Winemaker moves operations from San Marcos, opens tasting room in East County
By Miriam Raftery
March 24, 2011 (Julian) – Marc Hashagen isn’t your typical winemaker. A firm believer in giving things a go even when the odds seem long, he began making wines with a friend back in 2006 because “we love wine,” he recalled.
Born in Norway and raised in a small English farming town by his parents, both American teachers, he returned to the U.S. after they retired and headed west. “We Googled winemaking in San Diego,” said Hashagen, who teamed up with a friend, Charlie Chabalko, now co-owner.
March 24, 2011 (Washington D.C.) – Today, North American Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen announced that NATO will take over enforcement of the no-fly zone. The U.S.-led coalition will continue to take the lead in handling air strikes against Libyan ground forces and a naval blockade.
Allied coalition forces led by the U.S. have crippled Libyan air power, though Libyan ground forces continue to wage attacks on rebel forces in several cities amid a civil war.
March 24, 2011 (Borrego) – 9:37 p.m. – A residential fire at 5965 Split Mountain Road in Borrego Springs is causing a heavy glow from a distance, Incident Page reports. Currently a one alarm fire, the blaze is a long drive time away from emergency responders, according to IPN.
March 24, 2011 (Santee) – Padre Dam Municipal Water District announced today that its Board of Directors voted on March 22 to end its agreement with Sudweeks Development LLC to construct and operate a cable ski park at Santee Lakes. Sudweeks “was unable to proceed with the project and requested a settlement. The lack of available financing in the current economy played a major role in Sudweeks’ request,” a press release issued by the district revealed.
“We saw the cable ski park as a new and exciting family recreation opportunity, and as an innovative use of recycled water for recreation, which is what Santee Lakes is all about,” said Padre Dam’s General Manager, Allen Carlisle. The project, which would have been built on Lake 1, also included a restaurant, pro shop and recreational beach area.
But Julie Naggar, who has led opposition to the project, said she is relieved by the cancellation. “I just think it’s a win for the neighborhood… The people who love this park come here for the beauty of it. A daily ski park would have been unbearable, with the noise and the crowds.”
20% of funds for developmentally disabled adults will be cut under the Governor’s budget
March 24, 2011 – Cash prizes totaling $10,000 will be given away to three winners in the 6th annual St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center Frog Race, which will be held April 16 during the Morning Glory Jazz Brunch at St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center.
Early bird discounts end April 1st—and the organization, which helps developmentally disabled adults, is in urgent need of help.
March 24, 2011 (San Diego) - The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), an organization providing support for American soldiers injured in combat, is holding a series of local events this weekend that are part of the grand opening of the organization's new office in San Diego's Liberty Station.
Public participants are sought to join the ride and raise funds to help America's wounded combat veterans.
March 26, 2011 (San Diego)--Did you miss the proposed trillion dollar government giveaway last week to big corporations? No, that is not a typo, a trillion not a billion, and yes, a Congressman proposed just that.
Representative Brian Bilbray of San Diego, a former lobbyist, proposed a bill that would allow US corporations to dodge taxes on a trillion dollars in profits. Forget the debate over the estate tax or a tax break for the super rich; this proposed giveaway has them all beat, hands down!
March 24, 2011 (La Mesa) -- To celebrate two years in business, proprietor Shannon O’Dunn has announced her gallery will host an all-day event featuring special savings on Thursday, March 24, 2011. All are welcome. Three California fine artists have recently joined with O’Dunn Fine Art for representation, furthering the gallery’s role and reputation as an attractive venue and outlet for high-quality fine art in East County.
March 24, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Grab your umbrella if you’re heading out this weekend. The National Weather Service predicts light rainfall late tonight and early tomorrow, with a second storm due to arrive Saturday night.
Snow levels are predicted to drop to 5,500 feet, with windy conditions in San Diego’s desert areas.
March 24, 2011 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa Village Merchants Association invites you to step back in time this Sunday, March 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the La Mesa Antique Street Faire.
Once a year, La Mesa Boulevard is closed and antique dealers from far and wide set out their wares. Reminiscent of an old fashioned Midwest flea market. The event also includes live music and entertainment. All restaurants, coffee houses and pubs in La Mesa’s century-old downtown village prepare special fare for the occasion. Stores are open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the event.
March 23, 2011 (Lakeside) 11:39 p.m. – A single car rollover accident tonight on San Vicente trapped a driver’s arm beneath the vehicle, Incident Page Network reports. The driver was later pronounced dead at the scene. The coroner is en route and San Vicente has been closed down between Wildcat Canyon Road and Arena, CHP's website reports. No further details are yet available.
March 24, 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.
