CHIEF’S CORNER: 16 GOOD RESOLUTIONS FOR 2016

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

December 28, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) --This New Year’s Eve, we should all vow to take a closer look at our lives and make decisions about ourselves. Here are 16 New Year’s Resolutions to help you for a better 2016.

 


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CALIFORNIA SPENDING FAR TOO LITTLE TO COMBAT SMOKING

 

 

 

A new report says California is shortchanging tobacco cessation programs.

By Suzanne Potter, Public News Service

December 28, 2015 (Sacramento) -- Anti-smoking advocates are pressing for a $2 a pack tobacco tax in the wake a recent report that says California is seriously shortchanging smoking cessation programs.


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DEADLY CRASH ON STATE ROUTE 52

East County News Service

December 28, 2015 (Santee) — A 66-year-old San Diego man has died after driving a black Mercedes Benz the wrong way on State Route 52.  At 12:58 a.m., while approaching Oak Canyon west of Mast Blvd., the Mercedes drove off the road and plunged down into the ravine.


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PHOTO OF THE WEEK: CHRISTMAS NIGHT’S FULL MOON

 

East County News Service

December 27, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – “This is one of the pictures I captured of this year's rare Christmas full moon,” said Robert Gehr of El Cajon.

He adds, “The last Christmas full moon we were blessed with was 38 years ago in 1977. The next one will be 19 years from now in 2034.”


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“12 YEARS A SLAVE” FILM SHOWING IN LA MESA JANUARY 16

By Miriam Raftery

December 27, 2015 (La Mesa) - As part of a week of  Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration, the Table United Church of Christ of La Mesa (5940 Kelton Ave., La Mesa) will present a showing of the film “12 Years a Slave” on Sunday, January 16th  from 1:30 to 4 p.m.


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CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER TO SPEAK AT MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY BREAKFAST JANUARY 18

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 27, 2015 (San Diego) - The Martin Luther King Jr. community breakfast will be held on January 18 at 7 a.m. at the Jacobs Center (404 Euclid Ave., San Diego) . The featured speaker will be Rev. Richard Lawrence, a long-time Civil Rights advocate who marched with Dr. King to desegregate Chicago and participated in the Selma walk.


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NEW LAWS FOR CALIFORNIA MOTORISTS IN 2016

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 26, 2015 (Sacramento)--It will be illegal to wear earbuds or headphones while driving a bicycle or a vehicle starting January 1st, except for emergency vehicles and heavy equipment. If you have outstanding traffic tickets and missed a court appearance, you can apply for amnesty. Cities can now regulate electronic skateboards, and electric bicycles will soon be able to travel in bike lanes.

These are just a few of the new laws taking affect in 2016 that will impact drivers in California.  The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has provided this summary of the new laws, as well as key changes to existing laws:


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UC SYSTEM DIVESTS OF HOLDINGS IN PRIVATE PRISON CORPORATIONS

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: A private detention facility run by Corrections Corporation of America at Otay Mesa for U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.

December 26, 2015 (San Diego) – The University of California has divested over $25 million of its holdings in private prison corporations, in response to a resolution by the Afrikans Black Coalition, a student advocacy group.

“The goals of the private prison industry are to profit from the incarceration, labor and rehabilitative treatment of black and immigrant lives,” said Kamilah Moore, organizer with the coalition.  In an e-mail statement, she added  that by selling the shares, the UC system has sent a message that it is “against human rights abuses,” the Daily Bruin reports.

The rise of private prisons in modern times began in 1984 and has mushroomed since then. According to the U.S. Justice Department, by 2013, private prisons were housing 19.1% of all federal prisoners and 6.8% of state prisoners, reaping billions of dollars in revenues.  Private prison corporations also operate immigrant detention facilities, with over 23,000 immigrants currently behind bars. But serious questions have been raised about both racial injustice and failure to live up to promised cost savings.


