Fatal motorcycle crash in Julian kills Jamul man

Cyclist killed in Lemon Grove crash identified

Jewish Family Service hosts drive-thru food distribution for government workers on Oct. 15

Ramona woman killed, man injured when pickup struck pedestrians

Senator Jones’ sexually violent predator placement reform bill signed by Governor

Local children’s book author and filmmaker named finalist in San Diego Magazine’s “Celebrating Women” Awards

County hosts webinar October 22 on Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) proposed ordinance

Every San Diego County-born baby has a scholarship in wait via CalKIDS

Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa presents Copenhagen Oct. 17 - Nov. 9: The moment that changed the world

All that and pumpkins, too: 50 years and counting at Christmas Tree Farm in El Cajon

Five tribes announce formation of new Chuckwalla National Monument Intertribal Commission

Governor signs bill letting relatives care for children if parents are deported

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: WILDCAT!

 

July 29, 2011 (Anza Borrego) -- Daren Sefcik captured this rare image of a bobcat peering out of a rocky cave at Potrero Canyon in Anza-Borrego, a remote location accessible only by foot or by horse. 

 

 

"I went out hiking the canyon to try and reach the base of Stephenson Peak," Sefcik said. "About a mile from the base on the mountain, I stopped to eat some lunch and I noticed a black silhouette of what looked like a Batman head in some rocks. With a 300mm zoom on my lens I was able to see a bobcat."

FORMER PINE VALLEY CAL-FIRE CAPTAIN PLEADS GUILTY TO MISAPPROPRIATION OF FUNDS

July 28, 2011 (Pine Valley) - Former Cal Fire Captain Scott Mackellar pled guilty on July 26 to fraudulent appropriation by a public officer of public funds. A Cal Fire internal investigation found that Mackellar misappropriated $7099.36 worth of purchases on fuel and credit cards belonging to Cal Fire while employed in the community of Pine Valley.

AUGUST 22 DEADLINE LOOMS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON STATE FIRE FEE

 

Supervisors to vote on legal challenge of $150 assessment on rural properties

 

By Billie Jo Jannen
For East County Magazine

 

July 29, 2011 (San Diego’s East County)--As County supervisors mull a possible lawsuit over a state plan to bill rural property owners $150 per dwelling, CalFire officials say the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection will take public input through Aug. 22 on how and which rural residents will be charged the new fee.

FREE FAMILY FUN AT THE RAMONA COUNTRY FAIR JULY 28-31


July 28, 2011 (Ramona) – It’s opening day at the Ramona Country Fair, where admission is free! This four-day event includes live entertainment including musical bands and the Ramona Idol contest, animals, livestock auction, crafts, food, and carnival rides.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS


Thursday, July 28th, 2011

CPUC HEARING IN SAN DIEGO ON PROPOSED MERGER OF AT&T & T-MOBILE DRAWS BIG CROWD

By Miriam Raftery

July 28, 2011 (San Diego) – Hundreds of local residents spoke out at a hearing held by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Monday evening at the Al Bahr Shriners auditorium in San Diego.
 

The majority voiced support for a proposed merger between AT&T and T-Mobile. Supporters said the merger could create a more reliable network for cell phone service and create good-paying union jobs; many also praised AT&T’s record of community service. Opponents, by contrast, voiced concerns over creating a monopoly and feared the merger would lead to higher rates, decreased incentive for innovation, and job lay-offs.

 

The public can still submit comments to the CPUC by e-mailing public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov and referencing proceeding #I1106009 – AT&T/T-Mobile Merger.

 

A DREAM DESTROYED: DEAD PHONE LINE LEADS TO LLAMA DEATH


Tragedy elicits sharp criticism of AT&T from backcountry residents who share horror stories of outages, poorly maintained lines, and service hassles


CPUC encourages residents with phone land-line complaints to email public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov

 

By Miriam Raftery
 

July 27, 2011 (Lyons Valley) – Llama rancher John Klacka knew he had to get help fast when he found his prized stud llama, Muneco, had been bitten by a rattlesnake on July 7. “He was foaming at the mouth and having trouble breathing,” he recalled. “I ran into the house and tried to call the vet—and my phone was dead. I thought `This can’t be happening.’”

