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

A CALL FOR RECALL AT AZTEC PARK

JAMUL CASINO RESORT PULLS OUT OF SAN DIEGO PRIDE PARADE AMID ANTISEMITISM CONCERNS

TESLA DRIVER CHARGED WITH MURDER OF MOTORCYCLIST, INJURING OTHERS INCLUDING EL CAJON MAN

COUNTY BUDGET INCLUDES MANY EAST COUNTY PROJECTS

LA MESA POLICE SEEK “DANGEROUS” SUSPECT; RESIDENTS WARNED TO STAY INDOORS

 

June 30, 2012 (La Mesa) --La Mesa Police along with the Sheriff's helicopter and K9 officers are looking for a “dangerous person” in the area of Culowee and Clearview tonight. The suspect may be armed, Incident Page Network states.

He is a white male wearing a black hat and black shirt. Please call 911 if you see him.

COLLEGE FOR KIDS AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE BEGINS JULY 9

From drumming to mummy making, a treasure-trove of learning

June 29, 2012 (El Cajon) – Cuyamaca College is offering College for Kids July 9 – August 9 at 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, El Cajon.  It is a summer enrichment program for children between the ages of 8-14 that will teach new and meaningful skills through participation in classes such as art, dance fitness, science, media and more.

TUMBLEWEED RIDING CLUB TACK SALE JULY 7

June 30, 2012 (Lakeside) – Tumbleweed Riding Club will be having a Used Tack Sale on July 7 from 8:00 a.m. to noon at the Club, 13315 Willow Road, Lakeside.  The gates will open at 7:30 a.m. for sellers to set up.

The cost is $5 per seller and is free to buyers.  Sellers must bring their own tables, chairs, racks, tarps, etc.

READER’S EDITORIAL: THE SQUAWK OVER BACKYARD CHICKENS

 
By Gretchen Anderson
 
June 29, 2012 (El Cajon )--Three cheers to the El Cajon City Council for its recent decision to give backyard hen keeping a try. El Cajon residents spoke and the city listened. The fight to keep backyard chickens began in 2004, when the people of Madison, Wisconsin took on the city for the right to legally keep hens.
 
So what’s the big deal? Why are so many people keen on backyard hen keeping? Aside from the superior eggs, natural pest control and nitrogen rich fertilizer, people keep backyard poultry for three main reasons: economics, property rights and food security.

CALL FOR FIRE DEPT. VOLUNTEERS IN LAKESIDE

 
June 30, 2012 (Lakeside)--In July of 2011, the Lakeside Fire District initiated an age-50-and-over volunteer program where selected district residents assist firefighters and district staffers with those functions specific to logistics. The Logistics Section performs functions that support operations personnel (firefighters) with supply chain management, transportation of equipment and personnel, and many other logistics functions such as incident support.

BELLUS ACADEMY WINS BIG IN NATIONAL COMPETITION

 
Bellus Graduate and Artistic Director Take Top Honors at RAW Competition
 
June 30, 2012 (Poway) -- Bellus Academy alumnae Kristin Bacaycay and artistic director Diego Raviglione took home top honors at the nationally-broadcast Behind the Chair RAW Competition on June 3 in Orlando, Florida, beating out six other teams to take first prize. The competition, which served to single out talented beauty professionals under the age of 30, featured Bacaycay as a stylist and Raviglione as a mentor for the Proctor & Gamble-sponsored Team ICAN.

DOWN ON THE FARMS: A VIDEO TOUR OF LOCAL AGRICULTURAL IN LAKESIDE

In honor of Harold Hilliker Farm Day at Lakeside Middle School, videographer Billy Ortiz created a video documentary tour of local agricultural sites

Story, photos and video by Billy Ortiz

June 30, 2012 (Lakeside)-- Lakeside Middle School held  its first annual Harold Hilliker Farm Day on May 30.  It  was a day full of information on agriculture, highlighting several Lakeside farms for the 6th and 7th graders. 

View a special video tour of local farms in Lakeside created for the Lakeside Historical Society by clicking  this link.

In addition, view a presentation at Lakeside Middle School by freelance videographer Billy Ortiz here 

ECM EDITOR MIRIAM RAFTERY WINS TOP SPJ AWARDS FOR COMMUNITY REPORTING AND ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISM

 

June 29, 2012 (San Diego) – The Society of Professional Journalists' San Diego chapter has awarded East County Magazine editor Miriam Raftery the James Julian Memorial Award for best community service series.  Raftery received the honor, along with a $100 prize, for her series titled FEMA refund demand sparks firestorm of controversy.

