“By rejecting the Attorney General’s argument that patients who utilize dispensaries must collaborate…to cultivate the marijuana they purchase, the court is establishing a clear standard for dispensaries across the state.” –Joe Elford, Chief Counsel, Americans for Safe Access
By Nadin Abbott
October 26, 2012 (San Diego)—On Wednesday, the Fourth District Court of Appeal for California issued a unanimous ruling overturning the conviction of Jovan Jackson, the operator of Answerdam, a medical marijuana dispensary in Kearny Mesa.
The decision is being hailed by medical marijuana advocates as a landmark decision that could have far-reaching impacts for medical marijuana patients and dispensaries.
New weather conditions brought on by climate change may help spread a fungal disease endemic to the Southwest known as valley fever
By Janice Arenofsky and Environmental Health News
October 26, 2012 --It's high noon, and the 112–degree summer heat—up from a decade ago—stalks Arizona's Sonoran Desert. By late afternoon, dark clouds threaten, and monsoon winds beat the earth into a mass of swirling sand. Thick walls of surface soil blind drivers on the Interstate.
October 26, 2012(San Diego) – As part of its ongoing commitment to cultural diversity and responsible banking, and in commemoration of Disability Awareness Month, Union Bank, N.A., has partnered with KPBS to recognize two local heroes who are making a positive difference to improve the lives of others.
The 2012 Local Heroes campaign is designed to celebrate and pay tribute to extraordinary members of the community who are making a difference by improving their workplaces, neighborhoods, region and the world. The 2012 Disability Awareness Month honorees are: Louis Frick and Laurel Moorhead.
October 26, 2012 (San Diego) – As my friend and I drove home after the Cloud Atlas screening, we at first didn’t know what to make of it. It’s a very cerebral film, one that elicits comparisons to Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life and Michelangelo Frammartino’s Le Quattro Volte for its unconventional storytelling technique that leaves it up to the viewer’s interpretation, as well as its heavy reliance on cinematography.
October 26, 2012 (Escondido) – Orfila Vineyards & Winery is hosting a Halloween Festival October 26 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at its tasting room located at 13455 San Pasqual Rd., Escondido. Activities include a costume contest, wine tasting, live music, dancing, Halloween trivia and food trucks. Admission is free.
October 26, 2012 (Lakeside) – The 2nd Annual Trick or Treat on Maine, sponsored by the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce, will take place October 31 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Local businesses and organizations will be passing out candy and flyers. Bring the ghosts and goblins for a safe trick or treat experience.
October 26, 2012 (Borrego Springs) -- Grab the family and head out to California’s Secret Desert™, Borrego Springs, for the 47th Annual Borrego Days Desert Festival. Friends and family will gather for this three-day local tradition to enjoy the Heart of the Desert in our own backyard.
The free festival, dedicated to the memory of Dennis Avery (1940-2012), takes place on October 26 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and continues October 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and October 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
October 26, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – As nonpartisan, nonprofit media, East County Magazine does not endorse candidates. W strive to provide information on all sides of ballot initiatives and issues, along with candidate interviews, videos of debates and forums, and more.
View our updated Voter Guide below for in-depth info on statewide ballot initiatives, local bond measures, and candidates for local, state and national offices.
October 26, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) - Elana Levens-Craig is running against Gabriel Pina and Robin Fries for the Santee School Board Seat 4. ECM has contacted all candidates; below is Levens-Craig's interview with ECM.
Levens-Craig says she “is focusing on the ABC’s: Academics (innovate and improve classrooms), Budget (protect students’ education from financial cuts), and Communication (involve the community with their schools).”
October 26, 2012 (Santee)- Small business owner Gabriel Pina is running against small business owner Elana Levens-Craig and real estate agent Robin Fries for seat 4 on the Santee school board this November. The seat is opened since Dan Bartholomew will not be up for re-election. ECM has asked all candidates to respond to questions; below are Pina’s responses.
October 25, 2012 (La Mesa)—Six candidates vying for two seats on the Grossmont Union High School District Board addressed topics ranging from budgets to bond money expenditures (reportedly the topic of a Grand Jury investigation) and from technology to integrity. The forum October 22 was sponsored by East County Magazine and moderated by Donna Barlett-May the League of Women Voters.
The fireworks started in opening remarks, when education advocate Bill Weaver assailed incumbent Gary Woods for a problem with “what I see as honesty,” alluding to use of bond monies that has reportedly drawn the scrutiny of San Diego's Grand Jury.
October 25, 2012 (La Mesa) – Two visitors to the Baskin Robbins store in La Mesa tonight weren’t looking for Rocky Road or Rainbow Sherbert. Instead, the men forced employees to the floor at gunpoint, then robbed the ice cream shop located at 8807 La Mesa Blvd.
October 25, 2012 (Poway)-- Andy Patapow, Kimberly Beatty and Linda Vanderveen met in a spirited debate over the policies and procedures at the Poway Unified School District (PUSD). Both Patapow and Vanderveen are standing for reelection, while Beatty is running an outsider campaign.
