ANIMAL ADVOCATES CELEBRATE HOUSING COMMISSION DROPPING PROPOSED NEW LIMIT ON PET OWNERSHIP

COUNTY WINS NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS

LA MESA CITY COUNCIL APPROVES RENOVATIONS FOR GROSSMONT CENTER

ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS

SAN DIEGO NAMED CANDIDATE HOST CITY FOR INVICTUS GAMES 2029

STATE PARKS PHOTO CONTEST RUNNING THROUGH SEPT. 30

GROCERY WORKERS AT RALPHS, ALBERTSONS, VONS, AND PAVILIONS VOTE TO RATIFY NEW CONTRACTS

SUNCREST TRUCK TRAIL NOT A VIABLE OPTION FOR FIRE EVACUATION ROUTE IN CREST, ACCORDING TO FIRE OFFICIALS

ADVANCING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES: INSIDE THE BINGE AND UNDERAGE DRINKING INITIATIVE’S 2025 ANNUAL STATUS REPORT FOR COUNTY

DEAF MONGOLIAN IMMIGRANT HELD BY ICE IN OTAY MESA FOR MONTHS WITHOUT ACCESS TO INTERPRETER

HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS

WALMART RECALLING OZARK STAINLESS STEEL WATER BOTTLES

LOCAL SMART METER OPPONENT STAGES PROTEST AT CIVIC CENTER DURING OCCUPY SAN DIEGO

 

October 9, 2011 (La Mesa) – La Mesa resident Susan Brinchman, director and founder of the Center for Electrosmog Prevention, has announced that she will join the Occupy San Diego effort downtown with rallies to draw attention to health issues involving smart meters.

 

“Smart meters are an excessive form of corporate abuse of our bodies and our rights,” Brinchman wrote in an email to supporters and media. “Let us join our anti-smart meter efforts to the Wall Street protests in our local cities and towns.”

NORTHMONT ELEMENTARY PTA RECEIVES $10,000 AWARD FROM GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL ON PHYSICAL FITNESS & SPORTS

 
Parent Association honored as statewide winner in 2011 Spotlight Awards

 
 
 
October 9, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Last week, the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Executive Director, Kenny Rogers visited Northmont Elementary School in La Mesa to honor Northmont Elementary PTA for their efforts helping children get physically active and healthy.
 
Rogers  presented the school with a check for $10,000 in honor of the PTA, which is the Gold Medal winner in the Parent Association of the Year category of the Council’s 2011 Spotlight Awards presented by the Anthem Blue Cross Foundation. 
 

HOMELESS VETERANS OUTREACH CAMPAIGN EVENT IS HOSTED BY VA SAN DIEGO HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

October 9, 2011 (San Diego) -– As part of its national drive to end veteran homelessness by 2015, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS) and its community partners will host a Homeless Veterans Outreach Campaign event on Oct.12, 2011. The event will inform the public about the many programs available for veterans who are currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in San Diego County.

SURVEY FINDS 3,000 FORCED MARRIAGES SUSPECTED AMONG IMMIGRANT GIRLS AND WOMEN IN AMERICA

 

October 9, 2011 (Washington D.C.) – The Tahirih Justice Center, which seeks to protect women in the U.S. from gender-based violence, reports “an increasing number of forced marriage cases involving young women and girls from traditional immigrant communities in the United States.” Some are U.S. citizens; others are legal permanent residents, refugees, asylees, or have other immigration statuses. 

CEDAR FIRE SURVIVOR NEEDS INFO ON ALL-STEEL HOUSES IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY TO SATISFY LENDER REQUIREMENTS

October 9, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – East County Magazine has received the following request from a reader who is having trouble obtaining refinancing on a construction loan to rebuild her home destroyed in the Cedar Fire.

 

TWO TRANSIENTS ARRESTED FOR ROBBERY IN LA MESA PARK

October 9, 2011 (La Mesa) – Two transients have been arrested for stealing a bicycle and attempting to steal a backpack and cell phone from a man at Collier Park yesterday, La Mesa Police report. One of the men also reportedly threatened to beat up the victim if he would not relinquish his property. Those arrested are John Allen Bass and Jamar Brown, both age 24.

 

WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

 

October 9, 2011 (Rancho San Diego)—The Water Conservation Garden’s Executive Director, Marty Eberhardt, has announced her retirement, effective February 1, 2012, after over seven years of service to the non-profit organization. Eberhardt has been the Executive Director of The Garden since August 2004.  

