By Miriam Raftery

Before and After images of El Monte Valley

February 18, 2009 (Lakeside) — Lakeside planners, fire
officials and residents expressed shock and outrage that the California Public
Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved construction of Sunrise Powerlink through
the El Monte Valley, a designated scenic area, without ever notifying officials
or the public in Lakeside.

Sempra Energy/SDG&E added Lakeside to its proposed Southern Route back
in March 2007, but local officials said they never had a chance to provide
input on an environmental impact report. Officials warned that adding
high-voltage power lines and 20-story towers would not only impede pristine
views of El Capitan Mountain,but also prevent firefighting planes from scooping
water from a reservoir to douse wildfires, putting San Diego at risk of another
catastrophic fire.

By Miriam Raftery

Clark contends that the installation shown here, with two down guy wires connected by a single bolt, is dangerous. SDG&E denies that contention.

February 24, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — Ed Clark,
an electrical protection engineer-turned-whistleblower, contends that inappropriate
power line installations by SDG&E/Sempra Energy have caused multiple wildfires
in San Diego County – and that the utility’s refusal to replace or correct
the installations leaves our region at risk for more fires.

SDG&E disputes Clark’s claims and insists that its installations are legal
and safe. (See our story: Investigator claims fault utility line installations
caused 2003 Cedar and Paradise Fires as well as fires in 2007; SDG&E disputes
claim). Now
East County Magazine has spoken with two additional electrical engineering
experts—and both confirm Clark’s contention that such installations are dangerous.

By Charlene Ayers

February 26, 2009 (Lakeside)--Last night SDG&E had all of its easels up and tables placed so that folks could mozy around the large Lakeside community room and inform themselves about the Sunrise PowerLink. There were approximately 30 black pants and white shirted people there to help. As soon as a person stopped to read, they were surrounded by these cheerful minders, er, messengers. It was like entering Circuit City.

But even with all these smooooth operators inside, there was trouble brewing outside in the hall. It was "The Battle of the Tables."

By Miriam Raftery

February 27, 2009 (San Diego's East County)--Area residents must cut water consumption by at least 20% or face stiff financial penalties, local water authorities warn following a state declaration of emergency today due to the drought. Fortunately, there is help for consumers seeking ways to reduce their water usage.

"Sixty to 70 percent of water use in residential is out of doors," said Mark Robak, Otay Water District member.

February 27, 2009 (El Cajon)--The City of El Cajon Teen Coalition presents a "Youth of the Year" Award to recognize those who go above and beyond in serving their community either through their leadership abilities and/or their quality or level of community service in El Cajon. Leadership can be defined as those individuals who consistently facilitate a team vision and help guide others toward success. Community service helps better the community through the value and impact of those served.

Story and photos by Gayle Early

Rev. John Fanestil apprehended by California Border Patrol agents in full riot gear.

February 21, 2009 (Imperial Beach) On Saturday, about 200 people and 40 civic organizations gathered to protest the Custom and Border Protection (CBP) closure of Friendship Park on Monument Mesa in Border Field State Park. The media also had a strong presence, with reporters coming from as far as Canada. The new border wall runs through the middle of the park, shutting off the section where family members and friends separated by a closed border could greet and touch each other though the fence.

By Ed Clark

February 25, 2009--I was reading the article on your site this morning, where SDG&E plans to turn off power to remote residences during high wind, low humidity days.

This is nothing more than part of their cover-up to prevent a system ground fault on a high windy days from arcing at down guy anchors and starting fires. What they don't get is that depending on where a ground fault occurs, it could still catch the grass on fire, if not corrected.

Additionally, SDG&E has several alternatives other than turning power off to customers who are in need.

Author Jan Hedlun

Potrero resident Jan Hedlun shares her personal and deeply moving experiences
as a former victim of domestic abuse in hopes of helping others. Hedlun
will appear as a panelist at a Feb. 27 conference at Thomas Jefferson School
of Law titled "Confronting Domestic Violence Head-On." (Click
here for conferences details). Domestic violence is the most common cause
of serious injury to women in the U.S. According to the American Psychiatric
Association, one in five women has been raped by an intimate partner. Even
more have suffered emotional abuse. Men can also be domestic abuse
victims, though such cases are less common. Below is Hedlun's story,
along with a list of warning signs for abuse--and where to get help.

San Diego Gas & Electric Co. will hold a series of open houses throughout the county to respond to residents' questions about the controversial Sunrise Powerlink project. In December, the California Public Utilities Commission approved a 123-mile route to run high-voltage power lines and 150-foot-tall towers through East County from Imperial Valley to San Diego. SDG&E maintains the line is necessary to meet future energy needs, but opponents contend the line will obstruct views, increase fire danger, and that better alternatives are available to meet our region's energy needs.

Story and photo by Miriam Raftery

By Denise Morse

As a Campo property owner and native San Diegan I just can't fathom how 120
miles of transmission lines with 150 ft. high steel towers buzzing and crackling their way into San Diego fits with "America's Finest City" image.

Branch manager Mimi Esshaki cuts ribbon at new Bank America in Rancho San Diego

February 21, 2009 (Rancho San Diego) — Champagne, refreshments and visits
with firefighters welcomed visitors at the grand opening of Bank America's
new branch office at 2930 Jamacha Road in Rancho San Diego today.

February 22, 2009 (San Diego's East County)--The traditional Academic League All-Star match will be held on Wednesday, February 25th at 3:30 p.m. in the Granite Hills Library. The All-Star match will feature the best of ten high school teams versus the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) Academic League 2009 Champions, Granite Hills High School.

The All-Star Team will be jointly coached by Cheri Gabler, Brooke Crocker and Betty Jensen. Dick Hoy, Ruth Weiss and Steve Haiman will serve as moderators.
The Academic League competitions are sponsored by

By Miriam Raftery

February 16, 2009 (El Cajon)-- Grossmont Union High School
District (GUHSD) trustees voted unanimously to send a cure and correct letter
to Helix Charter High School administrators, asking for documentation thus
far withheld regarding handling of four cases of sexual abuse and misconduct. "To
have a cluster of four incidents in such a short period of time is a red flag,"
said Superintendent Robert Collins (photo, left), adding that the district
has a duty to restore confidence and protect safety of students. "We
are here to solve a problem, not to win out in the court of public opinion."

By Miriam Raftery

Mike Farrell with officers of Eastlake-Bonita Democratic Club.

February 17, 2009 (Bonita) — Mike Farrell and his co-stars
on the popular M*A*S*H TV show raised public awareness about the human costs
of war. But
what many fans don't realize is that in his private life, Farrell has much
in common with the character he portrayed, Dr. B.J. Hunnicutt. Traveling
to global hot spots from Central American jungles to war-torn African villages,
he has gained fame internationally as a humanitarian, working tireless to draw
attention to a wide range of human rights issues.