April 5, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) --The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced today that it will delay the closures of all 149 federal contract air traffic control towers from April 7 until June 15, including the Ramona Airport and Brown Field locally. The agency says the extra time will allow the FAA to try and resolve multiple legal challenges to the closures.
“The FAA delay is not good enough,” Supervisor Dianne Jacob said in a press statement issued this morning. “U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said today that safety is the FAA’s top priority. If that was the case, the federal government shouldn’t even be talking about pulling air controllers out of Ramona. The tower is on the front line of public safety in our region, and closing it would a disaster, especially as we approach the height of the wildfire season.”
April 5, 2013 (El Cajon) – The ancient Babylonians celebrated the New Year during the spring equinox with an 11-day festival. On Sunday, April 7, Iraqi Chaldeans—descendants of the Babylonians-- will host Akitu, a Chaldean New Year celebration.
The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place from 3-8 p.m. in Prescott Premenade Park. Chaldean live music and folkloric dance will be featured; food and beverages will also be available.
April 5, 2013 (Spring Valley)--The Lemon Grove Sheriff's Station wants your help in finding two men who tried to kidnap a 17-year-old girl in Spring Valley just before 11 a.m. yesterday. According to the Sheriff, the teen girl was walking near the intersection of Kenwood Drive and Campo Road when she was approached by two African-American men. The suspects drove up in an older burgundy four-door car and offered her a ride saying: "Hey beautiful, need a ride?"
The girl declined. The passenger then got out of the car and grabbed the victim from her arm and shoulders in an attempt to get her into the car. The girl fought him off and ran away. The suspects were last seen driving westbound on Campo Road, toward the Wendy's. The girl suffered minor injuries.No weapon was used during the attempted kidnapping.
April 4, 2013 (Ramona) --The San Diego Sheriff's office has issued a safety reminder for hikers planning to visit Cedar Creek Falls, where the long-closed trail from Ramona will be reopened tomorrow and a new permit system will take effect. Below is the Sheriff's statement:
The west access to Cedar Creek Falls in Ramona will reopen Friday, April 5th with new rules after being closed since July 2011. Hikers are now required to pay for a visitor permit. Only 75 permits for individuals and/or groups of up to five people are available each day by reservation. The permit costs six dollars. To reserve a permit, visit www.recreation.gov. This online permit system will be available starting April 5th.
Groundbreaking celebrates start of major new facility to serve East County community
By Miriam Raftery
April 4, 2013 (La Mesa) – “This is an incredible day for East County,” Supervisor Dianne Jacob said at Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony for the new Heart and Vascular Center at Sharp Grossmont Hospital. “As our aging population in East County grows, there is a growing need for a heart and cardiac center that is state of the art,” added Jacob, who quipped, “Some of us may be lining up at the door.”
Proposed resolution calls for pathway to citizenship and respect for human and civil rights in enforcement
April 4, 2013 (San Diego) --Following the lead of the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) and the San Diego City Council, the Board of Trustees of the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) may also add their voice to the immigration reform discussion taking place around the City and the nation.
April 4, 2013 (San Diego) – East County artist Chuck McPherson’s painting, “The Judge,” earned top place, the Board of Directors Award, in the 52nd International Exhibition at the San Diego Art Institute.
McPherson said this is the biggest recognition yet for his artwork, calling it “humbling. But that IS the man I knew and loved as the Judge.”
Juror/Executive Director of the Oceanside Museum of Art, Daniel Foster, gave the piece the top award out of 1200 entries.
A reception for the artist will be held Saturday, April 13th at 6 p.m. at the San Diego Art Institute in Balboa Park's House of Charm.
For complete Calendar including Authors Events, go to www.SDWriteWay.org
April 4 (Thursday, 6:30 pm) — Carolie Jean-Murat will be signing her new book, Voodoo in My Blood at Barns & Noble, 10775 Westview Parkway, San Diego. Call (858) 684-3166 for additional information.
April 6 (Saturday, 11:00 am) — Mark Carlson will be signing his new book, Confessions of a Guide Dog, the Blind Leading the Blind, at the Carmel Mountain Ranch Library, 12095 World Trade Drive, San Diego. Call (619) 538-8181 for additional information.
April 4, 2013 (Lakeside) – The Solana Center in partnership with the County of San Diego and the Resource Conservation District will be hosting a free rainwater harvesting workshop in Lakeside on April 13th from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. at the Resource Conservation District, 11769 Waterhill Road.