 

COUNTY UNVEILS WEST NILE VIRUS PREVENTION VIDEO GAMES

 

Games aim to make it fun for kids to learn how they can help prevent the disease

 

October 9, 2011 (San Diego)--Now, learning how to “Fight the Bite” and protect yourself from West Nile virus can be fun, says the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health. The agency has created a new website, http://www.SDSwatTeam.com, and two specially-created video games to let kids (and even adults) play while learning about protecting themselves and others from West Nile virus, the potentially-deadly disease that is spread by mosquitoes.

SDSU RECEIVES $1.67 MILLION JOBS ACCELERATOR GRANT

October 9, 2011 (San Diego) -- San Diego State University (SDSU) has received a joint grant of $1.67 million for its Jobs Accelerator program from the Economic Development Administration (EDA), the Small Business Administration and the Employment Training Administration (ETA). 

 

“Our number one priority is job creation,” said Congressman Bob Filner (D-San Diego), in announcing the award. “Our region has been in dire need of this type of investment in our economy and our students. In a time when school and local budgets are being cut to the bone, this grant will go a long way to creating the good paying jobs we need, training the workforce, and help us move into a new green energy economy.”

GOSPEL PIANIST TIM PARTON TO PERFORM IN SPRING VALLEY OCT. 16

October 9, 2011 (Spring Valley) –Tim Parton, former pianist for the Legacy Five gospel music group and 2011 musician of the year nominee by AbsolutelyGospel.com, will perform at Faith Chapel in Spring Valley on October 16.


An accomplished pianist and vocalist, Parton began playing piano at age two and is a self-taught prodigy who attributes his talents to God. In addition to performing in Nashville and other venues including his current West Coast solo tour, Parton also produced albums for Legacy Five.

READER’S EDITORIAL: SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

 

By Paul Gonya

 

Editor’s note: In an article on Alpine Planning Group Member George Barnett’s resignation, Mr. Barnett stated that he considered his greatest accomplishment to be getting two developers off the planning group's board: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/7330 . He did not identify those planners by name.(Mr. Barnett later rescinded his resignation: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/7362). Now one of the individuals he referenced, Paul Gonya, claims that his circumstances were portrayed inaccurately by Mr. Barnett. Mr. Gonya states that it's not true that he was found guilty in a civil trial. While true, he did plead guilty in a criminal (not civil) trial to grand theft embezzlement charges, as the Alpine Sun and Union-Tribune reported: http://www.thealpinesun.com/archive%202009/May%207/as%20inside.html and http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/may/01/bn01plea18624/?metro. A settlement was reached in a civil trial: 

http://www.thealpinesun.com/archive%202007/December%2020/as%20inside%202.html  However Mr. Gonya states that there is more to the story.  Below is his statement.

 

October 9, 2011 (Alpine)--Mr. Barnett’s statement regarding “two former Alpine Planning Group members being found guilty in a civil trial involving fraud and embezzlement” is emphatically untrue. More important, Mr. Barnett fails to mention that the defendants in the case filed a cross complaint for fraud and misappropriation of funds against the plaintiffs when the business partnership fell apart in 2006.

GOLF TOURNAMENT OCT. 14 TO BENEFIT HOME OF GUIDING HANDS

October8, 2011 (El Cajon ) – The Home of Guiding Hands 29th Golf Classic Pro-Am Tournament will tee off on Friday, October 14 at Sycuan Resort and Casino in El Cajon.  Proceeds will benefit children and adults with developmental disabilities in this community.
 
The event includes a day of golf with a San Diegio PGA member, entertaining contests, activities, buffet dinner, and auction.  For more information, visit http://www.guidinghands.org/events_golf2011.shtml
 
 

GET READY FOR THE NEXT BIG EARTHQUAKE AND SHAKEOUT

 

 

October 8, 2011 (SAn Diego) -- Would San Diego residents survive a major earthquake? They would greatly improve their chances of escaping serious injury or death by taking the safest action: Drop, Cover and Hold On. San Diego County residents have three more weeks to join the nearly eight million Californians, including more than 646,000 people in San Diego County, who have already signed up for the Great California ShakeOut earthquake drill, which will take place at 10:20 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20 or 10:20 on 10/20.


“We are challenging our residents, community and business leaders to register for the ShakeOut drill and make earthquake preparedness part of their emergency plan,” said Chairman Bill Horn, Board of Supervisors. “The Great California ShakeOut drill starts the community thinking about personal preparedness and workplace safety.”
 

SPECIAL CRISIS TRAINING PROGRAM BEGINS OCTOBER 13

 

 

October 8, 2011 (San Diego) -- Trauma Intervention Programs (TIP) of San Diego County, Inc. is a non-profit organization that partners with emergency responders to assist residents in crisis following a personal tragedy, such as the sudden death of a loved one.  TIP is currently seeking volunteers to respond to the East County and National City areas to offer support services to residents.


