July is dedicated as National Grilling Safety Month – Send the Right Smoke Signal - SAFETY!

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

July 29, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - “July, August and right into Labor Day we use our barbeques than any other months. Firefighters respond to many structure and wild-land fires that involve barbeques this time of year. We also treat many victims for injuries related to barbeques says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Barbeque Safety means sending the right smoke signal and that signal is Safety!”

By Donn Rutkoff

"Man About Wine"

July 19, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) -- Hello to all wine lovers in the East County and all wine lovers anywhere who are reading East County Magazine.  This is my first column and we hope there will be many more.  I will be bringing you news of what is happening here in the county, news of interest to the local growers and fermenters, and some educational "fluff" to help you enjoy wines.

Here is a preview of this week's wine-worthy topics.  (Hit "read more" and scroll down for the full stories.) 

• Sparkling wines in an hour?
• Warm-weather red grapes
• New tasting rooms - thanks to rezoning underway
• Wine columnist shares his roots

By Brian Lafferty

July 12, 2014 – I highly doubt the makers of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes read my less-than-enthusiastic review of the first film three years ago.  Although the screenplay was chillingly effective as a cautionary tale, Rise of the Planet if the Apes (Rupert Wyatt, 2011) could have used a lot more polished effects work considering the high human-to-ape ratio. 

Nevertheless, I looked forward to this sequel.  The director is Matt Reeves, who is best known for making Cloverfield (2008) and Let Me In (2010).  Of his small directorial output, I’ve only seen the latter, but this must be said: any director who can remake a seemingly "untouchable" film like Let the Right One In (Tomas Alfredson, 2008), retain the key ingredients that made the original successful - namely the haunting performances of the child actors, the icy dark photography, and unnerving violence – and at the same time make it his own, is one I will watch with little hesitation.

E - The Environmental Magazine

Dear EarthTalk: I’ve heard that, above and beyond our bad eating and lifestyle habits, some chemicals in everyday products are contributing to the obesity problem. Can you explain?

“It's like a heat wave, Burnin' in my heart, I can't keep from cryin', It's tearin' me apart…”

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

July 10, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - “What a cool song…  But lately, temperatures haven’t been so cool. It’s been hot and humid which put an even greater strain on us. Extreme heat is a potential health concern reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.”

“Articles Concerning Trusts, Wills, Probate, Family Law & more”

By Stephen C. Ross, Esq.

July 4, 2014 (San Diego County) – Life insurance can often be used as a significant element of an estate plan. It may provide a liquid source of funds for the insured’s estate to pay estate taxes and other death-related expenses. Such insurance is often used to establish or supplement an estate to support the insured’s family should he or she die. A family business may use life insurance to create a source of funds for surviving owners to purchase the decedent’s company interest pursuant to a buy-sell or shareholder’s agreement.

By Ed Barrenas

July 2, 2014 (El Cajon)--Micro-brewing is catching on around the nation, but if you don't have the means to visit microbreweries in other states, or even if fine local breweries just seem too far out of the way, head to The Downtown Cafe in the heart of downtown El Cajon.

Already boasting what I consider to be one of the best happy hours in East County, The Downtown Cafe also delivers a rotation of microbrews from around the country, that only a few establishments could hope to rival. There is also a full restaurant, and certain foods are offered at happy hour discounts.

Drought and Your Health

June 23, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - Summer is officially here and with more than half the U.S. currently in drought, there are concerns over the consequences of not only the country's crop yields and wildfires, but also on human health reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

June 7, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) -- We recently celebrated Memorial Day and D – Day honoring those who sacrificed for our freedom. True heroes, no doubt! We also celebrated National EMS/First Responder Week as well. It recognizes fire, police and medical first responders who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of emergency medicine's "front line."  Father's day is upon us and there are lots of Hero’s to recognize. Have you ever considered yourself as a Hero?

E - The Environmental Magazine

By Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss - Photo Credit: Steve Jurvetson

Dear EarthTalk: What are the environmental implications of the so-called “driverless car” that Google and others are working on right now?                                            ­-- April Jackman, Barre, MA

June 1, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - Just a decade ago most of us wouldn’t have dreamed we’d live to see driverless cars whisking people around, but things are changing fast and analysts now think they will be common by 2020 and account for the majority of cars on the road by 2040. And with Google’s recent unveiling of its latest prototype—complete with no pedals or steering wheel—the future is indeed closer than we ever imagined.

By Susan Mahalick

May 20, 2014 (Baja)--I am not retired, like so many people are down here, but I consider Baja to be my home, and have for eleven years now. I used to come down for long weekends when I lived up in San Diego, staying with a friend in Baja del Mar. I started crying going back over the border on Sunday evenings, so I decided I could fix that problem by moving here. My friend helped me a find my first tiny casita to rent in Colonia Reforma which is close to the power plant in Rosarito.

By Chief Sam DIGiovanna

May 19, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--While next Monday we will be remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces, Memorial Day can be thought of as one of the most important holidays in the U.S.  Observed annually every last Monday of May, people usually take some time off from their work and other activities to reflect on the significance of this all-important celebration and enjoy many outdoor activities and events.  Make this Memorial day memorable by following some of these safety tips.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

May 10, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--"Prom and graduation season is here again - this is a time for celebration," says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. "Unfortunately, these happy occasions sometimes involve underage drinking which can result in tragedy. It is therefore critical that parents keep the lines of communication open when it comes to talking to their kids about the dangers of underage drinking and drunk driving."

By Susan Mahalick

May 9, 2014 (Baja California)--Art Fest started due to the vision of one man who wanted to promote the abundance of fine art in the northern Baja area. Organizer Benito del Aguila Malvaez, owner of Los Naguales, a Mexican folk art gallery, has been putting on this event since it started in 2009 with 5000 attendees.

E - The Environmental Magazine

Photo Credit: Heather Buttrum, courtesy FlicKer

May 4, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – Dear EarthTalk: What would you consider to be the key areas we need to improve to make our food safer for our health and easier on our environment?

 -- Billy A., Oakland, CA

Although we have come a long way in recent years with regard to the safety and sustainability of our food supply, we still have a long way to go. Toxic pesticides are still used on the vast majority of U.S. grown crops, while other hormone-disrupting chemicals are omnipresent in our food packaging. And excessive use of antibiotics in animal agriculture threatens to render many human drugs ineffective. Environmental leaders would like to see the federal government step up and institute regulations banning such substances in our food supply, but for now it’s still up to individual consumers to make the right choices.