May 11, 2013(San Diego) — In 1963, President John F. Kennedy gave the commencement speech at San Diego State University and was awarded SDSU’s first honorary doctorate degree. Fifty years later, as SDSU prepares to confer degrees upon nearly 9,100 students May 16-19, his words on the importance of higher education for our nation’s future are still just as meaningful.
“A lot of what JFK said at that time continues to be relevant, including his recognizing California and San Diego State as premier sites of higher education,” said Rob O'Keefe, president of SDSU Associated Students. “Fast-forward to today, we see how things have progressed, how in just the past year things have been truly transformational for this campus.”
Half a century ago, Kennedy told SDSU graduates, "As a nation, we have no deeper concern, no older commitment and no higher interest than a strong, sound and free system of education for all...In fulfilling this obligation to ourselves and our children, we provide for the future of our nation—and for the future of freedom." He reflected on the educated founders of our nation, the importance of an educated populace for the future, and the disparities in educaitonal opportunities across the nation. View video of Kennedy's 1963 SDSU commencement address.
May 11, 2013 (Lakeside) -- A fire this afternoon in Lakeside at Mapleview and Lake Jennings led to evacuations ordered along Mapleview, charring at least six acres, according to eyewitnesses.
Posts at the Brush Fire Partyline on Facebook and e-mails from ECM readers indicated heavy smoke in El Monte Valley. Air attacks and multiple fire units on scene have swiftly knocked down the blaze, numerous witnesses have advised ECM. Watch for further updates.
If you have updates on this incident please e-mail editor@eastcountymagazine.org and also post in comments section below to inform readers. Watch for updates soon; our reporter is en route.
May 11, 2013 (La Mesa)- “From Collier To Carrefour”, a fundraiser held April 28 at Collier Park, raised funds to send young adult leaders to a summer camp in Carrefour, Haiti through New Format, a Bible study for young adults that is part of Journey Community Church.
May 11, 2013 (El Cajon)- Last month, the 20th Annual Spring Garden Festival took place around Cuyamaca College and the Water Conservation Garden. Kids and parents got an up-close look at chickens, bees, bountiful gardens and much more during this free event. The theme centered on “Urban Farms and Gardens.”
This year, the festival had experts on raising urban chickens, beekeeping, and vegetable gardening, as well as garden professionals, a plant sale, animal encounters for kids, live music, nature-oriented craft items for sale, and many free lectures and presentations throughout the day.
May 11, 2013 (San Diego) – An armed gunman tried to abduct a women in the College area shortly after midnight According to an alert sent by San Diego State University police, the suspect approached the victim in the 5800 block of Linda Paseo at 12:18 a.m. and asked if she was alone. He displayed a black handgun and told the victim to “get in the car.”
She refused and was not injured. The suspect was last seen walking toward College Avenue. He may be driving a black Ford F-150. He is describe as a white, 6 feet 1 inches tall, wearing a blue T-shirt, blue jeans, a tan jacket, possibly white shoes, and rectangular glasses.
May 3, 2013 (San Diego’s East County)- James Pearson from Ember Arts has been helping Ugandan women escape poverty by selling their beautiful Acholi beads in America.
This fascinating story began in 2006, when Pearson first discovered the Acholi beads. While visiting Uganda for a nonprofit, he saw women working in a rock quarry, doing back-breaking work for just a dollar a day. Life was extremely difficult for these women, who were war refugees, and for their families.
On Thursday, May 9, at 12:29 p.m. Heartland Fire & Rescue responded to reports of a drowning in the 400 block of Nila Lane in El Cajon.
"An 18 month boy, in the care of his grandmother, was found by his grandmother in the Jacuzzi area of an unfenced pool in the backyard. Heartland fire crews arrived within five minutes of the call," said Monica Zech, spokeperson for the city of El Cajon. "They immediately started CPR and regained a pulse. The child was transported to Grossmont Hospital and then transferred to Rady's Children's Hospital."
The child was listed in critical condition according to Carlos Delgado, spokesperson for Rady's.
The weather is warming up and children gravitate toward water, so take precautions. Remember--a baby can drown in as little as one inch of water.
See below for water safety tips from the Centers for Disease Control.
May 10, 2013 (San Diego's East County) -- Temperatures up to 100 degrees and thundershowers are forecast for our region, the National Weather Service reports. The heat wave should peak on Monday, with a cooling trend to follow. View a video from the NWS with the forecast from now through May 14:
May 10, 2013 (El Cajon)--Ally Benbrook, an artist and resident of El Cajon, took the third place award in San Diego Watercolor Society’s May show. Her watercolor, Last Connection #4, is one of a series of paintings the artist is currently producing which illustrate in harsh reality the connection between human beings and their dogs.
In discussing his selection process, juror Mark Smith said he was drawn to the painting because of its urban patterning, its stylized forms and the artist’s smart use of a limited color palette.
