PHOTO OF THE WEEK: RACCOONS IN SAN CARLOS

DRIVER CHARGED WITH HOMICIDE, DUI IN FATALITY LEMON GROVE CRASH

MARINES NOW STATIONED IN CAMPO AT BORDER; NEWSOM OFFICE: 'DANGER' TO COMMUNITY

INJURED MOUNTAIN LION RETURNS TO WILD; 2 OTHER CUBS CONTINUE REHAB AT RAMONA WILDLIFE CENTER

SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER AT PARKWAY PLAZA

SUPREME COURT LIMITS INJUNCTIONS THAT BLOCKED TRUMP’S PLAN FOR BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP

ECM WINS TWO JOURNALISM AWARDS

GUHSD BOARD FACES MULTIPLE LITIGATION THREATS

LAKESIDE FIRE PANCAKE BREAKFAST JUNE 28

WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN LOSES SD COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY FUNDING

SAN DIEGO RIVER CLEANUP IN SANTEE ON SATURDAY

SUPREME COURT ALLOWS TRUMP TO DEPORT MIGRANTS TO COUNTRIES THAT AREN'T THEIR HOMES, WITHOUT DUE PROCESS

PROTEST PLANNED MARCH 14 AT RENEWABLE ENERGY CONFERENCE THAT EXCLUDED ADVOCATES OF ROOFTOP SOLAR

March 12, 2012 (Holtville) – “Why are billions of our tax dollars going to fund large-scale energy development on our public lands instead of to home and business owners for developing rooftop solar?” asks Terry Weiner with the Desert Protective Council and Solar Done Right. Massive solar and wind developments are planned for San Diego and Imperial County, many on public lands, others on prime agricultural croplands.

On Wednesday, March 14 from 7:30 to 11 a.m., activists from throughout California plan to stage a demonstration outside the Barbara Worth Resort in Holtville (Imperial County), where the “Renewable Energy Summit and Expo” is being held.

HIGHWAY 94 SHUT DOWN IN JAMUL

March 12, 2012 (Jamul) – CHP is shutting down Highway 94 in Jamul due to a head-on collision just west of Honey Springs Road. IPN reports that Cal-Fire indicates both vehicles were traveling at over 50 mph and major injuries are involved.

Deerhorn Valley Antler reports that a car is over the side with three people trapped inside.  A medical helicopter has been requested.

According to the CHP website, smoke from one vehicle was reported and lanes are being shut down in both directions.

EL CAJON COUNCIL TO WEIGH FILLING VACANCY AT MEETING TUESDAY MARCH 13

By Miriam Raftery

March 12, 2012 (El Cajon)—During Tuesday’s meeting at 3 p.m., the El Cajon Council will consider its options for filling the vacancy left by Jillian Hanson Cox’s resignation.

Council will determine whether to appoint someone to fill the vacancy between now and the November election, and if so, whether to accept applications and conduct interviews prior to selecting an appointee.

CHEMICALS USED IN "SPICE" AND "K2" TYPE PRODUCTS UNDER FEDERAL CONTROL AND REGULATION FOR ADDITIONAL 6 MONTHS

 

DEA Continues Studies to Determine Whether To Permanently Control Five Substances
 
March 12, 2012 (Washington D.C.) --  The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) exercised its emergency scheduling authority to extend, by six months, control of five chemicals (JWH-018, JWH-073, JWH-200, CP-47,497, and cannabicyclohexanol) used to make so-called “fake pot” products.

 

VICTORY GARDENS OF SAN DIEGO: SUSTAINABLE GARDENS FOR ALL

 
By Ariele Johannson
 
March 12, 2012 (San Diego)--When I was growing up on Long Island, New York, my family often visited my grandparents who lived in Jamaica, Queens. Upon arrival at their home on 130th Avenue, we would go right out the back door into Grandma Rheba’s garden. I was small and remember it as if it were a lush secret garden with really tall plants; hollyhocks and tall vines of beans and peas trained onto strings reaching up to the sky. Besides being unexpected, it went on forever wrapping around a little shed and an abandoned car into another whole growing area next to a parking lot. We kids were always allowed in the garden. The city traffic whizzed by, but I don’t think I ever heard it. I was in some kind of a heaven.

