May 2009 Articles

VINTAGE AIRCRAFT SHOW LANDS AT GILLESPIE FIELD—MAY 16 & 17

May 13, 2009 (El Cajon)--The public is invited to a free Vintage Aircraft Fly-In and Classic Car Show at Gillespie Field on May 16 and 17. In addition to 1920s- to 1950s-era aircraft, classic cars will also be displayed. Aircraft include a 1930 Stearman 4E Speedmail formerly used to deliver mail; the last remaining 1931 Laird LBC 300; and the late Steve McQueen’s 1945 Boeing Stearman bi-plane. Visitors can also see one of two remaining 1926 Boeing FB-5 Navy Fighters (the other is in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum) that made its maiden flight off the carrier Langley.


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SYMPHONY IN THE PARK CAPS SCRIPPS RANCHO COMMUNITY FAIR SUNDAY, MAY 17

May 16, 2009 (Scrpps Ranch)--The Scripps Ranch Commuity Association invites you to help celebrate the 10th Annual Community Fair on Sunday, May 17, at the Scripps Ranch Community Park, 11454 Blue Cypress Drive, San Diego.The fair runs from noon to 5:30 pm, followed by the first Symphony in the Park concert of the year at 5:45 pm. The concert will feature the Siers Brothers Band, a Scripps Ranch favorite, performing classic rock `n roll.


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ESCONDIDO STREET FAIRE OFFERS FAMILY FUN ON SUNDAY, MAY 17

May 16, 2009 (Escondido) – Over 700 booths, live entertainment, a farmers’ market, international foods plus arts and crafts displays will be featured at the Escondido Street Faire this Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The event, sponsored by the Escondido Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Association, claims to be the second largest street fair in California with fun for the whole family. The faire is held on Grand Avenue between Centre City and Ivy.

If you miss the fun, don't worry--a second Escondido Street Faire will be held in October.


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SANTEE LAUNCHES SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN AGAINST COUNTY'S PROPOSED EXPANSION OF LAS COLINAS PRISON

May 13, 2009 (Santee)-– Taking a page from the Barack Obama for President Campaign playbook, the City of Santee has launched a web site, a Facebook page and a Twitter micro blog to rally support for the city’s position against an expansion of the Las Colinas Detention Facility in the heart of Santee’s town center.

“Educating the public and getting support from San Diego County taxpayers is an important element of our campaign to get the County of San Diego to realize that the Las Colinas expansion is just bad policy,” states Randy Voepel, Mayor of Santee.


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CONTROLLED BURN AT MIRAMAR TODAY

May 15, 2009 (9:15 a.m.)-- If you see smoke today, don't panic. A controlled burn is slated to begin at 10:30 a.m. today along the eastern side of Miramar Marine Corps Air Station. Smoke may be visible along I-15 and Highway 52 from the burn, which is part of the base's annual effort to remove dry vegetation.


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THE WILL POWER REPORT: CONGRESS MUST BAN "ADD-ON" AMENDMENTS

Nothing but the truth!

Congress Must Ban “Add-on” Amendments

May 12, 2009 (San Diego)--Congress this week is discussing ways to limit credit-card companies. But there’s a trout in the milk. Included in the language changing credit-card rules is language regulating the carrying of loaded guns in National Parks.

How did the gun amendment find its way into a credit-card bill? It’s common practice.


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LA MESA REJECTS HATE-FREE RESOLUTION

By Miriam Raftery


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CUYAMACA COLLEGE CAREER FAIR DRAWS RECORD CROWD

Employer representatives say sizable attendance a reflection of the times

May 13, 2009 (EL CAJON) – Jobless figures topping 9 percent in San Diego County – 12 percent in El Cajon, according to the most recent state employment numbers – resulted in record attendance of about 500 people at this year’s career fair at Cuyamaca College, organizers say. In addition to a higher turnout, the 15th annual fair was also remarkable for the noticeably large share of attendees from the community at large.

So


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POWERLINK FOES APPLAUD DEFEAT OF HAYES AS INTERIOR DEPUTY SECRETARY

By Miriam Raftery

May 13, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—Senate Republicans blocked the nomination by President Barack Obama of David Hayes to serve as deputy secretary of the Interior Department. Hayes, who held the same position in the Clinton administration, has drawn opposition from some community leaders and environmentalists locally due to his recent role as lobbyist for Sempra Energy. Sempra’s Sunrise Powerlink Project must be approved by the Interior Department for federal lands in San Diego’s East County in order for the project to be constructed.


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GROSSMONT CENTER HOSTS “LEARN AND CONSERVE” EVENT MAY 16

May 12, 2009 (La Mesa)-- – With the water restriction use being enforced on June 1ST Grossmont Shopping Center is hosting a Learn To Conserve event on Saturday, May 16TH in Macy’s Courtyard. The event will run from 10a.m. – 2p.m. Event partners will provide tips for water and electricity conservation and host fun demonstrations.


