Days after a video was released in which Mitt Romney dismissed half the country for taking federal benefits and/or paying no taxes -- taking a swipe at students, veterans, seniors, the unemployed, and average wage-earners -- the Republican presidential nominee will be in Carmel Valley tomorrow for a $1,000-a-head fundraiser.
The County Democratic Party is organizing a "47% Welcoming Committee" protest on the route to the event on Saturday, Sept. 22, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. on the Carmel Country Road / Highway 56 Overpass. Click here for more details on how to participate.
September 15, 2012 (San Diego) – Thanks to Valley Roadrunner editor David Ross for giving us a heads up on County Supervisors’ latest attempt to hide their actions from public scrutiny. The newest scheme to keep the public in the dark is a proposal that would limit publication of community planning group meetings to a tiny two-by-two inch square ad in print publications—with no agenda included.
September 21, 2012 (Julian) -- Firefighters from across the region converged on Farmer’s Road, a narrow country lane on the north side of Julian to fight a brush fire that has been contained at 20 acres.
Camp Stevens, as well as the residents of Farmer Road were evacuated as a precaution, however no structures burned.
September 21, 2012 (Poway)--Bellus Academy is hosting this month's Poway Chamber of Commerce’s networking mixer on Thursday, September 27 from 5:30-7:30pm. Attendees will receive complimentary massages, facials, and beauty services by the students and staff of Bellus Academy.
September 21, 2012 (Julian) -- Cal-Fire is at the scene of a 15-acre brush fire in Julian at Wynola Road and Farmers, caused by a motorcycle-down accident. An ECM reporter is en route to the fire.
Evacuation of 25 homes will be done as a precaution, though no structures have burned, Mike Mohler with Cal Fire told ECM.
September 21, 2012 (El Cajon) -- The Grossmont College Adult Reentry Program will host “Listen Up,” a free presentation on improving listening skills, from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Sept. 26, at the Career Center on the El Cajon campus. Speaking will be Roxanne Tuscany, communications speech professor and director of the college’s speech and debate team.
September 21, 2012 (La Mesa)--The La Mesa Police Department in partnership with Helix Charter High School’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) club invites you to attend a special event on the school campus, 7323 University Avenue in the City of La Mesa on Monday, September 24.
Chinese imports suspected; FDA advises avoiding jerky treats
September 15, 2012 (Washington D.C)—The FDA has issued a report revealing that thousands of pet illnesses since 2007 have been linked to consumption of jerky pet treats. Most complaints involve chicken jerky (treats, tenders, and strips), but others include duck, sweet potato, and treats where chicken or duck jerky is wrapped around dried fruits, sweet potatoes, or yams.
September 21, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—The goal of renewable energy is positive. But putting industrial-scale wind and massive solar projects on protected public lands has attracted opposition from environmentalists and outdoor enthusiasts. Now the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mapped out 11,000 sites where renewable energy projects could be located on California land that is already impaired, such as sites formerly contaminated with toxins. This includes 75 high-priority California sites—43 targeted for utility-scale PV solar, 21 for geothermal, and 1 wind site.
Editor’s note: The following hilarious account of a vacation gone awry was written by a friend. Names have been changed to protect the privacy of the author and her husband, a candidate for public office. Amanda is currently recovering from this misadventures in paradise.
September 21, 2012 (San Diego) – We prepaid for a trip to Maui for our 34th wedding anniversary in March and could not take it due to my third shoulder surgery. Then we learned that we had to use it or lose it, so the first week in September we boarded a plane bound for paradise. This seemed like a good idea, as it would give Rob a break from campaigning.
September 21, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – A new documentary directed by Robert Lundahl provides an unprecedented look at how fast-tracking of federal energy projects is having devastating impacts on Native American cultural sites, destroying sacred landscapes and geoglyphs thousands of years old. View film trailer: http://planet-rla.com/who-are-my-people-film-trailer/
The film has enjoyed the support of Native American elders, including Sr. Alfredo Figueroa (Yaqui/Chemehuevi), Rev. Ron Van Fleet (Mohave), Phil Smith (Chemehuevi), and Preston Arrow-Weed (Kumeyaay/Quechan), who appear in the film.
September 21, 2012 (Jamul)--The water saving garden at Jamul Primary School was bursting with lush plants, colorful sunflowers, ripe tomatoes and peppers, tall corn, enormous pumpkins, and an excited community participating in celebration of the first harvest season at the new garden. Second and third grade students gave visitors tours of the garden and answered questions about its water saving features. Other activities for families included a garden mosaic group project, and seed planting. Refreshments were served, and a young student addressed the crowd about the importance of composting all the watermelon rinds and paper products, in order to reduce impact on landfills.