Volunteers are called to the scene by police, fire, and sheriff and are trained to help fellow citizens who are in distress as a result of a traumatic event.  Volunteers respond within their community.  The first few hours after a traumatic event has occurred are very confusing for everyone involved and the TIP volunteers are trained to provide the necessary emotional first aid and other temporary support until the persons involved in the crisis are able to depend on family, friends, and others.
  
 

ANTIQUE SHOW IN EL CAJON OCTOBER 12

October 8, 2011 (El Cajon) -- The next monthly antique show in El Cajon will be held on Wednesday, October 12th!  See all the great collectibles, including jewelry, photos, artwork, dolls, textiles, dishes, pottery, and glassware. 

This event is held the 2nd
 Wednesday of every month at the Ronald Reagan Community Center located at 195 East Douglas Avenue, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.  Parking and admission are free and you can receive one free appraisal.  Additional appraisals are $5.00 each. There is also a military collectible expert on hand. For more information, or if you would like to be a vendor, please call (619) 887-8762.

 

COMMUNITIES AGAINST SUBSTANCE ABUSE (CASA) PRESENTS

 

 

 

October 8,2011 (San Diego) -- CASA will hold a 5K,  and a one mile fun run/walk on Sunday, October 16 at Mission Trails Park. The 5K starts at 8:00 a.m., and the 1 mile at 8:30.  Their slogan is: Steps for health...for you and your community!

Race. Jog. Walk. Bring the kids. Bring the dog!
Mission Trails Regional Park is an excellent setting for a morning's worth of fitness, challenge,  and fun.
Proceeds benefit Communities Against Substance Abuse (CASA). Participants will be doing their part to help fight drugs and alcohol in schools and communities.  They will also be promoting a healthier lifestyle.
 

EL CAJON TO HELP SHOW THE MILITARY WE CARE WITH CARE PACKAGES

 

 

 

October 8, 2011 (El Cajon) -- City of El Cajon employees, through its Special Events Committee, is currently collecting items for very special care packages that will be distributed to military members before the holidays.

SAN MIGUEL FIRE INVITES PUBLIC TO “SAFE AND SOUND” FIRE EXPO OCT. 15

 

UPDATE:  THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO A LABOR DISPUTE.

 

San Miguel Fire seeks sponsors and door prize donors for event

 

October 8, 2011 (Rancho San Diego) – Bring the family for fun and free activities at the 5th annual Fire Expo at the Rancho San Diego Towne Center on Saturday, October 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event features a children’s zone, rescue demonstrations, fire and rescue vehicles, fire safety and health information, law enforcement demonstrations, music, free food and free prize drawings.

“SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY” AIMS TO BOOST SALES OVER THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

Discounts today for shoppers at small businesses 

 
November 26, 2011 (San Diego’s Eat County) – Last year, “Small Business Saturday” rallied Americans to support small, independently owned businesses in their communities on the day after "Black Friday" over Thanksgiving weekend, the start of the holiday shopping season.

 Now Google, Facebook and Twitter are helping to support small businesses as part of Small Business Saturday today, November 26. Consumers can sign up on line for special discounts if they support small businesses by making purchases today.

RAMONA ELEMENTARY STUDENT TESTS POSITIVE FOR WHOOPING COUGH


County Reports 379 Pertussis Cases for Region

 

October 7, 2011 (Ramona)--An East County elementary school student was diagnosed with pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency officials said today. The 9-year-old, who was up-to-date with immunizations, attends Mt. Woodson Elementary School in the Ramona Unified School District.

 

ON THE SILVER SCREEN: GROSS ANATOMY

By Brian Lafferty

 

October 7, 2011 (San Diego) – The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence) is a challenging movie not just in content but also in making me think about my response to it. It’s so easy for a critic to say that he likes or dislikes a film, especially when engaging in dialogue, rather than written expression. When a movie like this comes along, it’s not so black and white.

OUR PLANET, OUR HOME AWARDS FOR OCTOBER 8

 
October 7, 2011 (La Mesa) -- The City of La Mesa is taking steps to increase environmental awareness within the community and to sustain its environment. This commitment includes: 

• The Environmental Sustainability Commission 
• Annual "Sustain La Mesa" Environmental Festival 
• “Our Planet, Our Home” Environmental Literacy & Art Contest

The Environmental Sustainability Commission will present the 4th Annual "Sustain La Mesa" Environmental Festival on Saturday October 8, 2011 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Harry Griffen Park. The festival features:


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