March 6, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – The County of San Diego is hosting a variety of unique events at parks countywide, include several East County and inland area locations: Agua Caliente Regional Park in the Anza Borrego Desert, Lake Morena, Lakeside Community Center, Spring Valley Community Center, Sweetwater Summit Regional Park and Campground in Bonita, Sycamore Canyon/Goodan Ranch Preserve, Vallecito County Park, Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve, Wilderness Gardens Presere, and William Heise County Park in Julian.
Scroll down for detailed listings of activities at each park. For information on park locations and more, also see http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/parks/
Classes offered at Cuyamaca College for kids ages 8-14
March 7, 2013 (El Cajon) – Looking for some fun and educational activities for the kids over spring break? Check out College for Kids, a summer enrichment program at Cuyamaca College, is now available during spring break, March 25-28, 2013. Offered through the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District’s Continuing Education program, College for Kids provides the perfect combination of fun and learning, with low-cost classes and activities for youth ages 8-14. The program serves parents and kids alike by providing fun, safe and educational activities with the added benefit of an early introduction to a college environment.
Over two-thirds of study participants report chronic sleep deprivation and breathing disorders
By Billie Jo Jannen
A special report for East County Magazine
March 5, 2013 (San Diego’s East County)--A university research team that specializes in studying health and social challenges of minority populations is now focusing on quantification of reported illness among Manzanita tribal members who live along the row of wind turbines erected five years ago by the neighboring Campo tribe.
Lead researcher Arcela Nuñez-Alvarez, Ph.D., of the National Latino Research Center said the numbers, so far “…show some trends that I think deserve more attention.” Preliminary numbers in the small population being studied show that 68 percent of the households are suffering from chronic sleep disorders – an oft-mentioned complaint of people who live near turbines – and the same percentage reported respiratory problems.
March 4, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – Talented farm-to-table chef Jeff Rossman of Terra American Bistro (7091 El Cajon Blvd.) will host a sumptuous San Pasqual Winemaker Dinner Monday, March 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the restaurant. The five-course feast will be skillfully paired with sips by winemaker Linda McWilliams of San Pasqual Winery. The event costs $50 person and includes the following menu:
“If there is no struggle, there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet depreciate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground. They want rain without thunder and lightning. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters. This struggle may be a moral one; or it may be a physical one; or it may be both moral and physical; but it must be a struggle.” --Frederick Douglass
March 6, 2013 (San Diego)--Thousands of federal employees in the San Diego area are soon to be impacted by sequestration, automatic budget cuts mandated by the federal government. These cuts may have a larger impact on San Diego County than anywhere else in the U.S., since our region is home to wide-ranging naval operations, a bustling border and vibrant biotech and drone sectors. About $37 billion flows into the County each year, including billions of dollars for defense contracts and millions more for research efforts.
The Coalition For Change, Inc. (C4C) is a Washington, DC based organization that promotes equality as well as exposes retaliation and racism in the federal government. “Civil servants (i.e., agents, air marshals, food inspectors, investigators, corrections officers, firefighters) function as America’s first line of defense against domestic threats. Therefore, we must protect our federal workforce against managerial abuse and reprisal in order to better protect our citizens.” That is what Tanya Ward Jordan, the founder of C4C, believes and espouses in her daily activities and advocacy on behalf of this organization. Now C4C is ramping up to strengthen its fight for federal workers.
"We're here for two of our American heroes." -- Supervisor Dianne Jacob
By Miriam Raftery
March 4, 2013 (El Cajon ) – Army Sergeant Odin Ayala and Marine Corporal Travis Greene each lost both legs serving in combat. But they were all smiles on February 23 at the groundbreakings of their new , specially adapted homes in El Cajon-- thanks to the efforts of the nonprofit Homes for Our Troops.
“Our motto is rebuilding homes, rebuilding lives,” said Tim McHale with Homes for our Troops. The group seeks donations as well as volunteers to help build these homes and more. Local community groups and businesses can also adopt a room, partnering in efforts to help these wounded veterans and others.
March 9, 2013 (Poway)--In today’s 24-7 world, it’s easier than ever to take your dog for granted. Chances are quality bonding time is now a simple bowl of food in the morning, a short walk around the block, and maybe, if they’re lucky, a quick scratch of the belly.
