SOLAR ECLIPSE VIEWING PARTY

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

COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND TANYA TUCKER LIVE AT THE MAGNOLIA MAY 19

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

UNOFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS SHOW FLIPS IN TWO KEY RACES HOLDING

WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND WORLD NEWS HEADLINES

March 21, 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

SCIENCE AND HEALTH

SEQUESTER HITS WORKING FAMILIES HARD; BORDER PATROL AGENTS TAKE 40% PAY CUT

By Nadin Abbott

March 20, 2013 (San Diego)—Federal employees and their families at a rally outside the 32nd Street Naval Station today  came to bring attention to the effects of the federal sequester in their lives. This is a reality for them right now, not just a headline in a paper.

EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: MARCH 12, 2013

March 20, 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:

LOCAL/REGIONAL

STATE

Read more: Scroll down for excerpts and links to full stories.

COALITION BACKS COUNCIL COMMITTEE'S SUPPORT FOR PURIFYING SAN DIEGO'S WATER SUPPLY

Broad coalition urging city leaders to move forward with safe, reliable options for drinking water in San Diego

March 20, 2013 (San Diego) The Water Reliability Coalition (WRC), a broad-based affiliation of environmental, business, consumer, labor, development, taxpayer and technical organizations, has come out in support of the City of San Diego’s Natural Resources & Culture committee’s decision to move forward in implementing water purification in the City of San Diego.

Earlier today, before the council committee voted unanimously to support water purification, WRC members stood beside Mayor Bob Filner, Council President Todd Gloria, and Councilmembers David Alvarez and Lorie Zapf to encourage city leaders to take the steps needed to implement water purification.

PADRE DAM BOARD APPROVES LEASE FOR SANTEE TEEN CENTER; COST IS A DOLLAR A MONTH

 

March 20, 2013 (Santee) – Padre Dam Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors unanimously approved a $1 per month lease agreement for the Santee Teen Center located at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve. The City of Santee requested the $1.00 per month lease payment for the Teen Center building due to funding shortfalls for the Teen Center Program.

$5 MILLION REWARD OFFERED FOR SAN DIEGO FUGITIVE JEHAD MOSTAFA ON FBI'S MOST WANTED TERRORIST LIST

March 20, 2013 (San Diego)--The U.S. Department of State's Rewards for Justice program is offering rewards for information on two members of the Somalia-based terrorist organization, al-Shabaab. The Department has authorized rewards of up to $5 million each for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Jehad Serwan Mostafa or Omar Shafik Hammami.

Jehad Mostafa is a U.S. citizen and former resident of San Diego, California. Mostafa departed for Somalia in 2005 and has served as a media expert and leader of foreign fighters for al-Shabaab, according to a press release issued today by the FBI. He was indicted on October 9, 2009 in the Southern District of California, San Diego, California, on charges of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists, conspiring to provide material support to al-Shabaab, and providing material support to al-Shabaab. Mostafa is on the FBI's Most Wanted Terrorists list. He has used birth years of 1981 and 1986 and has used the aliases Ahmed Gurey, Anwar al-Amriki, and Emir Anwar.

EL CAJON MAN AND 2 JUVENILES ARRESTED FOR CHULA VISTA BURGLARY: TEEN GIRL HID IN CLOSET, CALLED 911

View 10 News interview with teen Doyin Oladipupo; photo courtesy ECM news partner 10 News 

March 20, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – Robin Sadik, 18, of El Cajon and two 17-year-olds are in custody for burglarizing a Chula Vista home yesterday at 1 p.m..  A teen girl hid in a closet and called 911, leading to the arrests.   

“The suspects have likely participated in other burglaries in the area, as other stolen property was found in their vehicle.  The vehicle was also determined to be stolen from El Cajon within the previous week,” said Captain Gary Wedge with the Chula Vista Police department.

HOME PRICES IN 2013 ARE RISING IN EAST COUNTY, REALTORS REPORT

March 20, 2013 (San Diego’s East County)--Home sales prices in the East County are roughly 13 percent higher through the first two months of 2013, compared to the same period in 2012, according to recent statistics reported by the Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors (PSAR).

PSAR said the year-to-date average sales price for East County homes through February was $259,199, compared to $228,586 for the first two months of 2012. Sale prices for detached homes in this current calendar year have increased to $362,099 from $324,452 in 2012, a difference of 12 percent, as well as attached homes to $156,299 from $132,721 in 2012, a difference of 18 percent.

