOage her upcoming birthday party. Instead of receiving many smaller gifts, Journey has used a birthday service that allows guests to contribute online. Half of the funds will go to Kids in Distressed Situations – helping the victims of Hurricane Sandy - and the other half will go to a pink vintage play kitchen - a fitting gift for a Cookies and Milk birthday party theme.
Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa Brings Holiday Fun to Easter Seals & Local Children
December 13, 2012, (San Diego)--The Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa hosted their 6th Annual Tree of Hope Celebration and Christmas Carnival for Easter Seals Southern California and San Diego County children and adults with disabilities on Saturday, December 8.The guests and their families were treated to an afternoon of visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus, dancing with elves, crafts, cookie decorating and carnival games. Guests also enjoyed seasonal treats such as hot chocolate, popcorn, hot pretzels, cookies and cider all compliments of the Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa.
East County residents Mary & Megan Alexander and members of Lakeside Girl Scout Troop 6398 visited with some of Santa’s elves
VIP guests include Congresswoman Davis, Mayor Art Madrid and many more!
This year's festivities will take place on Sunday, December 16 from 2-6 p.m.
Savor delicious foods prepared by Chef Patrick Dean and Grove Pastry Shop, enjoy wine tasting by La Serenissima and San Pasqual Winery as well as live jazz music by Chris Klich of Grossmont College Music Dept. Plus we'll have prizes and surprises!
Money spent on lavish personal expenditures as well as community causes
By Miriam Raftery
December 6, 2012 (El Cajon) – “What I did was so shameful, and I will have to live with what I did for the rest of my life,” former El Cajon Councilwoman Jillian Hanson-Cox stated tearfully at her sentencing hearing last Monday. Federal judge Michael Anello sentenced her to 30 months in prison after she admitted embezzling money from her former employer and failing to report the income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Hanson-Cox is also ordered to pay more than $3.6 million in restitution to her ex-employer, Century Design Inc. (CDI) and another $1.2 million to the U.S. Treasury.
“While embezzling millions of dollars from CDI, former Councilwoman Hanson-Cox not only traded on her reputation as a public official but also betrayed every citizen who expected her to act honestly in both her private and public affairs,” said U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy.
December 13, 2012 (Bonita) 8:35 a.m. -- Avoid 805 through the Bonita and Southbound areas this morning, where major flooding is reported by CHP and at least two serious accidents have occurred. At I-805 south in Bonita, a four-vehicle collision has occurred including a semi-truck, CHP report. At I-805 and Meade, IPN reports an accident involving two school buses with a driver trapped in the engine compartment.
By Miriam Raftery
By Miriam Raftery
By Lou Russo
December 12, 2012 -- (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:
December 12, 2012 -- (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:
People Encouraged to Protect their Properties, Keep Roadways and Storm Drains Clear
December 11 2012 (La Mesa)—In this centennial year, La Mesa’s annual Christmas in the Village celebration will also feature a holiday parade. The parade will roll down La Mesa Boulevard at 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, December 14 at 15. 
Moonshot for Green Job Creation Within Reach of New San Diego Leaders, Community
December 7, 2012 (San Diego)--In a stunning unanimous vote Tuesday, the San Diego City Council supported a Constitutional amendment to overturn the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, which allowed virtually unlimited corporate donations to political campaigns. The vote was 8-0 to limit the power of money in politics, with one absent councilmember not voting.
By Miriam Raftery
By Miriam Raftery
December 6, 2012 (Campo)--A mouse trapped in Campo during routine monitoring has tested positive for the potentially deadly hantavirus, officials from the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health said Thursday.
December 8, 2012 (La Mesa)--East County freeways are socked in by fog described as "pea soup" by ECM journalist Paul Kruze. Kruze reports zero visibility at 10:10 p.m. through La Mesa including the junction of Interstate 8 and State Route 125. Kruze said he relied on speed bumps to avoid going off the roadway due to the thick fog.
December 7, 2012 (San Diego) – East County makes a strong showing in the upcoming San Diego Pottery Tour on December 8 & 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tour is a celebration of ceramics, city-wide with over 25 potters in 10 locations from Spring Valley to Point Loma. Seven of the studios are located in East County with local artists David Cuzick, Mary Cuzick, Eric Rempe and Danae Dehne, to name just a few.
By Miriam Raftery
December 7, 2012 (Alpine) -- A manhunt for a suspected human smuggler with a long criminal record has failed to locate the suspect, ECM news partner 10 News reports. Martell Valencia-Cortez fled following a traffic stop near Viejas Casino this morning. Border Patrol offices tried to pull the vehicle over, but Valencia leaped out and fled on foot.
By Nadin Abbott and Miriam Raftery
Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa Brings Holiday Fun to Easter Seals & Local Children
By Miriam Raftery
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