“Where’s the love? Where’s the togetherness? It’s time to recreate the magic and make a dinner date with your dog!” says Samantha Colla with Chef Michael's, who will be serving up food for you and your dog on Thursday, March 14 from 5-8 p.m. at Innovations Academy, 10380 Spring Canyon Road in San Diego.
March 6, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for local mountains and deserts effective now through 3 a.m. on Thursday. Gusts of 45 mph or more are predicted, with breezy though less strong winds continuing Thursday.
A cold winter storm is forecast to bring heavy snow to East County’s mountains; the NWS has issued a winter storm watch from late Thursday through Friday evening.
Two Perspectives From Two Generations Art Exhibit March 9-April 5
March 5, 2013 (San Diego's East County)--The Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation (MTRP) will present an exhibition featuring two award-winning photographers, Joan Everds and Nancy Everds.
This exhibit will be on display in the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center Art Gallery March 9 - April 5, 2013.
The public is invited to a reception in honor of the artists on Sunday, March 10, 2013 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
March 4, 2013 (Julian) – Julian’s all-volunteer fire department, faced with a budget crunch, is weighing a proposal to turn over firefighting responsibilities to the County Fire Authority. But some residents are voicing fears that they could wind up burned.
Dozens of firefighters and property owners packed into the Julian Town Hall Thursday night. Many expressed concerns that out-of-town firefighters would not be familiar with rural areas and may not find homes in a firestorm. Relying on firefighters far away would also mean longer response times to fight fires in this historic mountain community.
March 6, 2013 (Alpine) – David Grub, 43, was taken into custody in the 1800 block of Tavern Court in Alpine last Thursday. A SWAT team was called in to assist in the arrest, the Alpine Community Network reports.
Grub , along with another suspect still at large, is suspected of robbing a home in Rancho Santa Fe shortly before Christmas, where a housekeeper was held at gunpoint, then left handcuffed to a door when the suspects fled in a blue Hyundai.
March 6, 2013 (Spring Valley) – Reynald Celendro was arrested yesterday in Spring Valley under suspicion of firing in the direction of a motorist on Highway 52 in Tierrasanta near Santo Road earlier in the day.
CHP officers made the arrest in the 8900 block of Ildica Street in Spring Valley. A pellet gun may have been involved.
March 4, 2013 (Jamul) – The water saving garden at Jamul Primary School has just been selected to receive a $5,000 grant from the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. “Catch Our Rainwater!” is the next major project planned by school garden directors Lois Young and Cass Crain.
“Our goal is to provide an outdoor learning environment for children, and a model for the community of sustainable gardening practices for our dry climate,” says Ms. Young. “We’re on our way to a new level of water conservation.”
March 4, 2013 (San Diego)– San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has received the national Supply Chain Leadership Award at the second annual Climate Leadership Awards in Washington, D.C. The Climate Leadership Awards recognize organizations that go beyond business as usual in the management and reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and are presented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO), the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) and The Climate Registry (TCR).
School and District officials celebrated the district’s only student-run commercial restaurant
March 4, 2013 (El Cajon)--Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) and El Cajon Valley High School officials dedicated the new Restaurant Services Pathway Facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013.
Modernization of the 15,200 square-foot Building 400 includes the Wigwam, the only student-staffed commercial restaurant in the district, eight classrooms and new student restrooms. The building upgrades are part of the GUHSD Career Technical Education (CTE) program which provides students with hands-on technology training and skills to help them succeed in college and careers.
March 4, 2013 (Lakeside)--Children at the Lakeview School area in Lakeside now have a safer place to walk to school. To see a video of the sidewalk development process here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saUjx_WTvMY.
March 4, 2013 (Ocotillo Wells)—The 51st annual Tietra del Sol Desert Safari, a large meeting of off-road enthusiasts, convened at the California State Vehicular Area at Ocotillo Wells over the weekend.
Among the many thousands who came out were active duty Navy personnel, including Chief Mark Shultz, who serves as the President of 4 Wheel to Heal in his off duty time. This organization is an extension of Ward 57 at Bethesda National Naval Center in D.C. Its goal is “boosting the morale of wounded veterans from all branches of service” by taking them four wheeling, rock crawling, mud bogging, shooting and camping.
