Febuary 2016 Articles

HIGH EMF LEVELS FOUND ALONG ALPINE BOULEVARD ON POWERLINK ROUTE: LEVELS NEAR SCHOOL SITES RAISE CONCERNS

 

 

Update:  SDG&E, Supervisor Dianne Jacob, Alpine Union School District and the Alpine Community Planning Group have issued responses to the concerns raised by this study; also the County Dept. of Education had new EMF readings taken at the Alpine Elementary School that appears to have reassuring results for parents.  View responses:  http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/alpine-powerlink-concerns-spark-responses.

By Miriam Raftery

February 12, 2016 (Alpine) -  Electric magnetic field (EMF) levels along the route of the underground Sunrise Powerlink high voltage line have been measured at dramatically higher levels than before the line was installed.  High EMF levels have been linked to leukemia in some studies. 


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LA MESA HEALTH LIBRARY’S ART EXHIBIT FEATURES ‘BACK ROW GROUP’

 

East County News Service

February 14, 2016 (La Mesa) -- The Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, a consumer health library at 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, is now hosting its Winter Art Exhibit featuring 24 watercolor paintings by award-winning art instructor Drew Bandish and five of his students. The students include Susan Hewitt of Lakeside, Royce Hinson of El Cajon, Lorri Lynch of Lakeside, Mirjam Schippers of El Cajon and Joan Vandenberg of El Cajon. The show runs through March 12.


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PROSECUTORS SUE TO BLOCK PAROLE BILL

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: ColbyCriminalJustice.Wikidot

February 14, 2016 (Sacramento) -- A ballot measure backed by Governor Jerry Brown would make it easier for nonviolent prisoners to win parole. It’s called the Public Safety and Rehabilitation Act.


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MYSHAKE APP HELPS PREDICT QUAKES—AND SEND WARNINGS TO USERS

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 14, 2016 (San Diego's East County) - Want to get a warning before a major earthquake hits and help scientists monitor earthquake tremors?


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HOW TO STOP SAN DIEGO’S NUMBER 2 KILLER

 

East County News Service

February 14, 2016 (San Diego) -- It is the leading cause of death in the nation, but not in San Diego.


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VOTER’S WATCHDOG: BILL WOULD LET TEENS VOTE FOR SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 14, 2016 (San Diego) -- Should teenagers be allowed to vote?  Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez thinks so – at least in some cases.


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ASK AN AUTHOR – VALENTINE'S DAY WITH BEST-SELLING AUTHOR ROBYN CARR

 

by Sárka-Jonae Miller

February 14, 2016 (San Diego's East County) - Just in time for Valentine's Day, 10-time #1 New York Times best-selling author Robyn Carr drops by to give writing advice and to talk about her new romance, What We Find, coming in April 2016. During her more than twenty-five-year writing career, the former California resident has authored nearly 50 novels that blend romance and women's fiction. The RITA award winner is also ranked among the top 100 authors on Amazon.


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JUSTICE SCALIA’S DEATH PROMPTS BATTLE OVER SUPREME COURT VACANCY

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 13, 2016 (Washington D.C.) – The sudden death of prominent conservative Justice Antonin Scalia today leaves a vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court and the prospect of numerous high-profile cases deadlocking 4-4.  President Barack Obama has announced he intends to appoint a replacement, but  Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has suggested any nomination would be blocked by Senate Republicans and stated that in this election year,  Obama should leave nominating a Supreme Court justice for the next administration.

McConnell’s remark may be viewed as hypocritical, since he voted for Republican President Ronald Reagan’s appointment of Justice Anthony Kennedy in an election year.  Kennedy was confirmed by the Senate, which was controlled by Democrats.

In fact, since 1900 there has not been a single case of the Senate refusing to confirm a presidential appointment to the Supreme Court in an election year due to the pending election. The stakes are high for both sides in filling the void left by Scalia, but so are the consequences of leaving a seat vacant for nearly a year.


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WHEN RECYCLING GOES AWRY: CALIFORNIA’S OLD TIRES CROSS THE OCEAN AND COME BACK AS SMOG

 

 

Sometimes global economic forces are stronger than good intentions. 

 

By Zach St. George

 

Reprinted with permission from http://www.takepart.com/feature/2016/02/12/tire-recycling-california-smog?cmpid=tp-pr

 

February 13, 2016  (Stockton, CA— Inside a dark, high-ceilinged machine shop, Mark Hope leans over a motionless conveyor belt, picking through the black scraps. He finds what he’s looking for and holds it up—a web of silver wires sandwiched between two layers of black rubber. “There’s a lot of metal in tires,” he says. “Ten, fifteen percent.” The wire is tough on the equipment, he says. He points up to the shredder, a grimy box with one conveyor to drop tires into the hopper on the top and another conveyor to carry the shredded tires away. The shears are inside the box. “We have to change these out all the time,” he says. They’re constantly going dull from the wire.


