June 2, 2013 (San Diego) -- Back by popular demand, the 2013 Summer Movies in the Park is the largest free outdoor movie series in greater San Diego County. The County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation has teamed up with cities all over the County to provide a fun night of free activities for the family.
The series has expanded to include 73 movies across the County, which is up by more than 20 movies since last season. Venues in East County are included. To find a movie nearest you, follow this page on Facebook, or visit www.summermoviesinthepark.com for a calendar of events.
June 2, 2013 (San Diego) – If you’ve eaten Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend frozen berries purchased at Costco in the past couple of weeks, you may have been exposed to hepatitis and should see your doctor immediately. Thus far, 30 cases in five states have been reported, including two in San Diego County. But the disease can take up to six weeks to occur after exposure, so cases are expected to rise.
One concern is that retailers may have purchased the product in bulk for use in other products such as smoothies or frozen drinks.
Dr. Eric McDonald, the county's deputy public health officer warns that those exposed should seek medical treatment now, which may include a vaccine for Hepatitis A or treatment with immune globulin – unless you have already had the vaccine or the disease. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, call the County Epidemiology Program at (619) 692-8499.
June 2, 2013 (San Diego) – Walmart workers from across the U.S. including some in San Diego County are on strike, seeking more hours to support their families. They are joining a “Ride for Respect” traveling to a Walmart shareholders meeting in Bentonville, Arkansas on June 7 to deliver their message.
Our Walmart, a workers’ group, is asking the public to sign a petition in support. The petition states that “many workers at Walmart must rely on food stamps and even go hungry because of lack of hours and low wages.” Workers also allege that Walmart has retaliated by firing workers or cutting hours of those who spoke up for their rights. The petition asks Walmart to commit to raise wages and increase access to full-time hours so that workers will earn at least $25,000 a year.
June 2, 2013 (San Diego's East County) -- Throughout the month of June, approximately 5,340 students earning a high school diploma from nine comprehensive high schools, two charter high schools and three alternative high schools in the Grossmont Union High School District will be donning caps and gowns for commencement exercises. Below is information on each school, along with graduation schedules and names of valedictorians.
Senator Boxer seeks “citizen cosponsors” for landmark legislation to protect sexual assault victims
June 1, 2013 (Washington D.C.) – The House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday is expected to hear the Military Justice Improvement Act, a bill sponsored by 17 members of Congress including Senator Barbara Boxer (D-California), who is asking the public to support the measure by becoming citizen cosponsors here.
The number of sexual assaults in the U.S. military rose by 35% from 2010 to 2012, according to a Defense Department report which found 26,000 members of the military had been victims of sexual assault – 70 assaults a day. Yet only 10% were even reported, and far fewer were prosecuted.
Demands for reform have been fueled by two assaults in May in which military sex prevention officers were themselves charged with sexual abuse and other cases in which general overturned guilty verdicts in sexual assault cases.
May 31, 2013 (San Diego) – January saw the release of 56 Up. That film was the latest in a unique documentary series that began in 1964, in which Michael Apted interviewed a group of 7-year old kids from disparate backgrounds. The project became literally a lifelong labor of love, as Apted has revisited these people every seven years.
Five months later, San Diego screens are blessed with Before Midnight, the third film in a series that may or may not have been inspired by the Up documentaries, but feels very much like a fictional version of them. To watch Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, and Before Midnight is akin to imbibing a bottle of fine wine that has gotten better with each nine-year passage.
May 31, 2013 (Spring Valley)—What should be done with the former Evergreen Nursery property in Spring Valley? That was the key question before the Spring Valley Planning Group Wednesday night.
David S. Thomson, Chief Executive Officer for Mastercraft Homes Group, the owner of the property, came to offer his proposal, along with his team.
During earlier meetings there was a palpable hope that the site would be developed into a commercial site, or a mixed use residential and commercial site that would include a community meeting place for Spring Valley residents.
But Mastercraft's plan didn’t include that. Thomson stated that “due to the economy and oversupply (of commercial property) nobody recommended that,” then noted that it is still a “bad retail environment.”
“Through the years that we had known you, you had been a blessing to know. How sweet and kind you are to all our family. We will cherish every moment and memories we had with you. We love and miss you and you will never be forgotten.” – sign beside the road, where Michelle St. Clair was fatally burned
May 30, 2013 (Lakeside) – Beside the scorched earth where Michele St. Clair was found severely burned during a brush fire on May 12, her friends have created a makeshift memorial . Flowers, crosses, ragged stuffed toys and a hand-lettered sign on cardboard reveal how she touched the lives of those who came to know her, before succumbing to her injuries on May 16.
St. Clair, a Navy veteran who by all accounts worked hard, refused to take handouts, and was not an alcoholic or an addict when she died.
May 30, 2013 (Santee) – The Knights of Columbus of Guardian Angels Church, located at 9310 Dalehurst Rd., Santee, CA 92071, is having a large rummage sale on June 1 and 2 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 7:00 a.m. to 12 noon on Sunday.
Some proceeds go to the Church pantry, which helps people in need, as well as other charity projects supported by Knights of Columbus.
