LA MESA PLANS TWO MEETINGS JULY 14: AGENDAS INCLUDE LEASE OF FORMER POLICE STATION SITE, HOMELESS GRANT, SEWER FEE CHANGES, AND FUTURE TOWNHALL ON PROTEST AND RIOT
World, U.S. and local leaders react to peaceful toppling of regime by Egyptians seeking democracy
February 11, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak announced his resignation today, following 18 days of massive protests by Egyptians demanding democracy.
The Egyptian military is currently in charge, leaving questions over who will ultimately fill the void left by Mubarak and when democratic elections may occur. Still, news of Mubarak’s departure has been greeted with cheers in the streets of Cairo and cautious optimism by most world leaders.
February 11, 2011 (San Diego) -- A jack-knifed semi truck on I-15 north of Rancho Bernardo Road continues to clog traffic during rush hour. The accident, which occurred shortyl after 3 p.m. today, spilled more than 100 gallons of diesel fuel. Three lanes remain closed as of 5:30 p.m. and CHP officers have been dispatched to replace cones after several motorists traveled into lanes that were shut down. A SIG alert remains in effect.
February 11, 2011 (La Mesa) -- The City is currently looking for a youth representative to serve on the Environmental Sustainability Commission. Applicants must live within the city limits of La Mesa and may not be more than 21 years of age. Applications may be obtained by accessing the City of La Mesa website, www.cityoflamesa.com or from the City Clerk’s office in La Mesa City Hall, 8130 Allison Avenue, during normal business hours.
GUHSD BOARD VOTES TO MOVE FORWARD WITH DESIGN PLANS AND AVOID DELAY….FOR NOW
By Miriam Raftery
February 11, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – “Please keep your promise and build the new High School for us,” 12-year-old Alpine student Dominique Markowitz implored the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) board during last night’s meeting, echoing the sentiments of nearly everyone in an overflow crowd that filled three rooms.
Trustee Priscilla Schreiber successfully fought to prevent the Board from approving a proposal by the Superintendent to delay construction bids indefinitely. She also pushed fellow Board members to unanimously authorize submitting site design plans to the state’s Division of State Architects review board. The Board voted 5-0 to approve several other components of the Superintendent’s proposal to keep the project moving forward, but language to delay construction bidding indefinitely was removed from the resolution adopted.
February 11, 2011 (Alpine) – “What’s my vision? Two words: nation building,” Anthony Pico, chairman of the Viejas band of Kumeyaay Indians, told tribal members and guests at a swearing-in ceremony yesterday for newly elected tribal council members. View a video of Chairman Pico speaking on his vision of nation building.
Two weeks ago, the Viejas tribal council unanimously approved the nation-building concept. In late February, council leaders will meet with representatives from the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government to begin dialogue and create a two-day workshop on defining nation-building, Pico revealed.
February 11, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) -- Recently, I read about February 14-20 being the “Random Acts of Kindness” Week. Most of us have heard this phrase, but where did it come from and what does it really mean?
February 11, 2011 (La Mesa)--The La Mesa Police Department, in a continuing effort to partner with communities, wiill host a neighborhood forum on Wednesday, February 23, 2011, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Lemon Avenue Elementary School, 8787 Lemon Avenue, La Mesa. This forum is part of a series of community forums to encourage public discussion and questions about issues specific to the individual neighborhoods within the City of La Mesa.
February 11, 2011 (San Diego's East Count)--On Thursday February 10, the SD County Taxpayer Association held an informative breakfast on 401(k) plans for public employees. All County and City leaders were invited to attend for free--but only representatives from the City of San Diego, San Marcos, Oceanside, the Port Authority, SD County Water Authority and the SD Firefighters and Police Associations were present, besides the public.
Since no East County city or Other County officials or their representatives were in attendance, I guess they already had all the answers and had determined that this route was not for them. With Helix Water District currently under employee MOU negotiations and paying the most beneficial employee package of any public agency, it would have been nice to at least see one of the two negotiators in attendance for good PR even if they didn't plan to use the information.
