Common Cause seeks volunteers to monitor polls on Election Day
October 24, 2012 (San Diego)--This past June, San Diego witnessed an unprecedented surge in voter intimidation during the primary. A nationally funded voter suppression effort is expected to employ even harsher bullying tactics on November 6th, when even more voters will be exercising their fundamental right to cast a ballot.
October 23, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--Assailing what he called the school board’s lack of transparency, Grossmont Union High School District candidate Bill Weaver told a forum Monday night that he was running because he doesn’t trust the current board members.
8 of 11 awards recognize ECM's in-depth coverage of energy issues in our region
By Miriam Raftery
October 23, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Continuing our proud tradition, East County Magazine was once again among the top recipients of honors at tonight’s San Diego Press Club Excellence in Journalism Awards. All entries were in the Daily Newspapers and Websites category, going up against the major print newspapers and online news sites in our region.
The majority of the honors recognized ECM's in-depth coverage of the impacts of major energy projects, including industrial wind turbines, on local rural, mountain and desert communities. ECM editor Miriam Raftery won nine awards, including a first place award in general news for Silence of the Lambs: U.S. Government authorizes killing of endangered bighorns in path of wind project. Raftery and ECM intern Mia Myklebust shared an additional first place award in the public service/consumer advocacy category for Jacumba: A town surrounded. That story focused on the impacts of major energy projects on a small rural community.
Scroll down to see our full list of winners and read the winning entries.
October 23, 2012 (San Carlos) – Italian and food lovers across America’s Finest City are about to celebrate one of San Diego’s oldest restaurants next month: Nicolosi’s Italian Restaurant announced its plans for its 60th anniversary party today. The weeklong celebration will begin on Saturday, Nov. 10 with an Italian street fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. followed by a special four-course dinner. In addition, Nicolosi’s will feature a special menu showcasing its 1952 inspired dishes until Sunday, Nov.18.
“Sixty years of being in business is a landmark to celebrate,” said Ron Burner, owner of Nicolosi’s Italian Restaurant. “We want to thank the San Diego community for its loyal support during the past 60 years and making Nicolosi’s what it is today.”
October 23, 2012 (El Cajon) -- Don’t miss this fun event! The El Cajon Animal Shelter’s Annual Open House is planned for Saturday, October 27, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There will be a pet Halloween costume contest at 12:00 noon with prizes awarded to the top three costumes. See an El Cajon Police K-9 demonstration; and visit the many dogs and cats ready for adoption to a loving home. If you already have a dog, low cost dog micro-chipping and rabies vaccinations will be available. This event is hosted by the ACES Foundation. For more information visit their website at www.acesfoundation.org.
October 23, 2012 (El Cajon) -- The Knox House museum at 280 N. Magnolia Avenue will have some special activities on October 26th during HauntFest. Popular historical author Carroll Rice will be reciting a murder mystery shrouded by ambient candlelight. Enjoy a spooky evening of storytelling and refreshments, compliments of the El Cajon Historical Society.
October 23, 2012 (El Cajon) -- On Friday, October 26th from 4:00-5:00 p.m., Hillside Center is hosting its annual Pumpkin Carve. Children ages of 5-12 years old are encouraged to explore their creativity by carving a pumpkin masterpiece. Each child will receive one pumpkin to create the scariest, funniest, or most creative pumpkin they can imagine.
Boy, 12, spent day in park, sparked intensive search
Story by Nadin Abbott; photos by Tom Abbott
October 23, 2012 (Spring Valley)--At 6:40 p.m. last night, Sherriff’s Department officials confirmed that 12-year-old William Patrick Gear Jr. of Spring Valley was found “safe” at Berry City Park on Mt Vernon Street in Lemon Grove.
“They found him, they found him, thank you Jesus!” The boy’s grandmother exclaimed. As relatives rushed to a waiting vehicle William Gear told ECM that they were expecting the worst, and they were “very relieved.” View a video of the reunion.
