Deserts

AGREEMENT PROTECTS SAN DIEGO’S VANISHING BURROWING OWLS, INCREASES SOLAR ENERGY

 

Agreement includes pilot project to repopulate burrowing owls across San Diego County; comes in response to lawsuit filed over destruction of burrowing owls near airport

January 23, 2017 (San Diego) -- An agreement announced today between conservation and environmental justice groups and private developers will protect imperiled burrowing owls, increase renewable solar energy and conserve wildlife habitat to offset impacts from the redevelopment of San Diego’s Brown Field Municipal Airport. The airport — located near the Mexico border in Otay Mesa — will be redeveloped with new commercial and aviation facilities and include on-site solar energy to reduce energy consumption.

The agreement follows a lawsuit filed against the City of San Diego in 2013 by environmental groups to protect burrowing owls at the airport and protect their habitat.  Coalition for a Safe Environment's executive director Jesse Marquez stated at the time, "On one of our visits we discovered that the owl burrows had been poisoned to eliminate the owls in order to avoid having to relocate them. We must do everything possible to protect these owls from becoming extinct in San Diego."


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CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’: THE STORY OF MIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION JANUARY 28

 

East County News Service

January 18, 2017 (Borrego Springs) – The Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association will present a three-part program titled “California Dreamin’” on the story of migration and immigration.  All three parts will be presented on Saturday, January 28th and will encompass the history of the early Californians, Western women, and the impacts of immigration on Native Americans.


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ALL ABOUT WORMS: VERMICOMPOSTNG WORKSHOP AT JACUMBA LIBRARY JAN. 24

 

East County News Service

January 12, 2017 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – Vermicomposting (worm composting) is an environmentally-friendly way to turn your food waste into nutrient rich castings for your plants or garden beds. Learn all about how easy it is to compost your food waste with red wriggler worms at an interactive presentation on Tuesday, January 24 at 12:30 p.m. in the Jacumba Branch Library (44605 Old Highway 80 in Jacumba.).  Map | Website


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ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK HOSTS TWO FIRST DAY HIKES ON NEW YEAR’S DAY

 

East County News Service

December 27, 2016 (Borrego Springs) – Anza Borrego Desert State Park invites the public to start the New Year off with a “First Day Hike.”  The park will offer two guided hikes on January 1st, one at 9 a.m. and the second at 2 p.m.


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PHOTO OF THE WEEK: RAINBOW OVER OCOTILLO

 

East County News Service

December 24, 2016 (Ocotillo) – Parke Ewing sent this stunning shot, perfectly composed, of a rainbow arcing above wind turbines in the desert at Ocotillo on Christmas Eve after the storm.

Residents have long complained about the turbines marring desert views.  So when Ewing posted this image on Facebook, it received some equally creative comments.


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2 ADULTS DEAD IN CHRISTMAS EVE CRASH, BUT CHILDREN SURVIVE

 

Not wearing seatbelt led to ejection of driver from vehicle

East County News Service

December 25, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) — Two women died yesterday morning  after they were ejected from a vehicle that rolled over on a rain-slicked section of S-2, the Great Southern Overland Stage Route, south of State Route 78 in rural East County.


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PHOTO OF THE WEEK: STUNNING SUNRISE

 

 

East County News Service

December 17, 2016 (Ocotillo) -- Jim Pelley captured this image of a spectacular sunrise over the desert in Ocotillo yesterday morning.


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SENATOR HUESO SEEKS ANSWERS ON OCOTILLO WIND TURBINE COLLAPSE

 

Part III in our series on the Ocotillo wind turbine collapse

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Jim Pelley

December  11, 2016 (Ocotillo) – State Senator Ben Hueso (D-40th district) wants to know why a massive wind turbine collapsed on November 21st  in Ocotillo on public land—and what will be done to prevent future such disasters.

In a letter to Beth O’Brien,  Pattern Energy’s manager of external affairs,  Senator Hueso notes that this is the third serious incident that has occurred at the Ocotillo Wind Energy Facilitiy since it opened approximately four years ago.  Prior problems include a wind turbine that burst into flames and another that hurled a multi-ton blade onto a public trail.

