March 2, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – Photos taken at Lake Jennings during March may be entered in Helix Water District’s Lake Jennings Photo Contest. Prizes of up to $100 will be awarded in adult and student categories. Photos can be of any aspect of the lake—wildlife, wild flowers, camping, fishing, boating, scenic views. They can be up to 10 mg and must be e-mailed to: lakejenningsphotocontest@helixwater.org. An entry and release form must accompany each photo and can be found at: www.lakejennings.org/photocontest/index.htm. Contest rules are also posted at this URL. Last year’s winners can be seen at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-Jennings/301972993198610
March 2, 2013 (Spring Valley) – Spring Into Healthy Living, a health and wellness fair featuring free health screenings and healthy living information from seniors and community service providers in the East County, will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, March 20 at the McGrath Family YMCA, 12006 Campo Road, Spring Valley. Admission is free, and continental breakfast will be served.
Health screenings will check blood glucose, blood pressure, body mass index, hearing and stroke risk. Information will be available on nutrition, volunteer opportunities, disaster preparedness and various diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and diabetes. Demonstrations of tai chi and zumba, along with tours of the YMCA, will be held. Health officials will accept unused prescription medications.
March 1, 2013 (Alpine) – Former Alpine resident Chris Kyle, who served with Navy Seal Team 3, was gunned down near his home in Dallas, Texas in February by a fellow veteran. This morning, a flag-lowering ceremony was held at De La Fuente Cadillac in El Cajon, where the public joined in commemorating the famed fallen soldier.
Kyle served five tours of duty in Iraq, where he earned a reputation as one of the U.S. military’s most lethal snipers, earning two purple hearts, four Bronze stars for valor and two Silver Stars. He authored a book, American Sniper, documenting his wartime experiences.
San Diego Republicans drop opposition, vote to pass measure
By Miriam Raftery
March 1, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – Two Republican Congressmen from San Diego, Duncan Hunter and Darrell Issa, previously voted against renewal and expansion of the Violence Against Women Act to include protections for Native American, gay and immigrant women.
But this week, both shifted their stance and joined with Democrats to pass the measure 286 to 138. Local Democratic House representatives Susan Davis, Scott Peters and Juan Vargas also voted in favor. (View roll call) The bill has also been approved by the Senate, where California Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein supported it, and is expected to be signed into law by the President.
The law had expired, leaving all battered women without the protections afforded by the Violence Against Women Act, due to the House blocking the measure for over a year. But after mounting public pressure by women’s groups, Native American rights advocates, immigrant and gay rights organizations and others, 87 House Republicans joined with all 199 Democrats to pass the reauthorization bill, expanding rights to include all women.
“By God, across-the board cuts are the worst and most cowardly way to approach this situation.” –Senator John McCain (R-AZ)
"Are Republicans in Congress really willing to let these cuts fall on our kids’ schools ...slash military health care and the Border Patrol ...Are they seriously prepared to inflict more pain on the middle class because they refuse to ask anything more of those at the very top?" -- President Barack Obama
February 25, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – If Congress can’t agree by Friday, automatic sequestration cuts will take place in nearly all federal programs. Half will hit the military, the other half will slice domestic programs.
Both sides agreed in prior debt negotiations that the cuts were so severe that neither party would actually let them take place--and that the sequestration trigger would force Congress to come up with a more sensible plan before the March 1 deadline.
Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened. Sequestration appears likely to occur on Friday--and the impacts are apt to be felt by every American, from long waits at airports to cuts in programs impacting students, senior citizens, the military, national parks, the unemployed, health programs, and much more. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has said cuts will even harm the readiness of U.S. troops in the military.
March 2, 2013 (San Diego's East County) -- "A beautiful day, and a huge chunk of granite in The East County," photographer Tom Lemon says of this image he shot of Corte Madera Peak, also known as the "Half Dome of San Diego County" rising majestically above pine trees.
March 1, 2013 (San Diego) -- Becoming your parents’ parent conjures up pictures of “tangled apron strings.”