SAN DIEGO, CA – On Saturday, March 19, the Miss San Diego Pageant and Scholarship Association held the 2011 Miss San Diego Pageant at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts. Thirty-five talented women ages 13-24 participated in a program that has been a San Diego tradition since the late 1920’s. Over $4,000.00 in scholarships were awarded.
Danamarie McNicoll Carter of La Mesa won the title of Miss San Diego’s Outstanding Teen 2011. She is a former Miss Teen La Mesa and a student at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace. She wowed the judges with piano performance which accounted for 35% of the overall score.
New solar factory in San Diego to create 450 local jobs and additional 1,000 indirect jobs
March 23, 2011 (San Diego) San Diego Gas & Electric has announced a 25-year contract for up to 150 megawatts of solar energy to be generated at the Imperial Solar Energy Center West’s proposed 1,057-acre solar energy facility near El Centro.
In addition, Soitec announced its intention to build a new solar panel manufacturing factory in the San Diego region, creating 450 local jobs and more than 1,000 additional indirect jobs.
March 23, 2011 (Carmichael, California)– For the third time in five years, Californians Aware (CalAware) has tested state agencies’ responses to very basic requests for public records. Analysis of the results found no measureable improvement overall-with agencies overall averaging a C+--and many flunking requirements of California’s open government laws.
“What, if anything, will Governor Brown do to make further improvements?” asks Emily Francke, executive director of CalAware.
March 22, 2011 (La Mesa)--At 2:35 p.m., three masked suspects smashed the I-Pod liosk display counter at Grossmont Center and stole electronic items. The suspects are described as either black or Hispanic males.
March 22, 2011 (La Mesa) – A witness who saw a 95-year-old woman knocked to the ground in a robbery this evening chased two suspects, La Mesa Police report. Police are seeking two suspects in a maroon 2000-2004 Nissan Ultima 4-door vehicle.
Popular American musical playing March 24-27 in Spring Valley
By Miriam Raftery
March 22, 2011 (Spring Valley) – Director Jean Isaac calls Ragtime a show that “will get inside your soul.” Drawn to the musical’s epic scale and powerful yet timeless themes, she observes, “It’s a beautiful story to be told," then adds that it's important to tell the story anew in today’s turbulent times.
Isaac delivers a moving interpretation, brought to life through often stellar performances by the Young Actors’ Theatre cast.
March 22, 2011 (El Cajon) – The El Cajon Superior Court has closed today due to a power outage caused by a short circuit in the electrical system. Phone service is also not working.
Smoke detectors went off around 1:40 a.m. and firefighters found the electrical box smoldering, El Cajon spokesperson Monica Zech indicated. The incident also knocked out a backup power system for the courthouse.
An open letter to San Diego's Mayor and City Council
By John Pilch
President, San Carlos Area Council
March 22, 2011 (San Diego) --I'm intrigued by what's happening in the San Carlos Community with respect to water usage. While we're being advised of the continuing Stage 2 Drought Alert, the City of San Diego is selling water from two hydrants on Lake Murray Blvd. West Frontage Road to the contractor who is constructing the Southwest Powerlink.
March 21, 2011 (San Diego's East County) -- The Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation will present "Where the Wild Things Grow," an exhibition features paintings by seven award-winning artists in the Mission Trails Regional Park Gallery from March 26 through April 22.
"You may remember that when the City of San Diego experienced the devastating wildfires in 2007, the citizens of Yokohama donated over one million yen to the Wildfire Disaster Relief Fund." -- Harry Bishop, San Diego-Yokohama Sister City Society
March 21, 2011 (San Diego) – Victims of the 2007 wildfires our region received help from San Diego's sister city, Yokahama Japan. Now, some local residents are seeking to give back to Japanese people in need. The San Diego-Yokohama Sister City Society is establishing a disaster relief fund for victims of the 9.0 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
“We are asking everyone to join us to help those who lost loved ones, homes, and communities to this disaster,” Harry Bishop told East County Magazine.
March 21, 2011 (San Diego) - With about four weeks left until the tax filing deadline, the County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is reminding families and individuals that free tax assistance is available to help them claim their Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
Low-income families and individuals can have their taxes prepared, at no cost, at more than 70 locations throughout the region. The tax assistance will be provided countywide until mid-April. People should call 2-1-1 to make an appointment.