He indicated that residents have contacted him with concerns and asked him to look into the matter.  East County Magazine also contacted the Senator to ask what steps will be taken to protect public safety.


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BORDER PATROL RESCUES UNDOCUMENTED MAN IN OCOTILLO

 

East County News Service

December 9, 2016 (Ocotillo) - Border Patrol agents rescued a 39-year-old illegal immigrant, whose identity is being withheld, in the mountains west of Ocotillo on Friday around 12:40 p.m., NBC 7 reports.

California Highway Patrol agents were able to find the man, a native of El Salvador, after a report filed that he was lost about half a mile north of the Mexican border.


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BORREGO SPRINGS FILM FEST SELECTS ARTIST JIM HALL FOR POSTER & PROGRAM

 

Painter featured in documentary headed for festival

East County News Service

Photo: Artist Jim Hall paints an iconic scene of Borrego Springs in his Lineillism style for the town’s 2017 film festival poster and program.  Hall is the subject of  the documentary, Lines of Sight, staging its California premiere at the festival in January.

December 3, 2016 (Borrego Springs) - The Borrego Springs 2017 Film Festival slated for January 12-14 will feature a poster and program created by artist Jim Hall, whose daring new painting style and life story are the subject of the award-winning documentary, Lines of Sight. The hour-long film will stage its California premiere at the festival in January.      

Hall created a new painting style called “Lineillism” after his vision was temporarily marred by a case of Shingles. He saw the world in all vertical lines and decided to paint that way. The style is similar to Pointillism, but instead of dots, Hall uses all vertical brushstrokes - up to 500,000 in a painting.      


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OCOTILLO WIND TURBINE COLLAPSE: INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED

 

Part II in our series on the Ocotillo wind turbine collapse

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Jim Pelley

November 22, 2016 (Ocotillo) – Ocotillo Wind Energy has issued a statement on its website after collapse of a massive wind turbine Monday at its Ocotillo, California energy project site.  The statement indicates the turbine fell within the designed setback zone and no one was injured. Officials say they are working closely with Siemens, the manufacturer of the collapsed turbine, to identify the cause of the failure, with a “full investigation” underway.   The company said safety is its “first priority” and that more information will be released as it becomes available, KYMA TV reports.

Both this project and Siemens have a history of serious problems, however, leading to questions of whether federal or state oversight is needed to protect public safety.


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WIND TURBINE COLLAPSES IN OCOTILLO

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Jim Pelley

November 21, 2016 (Ocotillo) – A 500-foot-tall wind turbine at the Ocotillo Wind Energy Facility collapsed this morning, spewing debris and three blades each weighing many tons across the desert floor.

ECM photographer Jim Pelley, an Ocotillo resident, says 30 minutes after the collapse, the other 111 turbines were still spinning and no one from Pattern Energy had arrived.  Around an hour or more after the collapse, Pattern arrived and deenergized the entire project.


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50TH ANNIVERSARY CHALLENGE: HIKE ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK’S BEST TRAILS AND PEAKS

 

Update: Hear our interview with Paige Rogowski, Executive Director of the Anza Borrego Foundation and Diana Lindsey,  past president of the Foundation and historian for Anza Borrego Desert State Park. Listen now by clicking the audio link.

Guided hikes are also available

East County News Service

November 16, 2016 (Anza-Borrego) In celebration of Anza-Borrego Foundation’s 50th Anniversary, Anza-Borrego Foundation and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are inviting visitors to complete two five-hike challenges on some of the most famous (and infamous) peaks and trails in the region.

Audio: 

Anza Borrego 50th Anniversary: Interviews

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BORDER PATROL AGENTS RESCUE LOST ATV RIDER IN DESERT

 

East County News Service

November 1, 2016 (Ocotillo Wells) -- Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) agents rescued a man who was lost in the Ocotillo Wells Desert early Monday morning.

On Sunday, around 6:30 p.m., a ranger with California Department of Parks and Recreation contacted Border Patrol agents assigned to the Highway 86 checkpoint and asked for help to locate a missing man last seen in the Ocotillo Wells Desert. He was reported missing by his family after he failed to return from an ATV ride in the desert.