Join the Solana Center and the County of San Diego to learn how rainwater collection can benefit your home and garden and which system is best for you! Workshop will include a hands-on installation of a rain barrel and cost-effective tips on how to build your own. Pre-register at: www.solanacenter.org/event/free-rainwater-harvesting-workshop
In wake of disaster, children on the west coast of U.S. almost one-third more likely to suffer from thyroid abnormalities; 39% in California
Originally published on April 2, 2013 at Common Dreams
By Lauren McCauley, staff writer
Infants on the West Coast of the United States are showing increased incidents of thyroid abnormalities, which researchers are attributing to radiation released following the March 2011 meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.
According to a new study (.pdf) published in theOpen Journal of Pediatrics, children born in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington between one week and 16 weeks after the meltdown began are an average of 28 percent more likely to suffer from congenital hypothyroidism (CH) than were kids born in those states during the same period one year earlier. In California, the number is a staggering 39 percent.
CH results from a build up of radioactive iodine in our thyroids and can result in stunted growth, lowered intelligence, deafness, and neurological abnormalities—though can be treated if detected early.
Festivities, friendship and food are the order of the day as the Downtown El Cajon Library at 201 E. Douglas Avenue hosts its fourth annual Multi-cultural Family Fiesta. The event is Saturday, April 13, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Bring the family and enjoy musical entertainment, food, community information and free admission.
Residents are asked not to harm bears; hunting bears is illegal in San Diego County
By Miriam Raftery
Photo: California Fish & Game
April 2013 (San Diego) -- Today’s reported sightings of a bear in Kearny Mesa raise an intriguing question: are black bears back in San Diego County? In 1999 and 2000, a dozen black bear sightings were reported in Cuyamaca, Julian, Ramona, Palomar Mountain and other mountain areas. But none had been seen in the past 13 years—until now.
This February, a Border Patrol night-vision camera caught a surprising sight: a bear crossing a roadway between the In-Ko-Pah and Mountain Springs Road near the Imperial Valley and San Diego County line, U-T San Diego reported. ECM received a report of possible bear tracks in the southeast portion of the county last year.
Then today, multiple witnesses reporting seeing a bear in the Kearny Mesa area of San Diego. A city Enviornmental Services employee claimed to see the bear out the window of the Sheriff’s department south of Balboa Avenue and west of I-15. She summoned others, including an Idaho man familiar with bears, who said the large brown animal was indeed a bear.
Frog race offers $10,000 first prize, all to benefit St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center
By Caprice Harrison
April 3, 2013 (El Cajon) – St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center in El Cajon will host its 15th annual, “Morning Glory Brunch- With a Country Flair” on Saturday, April 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This special event is being held in the Center’s Organic Garden, located at 2119 East Madison Avenue, El Cajon. The event includes:
Over 20 food and beverage stations from local restaurants
Boutique shopping
Live music and entertainment on multiple stages
“Arts Alive!” floral creations by Jasmine Creek Florist
The eighth-annual, “Frog Race” with $10,000 in cash prizes!
NEW features this year include: Children’s activities, arts and crafts, face-painting and a “Froggie Pond” with kid-friendly prizes! Each “froggie” is only $5 or, three (3) for $10. Each “frog” is $100 or $150 for two (2).
April 3, 2013 (Otay) – The Deerhorn Valley Antler reports that a contractor awarded a grant to restore a section of Jamul Creek was mowing vegetation yesterday when the mower hit a rock, sparking a flame that started a brush fire.
“The grass was still green, so it was a bit surprising that it would burn,” Tracie Nelson of California Fish & Game told the Antler. The fire was doused quickly thanks to the swift actions of the worker and responding fire crews, with no damage to property.
April 3, 2013 (Alpine) – Lions, Tigers and Bears created a new habitat for two black bears last year. The new arrivals were Sugar Bear, rescued from a failed sanctuary in Ohio, and Meatball, whose antics including swimming in backyard pools and stealing meatballs from a freezer meant he could no longer live in the wild.
Now, LTB founder Bobbi Brink has learned of seven more black bears in Ohio in desperate need of rescue -- so she is seeking donations from the community to help.
“These seven bears have never known the life they deserve,” Brink says. “One, named Maddie, was originally purchased as a pet. Unsurprisingly, her family was unable to care for her as she grew, and they considered selling her to a canned hunt ranch. Her current owner stepped in to spare her that fate, but has only been able to provide a corn crib for her habitat. That is where Maddie has spent the past seven years.”
April 3, 2013 (San Diego) – It’s springtime so naturally people and snakes begin to share the outdoors and encounters with snakes become inevitable. Were all enjoying the nice weather at taking more hikes and outdoor activity increases says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. California has a variety of snakes, most of which are benign. The exception is California’s only native venomous snake - the rattlesnake.
