May 21, 2013 (Lakeside) – KSON radio will be at the Lakeside Park and Ride at Highway 67 and Mapleview tomorrow from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. collecting donations to help tornado victims in Moore, Oklahoma. 

Local residents are invited to drive through and drop off cash donations.  Everyone who donates will also be entered in a contest to win two tickets to Taylor Swift’s sold-out concert August 15.

By Miriam Raftery

May 21, 2013 (Alpine) – The San Diego County Grand Jury has issue a report t blasting the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) for repeatedly axing plans to build a 12th high school in Alpine despite voters twice approving bond measures to construct the new high school. The report is descriptively titled Grossmont Union High School District—Fool Us Once, Fool Us Twice?

The Grand Jury found that “residents of the GUHSD and the greater Alpine area deserve clarity from the School Board regarding the proposed 12th high school."

By Sholeh Sisson 

May 22 2013 (Ramona)-- Mike Mohler, spokesman from Cal-Fire, has informed East County Magazine that a vehicle/ residential fire burned into brush in a nearby field.  Fire crews halted the blaze at one-quarter acre.

The fire was dispatched at 11:55 this morning and resources will be there until 2 p.m. Avoid area near 2014 Montecito while crews are at work.

Company had flood of violations, including providing unsafe drinking water and illegally selling water to SDG&E and other contractors

By Miriam Raftery

May 20, 2013 (Live Oak Springs) – Chief Administrative Law Judge Karen V. Clopton with the California Public Utilites Commission has issued a decision recommending that  owners of Live Oak Springs Water Company be fined $1 million for violations that have put public health at risk.  The CPUC proposal would  ask the Superior Court to appoint a receiver to take possession of the property , including the bankrupt Live Oak Springs resort, and operate the water system.

“Nazar Najor, the controversial owner, has been selling water to large construction projects without authorization from his small regulated water district that is meant to serve Live Oak Springs ratepayers,” said Donna Tisdale, chair of the Boulevard Planning Group.

San Diego search dog aids in search for survivors

By Miriam Raftery

May 20, 2013 (San Diego) – One of the worst tornadoes in recorded history has ravaged the Okalahoma City suburb of Moore, killing at least 51 people, injuring 120 including many children, and destroying 500 homes. The two-mile-wide twister destroyed an elementary school and entire neighborhoods nearby.

Eight Search Dog Foundation rescue teams have been dispatched to search the rubble for survivors.  One of the search dogs, George, was recruited from Labradors and Friends Dog Rescue Group in San Diego.

By Miriam Raftery

May 20, 2013 (Ocotillo) – Federal Judge Gonzalo Curiel has granted a motion filed by citizens’ groups to remand a lawsuit over the Ocotillo Express Wind Facility from federal court back to state court.

Plaintiffs Donna Tisdale, Protect Our Communities Foundation and Backcountry Against Dumps hailed the decision.

“Since Ocotillo Express operation started in late 2012, residents complain of adverse impacts from noise, vibrations, electrical interference, shadow flicker and light pollution. People, pets and wildlife are suffering while the project’s wind production is far less than advertised,” a press release issued by plaintiffs states.

May 20, 2012 (San Diego's East County)--After more than a decade of work, the San Diego City Council unanimously adopted a Master Plan to guide implementation of a river park system along the 17.5 miles of the San Diego River that runs through the City.

This legislation is based upon the San Diego River Park Foundation’s San Diego River Conceptual Plan which was completed in May 2002. Since then the San Diego River Park Foundation has been championing the adoption of the Master Plan which sets in place the legal framework for creating a system of trails, parks and other areas along the river while protecting and enhancing natural and cultural resources. 

May 20, 2013 (La Mesa) – A man who reportedly choked his girlfriend until she lost consciousness and threw her against a closet is under arrest for stabbing his girlfriend’s brother.  

