May 24, 2012 (San Diego)--More than 50 people called for Sempra Energy Chief Donald Felsinger to come down and address the public’s concerns over the San Onofre nuclear reactors, which have been closed for months due to serious safety problems. (Felsinger was invited last Friday in a written-hand-delivered petition.) The crowd chanted “Donald Felsinger come on down” on this overcast afternoon, with Sempra Energy’s building looming above.
Update May 25, 2012-7:45 a.m. - The fire is now 2,500 acres and 20% contained. There have been no reported injuries to firefighters and no structures were damaged or destroyed.
Cal-Fire reports there are currently 36 engines, 17 fire crews, 3 bulldozers, 9 water tenders, 4 helicopters and 6 airtankers (393 firefighters). Shelter Valley residents have been allowed to return home.
May 24, 2012 (Julian) – The “Banner Fire” which started at 2:14 p.m.has burned four to five acres thus far east of Julian near the Banner Grade.
“The fire is located in an area known as Cigarette Canyon close to the location of last year’s `Great Fire,’” Battalion Chief Nick Schuler say, adding that the blaze is spreading at a “moderate rate.”
May 24, 2012 (San Diego) -- The final round of the STOP ,Stop Taxing Our Pupils, 2011 four-step scholarship process will take place at the Merrill Lynch building, located at 701 B St., San Diego (downtown), in the second floor Conference room 2 west, from 7-8:30 p.m.
May 24, 2012 (La Mesa) – East County Magazine extends our heart-felt thanks to the San Pasqual Winery, A Class Act Night Entertainment, Terra American Bistro and our generous readers for making our “Class Act Night in La Mesa” a rousing success!
By Pat Zaharopoulos, President of the Middle-Class Tax Payers Association
May 24, 2012 (San Diego) -- Not long ago the public praised San Diego firefighters and other first-responders for protecting our lives and property from the wildfires that raged across our county. Today the taxpaying public stands to lose as all of our city employees are being pushed aside by politicians attempting to further their own ambitions with ballot Proposition B.
May 24, 2012 (San Diego County) -- Recent analysis from the FBI and other government agencies demonstrates that malicious actors are targeting travelers abroad through pop-up windows while they are establishing an Internet connection in their hotel rooms.
May 23, 2012 (San Diego) -- Steve Danon has been active in Republican politics since his days as College Republican president at San Diego State University. He has worked for Republicans ranging from Supervisors Dianne Jacob and Ron Roberts to Congressman Brian Bilbray.
He is one of a new generation of youthful conservative leaders emerging in San Diego that include Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher and City Councilman Kevin Faulconer (both of whom have endorsed Danon).
May 22, 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.
Obama spending binge never happened (Wall Street Journal’s Market Watch)
GOP Senators push for Medicare cuts (The Hill)
Wall Street rebounds, but investors dump Facebook (Reuters)
As NATO summit wraps, Romney and Obama trade attacks (USA Today)
This terrifying amendment legalizes use of propaganda on the U.S. public (Business Insider)
Republican-led House votes to allow military action against Iran (RawStory)
CEOs who delivered the most and least bang for the buck (Wall Street Journal)
Facebook users file class action over online tracking (RawStory)
Romney, Obama in dead heat, new poll finds (Washington Post)
Troops face same risk of brain-wasting disease as football players (KPBS)
WORLD
U.S. Senate approves bill to toughen Iran sanctions (BBC)
Italy earthquake: Monti prepares for state of emergency (BBC)
Suicide bomber kills 90 in Yemen (Reuters)
Despite end to Afghan war in 2014, U.S. to shoulder burden of funding (Fox News)
May 23, 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
A Q&A on San Miguel’s situation
Tony Gwynn joins group seeking to buy Padres (10 News)
San Onofre future hinges on finding cause of abnormal tube wear (Sacramento Bee)
San Diego ranked least expensive city in state to do business (10 News)
La Mesa may welcome wineries and breweries (UT San Diego)
La Mesa Village Development (La Mesa Today)
No option at all! (for condo/apartment residents with multiple smart meters) (KUSI Turko Files)
Walmart Neighborhood Market planned for La Mesa
Countywide water rates could rise nearly 10% (UT San Diego)
Grossmont baseball coach Jim Earley quits amid parent accusations (La Mesa Patch)
Wounded officer asked `Is this my time?’ (UT San Diego)
STATE
CA Senate passes bill for self-driving cars (Los Angeles Times)
CA Senate passes bill that limits salaries at CSU (Sacramento Bee)
California Democrats balk at deeper cuts for state’s poorest residents (Sacramento Bee)
Purple Super Pac launched to support registered Independents (Sacramento Bee)
U-T: State Plans Big Changes To Testing, Instruction
May 23, 2012 (Poway) -- There's an alarming report about teens behind the wheel. A new study released by the American Automobile Association or AAA this month shows teen drivers are more likely to be involved in a deadly crash if they've got other teens in their car. The study finds having friends in the car can be a deadly distraction for young drivers, but that risk is greatly reduced when parents or other adults are in the car.
