SNAP cuts in America and the future impacts on California

Inmate firefighters get pay raise under bill signed by Governor

Passages: Donuts to Dollars, Mary Hennessy had a sweet life

County approves negotiations to buy land for Troy Street Sleeping Cabins in Lemon Grove

ECM World Watch: National and global news

La Mesa Police officer killed while aiding motorists after collision on I-8

County approves purchase of firefighting helicopter with nighttime capabilities

Twelve-year-old killed, two other children critically injured crossing street in San Carlos

La Mesa raises parking meter fees

Health and Science Highlights

Artillery round from Camp Pendleton celebration explodes over I-5, hits CHP vehicle

Trump aims to slash refugee admissions and add racist criteria

“SUNDAYS AT SIX” SUMMER CONCERT SERIES BEGINS JUNE 10

May 7, 2012 (La Mesa) – The “Sundays at Six” summer concert series will be held in the amphitheater at Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden Street in La Mesa on Sundays, at 6:00 p.m. during June, July and August.  In honor of the City’s centennial celebration each concert will celebrate the music of the ten decades from 1912 to 2012.

PETERS CLARIFIES STANCE ON SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE

 

By Miriam Raftery

May 7, 2012 (San Diego) – In the hotly contested 52nd Congressional district race, Democrat Lori Saldaña has recently circulated a video  in which her rival, Democrat Scott Peters,  tells a KUSI reporter that he would support cuts to entitlements such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

Today,  in an interview with ECM, Peters sought to set the record straight.   He now says by “cuts” he meant cuts to reduce cost of services to seniors-- not cuts in benefits. 

Both Peters and Saldaña have pledged to strengthen these programs--in sharp contrast to incumbent Congressman Brian Bilbray, who has voted to slash funds and benefits and move toward privatization.

NEW ENTREPRENEURIAL PRESIDENT BOOK FOCUSES ON FORMER UC SAN DIEGO CHANCELLOR ATKINSON

May 7, 2012 (San Diego) -- Richard C. Atkinson, who served as chancellor of the University of California, San Diego for15 years, was barely four weeks into his tenure as president of the University of California system when the UC Regents voted to end affirmative action in August 1995.

How he dealt with the admissions wars—the political, legal and academic consequences of that historic and controversial decision, as well as the issue of governance—is discussed in a new book by Patricia Pelfrey recently released by the University of California Press entitled The Entrepreneurial President: Richard Atkinson and the University of California, 1995-2003.

GREEN GIFTS FOR MOM THIS MOTHER’S DAY

May 6, 2012 (San Diego) -- Mother’s Day is almost here.  The National Resource Defense Council offers some great green gift ideas for mom.

For the mom committed to delicious food there is the “Foodie’s Delight” which helps the NRDC to grow the local and organic food movement and ensure that we all have access to an abundant supply of healthy, locally-grown food, free of pesticides and other toxins.

STEPHEN WATSON OF EL CAJON WINS NCAA PACWEST DIV II MEN’S GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

May 7, 2012 (El Cajon) – Stephen Watson, a Christian High Grad, won the NCAA PacWest Div II Men’s Golf championship April 24.  He was honored with PacWest Co-Player of the Year, Newcomer of the Year and is a member of the All-Conference First Team.

Watson captured the individual title by recording a five-under-par 211.  On the final day of the tournament he carded his second 69 of the tournament, finishing (69-73-69) after entering the day in a four-way tie for second place. Watson wins the tournament in the Lancers' first season as a member of the conference. He was one of just two players to shoot under par in the final round.

READER’S EDITORIAL: AN OPEN LETTER TO CITY ATTORNEY JAN GOLDSMITH

 
By Hugh Moore, El Cajon
San Diego County Green Party Treasurer
 
May 7, 2012 (San Diego)--In the case of the city against the six gay rights activists who were arrested in August of 2010 for “blocking access” to the office where people get marriage licenses I cannot understand how you can justify the expense of continuing to attempt prosecution.

