Photo (left): Ivanpah Solar testing; photo by  Tom Budlong

Photo (center): warbler with over 50% of its feathers burned was found alive, but died of its injuries

Monarch butterfly (photo, right) numbers are down 90% in the most recent Pacific migration

By Miriam Raftery

April 15, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – Last month we reported that themonarch butterflies’ annual migration to Mexico is down 90%.  Various theories have been proposed.  But now a newly released study by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service reveals  that “hundreds  upon hundreds of butterflies” including monarchs, along with dragonflies, were found dead at the Ivanpah solar site.

April 15, 2014 (San Diego County) - The Keystone pipeline proposal has hit a Nebraska stop sign, but it has deeper problems than right-of-way issues across the United States.  After all, the controversial proposal for transporting Alberta’s tar sands across America was never just about the pipeline.  Just ask the thousand students who rallied in front of the White House recently, who were willing to be arrested to make their point.

April 14, 2014 (Mt. Helix) -- On Saturday, May 17, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am, part two of Mt. Helix Park’s Nature/Sustainable Living lecture series will be held in the ampitheater atop Mt. Helix.This free, one-hour lecture on landscaping with California native plants will feature guest  speaker, Greg Rubin, President of California’s Own Native Landscape Design, Inc. and co-author of "The  California Native Landscape: The Homeowner's Guide to Restoring Its Beauty and Balance.”

By Nicolee Hill          

April 1, 2014

April 15, 2014 (La Mesa)-- Master Goldsmith and Jewelry Designer, Terry Whyte of Golden Artistry Jewelry Design is hosting this annual competition to be held in conjunction with Golden Artistry’s 30th anniversary. The event will be held on May 2, 2014 from 5:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. at the La Mesa Woman's Club, 5220 Wilson, La Mesa , CA 91942. Numerous local vendors and restaurants will be donating gifts and services to be raffled off. In addition, Terry Whyte will auction off one of his original pieces of jewelry and the Grand Prize winning design.  All proceeds will go to the Golden Artistry Foundation which will disperse funds to local schools’ jewelry programs and to the internships at Golden Artistry.  Members of the community are encouraged to participate in this event.

April 15, 2014 (Pala)--The Pala Band of Mission Indians announced today that Tribal Chairman Robert Smith will be recognized as Community Partner of the Year by the San Diego County School Boards Association at an awards ceremony on May 2.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: simulation of plant viewed from campground at Mission Trails Regional Park

April 14, 2014 (San Diego) – One year after the California Public Utilities Commissions suspended an application for the controversial gas-fired Quail Brush power plan proposed near Mission Trails Regional Park and schools in Santee, the applicant has taken steps to keep the proposal alive.

By Miriam Raftery

April 14, 2014 (San Diego)-- Tonight, San Diegans will be able to view a rare astronomical sight:  a blood moon, which is an unusual type of eclipse in which the moon appears red or orange.

April 14, 2014 (Lakeside) - Last year on Christmas Eve, Salvatore Belvedere and his brother’s fiancé, Ilona Flint, were found mortally wounded in a vehicle parked at Mission Valley Center.  Flint managed to call 911 despite having been shot in the head.  She died at the scene and her finance later succumbed to his wounds at a hospital. Both were 22 years old.

Daughter told friend she saw a "white guy" fleeing murder scene

By Robert Clark

April 13, 2014 (El Cajon)--The trial of Kassim Alhimidi for the murder of his wife, Shaima Alawadi, in El Cajon District Court is winding down. According to Judge William McGrath, the case could go to the jury as early perhaps as April 15, following completion of presentation of evidence, his jury instructions, and closing arguments.

The prosecution rested at 10:06 a.m. on April 11, having presented 108 exhibits into evidence. The defense called four witnesses before court adjourned about 2:30 p.m.

April 13, 2014 (San Diego)—Author Ben Ross will appear at Upstart Crow on Monday, April 28 at 7:00 for his book, Dead End: Suburban Sprawl and the Rebirth of American Urbanism. This event is sponsored by the Cleveland National Forest Foundation.

April 13, 2014 (Lemon Grove) - Assemblymember Shirley Weber will host a Community Coffee Chat on Saturday, April 19^th. Attendees will have the opportunity to be updated on what’s happening in Sacramento and to share their concerns on statewide issues. This event is a free and open to the public.

By Miriam Raftery

 

April 13, 2014 (Spring Valley)—A man who allegedly assaulted and seriously injured a store clerk with the blunt end of a hatchet has been arrested following a pursuit in Spring Valley yesterday afternoon.

Harold Hill, 24, who was wanted for a parole violation, entered Jamacha Produce on Jamacha Blvd in Spring Valley armed with a gun and a hatchet at 3:26 p.m, according to Sergeant Daniel Vengler with the San Diego Sheriff . Customers, including a 12 year-old girl, hid in the store as Hill confronted the 34 year-old clerk.

Chukuka S. Enwemeka to become the next senior academic administrator at SDSU

April 12, 2014 (San Diego) — San Diego State University has named Chukuka S. Enwemeka as its next provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, the senior academic administrator at the university. Currently distinguished professor and Dean of the College of Health Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Enwemeka will begin as SDSU provost on July 1, succeeding Nancy Marlin, who is stepping down from the role.

By Miriam Raftery

April 12, 2014 (La Mesa)—Polonia United, an organization of Polish Americans in San Diego, hosted a meet and greet with Congressman Duncan D. Hunter (R-Alpine) at a private home in La Mesa.

“I am proud to have fought for people who want to be free,” said Hunter, a veteran who has served multiple tours of duty in Afghanistan.Hunter spoke of the need for the U.S. to support its allies that value freedom including nations in Europe such as Poland, while guarding against those who seek to cause harm.