May 30, 2013 (La Mesa)- La Mesa’s City Council unanimously approved increasing sewer service rates at its May 14 meeting. For the average family, the rate will rise by 7% in each of the next two years. Ironically, citizens' successful effort at conserving water has reduced city revenues--and was among the factors cited by Council to justify the rate hike, which drew strong objections from some residents present.
Some graduates celebrate triumph over adversity; Iraq war veteran to graduate with daughter
May 30, 2013 (El Cajon) – A campaign to improve student success is paying off at Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges, where more than 1,700 graduates will receive a record number of degrees and certificates at commencements in early June.
New programs and services helping students achieve academic goals, along with voters’ approval last fall of a tax plan tempering years of debilitating budget cuts, are credited for the strong numbers.
With many graduates earning multiple credentials, Grossmont College will award more than 2,100 degrees and certificates at its commencement ceremony June 5. The following day, Cuyamaca College will confer 830 of the hard-earned associate degrees and certificates at its commencement.
May 30, 2013 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights brings you cutting edge news each week that could impact your health and our future.
May 31, 2013 (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 reflect 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 world and U.S. headlines include:
“Your source for Trusts, Wills, Probate, Family Law & more”
By: Stephen C. Ross, Esq.
May 30, 2013 (San Diego County) – There are three potential legal remedies for couples who want to terminate or alter their marital or domestic partnership status. They include dissolution, legal separation and nullity. Dissolution terminates the status of a valid marriage resulting in the parties being considered single persons commencing on the date status is terminated. Legal separation is an option for spouses and partners who choose not to live together while maintaining the marital or partnership status. The third potential option, nullity, is the subject of this article.
May 30, 2013 (San Diego) -- Taking a quick look around, it's easy to cynically conclude that Memorial Day has become nothing more than a paean to big sales at the mall, beach BBQ's, and getting a day off from school and work. Not that there's anything wrong with any of those things - but let's please not forget to whom this day really belongs. And for the record, this holiday isn't just for our brave warriors who made the ultimate sacrifice. It's also for those who served our country and are still with us.
As I reported late last year in The Daily Beast, as many as 30 percent of post-9/11 veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a type of anxiety disorder that can occur after you've seen or experienced a traumatic event that involved the threat of injury or death. PTSD is often debilitating. These veterans need our help. Now.
May 30, 2013 (Washington D.C.) – Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) announced $1.8 million for San Diego to help homeless veterans as part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program (HUD-VASH).
“This increase in housing vouchers will help veterans get off the streets and into a place of their own,” said Davis. “We know that San Diego has a high concentration of homeless veterans. It’s very difficult, knowing the sacrifices these men and women have made on our behalf, to see them living on the street. Hopefully, through programs such as HUD-VASH we can help turn these lives around.”
May 30, 2013 (San Diego)-- Back in November the Daily Aztec reported San Diego State University to be the seventh most dangerous college campus in the U.S. The Daily Aztec quoted the Business Insider, which stated, “SDSU experiences approximately 27 violent incidents per year.” In 2011 these included were five rapes, three robberies and five aggravated assaults.
ECM asked campus police some questions; Captain Lamine Secka responded in detail.
Our first question, actually coming from my years as a student, was what is the campus doing to improve lighting?
New Report Detailing CA Domestic Workers’ Economic Hardship, Workplace Abuses Underscores Need for Equal Labor Protections
May 29, 2013 (Sacramento)—Today, the California State Assembly passed the Domestic Worker Bill of Rights (AB 241 Ammiano). If signed into law, the bill would extend basic labor protections—like overtime pay and rest breaks—to the workers who care for California’s homes and families.
“If we can’t pass this bill this year and get it signed, we will owe an explanation to the workers,” said Assemblymember Tom Ammiano, the bill’s author. “These workers, who are mostly women, keep our households running smoothly, care for our children, and enable people with disabilities to live at home and remain engaged in our communities. Why shouldn’t they have overtime protections like the average barista or gas station attendant?”
May 30, 2013 (El Cajon)—Wing walking, mock air battles and pyrotechnics are among the attractions at this year’s Wings Over Gillespie Air Show. The event will take place June 1 and 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Gillespie Field, 1960 Joe Crosson Drive in El Cajon.
Tickets start at $8 for the event, which also features a free Kid’s Zone, amusement rides and a beer garden. This year's Wings Over Gillespie features a collection of San Diego aircraft and World War II aircraft.
May 29, 2013 (Lakeside) – Clad in pajamas, Karen Goodman broke down in tears as she told me her story today.
We met with her at the request of Walter Choate, an advocate for the homeless who told us that without immediate help, this bedridden woman who relies on a caregiver to survive could be homeless by Friday--and lose all of her belongings as well.
May 30, 2013 (San Diego's East County)--East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include:
May 28, 2013 (El Cajon)--Every Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m., Downtown El Cajon Business Partners hosts a classic car show. Each week the theme changes, from last Wednesday’s “Topless Night” where all of the best convertibles could be seen on the Promenade, to this week's Salute to the Military.
Other upcoming events include Charger Steve's Starz Carz, Return of the Horseless Carriage, and Thunder on Main Street for the season finale at summer's end, featuring a full street closure.