As a child, the strings seemed well-defined. You needed your parents and their role was to fulfill your needs. Now, with your parents aging and leaning increasingly on you, the apron strings are tangled and wound tightly around you.
This role reversal isn’t easy for any of you. Your parents, no doubt, are fighting furiously to cling to their dignity and independence. At the same time, you’re pulled between the demands of your own family and the need to help your parents.
March 1, 2013 (San Diego) – Terra American Bistro will host San Pasqual Winemaker Linda McWilliams on March 11 for a feast prepared by Chef Jeff Rossman to pair with San Pasqual Winery wines. The cost is $50 per person plus tax and gratuity.
March 1, 2013 (El Cajon) – El Cajon’s Council 4-1 this week to cover and shut off red light cameras for six months, though cameras will remain installed. Safety data will be evaluated in six months and if accidents have not risen sharply, Council made clear its intent to permanently remove the red light cameras.
Pro Tem Mayor Bill Wells addressed issues that red light cameras have brought to El Cajon. While some contend the surveillance devices improve safety, the results are inconclusive. But the cameras also pose problems of “civil liberties,” Wells noted. “I am asking us to engage in a debate to end the contract [with Redflex].”
By Carolyn Ballou, California Department of Veterans Affairs
March 1, 2013 (San Diego) -- U.S. Air Force veteran, Ohio native, and California resident George Chappell loved classic cars. In fact, he owned a ’36 Olds and ’67 Chevy, which he occasionally entered into competition. As a surprise for his 59th birthday in 2006, his wife, Sue, gave him a beautiful, new, last-year-of-production GTO.
George and Sue loved going to classic car shows together—especially Hot August Nights in Reno—in their limited-edition desert orange corvette, another car he occasionally showed. They also shared a love of George’s children, his grandchildren, their three rescued dogs, ‘50s and ‘60s music, and art. George was quite an accomplished artist! He also belonged to a model car club and built models with his sons. His perfectly-crafted models won many awards through the years and were sometimes featured in model car magazines.
March 1, 2013 (Poway) – A 14-year-old ninth grade student at Poway High School is in Juvenile Hall after reportedly making “terrorist threats" against a fellow student, Sargeant Chad Boudreau with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department said.
Deputies learned last night about a verbal death threat made against another student at Poway High earlier in the day. According to a media release issued by the Sheriff, the student threatened to bring guns to school. The student who was threatened told his mother about the incident when he came home from school and the parent notified the school’s principal.
March 1, 2013 (El Cajon)--At 5:02 p.m. on February 28, a vehicle leaving the Valley Foods Market at 1275 E. Main Street in El Cajon, swerved to miss a car. In trying to avoid a collision, the driver hit the gas pedal instead of the brakes and struck a wall of the market, also hitting a gas meter and breaking a small water line. Heartland Fire & Rescue crews from the City of El Cajon arrived on scene and quickly turned off the gas and water lines securing the area. The driver of the vehicle that struck the wall was not injured.
February 25, 2013 (El Cajon)- Last Saturday was a celebration of community gardens in El Cajon where the public was invited to different garden events around El Cajon. At the IRC-Kaiser community garden at 203 Travelodge Drive, Anne Barron, community garden coordinator from the International Rescue Committee, gave the public a complete tour of the garden. Still in the production stage, the garden is set to open in mid-March.
February 28, 2013 (San Diego)--The County Board of Supervisors this week launched an analysis that could lead to more rooftop solar and other small-scale alternative energy projects across the region. At the urging of Vice-Chairwoman Dianne Jacob and Supervisor Dave Roberts, the board unanimously voted to initiate a detailed look at financing options for homeowners and businesses interested in installing energy-saving systems.
“We’re fortunate to live in one of the sunniest regions in the nation, but the tools needed to help pay for solar panels and related technology are out of reach for many property owners,” said Jacob. “We’re hoping the analysis will help us lift the financial cloud hanging over solar, particularly for homeowners.”
March 1, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – It wasn’t a Valentine that the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted on February 14 to deliver to CEO Scott Alevy. Facing a budget crunch, the inland region’s largest Chamber voted to eliminate its full-time paid CEO position, relieving Alevy of his duties.