Rattlesnakes generally strike when threatened or deliberately provoked, but given room they will retreat. The potential of running into a rattlesnake should not deter anyone from venturing outdoors, but there are several precautions that can be taken to lessen the chance of being bitten when out in snake country - which is just about anywhere in California says Chief DiGiovanna.
April 3, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – The San Diego County Sheriff's Department is working with the Fugitive Task Force and Crime Stoppers to find and arrest Alex Ruiz is a parolee at large who is wanted in connection with five robberies. He has a history of weapons, gang crimes, robberies, and armed felony assaults. He frequents the Spring Valley, Lemon Grove, South Bay, and San Diego. Ruiz has distinguishing tattoos that says " RIP Goofy" on the left side of his neck as well as "South" and "Sider" on his arms.
If you see Ruiz, do not approach him. He should be considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information about Ruiz can call the Crime Stoppers tip line at (888) 580-8477. You can remain anonymous and be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
April 2, 2013 (El Cajon) - Driving is multitasking. When you’re distracted, driving goes to the back of your brain,’ CHP Officer Brian Penning said Tuesday, April 2 in a press conference held at Grossmont High School to kick off National Teen Driver Safety Week.
Border Division California Highway Patrol Chief Jim Abele shared some grim statistics. “In April 2012, CHP issued over 1000 citations in San Diego County. Texting and driving continues to be a problem in California. 22% of all crashes in California are caused by distracted drivers. We will continue to educate the public about the problems of distracted driving in 2013. There’s no reason to text when you’re driving.”
April 3, 2013 (San Diego) – Padres baseball returns on Tuesday, April 9, and MTS has scheduled extra service for the Green Line and Blue to get people out to the ball game in time for the first pitch. And, while supplies last, MTS will give fans a Coca-Cola beverage and a box of Cracker Jacks to encourage fans to get on board early.
Extra service on the Green Line – which now goes from Santee all the way to ball park area stations – begins at 1:30 p.m. with more frequency between the Qualcomm Stadium station and downtown. Blue Line extra service begins at 1:45 p.m. from San Ysidro.
Residents take offense at board member’s essay ridiculing citizens as “farm animals”
By Miriam Raftery
April 2, 2013 (Julian) – The Julian Fire-Cuyamaca Fire Protection District’s Board will hold a special meet this Thursday, April 4 at 9 a.m. to discuss the proposal to turn over firefighting services to the County Fire Authority. The meeting will be held at the Julian Women’s Club. 2607 C Street.
At the last meeting, numerous residents rose to voice opposition to the plan and concerns that dissolving the volunteer fire department could lead to longer response times and decreased public safety.
April 3, 2013 (El Cajon) -- The San Diego Army Advisory Council (SDAAC) presents their second-annual, “Community Salute to Heroes: Benefiting First Responders and Military Families,” on Saturday, April 6, from 7:00 a.m. to noon. The occasion is being held at Grossmont High School, located at 1100 Murray Drive, El Cajon.
This special event will include a 5k Crossfit Competition for all age groups. Check-in begins at 7:00 a.m., with races from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The 5K race will include individual competitors as well as teams. Age groups will be (1) under 17, (2) 17 to 24, (3) 25 to 40 and (4) over 40.
At 11 a.m., El Cajon Mayor Mark Lewis will receive a special “Lifetime Achievement Award” for his many years in public service.
City seeks new brewery/restaurant to takeover loan
April 2, 2013 (El Cajon)--After previous good faith attempts to continue operation, the El Cajon Brewing Company, which opened in October 2011 with hefty loans of public finds, has closed its doors as of April 1.
April 3, 2013 (Jamul) -- Ariele Brooke sent in this adorable photo of her young relatives at an Easter event sponsored by Jamul Kiwanis.
"They had a petting zoo with chickens, bunnies, and a goat," Brooke reports, adding that activities also included an egg hunt, face punting and inflatable jump.
April 3, 2013 (La Mesa) -- Cindy Marten, newly appointed Superintendent of San Diego Unified School District, will be the featured speaker at the La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club April 3rd meeting. She will address challenges facing modern urban school districts like San Diego's. San Diego Unified is struggling with a large budget deficit and is planning to sell off $50 million worth of its properties to help achieve a balance. Over 60% of the new funds coming from Proposition 30's tax increase is already committed to pay for overdue raises and other staff expenses.
Rather than holding a nationwide search, the School Board selected Marten as the unanimous choice for Superintendent. This was a result of her accomplishments as principal of Central Elementary School in City Heights, where she oversaw a dramatic increase in test scores at Central Elementary, a school serving a community where nearly all families are low income and English-learners.
