RAMONA ROBBERY VICTIM SPOTS SUSPECT AT BANK, LEADING TO ARREST

ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ: A FLORIDA `CONCENTRATION CAMP’

OWNER IDENTIFIED IN DOG-DRAGGING CASE; ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGES TO BE FILED

TRUMP SIGNS BUDGET BILL ON JULY 4 THAT INFLATES DEFICIT, CUTS SERVICES FOR LOW-INCOME AMERICANS AND MAKES TAX CUTS FOR WEALTHY PERMANENT

HAUTE WITH HEART FASHION SHOW AUG. 2 BENEFITS ST. MADELEINE SOPHIE’S CENTER

READER’S EDITORIAL: THE FIGHT FOR FREEDOM IS MORE URGENT THAN EVER BEFORE

A LAVENDER AND CAMEL OASIS IN RAMONA

PIZZABILITIES IN ALPINE SERVES UP BUILD-YOUR-OWN PIZZA AND INCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYEES

ANIMAL SERVICES SEEKS HELP TO FIND ANIMAL ABUSE SUSPECT WHO DRAGGED DOG BEHIND JEEP CHEROKEE IN SPRING VALLEY

FESTIVE FOURTH OF JULY EVENTS AND FIREWORKS

“ICE OUT” MARCHERS IN EL CAJON TAKE STAND FOR IMMIGRANTS AS CONCERNS OVER ICE RAIDS AND ABUSE OF DETAINEES GROWS

GLORIA CHADWICK RESIGNS FROM GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT BOARD

EAST COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICTS ASK VOTERS TO SUPPORT BOND MEASURES

By Janis Mork

September 18, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)- Several local school districts have ballot propositions on the November ballot, including Cajon Valley, Mountain Empire, San Diego Unified, Dehesa, Ramona Unified, Grossmont- Cuyamaca Community College, Chula Vista, and South Bay. All need 55% to pass instead of the usual 2/3 majority vote, according to Prop 39 that was passed several years ago. Below are details on each proposition, along with comments from Superintendents in each district.

CIVIL LIBERTIES ACTIVISTS, PLAINTIFFS CHEER COURT'S RULING AGAINST INDEFINITE DETENTION

Petition launched urging President Obama not to appeal decision

September 14, 2012 (New York) – On September 12, 2012, Judge Katherine Forrest ruled that the so-called “indefinite detention” provision of the fiscal 2012 National Defense Authorization Act violates the Constitution and issued a permanent injunction against its use. The law would have allowed the military to indefinitely detain civilians -- even Americans -- without charge or trial if they are accused of certain crimes, or even associated with certain criminals.

There are six plaintiffs in the case including writer Chris Hedges, Noam Chomsky, and the leaker of the Pentagon Papers Daniel Ellsberg.

DUANE SWAINSTON SEEKS TO BRING “NEW IDEAS, A NEW FOCUS AND NEW ENERGY” TO EL CAJON CITY COUNCIL

Swainston is one of four challengers and three incumbents running for El Cajon City Council.

By Miriam Raftery

September 15, 2012 (El Cajon) – Duane Swainston wants to end the “good ole boy” network on El Cajon’s City Council.  “There seem to be a lot of back room deals and not enough transparency where people know what’s going on,” he says of the current council members. 

Swainston aims to bring his 16 years of experience in management at private sector manufacturing companies  to the job as councilmember if elected.   He holds a degree in business management and has worked for two of El Cajon’s largest employerse, Senior Aerospace Ketema and GKN Aerospace Chem-Tronics. 

“It’s a cost-conscious, schedule-dominant world focused on quality,” he told ECM in an exclusive interview.  “If you’re not doing things faster, better, cheaper, then you’re getting bypassed by your competition.”

EL CAJON ASKS BUSINESSES TO STOP SELLING SPICE AND BATH SALT SYNTHETIC DRUGS

September 19, 2012 (El Cajon) -- On September 14, the El Cajon Police Department in conjunction with Communities Against Substance Abuse (C.A.S.A.) and the Neighborhood Market Association will be delivering letters to 138 El Cajon businesses asking them to voluntarily decline selling the psychoactive drugs known as Spice and Bath Salts.