La Mesa Police received a report of the stabbing at 1:43 a.m. in the 7100 block of Waite Drive.  When officers arrived, they found the brother, 21, lying near a sidewalk and rendered treatment. A perimeter was set up and the suspect, Mark Hernandez Cervantes, 28, of San Diego surrendered shortly after.

During the investigation, officers learned of the altercation between the suspect and his girlfriend prior to the stabbing.  When she regained consciousness, the victim called her mother, who came to the apartment with the young woman’s brother.  The female victim did not require medical attention. 

Want fresh vegetables?  Now you can pick up garden-fresh produce in El Cajon or City Heights—or have it delivered directly to your home, all while helping local refugees from war-torn nations.

To get started, just join the International Rescue Committee’s community supported agriculture (CSA) program for this summer season.  Participants will receive a colorful share of farm-fresh and local vegetables grown by refugee farmers participating in IRC’s sustainable agriculture program.

May 18, 2013 (Lemon Grove) -- The San Diego Sheriff’s Department is searching for a missing person at risk.  James Edward Smith of Lemon Grove is on medication for dementia and is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.  Smith, 66, was last seen driving his 2006 Silver Chrysler 300 four-door sedan with CA license plate 5XLV296.

Smith is described by authorioties as black, 5 feet 11 inches tall, 207 pounds, bald, with brown eyes and a mustache.  He was last seen wearing a tan and brown jacket, baggy blue jeans, and a tan baseball cap.

He was last seen leaving Willy's Electronics on Mercury Street in San Diego on May 16 at 02:55 p.m., alone in his vehicle. He may have been heading to Harbor Freight supply in Chula Vista. He never arrived at the supply store, and never arrived home in the 1800 block of El Prado Ave, Lemon Grove.

May 18, 2013 (Spring Valley) – A 69-year-old Spring Valley man has been arrested in connection with the vicious beating of a dog. An officer with the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services (DAS) has arrested 69-year-old Charles Dudley on May 14. A neighbor called DAS saying he witnessed the beating in Dudley’s backyard on the 3500 block of Bentley Drive a day earlier.

The Animal Control Officer who responded to the scene found a two-year-old female Miniature Pinscher barely breathing in the backyard and rushed the eight-pound animal to an emergency veterinary hospital. Despite emergency care, the dog succumbed to its injuries overnight. A necropsy will be performed on the body to determine the exact cause of death.

By Jamie Reno, originally posted May 13, 2013

May 18, 2013 (San Diego) – In a rather unexpected rejection of Southern California Edison’s efforts to restart the shuttered San Onofre nuclear power plant north of San Diego, the Atomic Safety Licensing Board (ASLB) ruled today that the two reactors can not go back online before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) holds a formal license amendment proceeding with full public participation.

A three-judge panel of the ASLB granted a petition from Friends of the Earth, an environmental organization, asking the NRC to require Edison to undergo a license amendment process before a judge, including public hearings, sworn testimony from expert witnesses and rules of evidence.

Governor's May Budget Revise Increases Spending on Developmental Centers; People with Developmental Disabilities Urge the Governor to Stop “Taxpayer Supported Abuse”

May 18, 2013 (Sacramento) – People with developmental disabilities and their advocates are speaking out in reaction to Governor Brown's May Budget Revise, and his decision to spend even more taxpayer dollars on a system that has been repeatedly cited for abusing people with developmental disabilities:

“As a California taxpayer I’m outraged, and as a person with a developmental disability I’m repulsed,” said advocate Kiara Hedglin. “It’s unconscionable for the Governor to increase spending on a system that abuses people with developmental disabilities.   It’s time for these archaic centers to close and for people with developmental disabilities to receive the quality care they deserve in home-like settings.”

May 18, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – March Against Monsanto has announced that on May 25, tens of thousands of activists around the world will “March Against Monsanto.” Currently, marches are being planned on six continents, in 36 countries, totaling events in over 250 cities, and in the US, events are slated to occur simultaneously at 11 a.m. Pacific in 47 states. The San Diego March will be starting at 11am on May 25th at the Balboa Park fountain in front of the Science center.

