SAMUEL GARCIA-ACEDO, 15, STRUCK AND KILLED IN SPRING VALLEY

 

March 12, 2014 (Spring Valley) – A Spring Valley teen who was hit and killed by a vehicle while crossing an intersection at La Presa Avenue and Jamacha Boulevard has been identified as Samual Garcia-Acedo, 15.


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RESEARCHERS FOCUS ON MEN OF COLOR AT SAN DIEGO COLLEGES

 

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.


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REP. SUSAN DAVIS' BILL WOULD HELP BORROWERS PAY DOWN STUDENT LOANS FASTER

 

March 13, 2014 (Washington D.C.)-- Being able to pay extra on a student loan can provide peace of mind that a financial burden is shrinking faster than usual. That’s until you learn that the extra money has been applied to future payments and interest, reducing your ability to pay down the principal.  Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) introduced legislation today that would require extra payments on student loans go toward the principal of the loan first.


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ST. MADELEINE SOPHIE'S CENTER UNVEILS NEW VINEYARD

 

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.


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FATAL ALPINE CRASH KILLS WOMAN, 22, INJURES MAN AND BABY

 

March 13, 2014 (Alpine) – A young woman driving a Jeep Cherokee at a high rate of speed lost control when she braked and swerved to avoid a slow-moving vehicle on I-8 west of Tavern Road in Alpine last night at 5:20 p.m., California Highway Patrol reports.  The Jeep plunged down an embankment, trapping her inside. She died at the scene.


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VICTIM OF WRONG-WAY DRIVER WAS LA MESA RESIDENT

 

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.


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CPUC APPROVES PLAN TO REPLACE POWER FROM SAN ONOFRE; ADDS OPTION FOR GAS-FIRED PLANTS

 

 

Opponents say change was made without public input

By Miriam Raftery

March 13, 2014 (San Francisco)--Today, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) voted unanimously on its plan to replace power from the shut-down San Onofre Nuclear Generating System. The plan will require Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric to incorporate clean energy to replace the San Onofre system. But environmentalistssay that last minute changes in the final decision raise the odds that utilities will build gas plants instead of local, renewable energy sources.

According to the California Air Resources Board, greenhouse gas emissions rose in 2012 for the first time since 2008 because of increased reliance on gas plants after San Onofre closed.


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HELP IMPROVE OUR WATER QUALITY: SUBMIT YOUR WATER PROJECT IDEAS BY MARCH 28

 

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.


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IRISH MUSIC AND MORE AT HOOLEYFEST

 

March 13, 2014 (La Mesa)- Hooley’s Irish Pub in La Mesa will be hosting its annual Sant Patrick’s Day Hooley Fest on Monday, March 17.  The festivities take place under tents in the parking lot at Grossmont Center outside the restaurant, starting at 5 p.m.

This year’s entertainment includes Tony Cummins, Times nominee for the Irish Music Awards, the award winning Jukebox, and American fiddle rock stars Lexington Field.


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CRIMEAN EXPERT SPEAKS WITH ECM

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:

Audio: 


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RUSSIAN AGGRESSION, UKRAINIAN SOVEREIGNTY, OR CRIMEAN SELF-DETERMINATION?

 

San Diego Ukranians Speak Out

“My 17 year old friend was shot by snipers for delivering vegetables to protestors in independence square.”—Vera Skop, San Diego

By Jessica Richmond

March 14, 2014 (San Diego)-- Since the February 28th takeover of the Crimean region in the Ukraine by unmarked Russian troops, Ukrainians have been asking, “Are we safe from Russian expansionism?” In San Diego, with a population of approximately 15,000 Ukrainians, this has become a sensitive topic. Sources from Ukraine confirm that family members at home and abroad are equally worried about the escalating encroachment of Russia on the sovereign Ukrainian territory of Crimea.


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“RUN EAST COUNTY” AND ST. PATRICK’S DAY BEER & WINE FESTIVAL MARCH 17 IN EL CAJON

 

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.


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TRIBAL CHAIRMAN ASKS TRIBAL MEMBER TO REMOVE “OBSCENE” STATUE

 

 

By Jessica Richmond

March 13, 2014 (Santa Ysabel)—Iipay tribal member June Sortore has refused a request from tribal chairman Virgil Perez  to take down  a  statue of a hand with the middle finger raised.

 In a letter delivered to Sortore by tribal law enforcement, Chairman Perez called the hand-made statue ““indecent and offensive,” noting that it can be viewed by children on a school bus. Though the Iipay Tribal Chairman says the middle finger is an “obscene gesture,” Sortore says she erected the statute as a symbol of defiance against former Tribal Chairman Johnny Hernandez.

 “I built the statue to show him we had not lost nor have we given up hope,” she says.  She claims her form of expression is protected as free speech under the U.S. Constitution and further, that the symbol has historical significance.


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ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS

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.