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MOTORCYCLIST KILLED IN LAKESIDE COLLISION

 

East County News Service

February 12, 2016 (Lakeside) – An 18-year-old man from El Cajon driving a Toyota struck and killed a 49-year-old man from Santee who was driving a Harley Davidson motorcycle.


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HOW TO PREPARE FOR DISASTERS

 

 

Source: Jennifer McGregor, http://publichealthlibrary.org

 

February 12, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – It’s important to be prepared before disaster strikes.  Public Health Library has provided the following helpful resources on what you should know about surviving wildfires, hurricanes, thunderstorms, tornadoes, lightning, and extreme cold.  There are also special resource links for pet disaster preparedness, helping those with disabilities, and Southern California-specific disaster safety guidance.


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MEDICAL EXAMINER SEEKS PUBLIC HELP TO ID MAN FOUND DEAD IN OCEAN FEB. 7

 

East County News Service

Photo: A forensic artist has sketched the colorful intricate tattoo located on the unidentified man's upper left arm and shoulder, as well as the Greek letters tattoo located on the man's left forearm.

February 12, 2016 (San Diego) -- The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office is asking the public for help identifying a man whose body was found floating in the ocean Feb. 7. He had several distinctive tattoos, including an intricate and colorful tattoo on the shoulder.


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FIRST “FLOWERS IN THE MOUNTAINS” GARDEN TOUR BLOOMS MAY 7

 

 

East County News Service

April 15, 2016 (Alpine) – The Alpine Woman's Club will host its inaugural “Flowers in the Mountains” garden tour on May 7th.  Tickets for the garden tour are $15 each or $20 on day of the event, and may be purchased at Postal Annex, 2170 Alpine Blvd., or by sending your check to Rita David 2023 Running Mare Lane, Alpine CA 91901. For mail in orders and to purchase tickets you can pick them up on Sat May 7th at 9:30am at the Town Hall 2156 Alpine Blvd.


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ASSEMBLYWOMAN GONZALEZ, STUDENTS UNVEILS VOTE AT 16 CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

 

Legislators, educators, youth rally to support expanded voting rights

Source: News Release

February 12, 2016 (Sacramento) - Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) rallied on the steps of the State Capitol today with lawmakers, educators and young adults to announce the introduction of an amendment to California’s constitution allowing 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote in their local school board and community college district governing board elections.


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FBI WARNS OF ONLINE DATING SCAMS

 

Criminals looking to steal your money through promises of love and companionship via money transfer services

Source:  FBI - San Diego Field Office

February 12, 2016 (San Diego's East County) - SMillions of Americans visit online dating websites every year hoping to find a companion or even a soulmate. But as Valentine’s Day gets closer, the FBI wants to warn you that criminals use these sites, too, looking to turn the lonely and vulnerable into fast money through a variety of scams. 


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MURDER CHARGES FILED IN POTRERO DEATH

 

East County News Service

 

February 12, 2016 (Potero) – Michael Walliser, 68, has been arrested and charged with murder of his neighbor, Ronald Drinkard. Drinkard was shot March 22nd at a residence on Coyote Holler in Potrero.


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PADRES HIRE HIDEO NOMO AS AN ADVISER IN BASEBALL OPS

 
By Liz Alper
 
February 12, 2016 (San Diego) - With spring training just days away and another exciting summer of baseball looming on the horizon, Padres General Manager A.J. Preller is doing more shake-ups in the front office.

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VALENTINE’S OPEN RANCH AT ALPACAS OF SAN DIEGO IN DESCANSO FEB. 13

 

East County News Service

February 4, 2016 (Descanso) -- City folks are invited to come surround yourselves with adorable animals at a Valentine’s weekend Open Ranch at Alpacas of San Diego, located in Descanso (9718 River Drive).  This free event will be held Saturday, February 13th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Mention you heard about this event on East County Magazine, and receive a 10% discount on any item purchased!

 

You can meet the animals, learn about alpacas and even shop for a gift for your sweetheart, including jewelry and crafts made by local artists, natural soaps and of course, alpaca wool products.  There will also be a crafts table for kids. 


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TWO VEHICLE HEAD-ON COLLISION IN RAMONA

 

East County News Service

February 12, 2016 (Ramona) — Two drivers have been transported to Palomar Medical Center with major non-life threatening injuries after a head-on collision in Ramona yesterday at 1:18 p.m.


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LA MESA CITY COUNCIL TO HOLD TWO SPECIAL MEETINGS

 
 
By Liz Alper
 
February 12, 2016 (La Mesa) - The La Mesa City Council will hold two meetings to discuss the future of La Mesa, one at Parkway Middle School and the other at Maryland Avenue Elementary School.