Nationally Honored Local Hero to Speak at Community Service Event
May 28, 2013 (Alpine)--The Alpine Fire Protection District will present a community event on May 30 from 6-8;30 p.m. at the Alpine Elementary School auditorium, 1850 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine. The event will feature Ennis Jackson, an award-winning speaker who has won the National Star of Life for his efforts to alert and educate the community which includes high schools, colleges and business on the subject of destructive decisions and life saving CPR techniques. These destructive decisions include underage drinking, the use of mind-altering drugs and texting while occupied, and most importantly, the value of family. Jackson is a paramedic stationed out of Alpine Fire Station 17.
June 2, 2013 (Alpine)--Alpine Sheriff's Station will host a free community meeting for homeowners on how to prepare your homes and families for wildfire. The event will be held Monday, June 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Boulevard in Alpine. A severe fire season is anticipated due to drought, so authorities urge residents to learn how to reduce risk of loss and help firefighters protect your properties before the next major wildfire occurs.
Update: Santee reader Jerrie Dean informs us that her mother saw Larry Negrette return to his mobilehome park today. The Sheriff's office confirms with the following details:
On Monday, May 27, 2013 at around 10:15 p.m., Mr. Larry Negrette was located in the 10200 block of Ashwood Street in Lakeside. Mr. Negrette had contacted a resident on Ashwood Street and asked for food. The resident provided Mr. Negrette with food and water. As the resident and Mr. Negrette spoke, Mr. Negrette appeared disoriented and could not remember his address or phone number. The resident became concerned for Mr. Negrette and decided to notify the Sheriff's Department. Deputies from the Santee Station responded and contacted Mr. Negrette. He was reunited with his family.
May 27, 2013 (Santee) – Larry Negrette, 70, has been missing form his home in the 9400 block of Mission Gorge Road, Santee, since 5 p.m. Saturday May 25. He suffers from dementia and high blood pressure.
His family is extremely concerned for his welfare. His vehicle is inoperable and accounted for. Negrette is Hispanic with grey hair, receding hair line, brown eyes, and a mustache. He is 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs about 210 pounds. He was last seeing wearing blue jeans, T-shirt, and white sneakers.
May 28, 2013 (San Diego)--A wide range of facets and perspectives of the growing “green energy” industry were shared at a special forum titled “New San Diego Green Leaders: The Road To 100% Renewables” on May 7th at Cricket Communications headquarters in Kearney Mesa. Kathleen Connell moderated the forum sponsored by Green Experts Academy; East County Magazine was media sponsor of the event.
The forum addressed how San Diego might utilize 100 percent renewable energy, also focusing on how local leaders can learn from Germany and other countries where development of alternative renewable energy sources is not an option, but a necessity.
May 27, 2013 (Ocotillo) -- When Jim Pelley arose at sunrise and looked out over the desert from his home in Ocotillo, he noticed something missing. So he grabbed his camera to record the unusual sight.
A Siemens wind turbine at Pattern Energy's Ocotillo Express Wind Energy facility had hurled off a multi-ton blade onto a trail on public Bureau of Land Management recreational land. Fortunately, since the accident occurred at night, nobody was harmed.
Photos by Lisa Elkins-Goodman, Brett Stalbaum and Joseph Moulton
By Miriam Raftery and Nadin Abbott
Update May 28, 2013 -- The General Fire is now 950 acres and 85% contained, Cal Fire confirms. The cause of the fire has been traced to shooting. One injury has been reported from the fire.
May 26, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) Upodated May 27 9 a.m.– The brush that began yesterday in Rodriguez Canyon south of Highway 78, across from the Banner Grade Store in the 3600 block of Highway 78, is now 850 acres and 20 percent contained. IPN indicates the fire is spreading rapidly and has potential for 300 acres. Helicopter indicates no structures are threatened at this time, however there is a power outage.
Power restoration is expected at 3 p.m. There is no estimate on containment.
Multiple strike teams have been dispatched to battle the fire on U.S. Bureau of Land Management property.
May 27, 2013 (San Diego) – “Our school community was deeply saddened as we learned of the magnitude of the widespread devastation caused in the community of Moore, Oklahoma and surrounding areas. The absolute destruction has profoundly affected the lives of thousands of the residents in that area,” Chaim Heller, head of the San Diego Jewish Academy wrote in a letter to parents of students. “Jewish tradition teaches us "Al Taamod al dam re'echa" (Do not stand idly by while our neighbors are in pain). San Diego Jewish Academy has a longstanding tradition of reaching out to help any and all who are in need. We believe that our Jewish values of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and (acts of loving kindness) are essential components of our instructional program at San Diego Jewish Academy.”
May 27, 2013 (San Diego) –San Diego State University’s Honors College will receive a $1 million gift, thanks to a planned endowment from Professor Emeritus Henry Jannsen.
“I owe SDSU more for the life I’ve had than I can ever repay,” Janssen said, SDSU’s news center reported.
Janssen is one of hundreds of SDSU faculty and staff donors to The Campaign for SDSU, which aspires to raise $500 million to support the university’s development as a leading public research university.
y Miriam Raftery
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