Febuary 2012 Articles

ECM EDITORIAL: SAVE COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUPS FROM DEVELOPER-BACKED SCHEME TO SQUELCH LOCAL INPUT

 

SIGN A PETITION! Key vote Feb. 29 could take away your right to be informed and speak out

By Miriam Raftery, Editor, East County Magazine

“People will never hear about projects until after they’re done if this [elimination of planning groups] goes through.” – Mark Ostrander, chair, Jacumba sponsor group

February 2, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – I've rarely published an editorial commentary, reserving my opinion for only those matters with the gravest of consequences for East County. One such matter will come before San Diego's Supervisors on February 29, when supervisors will vote on whether or not to eliminate all community planning groups countywide.  They will also weigh other “reforms” aimed at making it easier to pave over paradise--or put a goliath-scale project next door to you--with nobody the wiser until it's too late.

This ill-conceived idea is the brainchild of a “Red Tape Reduction Task Force” stacked with developers. If adopted, it will stifle voices of concerned residents in the early planning phases of major development projects from condo complexes to wind farms. 

Danielle Cook, a concerned citizen in Jacumba, has launched an online petition calling on Supervisors to save community planning groups. I have signed it, and urge all County residents to do the same if you value a democratic process that allows people’s voices to be heard, not just special interests. You can sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/petitions/san-diego-county-supervisor-save-our-planning-and-sponsor-groups.


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LIGHTBRIDGE HOSPICE ACHIEVES HIGHEST NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR VETERAN CARE

 
First, and only hospice in California to receive Partner Level 4 designation for “We Honor Veterans” program 

 
February 2, 2012  (San Diego) -- LightBridge Hospice & Palliative Care is the only hospice in California, and one of only 12 in the U.S. to meet stringent “We Honor Veterans” Partner Level 4 requirements in improving the care and support of Veterans.

 


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HELIX CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL CLUB OFFERS PARENTS A DOSE OF REALITY


February 2, 2012 (La Mesa) -- Helix Charter High School’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Chapter invites parents to a party at which large doses of reality will be served. On Thursday, February 9, the group will host a Reality Party for parents.

 


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LIFE ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM: DIAGNOSIS MURDER


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VEHICLE FIRE DAMAGES RADIO STATION VAN

 
February 2, 2012 (El Cajon)—The driver of a KSON radio station vehicle smelled smoke while sitting in traffic yesterday in downtown El Cajon. Looking behind his seat, he saw flames, quickly exited the vehicle and called 911 shortly before 2 p.m. yesterday. 

 


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TRY YOUR LUCK WHILE CELEBRATING LOCAL HEROES AT LA MESA CHAMBER’S CASINO ROYALE FEB. 23


February 2, 2012 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce will host its fourth annual Casino Royale  on February 23 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Town and Country Hotel and Resort, 500 Hotel Circle in Mission Valley. 

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READY OR NOT: DISASTER SURVIVAL SEMINAR FEB. 11

 
Presented by Delta Kappa Gamma Society
 at the The United Church of Christ of La Mesa (UCCLM) 

 
February 2, 2012 (La Mesa) --Are you prepared for disaster?  Equipped for survival?  Know what to do, what to have ready to use in the event of a flood, tornado, hurricane, earthquake or volcanic eruption?  In the face of nuclear, biological and chemical hazards?  An epidemic?  Problems caused by our crumbling infrastructure?  Terrorism?

 No?  Susan Conniry and Tom Beasley, authors of Ready or Not: A Disaster Survival Handbook, can help.


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ECM WORLD WATCH: GLOBAL AND NATIONAL NEWS


February 3, 2012 --  (San Diego’s East County) – ECM World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflecting all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:  
 
 

 

U.S.
 