By Sholeh Sisson 

May 17 2013 (San Diego)-- On May 15, the San Diego Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an ordinance waiving building permit and plan review fees for disabled veterans who need home modifications to accommodate their disabilities.

"We are always looking for ways to improve the lives of those who risk their lives to protect our country," said Supervisor Dianne Jacob, who introduced the measure along with Supervisor Bill Horn.

By Janis Mork

May 16, 2013 (La Mesa) – Graywater harvesting, a possible new dog park, and a community dialogue to discuss fiscal issues were among the agenda items weighed by La Mesa City Council at its May 14 meeting. 

Mayor Art Madrid wanted to develop a Graywater and rainwater harvesting ordinance for residential use in La Mesa.

May 16, 2013 (El Cajon) – Children, seniors and families had fun exploring better ways to live at the free Farragut Circle Health & Safety Fair on May 11 in El Cajon.

The community outreach effort of the Neighbor-to-Neighbor Program of the First Presbyterian Church of El Cajon drew a steady stream of people to the 500 block of Farragut Circle. Mother Goose and local princesses helped welcome the early crowds. 

“Everybody’s smiling,” said Jackie Jackson, library assistant at the Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library of the Grossmont Healthcare District in La Mesa. “This has to be the friendliest fair ever.”

“Your source for Trusts, Wills, Probate, Family Law & more”

By: Stephen C. Ross, Esq.

May 16, 2013 (San Diego County) – Advance planning concerning your medical care decisions is important for both you and your family. It ensures your desires will be met while providing guidance to loved ones making difficult decisions regarding your care. People have varying opinions concerning what procedures to allow, medications to take, whether-or-not to prolong life and organ donation. Having an understanding of the terminology and decisions you may have to make will help ensure your wishes are met by those responsible for making your medical care decisions in the future.

May 16, 2013 (El Cajon) – Grossmont College is an official pit stop for “Bike to Work Day 2013,” a nationally recognized event celebrated on the third Friday of May.

Some 50 to 60 riders are expected from 6 to 9 a.m. May 17, in parking lot No. 1 at the intersection of Highwood Drive and Grossmont College Drive on the Grossmont College campus.

Refreshments and support will be available, along with free T-shirts for the first 30 riders. Cyclists needing a break can ride free on any transit system operated by the Metropolitan Transit System or the North County Transit District if space is available. For more information, go to icommutesd.com

May 15, 2013 (Bonita) – A man has been arrested for sexual assaulting a teenager in the 3200 block of Bonita Road at 10:48 on May 13. The victim reportedly fought off the attacker and flagged down a motorist who gave her a ride.  They called law enforcement while maintaining visual observation of the subject, who was on foot.

The victim reported that she believed the suspect grabbed her with the intent of pulling her into the bushes to be sexually assaulted. The suspect, a 20-year-old African American man, was captured after briefly attempting to elude deputies in heavy vegetation, according to Sgt. D.M. Ting.

May 16, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – The County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health (DEH) has issued a Boil Water Order and Public Notification for the Los Tules Mutual Water Company located at 32995 Camino Moro, Warner Springs, CA 92086 effective immediately.  This public water system serves 100 residential homes.

The drinking water system has tested present for total coliform bacteria and absent for E. coli.  Total coliform bacteria can come from soils and other sources in the environment and can indicate a problem with the water supply system.   The Boil Water Order was issued to ensure all water used is free from contamination.  The Boil Water Order will remain in effect until the distribution system has been disinfected and additional samples confirm the absence of bacteria in the water supply.

May 15, 2013 (El Cajon) – Concerned Citizens of El Cajon will be meeting on May 29 at 6:30 p.m. at IHOP, 1286 Oakdale Avenue, El Cajon.  The meeting will be to address concerns and solve problems.  Everyone is welcome and can bring their concerns.  Concerns can also be posted at http://www.elcajonneighbors.org/blogs.html.