“Asone of the first called to the table at Buffet at Viejas, I wish to say, ‘Thank you for a memorable feast. It was delightful.’”—Ariele Johannson
by Ariele Johannson
May 23, 2012 (Alpine)--The new Buffet at Viejas had its grand opening on Tuesday morning. The fanfare included a tribal blessing from Kumeyaay elder Virginia Christman and traditional bird songs led by tribal member John Christman. Viejas Tribal Vice Chairman, Robert “Cita” Welch, addressed a crowd of tribal elders, leaders, local dignitaries, Chamber of Commerce representatives, public and the press during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. With the smell of sage in the air being prepared for the smudging, he called the new buffet at Viejas among the best in the San Diego area.
May 23, 2012 (Lemon Grove) – San Diego Sheriff’s deputies from the Lemon Grove station responded to a residential burglary in progress at 1420 Bakersfield Street, Lemon Grove on May 18 at approximately 9:06 a.m.after a neighbor reported an unknown male forcing open the front door of the residence.The deputies saw two males exiting the residence in the backyard.
May 23, 2012 (Alpine) – Alpine voters will decide on the June ballot whether nearly $12 million in bond monies should be authorized to fund the Alpine Union School District. The District faces a half million dollars in annual budget cuts due to falling property tax revenues and anticipated cuts in state funding.
May 22, 2012 (Mexico) – ECM correspondent Nadin Abbott and her husband, Tom are vacationing in Mexico and captured this image of Popopcapetl, a smouldering volcano 30 miles from Puebla (pictured) and 60 miles from Mexico City. An eruption could occur at any time.
Update: Mr. McKenzie has been found safely, ECM has been informed by family.
May 22, 2012 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa Police seek public help to find A.McKenzie, last seen in a silver 2011 Honda Insight (license CA 6SCK316) heading west on I-8 at 2 a.m. on May 21 near Pine Valley.His daughter found what appeared to be a suicide note at 12:30 a.m. yesterday.
ECPAC Foundation, SAVE ECPAC groups plan rally to save theater at 1 pm;workshop at 2 p.m.; Council meeting at 3 p.m.
May 22, 2012 (El Cajon ) – Today at 1:30 p.m., the El Cajon Council will hold a special workshop on the future of the East County Performing Arts Center.Council has given an exclusive 180-day agreement to a developer to propose plans for tearing down the theater and building a hotel.Today, developer E. Neal Arthur will present his plans at the workshop.
May 22, 2012 (Poway) -- Internationally-acclaimed Bellus Academy will host its annual Industry Appreciation Party on Wednesday, May 30, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at its Poway campus. The evening features industry experts unveiling the latest innovations and trends as well as Bellus providing complimentary spa and salon services, exclusive raffle prizes, refreshments, hors d’oeuvres and gifts bags for attendees.
