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.
March 20, 2011 (Santee) – An estimated 20,000 people turned out to run, walk, bike and party atop the last link of Highway 52 at yesterday’s “Sea to Santee” celebration. Now open to traffic, the new freeway segment is the last link connecting Highway 67 in East County to Interstate 5 and La Jolla.
Transportation improvements have historically heralded changes in East County, starting with cattle drives and the coming of stagecoach and railway lines in the 19th century. Invention of the "horseless carriage" brought construction of Highways 94 and 80, connecting East County to San Diego and Arizona. The aviation era led to the airfield at Gillespie Field. More recently, construction of Interstate 8, Highway 67 and now Highway 52 further improved access to East County for visitors from around the county and across the nation.
The new highway will also make it faster for East County residents to reach San Diego destinations including employment and yes, beaches. Surf's up, Santee!
March 20, 2011 (San Diego)--The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health (DEH) is warning local businesses of a fraud targeting restaurants and other small businesses in California, including San Diego County.
How the scam works: An individual claiming to be a “health inspector” has been calling restaurants in California claiming there is a new procedure to arrange a health inspection. Scamsters use info obtained from the business to set up online accounts, which can then be used in other fraud schemes.
March 20, 2011 (Valley Center) – An electrical fire that started in the basement has severely damaged Saint Stephens Roman Catholic Church in Valley Center, causing an estimated $150,000 in damage. County building inspectors have found the structure to be unsafe, requiring immediate stabilization before salvage and repair can begin.
Possible public exposurein Carmel Mountain, Rancho Bernardo and Poway areas
March 20, 2011 (San Diego)--A 27-year-old Poway male has been diagnosed with measles, according to County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) officials. The man became ill after traveling to the Philippines and Thailand.
March 20, 2011 (San Diego)--The San Diego Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers about a new identity theft scam involving phony e-mails supposedly from the federal government’s Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The phishing e-mails are requesting personal information from a W-2 form that are prepared by employers.
March 19, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) –What could be more inspiring than an afternoon of music and nature? On March 20th at 3 p.m., the Silver Strings Quarter will perform classical, light classical and popular music at a free concert at MissionTrails Regional Park. The free concert will be held inside the theater at the Visitor & Interpretative Center.
March 18, 2011 (San Diego) – I want to make one thing plain: I Saw the Devil is not entertainment. It is sickening, repellent, unrelentingly violent, depraved, and twisted. That last sentence makes it sound like it was a thoroughly unpleasant experience. Instead, it is a great film for exactly those reasons. It is definitely not for everyone but if you’re looking for a revenge film done right, and you don’t mind subtitles, then here’s a film for you.
“In a time of economic fallout it is nice that there are still jobs for good hard working Americans. That is what these guys are that are out building the power line.”
March 19, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) -- It is amazing to hear all the buzz about this new power line going in. It is astonishing how many people are trying to sabotage this project and oppose it. I would like to see all those people who are making such a stink about this project turn their power off. The only reason why these guys are out here building the power line is to provide power to those that are complaining.
“The most inexpensive way to meet your SQ (seismic qualification) is to lie. The industry does it all the time.”
--Greg Palast, former lead investigator in government nuclear plant fraud and racketeering investigations
By Miriam Raftery
March 17, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) –Catastrophic failures at a half dozen nuclear facilities in Fukushima, Japan has led to questions regarding the safety of nuclear reactors in America-- both existing facilities and new ones proposed—including some designed or operated by the same companies responsible for the nuclear meltdowns in Japan.
March 18, 2011 (San Diego) – The National Weather Service has issued a severe weather alert for San Diego County due to a strong storm system forecast to reach our region Sunday night and Monday. Light showers may occur earlier and extend through Tuesday. Significant rain, gusty winds and mountain snow is predicted starting Sunday night.
March 18, 2011 (Jamul) -- Jamul resident Miguel Medina Sanchez, age 32, was arraigned yesterday afternoon in the murder of Maria Irma Palos De Rubio, who is also believed by officials to be a resident of Jamul. Deputy District Attorney Claudia Grosso, the prosecutor assigned to the case, said charges include a special circumstances charge of using a knife, which would add a year to Sanchez’ sentence if he is convicted.
Sanchez pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail pending appointment of a public defender, Sanchez said. The charges carry a possible sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
March 18, 2011 (San Diego) -- His phone rings in the middle of the night. He works around the clock tracking down killers. Now after 29 years on the job, Lt. Dennis Brugos is trading in his badge for the laid-back lifestyle of a retiree. His last day is on March 30th.
Lt. Brugos came face-to-face with many horrendous crimes during his time on the force. His work is difficult, but he says nothing is more gratifying than bringing a killer to justice and closure to families who have lost loved ones.
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.
East County for visitors from around the county and across the nation. 
![](/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/resize/WallSt-MertonGaudette-300x199.jpg "About 50 protested in downtown San Diego to "Hold Wall Street Accountable"; all rights reserved 2011 (c) Morton Gaudette")
Possible public exposure in Carmel Mountain, Rancho Bernardo and Poway areas
March 19, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) –What could be more inspiring than an afternoon of music and nature? On March 20th at 3 p.m., the Silver Strings Quarter will perform classical, light classical and popular music at a free concert at MissionTrails Regional Park. The free concert will be held inside the theater at the Visitor & Interpretative Center.
By Brian Lafferty
By Michelle Mann, Boulevard
“The most inexpensive way to meet your SQ (seismic qualification) is to lie. The industry does it all the time.”
By Billie Jo Jannen
March 18, 2011 (San Diego) -- His phone rings in the middle of the night. He works around the clock tracking down killers. Now after 29 years on the job, Lt. Dennis Brugos is trading in his badge for the laid-back lifestyle of a retiree. His last day is on March 30th.
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