March 14, 2014 (San Diego)-- In the wake of President Barack Obama’s declaration of the challenge of helping young men of color  succeed as a “moral issue for the country,” Cuyamaca College recently held a workshop led by two San Diego State University professors  highlighting the issue’s relevance to community colleges.

Sophie’s Vineyard will celebrate a special sneak-peek planting party on April 5

March 11, 2014 (El Cajon)-- St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, the East County vocational day program for more than 400 adults with developmental disabilities, has announced the grand opening of Sophie’s Vineyard. As part of its expanding garden, the Center will install 290 vines in a unique double row design with the purpose of providing students with an education on grape agriculture, selling table grapes at local farmers markets, and the opportunity to partner with local wineries and wine makers.

March 12, 2014 (La Mesa) – The Medical Examiner has identified John Mathew Hajosy, 28, of La Mesa as the driver killed by a wrong-way driver on State Route 94 shortly after 2 a.m. on February 23.

Public Service Announcement: San Diego County

March 13, 2014 (San Diego)--The County of San Diego needs your help in identifying potential storm water quality improvement projects.  Recently adopted regulations require that the County identify and pursue a variety of on-the-ground projects to improve regional storm water quality.  The first step in this process is to assess and locate potential projects that could be implemented.  

Project types that may be considered include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following categories:

• Stream or riparian area rehabilitation

• Retrofitting existing infrastructure (Green Streets, Low Impact Development, Treatment);

• Regional BMP’s (best management practices for stormwater treatment basins);
• Groundwater recharge projects (infiltration basins);

• Water supply augmentation projects (large cisterns); and

• Land purchases to preserve floodplain functions.

Project suggestions will be accepted until March 28, 2014.  Scroll down for details.

By Miriam Raftery

San Diego State University Professor Emeritus Phil Pryde, editor/author of Environmental Resources and Constraints in the Former Soviet Republics, shared insights into the unfolding crises in the Crimea and Ukraine.  What are the implications of the upheaval and impending eleciton for the region and the world?  

ECM editor Miriam Raftery and intern Jessica Redmond interviewed Professor Pryde for KNSJ radio. Listen to the interview:

By Miriam Raftery

The second annual “Run East County” 5K Marathon will be held on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2014.

You can walk or run three options of courses: a certified half marathon, the Main Street 5 K, or the Green Mile suited for children or adults with developmental disabilities. Participants compete for prizes including cash prizes for best costume, massage and beauty treatments and more.

March 13, 2014 (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 reflect all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

• Judge dismisses FAA fine against small drone user  (UT San Diego)
• Stolen passports raise security concerns (Wall Street Journal)
• Judge's order preserves NSA surveillance records (Sacramento Bee)
• Snowden: Proposed NSA reforms vindicate my data leaks (Reuters)

WORLD

• Missing Malaysian jet may have disintegrated in mid-air: source (Reuters
• U.S. warns Russia not to annex Crimea (BBC)
• Arab League refuses to recognize Israel as Jewish state (Christian Science Monitor)
• Iraqi women protest against proposed Islamic law in Iraq (Reuters)
• Not like a fairy tale: Saudi princesses reportedly locked in castle by king for 13 years (Jerusalem Post)
• Save the Children describes healthcare disaster in Syria (Reuters)
• Israel: Seized rockets would put Jerusalem in Gaza's range (+video) (Christian Science Monitor)
• Saudi Arabia names Muslim Brotherhood terrorist group  (Christian Science Monitor)

For excerpts and links to full stories, hit “read more” and scroll down.

Public Hearings to be held on April 29 and May 7

By Sharon Penny

On the evening of March 12, the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) board members convened a committee meeting for transmittal of the petition to unify the Alpine Union School (AUS) District. 

Alpine residents successfully submitted a petition meeting all requirements to convert the K-8 Alpine Union School District to a K-12 Alpine Unified School District, which would then include a future high school in Alpine (http://eastcountymagazine.org/node/15043).

Photo: Dr. Gloria Harris

By Nadin Abbott

By Nadin Abbott

March 11, 2014 (San Diego) – Following an East County Magazine investigation that found a disparity in distribution of veterans’ services countywide, today the Board of Supervisors voted to expand veterans’ services from the current locations in urban areas to also include County libraries-- starting with Ramona, El Cajon, Pine Valley and Julian. Volunteers who are veterans themselves will staff these services.  

Supervisor Dianne Jacob introduced the proposal, emphasizing that many of the veterans who reside in rural areas of the County “cannot access the nine current locations.” So this expansion was needed.

March 11, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - Through March 17, you can vote once every 24 hours to help the MTRP Foundation win up to $15,000 for a “Technology Makeover” for the 8 Rangers at MTRP.  The MRC Company “Smart Technology Solutions” is the largest technology and services company in the San Diego area specializing in workflow solutions and office systems.  They are currently running a contest to provide the winning 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation with up to a $15,000 technology upgrade for their office.  The winner will be decided by the number of votes cast on-line through March 17. Here is the LINK to vote and you can vote once every 24 hours. Scroll down the right hand side of the webpage until you come to Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP) Foundation and click the “Vote” button to help us win.  The funds will be used to provide the 8 Rangers at MTRP with wifi connected tablets such as the Microsoft Surface Pro.

March 12, 2014 (Ramona) – A kayaker found drowned at Lake Sutherland on March 1 has been identified as Leonard Kevin Jones, 57, a widower.  According to the Medical Examiner, dilated cardiomyopathy contributed to his death.

By Miriam Raftery

March 11, 2014 (Campo) – Why did the County offer sandbags at multiple locations in the recent storm, but none east of Alpine?  Campo resident Claudia Millerbragg indicated that at least four other people in her community wanted sandbags to protect their properties, but could not access them.

East County Magazine contacted Supervisor Dianne Jacob’s office and in turn, we received a  response from Sasra Agahi, a senior civil engineer in the flood control division of County Public Works, who indicated that as a result of our inquiry, sandbags should be available in Campo in time for a storm due next week.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

March Madness!  It came in like a Lion, will it leave like a Lamb?

March 10, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - March came in like a Lion bringing more rain than we’ve seen in years, but will it leave like a Lamb?   “Though ordinarily not a big concern, March winds may pose a very serious fire danger says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.  Normally we would have had more rain by now and brush fires are not quite a concern.  With drought conditions and little rain, fuel moisture content is extremely low says DiGiovanna.”

By Helen Ofield

Photos by Audrey Hamm