September 21, 2012 (Spring Valley) - On July 12 at 8:45 a.m., San Miguel Firefighters responded to a fully involved mobile home fire located in the 10700 block of Jamacha Blvd. Even though the first unit was on scene in six minutes, the doublewide mobile home could not be saved. Two vehicles were also destroyed and another vehicle damaged.
Five people inside evacuated only after being awakened by the family pet. There was no working smoke alarm in the residence. In the process of alerting and saving the family, the puppy died.
It’s not just the health concerns and power outages associated with hot days…we are stepping right into our first high pressure system of the season and if you ask any fire service authority, all will agree this will be an extremely dangerous fire season according to Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.
September 21, 2012 (Ocotillo) -- Parke Ewing forwarded these images showing transformation of the desert landscape in Ocotillo, where public outcry and seven lawsuits have thus far failed to stop the Pattern Energy's wind project.
The first image reveals excavation for just one of the 112 wind turbines; this hole measures 16 feet deep. In the sunset shot, towering wind turbines now replace the century-old ocotillo forest that once stood here, sacrified for "green" energy.
Merger highlights the decline of independent media
By Miriam Raftery, Editor, East County Magazine
September 19, 2012 (San Diego)—The U-T San Diego’spurchase of the North County Timesfor $11.95 million dollars has sent shudders across the journalism community locally and nationally. The deal also includes acquisition of the Californian in Riverside County(no relation to the East County Californian), which was owned by North County Times.
Demise of one of San Diego’s largest independent media outlets highlights two growing problems: fewer voices controlling the media due to consolidation and a decline in quality including slashing investigative/watchdog reporting and abandoning journalistic standards—most importantly, impartiality.
Two teens find fashion makeovers to be an unforgettable experience
By Sierra Robinson
ECM editor Miriam Raftery also contributed to this report
September 19, 2012 (La Mesa) – From an early age, Kim Romano developed a passion for fashion—and a keen eye for detail. At age five, she liked to sketch paper dolls in stylish outfits. By age nine, she enjoyed playing dress-up.
“My Mom would bring home bags of hand-me down clothes. I had the best closet in town,” says Romano, owner of Fashion Exchange at 8270 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa. She went on to attend a fashion college, then worked as a traveling makeup artist at Nordstrom’s, Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s department stores.
In 2009 she opened up her shop—which despite the weak economy has thrived. “It’s better every year,” she told ECM.
Candidates Clash Over Their Visions for City’s Future
By Mark Gabrish Conlan
September 15, 2012 (La Mesa)--Five candidates for two seats on the La Mesa City Council — Kristine Alessio, Patrick Dean, Laura Lothian, Shannon O’Dunn and 20-year incumbent Ruth Sterling — met September 13 for the first candidates’ forum of the campaign. Held at the La Mesa Community Center on Memorial Drive and sponsored by the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce, the 90-minute forum centered mostly around finances and development, specifically around downtown and the La Mesa Village area, but it also touched on issues like the city’s responsibility towards homeless people and whether it should declare itself a fair-trade zone.
September 20, 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
County invokes state suspension of meeting laws (UT San Diego)
SDG&E to pay federal government $643 million for fire damage (North County Times)
Cal-Trans wins fatal crash suit, asks family to pay (UT San Diego)
2 former Navy Seals from San Diego killed in embassy attack (10 News)
Scientists weigh effects of climate change: Scripps conference seeks solution to sea level rise (North County Times)
Sycamore landfill approved after years of litigation (Santee Patch)
Lawsuit aims to reveal misuse of baseball funds at Grossmont High (La Mesa Patch)
STATE
Cal State system to hike tuition 5% if Prop 30 fails (Los Angeles Times)
Jerry Brown and Molly Munger both want to raise taxes to help schools, but differ on approach (Sacramento Bee)
Brown signs overhaul of California’s worker compensation (Sacramento Bee)
700 bills on Brown’s desk (Sacramento Bee)
State restricts military funeral protests (UT San Diego)
California Legislature approves public pension changes (Sacramento Bee)
The Salton Sea: Death and Politics in the Great American Water War (Wired)
September 20, 2012 (Santee)—Candidates for Santee’s City Council and Mayoral races met at the City Council complex for a candidate forum organized by the League of Women Voters and moderated by Dana Quitner. Mayor Randy Voepel squared off against Rudy Reyes, while long-time Councilman Jack Dale faced off against challenger Maggie Acerra.