May 22, 2012 (Santee) – On May 16, Santee Patrol Deputies arrested Dylan Castle, 20, of Lakeside in the 9400 block of Carlton Oaks. He had escaped from a marked patrol unit the night before, after an arrest for possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia just one block from where he was later apprehended again.
In an exclusive interview with East County Magazine, 52nd Congressional District candidate Lori Saldaña offered in-depth perspectives on top national issues—including the impacts of federal policies being felt in San Diego and East County.
May 21, 2012 (San Diego) – Lori Saldaña knows how to be a tough competitor. A field hockey athlete in college and outdoor enthusiast who led hikes through San Diego’s backcountry, she became our region’s Sierra Club President and sued to enforce environmental laws. As an educator, she created successful job training programs. In Sacramento, she chaired powerful committees and pushed through landmark legislation that she authored--including AB 32, California’s major measure to combat global warming and SB 1, the million solar roofs initiative. President Bill Clinton appointed her to co-chair a committee on water quality improvements for 10 U.S.-Mexico border states. Scrappy and determined, she’s earned her reputation as a fighter with a winning record.
May 21, 2012 (Julian) – Julie Faith Fortier, 39, of Irvine, lost her life in a motorcycle accident that occurred May 19 on State Route 78 at the Banner Grade near Julian.
According to the Medical Examiner’s office, Fortier was a passenger on a motorcycle driven by her husband when he lost control on a curve at a high rate of speed.
May 21, 2012 (McCain Valley) – A rollover accident that occurred on I-8 west near McCain Valley Road this morning at 10:45 a.m. has claimed the life of a Campo man, 46.
May 21, 2012 (San Diego) – Five San Diego County transmission projects are among 30 identified transmission projects needed to maintain grid reliability that were approved by the California Independent System Operator Corporation Board of Governors in the 2011/2012 Transmission Plan. The local projects are:
May 21, 2012 (San Diego) – The goldspotted oak borer (GSOB) is threatening the oak trees of San Diego County.Widespread oak tree mortality can have severe environmental and human safety implications.The dead and dying oak trees create a more dangerous wildfire situation by adding combustible fuel and hazards along evacuation routes.
May 21, 2012 (Boulevard) – A medical helicopter is en route to an accident on I-8 east near State Route 94 in the Boulevard/McCain Valley area. Three victims are trapped with extrication in process, Incident Page Network Reports. A Sig Alert has been ordered, according to the CHP website.
EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss
This week’s topics:
1) The Gulf of Mexico two years after the BP oil spill
2) Lead in aviation fuel
Dear EarthTalk: I’ve seen a lot of warm and fuzzy TV ads, some sponsored by BP Oil, urging me to vacation in the Gulf of Mexico. But are things really “back to normal?” -- Paul Shea, Dublin, OH
By Dave Roberts, Supervisorial Candidate, Third District
May 21, 2012 (San Diego)--I understand the importance of preserving our environment, coastline, lagoons, and open spaces while fostering an economic climate that puts people to work. As a candidate for County Supervisor in the Third District and as the Deputy Mayor of the City of Solana Beach, it has been one of my top priorities to protect our precious natural resources and do so in a balanced way. For those reasons I have been endorsed by the Sierra Club, U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce, the League of Conservation Voters and the friends of the San Dieguito River Valley.
Update May 25, 2012-7:45 a.m. - The fire is now 2,500 acres and 20% contained. There have been no reported injuries to firefighters and no structures were damaged or destroyed. 
May 23, 2012 (Lemon Grove) – San Diego Sheriff’s deputies from the Lemon Grove station responded to a residential burglary in progress at 1420 Bakersfield Street, Lemon Grove on May 18 at approximately 9:06 a.m.
ECPAC Foundation, SAVE ECPAC groups 
May 21, 2012 (San Diego) – Five San Diego County transmission projects are among 30 identified transmission projects needed to maintain grid reliability that were approved by the California Independent System Operator Corporation Board of Governors in the 
By Kate Yapjoco
Recent comments