October 10, 2012 (Spring Valley)- Fire captain/paramedic Dave Rickards hopes to get re-elected to the San Miguel Fire Board because “I care about the community I want the best fire protection in the community I live in.” The three-term incumbent is a district resident since 1990, spent 29 years in the fire service in El Cajon, and currently sits on the Heartland Communications Commission. He is also the Districts’ representative Finance Committee.” He adds, “We’re all training each other and we all have agreements that help each other out.”
He is also a U.S. Navy vet, a USS Midway volunteer, and a private pilot. He is currently a Company Engines Officer in the Fletcher Hills Community of El Cajon.
October 10, 2012 (Washington, D.C.) – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Atomi, today announced a voluntary recall of Sharper Image USB wall chargers. The chargers can overheat and smoke, posing fire and burn hazards. Atomi has received 13 reports of the chargers overheating, smoking, and acrid smells.
About 80,000 of the chargers were sold at Burlington Coat Factory, Tuesday Morning and TJ Maxx stores and on various websites from October 2011 through September 2012 for between $8 and $13. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
October 11, 2012 (San Diego) – On October 18 at 10:18, San Diego County residents will “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” in the Great California ShakeOut, the largest earthquake drill ever. Below are Eartqhuake Safety Dos and Don’ts.
At 10:18 a.m. on October 18, 2012, we will “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” in The Great California ShakeOut, the largest earthquake drill ever!
During earthquakes, drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on to it firmly. Be prepared to move with it until the shaking stops.
The area near the exterior wall of a building is the most dangerous place to be. Windows and architectural details are often the first parts of the building to collapse. To stay away from this danger zone, stay inside if you are inside and outside if you are outside.
SSDSU and Olympic Gold Medalist Keshia Baker partner with the new Helen Knoll Foundation to promote breast cancer prevention
October 10, 2012 (San Diego)– San Diego State University will co-host the “ThinkPink@SDSU” breast cancer health fair with the Helen Knoll Foundation. The event is designed to educate women aged 18 to 40 about their breast cancer prevention and early detection options. Breast cancer is 98% treatable if caught in the early stages.
College awarded two of nine grants funded by state chancellor’s office
October 11, 2012 (El Cajon) – If Cuyamaca College grant writers were members of a college sports team, they would be basking in the glory of a triple-season winning streak. You’ve heard of the Dream Team? Meet Cuyamaca’s Green Team.
Since June 2009, the crew has had had every one of its 39 grant proposals funded for a total of $7.3 million to train hundreds of students for solid-paying, dependable jobs, including those in up-and-coming green industries. The grants have also funded pilot programs, which have since been expanded and modeled by other colleges.
October 11, 2012 (San Diego) -- Are you new to Medicare? Do you want to make changes to your existing Medicare plan? Are you concerned about the future of Medicare?
Medicare Open Enrollment is October 15 – December 7, 2012. Congresswoman Susan Davis invites you to join her at an informational event to hear from experts about what Medicare Open Enrollment means for you, how you can make changes to your existing Medicare plan and how policy discussions in Washington can impact current and future Medicare beneficiaries. This event will feature presentations from issue experts and a Q&A session.
Oct 11, 2012 (Rancho San Diego) – Halloween just got more frightening in the East County and it's happening at Cottonwood Golf Club with a "Scary Maze.” "Scary Maze" will frighten and entertain people of all ages beginning Friday, October 19 and continuing on Fridays and weekends through October 28.
The 10,000 square foot maze will be built on Cottonwood Golf Club's driving range. Stacked bales of hay and the design will provide a frightening challenge to find the exit. "We are taking the term "dead end" literally," said Henry Gamboa, Cottonwood Golf Club's Principal Owner. He added, "There's a reason we are using the word "scary" to describe the maze and visitors will discover why as they try to make their way out."
Editor’s note: For months, ECM award-winning photographer and Ocotillo resident Jim Pelley has been documenting clouds of choking dust at Pattern Energy’s construction site for Ocotillo Express wind energy, where citizen monitors have routinely reported construction without water trucks present and twice resulted in fines on the developer for dust violations. In this editorial, Pelley asks why the problem continues, raising serious questions for public officials who are supposed to protect public health. The closest turbine is just 1500 feet from Pelley’s home.