The mostly-friendly debate touched on a series of issues of importance for the city. These ranged from the budget and how the end of redevelopment agencies has affected the city to public safety, including how the Cedar fire affected both Reyes and Voepel. Marijuana medical collectives, also a hot issue, drew some fiery responses.
September 20, 2012 (Valley Center) – The San Diego Sheriff seeks public help to locate Michael Dale Garritson, 40, of Valley Center, one of two hired caregivers caught on tape repeatedly abusing a 23-year-old severely autistic man who is unable to speak. A second suspect, Matthew Alexander McDuffie, 27, of San Diego was arrested by detectives from the Sheriff’s Fugitive Apprehension unit.
September 17, 2012 (Alpine) –What could be more heavenly than a day at Alpine’s new spa for a stressed-out news editor and her assistant? With high hopes, Mayan and I headed out to Native Dreams Day Spa in the Viejas Outlet Center, where our expectations were met and exceeded by the excellent services and products as we savored an afternoon of pampering and primping.
September 20, 2012 (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 seniors discussion group on “Demystifying Diabetes” from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 26. The public is invited to attend, and RSVP is not required.
September 20, 2012 (San Diego) -- Join SAME and The "Centro Cultural De La Raza" as we Co-Host this important subject on September 29th, 2012 from 6 –9p.m. at Centro Cultural de la Raza, 2004 Park Blvd., San Diego, 92101.
Experienced attorneys will speak about issues impacting LGBT immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers, including the progress made in adjudicating claims by same-sex bi-national couples, the impact of DOMA litigation or repeal of DOMA on LGBT immigrants and much more.
September 21, 2012 (Lemon Grove) -- Join the members of the Grossmont Symphony Orchestra & Master Chorale in the second concert of the 2012-2013 performance season entitled THE PLANETS—a multimedia performance combining music with high definition graphics & animations from NASA and EUROSPACE.
September 20, 2012 (Santee)Almond milk - check. Soy milk - check. Coffee? Checkmate. Where? At Kaffee Meister---which opened September 17 in the Carlton Oaks Plaza in Santee. The original Kaffee Meister is a coffee bar and drive-thru located next to the Big Red Barn in Lakeside.
“It will be a quality, community coffee shop,” according to Chester McLaughlin, son-in-law to owners Mike and Lesley Emmons.
September 20, 2012 (San Diego)—Wine is one of life’s little luxuries. While the majority of us love it, most of us would be hard-pressed to pick the perfect meal pairing, spot those subtle flavors and notes or even decipher the difference between a Malbec and Merlot.
This year’s San Diego Wine Show has something for amateur imbibers and carafe connoisseurs alike. Venture to the Del Mar Fairgrounds on September 29 and 30 to sample hundreds of selections from some of the Pacific Coast’s finest wineries, including Freemark Abbey, Orfila Vineyards, South Coast and many more. Savor wonderful whites and refreshing reds while schmoozing with sommeliers about all things wining and dining.
September 14, 2012 (San Diego)—Former El Cajon Councilwoman Jillian Hanson-Cox appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge William W. Gallo. Her voice flat and without emotion, Hanson-Cox pled guilty to one count of mail fraud and one count of failing to report income on her tax returns.
Charges filed against her state that “beginning no later than April 2004, and continuing through at least October 2008,” Hanson- Cox devised a plan to defraud her employer, Century Design, INC. (CDI). The plea agreement states that Hanson-Cox embezzled over $3.5 million from her employer, where she served as Comptroller.
September 15, 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.
Obstacles may delay drones access to U.S. skies (UT San Diego)
State court ruling deals blow to U.S. mortgage system (Reuters)
FBI warns of U.S. violence over anti-Islamic movie (ABC)
Republicans split on Mitt Romney remarks (Politico)
Debunking Romney’s attack on Americans who don’t pay income taxes (L.A. Times)
New Romney ad rips Obama on coal energy (The Hill)
WORLD
Libyans see Al Qaeda hand in U.S. embassy attack (Wall Street Journal)
Anti-American fury sweeps Middle East over film (Reuters)
Protests sweep Islamic world, fueled by domestic politics and anti-U.S. anger (CS Monitor)
Prince Harry targeted in Taliban attack in Afghanistan (Telegraph)
Police clash with Muslims at protest in East Jerusalem (Jerusalem Post)
Peacekeepers attacked in Egypt’s Sinai Penninsula; foreigners injured (CS Monitor)
Large anti-austerity protests in Spain, Portugal (UT San Diego)
India opposition parties protest economic reforms (UT San Diego)
Anti-Japan protests sweep China on anniversary of invasion (Reuters)
September 13, 2012 (Ocotillo) – Two new lawsuits were filed September 11, 2012 against federal officials and the U.S. government seeking an injunction to halt construction at Pattern Energy’s Ocotillo Express industrial wind project.