ECM WORLD WATCH: GLOBAL AND NATIONAL NEWS

 

July 28, 2011 (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.  

 

FUGITIVE EXTRADITED FROM MEXICO FOR MURDER OF WIFE, A TECATE BORDER CROSSING OFFICER

 

July 28, 2011 (Tecate)—Yesterday, Jesus Arteaga Garcia was extradited to San Diego from Mexico to face murder charges stemming from the fatal stabbing of his estranged wife, Maribel Arteaga, who was two months pregnant.She was stabbed to death in front of her children on December 9, 2009, at her apartment in Chula Vista. She was a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer who served at the Tecate Port of Entry.

MAN ARRESTED FOR STABBING IN LEMON GROVE

 

July 28, 2011 (Lemon Grove)—Lemon Grove Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a stabbing at 1621 Drexel Drive in Lemon Grove last night around 7:30 p.m. Upon arrival, they found John Thomas, 41, on the porch bleeding heavily from multiple stab wounds. He was transported by emergency medical services to Scripps Hospital for emergency surgery.

 

The suspect, who lived with the vicitim, was identified as Curtis Bennett, 35. Witness said the two were in a physical dispute before the stabbing.

TORCHED: ARSON CAUSED EAGLE FIRE, CAL FIRE REVEALS

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

July 27, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Cal Fire investigators have determined that arson is the cause of the Eagle Fire, which has thus far burned 14,100 acres and injured 14 firefighters.

 

Who set the blaze, and what was the motive? Cal-Fire has not disclosed details on how the fire was started, or if there are any suspects. If caught, the perpetrator could face not only jail time, but a hefty bill--since firefighting costs now exceed $11.6 million.

TEENS REQUIRED TO SHOW PROOF OF TDAP BOOSTER SHOT FOR SCHOOL

Whooping Cough Cases On Track To Hit 300 for Region

July 27, 2011 (San Diego)—Under a new law, middle and high school students have to show proof they’ve received a booster shot for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis( also known as whooping cough) in order to enroll in school.

 

READER’S EDITORIAL: BEYOND THE DEBT CEILING CRISIS

 

By Russell Buckley

 

July 29, 2011 (La Mesa)--Our nation is in a tough spot. Our government has run up an unprecedented level of debt that many Americans now realize will become unsustainable in the very near future. Too, the interest on Government debt precludes more spending on progressive social programs.

READER'S EDITORIAL: DEBT CEILING PROPAGANDA

 

Cutting government spending doesn't create jobs--it increases unemployment and is bad for our economy

 

By Carol Guerrero, Spring Valley

 

July 26, 2011 (Spring Valley)--As the debate on the debt ceiling continues, I am distressed to hear the Republicans continue to use propaganda techniques to obscure clear economic analysis. Although there are many possible examples, I will use one from the House Speaker’s response to President Obama’s address to the nation last night. He repeated, as have his Republican colleagues over and over again, that lowering government spending will create jobs and help the economy.

 

As any macroeconomic class teaches, this statement is false in the short run and probably in the long run as well.

MAYOR SANDERS ANNOUNCES GROUP SAVINGS PROGRAM FOR HOME ENERGY EFFICIENCY UPGRADES & SOLAR INSTALLATIONS

 

“Reduce then Produce” part of San Diego Summer of Energy Independence

July 26, 2011 (San Diego) — San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders announced today a new citywide program that provides special savings on home energy efficiency upgrades and solar energy installations. It's all part of the San Diego Summer of Energy Independence. The program is now under way; to participate, homeowners must sign up by October 20, 2011.

