March 29, 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:
STATE
Strong majority backs Jerry Brown’s tax initiative (LA Times)
Judge tentatively rules for California in school funding suit (Sacramento Bee)
Mitt Romney announces California team (Sacramento Bee)
Beekeepers ask EPA to ban pesticide (Sacarmento Bee)
Solyndra times seven (City Journal)
LOCAL
Feds: San Onofre to remain shut down indefinitely (UT San Diego)
El Cajon Council fills vacancy (UT San Diego)
Is prison realignment working in San Diego? (KPBS)
Defendant rolls on Sweetwater Board member (UT San Diego)
Scroll down for excerpts and links to full stories.
March 29, 2012 (Granite Hills) -- Andy Pheasant, a Realtor at C-21 All Service Realtors, is organizing his annual multi-family garage sale in the Granite Hills area for the 26thyear. It is this weekend, March 31 and April 1, from 8a.m.-3p.m. This year there are over 85 families signed up for the annual event, maps are available at 1598 Richandave.
March 28, 2012 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Community Development Department is pleased to release the Draft 2012 La Mesa General Plan. The draft plan was completed by city staff with the help of consultants and funding with grants from the Kaiser Foundation and SANDAG. A series of five (5) public workshops were held in 2010 and 2011 to obtain public input into the draft plan. Public comments, collected in both written and electronic formats, are reflected in the draft plan.
March 28, 2012 (California) -- California is home to the greatest number of women-owned firms in the country, with an estimated 1,063,700 women-owned firms, employing 977,600 and attributing to roughly $189,529,000 billion as noted by the State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, commissioned by American Express OPEN.
March 28, 2012 (La Mesa) -- The Senior Resource Center at Sharp-Grossmont Hospital offers free or low-cost educational programs and health screenings each month. The Senior Resource Center also provides information and assistance for health and community resources. For more information, call 619-740-4214 or write: PO Box 158, La Mesa, CA 91944. For other programs, call 1-800-827-4277 or visit our web site at: http://www.sharp.com.
March 28, 2012 – Viejas Casino reached a major milestone, with the opening of a new high-stakes, high tech Bingo Room. Tribal elders, tribal leaders, local dignitaries, Chamber of Commerce representatives and the public all joined in the Grand Opening of the new Bingo Room. The ceremonies included a Tribal Blessing, traditional Native American Bird Songs and a ribbon cutting.
Part III in our exclusive report on the proposed Ocotillo Express Wind project
By Miriam Raftery
March 27, 2012 (Ocotillo)-Ocotillo resident Jim Pelley dreads the prospect of the 456-tall wind turbines that may soon surround his home on three sides-some less than half mile away.
Whirling blades, each weighing many tons, would be placed atop an active earthquake fault area capable of a 7.0 quake or more.Fire danger, groundwater impacts, noise, electromagnetic sound waves and ground current are among the potential perils that he fears.
“Our quiet little town of Ocotillo with pristine views of the mountains will be destroyed forever. In return, we have to deal with the possibility of some serious adverse health effects and many other serious problems,” Pelley, an award-winning photojournalist and engineer, told ECM.
“To have the Governor’s office tell our park officials NOT to comment on Ocotillo,OR ANY OTHER alternative energy projects adjacent to the Park, is a travesty, a violation of the trust between the citizens and the state.” – Mark Jorgensen, retired Superintendent, Anza Borrego Desert State Park in an e-mail to ECM
“These allegations are not true. No such directive came from the the Governor’s Office or the California Natural Resources Agency saying that State Parks could not comment on the Ocotillo Wind Express Project. “ -- Richard Stapler, Deputy Secretary for Communications, California Natural Resources Agency
By Miriam Raftery
March 27, 2012 (Anza-Borrego) – The former Superintendent of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (ABDSP) has contacted East County Magazine to allege a cover-up by the State Parks Department and the Governor of serious impacts that the proposed Ocotillo Express wind project would have on our largest state park and its natural resources. The proposed wind project shares a five-mile border with ABSP and if approved, would erect up to 155 wind turbines each 456 feet tall—some just yards from the park.
March 27, 2012 (La Mesa) -- The third annual East County Earth Day, a free family event, will be held at the Mt. Helix Amphitheater on Sunday, April 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Co-hosted by The Jarrett Meeker Foundation and Mt. Helix Park, East County Earth Day will feature vendors with interactive environmental and wildlife presentations. Educational speakers, music, food and children’s activities will make the day complete.