October 9, 2012 --I have been told that they can make dust on this project site as long it is not over 20% opacity for three minutes. If there are a hundred trucks making 15% opacity dust all long day long I don’t understand why this is acceptable, because at the end of the day there are large amounts of dust in the air, it’s very easy to see.
Oct. 11, 2012 (San Diego) -- As a 16-year cancer survivor and longtime patient advocate, I was excited to learn that Caribou Coffee, one of the leading branded coffee companies in the country, has formed a new partnership with CancerCare, a non-profit organization that for nearly 70 years has provided a variety of free support services for cancer patients and their loved ones.
October 11, 2012 (El Cajon) – The California Energy Commission's staff will hold a workshop on October 19 at 1 p.m. regarding Quail Brush, a natural gas peaker power plant proposed adjacent to Mission Trails Regional Park.
The workshop will be held at the Grossmont College Griffin Center building in the Grffin Gate Room, 8800 Grossmont College Drive, EI Cajon, CA 92020.
Former Chief Runs Against One of the Board Members Who Fired Him
By Mark Gabrish Conlan
October 8, 2012 (Lakeside) – The Lakeside Fire Protection District contains 55 square miles of land, 65,000 people, and according to its website, http://www.lakesidefire.net, “is primarily suburban residential but also has several core commercial zones, some light industry, and many rural/agricultural properties.” It has a significant wildland/urban interface — firefighter-speak for places where homebuilders have butted developments up against forests and other wild areas. In the last decade, that has proven a recipe for brewing out-of-control fires that have threatened properties and claimed lives—particularly here in Lakeside, which has been devastated by several of the worst wildfires in county history.
October 11, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—This column includes some hopeful signs of a real estate recover, a warning about a loan scam, a new real estate laws taking effect in January 2013, and an update on a revised Homeowner Bill of Rights.
October 11, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Shockey Fire survivors can still get guidance by going online to the County’s recovery web site, www.sdcountyrecovery.com.
Over the weekend, the County closed its Local Assistance Center at the Jacumba Library after helping 25 residents with basic needs, debris cleanup tips or service, rebuilding, vital records, information on property tax relief, insurance claims and public assistance. About two dozen governmental and nonprofit organizations were available at the Jacumba Library through Saturday.
October 11, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--As a vet I’m ticked. This great nation has vowed, rightfully so, to never again treat its veterans the way we were treated during the Vietnam Era. But now it seems that if a special interest group wants anything from government or the electorate they simply attach the “veteran” label to the request, whether it is a significant part of the program or not. As vets, we have gone from being abused to used. Better, but still not good.
October 10, 2012 (San Diego's East County)--Proposition 40 allows voters to approve or reject the new state senate districts created by the Citizens Redistricting Commission. If Prop 40 is approved with a yes vote, nothing changes. If rejected by a no vote, the senate districts are re-drawn again by officials under the supervision of the California Supreme Court. Both the California Democratic Party and California Republican Party now recommend a “yes” vote on Prop 40.
October 10, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--Proposition 37 would require mandatory labeling of most foods made from plants or animals with genetically engineered organisms (GMOs). Such foods would also be prohibited from being advertised as “natural.”
October 10, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--California’s three strikes law imposes a life sentence for a felony if the person convicted has two previous felony convictions.
Prop 36 revises the law so that a life sentence on the third strike would only be given if that third strike is for a serious or violent crime.Under Prop 36, mandatory life sentences would continue to be imposed if any previous conviction was for murder, child rape, molestation, or if the third crime involved sex or drug offenses, or a gun.
If passed, the measure would also allow for re-sentencing criminals serving life sentences if their third conviction was for a non-serious or non violent crime and if a judge determines that a new sentence does not pose an unreasonable risk to public safety.
San Diego has one of the highest rates of child sex trafficking in the U.S.
October 10, 2012 (San Diego's East County)--Proposition 35 would increase prison sentences and fines for anyone convicted of human trafficking — the illegal trade of human beings for sex slavery or forced labor. Prison sentences would be increased to 15-years-to life, with fines up to $1.5 million. Prop 35 would also require anyone convicted of sex trafficking to register as a sex offender and disclose identities they use on the Internet, along with which sites they visit.