ALPINE LIBRARY IS GOING TO THE BIRDS ON SATURDAY, JULY 30


July 30, 2011 (Alpine) – Exotic birds from around the world will flock to the Alpine Library on July 30th at 1 p.m. for a very special program. Be sure to bring your camera! Learn about different bird species, habitats and behaviors, then come and play with the birds at this free family event.

MISSING TEEN, 14, VANISHED JULY 15 IN BONITA; POSSIBLE SIGHITNG IN SAN DIEGO

 

July 26, 2011 (Bonita) – San Diego Sheriff’s office today notified media that 14-year-old Luke Roundy, aka Michael McWilliams, disappeared the night of July 15. The teen and his family are from Texas and were staying with relatives in the 3800 block of Alta Loma Drive in Bonita.

 

RANCHO SAN DIEGO LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM WINS SECTION 7 CHAMPIONSHIP, VIES FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TITLE

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Scott Nadeau

 

July 26, 2011 (Rancho San Diego)-- Rancho San Diego Little League players on “The Dawgs” clinched the Section 7 Championship last week. The boys, ages 9-10, are now vying to win Southern Califiornia’s Subdivision 3 in order to face off against Northern California teams in the state championships.

 

The Dawgs triumphed over Twin Hills to win the Section 7 title by a 17-3 score. Since then, they've gone on to win two of their first three Subdivision 3 play-off games, moving closer toward a chance to vie for the state title.

WITH 1 WEEK LEFT TO STOP DEBT DEFAULT, OBAMA TAKES CASE TO PEOPLE: URGES VOTERS TO ASK REPRESENTATIVES TO HAVE WEALTHY PAY THEIR “FAIR SHARE”

 

“Would you rather reduce deficits and interest rates by raising revenue from those who are not now paying their fair share, or would you rather accept larger budget deficits, higher interest rates, and higher unemployment? And I think I know your answer.” – Ronald Reagan

 

Protests planned nationwide at Congressional offices over deficit issue

View video and read full text of President Obama’s speech and full text of President Obama’s speech

View full text of Republican Speaker John Boehmer’s response

 

July 26, 2011 (Washington D.C.) – In a special address to the nation last night, President Barack Obama invoked the words of Ronald Reagan and urged the American people to let their representatives know if they support a balanced approach to resolving the deficit that would include a combination of deep spending cuts but also ask “millionaires and billionaires” to make some sacrifices to avoid cuts that would hurt senior citizens, students and working people.

 

Thus far, Republicans have insisted on a cuts-only plan as a condition of raising the debt ceiling to prevent the nation from defaulting  for the first time in history on its debts.  Republican Speaker John Boehmer insists Congress and the nation must "live within their means" as small businesses and families must do.

 

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME AUG. 2 AT KROC CENTER

July 21, 2011 (San Diego) – The 28th annual National Night Out Against Crime will be celebrated Tueday, August 2 from 6-8 p.m. at the Salvation Army Kroc Center recreation field, 6845 University Ave. The community is invited to this free event, which includes live entertainment, an interactive self-defense demonstration, visits with local police and SWAT officers, free snacks, giveaways, games, fingerprinting, community booths and more.

REPORT ARSONISTS, CAL-FIRE ASKS

 

July 25, 2011 (San Diego's East County) -- Cal Fire is asking for your help in identifying suspected arsonists.

 

If you see a fire start, report it and remember everything you saw, Cal Fire advises. Make note of any suspicious vehicles or persons. The information you have, no matter how minor, could be the key to stopping the arsonist.

NAVY REPLACES FLAG STOLEN FROM SHERIFF’S CAPTAIN IN SCRIPPS RANCH


July 25, 2011 (Scripps Ranch)—Each Fourth of July for the past 12 years, Sheriff’s Homicide Captain Tim Curran and his wife, Debby, have displayed a flag the size of a two-car garage at their Scripps Ranch home. But on July 5, the flag was stolen and Debby was injured as the thief made a getaway.

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