Febuary 2016 Articles

BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO: GROSSMONT BOARD VOTES FOR TRUSTEE DISTRICTS, BYPASSING PUBLIC VOTE

 

By Miriam Raftery

Controversial plan outrages Alpine voters, Chaldeans and other district residents

Priscilla Schreiber (photo, left) will be forced off board

February 25, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – Grossmont Union High School District voted 4-1 to ditch district-wide elections and switch to electing trustees from each of five districts. (View map)  The board also voted to ask the San Diego County Committee on School Board Reorganization to waive a requirement that would ordinarily allow the public to vote on redistricting. (View map at bottom of this article)


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TRUMP WINS NEVADA—AND HUNTER'S ENDORSEMENT

 

East County News Service

February 25, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – Billionaire businessman and reality TV celebrity Donald Trump has picked up his third win, this time in the Nevada Republican caucus.

He also picked up the endorsement of Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine), one of only two Congressional members thus far to endorse Trump. Hunter called Trump a “strong leader” and indicated he backs his stances on immigration among other issues.


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CONGRESSWOMAN DAVIS APPLAUDS PRESIDENT OBAMA’S PLAN TO CLOSE GUANTANAMO

 

East County News Service

February 25, 2016 (San Diego) — Following President Barack Obama’s announcement calling on Congress to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, San Diego Congresswoman Susan Davis, a Democrat and senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued this statement:


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BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO: GROSSMONT VOTES FOR TRUSTEE DISTRICTS, BYPASSING PUBLIC VOTE

 

By Miriam Raftery

Controversial plan outrages Alpine voters, Chaldeans and other district residents

Photo: Priscilla Schreiber will be forced off the board in November if the county approves the GUHSD's redistricting proposal.

February 25, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – Grossmont Union High School District voted 4-1 to ditch district-wide elections and break up the district into five areas that will each elect its own trustee. (View map)  The board also voted to ask the San Diego County Committee on School Board Reorganization to waive a requirement that would ordinarily allow the public to vote on redistricting.


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SANTEE CAT TAKES 8-MILE RIDE IN CAR BUMPER

 

East County News Service

February 25, 2016 (Santee) -- Riding inside the car is one thing, but riding trapped inside the front bumper of a car for 8 miles was quite another for a cat from Santee.


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GROSSMONT DISTRICT ADMITS IT PAID PR FIRM WITH SCHOOL BOND MONEY

 

East County’s largest school district inappropriately used at least $27,000 in bond money to pay a public relations firm to combat what it called a “barrage of misinformation” on its Alpine legal fight.  

Reprinted with permission from Times of San Diego, a San Diego Online News Association member.

Photo: Scott Patterson (inset) is deputy superintendent of business for the Grossmont Union High School District.

View video: https://youtu.be/uGyrxCXcGO0

By Ken Stone

February 25, 2016 (San Diego's East County) - Documents obtained through a Public Records Act request and official statements confirm that Proposition U bond funds for Grossmont Union High School District projects were used to pay Apex Strategies, led by prominent local PR agent Tony Manolatos.


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CHALDEAN CHAMBER PRESIDENT THREATENS LAWSUIT IF “GERRYMANDERING” SPLITS CHALDEAN VOTERS IN GUHSD

 

 

District board expected to vote on redistricting plan today at 4 p.m.

"...Our Chamber will not accept any gerrymandering or divisive planning for political purposes and would be readily committed to engage either legally or politically to ensure a fair and equitable approach for the betterment of our community.” -- Ben Kalasho, Chaldean American Chamber president

By Miriam Raftery

February 25, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – Ben Kalasho, president of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce in East County, has issued a press release calling on the Grossmont Union-High School District board to be “transparent and pragmatic” in its decision on how to transition from at-large to district elections. A vote on which map to approve is expected at today’s GUHSD board meeting at 4 p.m. at the East County Regional Education Center, 924 East Main St. in El Cajon.


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COMMUNITY MEETING IN ALPINE DRAWS HUNDREDS OVER EMF CONCERNS

 

 

"When a child could get cancer, you take action." --  Alpine resident Bree Rowand (photo, left), mother of Kylie Rowand, toddler who died of neuroblastoma.

"We're here because we'd really like to ease your minds...There is no conclusive evidence that EMFs cause health risks....You have EMFs probably everywhere you go. They are coming out of your cell phone." -- Don Parent, SDG&E, which offered to conduct free measurements for any concerned property owners.

"I'm very concerned for the health of my students and health of my staff...but right now we have having safe levels [in classrooms.]" -- Bruce Cochrane, Superintendent, Alpine Union School District, adding that campus-wide results of an independent expert will be posted Friday.

