Is duck-hunting training for dogs a wise use of public land and water, or just plain daffy?

By Miriam Raftery

January 23, 2012 (Jamul) – Last week, ECM reported on controversy surrounding sporting groups’ plans to create the Honey Springs Sporting Dog Training Facility  in the Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area, a state-owned preserve.  Neighbors were shocked to learn that dog training ponds would be filled with 2.4 million gallons of groundwater a year.  So was the local planning group and the area’s rural fire department, which relies on the same water supply to fight fires.

Now state and county officials have both confirmed that groundwater will be the key factor in determining whether or not the project moves forward.

January 23, 2012 (Mount Laguna)--The County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health (DEH) has issued a Boil Water Order and Public Notification for the Mount Laguna Recreation Area water system located on Sunrise Highway, Mt. Laguna, CA 91948 effective immediately.

The drinking water system has tested present for total coliform bacteria and absent for E.coli.

By Brian Lafferty

January 23, 2012 (San Diego) – The last few years have been rough on a lot of people. People have lost their jobs, they don’t know how to support themselves and their families, and I’m sure there are those who, like George Bailey, wish they had never been born.

January 22, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – A high wind warning has been issued by the National Weather Service starting Monday at 6.a.m. through Tuesday at 4 p.m. A wind watch will remain in effect through Wednesday. Gale force winds may be strong enough to cause property damage and traffic hazards for motorists, the NWS warns.

 Several workshops scheduled in 2012 to help thousands of American families avert foreclosure

January 22, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is offering absolutely free tax preparation and e-filing services in East County. Volunteers will staff these locations from February 1, to April 17, 2012.

January 22, 2012 (Spring Valley) – Three victims have been hospitalized after being stabbed with a broken wine glass at a Spring Valley home early this morning. Nicholas Millican, 24, has been arrested for assault with a deadly weapon.

January 21, 2012 (La Mesa) -- Next week, the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) and the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) Boards will hear action items on the development of community gardens on school district properties, including Helix Charter High School in La Mesa as well as schools in San Carlos and San Diego.

San Diego Roots, an organization which supports community gardens, is encouraging the public to attend meetings January 26 for the GUHSD and January 24 for the SDSUSD to show support for the gardens, which would benefit community residents as well as students.

 
January 21, 2012 (Sacramento)  Assemblymember Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) has introduced legislation to prevent abusive ex-spouses from forcing their victims to pay them spousal support and other financial compensation following a divorce.  AB 1522 was inspired by the case of a San Diego area woman who was ordered by a court to pay her husband's legal fees plus monthly spousal support, despite the fact that he was convicted of committing violent sex crimes against her and was ultimately sent to prison.  

 
January 21, 2012 (Santee) – The 2012 holiday season may be almost a year away, but Santee Santas are getting an early holiday gift.  The all-volunteer, non-profit organization that has been bringing the spirit of the holidays to the Santee community for more than fifty years was informed that they will be the recipients of a $1,000 cash donation from Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market.

January 21, 2011 (La Mesa) –A man was robbed of his IPOD at gunpoint on January 17 around 9:30 pm. in the parking lot at Highwood Park, 7777 Junior High Drive in La Mesa.  

 
January 20, 2012 (Santee)—A Sheriff’s Deputy from the Santee Station tried to pull over a driver in a white Honda for a false registration in the 10000 block of Mission Gorge Road shortly before 3 p.m. today.