“Both Scott Alevy and the Chamber are on soild ground,” acting President and Chief Executive Officer Becky Burgstiner told Chamber members at a First Friday breakfast this morning in the La Mesa Community Center.
She announced that Board Chairman Marcel Becker will be taking the leadership helm as soon as he is fully recovered from surgery in a couple of weeks. Becker is also Chair of JCI Metals in Lemon Grove.
March 1, 2013 (El Cajon) – The Hyde Art Gallery at Grossmont College presents “Works by Berning, Burkett and Wilson” a Ceramics exhibition by Trent Berning, Richard Burkett and Lana Wilson March 11-April 11. These ceramic works all share the concept of merging utilitarian forms with a personal vision and expression that goes beyond their utility.
Though some of their works may function to various degrees as a vase or platter or teapot, their use of additive elements, texture, image, color, theme and form take these pieces well beyond pure utility. These works are unique and individual pieces of art that express the artists interests and visions while still honoring their connection to utility.
February 28, 2013 (Ramona) – Construction is now complete on Palomar Health’s Ramona Ambulatory Care Center, a new $4.5 million satellite clinic in Ramona. When open to the community in March 2013, the 7,600-square-foot, single-story outpatient medical clinic built on approximately an acre of land will expand the healthcare services for the Ramona community.
March 1, 2013 (Santa Ysabel) – You can savor local vintages and meet winemakers from our region at Santa Ysabel Casino’s “Meet the Winemakers” event on March 16 from 3-6 p.m. Participating vintners include J.Jenkins, Woof ‘N Rose, and Witch Creek wineries.
The event costs $30 and includes gourmet appetizers, wine tasting from local vintners, $5 in slot machine play, and $5 toward tasting on a new state-of-the-art wine system.
March 1, 2013 (La Mesa) --Former Helix High School football star Alex Smith has been traded by the San Francisco 49ers to the Kansas City Chiefs, Patch.com reports.
Smith was replaced by San Francisco after missing several games due to a concussion. Prior to his injury, he was the third top-ranked quarterback in the National Football League (NFL).
February 28, 2013 (San Diego)—San Diego Mayor Bob Filner and Tijuana Mayor Carlos Bustamante officially opened a San Diego City office south of the border on Friday, February 22, in a show of unity and commitment to encouraging both economic growth and cultural respect.
“Somos dos ciudades pero una region. We are two cities, but one region. This office opening is not just a symbolic gesture, we are going to solidify our relationship and work together to build a great border community,” said Mayor Filner.
February 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:
February 28, 2013 (Flinn Springs)--CTC Towing at 15275 Olde Highway 80 suffered a fire of unknown origin on Tuesday. The fire started before 1 p.m., according to the Lakeside Fire Protection District, and drew a multiagency response, including both San Diego City Fire Department HAZMAT and County HAZMAT.
February 28, 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:
“Every one of the 12 companies that contributed more than $5,000 to the Grossmont Union High School District's Proposition U campaign in 2008 won a contract from the district.” – Voice of San Diego
“The danger is that consumers will be required to pay for an expensive gas-fired plant they don’t’ need now or in the future.” – The Utility Reform Network
By Miriam Raftery
February 24, 2013 (San Diego) – Why is the San Diego County Taxpayers Association (SDCTA) pushing for a fossil fuel power plant that many authoritative sources indicate is not needed and will prove costly to taxpayers?
In a letter sent February 20, 2013 to the California Public Utilities Commission, Lani Lutar, president and chief executive officer of the SDTCA, urged the Commission to postpone a decision on the Quail Brush gas-fired power plant near Mission Trails Regional Park, until after the California Energy Commission has completed its examination of the project.
February 28, 2013 (El Cajon)-At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, members voted unanimously to send a “deemed approved” ordinance to restrict single-serve alcohol sales to the Planning Commission.
City manager Doug Wlliford introduced the alcohol sales land use study session, advising Council members, “It’s a very complex issue.” A PowerPoint presentation included three speakers- Chief of Police Jim Redman, Planning Manager Manjeet Ranu, and City Attorney Morgan Foley.”
