ATMOSPHERIC RIVER TO DRENCH REGION OVER EASTER WEEKEND

GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL BOARD SLASHES STAFFING, OVER OBJECTIONS OF VOCAL CROWD

CONSUMER ALERT FOR SAFELY FILING YOUR TAXES

VIEW OUR INTERVIEW: LA MESA ACTIVISTS OBJECT TO CITY COUNCIL BANNING REMOTE PARTICIPATION

WINTER STORM WARNING

EASTER BRUNCH AND EGG HUNT MARCH 30 IN EL CAJON

BIA SAN DIEGO PARTNERS WITH WORKFORCECONNECT TO UTILIZE JOBS PLATFORM, WHILE ADDRESSING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WORKFORCE SHORTAGE

RECENT FIRE DEATHS HEIGHTEN CALLS FOR FIRE PROTECTION BALLOT MEASURE IN SANTEE

MISSION TRAILS REGIONAL PARK COMMUNITY NIGHT SLATED FOR THURSDAY, APRIL 4

COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND TANYA TUCKER LIVE AT THE MAGNOLIA MAY 19

UNOFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS SHOW FLIPS IN TWO KEY RACES HOLDING

184 GUNS TURNED IN AT SHERIFF’S LEMON GROVE GUN SAFETY EVENT

HISTORY ALIVE: TALL IN THE SADDLE APRIL 4 IN LEMON GROVE

March 25, 2013 (Lemon Grove) – At the Lemon Grove Historical Society’s next "History Alive" lecture, Garry McClintock, the renowned saddle maker and CEO of McClintock Saddle Works, Descanso, and authority on cowboy history, will explain what makes a great saddle andwhy the cowboy was central to the story of the American West.  The event will be held on April 4 at 7 p.m. in the H. Lee House Cultural Center, 3205 Olive, Lemon Grove

See McClintock's gorgeous, hand-crafted saddles and hear why the life and times of the cowboy and his trusty horse became rooted in the American psyche.  From the gritty outback, to the open plains, to sprawling ranches, to the silver screen, the often harsh realities of the cowboy's world became the stuff of myth and legend, song and poetry. 

AMERICAN HOME SHOW COMES TO EAST COUNTY APRIL 5-7: FEATURES MADE-IN-AMERICA PRODUCTS

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 21, 2013 (Santee) – American Home Show will present the first-ever Spring Home Show at the Town Center Community Park  and Santee Sport Complex in Santee on April 5, 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily.  Admission is free.

‘The show inspires homeowners with countless ideas on enhancing their home’s comfort and functionality, as well as being labeled “made in America,” a press release from organizers states. The event will showcase hundreds of home improvement and landscaping exhibits, with product demonstrations . Attractions will also include live entertainment, speakers, an American business mixer, barbecue competition cook-off, gunny sack race, and a kids’ village.

WRITE OUT LOUD AND SAN PASQUAL WINERY HOST “THE BIG READ” APRIL 2

 

Celebrate The Big Read: Imagine a World without Books: Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451

March 12, 2013 (La Mesa)--La Mesa's San Pasqual Winery will be hosting an overview of Bradbury’s celebrated novel, and a dramatic reading of his poignant short story The Love Affair of Laurel and Hardy on Tuesday, April 2 at 6:00 p.m. in the San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room (8364 La Mesa Blvd).

A QUEST FOR UNITY: JOURNEY OF NISHIYUU AND CANADA’S FIRST NATION’S LAND MANAGEMENT REGIME

Editor's note: This is a victory born in the Idle No More Movement for Native rights, which has spread from Canada to the U.S. ECM recently covered Idle No More speakers in San Diego, including local Kumeyaay members.  

By Sarah Hales-Ried (reprinted with permission of San Diego Loves Green)

http://www.sandiegolovesgreen.com/articles/a-quest-for-unity-journey-of-nishiyuu-canadas-new-land-management-regime/

March 28, 2013 (Ottaway, Canada)--After over two months and 1600 kilometres (approx. 994 miles) of walking, the journey of Nishiyuu  - a Cree word meaning “the people” - reached Cam-nada's Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, on Monday, March 25. That same day, Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, formally welcomed eight First Nation communities into Canada's First Nations Land Management regime.