May 10, 2013 (Ramona) -- The federal government has provided another extension on the announced closure of the Ramona Airport's air traffic control tower and other similar facilities across the nation, this time through at least September 30.
“The decision to keep the Ramona Airport tower open for now is a step in the right direction, but the federal government needs to come up with a long-term budget fix," Supervisor Dianne Jacob said in a press statement today. "Closing the Ramona tower at the end of September would endanger our region when we need the air traffic facility the most. Many of San Diego County’s biggest and deadliest wildfires, including the 2003 and 2007 firestorms, have started in our backcountry in the fall."
May 9, 2013 (Alpine) – On March 20, Open House at Boulder Oaks Elementary in Alpine, California highlighted how fifth graders at the school have opened their minds to the exciting worlds of science and technology.
By using their school-issued IPODS, learning new software and applying the scientific method to their projects, they showcased their knowledge with a Digital Photography Show and Science Fair.
“The Boulevard Marathon is like the Boston Marathon...[Residents opposed to the wind ordinance] are “like people with a pressure cooker and ball bearings with a bomb, trying to stop the projects…This is economic terrorism.” – John Gibson, Hamann Companies
“You should choose to save our communities, not destroy them—and I was not paid to come and talk today.” – Wendy Shannon, Boulevard resident and neighbor of Hamann’s proposed project
By Sierra Robinson; Miriam Raftery also contributed to this report
May 10, 2013 (San Diego)—After more than three hours of heated testimony on Tuesday, San Diego Supervisors opted to delay a decision on a controversial wind ordinance and changes to plans for two backcountry communities until May 15. The postponement came after a lawyer representing rural residents sent a last-minute letter claiming that approval of the project would be illegal.
May 9, 2013 (San Diego's East County) -- For the first time, the United States government will offer legal counsel to immigrant detainees with mental disabilities facing deportation hearings. This is the first expansion of the right to counsel in 30 years – the result of an ACLU lawsuit. Before to last week's federal court ruling, these individuals were not guaranteed legal representation even though they clearly demonstrated tremendous difficulty in representing themselves in the complicated legal proceedings against them.
José Gonzalezis a 33-year-old man who doesn't know his own age and, in many aspects of his life, has the cognitive ability of a two-year-old. Both his parents are lawful permanent residents of the United States, and José had a pending petition for residency. Until last week's historic ruling, the government expected José to represent himself in a deportation hearing – after holding him for five years in a detention facility.
May 4, 2013 (San Diego) -- The 11th Annual Explore Mission Trails Day is May 18 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (most of the events will occur between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.) at Mission Trails Regional Park, 1 Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego. The celebration highlights everything Mission Trails has to offer and features events throughout the park, including free guided nature walks, talks and programs. There will even be live animals and special programs for children.
May 4, 2013 (Valley Center) – Celebrate Mother’s Day with a lunch at Keys Creek Lavender Farm, 12460 Keys Creek Road, Valley Center, on May 12 at 12:00 p.m. Enjoy a delicious menu in a beautiful countryside setting. Menu items include: warm baked brie with Lavender Caramel Sauce, Lavender infused rice pilaf, chicken served with a port demi smoked bacon glaze, classic roast beef au jus, tiramisu and caramel apple pie, to name just a few.
May 8, 2013 (Jamul)—As part of the County’s efforts to consolidate rural fire departments, the San Diego Rural Fire Protection District was asked last night whether “it will continue to operate as an independent fire district or dissolve and become part of the new County Fire Authority (CFA).”
The County has given the District until June 30th to sign on a one-year contract that would extend the current contract with Cal-Fire, but ultimately would lead to the dissolution of the district under the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO.)
The pending decision has sparked concerns among residents in the District, which is a high fire risk area that has seen some of the worst wildfires in our region. It is also the area where major new energy projects are proposed which would increase the risk of fire.
May 9, 2013 (San Diego) --The Youth Choir of San Diego is a new community youth choir sponsored by the Kroc Center in partnership with Helix, Crawford and Lincoln High Schools. The mission is to bring community to San Diego by developing young leaders through contemporary choral music.
The public is invited to enjoy a night of music featuring songs from every era--from the Beatles to Bruno Mars—while supporting local teens in this new venture.
May 9, 2013 (Mission Hills) – Frequent ECM contributor Walter G. Meyer will be speaking about the timely topic of bullying at Mission Hills Books and Collectibles on May 15 at 6:30 p.m.
At Mission Hills Books and Collectibles, he will be presenting a version of the PowerPoint he has done at libraries and community centers across the country. It covers what bullying is, how to respond to it, the role of bystanders in ending it, and what can be done to prevent it in the first place.
May 9. 2013 (Lemon Grove) – Detectives from the Lemon Grove Sheriff's Station and Crime Stoppers want your help in finding and identifying a driver responsible for a hit-and-run that injured a woman.