October 23, 2012 (Otay) -- Three candidates are running for Otay Water District’s seat 2. ECM sent questionnaires to all three candidates. Only the incumbent, Mitch Thompson, responded. Thompson was appointed to fill a vacancy and his answers are below. Other candidates are David Krogh, a business financial analyst, and Tracy Lopez, an immunization program manager.
October 23, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) --In the third and final presidential debate last night, President Barack Obama and former Governor Mitt Romney shared their views on foreign policy issues including uprisings in the Mideast, political hot spots such as Iran and Syrian, relations with Israel, trade with China, and more.
On some issues, the candidates showed agreement, while on others they drew distinctions in their policy approaches. Romney criticizsed some aspects of Obama’s record and praised others. Obama defended his record and faulted Romney for flip-flopping on numerous foreign policy issues.
Apple co-founder urges audience to be independent thinkers
Story provided by Aida Garcia at Tijuana Inovadora
October 20, 2012 (Tijuana)--Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak would like to develop a computer whose chips operate on light instead of electricity. If possible, it would make computing dramatically faster and use virtually no power.
October 22, 2012 (Washington D.C.) – In an open letter to the American people, 68 Nobel Prize winning scientists and physicians write:
“America’s economic future, the quality of our health, and the quality of our environment depend on our ability to continue America’s proud legacy of discovery and invention. As winners of the Nobel Prizes in science, we are proud of our contribution to the extraordinary advances American science has made in recent years. But we’re deeply concerned that without leadership and continued commitment to scientific research the next generation of Americans will not make and benefit from future discoveries.
October 22, 2012 (San Diego) – On Thursday, Oct. 25, Poetry & Art Series 2012 features Poetry International with special guests Steve Kowit, Sandra Alcosser and Camille Dungy. These renowned authors will read with select MFA students from SDSU. The Blacks Sands will make music. This arts and culture event takes place in the Museum of the Living Artist, 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for snacks, music, poetry, and more. Members are free, $5 at the door or bring wine to share and get in free.
Poetry International is an annual literary journal published by SDSU with Ilya Kaminsky as editor-in-chief.
October 16, 2012 (San Diego) – Not a banner day for our beloved democracy when a legitimate candidate for President of the United States is arrested simply for practicing her right to free speech.
But so it goes...
Jill Stein and Cheri Honkala, the Green Party presidential and vice-presidential nominees, were just forcibly prevented from entering the grounds of tonight's presidential debate and arrested by local police.
October 22, 2012 (Spring Valley) San Diego County Sheriff's Department wants your help in finding a missing juvenile. William Patrick Gear Jr., age 12, left his Spring Valley home in the 8700 block of Ildica Street around 8:15 this morning. He was on his way to La Presa Middle School on his blue BMX bicycle, but never arrived on campus.
Gear has no history of running away or any medical issues. He has never missed a day in school. He was last seen wearing a gray, purple and white plaid flannel over a black T-shirt; skinny blue jeans; black, white and gray shoes and a black backpack. He's four feet, four inches tall, 90 pounds, with hazel eyes and blond hair.
October 22, 2012 (Lemon Grove) – A week after receiving an endorsement from the Lemon Grove Firefighters, Local 2728, the San Diego Deputy Sherriff's Association has unanimously endorsed both Council Member George Gastil and City Council candidate Racquel Vasquez to fill the two open Lemon Grove City Council seats up for election this November 6.
Gastil is seeking his second term on the City Council, while Vasquez, who currently serves as a City of Lemon Grove Planning Commissioner, is seeking her first.
October 22, 2012 (Lakeside) – The body of a woman whose husband has been arrested for murder was found October 18 in a dumpster off Wildcat Canyon Road.
Channel 8 CBS TV reports that the body is believed to be Quee “K.C.” Chadwick, the missing wife of Newport Beach real estate investor Peter Chadwick. Chadwick has been charged with murder with special circumstances and is accused of killing his wife for financial gain, thus could face the death penalty if convicted.