PET FOODS RECALLED DUE TO SALMONELLA RISK: CAT, DOG AND FERRET PRODUCTS INCLUDED

 

Brands include Natura, Innova, Evo, California Natural and Healthwise

March 19, 2013 -- Natura Pet Products is voluntarily recalling some of its dry pet food because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

STAR RANCH TRAIL RIDE TO BENEFIT CAMP LOCKETT EVENT & EQUESTRIAN FACILITY MARCH 23

 

March 15, 2013 (Campo) – Camp Lockett Event & Equestrian Facility is holding a fundraiser on March 23 at Star Ranch.  The Star Ranch Trail Ride will begin at 9 a.m. with sign-ups starting at 8 a.m. The scenic ride will return to the ranch for a Pot-Luck Chili Fest around 1 p.m.

JOINT CHAMBERS MIXER AT HEARTLAND MARCH 28

 

March 17, 2013 (San Diego's East County) -- A join Chamber of Commerce mixer will be held at the Heartland Fire Training Facility in El Cajon on March 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Join Chambers from throughout East County to learn about the Facility that provides training for east county. There will be food & beverage, demonstrations, hands-on activities, a Mayor's challenge, and meet your firefighters.

ANONYMOUS DONOR PLEDGES TO ERASE $85,000 BUDGET GAP FOR JULIAN FIRE DISTRICT-- BUT BOARD WON'T COMMIT TO SAVE FIRE DEPARTMENT

 

 

 

 

 

Closed-door meeting with county fire officials reported by residents violated Brown Act, legal experts advise ECM

By Nadin Abbott and Miriam Raftery

March 19, 2013 (Julian)—At a March 14 meeting of the Julian-Cuyamaca Fire District Board  to discuss the possibility of joining the County Fire Authority and dissolving the community’s volunteer fire district due to financial shortfalls in the emergency medical services side of the ledger, Fire Captain James Stowers made a surprise announcement.

EAGLE KILLED AT PATTERN ENERGY WIND FARM

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 20, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – Pattern Energy has claimed that a Merlin Avian Radar system at its Ocotillo Express Wind Facility will detect eagles and allow turbines to be shut down to save them from the whirling blades. Avian radar is also proposed at other wind projects proposed in East County.

But now ECM has learned that an eagle was killed at Pattern’s Spring Valley Wind project near Great Basin National Park in Nevada. According to Bureau of Land Management documents, Pattern had claimed in Appendix F, its Avian and Bat Protection Plan, that it planned to install three separate radar systems at the Spring Valley project to prevent deaths of birds and bats, including both Merlin and Vesper technology. 

Pattern did not respond to an ECM request for comment. The death, along with mounting evidence indicating avian radar is failing to protect birds at wind sites, raises serious concerns over the fate of eagles in our region, where three more wind farms are proposed in San Diego’s East County.

READER'S EDITORIAL: DID YOU KNOW--CAL FIRE HIDDEN FUNDS AND NO OVERSIGHT FROM THE LEGISLATURE?

By Assemblyman Brian Jones

March 20, 2013 (San Diego’s East County)--Did you know that Cal Fire bureaucrats have joined the ranks of state agencies hiding taxpayer dollars?  It’s sad, but true – recent Cal Fire headlines are less about the brave duty of firefighters and more about secreting taxpayer dollars away in a non-profit association.

Not only did Cal Fire hide $3.5 million, but they did so while Governor Brown and the Democrat-controlled Legislature slapped a $150 fire tax on rural residents from San Diego to the Northern California border.

GRAND OPENING: HACIENDA DE LAS ROSAS WINERY’S NEW TASTING ROOM IN RAMONA MARCH 23-24

 

Champion Peruvian Paso horses also on display

March 17, 2013 (Ramona) --Winemakers at Hacienda de Las Rosas Winery are pulling out all the stops for the grand opening of their new wine tasting room at 18011 Bluegrass Road in Ramona. The event will be held March 23 and 24 from 12-5 p.m.



In addition to savoring wines, you can also tour this family- run winery and horse ranch – plus see special demonstrations by nationally acclaimed horse trainer Jorge Valenzuela and his champion Peruvian Paso horses.

There will also be a blessing of the mission-style winery by Father Fucci of San Diego Mission de Alcala on Saturday at noon. Plus guests can view creations by international artist Robert Kidd, enjoy barrel tasting of Swiss Chocolate Almond brandy and port, and more. 

LED LIGHTS RECALLED DUE TO FIRES CAUSED BY BULBS

 

March 19, 2013 (Washington D.C.) - The Consumer Product Safety Commission announces a voluntary recall of LED light bulbs marketing under the brand names Definitely, EcoSmart, Sylvania and Westingthouse manufactured by Citizens Electric and Lighting Science Group. For details on the specific products, scroll down.

The bulbs can overhead, causing a fire hazard.  At least 68 product failures have occurred, including eight where visible smoke or fire occurred. These incidents damaged light sockets, melted fixtures, burned carpeting/floors and damaged a circuit and lamp.