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A BRIEF SURVEY TO HELP SHAPE OUR REGION’S FUTURE

 

 

East County News Service

 

February 12, 2016 (San Diego's East County) - In preparation for a potential ballot measure to fund transportation projects and other important regional infrastructure, SANDAG is asking the public to share their priorities for our region’s future. 


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JUDGE ORDERS CPUC PRESIDENT TO REVEAL SECRET DOCUMENTS

 

Ballot initiative proposed to break up CPUC

East County News Service

February 12, 2016 (San Diego)--A San Francisco Superior Court Judge has ruled that secret e-mails between Michael Picker, the President of the California Public Utilities Commission, the Governor's Office and Southern California Edison must be made public.(Read the order.)


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SOCIAL SECURITY SEEKS ARABIC-SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALISTS

 

East County News Service

February 12, 2016 (San Diego) – The U.S. Social Security Administration is seeking Arabic-speaking customer service representatives.  Below are the details, provided by the Social Security department locally:


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RESIDENTS VOICE CONCERNS OVER CHECKPOINT DELAYS ON HIGHWAY 94

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 8, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – Motorists on State Route 94 report longer commutes in recent months due to delays at the Otay Border Patrol checkpoint south of Jamul, as well as construction of a casino at the Jamul Indian Village and existing delays due to Steele Canyon High School traffic.

“Since April, the lines at the checkpoint have been consistently long and wait times longer,”  Jan Hedlun, a Potrero resident who commutes to work in San Diego, wrote to the Border Patrol last September. She described backups of over two miles at the checkpoint at times, with waits of nearly a half hour. 


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VINEYARD GRANT JAMES IN RAMONA DRAWS RAVE REVIEWS

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 11, 2016 (Ramona) -- Savoring an afternoon of superb wine tasting at Vineyard Grant James in Ramona, it’s not hard to realize  why this family-owned winery has been drawing rave reviews on Yelp.  The place has ranked five stars—the top rating, with 64 reviews. 

The wines are complex and satisfying.  Owners/hosts Jacques and Susanne Sapier are warm and welcoming.  A stone patio with views of the sun setting over nearby mountains provides an idyllic setting.  Live music by a Dave Billock and his local band, plus delicious locally-made cheeses, round out a palette-pleasing experience.


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SANDAG BOARD TO CONSIDER SALES TAX HIKE BALLOT MEASURE ON FRIDAY

February 11, 2016 (San Diego)--SANDAG is considering placing a measure on the November ballot that would ask voters in the region to increase our local sales tax by up to one-half cent to support specific projects and programs.

The SANDAG Board of Directors will receive an overview of the results of public outreach efforts and discuss initial draft expenditure plan alternatives developed for the potential measure at its board meeting on Friday, February 12.  The item will begin at 10 a.m.


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CUPIDS AND CANINES ADOPTION EVENT AT GROSSMONT CENTER FEB. 13

East County News Service

February 11, 2016 (La Mesa) — Looking for love from a canine companion? Grossmont Center (5500 Grossmont Center Drive in La Mesa)  will host “Cupids and Canines,” an adoption event featuring hundreds of dogs, this Saturday, February 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.


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SANTEE GYMNASTICS COACH ARRESTED FOR ALLEGED SEX WITH STUDENT

 

East County News Service

Photo courtesy ECM news partner 10 News

February 11, 2016 (Santee) — Patrick Wehrung, 25, an employee at Champion Gymastics and Cheer in Santee, has been arrested for allegedly having sex repeatedly with a 15-year-old female student. The gym has since fired Wehrung, who is free on bail and slated to appear in court next week, 10 News reports.


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BOUQUETS AND BRUISES: THIS VALENTINE’S DAY, HELP SOMEONE EXPERIENCING ABUSE

 

 

Source: USA.gov

 

February 11, 2016 (Washington D.C.) -- The greeting card aisle crams with shoppers, struggling to find the right sentiment. Buyers line up at the register with heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, and keep florists busy juggling orders for beautiful bouquets. It’s all part of the excitement and romance of Valentine’s Day. But for someone who’s recovering from sexual assault or living with domestic violence, all of the cards and roses in the world can’t make up for the pain.

 

If you want to support a friend in this difficult situation, or if you need support yourself, USAGov has gathered these resources to help:


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HOUSE VOTES TO REQUIRE WATER OFFICIALS TO ALERT CUSTOMERS OF ELEVATED LEAD LEVELS

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

Photos: Lead contaminated drinking water in Flint, Michigan; photo by Jessica Owens

 

February 11, 2016 (San Diego) -- In response to the crisis in Flint, Michigan, the House of Representatives voted to require water system officials to alert their customers if the EPA notifies them of increasing level of lead.  The Safe Drinking Water Act Improved Compliance Awareness Act (H.R. 4470) passed the House on a strong bipartisan vote of 416-2 with all five of San Diego’s Congressional members voting for the bill.


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