FOOD TRUCKS IN LA MESA: NEW LOCATION GIVES REVISED MEANING TO FRIDAY NIGHT TAKEOUT

 

By Serena Scaglione
 
March 12, 2012 (La Mesa)--Forget the busy burger joint, the crowded Chinese restaurant or the packed pizza parlor.  There’s a new spot in town that offers an alternative for those wishing to dine out.
 
For the past few Friday nights, GMC Acupuncture Clinic on University Avenue in La Mesa has been hosting Food Fest Friday, where local food trucks can promote their business and people can try a variety of foods at a reasonable price.

 

LIFE ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM: THE AGE OF IGNORANCE

By Brian Lafferty

 

March 12, 2012 (San Diego) – Have any of you encountered the **** People Say Internet meme that recently flared up on the Internet? A great friend of mine introduced me to it weeks ago. Among them are **** Rich People Say or **** Guys Don’t Say Out Loud. I’m not one to get caught up in Internet memes, so I forgot all about it.

 

2 EAST COUNTY MEN ARRESTED FOR “INSISTENT BANDIT” BANK ROBBERIES

March 12, 2012 (San Diego) -- San Diego FBI Special Agent in Charge Keith Slotter announces the arrest of Steve Edward Ruby, age 52, of El Cajon, California, and Spiros Romensas, age 51, of La Mesa as a result of the investigation into the “Insistent Bandit” serial bank robbery investigation.

SDSU THEATER STUDENTS PERFORM "SQUAWK" AT MISSION TRAILS MARCH 17

UPDATE: "Squawk!" initially scheduled to be performed by the SDSU Theater Department in the Visitor Center Outdoor Amphitheater on Saturday, March 17, and Saturday, March 31 has been postponed because of the impending rain on March 17, and the SDSU Spring Break on March 31.  "Squawk!" will now be performed on Friday, April 20, at 3:00 p.m.

March 11, 2012 (San Diego)--SQUAWK! will be performed by the San Diego State University Theater Arts Department on Saturday, March 17, at 3 p.m. in the amphitheater at Mission Trails Regional Park. 

The theme of this 90-minute play touches on human conflict and competition in a metaphorical story about the birds of the world - engaged in a bitter but comical struggle - in their search for a way to choose a winner of a peace song competition. The props are an umbrella and stick held by the performers using bird like movements and sounds. The performance is free and will be performed in the Visitor Center Amphitheater. 

NEW SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM TO HELP STUDENTS SECURE THEIR FUTURE

Application deadline is April 1.

March 11, 2012 (San Diego) -- A brand new scholarship program established by the Associated Builders and Contractors San Diego Apprenticeship Training Trust can help San Diego County high school students achieve their career goals in the construction industry.

READER’S EDITORIAL: STAND UP AGAINST SMART METERS APRIL 5

 

By Susan Brinchman
 

Director and Founder, Center for Electrosmog Prevention
March 11, 2012 (San Diego)--What can be done to gain an opt-out from smart meters here in San Diego and Orange Counties? The CPUC is dragging its heels in "granting permission" for one in our region. They may do so by June, our attorney learned recently. That is not good enough. It is not set and it is not definite. Why? Well, for one thing, few people in our county know about the smart meter problem due to lack of media coverage and no activism that is newsworthy here such as protests; even fewer have taken steps to show the CPUC we want an opt-out.

FREE STRING QUINTET CONCERT MARCH 18 AT MISSION TRAILS

 
March 10, 2012 (San Diego) – Mission Trails Regional Park’s concert series will feature the Murray Hills Strings on Sunday, March 18 at 3 p.m.  (Musicians include violinists Lee Wolfe and Marilyn Thomas, Janet Mathews on viola, Willis Frisch on cello,  and Don Mathews, string bass.)