“We believe that DOI [Department of the Interior] is poised to violate the law and our rights to religious freedom and our cultural identities guaranteed by DOI’s own policies, the United States Constitution, and international declarations. We need your help.” --Chairman Anthony Pico, Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, in a letter to President Barack Obama
Part I in an ECM special report series on potential impacts of the Ocotilllo Wind Express project
By Miriam Raftery
March 23, 2012 (Ocotillo) – For months, Ocotillo residents and conservationists have been waging a David and Goliath battle seeking to stop Pattern Energy’s proposed Ocotillo Wind Express project. Now Kumeyaay, Cocopah,Quechan and other Native American tribes have banded together to oppose the massive project-- joining residents, desert conservation groups and outdoor enthusiasts who seek to protect resources from destruction—including hundreds of cultural and archaeological sites.
On March 28, the Imperial Valley Planning Commission will rule on whether to approve the controversial project, which would generate power for San Diego County. At the federal level, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior is expected to issue a final decision by May 1.A petition seeking to stop the project has been launched by Ocotillo residents:http://www.change.org/petitions/say-no- ... y-project#.
March 27, 2012 (Lakeside) – Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy will be having a free presentation for members by local Project Wildlife bat expert Cindy Myers and her bat ambassador. There are roughly two dozen bat varieties in San Diego County.Learn about this small, furry and ecologically essential mammal.
Space is limited to 20 members.RSVP by Wednesday March 28 by contacting Cindy Collins at 619-443-4770.
March 27, 2012 (Lemon Grove) -- At 9:11 a.m., Tuesday morning, Heartland Fire & Rescue crews from Lemon Grove, La Mesa, and El Cajon were dispatched to reports of a residential structure fire in the 1500 block of Skyline Drive.A 911 call reported a room on fire.Fire crews arrived within 6 minutes to discover dark smoke coming from the front door and side bedroom window of a single story, single family residence.
March 27, 2012 (El Cajon) -- A fire that started inside a Mobile Home, in an unincorporated area of El Cajon lead to the discovery of a body inside. The fire was reported just before 9AM this morning at the Starlight Mobile Home Park located on the 300 block of East Bradley Avenue.
When the first crew arrived on scene, neighbors indicated there might be someone inside. The flames were so intense; crews could not enter the structure. Instead they were forced to shift into a defensive position, to save surrounding homes.
Editor’s note: On March 28 at 9 .a.m. the San Diego Board of Supervisors will vote on recommendations made by its Red Tape Reduction Task Force, including potentially eliminating or weakening community planning groups, as well as eliminating the county’s Resource Protection Ordinance.
By Patsy Fritz, Pauma Valley
Dear Chairman Roberts and Honorable Members of the Board:
March 27 (El Cajon) -- El Cajon Police Officers and Heartland Fire & Rescue Fire-Paramedics responded to reports of a bicyclist being struck by a vehicle near the intersection of E. Camden Avenue and S. Magnolia Avenue in El Cajon at 4:51 p.m. Monday.
Senior Citizens, Working Families and Church Members Are Targets
March 27, 2012(Washington)– The Internal Revenue Service warns senior citizens and other taxpayers to beware of an emerging scheme tempting them to file tax returns claiming fraudulent refunds.
March 27, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Photographer Daren Sefcik captured the nobility of this magnificent bird of prey in a stunning close-up shot. The red-tail hawk was spotted in Indian Valley within the Anza Borrego Desert State Park.
March 27, 2012 (San Diego) –Looking for a place to savor a feast on Easter Sunday? Several local restaurants are offering a variety of options. From rack of lamb to roasted rabbit, you’ll find a wealth of savory options.
Here’s what’s hopping at a trio of our region’s top restaurants, including Terra Bistro in East County and two popular San Diego eateries.
March 27, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)-- You might ask what a Pelican is doing inland at any of these East County Lakes: Lake Murray, Lake Jennings, Santee Lakes and Lindo Lake. Most people associate Pelicans with the sea coast, as do I. When I see Pelicans at La Jolla Cove it seems perfectly natural and there are always plenty of them to be seen. Of the two species of Pelicans in our area, The Brown Pelican and the American White Pelican, it’s the American White Pelican that is frequently seen at and around our lakes in the East County.
March 27, 2012 (San Diego County) -- San Diego County has been named one of five winners of the inaugural America’s Best Intergenerational Communities Awards by MetLife Foundation and Generations United. San Diego County has long been recognized as a leader in intergenerational programs.
