By Miriam Raftery

September 22, 2014 (San Diego) – On Sunday, a global climate march drew a half million people worldwide at over 150 locations, all calling for action to stop climate change. The march drew over 400,000 in New York City and an estimated 1,000 to 2,000 in San Diego.  

Today, San Diego’s City Council voted 5 to 3 in favor of a resolution asking Mayor Kevin Faulconer to issue a climate change plan.

The vote split the council down party lines, with all Democrats voting in favor and Republicans voting against.

By Miriam Raftery

September 22, 2014 (San Diego)--Recently, we reported on the San Diego Unified School District’s decision to return an armored vehicle it received through the Department of Defense’s Excess Property Program.  Now it seems that may be the start of a trend.

September 22, 2014 (La Mesa)--The La Mesa Oktoberfest is one of East County’s biggest street festivals, drawing 200,000 people every year. This year’s Oktoberfest will be held October 3-5 in the heart of La Mesa’s downtown village on La Mesa  Boulevard between 4th Avenue and Acadia.

The event, sponsored by the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and the La Mesa Village Merchants Association, began as a small street fair over 35 years ago. Now the three-day bash features over 250 vendors, food including German bratwurst and a beer garden, kids’ activities and entertainment ranging from German music to classic rock and roll.

September 22, 2014 (San Diego) - The Eagles, one of the world’s best-selling bands of all time, will be performing at the Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on October 4^th.  The band sold over 150 million records including such hit singles as Hotel California, Lyin’ Eyes, Take it to the Limit, Desperado and Tequila Sunrise.

Listen to our radio show Monday on KNSJ 89. 1 FM at 5 p.m. to hear our audio report on Project Wildlife’s event.

By Miriam Raftery

September 21, 2014 (Lakeside) – At Project Wildlife’s “We Like It Wild” event in Lakeside last week, guests had up close and personal encounters with exotic and local wildlife at the Pillsbury Ranch owned by Joan Embery, the San Diego Zoo’s ambassador.  They also heard a special announcement from the Project Wildlife’s executive director Beth Ugoretz, who said Project Wildlife plans to merge by November 1^st with the San Diego Humane Society.

Gary Weitzman, president of the San Diego Human Society and the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, emphasized that goal is to keep Project Wildlife “strong” and leverage the strengths of both organizations.  Project Wildlife’s focus on rescuing and rehabilitating local wildlife will continue, and the need is great, since the drought, wildfires and development have put increasing stress on local animals from birds and reptiles to larger animals such as raccoons and coyotes.

Source: County News Service

September 18, 2014 (San Diego)—Four children at Rady Children’s Hospital have been confirmed by state and county health officials as California’s first cases of Enterovirus D69.

September 20, 2014 (Potrero) –You’re invited to join the East County Vintners Wine Group for its second annual Mountain Empire Country Harvest Celebration on Saturday, October 11 from 12 noon to sundown. The festivities take place at the Jim and Janet Wright Ranch and Vineyard in scenic Potrero, just 30 minutes east from Jamul off Highway 94/Campo Road. Smokey barbecue with all the trimmings and wine sampling by local vineyards and wineries are among the activities, along with a silent auction and door prizes.

"An international sensation." -The Today Show



"The Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele." -Guitar Player

 

September 20, 2014 (Escondido) -- Ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro will wow audiences as part of The California Center for the Arts, Escondido's 20th Anniversary 2014/2015 season with a special Halloween show on Friday, October 31, 2014 in the Concert Hall. Redefining a previously under-the-radar instrument, the critically acclaimed slinger combines elements of jazz, blues, funk, rock, bluegrass, folk, and flamenco, fully revealing his musical dexterity. Shimabukuro has appeared on television shows including Late Night with Conan O'Brien and Jimmy Kimmel Live, he's earned notable fans such as Eddie Vedder and Sanjay Gupta, and performed for the likes of the Queen of England. Interviews and hi-res photos are available upon request.

SDG&E Thanks Customers for Patience & Conservation Efforts During Five-Day Heat Wave & Thunderstorms

September 20, 2014 (San Diego) – Following a record-breaking five-day heat wave combined with a microburst of thunderstorms bringing high winds, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is thanking customers and community partners for their efforts to save energy and for their patience during power outages. Due to the extreme weather conditions, SDG&E reached new all-time back-to-back peak demand records of 4,781 megawatts (MW) on Sept. 15 and 4,890 MW on Sept. 16. The conservation efforts by customers limited strain on the electric grid and ensured SDG&E was able to provide reliable energy throughout the event.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: King Fire viewed from Lake Tahoe, by Steve Ellsworth, courtesy Cal Fire Blogspot

September 20, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) --Over 7,800 firefighters continue to battle seven major wildfires burning in California, CAL-FIRE reports. Of greatest concern is the King Fire in El Dorado County, which has burned nearly 81,000 acres and continues to threaten 21,000 structures. A suspected arsonist has been arrested for allegedly starting the King Fire.

Overnight, crews made progress on several fires including full containment on the destructive Boles Fire in Siskiyou County and the Silverado Fire in Orange County. Firefighters continue to mop up on several other fires with full containment expected this weekend for the Courtney Fire in Madera County, the June Fire in Mono County and the Meadow Fire in Yosemite National Park.

For details on each of the many fires burning statewide, click "read more" and scroll down.

Submit your questions for the candidates here.

September 19, 2014 (San Diego)—The public is invited to submit questions for Republican Congressman Duncan D. Hunter and his Democratic challenger, James Kimber.  The two candidates for the 50th Congressional District have agreed to debate on Friday, September 26 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Cuyamaca College’s Performing Arts Center, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway in El Cajon.

Both candidates are veterans. The debate is sponsored by the Veterans’ Campaign and by the National Association for Uniformed Services. The questions are not limited to veterans or military issues, however; all topics are open for debate.

September 19, 2014 (Poway)—From Vegas to Atlantic City, Sharon Owens has performed her “Tribute to Barbra Streisand.” The singer has an uncanny resemblance to the famed singer as well as a vocal talent that has made her a sought-after Streisand impersonator. She will perform September 28 at 2 p.m. at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts.

Originally published in La Mesa Today

By Anthony D. Mc Ivor

September 19, 2014 (La Mesa)-- In November, La Mesa voters will decide whether to change the Municipal Code and put into law a significant new ordinance. The ordinance will tell us – and future generations of La Mesa voters – who we can vote for, who we can’t and when.