WATER-WISE SCHOOL GARDEN IN JAMUL RECEIVES GRANT

March 11, 2012 (Jamul) – The water saving garden at Jamul Primary School sports a new information board thanks to a generous grant from the Metropolitan Water District. The sign is part of an ambitious outdoor learning project, which demonstrates and promotes sustainable gardening practices in arid East San Diego County. The garden is a project of ARCHES, a local non-profit corporation.

ST. PATRICK'S DUI CRACKDOWN

 

March 11, 2012 (San Diego County) -- Don't push your luck on St. Patrick's Day, give your keys to a designated driver before partying. A DUI/Driver License checkpoint is scheduled in Encinitas on March 16th between 6:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. the next day. The County's Avoid the 14 DUI Task Force will also be conducting DUI patrols on St. Patrick's Day, March 17th. Last year during the St. Patrick's Day period, three people were killed and 96 others were seriously injured in DUI related crashes in California. Remember, Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. Report drunk drivers, call 911. 

 

ST. PATRICK’S BEER PAIRING AT JEREMY’S ON THE HILL

 

March 11, 2012 (Julian) -- Jeremy’s on the Hill and Manzanita Brewery are teaming up and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a three-course beer pairing on Tuesday, March 20th at 6:15pm. 

“We are going to have specials on St. Patrick’s Day and all weekend long, and wanted to extend the celebration to Tuesday by offering 3 great beers from Manzanita Brewery and 3 special courses for just $28!” said Chef Jeremy. 

 

THE 58th ANNUAL GREATER SAN DIEGO SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR

 
March 11, 2012 (San Diego) -- It is science fair time again in San Diego. Tuesday,  March  20 through  Sunday,  March  25 will be the time when more than 850 students throughout San Diego and Imperial counties will present their scientific research ranging in areas from Astronomy to Zoology at the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair.  These 7-12  grade student participants, representing over 100 schools, will bring their work to the GSDSEF to be judged by professionals in their fields. They will be competing for 1st through 4th place awards, scholarships, trips, sweepstakes and professional society awards.

MAKING A SPLASH: THREE NEW AQUATIC CENTERS IN THE GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

March 11, 2012 (El Cajon) – The Grossmont Union High School District will be dedicating three new pools throughout the district this spring thanks in part to funding provided by Proposition U.

The Granite Hills High School Aquatics Facility will be the first to be dedicated on March 27 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. with the official ribbon cutting at 4:30 p.m.  The special guest will be Supervisor Dianne Jacob.

ON THE SILVER SCREEN: SHOCK PARTY

By Brian Lafferty

 

March 13, 2011 (San Diego) – Everyone has the time of their lives in Project X, a comedy movie, party movie, found footage movie, and disaster film all rolled into one. I’m happy that they had fun because I didn’t. I felt like a teenager forced by his parents to attend a social gathering with people he doesn’t know and can’t relate to.

 

ATTORNEY GENERAL KAMALA HARRIS AND LEGISLATIVE LEADERS UNVEIL CALIFORNIA “HOMEOWNER BILL OF RIGHTS” PACKAGE OF BILS

 

March 11, 2012 (Sacramento) - Attorney General Kamala D. Harris, Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg and Assembly Speaker John A. Perez have announced their sponsorship of six bills known collectively as the California Homeowner Bill of Rights.

The bills aim to protect homeowners from unfair practices by banks and mortgage companies and to help consumers and communities cope with the state's urgent mortgage and foreclosure crisis.  The bill could bring relief to homeowners statewide include San Diego County, where one in 27 homeowners has faced foreclosure.

The measures, if enacted, would guarantee:

 

READER'S EDITORIAL: WHEN CAMELOT CAME TO SAN DIEGO

 By David Grant

DW Grant, an award-winning author who now lives in Las Vegas, sent us this recollection of President John F. Kennedy’s visit to San Diego in 1963.  You can visit Grant’s website at www.dwbooks.yolasite.com.

                                              
March 10, 2012 (San Diego) -- During the blossoming optimism of the early 1960s the president of the United States of America came to my home town, San Diego, and paraded down my street, El Cajon Blvd.. On that great day my best friend’s name was Johnny Kennedy, I found myself enraptured by my second grade teacher’s clavicle, and someone stole my bicycle.