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LEMON GROVE HISTORICAL SOCIETY GOES TO THE SLAMMER: PRISON FOOD CHIEF AND AUTHOR SPEAKS JAN. 7

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

December 26, 2015 (Lemon Grove) -- The History Alive" lecture series continues on Jan. 7th at 7 p.m. in the H. Lee House Cultural Center (3205 Olive, Lemon Grove), when the Lemon Grove Historical Society presents chef Louise Mathews, former Food Chief in the San Diego County prison system speaking on her true-life adventures on both sides of the bars.

 


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THE ART AND WIT OF DON PORCELLA

     

By Helen Ofield, President, Lemon Grove Historical Society

 

December 26, 2015 (Lemon Grove) -- Just when you thought crayons and pipe cleaners were déja vu, here comes artist Don Porcella in the vanguard of a fresh way of thinking about both--and about art and its role in modern life.


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APPROPRIATIONS BILL APPROVED BY CONGRESS HAS FUNDS FOR LOCAL PRIORITIES

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 26, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – An omnibus appropriations bill passed the House earlier this month on a 316 to 133 vote, avoiding a government shutdown.  The measure was passed by the Senate and signed by President Obama.  Among local representatives, only Republican Duncan Hunter voted no.  Democrats Susan Davis, Juan Vargas and Scott Peters joined with Republican Darrell Issa in voting yes.

“Many San Diego priorities focusing on the middle class are included in this bipartisan omnibus spending bill,” says Congresswoman Davis. “While not perfect by any means, this bill has critical investments for medical research, innovation, education, infrastructure, and supports many jobs in our region.”

The Omnibus Appropriations bill includes:


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“VISIONS” ART EXHIBIT SHOWS GLORIES OF NATURE JAN. 2-29 AT MISSION TRAILS

Artists' reception January 10

East County News Service

December 25, 2016 (San Diego) -- The Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation (MTRP) will present an exhibition featuring six award winning artists Deanna Ditzler, Kenda Francis, Joan Hansen, Ralph Kingery, Denise Strahm, and Jerry Vande Berg.

This exhibit will be on display in the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center Art Gallery from January 2 - 29.  The public is cordially invited to a reception in honor of the artists on Sunday, January 10, 2016 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

About the Artists:


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OUR OCTOBER 2015 RADIO SHOWS ARE NOW ONLINE

 

December 26, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) -- Our October 2015 radio shows are now online!  You can listen online now (sound files may take a minute to load). For links to listen to the shows plus a full list of topics and interviews in October, click here and scroll down.

We covered new laws enacted in Sacramento as well as hot local topics ranging from water rate hikes to health alerts. We interviewed some fascinating guests, including Roberto Alvarez, whose family helped desegregate a school in Lemon Grove, Wendy Patrick on California’s new right-to-die law, Beth Klareich from Shabbat San Diego, and activists seeking help for Lyme disease patients. On Bookshelf, hear from Roger Conlee, author of Dare the Devil, and David Schmidt, author of Holy Ghost Stories. We also produced a Halloween special complete with some haunting East County ghost stories.

The East County Magazine Show airs Mondays and Fridays from 5 to 6 p.m. on KNSJ, 89.1 FM.  The shows rerun on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m. Pacific Standard Time.

Audio: 


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HOSTAGE SITUATION ENDS SAFELY AFTER SUSPECT FIRED SHOT AT POLICE IN EL CAJON

 

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

December 25, 2015 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police negotiators have successfully ended a stand-off with a man who was holding a woman hostage and fired at police through the door.  10 News reports that after a breakup with his girlfriend, he brought flowers and a gun, pleading with his ex-girlfriend's mother to allow him to see his son. 

 

After negotiations lasting nearly three hours, the suspect surrendered to police. No one was injured during the incident.


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PEDESTRIAN KILLED CHRISTMAS EVE IN EL CAJON

East County News Service

Update December 28, 2015: The deceased has been identifed as Corey Akren, 47, a transient, according to the Medical Examiner.

December 25, 2015 (El Cajon) — A pedestrian and a friend pushing a bicycle were struck by a red Toyota Tundra pickup truck while crossing Naranca Avenue at Second Street in El Cajon last night at 5:45 p.m.  The pedestrian was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later despite aggressive rescusciation efforts. The bicyclist, a woman, was also taken to a hospital with non life-threatening injuries.


