July 12, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather statement for our region, including a flash flood watch for mountains and deserts in East County through Friday night, with storms forecast through Sunday.
July 12, 2012 (Lakeside) – A brush fire briefly threatened homes at I-8 and Los Coches Road near in Lakeside early this afternoon. Thanks to a full wildland fire response, the blaze was extinguished in about 20 minutes.
"As I traveled up Los Coches Road, I spotted flames and smoke near a housing track. I called 911 and they dispatched fire crews. Within 5 minutes fire engine crews were on the scene," said ECM photographer Billy Ortiz, who shot this dramatic video as firefighters battled the blaze and concerned residents looked on.
July 12, 2012 (Descanso) – Help fund preservation of Descanso’s historic town hall, built in 1899, by joining in this vintage Americana celebration in East County. Descanso Days fun begins with the “Proud to be an American” parade on Saturday, July 14 at 10 a.m. The parade route starts at Viejas Grade Road in Descanso and ends at the town’s elementary school.
Later, enjoy live music by Pine Creek Posse Band as well as a bluegrass band and a “tin” band. The fair, held at the Descanso Town Hall, 24536 Viejas Grade Road in Descanso, also features arts and crafts, games, rides for kids, food and beverages.
July 12, 2012 (Mission Trails) -- The Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation and the California Art Club will present Treasures of the Mission Trails Regional Park Art Exhibit and Benefit on July 14 from 6-8:30 p.m.
Renowned Native American Flute Player Tim Romero will be performing and George Cowles, East County resident circa 1873-1883, will return in character. The event will also include fine art, fine wine, cheese and chocolate.
July 12, 2012 (Alpine)—Old blue eyes is back—at least in spirit. Frank Sinatra impersonator Monty Aidem will perform a free tribute concert on Friday, July 13 from 8 p.m. to 12 midnight in the V Lounge at Viejas Casino. Aidem has performed at top casinos in Las Vegas and other major venues.
July 11, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a severe weather warning for San Diego’s inland areas that includes multiple perils.An excessive heat warning continues, with temperatures up to 118 degrees forecast for desert areas.
In addition, thunderstorms are possiblyThursday afternoon through Friday morning, producing lightning,gusty winds, hail and light to moderate rainfall.A flash flood watch has also been issued, as well as a fire weather watch.
Excessive heat warning in effect; Sheriff issues safety tips for hikers
July 11, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for San Diego County’s desert areas, cautioning that conditions “could be deadly” for unprepared campers or hikers.
That message comes too late for Lynn Thu Tran, 19, of Escondido.She was found unconscious with signs of heat stroke on the Julian side of Cedar Creek Falls at 5:30 p.m. on July 9. She was airlifted to Palomar Hospital but did not survive. According to the Medical Examiner, she died of hypethermia, conditions related to a heat stroke.
July 12, 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.
Senate Dems plan tax offensive (The Hill)
U.S. beefs up Gulf naval force amid tensions with Iran (Reuters)
NOAA: Last 12 months hottest ever (The Hill)
U.S. delivers ‘powerful commitment’ to Afghanistan (UT San Diego)
Has ‘organics’ been oversized? (New York Times)
The tax man cometh to police you on healthcare (UT San Diego)
WORLD
Iran says it has plan to close Strait of Hormuz (UT San Diego)
What does London’s LIBOR mean to the US? (NPR)
Polonium found on Arafat’s clothes was planted (Jerusalem Post)
July 12, 2012 -- (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
Catching up with San Diego’s legislators (San Diego CityBeat)
Report: Padres to be sold to group including local golf star (10 News)
Survey: Islam is San Diego County’s fastest growing religion (UT San Diego)
Could economics doom ailing California nuclear plant? (Sacramento Bee)
Santee among cities getting park grants (UT San Diego)
Padre dam board settles on five-year plan (UT San Diego)
‘Appalled’ at Costs, Residents Slam Helix Water District Rate Hike Plan
STATE
California growers join greens to query frack safety (Reuters)
Legislature approves high speed rail spending (SF Gate)
Historic bridges of Yosemite Valley under siege (Sacramento Bee)
Study: What makes Californians smile? (News Service .org)
College tuition is political fodder, from the state Legislature to the presidential campaign trail (Sacramento Bee)
Rising costs push California cities to fiscal brink
July 12, 2012 (Dulzura)—Cal Fire and San Diego County Fire authority are on the scene of a two-acre grass fire south of Highway 94 near the Border Patrol checkpoint in Dulzura (TB Map 1313 E2). The fire is spreading moderately upslope in a south easterly direction.
July 11, 2012 -- Marking a major milestone for Californians and all Americans, the Homeowners Bill of Rights, a package of bills sponsored by Attorney General Kamala D. Harris that gives homeowners important new protections and places restrictions on how aggressively banks can foreclose, was signed into law today by Governor Brown.
July 12, 2012 (Tijuana) -- The world’s leading innovators will gather this October at an international conference on San Diego’s doorstep. Nobel laureates Rajendra K. Pachauri, the United Nations’ point man on climate change, and Ada Yonath, winner of the Chemistry Prize, will join global thought leaders, technology entrepreneurs and pioneering philanthropists at the event, called Tijuana Innovadora 2012.
July 12, 2012 (San Diego) -– A New PATH, a non-profit organization that works to reduce the stigma associated with addictive illness, has received a grant from the Alliance Healthcare Foundation for $63,158 for core support of their mission and projects. Through education and advocacy, PATH promotes therapeutic rather than punitive drug policies.