March 21, 2011 (San Diego) -- 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 global and national news stories include:
• Allied forces strike Gadhafi compound; leader’s whereabouts unknown (CNN)
• Fukushima reactors begin to cool down (Times of India)
• Syria protesters torch buildings (Al Jazeera)
• Hamas digging “terror tunnels” along border with Israel (Jewish World Daily)
• Yemen president fires government (BBC)
• Yemen in state of emergency after protest massacre (Reuters)
• Judge blocks Wisconsin anti-union law (Los Angeles Times)
• How close is your home to a nuclear power plant? Put in your zip code to find out (CNN)
• Japan finds more types of radiation-tainted food (Huffington Post)
• Armed men attack Reuters Gaza bureau (Reuters)
• Government claims unlimited discretion to look through your laptop at the border (ACLU)
• In Japan, production of consumer brands popular halted after earthquake (Washington Post)
March 20, 2011 (Washington D.C.) – Navy Vice Admiral William E. Gortney called initial attacks on Libya’s air and missile defense systems “very effective in degrading the regime’s air defense capability” for launching long-range missiles. Speaking at a Pentagon news conference today, Gortney said the U.S.-led coalition launched 124 Tomahawk missiles against Libyan military targets.
The attacks, following a United Nations establishment of a no-fly zone over Libya, are aimed at preventing Libyan leader Colonel Moammar Gadhafi from “slaughtering his own people” Defense Secretary Robert Gates said.
March 20, 2011 (Borrego Springs) – Copter 10, crewed by Cal-Fire and San Diego Sheriff personnel, was dispatched to aid a downed hiker in Palm Canyon in the desert at Borrego Springs around 4:55 today. “Initial reports were that the victim had overdosed on a hallucinogenic drug and had possibly sustained a spinal injury,” Deputy Scott Bligh said.
Benjamin Franklin's descendent helps invent plan to keep Crest residents safe during emergencies
March 20, 2011 (Crest) — Benjamin Franklin discovered the power of electricity, reportedly by flying a kite during an electrical storm. Now his descendant, Kandhy Franklin, is helping bring an electric generator to Crest, harnessing her famous ancestor's discovery to power her community in case of wildfire.
The Crest Fire Safe Council has been awarded a San Diego County Neighborhood Reinvestment Grant written by Franklin and community volunteer Faith Berry. Funds will be used to purchase a generator for a community clubhouse, providing emergency response during disasters and rolling brownouts.
Winemaker moves operations from San Marcos, opens tasting room in East County
By Miriam Raftery
March 24, 2011 (Borrego) – 9:37 p.m. – A residential fire at 5965 Split Mountain Road in Borrego Springs is causing a heavy glow from a distance, Incident Page reports. Currently a one alarm fire, the blaze is a long drive time away from emergency responders, according to IPN.
– Padre Dam Municipal Water District announced today that its Board of Directors voted on March 22 to end its agreement with Sudweeks Development LLC to construct and operate a cable ski park at Santee Lakes. Sudweeks “was unable to proceed with the project and requested a settlement. The lack of available financing in the current economy played a major role in Sudweeks’ request,” a press release issued by the district revealed.
March 24, 2011 – Cash prizes totaling $10,000 will be given away to three winners in the 6th annual St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center Frog Race, which will be held April 16 during the Morning Glory Jazz Brunch at St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center.
By Jon Mattes
March 24, 2011 (La Mesa) -- To celebrate two years in business, proprietor Shannon O’Dunn has announced her gallery will host an all-day event featuring special savings on Thursday, March 24, 2011. All are welcome. Three California fine artists have recently joined with O’Dunn Fine Art for representation, furthering the gallery’s role and reputation as an attractive venue and outlet for high-quality fine art in East County.
March 24, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Grab your umbrella if you’re heading out this weekend. The National Weather Service predicts light rainfall late tonight and early tomorrow, with a second storm due to arrive Saturday night.
SAN DIEGO, CA – On Saturday, March 19, the Miss San Diego Pageant and Scholarship Association held the 2011 Miss San Diego Pageant at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts. Thirty-five talented women ages 13-24 participated in a program that has been a San Diego tradition since the late 1920’s. Over $4,000.00 in scholarships were awarded.
March 22, 2011 (La Mesa)--At 2:35 p.m., three masked suspects smashed the I-Pod liosk display counter at Grossmont Center and stole electronic items. The suspects are described as either black or Hispanic males.
March 22, 2011 (El Cajon) – The El Cajon Superior Court has closed today due to a power outage caused by a short circuit in the electrical system. Phone service is also not working. 
Options range from “splash” and “equestrian” camps to “web design” camp and more
March 21, 2011 (San Diego) - With about four weeks left until the tax filing deadline, the County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is reminding families and individuals that free tax assistance is available to help them claim their Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
By Miriam Raftery
March 20, 2011 (Borrego Springs) – Copter 10, crewed by Cal-Fire and San Diego Sheriff personnel, was dispatched to aid a downed hiker in Palm Canyon in the desert at Borrego Springs around 4:55 today. “Initial reports were that the victim had overdosed on a hallucinogenic drug and had possibly sustained a spinal injury,” Deputy Scott Bligh said.
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