In a rare show of unity, this proposition is supported by both the California Democratic and Republican parties.
October 10, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--Proposition 34 would eliminate the death penalty in California and replace it with a sentence of life in prison with no chance for parole. Importantly, it applies retroactively to anyone who has already been convicted of murder and sentenced to death.
The measure would also make it a requirement for anyone found guilty of murder to work while in prison, with some wages given to funds for victims and their families. Prop 34 would also earmark $100 million in grants, paid for from savings by the proposal, to law enforcement for investigation of rape and homicide.
“Mercury Insurance has a terrible history of mistreating its customers, ignoring the law and trying to deceive voters.”—Brian Stedge, Consumer Watchdog
“Proposition 33 creates a more vibrant market for auto insurance by empowering California’s consumers to shop for the best deal.” –Samuel Kang, Greenlighting Institute
October 10, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—Proposition 33 is similar to an insurance-industry backed initiative defeated in 2010 (Prop 17). Both measures received millions in funding from Mercury Insurance Company.
Prop 33 would change the law so insurance companies may set prices for car insurance based on whether a person had insurance with any company before. Drivers who don’t have a history of continuous insurance would pay more. Special exceptions would be made for drivers who drop their insurance to serve in the military or due to loss of employment. The measure has a grace period, so drivers who cancel insurance and purchase new insurance within 90 days would still be considered as continuously covered.
“This initiative is exclusively about the stranglehold that special interests have had over California’s political system,”—Jake Suski, Yes on 32
"It promises political reform but it's really designed by its special interest backers to help themselves and harm their opponents." – Trudy Schafer, California League of Women Voters
October 10, 2012 (San Diego's East County)--Proposition 32, titled the “Paycheck Protection Initiative,” would restrict unions and corporations from deducting funds from workers’ paychecks to fund political campaigns, but would allow voluntary employee contributions. Prop 32 also prohibits unions and corporations from contributing to candidates and candidate-controlled committees or groups. Other kinds of political expenditures are still allowed.
October 10, 2012 (San Diego's East County)--Proposition 38 would raise income taxes to fund K-12 education. he measure differs from Prop 30, the Governor’s education funding initiative also on the ballot, in several key ways.
Prop 38 increases taxes on low and middle income earners as well as those with higher incomes, while Prop 30' sincome tax raise targets only the wealthy. Prop 38 imposes restrictions on how education funds can be spent. Prop 38 is limited to K-12 funding, while Prop 30 also includes community colleges. Prop 38 raises taxes over a longer time period.
October 10, 2012 (San Diego's East County)--Proposition 30 is the Schools and Safety Protection Act, also known as the temporary taxes to fund education. The measure aims to provide a stable source of funds for public education, which has seen budgets slashed severely in recent years. Local schools have seen teacher lay-offs and class sizes increase; colleges have severely cut back course offerings and some have even eliminated summer school.
Proposition 30 increases income taxes for seven years on Californian residents who earn over $250,000 a year or couples earning over $500,000 a year. It also increases sales taxes for residents of California by ¼ cent for four years. If passed, Prop 30 could raise $6 billion annually for community colleges and K-12 schools.
October 9, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--Proposition 31 would move California from a one-year budget cycle to a two-year budget cycle, meaning budget debates happen every other year, instead of annually. Prop 31 would also prohibit the Legislature from spending more than $25 million on new programs unless an equal source of revenue or spending cuts are identified first, and would require performance reviews of all state programs.
The measure is supported by the California Republican Party and opposed by the California Democratic Party.
October 10, 2012 (La Mesa) -- Absentee Ballots went out yesterday. Do you have a particular topic that would influence your vote for La Mesa City Council? See what the candidates have said in their own words at candidate Forums. Topics are organized alphabetically in categories, to make it simple to find what you are looking for.
We also provide links to their websites and articles from prior campaigns, for those who want to know more about the candidates themselves and their histories.
October 10, 2012 -- Dear EarthTalk: Given that the presidential election is just around the corner, what can you tell me about each candidate’s environmental track record and positions? -- Jane Miller, Chicago, IL
Just because the environment is getting short shrift this election season due to our nation’s lingering economic woes doesn’t mean that candidates Obama and Romney can ignore the issue.