February 28, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – A head-on collision has shut down eastbound Highway 94 at Peaceful Valley Ranch Road. Westbound 94 is now reopened.
February 28, 2013 (Lemon Grove)-- You are there in living color with your three-minute stories of life in Lemon Grove -- hilarious, touching, insightful, factual, mythical! If you loved "The Audience is the Star" last September, you won't want to miss this new edition of the life and times of Lemon Grovians at their story-telling best.
February 27, 2013 (San Diego's East County)--Want to learn how to identify signs of wildlife on the trail? Join a Mission Trials Regional Park guide and tracking team member on the first Saturday of each month, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., for an adventure in wildlife tracking.
Learn the art of discovering signs left behind by resident creatures during two fun-filled hours of “dirt time.” These free tracking walks meet out in front of the Visitor Center and are suitable for the whole family.
UPDATE: February 28, 2013 -- Judge Curiel has denied the plaintiff's motion for summary judgment. Plaintiff's have not yet announced whether they will file an appeal. View decision here.
“The codes are quite clear …You can’t take a Swainson’s hawk. Not even one…There is also no take for Peregrine falcons and owls. If turbine curtailment is good enough for golden eagles, it should be good enough for these species, too.” ----Laurens Silver, attorney for plaintiffs
“It is not the BLM’s role to enforce state law…All through downtown there are glass buildings that could cause a take.” – Marissa Piropato, attorney for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management
By Miriam Raftery
Maris Brancheau also contributed to this report
February 27, 2013 (San Diego) – Is the federal government turning a blind eye to violations of state laws intended to protect raptors (birds of prey) and other wildlife at the Ocotillo Express Wind Facility? That’s the contention of a lawsuit filed by the Desert Protective Council, an environmental group, and others against the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, Pattern Energy and others.
March 2, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – Photos taken at Lake Jennings during March may be entered in Helix Water District’s Lake Jennings Photo Contest. Prizes of up to $100 will be awarded in adult and student categories. Photos can be of any aspect of the lake—wildlife, wild flowers, camping, fishing, boating, scenic views. They can be up to 10 mg and must be e-mailed to: 
March 2, 2013 (Spring Valley) – Spring Into Healthy Living, a health and wellness fair featuring free health screenings and healthy living information from seniors and community service providers in the East County, will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, March 20 at the McGrath Family YMCA, 12006 Campo Road, Spring Valley. Admission is free, and continental breakfast will be served.
“By God, across-the board cuts are the worst and most cowardly way to approach this situation.” –Senator John McCain (R-AZ)
By Carolyn Ballou, California Department of Veterans Affairs
March 1, 2013 (El Cajon) – The Hyde Art Gallery at Grossmont College presents “Works by Berning, Burkett and Wilson” a Ceramics exhibition by Trent Berning, Richard Burkett and Lana Wilson March 11-April 11. These ceramic works all share the concept of merging utilitarian forms with a personal vision and expression that goes beyond their utility.
February 28, 2013 (Ramona) – Construction is now complete on Palomar Health’s Ramona Ambulatory Care Center, a new $4.5 million satellite clinic in Ramona. When open to the community in March 2013, the 7,600-square-foot, single-story outpatient medical clinic built on approximately an acre of land will expand the healthcare services for the Ramona community.
February 28, 2013 (San Diego)—San Diego Mayor Bob Filner and Tijuana Mayor Carlos Bustamante officially opened a San Diego City office south of the border on Friday, February 22, in a show of unity and commitment to encouraging both economic growth and cultural respect.
February 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:
February 28, 2013 (Flinn Springs)--CTC Towing at 15275 Olde Highway 80 suffered a fire of unknown origin on Tuesday. The fire started before 1 p.m., according to the Lakeside Fire Protection District, and drew a multiagency response, including both San Diego City Fire Department HAZMAT and County HAZMAT.
February 28, 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:
“Every one of the 12 companies that contributed more than $5,000 to the Grossmont Union High School District's Proposition U campaign in 2008 won a contract from the district.” – Voice of San Diego
Recent comments