May 17, 2011 (Sacramento) – Assembly Higher Education Chair Marty Block (AD-78) issued the following statement in response to Governor Brown’s May Revise budget proposal: 

“Governor Brown’s May Revise is a responsible roadmap with a long-term vision that preserves education funding and provides hiring incentives to get people back to the workplace – two critical components to maintaining our economic recovery. Given the remaining deficit and difficult choices before us, I am encouraged to see this plan provides funding for K-12 education and community colleges. An otherwise all-cuts budget proposal would have caused unprecedented damage to our public colleges and universities, already grappling with deep cuts that will undoubtedly impact access and affordability."

May 17, 2011 (Casa De Oro) -- A fast and effective attack allowed San Miguel firefighters to extinguish a fire that started in the kitchen of an upstairs apartment unit in the Casa De Oro area across the street from Spring Valley Middle School. Fire damage was confined to that single unit.

Crews were called to the Helix Square Apartments on the 3800 block of Conrad Drive at 11:21 a.m., Monday. The fire was considered knocked down ten minutes later. Inside the residence at the time of the fire was one adult male who evacuated the upstairs apartment, but was treated on the scene for smoke inhalation. He was later transported to Grossmont Hospital.

Nothing but the Truth!

By Will Power

May 16, 2011 (San Diego) -- Citing budget concerns , the State of California (and the U.S. federal government) are studying plans to turn over California's most precious beaches, lakes, and forests to private entrepreneurs who will rent California's own land back to its citizens for a profit.

Seventy Califiornia state parks are slated for permanent closure, including Palomar Mountain State Park and San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park in San Diego County. Once the title to these pristine and irreplaceable lands is clouded by contract law, do not expect the public to ever see them again for free.

May 15, 2011 (La Mesa) – Byron Lydell Brown, 46, of San Diego has been arrested for the robbery of a Shell Station in La Mesa. A robber at the station, located at 5150 70th Street, was reported to La Mesa Police at 12:24 a.m. on May 12th.

The clerk told officers that the suspect entered the store and posed as a customer. After several minutes, he approached the clerk and told him that he had a knife in his pocket. The suspect threatened to stab the clerk in the chest if he did not hand over money in the register.

By Miriam Raftery

May 15, 2011 (Spring Valley) – A fire at the McGrath rock quarry resulted in a multi-agency response hindered by explosions from combustibles and ammunition in storage on the site, which had no water access.

“Had this been three weeks later with the brush drying out, we would have also had a wildland fire,” said Battalion Chief Andrew Menshek with San Miguel Fire Department.

May 14, 2011 (San Diego's East County) -- Today the San Diego Sheriff's Departments Court Services field unit conducted a warrant sweep  in the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa and Santee, as well as unincorporated areas of El Cajon, Alpine and Lakeside. Focus of the operation was on the apprehension of suspects with outstanding misdemeanor and felony warrants. A total of 48 persons were arrested and 65 warrants were cleared.

 Projects Funded by Proposition H, Proposition U School Bonds
 

El Cajon, Calif. (May 11, 2011) – Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) announced today that it has awarded several new construction contracts, valued at over $50 million. Many of the projects are now underway at campuses throughout the district as part of the Prop H and Prop U bond programs. In the months ahead, the district projects it will award another $38 million in work.

Parkway Plaza in El Cajon is Local Westfield Shopping Center

Los Angeles - (5/3/11) – Westfield announces the third year of its highly successful Westfield Family program, the free membership program that enhances and energizes the family shopping experience by bringing family-friendly activities and events, money-saving promotions, and convenient amenities offered exclusively at Westfield Shopping Centers.

Now offered at 30 centers across the country, the Westfield Family program will continue its successful and popular program elements that make shopping fun and easy for families, including the Monthly Retailer Calendar highlighting family retailer events, promotions and offers; family-friendly retailers, eateries and amenities at each center; and Westfield Family Events offered at select centers.

New this year to Westfield Family are Westfield Family Fun Days, two free activities per month geared towards children ages 2-5 and their caretakers. At each themed Fun Day, kids will be able to create a craft with their parent, have a snack and learn more about the theme of the month through read-aloud story time. Westfield has increased the scope and capacity of the activities, and moms will receive a Westfield calendar featuring educational tips and ideas based on the month’s theme. The program began in April with “The Great Outdoors,” and continues in May with “Get Fit.”

Alan Cohen, Westfield’s Executive Vice President of Marketing says “We are enhancing Westfield Family this year by providing more events and activities,  showcasing our commitment to the families that make up such a strong segment of our shopper base.”

Signing up for the program is simple and can be done online (www.westfield.com), through a mail-in postcard, at the Westfield Concierge or management office, or at any of the Westfield Family events.

For more information and updated information on Westfield Family activities, promotions, and services, visit www.westfield.com.

Harris Fire survivors among thousands nationwide ordered to return money to FEMA

By Miriam Raftery

May 12, 2011 (Potrero) – Donald and Veronica Lytle are stunned after receiving a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) demanding that they return all of the $1,647.43 that FEMA paid them in 2007 for cleanup and temporary lodging after their home on Potrero Valley Road was damaged in the Harris wildfire. FEMA has offered no explanation for the demand, other than stating that the entire amount was an “overpayment.”

The Lytles say FEMA insists their home did not suffer fire damage--despite mounds of ashes blown inside and a hole knocked in the roof by a tree felled during a firestorm so extreme that it fueled its own weather system.

ECM editor Miriam Raftery visited Potrero during that firestorm and concidentally, interviewed the Lytles’ next-door neighbor—witnessing firsthand the devastation clearly caused by the horrific wildfire.

May 13, 2011 (East County) - San Diego RiverFest will be held May 15, at the Qualcomm Stadium Practice Field, starting at 10:00 a.m. This year’s theme is “Celebrating San Diego River Parks & Trails.” Proceeds help preserve riverfront areas in East County and San Diego.

Over 5,000 outdoor enthusiasts, eco-friendly nature lovers, pet lovers, and people from throughout the county are expected to attend the event, which includes bands entertaining as well as booths filled with arts, crafts, jewelry, plants, historical and multicultural displays, and exhibits on water conservation, saving energy, the environment, healthy living and outdoor recreation.

May 13, 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.

May 12, 2011 (Alpine) -- Lions Tigers and Bears is holding its "Wild in the Country" fundraiser on Saturday May 21, 2011 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. 

"There will be several incredible live auction items, including trips to Hawaii, Banff, Canada, a polar bear expedition and more!" a press release from LTB states. The organization is is also partnering with two entertainers - the  band Haute Chile and the dancers of Dance Masters.  Phil's BBQ is catering this event. 

"Phil's has been providing amazing food to the San Diego area for years and is always a big hit," LTB's release states. "Hope you'll come to this event to support animals and help raise awareness for the plight of captive big cats." 

Victim shot by phony sellers after answering ad on Craigslist

May 12, 2011 (San Diego) - San Diego Police Department homicide detectives are investigating the murder of a teenager who was attempting to purchase an item offered for sale on Craiglist.com.