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EL CAJON POLICE TO HOLD DUI AND DRIVER’S LICENSE CHECKPOINT DEC. 28

 

East County News Service

December 24, 2015 (El Cajon) -- The El Cajon Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on December 28th in the 300 block of W. Chase between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. 


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SUSPECT WANTED FOR STEALING IDENTITIES FROM ATM IN SANTEE

December 24, 2015 (Santee) — A reward of up to $1,000 is offered for information leading to the arrest of a man wanted for allegedly trying to steal credit card information at an ATM machine in Santee back on November 27th.  The photo was captured by a surveillance camera.


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MAN INJURED IN SHOOTING RANGE ACCIDENT

By Miriam Raftery

December 24, 2015 (Poway) – Sheriff’s deputies responded to an accidental shooting shortly after noon today at the Poway Weapons and Gear shooting range in Poway.


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SDSU WAVES ALOHA TO BEARCATS IN HAWAII BOWL

All photos credited to:  Ernie Anderson
 
By Liz Alper
 
December 24, 2015 (San Diego) - Everyone always worries that San Diego State will be bothered by the time difference when they travel to Aloha Stadium.

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NORAD TO TRACK SANTA FOR 60TH HOLIDAY SEASON

View preview video of Santa's flight (above)

East County News Service

December 23, 2015 (North Pole) – While Santa and his elves are busy preparing for their annual journey delivering gifts to children around the world, The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has announced it will track Santa’s Christmas Eve flight once again for the 60th consecutive year.

On NoradSanta.org you can follow along as NORAD provides video tracking of Santa’s destinations on every continent. Kids and the young at heart can also play Christmas games, listen to songs, watch videos as Santa's sleigh passes landmarks across the globe, plus learn facts about Santa, NORAD and holiday traditions from around the world. NORAD's Santa Tracker is also available as an app for your Apple, Android and Windows devices. Twitter users can follow live updates from @NoradSanta on Christmas Eve.


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HIGH WINDS, RAIN AND SNOW TO AFFECT HOLIDAY TRAVEL

 

East County News Service

December 24, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning in effect from Christmas Eve through Christmas morning in San Diego’s mountain and desert regions.  Winds of 35-40 miles per hour with gusts up to 80 mph are forecast. 

A cold front is also moving across the region, bringing rain and snow down as low as 3,000 feet.


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GROSSMONT HOSPITAL CONSTRUCTION MONITORING CITIZENS GROUP ADDS COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER, SEEKS MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL TO FILL A SEAT

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

December 24, 2015 (La Mesa) -- The volunteer citizens group overseeing the spending of millions of dollars in taxpayer-approved bonds for new and improved patient care facilities at Sharp Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa has a new member. Sandy Pugliese, the hospital’s community relations manager, has joined the citizens group, called the Independent Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (ICBOC).


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SERENITY SHOP PROVIDES HEALING ENVIRONMENT FOR RECOVERY

 

 

East County News Service

December 24, 2015 (Santee)--Kellie and Dallas Coates-Legare had fleeting but frequent thoughts of opening a "serenity shop" sometime in their lives. They wanted to create a place focused on all of the anonymous recovery programs that would enhance the recovery journey of individuals while creating a supportive and compassionate environment for all seeking serenity in their lives; a place to buy tokens, books, cards and gifts of inspiration, celebration and healing.

This desire came from a long history of addiction and alcoholism in family members and friends which created a unique awareness of the disease of addiction in Kellie, both as a registered nurse and personally.


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ALPINE HIGH SCHOOL CASE HEADS TO TRIAL: CASE HINGES ON WHETHER OR NOT ENROLLMENT TRIGGER WAS MET

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 23, 2015 (Alpine) – Just in time for Christmas,  Judge Joel Pressman issued a decision in the Alpine high school case that gives neither side what it wanted. 

The Judge denied the Grossmont Union High School District’s motions to dismiss the case but also denied a request from Alpine Union School District and Alpine Taxpayers to issue a summary judgment in their favor.