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EDITORIAL: “VOTE 1A TO SEND YOUR JOB TO TEXAS”

By Assemblyman Joel Anderson “California is about to increase taxes on businesses. If you would like information about moving your business to Texas, press 1.” This was an automated phone call I received in February during budget negotiations. Slick recruiting methods used by other states should be a wake-up call to the State Legislature that increasing taxes on Californians only drives jobs and companies out of state, or worse, out of business.


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EL CAJON CELEBRATES BIKE TO WORK WEEK

The term "wheels of government" takes on new meaning in El Cajon this week, as employees are encouraged to join in “Bike to Work Week” May 11 through 15. The nationwide endeavor aims to educate the public about benefits of bicycling and to increase awareness, safety and respect for bicyclists, as well as highlighting cycling as an important means of transportation that saves on energy and cost. May 15 has been designated as Bike to Work Day in El Cajon--and many City employees will take part by using alternative transportation means to travel to work, such as bicycling, transit, or carpooling. A special Pit Stop will be set up with refreshments in the 200 block of East Main Street as a thank you for participating employees.


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LOST HIGHWAYS OF EAST COUNTY: TRAVELING OLD HWY 80 IS A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

View the slideshow

 

By Miriam Raftery

Video by Rob Constantine

 

“Just like the Roman Empire, things that are built can decay, but they’re never lost as long as you keep them in your heart.” – Christian Woempner

 

May 7, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—Traveling down Old Highway 80 with a man who helped build it proved a nostalgic and fascinating journey. “I love the sound of tires,” Craig Woemper, a 39-year veteran of Cal-Trans, said as the road ker-thumped beneath us. Raised in rural East County, Craig and his son, Christian, joined ECM’s editor and videographer for a trip down memory lane, providing insights not only into the road’s colorful history, but also sharing lore and legends of our region, assuring that these memories will not be consigned to the dust bin of history.


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PASSAGES: SUZANNE DI MASCIO, R.N., MANAGER OF RYAN WHITE PROGRAM AND DIRECTOR OF AMERICHOICE, LOSES BATTLE WITH CANCER

WIFE OF EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE'S BUSINESS MANAGER WILL BE MISSED

May 11, 2009 (Santee)—Suzanne (“Suzy”) Marie Di Mascio, a leading voice in San Diego’s healthcare community and wife of East County Magazine’s business manager Leon Thompson, passed away on May 7, 2009 at San Diego Hospice following a long battle against cancer. Her efforts helped improve access to healthcare services for thousands of people in San Diego County.


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FILNER AMENDMENT PROTECTS RENTERS, REQUIRES NOTICE IF LANDLORD FACES FORECLOSURE RISK

May 12, 2009 (Washington, DC) – Congressman Filner has joined his colleagues in passing the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act, H.R. 1728. This legislation aims to prevent the types of predatory and irresponsible mortgage loan practices that played a major role in the current financial and economic meltdown.

Congressman Filner worked to include a provision in the final bill that provides protection for renters. Congressman Filner’s amendment requires landlords to provide notice to their renters when they go into default and are in danger of foreclosure.


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MAY 12 SCREENING OF “RUNNING DRY” TO BENEFIT ARCHI’S ACRES ORGANIC FARM AND VETERANS' TRAINING

May 8, 2009 San Diego, CA – Lestat’s West, the showroom next to the eclectic San Diego coffee house in Normal Heights, will screen “Running Dry”, a powerful documentary on the growing global water crisis on Tuesday, May 12 at 7:00 pm. “Running Dry” is a comprehensive public information/education project, established to raise awareness about the worsening global humanitarian water crisis. The project’s centerpieces are two explosive and in-depth documentaries, “Running Dry” and “The American Southwest: Are We Running Dry?”

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HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELOR SHARON NEUMANN RECEIVES ENDOWMENT AWARD

May 10, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)--Sharon Neumann, a Grossmont Middle College High School counselor, has been honored as the 2009 Frank Jonasson Endowment Award recipient. The Jonasson Endowment at San Diego State University (SDSU) annually recognizes a high school counselor in San Diego or Imperial Counties who has “gone above and beyond the call of duty” for students in assisting them in attaining higher education.

 


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ECCAC HOSTS PARTY MAY 30 TO FUND LEGAL BATTLE AGAINST POWERLINK: MAY 30 IN LAKESIDE

The East County Community Action Coalition (ECCAC) is sponsoring a fundraiser on Saturday, May 30, 2009 from 11-4 pm at Hazy Meadow Ranch in Lakeside, CA. This is an all-county event that will feature live music, raffle, opportunity drawing, carnvial games, pony rides, and more. The organization seeks public help to fund legal action to "sunset" Sunrise Powerlink.


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PROBLEMS? WHAT WATER PROBLEMS?