IF YOU LOVE FLOWERS, YOU’LL ENJOY SWEET PEA DAY ON APRIL 13 AT SUMMERS PAST FARMS

 

 

March 28, 2013 (Flinn Springs)--Spend your morning enjoying sweet peas on April 13 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at Summers Past Farms annual "Sweet Pea Days."  The farm is located at 14602 Olde Highway 80 in Flinn Springs.  Should you decide to cut your own bouquet, you can do so at $3.00 per bouquet from 11:00 a.m. until the blooms are gone.

READER'S EDITORIAL: SEQUESTRATION WILL LEAVE SENIORS HUNGRY

4 Million Senior Meals to be Cut Nationwide, 100,000 meals in San Diego Alone

By Paul Downey, President/CEO, Senior Community Centers

March 28, 2013 (San Diego)--Sometimes I am really glad to live almost 3,000 miles from Washington DC. The latest “raging” chest-thumping, finger-pointing debate is whether President Obama cancelling tours of the White House are politically motivated or a true result of sequestration. This is a bit of Nero fiddling while Rome burned.

FEDERAL SEQUESTRATION CUTS HIT HARD IN LA MESA; CITY ELIMINATES MOST PUBLIC SERVICES FOR ELDERLY AND YOUNG PEOPLE

 

March 27, 2013 (La Mesa)—The federal government has slashed Community Development Block Grant funding for La Mesa from $800,000 a few years ago down to just $350,000 this year. As a result, the City Council voted 5-0 on Tuesday to completely eliminate funds for all public services funded by CDGB, except for fair housing. The cuts fall largely on programs that help the elderly, poor and disabled.

Funds will be axed for the Alzheimer’s Association, East County YMCA Summer Camp, Meals on Wheels of Greater San Diego, San Diego Youth Services, Elder help, Interfaith Shelter Network, Senior Community Centers, and more.

Mayor Art Madrid called the elimination of public services a “tough decision” necessitated by federal sequestration cuts. Sequestration mandates cuts across the board in nearly all federal agencies as a result of Congress failing to reach agreement on how to reduce federal debt and resolve the federal budget.  Democrats sought a combination of revenue increases and budget cuts, while Republicans have blocked such proposals, holding out for cuts-only solutions.

HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS

March 28, 2013 (San Diego's East County)--Health and Science Highlights brings you news on the cutting edges in these fields. 

On the science front, have earthquakes mastered the secrets pursued by alchemists since the days of legend? The journal Nature Geoscience writes about the ability of earthquakes to vaporize water in faults, depositing gold. Plus beekeepers are suing the EPA-- and a new study shows pesticides are affecting bees memories and navigation skills.

On the health front, does aspirin reduce cancer risk? A study in the Journal Cancer this week suggests it might. The Community Asthma Initiative at Boston's Children's Hospital may provide a model for Medicare and insurance companies to keep costs down while preventing asthma. Speaking of governments involvement in health, this week the New York Superior Court struck down New York City's soda ban as "arbitrary and capricious," while the Mayor defiantly promised to challenge the decision.

In perhaps the most far reaching health development of the week, a new peer reviewed study lead right here in San Diego indicates that Down Syndrome may be caused by the lack of an important brain protein, SNX27-- and may lead to development of therapies that can reverse the syndrome if treatment is started up to as late as puberty.

For links to these stories and more, scroll down.

WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS HEADLINES

March 28, 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:

U.S.

WORLD

Scroll down for excerpts and full stories.

EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: TOP LOCAL AND STATE NEWS

FULL ACCESS TO CEDAR CREEK FALLS WILL OPEN APRIL 5 WITH VISITOR USE PERMIT SYSTEM

 

 

March 26, 2013 (San Diego's East County)--Starting April 5th, hiking to Cedar Creek Falls will require a visitor permit. Access from the San Diego River Gorge Trailhead in Ramona is also set to reopen.  The trailhead has been closed since the death of an El Cajon teen who fell over the top of the falls in July 2011.  A second trailhead reopened last year.

With the opening, the U.S. Forest Service is implementing a Visitor Use Permit System that will limit the number of visitors to Cedar Creek Falls, while providing for protection of natural resources and enhancing public health and safety.