READERS’ EDITORIAL: ARGUMENTS AGAINST PROPOSITION D IN EL CAJON

 
By Jonathan Goetz, Karen Marie Otter, Bonnie B. Price, Ph.D. , Registered Principals of NO ON D
 
Prop D opens the door for corruption and reduces wages in a community with the highest poverty in San Diego County, opponents warn
 
May 7, 2012 (El Cajon)--Proponents of Proposition D have set forth an argument that identifies key provisions of the proposed charter. All purportedly seem to be beneficial to the citizens of El Cajon, especially when it comes to financial affairs.

SANTA YSABEL TRIBE TAKES A STAND FOR A “FAIR DEAL”

 
May 7, 2012 (Santa Ysabel)-- The Iipay Nation of the Santa Ysabel Tribe is holding its ground against San Diego County demands for a $3 million arbitration settlement. The tribe states that the county projections were unrealistic and fundamentally flawed. The Santa Ysabel Tribe affirms the casino is willing to pay a fair settlement within its actual, not projected, situation.

 

HEALTH SCIENCES HIGH & MIDDLE COLLEGE STUDENT ANDREA ELSER OF LA MESA WINS 9TH ANNUAL AMN/HCC SCHOLARSHIP

 
May 7, 2012, (San Diego) -- La Mesa resident, Andrea Elser, a senior at Health Sciences High & Middle College (HSHMC) in San Diego, has been named the recipient of the Ninth Annual AMN/HCC Scholarship Essay Contest presented by the Health Care Communicators (HCC) of San Diego County and AMN Healthcare http://www.amnhealthcare.com/.

SWAT TEAM IN LAKESIDE; SUSPECT BARRICADED IN HOME NEAR LINDO LAKES

 Update 2:05 p.m. - The suspect is identified as Kenny Lee Walker, 45. 

"Deputies have the place surrounded and under containment. We're still trying to convince him to come out," Detective Tom Poulin told ECM. However the suspect has made threats to harm himself and officers. He says he's going to shoot it out with deputies and then shoot himself," said Poulin, who added that the suspect was wanted for slashing his wife's tires and is believed to be armed with a handgun.  

Update 10:50 a.m.  -- Lindo Lake Elementary and El Capitan High schools are on lockdown as a precaution, ECM news partner 10 News now reports.

May 7, 2012 (Lakeside) 10:40 a.m. – A suspect who wanted on a domestic violence charge has barricaded himself into a residence on Lakeshore Drive in Lakeside.  The suspect is believed to be armed. 

“They’re going to call a SWAT team out,” Detective Tom Poulin with the Sheriff’s substation in Santee told EC, while en route to the situation.  The suspect has been wanted for “a couple of days,” he added.

LA MESA CHAMBER HOSTS MIXER AT NORTH ISLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION MAY 9

May 6, 2012 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa Chamber is hosting a special evening mixer at North Island Credit Union, 7968 El Cajon Blvd., La Mesa on May 9 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  It is an opportunity to meet the business banking team from NICU.

EL CAJON CHARTER CITY INITIATIVE SPARKS HEATED CONTROVERSY

By Miriam Raftery
 
“It’s going to save us a lot of money….By not having to pay prevailing wages, this gives us more control over our own destiny.” –Councilman Bill Wells
 
“I’m concerned about corruption…It is a power grab by a few individuals and the people must say no.” – David Secor, candidate for Congress
 
May 6, 2012 (El Cajon) – State Senator Joel Anderson hosted a fundraiser last week to raise money for proposition D, a measure that would turn El Cajon into a charter city. While supporters gathered inside praising the plan as a money-saver for the city, outside,  protesters carrying ”Stop corruption signs” claimed just the opposite –that Prop D could enable unfair bidding practices, suppress wages, and potentially cost more in the long run through sweetheart deals with developers  without public scrutiny.

DUCHENY BLASTS VARGAS FOR ‘WAR ON WOMEN’S HEALTH

 
May 6, 2012 (San Diego)—Congressional candidate Denise Moreno Ducheny has chastised her opponent, Senator Juan Vargas, for voting against a woman’s right to choose. Vargas voted in opposition to Senate Bill (SB) 1338 (Kehoe) during last week’s Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee. The final vote on the bill was 4-4 with one Senator not voting, effectively killing the bill in committee. 