October 22, 2012 (San Diego)—At a press conference called by active and retired members of the legal profession, prominent legal experts urged voters to reject Superior Court candidate Jim Miller. The County Bar Association found Miller “lacking qualifications.” Miller had previously been removed for cause as a Judge Pro Tempore and two weeks ago, had his endorsement by the Lincoln Club revoked.
The Honorable Howard Wiener, a retired judge, told media that “this press conference is to highlight the importance of a judicial election and the need to cast an informed vote.”
October 22, 2012 (San Diego) – San Diego State University students have set new records in graduation and continuation rates. And new campus census numbers released last week show that SDSU continues to be a national leader in eliminating the “achievement gap” between students of color and their counterparts.
The six-year graduation rate, which is the national benchmark for graduation rates, is at an all-time high of 66.5 percent at SDSU, up from 65.7 percent last year. For students of color, that number is at a record 63.5 percent, an increase from 61.3 percent in 2011.
October 22, 2012 (San Diego) – With Halloween around the corner, fake bats are likely to be present at people’s homes. However, if you come across a real bat at home or any other place, health officials urge you to stay away from it.
Bats, as well as skunks, raccoons, and other wild animals can carry rabies, and touching them—even when dead—can expose you to the deadly disease.
Dept. of Energy grant will turn a theory and a lab model into a full-scale testing device.
October 22, 2012 (San Diego) – For the last few years San Diego State University engineering professor Fletcher Miller has been working in his campus lab to prove a theory about a more efficient way to produce solar energy. Thanks to a U.S. Department of Energy grant of $3.9 million, he will now be able to test his theory in a more realistic scenario.
The grant, from the SunShot Initiative, will enable Miller and his team of graduate and undergraduate student researchers to take a lab-scale model and, over the next four years, develops a full-scale model that will be tested at the National Solar Thermal Testing Facility in New Mexico.
October 22, 2012 (Alpine) – A U.S. Navy veteran planning to retire soon hit a jackpot worth $501,430.49 on a Wheel of Fortune slot machine at Viejas Casino.
The winner, who is from San Diego, chose to remain anonymous. He hit the early-retirement jackpot while playing a $1 Wheel of Fortune progressive slot machine on Saturday morning, October 13, at Viejas Casino.
October 22, 2012 (El Cajon)--A series of free “How-To” workshops designed to help East County small business owners improve their employee productivity and performance is being offered by the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District.
“We’re proud to work with the chamber to offer courses dedicated to supporting East County businesses so that they can be as productive and effective as possible,” said Cindy L. Miles, college district chancellor.
October 23, 2012 (San Diego)--Members of San Diegans for Managed Growth (SDMG), the original sponsor of the 1985 Managed Growth Initiative, were joined on Sunday by representatives of the League of Women Voters (LWV), Protect San Dieguito River Valley (PSDRV) and other organizations in calling on the Mayor, City Attorney and the City Council to enforce the initiative’s requirement for voter approval of urban development in certain agriculturally zoned open space areas of the City referred to as “Proposition A Lands” in the City General Plan.
October 22, 2012 (San Diego) – The third and final presidential debate will be held tonight at 6 p.m. Pacific Standard Time between President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. Democrats and Republicans have both announced local debate watching parties; scroll down and click "read more" for details.
Note: For those who wish to attend tonight’s Grossmont Union High School District candidate forum hosted by East County Magazine and moderated by the League of Women Voters, ECM will post videos of the presidential debate at www.EastCountyMagazine.org later tonight.
Secor to host town hall forum Oct. 23 to field questions directly from voters, challenges Hunter to show up
UPDATE: Location of the forum has changed due to a car damaging the original venue. The town hall will be held at the Escondido Library, 239 S. Kalmia Street in Escondido.
October 22, 2012 (Lemon Grove)--Sheriff’s deputies responded to a radio call of a possible carjacking in Lemon Grove at 3:30 a.m. A taxi driver had been flagged down earlier by two men at 12th Street and Imperial Avenue in San Diego, then drove them to Lemon Grove on Highway 94 and stopped at North Avenue and Olive Street.
