“Forever chemical” crisis seeps into Southern California: from Sweetwater Reservoir to Orange County, districts grapple with how to protect drinking water supplies
September 29, 2011 (El Cajon)—An ambulance burst into flames after oxygen tanks on board exploded late this afternoon at Westfield Parkway Plaza mall in El Cajon, according to Monica Zech, spokesperson for the city of El Cajon.
Deadliest food outbreak in over a decade; illness may occur weeks after consuming Listeria bacteria
September 28, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Federal authorities with the Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration warn consumers not to eat cantaloupes unless you’re certain where they came from. If in doubt, throw it out.
Millions of cantaloupes are being recalled after sickening 72 people and leading to 16 deaths linked to Listeria in the deadliest food outbreak in a decade. The recall covers cantaloupes distributed to at least 25 states, with illnesses reported in 18 states, including California.
September 30, 2011 (San Diego's East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories in our region and state, published in other media outlets. These week's top Roundup headlines include:
September 29, 2011 (San Diego)--The US Constitution guarantees a trail by a jury of your peers, a guarantee that has lasted 235 years. But increasingly, the power of prosecutors to plea-bargain using sentencing enhancements means that jury trials are the exception rather than the rule.
Update 4:45 p.m. The Tierra del Sol fire is 40% contained at 3 acres. There has been structure damage, according to Cal Fire Captain Mike Mohler. Forward spread has been stopped.
Update 4:30 p.m. Incident Page Network reports "many homes threatened." CHP site indicates reverse 911 calls are being considered though no evacuations have yet been ordered.
September 29, 2011 (Washington D.C.) The Center for Safer Wireless announces a national wireless safety summit will be held in Washington D.C. On October 5-6. Register for in-person or virtual attendance to view online athttp://www.centerforsaferwireless.org/Wireless-Safety-Summit.php.
September 29, 2011 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa Historical Society opens its Centennial year activities with the release for sale of its special edition 2012 Centennial Calendar at Oktoberfest, which runs Sept. 30 through October 2.
Calendars feature historic photos plus fun Centennial facts.
September 29, 2011 (La Mesa)—La Mesa Police have arrested Damu Lucas, 20, and Victoria Gonzalez, 19. The pair has been charged with three residential burglaries that occurred on Thorne Drive and Saranac Place the morning of September 27.
September 28, 2011 (San Diego's East County)--ECM WorldWatch highlights top U.S. and world news stories, published in other media. This week's top headlines include:
WORLD
·Saudi king gives women right to vote (Reuters)
·Saudi woman driver’s lashing ‘overturned by king’(BBC)
·NATO strikes Gaddafi stronghold(BBC)
·Gamers crack AIDS puzzle(Medical News Today)
U.S.
·Mass. man accused of plotting to hit Pentagon and Capitol with drone aircraft (Washington Post)
·Air Force and Navy turn to biofuels (NPR)
·Obama’s healthcare law appealed to Supreme Court (Reuters)
·80 arrested as ‘occupy Wall Street’ protest of bank bailouts, mortgage crisis marches in NYC (Washington Post)
·Hot truck problems getting worse (WTHR-TV)
·U.S. Internet rules to take effect Nov. 20 (Reuters)
·Net Neutrality rules are coming. Here’s why they matter (Christian Science Monitor)
September 28, 2011 (El Cajon) -- Bring the family for the 40th annual Oktoberfest in El Cajon, presented by the German American Societies, the first two weekends in October. The dates are September 30 through October 2 and October 7through 9, for San Diego’s original Oktoberfest – complete with a tantalizing selection of German foods, beverages, and so much more!
September 18, 2011 (El Cajon)—The public is invited to view a wide variety of roses on display, along with plants and craft items for sale at the East County Rose Show. This free event will be held from 12-4 p.m. on October 1st at the Foothills Adult Center, 1550 Melody Lane in El Cajon. A rose show luncheon will be served at noon; luncheon reservations are required by Sept. 26.