From bonds to busing to ballot propositions, audience members learned where candidates stood in the forum co-sponsored by Poway Chamber of Commerce and the Green Valley Association.
These lines traverse miles of Cleveland National Forest. Unlike the switching out of wood to steel poles that we have heard about for some time, oddly, they did not tell the Cleveland National Forest about their plans.
PLEASE review the link above and send comments to the CPUC. We have a scant 30 days to turn this around and expose SDG&E for not only gaffing off environmental quality, but probably far more important this time they are side stepping basic civil rights. Tell the CPUC they must respect the US Forest Service planning!
October 25, 2012 (Poway)—Candidates running for the Poway City Council shared their views at a forum tonight, where topics included taxes, the business environment, development and redevelopment issues, affordable housing and more. Challengers Jeff Mangum, Stave Vaus, and Gary R. Vineyard participated, along with incumbent Councilman Jim Cunningham.
Both claim to be pragmatic centrists, but have clear differences on education and fiscal policies
By Mark Gabrish Conlan
October 25, 2012 (San Diego) — The two candidates for the 39th State Senate District seat have both served in the Assembly, the lower house of the state legislature. Democrat Marty Block, a career educator, won an Assembly seat in 2008, just as his Republican opponent, George Plescia, a career politician, was leaving.
October 24, 2012 (El Cajon) – The Monster Mash Sports Dash is a fun-filled 5k run/walk covering the entire Grossmont High campus at 1100 Murray Dr., El Cajon, happening October 27 beginning at 8 a.m. The event will also include sports and fitness challenges such as making a jump shot or kicking a goal.
October 23, 2012 (El Cajon) -- Make plans to come to downtown El Cajon on October 26th for HauntFest On Main! The Promenade District and St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center will be hosting their first annual HauntFest on Main in Downtown El Cajon on Friday, October 26th from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.
October 25, 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 reflecting 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:
U.S.
Mystery in Gulf of Mexico: Why is oil leaking from Deepwater disaster site? (Christian Science Monitor)
Obama predicts deals on debt, immigration in his second term (The Hill)
Obama, Romney begin swing state tour in home stretch (LA Times)
K Street ready for sequestration battle (The Hill)
CDC: Meningitis mold in tainted drug can incubate for months (NPR)
Equal pay for equal work: Not even college helps women (NPR)
Nearly 30% of vets treated by V.A. have PTSD (Newsweek/Daily Beast)
Drought areas shrink, wheat states see improvement (Reuters)
October 25, 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:
LOCAL/REGIONAL
Scout files show abuse in county (U-T San Diego)
La Mesa ready to allow beer and wine-making (U-T San Diego)
U.S. to study cancer risk near San Onofre nuclear plant (KPBS)
Appeals court deals another blow to sprawling Fanita Ranch project (Santee Patch)
DeMaio once attacked tax hike he now champions (Voice of San Diego)
U-T San Diego publishes questionable poll in mayoral race (LGTB Times/Free Press)
California woman survives car bombing, husband’s double life (ABC)
Another DeMaio scandal: U.S. attorney Laura Duffy (LGTB Weekly)
San Vicente Dam reaches full height (FoxCT)
STATE
California has lowered number of uninsured children (Sacramento Bee)
Jerry Brown accuses anti-tax group of illegal money laundering (Sacramento Bee)
Medical pot growers ravage state forest habitat (Sacramento Bee)
October 24, 2012 (San Diego)-- It is ironic. This morning ECM attended a press conference dealing with voting suppression, while nearby volunteers from both the Democratic and Republican Parties were getting ready to register newly minted citizens after their naturalization ceremonies.
The conference was called by State Senator Leeland Yee (D-8). He was joined by State Representative Marti Block (D-78- Assembly), as well as Simon Mayeski of the non partisan Common Cause and Phillip W. Liburd, Executive Board Member of the NAACP San Diego Branch.
October 25, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Water Company President Joel Scalzitti is squaring off against incumbent Helix Water District board member Richard K. Smith for the District 5 seat. ECM sent a questionnaire to both candidates. Smith declined to answer the questions, instead responding, “I refer you to my web site, www.richardsmithforhelixwaterdistrict5.com.
Scalzitti , who previously served on the Helix Board but left office 13 years ago due to residency questions as a result of a divorce, says he now meets residency requirements and owns and runs a small ranch in Granite Hills. He answered each question in detail and his responses are below. Scalzitti’s website is http://www.joel4water.com/index.html
October 25, 2012 (San Diego)--The Federal Government buys nearly anything imaginable and Congresswoman Susan Davis has assembled a Small Business Forum for local business owners, so that they may learn how to break into this huge marketplace.
October 25, 2012 (San Diego)--In June, during the Primaries, I was appalled to see on the front page of the U-T San Diego both op-eds supporting Carl DeMaio for mayor and a list of voting recommendations. Historically, American newspapers, at least over the past century, have kept separate their news and editorial departments as well as their respective pages.