May 15, 2013 (San Diego) – OASIS is hosting a technology fair on May 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Macy’s in Mission Valley, 7017 Friars Road.  The event will help local adults 50 and older learn how to use social media and today’s technology, including smart phones and tablets.  Various technology experts will be presenting 30 minute sessions as well as one-on-one coaching.

Attendees will be able to attend a variety of classes, attend a hands-on computer lab session and get individual help from tech experts.  Lunch will be available and a raffle for prizes will follow.

President of the San Diego CSDA Chapter, Kathleen Coates Hedberg presents a check to Science Teacher Rosie Beck and the SeaPerch team, Katarina Gustin, Jake Connors, and Benjamin Evans.

May 15, 2013 (La Mesa) -  In an effort to provide educational outreach and awareness of Special Districts and their role in local government, the California Special Districts Association, San Diego Chapter and sponsor Helix Water District, provided St. Martin of Tours Academy (www.stmartinacademy.org) $515 for the 2012/2013 school year to pursue implementation of a SeaPerch Remote Operated Vehicle school program (www.SeaPerch.org).  St. Martin Academy entered their SeaPerch project at a local San Diego SeaPerch competition held on April 27, 2013, at Grossmont Community College and won first place.  The competition consisted of three-student teams who built the underwater vehicle, provided a presentation, competed in an obstacle course, and a deep water recovery mission.

For complete Calendar including Authors Events, go to www.SDWriteWay.org

May 15 (Wednesday, 5:00 pm) — Greg van Eekhout, San Diego-based author of the middle-grade novel Kid vs. Squid, The Boy at the End of the World and the adult novel Norse Code will be signing copies of his books at Barnes & Noble, Oceanside, 2615 Vista Way, Oceanside.

Lisa Kovach - Community Relations Manager, at 760-529-0270 or crm2153@bn.com for additional information.

“Pattern Energy is going to pollute what it couldn't destroy… Monsanto’s Roundup is an herbicde cousin  to Agent Orange--the defoliant sprayed in Viet Nam that harmed a generation of veterans and their children… This herbicide—a neurotoxin--is going to get carried downwind. Did Pattern fail to notice that there is still a community with children here in spite of its industrialization of the area with 112 turbines and a substation?”

By Linda Ewing, Ocotillo resident

Photo: Sahara mustard, a “weed” the BLM wants to eradicate with toxic herbicides

May 14, 2013 (Ocotillo) -- Herbicide Mitigation? What is that? I heard these two disturbing words and felt panic.

I knew instinctively that it was going to have something to do with this Ocotillo Wind Energy Facility because nothing good has come from this controversial project since the day Pattern Energy uttered its first words of deception to the town of Ocotillo. Since the day the company first tried to convince us that its massive 438 foot-tall industrial-sized wind turbines were good for the economy.  And yes, the very same day we realized that human lives were disposable and irrelevant in the statistical world of giant wind turbine developers.

May 13, 2013 (San Diego) – The San Diego City Council will vote on proposed changes to the city’s regulation and permitting process for sidewalk cafés at its meeting at 10 a.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 202 C St. in San Diego.

Leaders of the California Restaurant Association (CRA) San Diego County chapter have worked closely with city officials and the community to find ways to reconsider the existing burdensome and costly regulations that make it difficult for restaurant operators to expand their dining areas outdoors.

Mother misled investigators about location of drownings, authorities say

May 13, 2013 (Mt. Helix) --A one-year-old girl is dead and her two-year-old brother have died after their mother awoke this morning and found both children unconscious  in a swimming pool. The family had been staying at the residence on Mt. Helix at 10011 Sunset Avenue in unincorporated La Mesa.

The mother pulled the children from the pool with help from her friend and drove to La Mesa Fire Station #13 for assistance. “After arrival at the fire station, the friend ran away and has not been located,” Lt Gle,n Giannantonio with the San Diego Sheriff’s Homicide Detail reported.