New book, For the Love of Dog Tales, gives advice on how to choose your new best friend from an animal shelter
March 27, 2012 (U.S.) -- Among the biggest victims of the economic recession are the once beloved family pets surrendered to shelters as their owners deal with extended joblessness. The U.S. Humane Society estimates 6 to 8 million dogs and cats enter shelters each year – and 3 to 4 million are euthanized.
March 26, 2012 (La Mesa) – Helix Charter High School is now enrolling for the 2012-13 school year.It is a tuition-free public school that all California residents are eligible to attend.The school focuses on preparing all students for the opportunity to attend college.
March 26, 2012 (El Cajon) -- Donate a gently-used formal gown to the San Diego County Library for their annual Prom Dress Drive and Gown Giveaway and make a difference in a local teen’s life.The dresses can be dropped off at the El Cajon County Library branch at 201 E. Douglas Ave. between now and April 20.
March 26, 2012 (El Cajon) – The San Diego County Library at 201 E. Douglas Avenue, El Cajon is hosting a Persian New Year celebration on March 31 at 2:00 p.m.Attendees will enjoy free entertainment, including a performance by the Dornob Music Ensemble, and learn about ancient traditions and culture.Known as Nowruz, the Persian New Year festival typically lasts for thirteen days.
March 26, 2012 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Police Department will be providing a weekly “News and Information” bulletin that will provide the public access to current case highlights, traffic enforcement information, crime prevention, emergency preparedness and department highlights. Starting today, this bulletin will be available on the City’s website and updated every Monday morning after 10:00 am. It will provide highlights of La Mesa Police activity from the prior week. This is another way La Mesa is keeping the public informed of recent police related activity.
March 26, 2012 (Spring Valley) –Cal Fire has submitted a request for proposal (RFP)to San Miguel Fire Protection District, the only agency to do so by yesterday’s deadline.
A committee appointed by the District will begin reviewing the proposal March 26 to assure that it meets minimum standards, or metrics, previously determined. The review committee will present its findings to the San Miguel Fire District Board at a March 28 meeting.
March 26 2012 (Sacramento) -- Assemblymember Brian Jones has joined his Republican colleagues in supporting a new legislative package that he says would improve services for California veterans.
“Nearly two million veterans call California home,” Jones said. “The fact that this state has not placed veteran’s services as a top priority is just another example of how misguided Sacramento has been. These men and women have sacrificed greatly for this country—it’s time we show how appreciative we truly are. That is why I am proud to support these bills.”
March 26, 2012 (San Diego) -- The American Society of Interior Designers’ annual “Spring Spruce Up” event is underway now through the end of May. For a discounted rate of $85 per hour, the public can arrange for a professional designer to come to their home or business to consult on their remodel or design project and obtain advice, direction, and details.
Alex Smith Signs Three-Year Deal, Will Stay In San Francisco
By Ryan Schuler
March 26, 2012 (La Mesa) --After the San Francisco 49ers entered the Peyton Manning sweepstakes, it was expected that free agent quarterback Alex Smith (La Mesa, Calif./Helix High School) would pack his bags and move on from the only franchise he has ever known. Maybe it would be the Miami Dolphins, where he would reunite with former Helix teammate Reggie Bush. That was not case.
By Miriam Raftery
March 27, 2012 (La Mesa) -- The third annual East County Earth Day, a free family event, will be held at the Mt. Helix Amphitheater on Sunday, April 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Co-hosted by The Jarrett Meeker Foundation and Mt. Helix Park, East County Earth Day will feature vendors with interactive environmental and wildlife presentations. Educational speakers, music, food and children’s activities will make the day complete. 
By Miriam Raftery
March 27, 2012 (Lakeside) – Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy will be having a free presentation for members by local Project Wildlife bat expert Cindy Myers and her bat ambassador. 
March 27, 2012 (Lemon Grove) -- At 9:11 a.m., Tuesday morning, Heartland Fire & Rescue crews from Lemon Grove, La Mesa, and El Cajon were dispatched to reports of a residential structure fire in the 1500 block of Skyline Drive.
March 26, 2012 (El Cajon) -- Donate a gently-used formal gown to the San Diego County Library for their annual Prom Dress Drive and Gown Giveaway and make a difference in a local teen’s life.
March 26, 2012 (El Cajon) – The San Diego County Library at 201 E. Douglas Avenue, El Cajon is hosting a Persian New Year celebration on March 31 at 2:00 p.m.
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