"This is a failure in our system. Regulatory agencies should be the ones monitoring...If every one of you would e-mail the president of the California Public Utilities Commission as I have and ask as I have for someone to come down here and meet with the community, maybe we will get results."

By Miriam Raftery

February 25, 2016 (Alpine) – Over 230 people came to a community meeting at Alpine Elementary School Tuesday evening to learn more about electromagnetic field measurements in Alpine, ask questions of local officials and SDG&E, voice concerns and at times, shout out frustrations. (View video highlights from 10 News.)


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DESTINATION EAST COUNTY FEB. 24-MARCH 26

 

February 24, 2016 (San Diego's East County)--This week’s Destination East County includes a musical production of Charlotte’s Web, a Black History Celebration, and the final weekend of Hawk Watch in Ramona.

Plus we’ll have previews of coming attractions including a hike to the Valley of the Moon, the Borrego Garden Tour, a St. Patrick’s Day walk and fun/run through downtown El Cajon, and much more.  So scroll down for all of these events and more.


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SHARP GROSSMONT HOSPITAL RECEIVES 2016 WOMEN'S CHOICE AWARD AS ONE OF AMERICA'S BEST HOSPITALS FOR OBSTETRICS

 

February 24, 2016 (La Mesa) - Sharp Grossmont Hospital recently received a 2016 Women’s Choice Award® as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Obstetrics, placing it among the top 15 percent of hospitals considered the best in which to have a baby. Approximately 400 hospitals nationwide met the award’s robust evidence-based criteria that consider female patient satisfaction data, clinical excellence and feedback from women about what they want from a hospital.


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RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT TO GIVE AWAY FREE PLANTS TO SCHOOL GARDENS COUNTYWIDE: PICKUP PLANTS MARCH 10-11

 

 

East County News Service

 

February 24, 2016 (San Diego) - The Resource Conservation District (RCD) of Greater San Diego County, in conjunction with Altman Plants of Vista, has announced its seventh annual School Plant Giveaway. Interested elementary schools throughout San Diego County may sign up to receive a mixed flat of twelve vegetable and herb seedlings, just in time for spring planting.  


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SOME PLAY: PICKWICK PLAYERS PRESENT CHARLOTTE'S WEB FEB 19-28

 

 

By Kathy Carpenter, Associate/Youth Reviewer www.sdtheatrereviews.com

 

February 24, 2016 (Santee) - The Pickwick Players in Santee are a different kind of group. They perform adult plays, children's plays, and mixed plays with people of all ages, as with "Charlotte's Web," based on the book by E.B. White, published by Harper Collins in 1952.What makes this unique is that it's rare. We have many youth productions, adult productions, adult productions with a kid or two. However, besides St. John of the Cross in Lemon Grove, which does a mix of all ages in their plays once a year, in the spring (This year they are doing a Poppins in April - call rectory for more details), I don't see this combination often.. Four adults, two teenagers, and 13 incredible youngsters were all part of the Pickwick Players’ cast.


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EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS

February 24,  2016 (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

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


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$1.9 MILLION GRANT AWARDED FOR PEDESTRIAN AND BIKE SAFETY IN WEST LA MESA

 

 

East County News Service

 

February 24, 2016 (La Mesa) -- The City of La Mesa was recently approved for a $1,919,000 grant through the California Transportation Commission (CTC) Active Transportation Program (ATP) to fund pedestrian and bicyclist safety enhancements in west La Mesa. The grant will provide improved connectivity to parks, local schools and access to the future Boys and Girls Club (Brady Family Clubhouse).


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ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS

February 24, 2016 (San Diego's East County)-- East County Magazine's 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.: general news

Presidential primary

WORLD

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


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CHARGERS TO SHOOT FOR DOWNTOWN STADIUM SITE

 
By Liz Alper
 
February 23, 2016 (San Diego) - The Chargers have decided to focus their efforts on a downtown stadium.  

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SHARE YOUR IDEAS FOR AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES

 

East County News Service

February 23, 2016 (La Mesa) -- The ideas came as quickly as someone could type them on the laptop as community residents in La Mesa shared their visions of an age-friendly community with the County’s Aging & Independence Services.


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SANTEE SEEKS IDEAS TO ADDRESS SR-52 TRAFFIC WOES

 

By Mike Allen

February 23, 2016 (Santee) -- Situated at the confluence of several regional connecting highways, traffic has never been smooth in and out of Santee, but it’s gotten much worse in recent years, prompting elected officials to seek out possible solutions.


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BLOOD DRIVES IN EAST COUNTY

 

By Liz Alper

February 23, 2016 (San Diego's East County) - There will be several blood drives in East County over the next couple of weeks.  Here is where to go if you wish to donate blood:


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MOUNTAIN EMPIRE HIGH SCHOOL HOSTS THE SAN DIEGO BLOOD BANK MARCH 1

 

East County News Service

February 23, 2016 (Pine Valley ) -- The San Diego Blood Bank will accept blood donations at Mountain Empire High School on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 from 9:30 am - 2:30 pm.