July 12, 2012 (Washington D.C.) – San Diego’s Republican representatives Duncan Hunter, Brian Bilbray and Darrell issue joined the Republican majority in the House of Representatives in voting to repeal the Affordable Health Care Act—taking health benefits away from their constituents as well as eliminating the mandate for coverage.
California Democratic Party Chairman John Burton sent an email blasting the vote.“If ever anyone was looking for a reason to vote Congressional Republicans out of office in November, this has got to be it.”
July 11, 2012 (La Mesa) 11:05 p.m. --A helicopter is assisting La Mesa Police in a search for a 42-year-old man who may be armed with a gun in the 4400 Parks Avenue area. The man is described as thin, wearing a black baseball cap, jeans and a white shirt.
July 11, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—Seth Tucker, 22, was arrested this morning for a scam in which he allegedly asked Santee residents for donations to send a local high school baseball team to Maui for a championship game.
“Investigators learned that Tucker had been doing this scam for several months in several different neighbors,” said Sgt. Tom Poulin.“He would always represent himself as a player for the local high school team of the area he was in.”
July 7, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – If a bill passed by the Assembly and by a key State Senate Committee becomes law, San Diego County residents couldbe forced to pay for development of massive wind and solar projects in rural East County through property taxes—even though the projects are opposed by numerous area residents.
Sponsored by San Diego legislators Ben Hueso and Juan Vargas, AB 2551 would provide a fresh source of funding for energy companies pushing large wind and solar projects, since federal subsidies expire at year’s end. Both Vargas and Hueso have accepted thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from the electric utilities industry.
The bill has drawn outraged reactions from key community leaders, who note that backers have vested interests in massive-scale energy projects and transmission lines proposed here. The measure is also opposed by the California Taxpayers Association and the California Association of Realtors.
July 10, 2012 (Lakeside)--Many residents of the East County /back county have received a letter from the Sunrise Powerlink Fire Mitigation Grants Program telling us about the grant program.
Free acoustic performances to showcase local talent
July 11, 2012 (San Diego) -- This summer, Taylor Guitars and Westfield Centers are bringing live, acoustic music to shopping malls around San Diego County.
Beginning July 12, visitors to Westfield Horton Plaza and Westfield North County will be treated to free performances by local Taylor Guitars artists, including Americana revivalists, The Silent Comedy and Lexington Field, as well as singer-songwriters Oliver Trolley and Chi McClean.
July 11, 2012 (La Mesa) – La Mesa-Mount Helix Patch reports that Roshawn Lamar Broadnax, 20, a former Helix Charter High School track and field star, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and spousal abuse.
June 11, 2012 (Lemon Grove) -- Construction is set to begin next month on the highly-anticipated Main Street Promenade Redevelopment Project in Lemon Grove. The public is invited to join regional public officials for the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, July 19 at 3:00 p.m. on the 3500 block of Main Street, just north of Broadway.
July 11, 2012 (San Diego County) -- Heat waves and power outages have been plaguing the nation in recent weeks and temperatures are expected to rise higher than usual in San Diego County within the next few days.
“In these extreme weather conditions, it’s important for people to be aware of how much power they are using because the high demand for energy and high temperatures go hand-and-hand,” said Dave Weil, director of building commissioning and sustainability at the University of California, San Diego. “At UC San Diego, saving energy is a top priority all year-round. The university generates about 90 percent of its annual electricity demand.”
Feds Urged to Avoid Sensitive Lands, Support Renewable Energy;
Critics contend damaging impacts of renewables ignored by settlement
By Miriam Raftery
July 9, 2012 (San Francisco)— A coalition of conservation organizations and a western Colorado county has reached a landmark settlement agreement with federal agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service and Department of Energy, requiring the agencies to revise a Bush-era plan creating energy corridors in the West.
The agreement, filed in federal court in San Francisco, requires the agencies to revise a “West-wide Energy Corridors” plan to facilitate renewable energy, avoid environmentally sensitive areas and prevent webs of pipelines and power lines across the West.
July 11, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Looking for gluten-free foods? Now 2GOOD2Bco-owners Mike Barbanti and Diana Benedek are bringing their entrees, delectable desserts and baked breads to you. The Encinitas-based business announces new 2GOOD2B delivery; a brand new service that combines the convenience of takeout with the quality of a healthy, home-cooked meal. Delivery is available countywide—including East County.
July 11, 2012 (San Diego) – Ali Ahmed, a local college student whose name ended up on the no-fly list returned home to San Diego on Monday, according to news partner 10 News.He arrived at Lindbergh Field after a 20-hour ordeal which included a missed flight and lost luggage.
July 11, 2012 (San Diego) – The Sustainability Alliance of Southern California is holding discussion of nuclear power in Southern California on July 12 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the California Center for Sustainable Energy, 8690 Balboa Ave., Suite 100, San Diego.The presenters are Rochelle Becker, Executive Director of the Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility and John Geesman, Former Executive Director and Commissioner of the California Energy Commission.
hrough weekend
By Sam Giovanna
July 11, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for San Diego County’s desert areas, cautioning that conditions “could be deadly” for unprepared campers or hikers.
go’s East County)—Seth Tucker, 22, was arrested this morning for a scam in which he allegedly asked Santee residents for donations to send a local high school baseball team to Maui for a championship game.
By Miriam Raftery
July 11, 2012 (San Diego) – Ali Ahmed, a local college student whose name ended up on the no-fly list returned home to San Diego on Monday, 
July 11, 2012 (San Diego) – The Sustainability Alliance of Southern California is holding discussion of nuclear power in Southern California on July 12 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the California Center for Sustainable Energy, 8690 Balboa Ave., Suite 100, San Diego.
Recent comments