General news 
  • Obama announces new housing refinance plan (Washington Post)
  • Facebook and Zuckerberg embark on mega-IPO(Reuters)
  • Obama offers plan to help small businesses, start-ups (Washington Post)
  • Proposed jobs bill would target outsourcing by U.S. firms (Washington Post)
  • USDA to require healthier meals in schools with updated nutrition standards (NPR)
  • Common chemical could make kids vaccines less effective (NPR)  
 
Presidential election 
  • Romney wins big in Florida, routing Gingrich (San Diego Union-Tribune)
  • Jailed Rep. Cunningham endorses Gingrich (Daily Beast)
 
 WORLD 
  • Villagers scramble for fuel in Europe's big chill (Reuters)
  • U.S. plans to end Afghan combat role early; Kabul surprised (BBC)
  • Child slavery and chocolate: all too easy to find (CNN)
  • Fair trade chocolate creations (CNN)
  • Al Qaeda in northern Africa an “afterthought” no more (CNN)
 
Scroll down for excerpts and links to full stories.

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SIG ALERT: I-8 EAST NEAR ALPINE

 

February 2, 2012 (Alpine) – A Sig Alert has been issued due to an accident blocking the left lanes on I-8 east just west of Dunbar Lane. An overturned vehicle is on its roof. The Sig Alert was issued at 10:09 a.m. Traffic has reportedly been backed up to Tavern Road. CHP is in process of reopening one of the blocked lanes, CHP website indicates.


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EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: TOP LOCAL AND STATE NEWS

 
February 3, 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 
  • Does new County land use plan go too far? (San Diego U-T)
  • State realignment floods county jails and probation departments (KPBS)
  • Sheriff reduces jail time for inmates to avoid overcrowding (La Mesa Patch)
  • City Council meeting Tuesday: With redevelopment gone, now what? (Santee Patch)
  • Santee gets another ‘F’ in state of tobacco report(Santee Patch)
  • Beating Briarcrest: How La Mesa attorneys saved city $10.5 million (La Mesa Patch)
  • Student protester faces stiff sanctions (Daily Aztec)
  • New playground coming to Lake Murray (San Diego U-T)
  •  Helix community garden vote again delayed again by board, dismaying backers (La Mesa Patch)
  • California Health Dept. cites smart meter health risks in report (La Mesa Patch blog by Susan Brinchman)
  • Ramona Water District engineering consultant fees goes up 67% (Ramona Patch) 
 
STATE 
  • Controller: State to run out of cash in March with no action (Sacramento Bee)
  • Caltrans sidesteps accountability (Sacramento Bee editorial)
  • California lawmakers move to limit protests at funerals (Reuters)
  • High court overturns CA slaughterhouse law (PBS)
  • Los Angeles judge blocks state cuts to Medi-cal providers (Sacramento Bee)
 
 
Scroll down for excerpts and links to full stories.

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ROCK 'N' SOUL: THE ART OF LIONEL TALARO

Meet the artist February 3 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.

 
February 2, 2012 (La Mesa) -- Lionel Talaro returns to O'Dunn Fine Art for a show running from January 19 until April 19, 2012. His last show, "Divine Bovine", was one of the most successful exhibitions at the gallery, and nearly sold out. In this show, Lionel continues to demonstrate his virtuosity for figure painting in the new selection of works.

 


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ELDERLY WOMAN INJURED IN CAMPO ROLLOVER ACCIDENT DIES

February 1, 2012 (Buckman Springs) – An 80-year-old woman who was a passenger in a rollover accident on January 29 in Campo died yesterday of head and neck injuries sustained in the crash. The victim, Maria Espiritu, was a widow who live in Vista.

Her daugher, who was driving, lost control of the vehicle and it overturned on Buckman springs Road north of Lake Morena Drive.


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SUSPECT PLEADS GUILTY IN BARONA CASINO CARJACKING CASE

February 1, 2012 (Lakeside)—Kirell Rybarev, an East County resident, pled guilty today to felony carjacking and felony battery on a peace officer. A judge at the El Cajon Courthouse sentenced him to five years and eight months in state prison for stealing a car from the Barona Casino in Lakeside after punching a valet attendant.


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RETAIL GIANT FRESH & EASY TO OPEN STORE IN ALPINE AT SITE OF FORMER DANIEL’S MARKET


February 1, 2012 (Alpine) –Fresh & Easy Neighborhood market, owned by British retail powerhouse Tesco, has announced plans to open an Alpine store at the site of the former Daniel’s Market. According to the San Diego Business Journal, Fresh & Easy has signed a 10-year lease to open a 22,015 square foot retail store in the Alpine Creek Town Center.