October 25, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Numerous claims and accusations have been flying among candidates running for the Grossmont Union High School District, where the Board majority is reportedly the target of an ongoing Grand Jury investigation over allocation of bond funds. Which candidates’ claims are true and which are not substantiated by the facts? Scroll down to read the findings of our hard-working team of fact-checkers.
October 25, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--Wildfires are a major concern for us beginning today and into the weekend says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Warm temperatures, with wind gusts anticipated to reach up to 60 mph in wind prone areas with relative humidity expected to be in the single digit area with little over-night recovery.
This warning applies to most all of the Southern California area. If a wildfire fire does develop under these conditions anticipate a rapid rate of spread due to low fuel moisture content!
October 26, 2012 (La Mesa)--Are we ready for the next 100 years? At this upcoming Centennial event, the City of La Mesa will be showcasing a variety of environmental topics, technologies and activities at the "Sustain La Mesa" Environmental Festival "Our Planet, Our Home" K-12 Environmental Literacy and Art Contest, Saturday,October 27.
This event is presented by the La Mesa Environmental Sustainability Commission and takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden Street, La Mesa.
October 24, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning, which means that critical fire weather conditions are occurring now or will shortly.A combination of strong Santa Ana winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will create explosive wildland fire growth potential.
Highest winds of up to 65 mph are forecast for late Thursday evening through early Saturday afternoon, with strong and gusty northeast to east winds. Dry conditions will continue through the weekend, though with weakening winds.
By Sue Strohm, Advocates for Safe Airport Policies (ASAP) Steering Committee
October 24, 2012 (El Cajon)--Over the next year or so (over the objection of large numbers of County residents) the County Airports system will initially be digging up the former El Cajon Speedway and turning 21.5 acres (of the approved 70 acre parcel) of County airport land into the Cajon Flight Center.
October 24, 2012 (La Mesa)—A suspect wielding what witnesses described as a “submachine gun”, attempted to hold up the Well Deck Liquor Company at 3773 Avocado Blvd. in the unincorporated area of San Diego County near La Mesa on October 20 around 11:07 a.m. The suspect carried an orange backpack and as described as possibly Hispanic with blood shot eyes. He was dressed all in black including a cloth over his face.
New weather conditions brought on by climate change may help spread a fungal disease endemic to the Southwest known as valley fever
October 26, 2012(San Diego) – As part of its ongoing commitment to cultural diversity and responsible banking, and in commemoration of Disability Awareness Month, 
By Brian Lafferty
October 26, 2012 (Escondido) – Orfila Vineyards & Winery is hosting a Halloween Festival October 26 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at its tasting room located at 13455 San Pasqual Rd., Escondido. Activities include a costume contest, wine tasting, live music, dancing, Halloween trivia and food trucks. Admission is free.
October 26, 2012 (Lakeside) – The 2nd Annual Trick or Treat on Maine, sponsored by the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce, will take place October 31 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Local businesses and organizations will be passing out candy and flyers. Bring the ghosts and goblins for a safe trick or treat experience.
October 26, 2012 (Borrego Springs) -- Grab the family and head out to California’s Secret Desert™, Borrego Springs, for the 47th Annual Borrego Days Desert Festival. Friends and family will gather for this three-day local tradition to enjoy the Heart of the Desert in our own backyard. 
October 26, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – As nonpartisan, nonprofit media, East County Magazine does not endorse candidates. W strive to provide information on all sides of ballot initiatives and issues, along with candidate interviews, videos of debates and forums, and more.
By Janis Mork
By Janis Mork
By Miriam Raftery
By Nadin Abbott
By Cindy Buxton, Chair of the Forest Committee, Sierra Club San Diego Chapter
By Nadin Abbott
By Mark Gabrish Conlan
October 24, 2012 (El Cajon) – The Monster Mash Sports Dash is a fun-filled 5k run/walk covering the entire Grossmont High campus at 1100 Murray Dr., El Cajon, happening October 27 beginning at 8 a.m. The event will also include sports and fitness challenges such as making a jump shot or kicking a goal.
October 25, 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 reflecting 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:
October 25, 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:
By Nadin Abbott
October 25, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Water Company President Joel Scalzitti is squaring off against incumbent Helix Water District board member Richard K. Smith for the District 5 seat. ECM sent a questionnaire to both candidates. Smith declined to answer the questions, instead responding, “I refer you to my web site, 
Congresswoman Susan Davis to Host Forum
By Joel A. Harrision, PhD, MPH
By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
October 24, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning, which means that critical fire weather conditions are occurring now or will shortly.A combination of strong Santa Ana winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will create explosive wildland fire growth potential.
By Sue Strohm, Advocates for Safe Airport Policies (ASAP) Steering Committee
October 24, 2012 (La Mesa)—A suspect wielding what witnesses described as a “submachine gun”, attempted to hold up the Well Deck Liquor Company at 3773 Avocado Blvd. in the unincorporated area of San Diego County near La Mesa on October 20 around 11:07 a.m. The suspect carried an orange backpack and as described as possibly Hispanic with blood shot eyes. He was dressed all in black including a cloth over his face. 
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