“One of the subjects allegedly hit the driver on the head with the butt of a black semi-automatic handgun,” said Sergeant Luis Chavezz with the Sheriff’s office. “The driver and the subject wrestled over the gun as the other subject allegedly began hitting the driver with his fist. The driver was able to exit the taxi and fell on the street. One of the subjects alledgedly kicked the driver on the head and then got back inside the taxi.”
October 21, 2012 (La Mesa) -- Not only does their creativity bring a smile, but the breadth of ideas, ages and techniques will make a lovely, rounded exhibition. It is exciting each year to see what the students will come up with for the "Our Home, Our Planet" K-12 Environmental Literacy and Art contest.
Awards will be handed out by Mayor Art Madrid on the Festival Stage of the "Sustain La Mesa" Environmental Festival at 10:00 a.m. on October 27 at Harry Griffen Park.
October 21, 2012 (Ramona) – Ramona Merchant’s annual Safe Trick or Treat will take place on October 31 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 960 Main Street, Ramona. Assemblyman Brian W. Jones of the 77th Assembly District will be recognizing the Ramona Chamber of Commerce and its members for their solution to providing a safe alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. Participating Ramona businesses will receive certificates for their volunteer spirit and community service.
October 21, 2012 (Alpine) – All ghosts and goblins are invited to show off their most creative costumes at the Halloween Costume Contest on October 27 at the Alpine Creek Town Center, 1347 Tavern Blvd., Alpine. This free, fun, family-friendly event begins at 2 p.m. with registration and ends at 3:45 p.m. when the winners are announced.
Prizes will be awarded for the scariest, funniest and best overall costumes. The age groups will be 3 & under, ages 4 – 7 and ages 8 & older. Visit www.alpincreekcenter.com for more information.
Common Cause seeks volunteers to monitor polls on Election Day
By 
By Miriam Raftery
October 23, 2012 (San Carlos) – Italian and food lovers across America’s Finest City are about to celebrate one of San Diego’s oldest restaurants next month: Nicolosi’s Italian Restaurant announced its plans for its 60th anniversary party today. The weeklong celebration will begin on Saturday, Nov. 10 with an Italian street fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. followed by a special four-course dinner. In addition, Nicolosi’s will feature a special menu showcasing its 1952 inspired dishes until Sunday, Nov.18.
October 23, 2012 (El Cajon) -- Don’t miss this fun event! The El Cajon Animal Shelter’s Annual Open House is planned for Saturday, October 27, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There will be a pet Halloween costume contest at 12:00 noon with prizes awarded to the top three costumes. See an El Cajon Police K-9 demonstration; and visit the many dogs and cats ready for adoption to a loving home. If you already have a dog, low cost dog micro-chipping and rabies vaccinations will be available. This event is hosted by the ACES Foundation. For more information visit their website at 
October 23, 2012 (El Cajon) -- The Knox House museum at 280 N. Magnolia Avenue will have some special activities on October 26th during HauntFest. Popular historical author Carroll Rice will be reciting a murder mystery shrouded by ambient candlelight. Enjoy a spooky evening of storytelling and refreshments, compliments of the El Cajon Historical Society.
October 23, 2012 (El Cajon) -- On Friday, October 26th from 4:00-5:00 p.m., Hillside Center is hosting its annual Pumpkin Carve. Children ages of 5-12 years old are encouraged to explore their creativity by carving a pumpkin masterpiece. Each child will receive one pumpkin to create the scariest, funniest, or most creative pumpkin they can imagine.
Boy, 12, spent day in park, sparked intensive search
October 23, 2012 (Otay) -- Three candidates are running for Otay Water District’s seat 2. ECM sent questionnaires to all three candidates. Only the incumbent, Mitch Thompson, responded. Thompson was appointed to fill a vacancy and his answers are below. Other candidates are David Krogh, a business financial analyst, and Tracy Lopez, an immunization program manager. 