PETER PAN JUNIOR THEATER PRESENTS “GUYS AND DOLLS” MARCH 20 -23

By Caprice Harrison

New! View a video preview of the dress rehearsal: http://vimeo.com/62166835

March 19, 2013 (San Diego) -- “Guys and Dolls” is a Tony-award winning musical, based on the book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser. The Peter Pan Junior Theater is bringing this 1950’s Broadway production to life at The Performing Arts Center within The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, located at 6845 University Ave., San Diego.

SAN DIEGO SADDLERY HOSTS TACK SALE TO BENEFIT SAVING HORSES RESCUE MARCH 23

On March 23rd from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. San Diego Saddlery will be hosting a tack sale to benefit the nonprofit Saving Horses Rescue. They will be selling both new and used items and will be using the storefront next to the Saddlery.  The public is encouraged to stop by to support the rescue  and find some great deals. 

If you'd like to donate any new or gently used tack for the sale, just bring it by the San Diego Saddlery shop in El Cajon any time before the 23rd.  Donations are tax deductible.

GUHSD CITIZENS'' BOND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ISSUES ANNUAL REPORT: AS FUNDS RUN OUT, SOME PROJECTS PUT ON HOLD

 

March 19, 2013 (El Cajon)--On Thursday, March 7, the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) presented their annual report to the GUHSD Governing Board. The CBOC is a group of 11 community volunteers who oversee the expenditure of Prop H and Prop U bond funds.

A cover letter from Chair Nancy Herbst raises concerns over finances in the wake of a recession and reduced state funds. Current funds will be exhausted by mid-2015, she warns, adding, "Further projects are planned, but will not be scheduled until future funding is more certain." A revised project schedule is included in the report. Prominent among projects placed on hold is the long-awaited 12th high school in Alpine.

JUDGE REFUSES TO HALT CLOSED-DOOR CPUC MEETING IN SAN DIEGO; PLAINTIFF FILES APPEAL

 

Public meeting and vote set for March 21 on 3 local power plants, though judge denies public entry to March 20 with energy industry representatives and state regulators

By Miriam Raftery

March 18, 2013 (San Diego)— Superior Court Judge  Timothy Taylor today denied an injunction sought by Masada Disenhouse, who had asked the court to halt the California Public Utilities Commission from holding a closed-door, invitation-only meeting with energy industry stakeholders at the Scripps Seaside Forum in San Diego on Wednesday, March 20.

COWLES MOUNTAIN MAIN TRAILHEAD TO CLOSE FOR 7-WEEK RESTORATION; OTHER ROUTES TO THE SUMMIT ARE OPEN

 

March 17, 2013 (San Diego's East County) --  The trail to the top of Cowles Mountain from the Golfcrest Drive/Navajo Road trailhead is slated to be closed from Monday, March 25 through Friday, May 17 due to a trail restoration project.  The restoration is estimated to take seven weeks, though dates are subject to change, Jay Wilson with the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation told ECM.

STATE ANNOUNCES SETTLEMENT IN LAWSUITS OVER IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES

 

March 19, 2013 (Sacramento) – California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Director Will Lightbourne and California Department of Health Care Services Director Toby Douglas have announced an agreement with In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) beneficiaries and labor organizations to resolve several class action lawsuits involving the IHSS Program. The agreement resolves the dispute between the State and plaintiffs in the Oster v. Lightbourne and Dominguez v. Schwarzenegger lawsuits.

“This is an example of all sides coming together for the good of the people we serve,” said CDSS Director Will Lightbourne.

CITY LEADERS PLEDGE BUS FARE FOR STUDENTS WHO CAN'T AFFORD THE RIDE

By L.D. Thompson

March 18, 2013 (City Heights) -- Crawford High School student Terrance Hall said he doesn't always have bus fare and has to walk 18 blocks to get to school.  Over 400 students in the Center City area alone take the bus to school every day at a cost of $5.00  per day or a regional monthly  bus pass of up to $72.00.

School Superintendent Richard Barrera reported that for four years he has been asking Mayor Jerry Sanders to do something to relieve students and parents alike of this unfair burden only to have his request fall on deaf ears. However the election of Bob Filner as San Diego’s new Mayor changed all that. 

Saturday morning, the Improving Transportation in City Heights (ITCH) held a press conference to witness the signing of a pledge to provide students free transportation on the city owned transit system.

RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT GIVES PLANTS TO 145 LOCAL SCHOOLS

March 15, 2013 (San Diego)--The Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego, through the generous donation of Altman Plants, donated approximately 900 warm weather vegetable and herb plants for teachers and their school gardens across San Diego County on Thursday, March 14th. One hundred and forty-five schools, preschools, and youth programs participated.