"The distribution and use of psychoactive herbal incense (most commonly marketed as “Spice”) and psychoactive Bath Salts (marketed under multiple brands) appears to be reaching epidemic proportions in the United States. These products are being disingenuously marketed and sold as if they were standard bath salts and incense whereas in fact they are not. Instead, they are being snorted, smoked and used intravenously," states a press release issued by El Cajon Police.

RENO DISPATCH: KEEP KILLING THE BAD GUYS, KEEP TALKING TO THE GOOD GUYS

By Jamie Reno

The Reno Dispatch

Sept. 19, 2012 (San Diego)-- I'm not a bleeding-heart liberal. I certainly recognize that the violent anti-American protests this week throughout the Middle East and beyond in response to a stupid video denigrating the Muslim religion are a real threat to the United States and need to be taken very seriously.

PACE PROGRAM LAUNCHES IN SAN DIEGO: BUSINESSES CAN NOW PAY FOR CLEAN ENERGY INVESTMENTS SUCH AS SOLAR VIA PROPERTY TAXES-- WITH NO UP FRONT COSTS

September 19, 2012 (San Diego)—A new state program to help business owners invest in solar and other energy-saving projects with zero up-front costs launched yesterday in San Diego County. 

The Property Assessed Clean Energy Program (PACE) enables commercial property owners to use their properties as collateral for energy upgrades—and to pay off those costs through their property tax bills.

FUROR OVER ROMNEY’S “47%” COMMENTS: FACT-CHECKS REVEAL DISTORTIONS

By Miriam Raftery

September 19, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Author H. Jackson Brown once observed that “Our character is what we do when we think no one is looking.” 

Now a video shot secretly during a fundraiser for Mitt Romney with wealthy donors is sparking controversy over his apparent insensitivity to nearly half of the American people. In the video, which Romney admits is authentic, the presidential candidate is seen insulting Americans who receive any form of public assistance—including recipients of Social Security and Medicare, as well as military veterans, students, the disabled and the poor.  He also slammed those who pay no taxes—from retirees to some of his own wealthy patrons.

His remarks have drawn sharp criticisms even from many conservative Republican commentators.

JAY STEIGER SEEKS TO PROVIDE "OUTSTANDING EDUCATION" FOR KIDS IN LA MESA-SPRING VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT

“If I’m on the board, I will have an open door policy and be able to work with all groups.”- Jay Steiger

By Janis Mork

September 17, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)- Challenger Jay Steiger is running against Incumbent President William ‘Bill’ Baber and Board member Emma Turner. He hopes to join the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District Board, which includes El Cajon, Santee, and La Mesa this November. View map of the district here: http://www.lmsvsd.k12.ca.us/cms/lib2/CA01001633/Centricity/Domain/184/MAP-Schools.pdf

BIG BBQ PARTY IN LEMON GROVE SEPTEMBER 29

 

September 18, 2012 (Lemon Grove)  -- The Lemon Grove Historical Society is sponsoring a Big BBQ Party in Civic Center Park, 3200 Main Street, Lemon Grove on  September 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The event will feature West Texas Barbecue from Coop’s, music by Two Guys Will Move U, and demonstrations from Apollo Stables, face painting and much more.

SAN DIEGO YOUTH SYMPHONY AND CONSERVATORY WINS GRAND PRIZE LEADERSHIP AWARD

September 20, 2012 (San Diego) -- On September 15, 2012, the San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory(SDYS),  was named Grand Prize Winner of BoardSource's Prudential Leadership Awards for Exceptional Nonprofit Boards. SDYS Board Chair Robert Gaan and Ann Hix, Chair of the Board's Community Relations Committee, attended BoardSource's annual conference to complete the final round of the national competition, a question and answer session before a team of judges. The winners were announced at the conference plenary session.
 