Water, water everywhere: How San Diego Can Become Water Self-Sufficient—And Even Be a Water Exporter

A Commentary By Jim Bell

May 10, 2009 (San Diego)--Many experts are projecting doom and gloom, scenarios of decreasing water supplies and increasing cost, yet the San Diego/Tijuana Region can easily become renewable water self-sufficient and even become a net water exporter. Yes, that’s right. We can have plenty of water for drinking, showering, growing food and even swimming—with liquid assets to spare.


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CONCERTS IN THE COURTYARD

LA MESA, CA (May 8, 2009) – Concerts in the Courtyard will feature free live entertainment produced by Grossmont Center in Macy’s Courtyard every first and third Thursday now through July 2ND from 6p.m. – 8p.m.

 


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OLÉ! DUAL GRAND OPENING ON CINCO DE MAYO DRAWS A CROWD

May 9, 2009 (Rancho San Diego)—Two new businesses, Savanna Grill and Realty Executives, teamed up to co-host a grand opening Cinco De Mayo celebration that proved both festive and successful.


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ANDERSON FIGHTS TO HALT NEW SEPTIC FEE: ASSEMBLY BILL WOULD REPEAL COSTLY NEW RULES

May 11, 2009 (Sacramento)--Gerry Giguere and his wife Kit live on a fixed income and don’t want to lose their home over a new septic regulation.

“This is big-government insanity,” said Gerry Giguere, whose home in rural east county requires a septic system and well.

California will soon impose a new fee of up to $650 for all septic tank owners. The fees would pay for mandatory inspections of all septic tanks and could force many to pay for costly upgrades, angering rural property owners who rely on septic systems.


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BILL TO EXPAND HATE CRIMES DEFINITION PASSES HOUSE; LOCAL CONGRESSIONAL VOTES SPLIT

May 9, 2009 (Washington D.C.)--The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act passed H.R. 1913 by a vote of 249 to 175 on April 29. A companion bill was introduced in the Senate on April 28. If enacted, the bill would close gaps in a current law that authorizes federal aid in cases of hate crimes committed because of a person's race, color, religion or national origin. The new legislation would extend protection against violence to Americans targeted because of their gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.


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LA MESA COUNCIL TO CONSIDER HATE-FREE DECLARATION

May 10, 2009 (La Mesa) La Mesa’s City Council will consider adopting a “Hate Free La Mesa” Declaration at its meeting on Tuesday, May 12th at 4 p.m.The measure has been presented by a member of United for Hate Free San Diego, a coalition of 52 faith-based and community organizations county-wide.


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WITNESSES SOUGHT IN DEERHORN VALLEY HATE CRIME INVESTIGATION

 

May 8, 2009 (Dulzura)--The San Diego Sheriff’s Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying any witnesses to an alleged assault on seven people attending a party in Deerhorn Valley on April 11, 2009 in the 20800 block of Cinnamon Drive in Dulzura.

 


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COMBAT VETS LEARN ORGANIC & HYDROPONIC FARMING SKILLS AT ARCHI’S ACRES

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

May 9, 2009 (Escondido)—After serving three tours of duty in Iraq, including urban combat zones in Fallujah and Haditha, former Marine Kevin Archipley and his wife, Karen (shown in photo) bought a farm in Escondido and resolved to help returning combat veterans adapt to civilian life.

 


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MAY 17 HARVEST PROJECT BENEFITS ARCHI’S ACRES, HELPS VETERANS FIND NEW ROOTS

May 9, 2009 (Escondido)--The independent arts organization contACT ARTS (formerly xDrop Arts Organization) is sponsoring The Harvest Project, a benefit event to help Archi’s Acres organic farm build a new greenhouse to serve more combat veterans in its Veterans Sustainable Agriculture Training (VSAT) program. The event is on Sunday, May 17 from 1 – 6 pm at the World Beat Center in San Diego’s Balboa Park. (Photo: Ex-Navy Lt. Olaf Hansen tends hydroponic basil at Archi's Acres.)

 


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SPLC PROVIDES TOOLS TO CURB RECRUITMENT OF TEENS BY RACIST HATE GROUPS; HATE CRIMES ON RISE

By Miriam Raftery

May 9, 2009 (La Mesa)—“There is an alarming increase in hate crimes in the United States,” James McElroy, chairman of the board for the Southern Law & Poverty Center (SLPC), told members and guests at the La Mesa –Foothills Democratic Club on May 6th. “We try to shine a little light on it. Hate is like a fungus under a rock. Shine a light and you can eradicate it.”


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VIEJAS BAND OF KUMEYAAY INDIANS FILES APPEAL OVER POWERLINK

Reprinted with permission from East County Communities Action Coalition (ECCAC)

May 6, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)--On March 23, 2009, the Viejas Bank of Kumeyaay Indians filed their appeal against the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) challenging the agency’s “Record of Decision” on the Sunrise Powerlink.


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EDITORIAL: TWICE BURNED—HOMEOWNER LOSES INSURANCE DUE TO POWERLINK

By Katrina Russell

 

Reprinted with permission from the East County Community Action Coalition (ECCCAC)

 


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