October 10, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--Picture a serene summer night in Phoenix, Arizona, circa 1982.1
I lay on a crinkly table in a cluttered ER, joking with the doc, bribing him with a promise of homemade shortbread if he could fix my face without leaving scars, looking anywhere but in his eyes, and I noticed a police officer nearby.
October 9, 2012 -- A real life David-and-Goliath battle is heating up in California’s newly formed 50th Congressional District. Republican incumbent, Rep. Duncan D. Hunter (photo, right), is facing off against first-time political candidate, Democrat David Secor (photo, left). The race is defined by large disparities in campaign finances and widely differing policy positions.
Hunter and Secor hold vastly different views on Social Security, Medicare, Roe v. Wade, access to birth control and other social issues which typify the divide between the Republican and Democratic parties. Among the most important economic issues on which the two candidates hold different opinions are policy differences surrounding family planning options, birth control and Roe v. Wade.
October 10, 2012 (El Cajon)--Eight candidates are vying for three seats on the El Cajon City Council in a hotly contested race: incumbents Tony Ambrose, Bob McClellan and Bill Wells and challengers Ben Kalasho, Lily Schworm, Kathy Spacone, Chris Shamoon and Duane Swainston.
ECM invited all candidates to be interviewed; six responded. Below are our in-depth interviews with candidates, listed in alphabetical order. In addition, here are links to coverage of a candidate forum, as well as candidates’ websites and Smart Voter pages from the League of Women Voters, prior stories on candidates who ran before, and additional news stories.
October 10, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Eastbound I-8 will be closed for an investigation until approximately 11:30 a.m., according to the CHP website.
A multi-vehicle accident has occurred involved a semi-truck and an over-turned vehicle in the center lane on I-8 near Japatul/Highway 79. Fire and medical personnel have been dispatched along with an ASTREA heliciopter; a suspect who fled the scene has been taken into custody by an Immigration and Customs officer.
By Janis Mork
October 10, 2012 (Washington, D.C.) – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Atomi, today announced a voluntary recall of Sharper Image USB wall chargers. The chargers can overheat and smoke, posing fire and burn hazards. Atomi has received 13 reports of the chargers overheating, smoking, and acrid smells.
October 11, 2012 (San Diego) – On October 18 at 10:18, San Diego County residents will “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” in the Great California ShakeOut, the largest earthquake drill ever. Below are Eartqhuake Safety Dos and Don’ts. 
SSDSU and Olympic Gold Medalist Keshia Baker partner with the new Helen Knoll Foundation to promote breast cancer prevention 
College awarded two of nine grants funded by state chancellor’s office
October 11, 2012 (San Diego) -- Are you new to Medicare? Do you want to make changes to your existing Medicare plan? Are you concerned about the future of Medicare?
Oct 11, 2012 (Rancho San Diego) – Halloween just got more frightening in the East County and it's happening at Cottonwood Golf Club with a "Scary Maze.” "Scary Maze" will frighten and entertain people of all ages beginning Friday, October 19 and continuing on Fridays and weekends through October 28.
By Jim Pelley
By Jamie Reno
October 11, 2012 (El Cajon) – The California Energy Commission's staff will hold a workshop on October 19 at 1 p.m. regarding Quail Brush, a natural gas peaker power plant proposed adjacent to Mission Trails Regional Park.
Former Chief Runs Against One of the Board Members Who Fired Him
By Charlotte Reed, REALTOR SRES CRS
October 11, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Shockey Fire survivors can still get guidance by going online to the County’s recovery web site, 
By Rick Alexander
By Thea Skinner
By Thea Skinner
By Thea Skinner
By Thea Skinner
By Thea Skinner
By Thea Skinner
By Thea Skinner
By Thea Skinner
By Thea Skinner
By Thea Skinner
E - The Environmental Magazine
By Kit-Bacon Gressitt
By Carolyn McGraw, AllVoices.com
October 10, 2012 (El Cajon)--Eight candidates are vying for three seats on the El Cajon City Council in a hotly contested race: incumbents Tony Ambrose, Bob McClellan and Bill Wells and challengers Ben Kalasho, Lily Schworm, Kathy Spacone, Chris Shamoon and Duane Swainston.
October 10, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Eastbound I-8 will be closed for an investigation until approximately 11:30 a.m., according to the CHP website.
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