READER'S EDITORIAL: A DECISION IN YOUR FAVOR

 

Court rules that CA Public Records Act applies to public officials’ private e-mail accounts

By Lou Russo

March 24, 2013 (Alpine)--In a Superior Court in California on March 19, 2013, a decision was filed which should make every Californian happy. The Honorable James P. Kleinberg decided that you, a citizen of California, have the right to view the records of public servants concerning the public’s business, in any form, regardless of where they are stored. Let me quote from the decision:

“[It is] unlikely the Legislature intended to render documents confidential based on their location, rather than their content.”

CAL FIRE TARGETS ONE-THIRD OF STATE FOR CLEARANCE: SEEKS EXEMPTION FROM ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

 

Your right to challenge clearance projects may be taken away

UPDATE: COMMENT PERIOD EXTENDED TO APRIL 8

By Miriam Raftery

Updated March 28, 2013 (San Diego's East County)--The California Board of Forestry and CalFire has released a proposal to target about 38 million acres (1/3rd of the entire state) to be burned, chewed-up, or sprayed with herbicides. This increases its habitat clearance program five times over current levels in what the California Chaparral Institute (CCI) calls a “major threat” to wildlife.

Robert S. Taylor Jr., a fire specialist with the National Park Service, has also blasted the proposal as a “very poor use of public funds” that would cause irreversible environmental damage. “I strongly recommend that Cal Fire withdraw the current proposal and produce a new one based on best available science," he wrote.  The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has also criticized the plan.

SUNSHINE AWARD BESTOWED ON OPEN GOVERNMENT ADVOCATE TERRY FRANCKE

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 28, 2013 (San Diego) –When it comes to open government and public access to government records, times have changed dramatically in California. Much of that change can be attributed to the tireless efforts of Terry Francke, General Counsel of Californians Aware. 

Last night, Francke received the coveted Sunshine Award from the Society of Professional Journalists in San Diego.  The award was presented by Donna Frye,  Director of Open Government for the City of San Diego and a prior recipient of the Sunshine Award.  Mayor Bob Filner also presented a proclamation honoring Francke.

FREE EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA AT JOAN KROC CENTER ON MARCH 30

By Caprice Harrison

March 20, 2013 (San Diego) – Come to the Kroc Center on Saturday, March 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and you will take part in a FREE community Easter Egg Hunt and festival.

The Kroc Community Church is hosting its tenth-annual, “EGG-stravaganza” at the Salvation Army Kroc Center, located at 6845 University Avenue, San Diego. This event offers local families a free, safe and fun place to celebrate the Easter holiday. Highlights include visits and pictures with the Easter Bunny, bounce houses, carnival games, arts and crafts, music and thrilling prizes.

SDSU PROFESSOR'S PORTRAIT OF HOMELESS MAN FEATURED IN SMITHSONIAN

SDSU art professor and artist Neil Shigley’s portrait, "Michael 59," will be displayed in at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. March 23, 2013 through Feb. 23, 2014.

Shigley’s work was selected as a finalist in the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition and sent to Washington D.C. where it will be included in the tri-ennial exhibition. "Michael 59" was selected as one of 48 works from more than 3,000 entries in a variety of visual arts media. The juried exhibition of portraits includes works created from both traditional media like oil paintings, drawings and photographs as well as more surprising materials such as rice, glitter, thread and video.

PRISON OFFICER AND DOG KILLED IN CRASH NEAR WARNER SPRINGS

March 25, 2013 (Warner Springs) -- Sgt. Gil Cortez, an officer with the California Rehabilitation Center in Norco, was killed along with his service dog after his vehicle rolled over this morning on State Route 79 half a mile south of San Felipe Road.

Cortez was leading several corrections vehicles taking dogs to conduct drug searches at La Cima Conservation Camp in Julian, a fire training camp for inmates. For unknown reasons, he lost control of the Crown Victoria, which rolled over and landed upright.  Officers rushed to extricate Cortez, who was taken to the Warner Springs Fire Station but died before he could be airlifted to a hospital. 