One suit targets U.S. Fish & Wildlife officials for allegedly violating the Endangered Species Act and failing to protect endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep. Active signs of bighorn activity on the site have been spotted as recently as this week and photos clearly document recent sitings in the heart of the project.
The second suit takes aim at Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Department of Interior officials for ignoring California Desert Conservation Area protections passed by Congress to conserve fragile desert areas for future generations. This suit alleges that officials also ignored many other laws intended to protect natural and cultural resources, views, archaeological sites, and the health of local residents.
Days after a video was released in which Mitt Romney dismissed half the country for taking federal benefits and/or paying no taxes -- taking a swipe at students, veterans, seniors, the unemployed, and average wage-earners -- the Republican presidential nominee will be in Carmel Valley tomorrow for a $1,000-a-head fundraiser. 
By Miriam Raftery
By Nadin Abbott
September 21, 2012 (Poway)--Bellus Academy is hosting this month's Poway Chamber of Commerce’s networking mixer on Thursday, September 27 from 5:30-7:30pm. Attendees will receive complimentary massages, facials, and beauty services by the students and staff of Bellus Academy. 
September 21, 2012 (El Cajon) -- The Grossmont College Adult Reentry Program will host “Listen Up,” a free presentation on improving listening skills, from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Sept. 26, at the Career Center on the El Cajon campus. Speaking will be Roxanne Tuscany, communications speech professor and director of the college’s speech and debate team.
September 21, 2012 (La Mesa)--The La Mesa Police Department in partnership with Helix Charter High School’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) club invites you to attend a special event on the school campus, 7323 University Avenue in the City of La Mesa on Monday, September 24.
Chinese imports suspected; FDA advises avoiding jerky treats
September 21, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—The goal of renewable energy is positive. But putting industrial-scale wind and massive solar projects on protected public lands has attracted opposition from environmentalists and outdoor enthusiasts. Now the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mapped out 11,000 sites where renewable energy projects could be located on California land that is already impaired, such as sites formerly contaminated with toxins. This includes 75 high-priority California sites—43 targeted for utility-scale PV solar, 21 for geothermal, and 1 wind site.
By Amanda Witt
By Miriam Raftery
By Cass Crain
September 21, 2012 (Spring Valley) - On July 12 at 8:45 a.m., San Miguel Firefighters responded to a fully involved mobile home fire located in the 10700 block of Jamacha Blvd. Even though the first unit was on scene in six minutes, the doublewide mobile home could not be saved. Two vehicles were also destroyed and another vehicle damaged.
By Fire Chief Dan DiGiovanna
September 21, 2012 (Ocotillo) -- Parke Ewing forwarded these images showing transformation of the desert landscape in Ocotillo, where public outcry and seven lawsuits have thus far failed to stop the Pattern Energy's wind project. 
By Miriam Raftery, Editor, East County Magazine
By Sierra Robinson
September 20, 2012 (Valley Center) – The San Diego Sheriff seeks public help to locate Michael Dale Garritson, 40, of Valley Center, one of two hired caregivers caught on tape repeatedly abusing a 23-year-old severely autistic man who is unable to speak. A second suspect, Matthew Alexander McDuffie, 27, of San Diego was arrested by detectives from the Sheriff’s Fugitive Apprehension unit.
By Miriam Raftery
September 20, 2012 (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 seniors discussion group on “Demystifying Diabetes” from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 26. The public is invited to attend, and RSVP is not required.
September 20, 2012 (San Diego) -- Join SAME and The "Centro Cultural De La Raza" as we Co-Host this important subject on September 29th, 2012 from 6 –9p.m. at Centro Cultural de la Raza, 2004 Park Blvd., San Diego, 92101.
September 21, 2012 (Lemon Grove) -- Join the members of the Grossmont Symphony Orchestra & Master Chorale in the second concert of the 2012-2013 performance season entitled THE PLANETS—a multimedia performance combining music with high definition graphics & animations from NASA and EUROSPACE. 
y Rebecca J. Williamson
September 20, 2012 (San Diego)—Wine is one of life’s little luxuries. While the majority of us love it, most of us would be hard-pressed to pick the perfect meal pairing, spot those subtle flavors and notes or even decipher the difference between a Malbec and Merlot.
By Nadin Abbott
By Miriam Raftery
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