Public urged to testify at hearings in San Diego area Oct. 10-13
September 27, 2011 (San Diego)-- UCAN, the Utility Consumers' Action Network, announced on September 22 the results of a one-year probe into SDG&E's rate-setting activities. “UCAN's intensive audit shows that in the last three years, SDG&E’s rates have skyrocketed, its profits have soared, and its executives have reaped enormous bonuses even as its customers have suffered through the worst recession since 1929,” a UCAN press release states.
September 28, 2011 (La Mesa) -- The Grossmont College Theatre Arts Department will present “Dead Man’s Cell Phone,” a mystery and romantic comedy, at 7:30 p.m. on October 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15, and at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8 and 15, at the Stagehouse Theatre on campus, near Parking Lot #1 and the exterior Aztec wall mural.
“Dead Man’s Cell Phone” is the story that begins when a man dies at a café and his cell phone won’t stop ringing. A woman named Jean, sitting at a nearby table, decides to answer the phone and sets in motion a chain of events that is baffling, mysterious, comic and grim.
September 26, 2011 (San Diego)--Have you been wondering when the best time is to retire? If you have, then we have an audio podcast just for you. Social Security’s new podcast, “Deciding When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits,” is available for you to listen to now at www.socialsecurity.gov/podcasts.
September 27, 2011 (Santee) – The City of Santee will hold a community workshop on proposed changes and long-term financial outlook for landscape maintenance zones currently administered by the City. The meeting is set for Wednesday, October 5 at 6:30 p.m. in Building 7 at City Hall Complex, 10601 Magnolia Avenue.
The Downtown El Cajon event will feature live music, wine tasting, shopping, art exhibitions and more
September 26, 2011 (El Cajon) — St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, a non-denominational adult day-training facility for adults with developmental disabilities, will host the sixth annual Alley Cat Art Festival on October 14 in Downtown El Cajon on Main Street and Arts Alley.
According to San Diego Magazine’s Annual Special Issue
September 27, 2011 San Diego, CA Alvarado Hospital Medical Center has 16 physicians in 11 specialties named "Top Doctors" in the annual San Diego Magazine "Physicians of Exceptional Excellence" survey done collaboratively with the San Diego County Medical Society.
September 29, 2011 (El Cajon) -- El Cajon Police Department will hold five Sector Watch Community Forums starting in October. Previous meetings have been very well received and will again involve all five sectors in the City. This is a n opportunity for residents to ask Police and other City department representatives questions, voice any concerns about your neighborhood, or say “thank you” for a job well done. You can also sign up for a Neighborhood Watch program. All meetings will be from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
September 28, 2011 (El Cajon) -- Main Street 5 Gallery is hosting a digital art show at the gallery on 124 E. Main Street in El Cajon. The opening reception and a meet the artists event will be on Friday October 7th at the gallery. For further information call 619-957-1111 or visit the website at www.mainstreet5gallery.com
Health and Human Services Agency Awarded Grant to Help Create a Healthier Community
September 29, 2011 (San Diego) -- The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) was awarded a grant of over $3 million for prevention of chronic disease in San Diego. Today’s grant award has the potential to bring over $15 million to the region over the next 5 years. This is the second largest Community Transformation Grant awarded to a county government in the nation.
September 27, 2011 (Washington D.C.) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to eat raw oysters harvested from an area in Washington State following an outbreak of illness caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria. The oysters were distributed in 23 states, including California.
County Implementation Plan for Public Safety Realignment to Take Effect Oct. 1
September 29, 2011 (San Diego) -- The County is preparing for the shift of thousands of offenders from state to local supervision using a plan approved by the Board of Supervisors today.“We know we can provide better public safety services than the state, but we cannot allow them to pass the buck without also passing along the dollars,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Horn.
September 28, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Federal authorities with the Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration warn consumers not to eat cantaloupes unless you’re certain where they came from. If in doubt, throw it out.
By Miriam Raftery
y be one more star in the heavens tonight." -- Dennis Mammana, syndicated Stargazer columnist, upon hearing of Schad's passing
September 26, 2011 (El Cajon) — St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, a non-denominational adult day-training facility for adults with developmental disabilities, will host the sixth annual Alley Cat Art Festival on October 14 in Downtown El Cajon on Main Street and Arts Alley. 
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