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ACES FOUNDATION TO RAISE FUNDS FOR EL CAJON ANIMAL SHELTER

 

By Liz Alper

February 23, 2016 (La Mesa) - Come join ACES at The Hills Local Pub on Wednesday, March 2 from 5-9 p.m. to raise money for the El Cajon Animal Shelter!  No flyer is needed, but bring a friend!


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SENATOR ANDERSON APPOINTED GOP POLITICAL CHAIRMAN

 

Key leadership post oversees Caucus elections efforts

East County News Service

February 23, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- Senate Republican Leader Jean Fuller has announced an addition to the caucus leadership team.  Senator Joel Anderson (R-Alpine) will serve as the Caucus Political Chairman.  


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GIRL, 10, DIES SAVING ANOTHER CHILD FROM RUNAWAY VEHICLE

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 23, 2016 (Lakeside) – A 10-year-old girl who pushed another child out of the path of a moving vehicle in Lakeside was struck and seriously injured. She was taken to Grossmont Hospital, where she later died of her injuries, said California Highway Patrol Officer Kevin Pearlstein.


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SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER 2015 REPORT SHOWS RISE IN HATE GROUPS AND EXTREMISTS

 

Photo by Gage Skidmore

By Tasha Matthews

February 23, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- There has been a great increase in the number of hate groups and extremists across the U.S. in 2015, according to Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). The social justice activist group published its findings in the Intelligence Report for the Spring 2016 issue, with a photo of Donald Trump, whose rhetoric may be fueling a rise in hate speech and extremism.  


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READER'S EDITORIAL: WESTERN TOWING COMPANY NEEDS TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE

 
 
Photo Credits:  H.K. and Chloe N. on Yelp
 
By Liz Alper
 
February 23, 2016 (San Diego's East County) - A great day of shopping with my mother turned into a nightmare.  


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IS IT GERRYMANDERING? FINAL VOTE THURS. ON GROSSMONT REDISTRICTING: ALPINE AND CHALDEAN ADVOCATES OBJECT, ASK PUBLIC HELP

 

By  Miriam Raftery

February 23, 2016 (San Diego’s East County)—Grosssmont-Union High School District’s board is expected to cast a final vote Thursday at 4 p.m. on controversial redistricting maps. The board will also vote to seek a waiver from the state from a requirement that would ordinarily requiring putting the redistricting measure on the ballot, and waiver from a state requiring that new trustee area plans be in effect at least 120 days before the next election in November.  (View meeting notice. The meeting will be at the East County Regional Education Center, 924 East Main Street, El Cajon.)

The district contends it has acted appropriately in response to a threat of legal action over alleged voting rights violations. But critics say the plan would oust the board’s most outspoken dissenting member, Priscilla Schreiber, leave Alpine represented by an opponent of the Alpine High School, and divide Iraqi-Chaldean residents into multiple districts, diluting their power as a voting block.  It also carves out a new district in the Lemon Grove/Spring Valley area with no trustee currently residing in that district, which does have a history of representing people of color.


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REGISTER YOUR DRONES, OR FACE FINES AND CRIMINAL CHARGES

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 23, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – If you own a drone, you must register it with the Federal Aviation Agency. Under a new law now in effect, flying an unregistered drone outdoors anywhere in the U.S. could land you in jail and facing hefty fines.


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4 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS

 

By Jennifer McGregor

February 23, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- If you’re a caregiver for an elderly loved one, a spouse, or a friend, worries probably plague your mind every day. Preoccupied with the day-to-day concerns of caregiving, many caregivers don’t think about what steps and precautions they should have in place in case of a disaster. This guide will help you prepare for the worst with precautions and plans to keep your loved one safe in any situation.


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CHIEF’S CORNER: FLU SAFETY TIPS

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Ignorance or Arrogance?

February 23, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- You probably don’t remember me, but I remember you. At the bank, the gym, the receptionist...you were the one disgustingly sneezing, coughing and hacking without covering your mouth. Like a driver texting, you’re placing everyone else at risk. Is it just ignorance or arrogance?


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LATIN AMERICAN ART FESTIVAL SHOWCASES BEST FROM LATIN AMERICA

Event March 19-20 will feature variety of works from nearly 100 artists

By Tatiana Martinez

February 23, 2016 (San Diego) - At a simple glance, there appears to be nothing in common between a biologist from Ensenada and a woman who survived breast cancer. However, their work reveals a common thread – a passion for their individual causes. They are among the nearly 100 Latin American artists selected to present their works in the second edition of the Latin American Art Festival, March 19 and 20, at NTC Liberty Station in San Diego.


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