March 4, 2013 (San Diego's East County) -- Hundreds of firefighters across the County will take to the streets on March 12 for the annual "Fill the Boot for the Burn Institute" effort. Firefights will collect cash donations at major intersections during morning and afternoon commutes. The effort is organized by the San Diego-Imperial County fire Fighters Advisory Council, the Burn Institute, and the San Diego County Fire Chiefs Association.
March 4, 2013 (Lemon Grove)--The driver of a car that crashed into a Lemon Grove home last night has been taken into custody. Residents told ECM news partner 10 News that they estimate the car, an older model station wagon, was traveling over 100 miles per hour.
March 6, 2013 (San Diego) – Patients and families affected by brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease, as well as the general public interested in brain health, are invited to register for free now to attend the Brain Health Fair, Saturday, March 16, 2013, at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel in San Diego. Free registration is open at http://www.BrainHealthFair.com.
The Brain Health Fair is a free, daylong family event connecting thousands of patients, families, and caregivers affected by a brain disease with important resources to win the battle against these diseases, which affect one in six people in California. The Brain Health Fair is hosted by the American Brain Foundation, the foundation for the American Academy of Neurology, which is bringing more than 10,000 neurologists to San Diego for its Annual Meeting.
March 14, 2013 (Sacramento)--A new bill in Sacramento aims to let energy companies remove nests that stand in the way of big projects, even during nesting season. The measure would allow take permits to be issued, meaning energy companies would face no penalties if they inadvertently kill bird species normally protected, such as red-tailed hawks.
“Any work around these nests could be easily delayed unit late June after the young have left their nests,” wildlife biologist Jim Wiegand told ECM, adding that the measure should be killed.
ECM investigations have previously led to fines and grounding of helicopters used by SDG&E due to violations of no-fly zones around protected eagle nests. Two massive industrial wind projects are proposed in eagle habitat in McCain Valley and Jewel Valley, where take permits or removal of eagle nests may occur.
March 4, 2013 (Spring Valley) – Click your ruby slilppers and make a wish: Young Actors Theatre will present the Wizard of Oz on March 8-10 and March 15-17 at the Encore! Theater, 9620 Campo Road in Spring Valley.
This childhood musical classic tells the tale of Dorothy, a Kansas farm girl who dreams of what lies over the rainbow. A twister sweeps her off to the land of Oz, where she encounters Munchkins and Glinda, the sorceress of the north, who sends her down a yellow brick road in search of the Wizard's Emerald City. Along the way she befriends a scarecrow, a tin man, and a cowardly lion, before facing threats from the Wicked Witch of the West.
March 4, 2013 (Alpine)--The Alpine Union School District Trustees Board discussed security measures at its latest meeting, in light of recent out-of-state school shootings. But the audience (including many teachers) was far more interested in the economic viability of the district than any security program.
Superintendent Tom Pellegrino began with a rundown of what the Alpine district was planning to do with security.
"And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music"
March 6, 2013 (La Mesa)--professional company members from Visionary Dance Theatre, under the direction of Spencer John Powell, will be presenting original works set on students from the Helix High School Dance Program. This is the first of many full evening-length collaborations!
Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to see the impact that Visionary Dance Theatre has had on the community and local public school education. The dancers and choreographers have all been working incredibly hard to put together two exciting performances for you.
March 3, 2013 (San Diego’s East County)—Three people have died in the past four days in crashes on East County roadways--including two accidents on Highway 94 and a third in Borrego Springs.
March 3, 2013 (Lemon Grove) -- Live power lines are down in the 2500 block of Massachusetts Avenue in Lemon Grove after a vehicle struck a pole, Incident Page Network reports tonight. SDG&E is reportedly en route; avoid this area.
March 3, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – Smart meters have become a public relations nightmare for utility companies in California. After a flood of complaints by consumers alleging health problems suspecting of being caused by electromagnetic radio frequencies (EJF), the California Public Utilities Commission ordered utilities to allow consumers to opt out, or to have smart meters removed if already installers. Many homeowners have done so, but must pay for removal plus a monthly fee for reading meters.