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POWAY MAN KILLED IN DESERT DIRT BIKE CRASH

 

East County News Service

November 1, 2016 (Ocotillo Wells) – Poway resident Gary Schultz, 56, was found Sunday morning after a dirt bike crash in Ocotillo Wells and died soon after of injuries.

Authorities believe he was riding his dirt bike when he lost control, hit a sand berm and was ejected.  Motorcyclists found him off Split Mountain Road near Old Kane Springs Road.


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HELP AVAILABLE FOR PROPERTY OWNERS WITH DRY WELLS

 

Loans are available to help people with dry wells due to the drought

By Michele Clock, County of San Diego Communications Office

October 27, 2016 (San Diego) -- Do you own a property with a well in San Diego County? Is it dry due to our prolonged statewide drought? Help is available.

A new emergency water distribution program is offering assistance to residents without access to running water for drinking and sanitation due to a dry well. Residents who qualify can receive low-interest loans to replace individual water well systems and install temporary water tanks. The water assistance is not for landscaping or agricultural needs.


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JACUMBA HIKERS ANNOUNCE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER HIKE SCHEDULE

 

Source: the Jacumba Hikers

October 27, 2016 (Jacumba) - The Jacumba Hikers have announced their November/December hiking schedule including spectacular terrain such as  painted mountains, rugged gorges, mud caves,  wind caves, and natural hot springs.  See below for a full list with details on all upcoming activities.


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ANZA-BORREGO FOUNDATION CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY WITH FREE WEEKENDS AT BORREGO PALM CANYON

 

Starts Season-long Celebration for Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

East County News Service

October 25, 2016 (Borrego) – How do you protect and preserve Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the largest state park in California – with its 600,000 acres of flora, fauna, hiking trails, free camping, archeological sites and much more? That’s the job of the Anza-Borrego Foundation, celebrating its 50th anniversary this desert season.


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MOUNTAIN LIONS, VALLEY FEVER, EARTHQUAKES AND MORE HIGHLIGHTED IN ANZA-BORREGO FOUNDATION’S RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM AND EDUCATION TALKS

 

Programming November 2016 through April 2017 Showcases 50 Years of Conservation at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Beyond

East County News Service

October 19, 2016 (Borrego Springs) – How do arthropods create micro-communities in cacti? What is the state of the puma population in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park? How did places in the Park like “Alcoholic Pass” and “Hellhole Canyon” get their names?


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SUPERVISORS APPROVE JACUMBA SOLAR POWER PLANT

 

By Gig Connaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

October 19, 2016 (Jacumba) - The County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a permit Wednesday to build a solar farm in Jacumba that could generate enough electricity to power 5,000 homes.

Proponents and County staff said the plant fit the guidelines of the County’s general plan, would help the region meet state goals of producing one-half of all electricity from renewable sources by 2030, and cut greenhouse gas emissions.


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BORREGO DAYS OCT. 21 - OCT. 23

 

East County News Service

October 7, 2016 (Borrego Springs) -- The 51st Borrego Days Desert Festival will kick off Friday, October 21st through Saturday, October 23rd. Visitors are invited to pack your sunscreen and set your navigation devices to lead you to Borrego Springs for this weekend retreat for three days of music, art, a parade, car show, kids’ carnival activities and an opportunity to enjoy nature.


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STRONG WINDS FORECAST FOR SUNDAY AND MONDAY

 

East County News Service

September 30, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – Windy conditions are forecast Sunday through Monday across the County, with strongest winds in the mountains, deserts, and over coastal waters. Gusts could reach 55 miles per hour in the mountain and desert areas, the National Weather Service predicts.


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READER’S EDITORIAL: BLM SHOULD FINALIZE WIND AND SOLAR LEASING RULE FOR PUBLIC LANDS

 

By Ryan Alexander, president, Taxpayers for Common Sense



September 19, 2016 (Washington D.C.) -- The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is expected to release its Wind and Solar Leasing Rule in the next few weeks.  The rule would create a system for competitive solar and wind energy development on federal lands. It would also establish megawatt (MW) capacity fees for wind and solar energy projects in order to capture a fair market value (FMV) and a fair return for taxpayers.  View the BLM proposal here.