The series also won an honorable mention in daily news reporting. In addition, Raftery won a second place award for environmental reporting for an East County Magazine article titled County issues draft wind ordinance; backcountry leaders level harsh criticism.

7 ARRESTED IN EAST COUNTY “OPERATION OVERWATCH”

June 29, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) -- Deputies from the Santee Community Policing and Problem Solving Unit (C.O.P.P.S.), Santee Detectives, and Officers from the San Diego Probation Department conducted "Operation Overwatch" in Santee, Lakeside, and Unincorporated El Cajon at 6 a.m. on June 27.  The purpose was to conduct compliance checks on subjects who were released early from custody under Assembly Bill 109, also known as the "Public Safety Realignment Act."

EARTHTALK® E - THE ENVIRONMENTAL MAGAZINE

 
Written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss

Dear EarthTalk: Who are the “Clean Air Ambassadors” and what are they trying to accomplish?
                                                                                          -- Brenda Coughlin, Pittsburgh, PA

June 29, 2012  -- Clean Air Ambassadors are everyday folks from across the U.S. who have committed to speaking up for everyone’s right to breathe clean, healthy air. The effort is part of the “50 States United for Healthy Air” campaign, a joint endeavor of Earthjustice, the American Nurses Association, the Hip Hop Caucus, the National Council of Churches and Physicians for Social Responsibility. In the spring of 2011 these Ambassadors—people from all 50 states and every walk of life—convened in Washington, D.C. to ask members of Congress, leaders at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and high-ranking officials in the Obama administration for stronger protections against air pollution.

FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL FIRE HAZARDS; USERS CAN BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES, CAL FIRE WARNS

 
June 29, 2012 (San Diego)--Your Independence Day celebration can be ruined if fireworks injure one of your family or friends. Cal Fire reminds everyone that all fireworks are illegal throughout San Diego County. Their use, transportation or possession could result in a fine or jail. Cal Fire also advises anyone causing a fire with fireworks would be responsible for the damages.

LAKE MURRAY JULY 4th MUSIC FEST AND FIREWORKS CANCELLED

 

June 28, 2012 (La Mesa) -- Due to the continuing litigation by the Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation (CERF) and its lead attorney, Marco Gonzalez, the Lake Murray July 4th Music Fest and Fireworks Committee has regretfully decided to not hold the fireworks display over Lake Murray this year.

 

THE WEEKEND IS HERE AND GARY KELLEY HAS A LOOK AT OUR WEATHER

 

June 27, 2012 (San Diego)--Your Online Weather for SD:  A system moving inland to the north will weaken the high pressure with a deepening of the marine layer this weekend. High pressure will start to rebuild through Tuesday, with a slight cooling trend with more clouds and higher humidity over the mountains and deserts.

RECENT SDSU GRAD LAUNCHES NEW TV SERIES

“What’s the Business” Begins Airing July 3 

June 28, 2012 (San Diego) -- Many people dream of creating the next hit television show, but for San Diego High grad and SDSU alum Charles Magid (2010), that dream is coming true. The series he created, directed, and produced is slated to air this week (see below). 

FIREWORKS SHOW AT GOLDEN ACORN CASINO JULY 4

June 28, 2012 (Campo) – Golden Acorn Casino will be celebrating Independence Day with a free fireworks show on July 4, at 9:00 p.m. at the casino, 1800 Golden Acorn Way, Campo.  The fireworks will be preceded by a food and beer garden from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and live entertainment.

Visit http://www.goldenacorncasino.com/ for more information.

CITY OF EL CAJON 4TH OF JULY PICNIC & FIREWORKS!

 
June 23, 2012 (El Cajon) -- The fun begins at 12:00 p.m. with the annual 4th of July Picnic at Kennedy Park, followed by a spectacular fireworks show at 9:00 p.m.  Kennedy Park, a smoke and alcohol free park, is located at 1675 East Madison Avenue in El Cajon. Once again Waste Management has generously partnered with the City of El Cajon to provide fireworks for residents in the East County.