WORLD

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


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GRAND JURY: SAN DIEGO SHOULD AMEND CHARTER, MAKE IT EASIER TO REMOVE PUBLIC OFFICIALS

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 13, 2014 (San Diego) – Mayor Bob Filner was the latest of several San Diego mayors who resigned under public pressure. Filner pled guilty to a felony count and two misdemeanors following a long string of complaints by women alleging sexual harassment. But there was no legal requirement for a disgraced or disabled mayor to leave office, under San Diego’s Charter. In fact, the charter allows removal of a Mayor or other city official only through death, resignation or recall.

 Now the San Diego County Grand Jury wants to see that changed. Today, the Grand Jury issued a report recommending that the City Council identify additional reasons for removing a public official and place a proposal to amend the City  Charter on the ballot for voters to decide in a future election.


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UNIFICATION OF ALPINE SCHOOLS TO K-12 MODEL MOVES TO NEXT STEP

 

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).


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SUPERVISORS VOTE TO REGULATE E-CIGARETTES AND "VAPING" DEVICES

 

Photos: Supervisors Dave Roberts, left, coauthor of the measure, and Bill Horn who voted against the regulations.

By Nadin Abbott

March 11, 2014 (San Diego) –Citing health concerns, Supervisors today voted 3-1 to regulate electronic cigarettes and vaping devices.  In addition, a proposal to ban these devices in all County buildings will be brought before the Council in May. Supervisor Bill Horn voted against the measure and Supervisor Ron Roberts was absent.


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COUNTY TO STRENGTHEN ELDER CARE STANDARDS

 

Photo: Dr. Gloria Harris

By Nadin Abbott

March 11, 2014 (San Diego)--In response to a media report exposing abuse in elder care facilities locally, Supervisors voted to strengthen protections for elderly patients and their families. The unanimous 4-0 vote (with Suerpvisor Ron Roberts absent) approved funds to improve the county’s system for checking up on care in senior care facilities. These standards include the ability of the District Attorney to look at complaints more closely. In addition, the County will create a system for patient’s families to compare ratings of facilities countywide.


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EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS

March 12, 2014 (San Diego's East County)--East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include:

LOCAL

STATE


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COUNTY EXPANDS VETERANS SERVICES TO RURAL EAST COUNTY

 

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.


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CAMPUS POLICE WARN OF STRONG ARM ROBBERY ATTEMPT

March 11, 2014 (San Diego) – San Diego State University police warn that on March 8 at 1:50 a.m., three male suspects attempted to steal an SDSU student’s wallet, but were unsuccessful.  The victim met the suspects earlier in the evening and they were walking near the Open Air Theatre on campus when the incident occurred. The victim sustained minor injuries from being punched and kicked during the attempted robbery.


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VOTE ON-LINE TO HELP WIN A TECHNOLOGY MAKEOVER FOR THE MISSION TRAILS RANGERS

 

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.


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PASSAGES: TREE TRIMMER KILLED IN EL CAJON

 

March 11, 2014 (El Cajon )- - Bernardo Teran, 49, owner of a tree trimming company, was killed February 26 while he and his sons, along with two employees, were removing a date palm tree from the yard of a home  at 1586 Falda Del Cerro in El Cajon.


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PASSAGES: DROWNED KAYAKER IDENTIFIED

 

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.


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SPECIAL MEETING ON LAKE JENNINGS FUTURE: MARCH 12 in LA MESA

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 11, 2014 (La Mesa)Helix Water District will hold a special meeting with the Lake Jennings Campground Committee and Board of Directors on Wednesday, March 12 at 5:30 p.m. at the District headquarters, 7811 University Avenue in La Mesa.

The meeting will include a PowerPoint presentation and discussion regarding activities, marketing, and suggested maintenance at the Lake Jennings campground.  The Board has previously indicated closure of the campgrounds is likely if additional funding sources are not found.


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ECM INQUIRY LEADS TO SANDBAGS OFFERED IN CAMPO

 

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.


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LAKESIDE MAN CHARGED WITH DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY AFTER SETTING FIRE AT FBI BUILDING

 

March 11, 2014 (Lakeside)—A Lakeside man who scaled a security gate and prompted a SWAT team standoff for several hours on Sunday at the FBI headquarters in San Diego has been charged with destruction property, said San Diego Special Agent in Charge Daphne Hearn.


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF'S CORNER: MARCH MADNESS!

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.”


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JUSTICE DEPARTMENT SEEKS TO REDUCE SUICIDES AMONG NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 10, 2014 (Washington D.C.)--The U.S. Justice Department has created a national task force to study impacts of violence on Native American children.  Task force members have said they are shocked to find epidemic rates of suicide among young people on reservations.


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LEMON GROVE RESIDENTS HONORED

 

By Helen Ofield

Photos by Audrey Hamm

March 10, 2014 (Lemon Grove)--On Mar. 6, the 50th anniversary of its annual conference on regional history, the Congress of History of San Diego and Imperial Counties (www.congressofhistory.org) gave important awards to five present and former Lemon Grove residents for enriching and advancing the history of the region.  The Congress's vice president Louise Torio (chair, Friends of the Villa Montezuma, Inc.) presented the awards.


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