February 4, 2012 (Sacramento) - The big game can mean big fun for football fans everywhere; however, rather than waiting until the fourth quarter to designate a driver, have a plan in place before the festivities begin. “We hope everyone can enjoy the fun by designating a driver before the game begins,” said California Highway Patrol (CHP) Commissioner Joe Farrow. “The safety of your family, friends, and other motorists should be your priority.”
February 4, 2012 (Rancho San Diego, Jamul) -- Local Cub Scouts and their fathers volunteered on Saturday, January 28th to help maintain a nesting site for endangered California Least Terns at Mariner's Point in Mission Bay. They spent three hours clearing the nesting site of invasive plants so the terns can use the site for nesting and rearing their young during the next breeding season (from mid-April to August).
Elite Gymnastics Academy partners with the American Red Cross
February 4, 2012 (El Cajon) -- Elite Gymnastics Academy, along with the American Red Cross, is hosting a blood drive on Thursday, February 16th, from 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Elite Gymnastics Academy, 1817 John Towers Avenue in El Cajon.
February 4, 2012 (Jamul)—Revelations that public funds have been awarded to a private hunting club to develop hunting dog training ponds in the state-owned Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area has heightened controversy over the project.
2011 Cultural Diversity Partnership Culminates with Annual Local Heroes Awards Celebration
February 8, 2012 (San Diego) -- – As part of its ongoing commitment to cultural diversity and responsible banking, Union Bank, N.A., has partnered with KPBS to honor 17 local individuals who are making a difference to enrich the lives of others. The honorees were announced as part of the 2011 Cultural Diversity Partnership, which recognizes and pays tribute to local heroes from eight diverse communities who are making a difference by improving their workplace, profession, neighborhood, community, region and the world. The year-long celebration of diversity culminates with an awards ceremony on February 8, 2012, where recipients will be formally recognized. The awards event will broadcast on KPBS-TV on April 5, 2012, at 10:30 p.m.
Bill Bodry, founder and president of the Challenge Center, was recognized at the Union Bank and KPBS 2011 Local Heroes Awards at the Balboa Theatre on February 8, 2012. Mr. Bodry poses with Tiffany Picquilloud who nominated him for the award. Mr. Bodry and 16 other honorees were nominated for making a difference in the lives of others.
February 4, 2012 (San Diego) - San Diego Police Department patrol officers from Southeastern Division have arrested a 16-year-old boy for pointing a laser at the police helicopter, ABLE. Such actions can put a pilot’s light in danger, since night vision goggles amplify light 30,000 times and the flash can be blinding.
February 4, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Satisfy your craving for a romantic night on the town this Valentine’s Day with a delicious dinner for two. Whether your passion is a gourmet repast at a French, Italian or American bistro or a meaty feast slow-smoked at a café on the County line, you’ll find plenty to tempt your taste buds and please your palate in East County. Scroll down for our East County Eater’s recommendations for this year’s best aphrodisiac dinners in our torrid inland region.
By Miriam Raftery
February 3, 2012 (San Diego) – On Tuesday, San Diego’s City Council voted unanimously to approve an “urban agriculture plan” that encourages city residents to grow their own food--and sell some items.
February 3, 2012 (Rancho Bernardo)-- San Diego Police Department Northeastern Division detectives are looking for a white male suspected of exposing himself to two Rancho Bernardo High School students on their way to school earlier this week.
February 3, 2012 (El Cajon) – There’s a lot for the public to learn at the Grossmont Union High School District board of trustees meeting set for February 9, 2012 at 6 p.m.
Superintendent Ralf Swenson will provide an update on hotly contested district boundaries and an update on whether the district is in compliance with the California Voting Rights Act. Trustees will again weigh whether to approve a community garden for Helix Charter High School or create a new “Chef” position in Food Services. They will also hold a public hearing on the Board’s proposed collective bargaining contract for California School Employees Association union members.
Team Applies New Procedure to Rapidly Induce Nerve Regeneration in Mammals
February 3, 2012 (Texas) -- American scientists believe a new procedure to repair severed nerves could result in patients recovering in days or weeks, rather than months or years. The team used a cellular mechanism similar to that used by many invertebrates to repair damage to nerve axons. Their results are published today in the Journal of Neuroscience Research.
February 3, 2012 (Spring Valley)--This weekend at the Cat Fanciers Association cat show held at the(Del Mar Fairgrounds, an unexpected cat landed in the finals. Gizmo is a 16 year old cat with cateracts in both eyes that has left her almost completely blind. She lives at the NatCat shelter in Spring Valley.
February 3, 2012 (San Diego)--The services will remain the same. But the number will change. Starting February 15, people who need help with mental health including alcohol or drug abuse, suicide prevention, medication needs, and more can call a new and easier-to-remember telephone number: (888) 724-7240.
February 3, 2012 -- San Diego Assemblymember Marty Block, AD-78, was honored as the Legislator of the Year from the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Pacific South Coast Chapter, on Saturday, January 28, 2012.
“I am very humbled to receive this honor from the Multiple Sclerosis Society,” said Block. “I enjoyed serving as a board member of the Pacific South Coast Chapter and will continue to support initiatives working to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis.”
San Diego Residents Now Able to Book Doctor Appointments Instantly Online
February 3, 2011 (San Diego) – Today ZocDoc, a free service for patients to find nearby doctors who accept their insurance and instantly book appointments online, launches in the greater San Diego area. Local primary care physicians, obstetrician-gynecologists, and dermatologists are now offering medical appointments through ZocDoc. Additional doctors, specialties, and appointment times are continually being added.