FINE ART SHOW AND SALE APRIL 26 AT HERITAGE OF THE AMERICAS MUSEUM

 

March 26, 2013 (Rancho San Diego)--An impressive array of artists will display works and be honored at a reception on Friday, April 26 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Heritage of the Americas Museum at Cuyamaca College in Rancho San Diego.  A percentage of all art pieces sold at the art sale, as well as 100% of proceeds from a live fine arts auction, will benefit the museum which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. 

The Chris Klich Jazz trio and flautist Jim Hannibal will perform.  Wine, beer, hors d’heuvres and desserts will also be served as the event.   A $10 suggested donation is requested for the reception. RSVP to (619)670-5194 or hofam@sbcglobal.net  to reserve space. 

To read about the exceptional array of talented artists featured, scroll down.

LOTS OF HIPPITY-HOPPING: EGG HUNTS AT TWO EAST COUNTY PARKS MARCH 30

 

It’s time to dig out those egg baskets and get ready to roll. County parks will host egg hunts at two East County parks on March 30 in Ramona and Spring Valley.

 “County parks are the perfect places for families to gather year round but especially when spring is in the air,” said County Parks and Recreation Director Brian Albright. “These egg hunts are the perfect excuse to get outdoors with your family and rediscover the beauty of nature.”

U.S. SUPREME COURT RELEASES AUDIO AND TRANSCRIPT OF ORAL ARGUMENT IN PROPOSITION 8 CASE

 

Audio and Transcript of the Historic Argument Available HERE

March 26, 2013 (Washington D.C.)-- Today, the United States Supreme Court heard oral argument in Hollingsworth v. Perry, the federal constitutional challenge to California’s Proposition 8.  The Court is considering whether Proposition 8 violates the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.   

The American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER), sole sponsor of the Perry case, has posted the full audio and transcript of the historic argument at: www.afer.org/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-marriage-equality-at-the-supreme-court/

Califiornian voters legalized same-sex marriage, but later overturned the rights of gay and lesbian couples to wed with Prop 8's passage in November 2008.  A federal district court ruled that Prop 8 was unconstitutional, a ruling later upheld by the federal court of appeals.  On December 7, 2012, the Supreme Court granted certiorari in Perry to review the case. The appeal was filed by Dennis Hollingsworth, former State Senator from San Diego and Riverside counties.

SDSU STUDENTS RESEARCH AND GIVE BACK ABROAD

March 26, 2013 (San Diego) – With more than 350 education abroad programs in more than 50 countries, international study is a central part of the educational experience at San Diego State University. Through the university’s Office of International Programs and the College of Extended Studies, SDSU continues to expand its international offerings to include educational, research and service-learning programs.

This spring break, April 1-5, many SDSU students will travel abroad to prepare for positions of leadership in a global society. Some of the highlighted destinations include South Africa, Mexicali and Guatamala.

YOUNG ACTOR'S THEATRE OFFERING ACTING, DANCE, AND VOICE CLASSES FOR KIDS STARTING APRIL 8

March 26, 2013 (San Diego) – Kids interested in the theatrical arts can sign up in April for classes in acting, dance, and voice offered by Young Actor’s Theatre. 

Details are below.  All classes run 8 weeks from April 8-June 7 and cost $150 for the session.

YMCA OFFERS SPLASH WEEK AND WATER SAFETY FOR KIDS

March 26, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – As swim season approaches, the East County Family YMCA reminds kids and adults about the importance of practicing safety when in and around the water. The Y offers a variety of swim programs in East County, where swimmers can have fun while developing confidence, engaging in physical activity and learning safety skills that can save lives.

“The East County Family YMCA is committed to providing as many opportunities as possible for everyone to learn basic swimming lessons and water safety practices,” said Laura Merritt, Director of Marketing and Development. “We encourage kids and adults to have fun when in and around the water, but to always make safety their first priority.”

FREE PRODUCE EXCHANGE IN JAMUL MARCH 30

March 26, 2013 (Jamul) --The next East County Produce Exchange will be held on Saturday, March 30th in in the Jamul Hardware parking lot, 13881 State Route 94 from 3:30-5:00. The Exchange is a monthly event in Jamul, where people come from all over the county to exchange freshly grown fruits and vegetables.

The produce exchange is like a farmer’s market, but it is a free event. There is no money involved.