MUSICALS, COMEDIES, WORLD MUSIC AND MORE AT SAN DIEGO JEWISH ARTS FESTIVAL

May 5, 2012 (San Diego) – San Diego Repertory Theatre (San Diego REP) hosts the 19th annual Lipinsky Family San Diego Jewish Arts Festival. The festival, rich in culture, talent, and Jewish soul, is organized and directed by Todd Salovey, associate artistic director, San Diego REP.

ART IN THE MOUNTAINS OF JULIAN – MAY 11-13

 
May 6, 2012 (Julian) -- Mother’s Day weekend should be all about mothers.  The Julian Arts Guild is presenting its annual Mother’s Day Weekend show and sale.  The theme, appropriately, is called “Mother Earth.”

 

NATIONAL PETITION SEEKS TO STOP MAIMING, CRUELTY TO ANIMALS IN MILITARY MEDICS’ TRAINING

 By Miriam Raftery

May 5, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – In March, ECM reported on military medic training at Covert Canyon in Alpine that reportedly includes maiming and shooting of live pigs.  Now Change.org has launched a petition to stop use of live animals in military medical training.

U.S. FOREST SERVICE SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR PROPOSED LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN AMENDMENT

 
May 5, 2012 (San Diego) -- Forest Service officials are seeking public comments on a Proposed Amendment to the Land Management Plans for the four Southern California National Forests (including the Cleveland National Forest in San Diego County as well as the Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres, and San Bernardino Forests.  The Proposed Amendment would modify existing land use zones allocations in selected roadless areas to include more back country non-motorized and recommended wilderness areas.  An alternate monitoring framework is also proposed. 

 

ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES TO HELP EAST COUNTY COLLEGES

District foundation seeking 100 donors by June 30
 
May 5, 2012 (El Cajon) --  As state funding for community colleges continues to decline, the foundation serving Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges is turning to private and corporate donors to contribute toward programs that will benefit students at the two East County institutions.

DEPUTY SHERIFFS’ ASSOCIATION OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY ENDORSES NATHAN FLETCHER

 

May 5, 2012 (San Diego County) -- The Deputy Sheriffs’ Association of San Diego County today announced they endorsed Nathan Fletcher for mayor citing his independent voice and ability to work with broad coalitions to keep the public safe.

 

7TH ANNUAL DUNCAN L. HUNTER WOUNDED MARINE GOLF CLASSIC MAY 7

May 5, 2012 (El Cajon) -- The 7th Annual Duncan L. Hunter Wounded Marine Golf Classic is May 7 at Cottonwood Golf Course, 3121 Willow Glen Road, El Cajon.  The tournament benefits wounded Army, Navy and Marine Corps personnel.  The Armed Services YMCA is the host sponsor.  Cottonwood Golf Club is donating the course, personnel and equipment for the event.

16TH ANNUAL HAWAIIANAIRES POLICE GOLF TOURNAMENT MAY 11

May 5, 2012 (El Cajon) – The 16th Annual Hawaiianaires Golf Tournament is May 11 at the Cottonwood Rancho San Diego Golf Course, 3121 Willow Glen Road, El Cajon.  The event benefits the El Cajon Police Officers’ Memorial Fund is sponsored by the El Cajon Police Officers Association.

The entry fee is $120 per person and limited to the first 144 people.  Registration will begin at 11:00 a.m. with a 12:00 p.m. shotgun start.  Dinner will follow the tournament.  Tickets may be purchased by calling 619-442-9891.

COUNTY HELPS BUSINESSES GO GREEN, RECYCLE FLUORESCENT LIGHTS

Environmental Health Department Offering Free Recycling Kits While Supplies Last

May 5, 2012 (San Diego County) --
County officials are reminding small business owners that they can still get free “mail-back” recycling kits to help them legally recycle their old fluorescent lights, thanks to the Department of Environmental Health (DEH) and a federal grant.

Pages