ON THE SILVER SCREEN: KIND HEARTS AND EXORCISTS (BEYOND THE HILLS)

By Brian Lafferty

March 19, 2013 (San Diego) – Despite the many perpetual controversies surrounding the Catholic Church, Islam, Scientology, and other religions, I am not opposed to organized religion.  In fact, religion as a whole fascinates me.  I have a lot of family and very good friends (some of them practically family) who have found peace, happiness, and spiritual and mental well-being from it.  Religion has been a major part of the human race, and it’s had an effect on world history, philosophy, literature, art, and everything else.  That’s why, as part of my overall plan to improve myself as a person through self-education about the aforementioned subjects and more, I’ve had a desire to learn about the various religions practiced in the world. 

WELLS FARGO TO HELP SAN DIEGO CUSTOMERS FACING MORTGAGE PAYMENT CHALLENGES: MARCH 21 HOME PRESERVATION WORKSHOP

Nearly 8,000 homeowners invited to free event to receive modifications on the spot

March 19, 2013 (San Diego)— Wells Fargo & Company is hosting a free Home Preservation Workshop for Southern California Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Wells Fargo Financial, and Wells Fargo Home Equity customers – including military service members and veterans – facing financial hardships. Wells Fargo has invited nearly 8,000 mortgage customers to the free workshop which will be held on Thursday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the San Diego Convention Center – Hall F located at 111 West Harbor Drive, San Diego. Parking at the San Diego Convention Center for the workshop is free.

ARMED ROBBERY AT USA GAS STATION IN LA MESA

March 18, 2013 – A man armed with a gun robbed the USA Gas Station located at 7594 University Avenue in La Mesa shortly after midnight March 17, 2013. The suspect entered the store, displayed a black semi-automatic handgun and demanded cash. After the clerk complied, the suspect left the store on foot in an unknown direction.  Officers searched the surrounding areas but were unable to locate the suspect.

The suspect is described as a black male adult in his 30s, approximately 5’10 tall, 200 lbs, wearing a white shirt, dark pants, and a black baseball cap. The suspect also wore a white bandana covering the lower portion of his face.

SYCUAN CASINO IS HELPING ADVERTISING INDUSTRY WORKERS FACING LIFE CRISIS

March 18, 2013 (El Cajon) – Sycuan Casino in El Cajon has agreed to serve as presenting sponsor of the 12th annual San Diego Advertising Fund for Emergencies (SAFE) fundraiser and party from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, at the Ivy Rooftop Lounge atop the Andaz San Diego, 600 “F” St., in the Gaslamp District in Downtown San Diego.

SAFE is a volunteer, non-profit organization (501c3) that provides confidential financial assistance to local advertising and marketing professionals and their families facing a life crisis emergency. The fundraiser will feature food, networking, entertainment and a silent auction to benefit SAFE grant recipients. Cost to attend is $50 per person, $30 per person for students, or $70 per person at the door. For tickets and more information, visit www.aboutsafe.org.

ASSEMBLYMAN JONES COAUTHORS RESOLUTION HONORING CALIFORNIA'S HISTORIC VINEYARDS

March 18, 2013 (Sacramento)--Assemblyman Brian Jones, R-Santee has issued the following statement on the passage of HR 9, a resolution he co-authored that outlines the many characteristics of California’s historic vineyards and their vast contribution to the agricultural legacy of the state:

“Almost 250 years ago, Father Junipero Serra planted grapes at Mission San Diego, and since that time, historic vineyards have grown throughout the state – from northern California and the Central Coast to our own Ramona, Alpine and Riverside County’s Temecula Valley,” said Jones. “I am proud the 71st Assembly District is home to such beautiful and diverse grape growing areas – each of which has achieved worldwide recognition and contributes greatly to our local economy.  I am very pleased the Assembly took the time to recognize the extraordinary contribution of our living historic vineyards to the agricultural and social heritage of the state as well as to the enjoyment of wine enthusiasts throughout California and the world.”

SUNBELT PUBLICATIONS RECEIVES MEDIA AWARD

March 18, 2013 (San Diego) – The Congress of History of San Diego and Imperial Counties has named San Diego regional publishers Diana and Lowell Lindsay as the recipient of their Media Award at their 2013 History Conference held this year in Vista, California. The award was given in recognition of their contributions to the preservation of “The History of this Region” through their publishing house, Sunbelt Publications, located in El Cajon.

The Media Award was one of several awards made during this year’s conference. The awards are given to individuals, organizations, and programs that have made significant contributions to the preservation and development of the regional history of San Diego and Imperial Counties and Baja, California, Mexico.

Pages