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LOCAL OFFICIALS REACT TO OBAMA’S DECISION TO REJECT KEYSTONE XL PIPELINE

 
By Serena Scaglione

 
February 1, 2012 (San Diego)--President Obama’s decision denying a permit to construct a controversial pipeline from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico has fueled strong responses.  Now local representatives offer their views on the project, which pits calls for construction jobs and  a domestic energy supply against potentially serious environmental and health impacts.

 


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SUSAN DAVIS URGES PRESIDENT TO APPOINT HOUSING AGENCY DIRECTOR, BYPASS SENATE STONEWALLING


February 1, 2012 (Washington D.C.)--
Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego), along with 27 other members of Congress, called upon President Obama to make an immediate appointment for the Director of the Federal Housing Financial Agency (FHFA).


“Reigniting the American Dream and expanding on our nation's economic recovery is contingent on restoring the housing market to the pillar of economic strength it once was," said Rep. Davis.  “We need a director in place at FHFA who can guide that effort and help middle class families avoid foreclosures and keep them in their homes.”

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WINE TASTING GOAL FEB. 4: BENEFIT GROSSMONT SOCCER


February 1, 2012 (La Mesa) School budgets have been cut to the bone, but fortunately for the Grossmont High School Men’s Soccer Team, San Pasqual Winery is kicking in some help—and asks community support.  This Saturday, February 4 from 6-8 p.m., San Pasqual Winery will host a fundraiser wine tasting to benefit the Grossmont Men’s Soccer Team. The event will be held at the Winery’s Tasting Room, 8364 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa. 

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LEDERER ON LANGUAGE

 
What the Dickens!

by Richard Lederer   
courtesy of San Diego WriteWay 

February 1, 2012 (San Diego) -- Two centuries ago—on February 7, 1812—Charles John Huffam Dickens entered the earthly stage. Born into an impoverished family, his father having served a term in debtor's prison, Charles, worked as a child slave in a London blacking factory.

The rags-to-riches life of Charles Dickens's was more remarkable than any of his stories. From such unpromising origins, he arose to become the best-selling writer of his time and one of the most enduring and quotable writers of all time.
 

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POLICE INVESTIGATE INDECENT EXPOSURE IN RANCHO BERNARDO

 
February 1, 2012 (San Diego)--San Diego Police Department Northeastern Division detectives are looking for a white male suspected of exposing himself to two Rancho Bernardo High School students as they walked to a bus stop yesterday morning. 

 


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CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES FORUM FEB. 4 IN ALPINE


February 1, 2012 (Alpine)—Democratic, Republican and Libertarian candidates running against incumbent Congressman Duncan Hunter will be squaring off at a candidate forum on Saturday, February 4 at 1 p.m. in the Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine. 

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ARE YOU PREPARED FOR A DISASTER? REGISTER TO HELP YOUR COMMUNITY AS A CERT VOLUNTEER

 
February 1, 2012 (El Cajon)--The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is all about being prepared for a disaster, such as an earthquake, firestorm or house fire. This FREE preparedness education program offers residents the knowledge and tools they'll need in the event of a disaster.  The first academy is now full, but there are two more academies being offered for 2012.  Pick the one that best fits your schedule, and call (619) 441-1737 to register.  Please leave your name and best contact phone number.  Hurry, classes will fill quickly.  

 


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ULTIMATE INDULGENCE: ESCONDIDO CHOCOLATE AND SWEETART FESTIVAL FEB. 11

 
By Millicent Arko

 
February 1, 2012 (Escondido)—The Escondido “For the Love of Chocolate and SweetArt”  has my four favorite food groups: milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, and chocolate truffles.  Oh—and pairings to provide the perfect wine for every chocolate! This sweet affair will be held Saturday, February 11 from 1-5 p.m. in downtown Escondido—just in time for Valentine’s Day. 