PROTEST AT SAN ONOFRE NUCLEAR SITE MARCH 11 ON ANNIVERSARY OF FUKUSHIMA MELTDOWN

2 Fukushima-area residents to tell stories; celebrities to join rally

Update March 12:  View a video of the rally www.youtube.com/watch

Video: Fukushim survivors speak: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWKHtIUqnOQ&feature=email

March 9, 2012 (SAN ONOFRE) – Activists from San Diego to Eureka will converge at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS,) just south of San Clemente, on the first anniversary of the devastating Fukushima disaster, March 11, 2012. The peaceful protest will occur a short walk from San Onofre State Beach about 1/8 mile south of the SONGS facility.

SURVEY FINDS HIGH RATE OF WIND TURBINE SYNDROME FROM NEWER TURBINE MODELS

 By Miriam Raftery

March 10, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – With two new wind farms proposed for our region and another already in operation, evaluating potential health impacts is important. 
 
A survey was conducted on wind farm noise as part of a Master’s dissertation by Zhenhua Wang, a graduate student in Geography, Environment and Population at the University of Adelaide, Australia. The results show that 70% of respondents living up to 5 kilometers away report being negatively affected by wind turbine noise, with more than 50% of them "very or moderately negatively affected". This is considerably higher than what was found in previous studies conducted in Europe. 

THE LA MESA HISTORICAL SOCIETY ANNOUNCES THE SECOND OF ITS 2012 CENTENNIAL YEAR HISTORY ROUNDTABLE PRESENTATIONS MARCH 17

 
“A City is Born: The Incorporation of La Mesa” With James D. Newland 
 
March 10, 2012 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa Historical Society continues its popular History Roundtable Series for the City’s Centennial year with a presentation on the efforts to establish the City of La Mesa one hundred years ago on Saturday, March 17, 2012  at 10 a.m. The presentation will take place at the Grossmont Heathcare District Auditorium, 9001 Wakarusa Drive, La Mesa 91942 (Next to Briercrest Park). 

NEW COMPANY LAUNCHED TO SERVE EAST COUNTY SENIORS IN THEIR HOMES

 

Senior Resource GroupLaunch InTouch At HomeRancho San Diego group to bring Service to Seniors’ Homes
 

March 10, 2012 (Rancho San Diego) -- The principals of Senior Resource Group (SRG), who have achieved national prominence for their senior living communities, have launched InTouch at Home, to bring SRG’s superior level of service to seniors who choose to age in place in their homes, according to Michael Grust, president and CEO of SRG. 

LAKESIDE UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT’S 14TH ANNUAL RUN FOR THE ARTS MARCH 24

March 10, 2012 (Lakeside)--Join the Lakeside Union School District and the Lakeside PTA Council for the 14th annual Run for the Arts on Saturday, March 24, 2012 at Lindo Lake Park. 

Registration begins at 8 a.m.and the run/walk starts at 9:00 a.m. All proceeds will benefit the award winning L-E-A-P arts education program in Lakeside District schools that provides artists-in-residence programs, field trips to view artistic performances and arts assemblies.

ON THE SILVER SCREEN: SPACE COWBOY

By Brian Lafferty

 

March 13, 2012 (San Diego) – This year I (quietly) introduced a rating system. In short, the highest rating a movie can get is an A, a D- is the lowest rating a movie can get on the basis of being bad, and an F given to films that are not only unbearably bad, but immoral, base, incompetently shot, and beneath contempt.

 

WIND ENERGY SET TO GROW SIX-FOLD IN CALIFORNIA, BUT CONCERNS ALSO RISE

 

By Miriam Raftery
 
March 10, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) –Wind power produces electricity from a renewable resource without generating greenhouse gas emissions. But wind turbines also generate controversies over bird kills, health impacts, visual blight, maintenance costs and who takes responsibility if turbines are damaged or abandoned.

 

Pages