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JACUMBA HIKERS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 HIKE SCHEDULE

 

East County News Service

September 5, 2016 (Jacumba) - Courtesy Day Use at Jacumba Hot Springs Spa & Resort after every Saturday Hike for participating hikers.  View hiking safety tips.


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STATE AND FEDS AGREE TO PROTECT THE SALTON SEA

 

Conservation groups call on the state of California to use new agreement as a launching point for on-the-ground projects

Source: Audobon Society press release

August 31, 2016 (Salton Sea) -- A coalition of conservation groups– Defenders of Wildlife, Audubon California, the Pacific Institute and Sierra Club -- today called on the State of California to use a new agreement with the Federal Government on the Salton Sea as a launching point for a renewed effort to get much-needed conservation projects started on the ground.


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WITNESS SAYS HE SAW MICKEY GUIDRY THE DAY TEEN VANISHED IN THE ANZA-BORREGO DESERT BACK IN 2009

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

August 28, 2016 (Anza-Borrego Desert) – A reader of East County Magazine has come forward to say that he saw Mickey James Guidry , then 16, at the site where the Jeep driven by the teen broke down in the Anza-Borrego Desert over Thanksgiving weekend back in November 2009—just before Mickey went missing  The witness says he saw Mickey speaking with a couple who offered him a ride, and showed him a map with possible routes Mickey may have later taken on foot.   

The Jeep Mickey was driving was found 22-miles along Fish Creek Wash, its tire worn down to the rim and bumper torn off. Mickey’s wallet and ID were left in the Jeep. His cell phone was not working.  To this day, nobody knows if he managed to walk out or get a ride and go away voluntarily.


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SUSPECT ARRESTED FOR MURDER IN BORREGO SPRINGS

 

East County News Service

August 28, 2016 (Borrego Springs) – Mark Peter Waugh, 53, has been arrested for the murder of a man found dead yesterday morning in a home at 430 Verbena Drive in Borrego Springs,

The victim has been identified as Brett Leslie Boynton, 52. The Borrego Sun reports that the deceased worked in the kitchen at Carlee’s restaurant in Borrego Springs.

According to the Medical Examiner, Boynton died of blunt force trama and possible strangulation. His death has been ruled a homicide.


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NOBODY IS RUNNING YET IN KEY EAST COUNTY RACES: DEADLINE IS AUGUST 11

 

By Miriam Raftery

August 2, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – The deadline to file as a candidate to run for local offices is August 11. But so far, many East County races have no candidates declared or qualified for the ballot, according to the Registrar of Voters candidate list for the November election.  Most community planning groups have nobody running.  The same is true in some school, water and fire districts. Races with no candidates will be filled by appointment. In other districts, people are running unopposed—even incumbents on some of the most controversy-riddled boards.

No candidates are listed yet for the city councils in El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove or Santee, nor for the mayoral seats open in Lemon Grove and Santee, nor the La Mesa City Clerk or Treasurer seats.  Candidates have been actively campaigning in some of those races and some will likely file before deadline, but it’s also common for candidates to drop out before qualifying for the ballot.

In the Grossmont Union High School District, incumbent Jim Stieringer is thus far running unopposed in district two (La Mesa/Mt. Helix/Rancho San Diego); in district one (Lemon Grove/Spring Valley) which is an open seat, only one candidate has filed: Pastor Steve Babbitt from Spring Valley Community Church.


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WANT TO RUN FOR A LOCAL OFFICE? FILING DEADLINE IS OPEN NOW THROUGH AUGUST 12

 

By Miriam Raftery

July 24, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – The filing period to run for local offices is now open, closing August 12.   Concerned citizens can often make positive differences in their communities by become elected officials serving as members of school boards, community planning groups, fire boards, water boards, hospital districts, city councils, or as mayors.


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BUILD PROGRAMMABLE ROBOTS AT BORREGO SPRINGS LIBRARY JULY 21

 

Source:  County News Service

July 17, 2016 (Borrego Springs)  - Calling all science explorers!  You can build programmable robots using Lego Mindstorms kits on July 21 at 3:30 p.m. at the Borrego Springs Library.


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