April 3, 2013 (San Diego's East County) -- East County Roundup brings you top news headlines of interest to East County and our region, published by other media. This week's top Roundup headlines include:
April 3, 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:
April 3, 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.
The evening promises to be extremely entertaining: Mike Pace is an Emmy nominee for HBO’s Comic Relief; Jeff Capri has appeared on Last Comic Standing and Ed McMahon’s Next Big Star; and Dave Burleigh’s voice impressions were showcased on America’s Got Talent. In an electrifying mixture of art and music, Stephen Fishwick will create an “Art Attack,” and his painting will be part of the evening’s live auction.
April 2, 2013 (Borrego Springs) – The Colorado Desert Archaeology Society (CDAS) will be holding its 10th Annual Archaeology Weekend on April 6-7, 2013 from 9:00 to 5:00 at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center in Borrego Springs, California. CDAS is a volunteer group that works with the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to document, preserve and protect its cultural resources.
The theme of this year's event is Stewardship . . . Caring for our Cultural Heritage. There will be displays, lectures, field trips, silent auction, activities for kids, archaeology lab tours, hands-on pottery making, and Native American crafts for sale.
April 2, 2013 (El Cajon) – “The Anatomy of Hate; A Dialogue to Hope,” an award-winning documentary film directed by Michael Ramsdell and focusing on individual and collective ideologies of hate will be shown during a free screening and Q&A with the director at 3:30 p.m. April 3, in Building 26, Room 220 at Grossmont College.
The 90-minute film follows the director’s six-year journey with groups like the white supremacists and Palestinian militants, as well as U.S. embedded troops in the Middle East. It is juxtaposed with interviews from leading experts in sociology, psychology and neurology to reveal both the emotional and biological factors that make everyone susceptible to acts and ideologies of hate. At the same time, this film posits, these are the very same traits that enable people to rise above the negativity.
April 4, 2013 (San Diego) – East County artist Chuck McPherson’s painting, “The Judge,” earned top place, the Board of Directors Award, in the 52nd International Exhibition at the San Diego Art Institute.
For complete Calendar including Authors Events, go to 
April 4, 2013 (Lakeside) – The Solana Center in partnership with the County of San Diego and the Resource Conservation District will be hosting a free rainwater harvesting workshop in Lakeside on April 13th from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. at the Resource Conservation District, 11769 Waterhill Road.
By Miriam Raftery
April 3, 2013 (Alpine) – Lions, Tigers and Bears created a new habitat for two black bears last year. The new arrivals were Sugar Bear, rescued from a failed sanctuary in Ohio, and Meatball, whose antics including swimming in backyard pools and stealing meatballs from a freezer meant he could no longer live in the wild. 
April 3, 2013 (San Diego) – It’s springtime so naturally people and snakes begin to share the outdoors and encounters with snakes become inevitable. Were all enjoying the nice weather at taking more hikes and outdoor activity increases says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. California has a variety of snakes, most of which are benign. The exception is California’s only native venomous snake - the rattlesnake.
April 3, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – The San Diego County Sheriff's Department is working with the Fugitive Task Force and Crime Stoppers to find and arrest Alex Ruiz is a parolee at large who is wanted in connection with five robberies. He has a history of weapons, gang crimes, robberies, and armed felony assaults. He frequents the Spring Valley, Lemon Grove, South Bay, and San Diego. Ruiz has distinguishing tattoos that says " RIP Goofy" on the left side of his neck as well as "South" and "Sider" on his arms.
By Janis Mork
April 3, 2013 (San Diego) – Padres baseball returns on Tuesday, April 9, and MTS has scheduled extra service for the Green Line and Blue to get people out to the ball game in time for the first pitch. And, while supplies last, MTS will give fans a Coca-Cola beverage and a box of Cracker Jacks to encourage fans to get on board early.
April 3, 2013 (San Diego's East County) -- East County Roundup brings you top news headlines of interest to East County and our region, published by other media. This week's top Roundup headlines include: 
April 2, 2013 (Borrego Springs) – The Colorado Desert Archaeology Society (CDAS) will be holding its 10th Annual Archaeology Weekend on April 6-7, 2013 from 9:00 to 5:00 at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center in Borrego Springs, California. CDAS is a volunteer group that works with the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to document, preserve and protect its cultural resources.
April 2, 2013 (El Cajon) – “The Anatomy of Hate; A Dialogue to Hope,” an award-winning documentary film directed by Michael Ramsdell and focusing on individual and collective ideologies of hate will be shown during a free screening and Q&A with the director at 3:30 p.m. April 3, in Building 26, Room 220 at Grossmont College.
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