PIONEERS HONORED IN 4TH OF JULY “BEST LITTLE SMALL TOWN PARADE” IN HISTORIC JULIAN

June 28, 2012 (Julian)—The historic gold rush town of Julian honors stars, stripes and pioneers at this year’s 4th of July parade.

Known far and wide as the “best little small town parade in America,” Julian presents a homegrown event that celebrates the town’s gold rush era history, the dedication of veterans and active duty military who serve our country, and local residents who cherish the special qualities of the little town tucked into the Cuyamaca Mountains east of San Diego.

POWAY HOSTS OLD-FASHIONED 4TH OF JULY & FIREWORKS

June 27, 2012 (Poway)—Bring the family and your friends to celebrate Independence Day in “turn of the 20th Century style” at Poway’s Old-Fashioned 4th of July” celebration at Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road in Poway.  Ride an old-fashioned steam train through a historical village setting and watch for train robbers! 

See our coverage and video from last year’s event:  http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/6592. Also enjoy live music on the gazebo bandstand and a host of other family-fun activities. (Scroll down for details).

Fireworks will be held at Poway High School, 15500 Espola Road in Poway at 9 p.m. (gates open at 7 p.m.) 

SANTEE SALUTES MOVES TO NEW LOCATION FOR JULY 4 FESTIVITIES & FIREWORKS

June 28, 2012 (Santee) – The City of Santee will host “Santee Salutes” festivities on July 4 featuring live musical entertainment by 80z All Stars, patriotic ceremonies, an inflatable zone for kids, food trucks,  and of course, fireworks.

This year, the event moves to a new location in Town Center Community Park East at 550 Park Center Drive in Santee.  Festivities run from 3:30-9:30 p.m..  A patriotic ceremony with color guard will be held at 6 p.m. and the fireworks display starts at 9 p.m. 

MOST STATE PARKS SAVED—INCLUDING BOTH IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY THAT WERE ON CLOSURE LIST

June 28, 2012 (Sacramento)—At least 65 of the 70 state parks slated for permanent closure on July 1 will remain open—even though Governor Jerry Brown made a line-item veto to cut $31 million of the $41 million in funds earmarked to keep parks open.

FROM THE CHIEF'S CORNER: STRUCTURE TRIAGE DURING WILDFIRES

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
East County Magazine “In-House” Fire Chief
June 28, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--The last couple issues we discussed how you as a homeowner living in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) can create defensible space as fire season truly is “year – round.”

 

EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: TOP LOCAL AND STATE NEWS

 
June 28, 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 
  • Helix Water Board approves rate hike for September (UT San Diego)
  • Large El Cap parcel conserved in East County (UT San Diego)
  • Good deeds gone wrong – Rural Fire District (Turko Files-KUSI)
  • Beat the heat in County cool zones: locations in East County (UT San Diego)
  • Could Imperial Valley become Owens Valley? (San Diego Reader)
  • What does climate change mean for water in the Colorado River basin? (National Geographic)
  • Hunter bunks at his office in Washington (UT San Diego)
  • UT San Diego to set up online paywall (KPBS)
  • The Starting Line: Getting past the UT San Diego firewall (San Diego Free Press)
  • U.S. Supreme Court will not hear Mt. Soledad cross case (UT San Diego) 
STATE 
  • Google says California legislators could drive away robotic cars (CNET)
  • Bill to regulate and tax marijuana dies in state Legislature (Sacramento Bee)
  • Budget tweaks could help  Gov. Brown make his case for tax hikes (Sacramento Bee)
  • Warning given on illegal fireworks in California (Sacramento Bee) 
Read more for excerpts and links to full stories.

GOVERNOR SIGNS STATE BUDGET

June 27, 2012 (Sacramento) -- Governor Brown has signed California's state budget, which aims to eliminate the state's deficit over the next three years.  The $16.2 budget relies on both spending cuts and projected revenues from the Governor's November ballot initiative. 

For details on the budget, and how it may impact you, see our previous article on the budget: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/10166.  

KEY CLUB VOLUNTEERS BECOME A :”KEY” TO THE FUTURE

 
By Rebecca J. Williamson
 
June 27, 2012 (El Cajon)--While advisors prepared sign-up sheets to volunteer at a Father Joe’s facility in the back; a room full of teens at the El Cajon Branch Library were learning how to become a “Key” to the future. A key to home, school, the community, and the future via serving their communities as members of  the Kiwanis’ Key Clubs.

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