February 3, 2012 (Sacramento) --The California Tribal Business Alliance (CTBA) has announced the group’s new officers for 2012.
CHAIRWOMAN - Leslie Lohse, Treasurer of the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians of California. VICE-CHAIRMAN - Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Band of Luiseño Indians. SECRETARY-TREASURER - Margie Mejia, Chairwoman of the Lytton Rancheria of California.
(Note: This reader asked to have her name withheld, for fear of government retribution.)
February 3, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--A woman came to my door today from the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau, because I had not returned the American Community Survey. Honestly, I don't remember receiving it.
She handed me a much used paper which said we are required by law to answer, and threatened fines up to a $5,000 if we do not comply.
February 2, 2012 (Jacumba)- - The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) held a public participation hearing at the Jacumba Highland Center on January 24.
Presided over by an administrative law judge, the honorable Hallie Yacknin, this hearing provided an opportunity for interested members of the public to express their views on San Diego Gas & Electric’s (SDG&E) application for a permit to construct the East County Substation Project (ECO Substation).
SIGN A PETITION! Key vote Feb. 29 could take away your right to be informed and speak out
By Miriam Raftery, Editor, East County Magazine
“People will never hear about projects until after they’re done if this [elimination of planning groups] goes through.” – Mark Ostrander, chair, Jacumba sponsor group
February 2, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – I've rarely published an editorial commentary, reserving my opinion for only those matters with the gravest of consequences for East County. One such matter will come before San Diego's Supervisors on February 29, when supervisors will vote on whether or not to eliminate all community planning groups countywide. They will also weigh other “reforms” aimed at making it easier to pave over paradise--or put a goliath-scale project next door to you--with nobody the wiser until it's too late.
This ill-conceived idea is the brainchild of a “Red Tape Reduction Task Force” stacked with developers.If adopted, it will stifle voices of concerned residents in the early planning phases of major development projects from condo complexes to wind farms.
Danielle Cook, a concerned citizen in Jacumba, has launched an online petition calling on Supervisors to save community planning groups. I have signed it, and urge all County residents to do the same if you value a democratic process that allows people’s voices to be heard, not just special interests. You can sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/petitions/san-diego-county-supervisor-save-our-planning-and-sponsor-groups.
First, and only hospice in California to receive Partner Level 4 designation for “We Honor Veterans” program
February 2, 2012 (San Diego) -- LightBridge Hospice & Palliative Care is the only hospice in California, and one of only 12 in the U.S. to meet stringent “We Honor Veterans” Partner Level 4 requirements in improving the care and support of Veterans.
February 2, 2012 (La Mesa) -- Helix Charter High School’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Chapter invites parents to a party at which large doses of reality will be served. On Thursday, February 9, the group will host a Reality Party for parents.
February 2, 2012 (El Cajon)—The driver of a KSON radio station vehicle smelled smoke while sitting in traffic yesterday in downtown El Cajon. Looking behind his seat, he saw flames, quickly exited the vehicle and called 911 shortly before 2 p.m. yesterday.
February 2, 2012 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce will host its fourth annual Casino Royale on February 23 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Town and Country Hotel and Resort, 500 Hotel Circle in Mission Valley.
Presented by Delta Kappa Gamma Societyat theThe United Church of Christ of La Mesa (UCCLM)
February 2, 2012 (La Mesa) --Are you prepared for disaster? Equipped for survival? Know what to do, what to have ready to use in the event of a flood, tornado, hurricane, earthquake or volcanic eruption? In the face of nuclear, biological and chemical hazards? An epidemic? Problems caused by our crumbling infrastructure? Terrorism?
No? Susan Conniry and Tom Beasley, authors of Ready or Not: A Disaster Survival Handbook, can help.
February 3, 2012 -- (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 reflecting 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
Obama announces new housing refinance plan (Washington Post)
Facebook and Zuckerberg embark on mega-IPO(Reuters)
Obama offers plan to help small businesses, start-ups (Washington Post)
Proposed jobs bill would target outsourcing by U.S. firms (Washington Post)
USDA to require healthier meals in schools with updated nutrition standards (NPR)
Common chemical could make kids vaccines less effective (NPR)
Presidential election
Romney wins big in Florida, routing Gingrich (San Diego Union-Tribune)
February 2, 2012 (Alpine) – A Sig Alert has been issued due to an accident blocking the left lanes on I-8 east just west of Dunbar Lane. An overturned vehicle is on its roof. The Sig Alert was issued at 10:09 a.m. Traffic has reportedly been backed up to Tavern Road. CHP is in process of reopening one of the blocked lanes, CHP website indicates.
2011 Cultural Diversity Partnership Culminates with Annual Local Heroes Awards Celebration
By Miriam Raftery
go) – On Tuesday, San Diego’s City Council voted unanimously to approve an “urban agriculture plan” that encourages city residents to grow their own food--and sell some items.
February 3, 2012 (El Cajon) – There’s a lot for the public to learn at the Grossmont Union High School District board of trustees meeting set for February 9, 2012 at 6 p.m.
February 3, 2012 (Sacramento) --
By Brian Lafferty
By Brian Lafferty
By Cynthia Wharton
By Miriam Raftery, Editor, East County Magazine
By Brian Lafferty
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