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.
February 27, 2013 (El Cajon) – SWAT team officers used tear gas to end a six-hour standoff and arrest Ennis Staten, 37, a domestic violence suspect who allegedly battered his wife, then threatened to kill himself and stab officers.
El Cajon Police officers responded to a report of domestic violence at 353 Dominguez in El Cajon last night at 11:04 p.m. last night (Feb. 26), where a woman told them her husband had struck her repeatedly. Officers found her outside the apartment, suffering from facial injuries. She was transported to a hospital for treatment.
The County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health (DEH) has issued a Boil Water Order and Public Notification for the Tecate Vista Mutual Water Company located at 444 Highway 188, Tecate, CA 91980 effective immediately. This public water system serves two residences, commercial businesses and the Tecate Mission School.
The drinking water system has tested present for total coliform bacteria and absent for E. coli. Total coliform bacteria can come from soils and other sources in the environment and can indicate a problem with the water supply system. The Boil Water Order was issued to ensure all water used is free from contamination.
February 27, 2013 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa Community Services is accepting enrollments now for the fall session that begins the week of November 5. Enrichment classes are for ages one year through adult.
New youth classes offered: Chess Challenge, 10andUnder Tennis, Speed and Agility Training, and Tumbling. Other exciting enrichment programs offered include: Acting, Art, Dance, Gymnastics, Fencing, Ice Skating, Small Friends Enrichment Programs, Tiny Sports, and World of Rhythm.
February 27, 2013 (San Diego’s East County)--SPRITES of East County, a mother-daughter philanthropic organization, will host itsr annual benefit on March 9, 2013 at Skyline Church. The theme of this year’s event Is “SPRITES Drive-In Thru The 50s.”
SPRITES has been serving charities in local neighborhoods for 44 years. Founded in 1968, SPRITES is a qualified non-profit organization made up of 240 mothers and their seventh to twelfth grade daughters who reside in the area served by the Grossmont Union High School District.
For complete Calendar including Authors Events, go to www.SDWriteWay.org
February 28 (Thursday, 7:30 pm) — Warwick's will host Co-editor of Patagonia's The Footprint Chronicles, Vincent Stanley, who will discuss and sign The Responsible Company. This event is free and open to the public. In order to be signed, The Responsible Company must be purchased from Warwick's.
February 27, 2013 (Ramona) – Miles Lockhart, 52, has been arrested for the murder of Shane Tatro, 38. Tato died on September 16 of a single shotgun wound during an altercation over the purchase of marijuana outside Lockhart’s residence, according to Captain Duncan Fraser with the San Diego Sheriff.
February 27, 2013 (Palomar) --If you see smoke across San Diego's north inland areas, don't worry. The Cleveland National Forest is conducting burning operations this week on the northeastern side of Palomar Mountain along the Aguanga Ridge/Palomar Divide Road this week. The Forest Service is burning fuels that have been piled as a result of fuel treatments in the area.
February 27, 2013 (El Cajon)—“I’m very excited about the new challenge in a very important and emotional area of the law,” newly elected Superior Court Judge Robert Amador told East County Magazine. Assigned to the family law court in El Cajon, Judge Amador added, “I hope to be able to lower the tension and animosity between litigants that often occur in these types of cases.”
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
For complete Calendar including Authors Events, go to 
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