 

From left to right: Linda Crompton, BoardSource President & CEO; Ann Hix and Rob Gaan from SDYS; David Nygren, BoardSource Chair and Prudential representative

EFFORT AIMS TO BRING BACK PACE CLEAN ENERGY PROGRAM, ALLOW HOMEOWNERS TO FINANCE UP-FRONT SOLAR COSTS THROUGH PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENTS

September 18, 2012 (San Diego) -- The Sierra Club Desert Committee has launched a campaign to help bring back the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program, which allows homeowners to finance rooftop solar installations through property tax assessments.   This link enables you to submit comments in support of PACE to the Federal Housing Finance Authority:  

FDA APPROVES PRODUCTION OF IMAGING AGENT THAT HELPS DETECT PROSTATE CANCER

Mayo Clinic is the first facility approved to manufacture Choline C 11 Injection
 
September 18, 2012  (Washington, D.C.) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the production and use of Choline C 11 Injection, a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging agent used to help detect recurrent prostate cancer.
 
Choline C 11 Injection is administered intravenously to produce an image that helps to locate specific body sites for follow-up tissue sampling and testing in men with recurrent prostate cancer.

EARTHTALK®: U.S. CONSUMPTION

E - The Environmental Magazine

Written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss

September 18, 2012 -- Dear EarthTalk: I read that a single child born in the U.S. has a greater effect on the environment than a dozen children born in a developing country? Can you explain why?  -- Josh C., via e-mail

WATER AGENCIES TO HOST GARDEN-FRIENDLY PLANT FAIRS THIS FALL

Events feature discounts on low-water-use plants in time for fall planting season

September 18, 2012 (San Diego County) -- The San Diego County Water Authority, its member agencies and The Home Depot have teamed up for a series of San Diego County garden-friendly plant fairs this fall, which is the most successful planting season for drought tolerant plants.

KEHOE BILLS PASS LEGISLATURE, AWAIT ACTION BY GOVERNOR

September 19, 2012 (San Diego) – Senator Kehoe (D-San Diego)  has several bills that have passed the Legislature and are awaiting action by the Governor, as well as one measure signed into law.  Pending measures include bills to prohibit charges on homeowners producing solar power, protect open space in San Diego, and require general plans to address fire hazards. Others include measures to require that retired judges draw new lines for County Supervisors’ districts and to extend party central committee terms to four years.

TEE UP FOR THE ALL FORE R.E.C. GOLF TOURNAMENT OCTOBER 5

 

September 19, 2012 (El Cajon) -- The City of El Cajon Recreation Department, together with Crest Kiwanis, present the annual ALL FORE R.E.C. Golf Tournament.  The tournament will be held at the Sycuan Resort, 5485 Casino Way, El Cajon, on October 5.  All proceeds from the tournament directly support activities that develop youth and provide positive choices through youth activity scholarships, youth sports, recreation classes and after-school programs.

TEEN ROBBED AT TROLLEY STOP

September 19, 2012 (La Mesa) – A 16-year-old girl was robbed in the Spring Street Trolley Station, 4250 Spring Street, on September 17 at 6:47 p.m. According to La Mesa Police, the victim was in the parking lot near the bus stop when she saw the suspect. She walked away to the opposite side of the lot, but the suspect approached and grabbed for her purse on her shoulder. The victim began hitting the suspect with her cell phone, trying break away. He grabbed her cell phone and ran downstairs towards Spring Street.

SAN DIEGO WRITEWAY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

September 19, 2012 (San Diego) --NOTE TO READERS: The SDWriteWay webzine is temporarily down for maintenance. Below are events for late September and October. — Sam Warren, editor

September 20 (Thursday, 7:00 pm) — Join Dr. Jon Rebman, author of Baja California Plant Field Guide at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Time to be announced.

EAST COUNTY COLLEGE DISTRICT APPROVES BUDGET; PREPARES FOR UNCERTAINTIES

September 17, 2012 (El Cajon) – Under darkening clouds of economic uncertainty, the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Governing Board battened down the hatches Tuesday, September 11, passing a $150.4 million budget that prepares the district to weather the storm, should Proposition 30 – the governor’s tax measure – fall short in the November election.

NOVELIST OFFERS FREE BOOK CONTEST FOR BEDBUG VICTIMS

Participants must post photos of their bites to win

September 17, 2012 (San Diego) – To promote the release of his new novel Shady Palms in October, San Diego author Allen Dusk is holding a contest to give away signed copies of his book, set in El Cajon. Victims of bedbug attacks are encouraged to post photos of their bites on Twitter and Instagram with the hastag #ShadyPalms. On October 1, 2012 Allen will announce the winners on his website http://www.allendusk.com.