 


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CITIZENS’ ARREST OF MAYOR SANDERS ATTEMPTED OVER STADIUM NAMING RIGHTS DEAL

 

February 1, 2012 (San Diego) – A group of citizens attempted a citizens’ arrest of Mayor Jerry Sanders on Monday, alleging that his deal to temporarily change the name of Qualcomm Stadium without Council’s approval amounted to felony embezzlement.


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HEALTHCARE WORKERS STRIKE AT KAISER


Story and video by Nadin Abbott; photos by Tom Abbott
 
 
February 1, 2012 (San Diego)--   The National Union of Health Care Workers (NUHW) called for a one-day strike yesterday at all Kaiser Permanente healthcare facilities statewide in California.  In San Diego the picket line walking started at six in the morning and ended at 10 p.m. outside Kaiser Hospital on Zion, with about 50 union members and supporters walking the line. View video of strike:  http://youtu.be/ZuJGg95okOA According to Jim Clifford, a union rep, the ”concerns are over patient care and retirement.”

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RAMONA MAN ARRESTED FOR ARSON, ACCUSED OF SETTING WILDFIRE IN HUNTING PRESERVE

February 1, 2012 (Ramona) – The California Department of Fish and Game announced today that its wardens have arrested Jacob Thogmartin, 26, of Ramona on suspicion of setting a fire in a wildlife area filled with hunters early Saturday morning. The blaze, which extended into the night, charred 650 acres.


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MULTIPLE ALERTS: ACCIDENTS, CLOSURES & WIND HAZARDS

 

January 29,2012 (San Diego’s East County) – If you’re driving in East County, please be aware of the following hazardous situations:

 

 

  • A medical helicopter is en route to 1840 Buckman Springs Road in Cameron Corners, where a rollover accident has resulted in major injuries. The accident involves a van that went off the roadway near a fire station. The accident was reported at 11:08 a.m.
  • A bicyclist, 17, has been hit head-on by a vehicle on Japatul Road at Hidden Glen. CHP is closing the roadway, CHP reported at 10:47 a.m. The victim was reportedly conscious and breathing.
  • High wind warnings have been issued for I-8 from Alpine to the County line and CHP advises the area is unsafe for high-profile vehicles. A wind warning has also been issued in the Julian/mountain areas.
  • In Alpine, Arnold remains closed at South Grade due to repairs from a water main break.

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GUHSD TO HOLD 2 PUBLIC FORUMS ON CONTROVERSIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT BOUNDARY CHANGES FEB. 7 AND FEB. 8

January 27, 2012 (El Cajon) – In response to numerous complaints from parents and residents who were not informed before the Grossmont Union High School District voted to change school boundaries, the District today announced that it will host two public information forums and accept public comments.


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FEB 2: DESCENDANTS OF THE FAMED BUFFALO SOLDIERS RELIVE THE GLORY DAYS ON "HISTORY ALIVE"

January 26, 2012 (Lemon Grove)--The sound of drumbeats, horses' hooves and rifle fire, and the snap of flying colors amid the wide open spaces of the American West are yours on Feb. 2 at 7 p.m.   Descendants of the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments of the famous African American Buffalo Soldiers will relive the glory days, when they were the advance guard in the nation's Western expansion.


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ALPINE WEIGHS LAND USE CHANGES THAT MAY IMPACT 3,000 ACRES ON PRIVATE LANDS WITHIN NATIONAL FOREST

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 21, 2012 (Alpine) – The Alpine Community Planning Group (ACPG) is holding a series of public hearings on proposed land use changes that could impact about four percent (3,000 acres) of all lands in the APCG planning area.  The properties are among some 77,000 acres countywide of privately owned lands within Cleveland National Forest. 


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LA MESA HOSTS READERS AND WRITERS FESTIVAL FEB. 25


January 22, 2012 (La Mesa)—Do you have the “write stuff to be a novelist or nonfiction writer?” Want to learn about the literary world or meet local authors? From romance writing to knights and chivalry, from political figures to an e-book publishing expert, you’ll find it all at the first annual La Mesa Readers and Writers Festival.


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