By Miriam Raftery
Apple co-founder urges audience to be independent thinkers
October 22, 2012 (Washington D.C.) – In an open letter to the American people, 68 Nobel Prize winning scientists and physicians write:
October 22, 2012 (San Diego) – On Thursday, Oct. 25, Poetry & Art Series 2012 features Poetry International with special guests Steve Kowit, Sandra Alcosser and Camille Dungy. These renowned authors will read with select MFA students from SDSU. The Blacks Sands will make music. This arts and culture event takes place in the Museum of the Living Artist, 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for snacks, music, poetry, and more. Members are free, $5 at the door or bring wine to share and get in free.
October 16, 2012 (San Diego) – Not a banner day for our beloved democracy when a legitimate candidate for President of the United States is arrested simply for practicing her right to free speech.
October 22, 2012 (Lemon Grove) – A week after receiving an endorsement from the Lemon Grove Firefighters, Local 2728, the San Diego Deputy Sherriff's Association has unanimously endorsed both Council Member George Gastil and City Council candidate Racquel Vasquez to fill the two open Lemon Grove City Council seats up for election this November 6.
October 22, 2012 (Lakeside) – The body of a woman whose husband has been arrested for murder was found October 18 in a dumpster off Wildcat Canyon Road.
By Nadin Abbott
Students set new records of success on all fronts
Bats and Other Wild Animals Could Carry Rabies
Dept. of Energy grant will turn a theory and a lab model into a full-scale testing device.
October 22, 2012 (Alpine) – A U.S. Navy veteran planning to retire soon hit a jackpot worth $501,430.49 on a Wheel of Fortune slot machine at Viejas Casino.
October 22, 2012 (El Cajon)--A series of free “How-To” workshops designed to help East County small business owners improve their employee productivity and performance is being offered by the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District.
October 23, 2012 (San Diego)--Members of San Diegans for Managed Growth (SDMG), the original sponsor of the 1985 Managed Growth Initiative, were joined on Sunday by representatives of the League of Women Voters (LWV), Protect San Dieguito River Valley (PSDRV) and other organizations in calling on the Mayor, City Attorney and the City Council to enforce the initiative’s requirement for voter approval of urban development in certain agriculturally zoned open space areas of the City referred to as “Proposition A Lands” in the City General Plan. 
October 22, 2012 (San Diego) – The third and final presidential debate will be held tonight at 6 p.m. Pacific Standard Time between President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. Democrats and Republicans have both announced local debate watching parties; scroll down and click "read more" for details.
changed due to a car damaging the original venue. The town hall will be held at the Escondido Library, 239 S. Kalmia Street in Escondido.
October 22, 2012 (Lemon Grove)--Sheriff’s deputies responded to a radio call of a possible carjacking in Lemon Grove at 3:30 a.m. A taxi driver had been flagged down earlier by two men at 12th Street and Imperial Avenue in San Diego, then drove them to Lemon Grove on Highway 94 and stopped at North Avenue and Olive Street.
October 21, 2012 (La Mesa) -- Not only does their creativity bring a smile, but the breadth of ideas, ages and techniques will make a lovely, rounded exhibition. It is exciting each year to see what the students will come up with for the "Our Home, Our Planet" K-12 Environmental Literacy and Art contest. 
October 21, 2012 (Ramona) – Ramona Merchant’s annual Safe Trick or Treat will take place on October 31 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 960 Main Street, Ramona. Assemblyman Brian W. Jones of the 77th Assembly District will be recognizing the Ramona Chamber of Commerce and its members for their solution to providing a safe alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. Participating Ramona businesses will receive certificates for their volunteer spirit and community service.
October 21, 2012 (Alpine) – All ghosts and goblins are invited to show off their most creative costumes at the Halloween Costume Contest on October 27 at the Alpine Creek Town Center, 1347 Tavern Blvd., Alpine. This free, fun, family-friendly event begins at 2 p.m. with registration and ends at 3:45 p.m. when the winners are announced.
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