LA MESA CANDIDATE FORUM SEPT. 27

September 15, 2012 (La Mesa)--The League of Women Voters will sponsor and moderate a candidate forum for La Mesa City Council candidates in the 2012 election. The forum will be held on September 27 from 7 to 9 pm at the La Mesa City Council Chamber.

GALLERY WALK AND ARTIST RECEPTION IN DOWNTOWN EL CAJON FRIDAY, SEPT. 21

September 17, 2012 (El Cajon) – Downtown El Cajon invites you to a gallery walk featuring seven galleries on Friday, September 21 from 5-8 p.m. More than 500 works of art will be available along El Cajon’s Gallery Row in the community’s burgeoning arts district. The evening also features giveaways, food and beverages, live music and demonstrations by local artists. In addition, a “meet the artist” reception with Dawn Hough Sebaugh will be held at the Main Street 5 Gallery.

POLITICAL REFLECTIONS: AFTER THE CONVENTIONS

By Mark Gabrish Conlan

September 17, 2012 (San Diego) – Well, now we know. The 2012 Presidential election won’t just be between incumbent Democrat Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney, but between two starkly different philosophies not only of politics, or how to revive the economy and preserve the capitalist system, but also of life itself and what it means to be human. It won’t be a serious debate over how much government the American people want, or how they propose to pay for it. Nor will it really be about the budget deficit or the national debt, however much Republicans — especially their vice-presidential candidate, Congressmember Paul Ryan —might claim the moral high ground on that issue even though their giveaway tax cuts to the ultra-rich will actually make the national debt bigger, not smaller.

CUSTOMS BORDER PROTECTION OFFICER ARRESTED BY BORDER CORRUPTION TASK FORCE AGENTS

September 17, 2012 (San Diego) – Daphne Hearn, Special Agent in Charge of the San Diego FBI Office, and Chris Maston, Director of Field Operations, Customs Border Protection (CBP) announced the arrest of CBP Officer Thomas Silva, age 33, a nine-year veteran with the CBP. Silva was arrested on Friday, September 7 2012, at approximately 8:30 a.m, at the San Ysidro Port of Entry by CBP and FBI Agents assigned to the FBI Border Corruption Task Force (BCTF) pursuant to a federal arrest warrant based on a complaint filed with the U.S. District Court, Southern District of California, case number 12MJ3305. The complaint charges Silva with wire fraud and concealing a person from arrest.

MUTATION BREAKS HIV'S RESISTANCE TO DRUGS, SAYS MU RESEARCHER

September 19, 2012 (Columbia, Mo.) – The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can contain dozens of different mutations, called polymorphisms. In a recent study an international team of researchers, including MU scientists, found that one of those mutations, called 172K, made certain forms of the virus more susceptible to treatment. Soon, doctors will be able to use this knowledge to improve the drug regimen they prescribe to HIV-infected individuals.

AMERICAN TRIVIA: LADY LIBERTY

By Richard Lederer

September 17, 2012 (San Diego) – The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States commemorating the alliance between the two nations during the Revolutionary War. The statue arrived in the United States aboard the French freighter Isere as 350 individual pieces packed in 214 crates. Lady Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886, designated as a National Monument in 1924, and restored for her centennial on July 4, 1986.

WHAT EVERY GUN OWNER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BEING FALSELY ACCUSED

The Truth about Firearms, the Criminal Justice System, and You:  What Every Gun Owner Should Know About being Falsely Accused

According to Michelle Gesse, author of Bogus Allegations, being a gun owner puts you at increased risk for being falsely accused of a crime. (She should know—it happened to her husband!) Here, she shares what you should know about being falsely accused, and what you can do to protect yourself.

September 17, 2012 (Boulder, CO)—If you own a gun and consider yourself to be an upstanding, law-abiding citizen, you probably haven’t given much thought to being targeted or profiled because you own firearms. After all, as long as they’re legal and you don’t use them inappropriately, you have nothing to fear, right?

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