July 2011 Articles

More July 2011 Articles

VINE PLANTINGS: THE NEW BARN RAISINGS

Fruitful wine industry restores farmers’ dreams in rural East County
 

Story by Miriam Raftery

Photos by Mark and Miriam Raftery

July 22, 2011 (Spring Valley) – Friends and neighbors turned out to help plant 600 grapevine rootstocks from Napa Valley last weekend at the Vineyard Mansion in Spring Valley. Afterwards, guests savored a poolside tri-tip barbecue and sampled estate-bottled vintages in a stone-lined wine cellar. 

 

Their efforts are all part of a vision by East County vintners to establish a wine-making region along Highway 94—revitalizing the local economy with a new agricultural market to reward the fruits of their labors.


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EAGLE FIRE SCORCHES 2,500 ACRES, ONLY 5% CONTAINED

 Update 4:50 p.m. - The Eagle Fire is now 2,500 acres and 5% contained. The fire is expected to continue in a easterly direction away from populated areas. The current temperature is 83 degrees, with 27% humidity;  winds are 13 mph from the west. The fire is burning on Bureau of Indian Affairs and State Park lands.

Estimated cost to suppress the fire is $250,000 to date.

 

Currently the are 15 Engines, 25 Fire Crews, 9 Water Tenders, 7 Airtankers, 9 Helicopters, 26 Overhead (567 Firefighters).


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94 EAST TO CLOSE AT SR-125 ON SATURDAY MORNING

 


July 22, 2011 (San Diego)-- Eastbound State Route 94 will be closed at State Route 125 on Saturday morning, July 23 from 4 until 8:30 for guardrail repair, according to the California Department of Transportation.


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MOTORCYCLE GANG RIVALRY DRAWS HEAVY POLICE PRESENCE IN JAMUL

 

July 22, 2011 (Jamul) – The Deerhorn Valley Antler reports heavy Sheriff and Police presence throughout the Jamul area today due to a motorcycle gang rivalry.

 

“There are units from San Diego, La Mesa, El Cajon, Vista, Oceanside,” the Antler reported, adding that undercover units are also in the area.


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MISSING WOMAN SOUGHT: VEHICLE FOUND NEAR MISSION TRAILS

Update:  Kathryn Kevern has been located and is safe, authorities confirm.

July 22, 2011 (Tierrasanta) – San Diego Police ask the public’s help to locate Kathryn “Kate” Kevern, 53, who told a friend she was going for a walk at 7:30 p.m. last night and would return within the hour, but never came back to the home at 4792 Calle de Vida. She has short brown hair and wears prescription glasses. She was last seen wearing a white straw hat and a full length green sundress.


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SDG&E AIR CRANE CALLED IN TO HELP FIGHT EAGLE FIRE

 

July 2, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – The Erickson Air Crane, a heavy-left helicopter contracted by SDG&E for construction work on Sunrise Powerlink, was called early this afternoon to help battle the Eagle Fire. The massive chopper can carry up to 30,000 gallons of water or fire retardant chemicals.

 

The Eagle Fire has scorched 2,500 acres and remains just 5% contained as of 5 p.m. this evening. It is currently burning about 14 miles east of Santa Ysabel near Warner Springs on tribal lands as well as state park property.


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BEER FESTIVAL CANCELLED

 

July 22, 2011 (San Diego) -- The America's Finest Beer Festival, slated to be held this weekend at Qualcomm Stadium, has been cancelled due to financial issues. Sponsored by the Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce, the event was also to have benefitted the San Diego USO.


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GOOD MONEY: SHOULD YOU BE CONCERNED ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT DEFICIT?

 

By Judith Seid, president, Blue Summit Wealth Management

 

“Your guide to socially responsible investing”
 

July 22, 2011 (La Mesa)--According to Financial Planning, on Friday TNS released a new study which revealed that 87% of Americans with $500,000 or more in investable assets feel that the size of the US government's deficit is a major concern for them.


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LOCAL RESIDENTS TRY BALANCING FEDERAL BUDGET AT WORKSHOP SPONSORED BY SUSAN DAVIS


By Miriam Raftery
 

July 22, 2011 (San Diego) –Just how tough is it to balance the federal budget? While Congress wrestles with the issue on Capitol Hill, a roomful of ordinary citizens got the chance to find out on Tuesday, when Congresswoman Susan Davis’ office sponsored a workshop at San Diego State University to get constituents’ inputs on budgetary priorities.

 

I planned to go as a neutral observer. But since our table was short one participant, i found myself recruited for a lively and enlightening session. Creative minds proved adept at thinking outside the box—challenging conventional wisdoms, expanding the choices presented for cutting costs and raising revenues, plus citizens came up with some innovative ideas of their own.