Now Idaho Power has begun offering its customers smart meters that claim to avoid these problems. The company's website states: “Smart meters being deployed in Idaho Power's service territory do not transmit radio frequencies. Our smart meters do not use any wireless communication media or generate any high-frequency signals. Our system uses only wired infrastructure to communicate to and from our smart meters utilizing the low-frequency 60 hertz (Hz) power line signal as the carrier for our communications. This may be of interest because some smart meter deployments in California have raised concerns that radio transmission, wireless transmission or high-frequency transmission may pose health risks. The technology we're deploying is fundamentally different from the technologies in question in California.”
This begs the question: Why aren't these devices available to Califiornia ratepayers?
March 3, 2013 (San Diego County)--CHP earlier announced a fatality in an accident involving a truck and a motorcycle at Emery Road and SR 94. A section of the road was closed for investigation. Vehicles were turned around at Potrero Valley.
March 3, 2013 (El Cajon) – The city of El Cajon and CECO (San Diego County Employees’ Charitable Organization) awarded separate grants to Home of Guiding Hands. The former approved a $35,270 grant for the residential program’s capital improvements on Tuesday, February 26 at the El Cajon City Council meeting. Funds will be used on four of their 31 community based homes for individuals with developmental disabilities. Projects include a new kitchen, energy efficient replacement windows, flooring replacement and new bathroom vanities.
March 3, 2013 (El Cajon) – Congresswoman Susan Davis called representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration to her Washington office to share constituent concerns with Gillespie Field flight paths. Neighbors of Gillespie Field in El Cajon have complained of increased flight traffic, noise, and low-altitude flights.
“As discussion of Gillespie Field development continues, Congresswoman Davis is looking to balance economic expansion in El Cajon and East County with quality of life near the airport,” said Aaron Hunter, spokesperson for the Congresswoman.
The meeting was informational, though no course of action has yet transpired, he advised.
March 6, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – The County of San Diego is hosting a variety of unique events at parks countywide, include several East County and inland area locations: Agua Caliente Regional Park in the Anza Borrego Desert, Lake Morena, Lakeside Community Center, Spring Valley Community Center, Sweetwater Summit Regional Park and Campground in Bonita, Sycamore Canyon/Goodan Ranch Preserve, Vallecito County Park, Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve, Wilderness Gardens Presere, and William Heise County Park in Julian.
Classes offered at Cuyamaca College for kids ages 8-14
March 4, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – Talented farm-to-table chef Jeff Rossman of Terra American Bistro (7091 El Cajon Blvd.) will host a sumptuous San Pasqual Winemaker Dinner Monday, March 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the restaurant. The five-course feast will be skillfully paired with sips by winemaker Linda McWilliams of San Pasqual Winery. The event costs $50 person and includes the following menu:
March 4, 2013 (Jamul) – The water saving garden at Jamul Primary School has just been selected to receive a $5,000 grant from the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. “Catch Our Rainwater!” is the next major project planned by school garden directors Lois Young and Cass Crain.
March 4, 2013 (San Diego)– San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has received the national Supply Chain Leadership Award at the second annual Climate Leadership Awards in Washington, D.C. The Climate Leadership Awards recognize organizations that go beyond business as usual in the management and reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and are presented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO), the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) and The Climate Registry (TCR).
March 6, 2013 (San Diego) – Patients and families affected by brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease, as well as the general public interested in brain health, are invited to register for free now to attend the Brain Health Fair, Saturday, March 16, 2013, at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel in San Diego. Free registration is open at 
March 14, 2013 (Sacramento)--A new bill in Sacramento aims to let energy companies remove nests that stand in the way of big projects, even during nesting season. The measure would allow take permits to be issued, meaning energy companies would face no penalties if they inadvertently kill bird species normally protected, such as red-tailed hawks.
March 3, 2013 (El Cajon) – The city of El Cajon and CECO (San Diego County Employees’ Charitable Organization) awarded separate grants to Home of Guiding Hands. The former approved a $35,270 grant for the residential program’s capital improvements on Tuesday, February 26 at the El Cajon City Council meeting. Funds will be used on four of their 31 community based homes for individuals with developmental disabilities. Projects include a new kitchen, energy efficient replacement windows, flooring replacement and new bathroom vanities.
March 3, 2013 (El Cajon) – Congresswoman Susan Davis called representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration to her Washington office to share constituent concerns with Gillespie Field flight paths. Neighbors of Gillespie Field in El Cajon have complained of increased flight traffic, noise, and low-altitude flights.
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