TWO PLAYS: TWO WAYS TO SUPPORT GROSSMONT COLLEGE THEATER ARTS- APRIL 5 AND 6

March 26, 2013 (El Cajon) -- A one-act play exploring the human condition and a performance employing the magic of Mask Theatre and movement will be performed April 5 and 6 at Grossmont College, both as fundraisers for the theatre arts program.

Brian Rickel, Grossmont College theater arts instructor, will portray 14 different characters in, “Judevine: A Solo,” at 7:30 p.m. April 5, in a performance that contains adult themes and language. Originally written by David Budbill as a two and three-act play, “Judevine” uses a collection of vignettes and monologues to portray 24 different characters. Directed by Kari Hayter, Rickel’s adaptation draws from both versions of the play and a book of poetry, on which the play is based.

SILVERADO TRUCK DRIVER SOUGHT FOR FREEWAY SHOOTING IN LEMON GROVE

 

May 25, 2013 (Lemon Grove) – California Highway Patrol is searching for the driver of a  Chevrolet Silverado truck whose driver fired four or five shots at a Marine on his way to training at a San Diego Naval base. The shooting happened on the northbound 125 connector to westbound State Route 94 in Lemon Grove.

The Silverado truck was found in San Ysidro later in the day, but its occupants have not been located. The registered owner was not driving the truck when the shooting occurred. The incident happened early this morning around 4:30 a.m. 

WAILIN’ IN THE PARK: SPRING HARP FEST MARCH 30 IN LA MESA

 

March 28, 2013 (La Mesa) – Harmonica John and Budd Willis will present the 14th annual Spring Harp Fest featuring top harmonica players live at Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden Street in La Mesa.   Musical concerts will take place on March 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 

Admission is free, though a suggested $5 donation will benefit the San Diego Blues in the Schools program.

This year’s performers slated include Raphael Harp, Mark of the Blues Abbott, Nick “Chowda” Walsh, Dan “Dirty” Rice, Steve Bulger with 145th Steret, the World Famous Unknonw Player’s Jam, and Billy Watson.

STATEWIDE SCHOLASTIC TOURNAMENT AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE

March 25, 2013 (El Cajon) – Nearly 3,000 volunteers and students statewide from elementary grades through high school converged on Cuyamaca College all day Saturday for the 2013 California Destination Imagination State Tournament, a precursor to a global competition designed to help children develop critical thinking skills in a fun, creative way.

The students worked since last fall on the Team Challenge portion of the competition, choosing from among seven technical, scientific, fine arts, structural engineering and community service projects created by the non-profit organization, Destination Imagination, based in Cherry Hill, N.J.  The 200 teams that competed Saturday already won a top spot in one of California’s seven regional competitions held in February. Local schools represented included Granite Hills High School in El Cajon, Flora Vista Elementary School in Encinitas, and multiple schools from Cardiff and Encinitas.

ALCOHOL LINKED TO 15 EAST COUNTY TEEN DEATHS LAST YEAR; FORUM IN LEMON GROVE LAST WEEK AIMED TO CURB UNDERAGE DRINKING

March 25, 2013 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove Academy joined local efforts to educate students and parents of the dangers of drugs and alcohol in East County by hosting its first Underage Drinking Forum on Thursday. The event, which took place on March 21, featured a complimentary pizza dinner, a presentation by a local drug and alcohol expert, as well as a separate break-out session for youth.

Retired narcotics officer and Executive Director of The Proactive Network Against Substance Abuse, Phil Hubbs, educated a group of nearly 40 parents about current drug and alcohol trends. He also showed parents a display of various household items such as hand sanitizer, whipped cream canisters and keyboard cleaner that kids use to get drunk or high.

WHAT IS REIKI? SENIORS GROUP AT LA MESA HEALTH CARE LIBRARY TO DISCUSS REIKI NATURAL HEALING WED. MARCH 27

March 25, 2013 (La Mesa) – The Grossmont Healthcare District’s Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, will host a free senior discussion group on “Reiki:  How It Can Help You” from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27.  The public is invited to attend, and RSVP is not required.  The speaker will be Lucy Olivier, a master teacher and practitioner in Usui Reiki and Karuna Reiki natural healing systems since 1998.

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