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“DOG FIRE” NEAR OTAY TRUCK TRAIL AT BORDER

 

Update 2:30 p.m. - The Dog Fire is now 70% contained and full containment is expected within the hour.

July 22, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Three small brush fires have burned into one at Doghouse Junction and Otay Truck Trail (Thomas Brothers Map 1353 H11) along the U.S./Mexico border. The fire was reported at 5:40 a.m. and cause is under investigation.

 

Two air tankers have been added to the incident and fire crews are beginning to be flown to the fire scene, Roxanne Provaznik has informed East County Magazine.


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LIFE FLIGHT EN ROUTE TO POSSIBLE PINE VALLEY ACCIDENT ON I-8

 

Update July 22, 2011 5 p.m. - A fatality has been confirmed.  No further details are yet available.

July 22, 2011 (Pine Valley) 12:20 a.m. – More than an hour after a car plunged off an embankment, authorities on scene are still awaiting for a Life Flight helicopter to arrive. The accident is now being described as a possible fatality.


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MAJOR BRUSH FIRE ON HWY 79 IN ANZA BORREGO

 

July 21, 2011 (Anza Borrego) – A major brush fire has started near Highway 79 and S2 in an extremely remote area near a campground, Incident Page Network reported at 11:28 p.m. tonight. The blaze has swelled from 30 acres to 80 acres in just 20 minutes. It is burning in the Anza Borrego State Park.

 

Note corrected location:  An earlier release from IPN incorrectly listed the fire on Highway78 

Watch for details and updates.


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CABIN AND COTTAGE CRIME PREVENTION TIPS (HOMES TOO!)

 

By Paula Dickenson, Crime Prevention Specialist
San Diego Sheriff, Alpine and Rural East County

 

July 21, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) -- Your sanctuary is waiting for you. Arriving, your gut tells you something is wrong. As you pull up the driveway you notice that your cabin has been burglarized. Fear, anger, frustration are among the feelings as you begin to see the damage that has been done.
 

Along with your own common sense, cabin and cottage owners can significantly reduce the risk of the home being burglarized by making a few simple changes.


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PAROLEE EVADES OFFICERS IN COTTONWOOD AREA

July 21, 2011 (Rancho San Diego) – San Diego Sheriff’s officers launched a foot chase against a suspected parolee, possibly armed with a gun, near Jamacha Road and Calle Albara in the Cottonwood area of Rancho San Diego shortly before 7 p.m. this evening.
 

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male adult, age 30, six feet tall, 200 pounds, with dark hair. When last seen he was wearing a yellow shirt, white hat, and sunglasses.


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CONGRESSWOMAN SUSAN DAVIS SPEAKS OUT AGAINST ENERGY BILL THAT SHE SAYS WOULD HURT SAN DIEGO’S CLEANTECH INNOVATION

 

by Shannon Michael

July 21, 2011 (Washington D.C.) – Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) has issued a press release blasting an energy spending bill that seeks to gut funding for clean energy, including biomass and solar programs. The bill would hit San Diego hard, since it has a large concentration of clean technology companies, Davis indicated. 

“San Diego has 767 clean technology companies and has become an innovation hub, especially in solar power, energy storage, and advanced biofuels,” said Davis. “If we’re going to remain competitive in the global economy, we must invest in clean energy innovation.” According to the San Diego Association of Governments, the algae energy section alone provides the region with 410 direct jobs and $108 million in economic activity each year.


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ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE CHARTS A ROAD HOME FOR SAN DIEGO'S HOMELESS

 

Concerns raised in San Diego, where 1,462 new homeless veterans were on the streets last year

 

By Richard Darvas
 

July 21, 2011 (San Diego)--In the second in a series of regional stops which include Sacramento and Los Angeles, the California Assembly’s Select Committee on Homelessness convened in San Diego on July 20.

 

According to a January 2011 report by the national Alliance to End Homelessness, the state’s total estimated homeless population has climbed to 133,129. The mission of these statewide forums, collectively known as “The Road Home,” is to engage the public and policymakers in developing strategies to address the diverse needs of California’s homeless--including a growing homeless population in San Diego and East County.


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HUNTER SPEAKS OUT AGAINST DEFENSE CUTS

 

 

July 21, 2011 (Washington D.C.) -- Washington D.C.—U.S. Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-El Cajon), a member of the House Armed Services Committee and veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, said yesterday that he will oppose any debt ceiling proposal that arbitrarily cuts spending—in particular, a “Gang of Six” agreement. 