It happened on April 17 at around 12:30 a.m. as an 18-year-old woman was crossing the street in the 2000 block of Lemon Grove Avenue. The car hit the victim and just kept going. A friend of the victim saw the incident. She describes the car as a small, red in color with dark tinted windows. Parts of the car were left at the scene and determined to be from a red 2005 or 2006 Toyota Corolla. A photo of a similar car is included in this NIXLE message.
County to offer discounted zero-emission lawn mowers at 14th Annual Trade-In Event
May 9, 2013 (Mission Valley) – County residents can roll their old, gas powered lawn mowers down to Qualcomm Stadium this Saturday and come away with new, zero-emission models. The price? Just $99.99 for a Black & Decker mower that typically retails for about $400, plus tax.
Available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the 14th Annual “Mowing Down Pollution” Lawn Mower Trade-In Event will be 650 new mowers, County Supervisor Ron Roberts said at a news conference on Tuesday.
May 9, 2013 (San Diego's East County) --San Diego County residents know the importance of being prepared for disasters after the firestorms of 2003 and 2007, but are your pets included in those all important plans?
“It’s not a question of if another disaster will strike, but rather when a disaster will strike San Diego County,” said County Animal Services Director Dawn Danielson. “As part of National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day, we strongly encourage people to have a plan in place that includes your pets.”
As the lead agency in any disaster, the Department of Animal Services suggests you include all of the following in your pet disaster plan:
May 8,2013 (San Diego) – Mayor Bob Filner met with former Governor Mitt Romney on Monday evening to discuss the City of San Diego’s Olympic bid for the 2024 Summer Games.
Mayor Filner announced last month that the cities of San Diego and Tijuana will submit a bi-national bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics. The Mayor invited Romney to his office to ask if the former Presidential candidate, who formerly headed up Salt Lake City’s Olympic organizing committee, would lend his advice to the effort. Romney said yes.
May 8, 2013 (Otay) – The County Medical Examiner has ruled the death of Reyna Carolina Genel, 16, a suicide.
She had been reported missing after going jogging around the reservoir, her sister told authorities. On May 6, passerbys found her unconscious in the Otay Reservoir at the upper dam.
May 8, 2013 (El Cajon) – Erik. E. Gilbert, 48, from El Cajon died at Sharp Memorial Hospital on May 2 shortly after he was admitted due to head and torso injuries sustained in an accident.
Gilbert was riding his bicycle in Santee when he was struck by a pickup truck at the intersection of Vomac Road and Mast Boulevard at 5:21 a.m.
May 8, 2013 (San Diego) – San Diego State University will celebrate Commencement 2013 from May 16 to 19, graduating 9,038 degrees candidates. There will be eight separate ceremonies throughout the weekend. By tradition, SDSU’s Commencement ceremonies include a processional, introductions, awards, a speaker and a recessional. Each processional is led by a grand marshal carrying a college banner, followed by the faculty marshals donned in full academic regalia. This year’s speakers include former Mayor Jerry Sanders, business leaders, and Kumeyaay.com founder Larry Banegas, among others.
May 8, 2013 (Sacramento) –While encouraging wildfire preparedness this week, CAL FIRE is also reminding residents of the dangers posed by arson. CAL FIRE is pleased to join the United States Fire Administration (USFA) in announcing the theme for the 2013 Arson Awareness Week: Reducing Residential Arson. The goal for this year’s Arson Awareness Week, which takes place May 5-11, 2013, is to provide all residents with strategies to combat arson in their neighborhoods.
According to the USFA’s National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) during 2008-2010, an estimated 16,800 intentionally set fires in residential buildings occur annually in the United States. These fires result in an estimated 280 deaths, 775 injuries, and $593 million in property loss each year. The average dollar loss for an intentionally set fire in a residential building is $21,320. The fatality rate for intentionally set residential fires was more than twice that of other residential building fires.
May 8, 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:
May 8, 2013 (Spring Valley) – David and Mary Cuzick will be holding a Mother’s Day show and pottery sale at their studio at 9204 Campo Road, Spring Valley on May 11 and 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featured artists are David Cuzick, Mary Cuzick, Evan Lopez, Frederick de la Cruz and Rachael Blackmore. American Art pottery, dinnerware, planters and much more will be featured.
May 8, 2013 (Lakeside) – Internationally renowned horseman Chris Irwin is bringing his inspirational message on Horse Sense to Mountain View Ranch, 15665 El Monte Rd., Lakeside for a special one day clinic. Irwin, a best-selling author, specializes in teaching communication skills for people with horses. People learn to use horse body language to become better leaders and communicators, to be “the better horse”.
![](/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/resize/2013/April/P1210802_0-300x226.JPG "Linda Ewing asks Supervisors, "Don't turn a deaf ear for money."")
May 8, 2013 (Spring Valley) – David and Mary Cuzick will be holding a Mother’s Day show and pottery sale at their studio at 9204 Campo Road, Spring Valley on May 11 and 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featured artists are David Cuzick, Mary Cuzick, Evan Lopez, Frederick de la Cruz and Rachael Blackmore. American Art pottery, dinnerware, planters and much more will be featured. 
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