Judge Pressman did determine that the Appeals Court found Grossmont made a promise to build a high school that is binding. However, that promise hinges on whether or not the enrollment trigger was met or not.


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FDA OVERTURNS BAN ON BLOOD DONATIONS FROM GAY MEN

"Gay flag" by Guanaco and subsequent editors.  Uploaded to Wikipedia by Sarang
 
 
December 22, 2015 - On Monday, the Food and Drug Administration lightened air-tight restrictions on a 30-year ban on blood donations from gay and bisexual men.  

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RAMONA CARJACKING SUSPECT WANTED

 

East County News Service

December 23, 2015 (Ramona) –Authorities are searching for a man in a silver Mercury SUV who reportedly kidnapped two men, crashed the car, and then carjacked an elderly woman, heading south on Highway 67.  He is driving a silver Mercury SUV with California license plate 6KLF075. 

The SUV has a sunroof, roof rack and Kansas Jayhawks license plate. The suspect is desecribed as a white man, 50-60 years old, , 5'8" to 5'9" tall,  unshaven, with a thin build.  He was last seen wearing black sunglasses, a zippered hoody, faded blue jeans and light colored shoes. He might have been injured in the crash.

Deputies from the Ramona Sheriff's Substation responded to a report of a car crash on San Vicente and Wildcat Canyon Roads just after 10:00 a.m. today. Upon arrival, two men inside the car told deputies they had been kidnapped from a sports complex in the Kearny Mesa area of San Diego. After the crash, the alleged suspect carjacked an elderly woman in the SUV now sought.


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SANTEE COUNCIL APPROVES KARL STRAUSS PLANS

By Mike Allen

December 23, 2015 (Santee) -- Karl Strauss Brewery got another clear sign that its planned brewery, tasting room, restaurant and distribution center is welcome in Santee when the City Council approved the project’s site plan last week.


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EL CAPITAN THEATRE BROUGHT US THE ABSURD THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

 

 

By Kathy Carpenter

Associate /Youth Reviewer www.sdtheatrereviews.com

 

December 7, 2015 - (Lakeside) - For a breather from all the holiday cheer I took in El Capitan High School's Acting Can Be Murder. Was this the show perfect? Of course not. These were high school students, works in progress. But the show was light-hearted fun, totally entertaining, and Lindsay Gampel-Qualin, teacher and director, has some talented actors emerging in Lakeside.

 


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COVERT CANYON OPPONENTS APPEAL TO SUPERVISORS

 

"Arguably, the County will now be required to allow any such property owner to conduct commercial firearms training on an interim basis so long as a permit application is eventually submitted." -- Marco Gonzalez

By Miriam Raftery

December 23, 2015 (Alpine) –Attorney Marco Gonzalez has filed an appeal with County Supervisors on behalf of environmental groups and neighbors of Covert Canyon in Alpine. If the Planning Director's decision stands, he argues, it would set a precendent that could subject residents across vast areas of the County  to neighbors opening up similar commercial shooting ranges.

The appeal contends that it was illegal for the Planning Director to issue an order reclassifying the zoning ordinance defintion of “law enforcement” to include military and law enforcement firearms training at Covert Canyon, a mountain meadow surrounded by Cleveland National Forest, without reveiw under the California Environmental Quality (CEQA) Act. 


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A THOUSAND NATIVE WOMEN’S VOICES RECLAIM THEIR POWER

By Leon Thompson, Tribal Beat reporter, East County Magazine

December 17, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) --  Erica Pinto (photo, left) and the Jamul Indian Village hosted the premier showing of  A Thousand Voices, a documentary film from Silver Bullet Productions an educational filmmaking program for rural and tribal communities.

This is the story of Native American women in New Mexico from the Pueblo, the Dine’ and the Apache nations.  A common thread is that all are accomplished women leaders held in esteem as keepers of the culture.  Matriarchal in many ways, men and women are equal in the creation stories of indigenous people from the beginning of time.

View the Trailer here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXfEpcGTe9A (Scroll down or hit "read more" for our review)


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