 

Hunter cited the military’s existing mission requirements, aging inventory and the cost of containing emerging threats and strengthening force projection.


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HOME VIDEO HERALD: CEDAR RAPIDS

 

By Brian Lafferty

July 21, 2011 (San Diego) – Cedar Rapids is the type of comedy I would expect from Fox Searchlight Pictures, the subsidiary of 20th Century Fox that specializes in independent film. If it was 20th Century Fox distributing the movie (which stars Ed Helms of The Office and The Hangover as well as John C. Reilly) we’d have a raunchy, broadly-humored comedy.


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ECM WORLD WATCH: GLOBAL AND NATIONAL NEWS

 

July 21, 2011 (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.   

 


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NAKED BODY SCANS AT AIRPORTS TO BE PHASED OUT

By news staff at www.GovTech.com

July 20, 2011 (Washington D.C.)--The full-body scanners used to screen passengers at airport security checkpoints will be getting new software that will discontinue “passenger-specific” images, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced Wednesday, July 20.

 


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READER'S EDITORIAL: OPEN LETTER TO OTAY WATER DISTRICT'S DIRECTOR

 

By S. Robert Perry

 

 

July 21, 2011 (Otay) -- This is a letter sent to Director Robak relating to his vote against the "blank check" benefit adopted by the Otay Water District's Board.  It points out some of the objections to this open-ended forever benefit adopted by the Otay Water District's Board.  Hopefully there will be enough public reaction to cause the four who approved this multi-million dollar gift of public funds to look at what they've done and reverse the decision. 


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EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: JULY 21, 2011


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WHISPERS IN THE WIND: NATIVE AMERICAN FOLKLORE JULY 24 AT MISSION TRAILS


July 21, 2011 (San Diego) -- Renowned local storytellers Mary Holma and Cynthia Griffin will be spinning Native American Folklore Tales In The Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center Theater with their program "Whispers In The Wind"on July 24 from 3-4 p.m.

 


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SHOOT, DRIBBLE AND SCORE: YOUTH BASKETBALL CAMP AUG. 8-11 AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE WITH TOP COACH

July 21, 2011 (El Cajon)--Grossmont College Athletics Dept. and Grossmont College men’s basketball coach Doug Weber invite boys and girls entering third through ninth grades to Grossmont College’s annual youth summer basketball camp, from 8 a.m. to noon, Monday through Thursday, Aug. 8 to 11.

 


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SAVE A NEIGHBOR WITH NEIGHBORHOOD BEAT: PROGRAM LAUNCHES AUG. 13 AT SDSU WITH FREE CPR TRAINING

 

July 20, 2011 (San Diego)-- Council Member Marti Emerald is partnering with Rural/Metro Ambulance, the city of San Diego’s ambulance provider, to launch Neighborhood Beat, a city-wide community CPR training program. 

 


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AUGUST HEATLH PROGRAMS FOR SENIORS ANNOUNCED AT SHARP HEALTHCARE IN LA MESA

July 20, 2011 (La Mesa)--Sharp Grossmont Hospital’s Senior Resource Center offers free or low-cost educational programs and health screenings each month. The Center also provides health information and community resources.

 


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2 DROWNINGS IN EL CAJON PROMPT WATER SAFETY REMINDERS FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS


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FIRST LICENSED MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY IN COUNTY OPENS IN EL CAJON

July 20, 2011 (El Cajon)-- Mother Earth Alternative Health Cooperative, Inc., is attracting a steady stream of customers three weeks after opening its doors in an unincorporated area of El Cajon near Gillespie Field.

 

Some might say it’s high time. California voters approved medical marijuana with a ballot initiative back in 1996, but San Diego Supervisors filed suit to block implementation.


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SDSU’S ALLISON REASER HEADS TO PAN AMERICAN JUNIOR ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

July 20, 2011 (San Diego)--San Diego State's Allison Reaser will compete in the heptathlon at the 2011 Pan American Junior Athletics Championships this weekend (July 23-24) at the Ansin Sports Complex in Miramar, Fla. The freshman earned the right to represent the United States after winning the event at the 2011 USA Junior Outdoor Track and Field Championships last month in Eugene, Ore.

 


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FUNBELIEVABLE PROVIDES OFF-THE-WALL PLAY ADVENTURES FOR KIDS

 

"Seeing is believing!" Lynne McTurk, Funbelievable

 

By Miriam Raftery

July 20, 2011 (Lakeside) – Now there’s a place where you can let kids climb the walls—plus run, jump, and bounce to their heart’s delight. It's a great place to beat the summer heat and let the kids run wild. 

 


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