February 12, 2011 (Rancho San Diego) -- Cuyamaca College of the Performing Arts will present a combo jazz concert led by music instructor Paul Kurokawa on Wednesday, February 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center.
Tickets cost $8 for general admission and $5 for students or seniors.
February 10, 2011 (La Mesa): "This event turned out better than I ever could have imagined!" exclaimed Kim Fleming. "The outpouring of support from the students, teachers, and staff at Helix was overwhelming."
Fleming, a special education teacher, provided the heartbeat for the First Annual Games of Champions at Helix Charter High School. The inaugural event, held on February 9th at the school's Benton Hart Stadium, brought together the entire Helix High Community to support a demonstration of athletic prowess by some of the school's most special students.
February 11, 2011 (Escondido)--What could be sweeter on Valentine’s Day weekend than to indulge at the second annual “For the Love of Chocolate and SweetArt Festival” on February 12? Bring your sweetheart—or just your sweet tooth.
February 8, 2011 (Spring Valley) – Two suspects in a dark minivan tried to kidnap a 12-year-old girl walking to La Presa Middle School at St. George and Ramona streets in Spring Valley at 8 a.m. this morning.
February 8, 2011 (Spring Valley) – Curtis Haynes, 45, was shot four times after refusing to give up his wallet to a pair of robbers while walking outside the San Miguel Fire Station, in 3255 Helix Street in Spring Valley. He was struck in the torso, arm and both legs during the attack, which occurred around 7:03 p.m. last night.
February 8, 2011 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa Police officers responded to a report of a robbery at Yum Yum Donuts, 7550 El Cajon Blvd., at 2:28 a.m. Two employees reported that a pair of armed male suspects stole cash, then fled on foot.
Editor's note: This issue is slated to be addressed by Supervisors on Wed. Feb. 9.
“The County Board of Supervisors should know that 23 of the 26 Community Planning and Sponsor Groups have voted to support the proposed General Plan Update. They should also know that S.O.R.E's late-stage attempt to block adoption of proposed General Plan is not based on any new information. “ – Donna Tisdale
By Donna Tisdale
February 8, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) -- The current controversy, ginned-up by Save Our Rural Economy (S.O.R.E.), an apparently well funded coalition of builders, developers, Realtors, some farmers, and in our area--absentee land owners, is based on rehashed old news that has been repeatedly analyzed and responded to by County staff at various stages of this long-drawn out update process.
Editor’s note: San Diego’s Board of Supervisors is slated to consider this issue on Wed., Feb. 9.
By Dr. Richard Parker and Scott Barnett
February 8, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) --Like anything in life, there’s no use doing something quickly if it’s not going to be done right. The adage couldn’t be more relevant to the current effort to update San Diego County’s General Plan. The Board of Supervisors will soon meet again on the plan, and after years of hard work, dozens of meetings and an abundance of feedback from the community, there is an apparent rush to suddenly, unfortunately, and haphazardly complete the effort, despite very significant flaws that threaten the long-term economic viability of the unincorporated areas of our County.
February 9, 2011 (Deerhorn Valley) UPDATED 4:30 p.m. – Mother Grundy Truck Trail is now cleared, according Jake Fletcher, sales manager for GJ Fletcher Construction Co. of Descanso. Fletcher returned a phone message left earlier and disputed details in an alert issued earlier today by the Deerhorn Valley Antler.
Update 1:30 p.m.: Residents are being allowed to return home to their mobilehome park after a two-inch break in the line has been secured, IPN reports.
February 7, 2011 (Lakeside) – Evacuations of residents are underway after a gas line break at 13594 I-8 Business Loop in Lakeside, Incident Page Network reports at 12:50 p.m.. A Hazmat crew has been dispatched.
The leak occured in a mobilehome park after a resident struck a line while digging in a yard, said Allison Zaragoza at San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E).
February 7, 2011 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police Department reports that late Wednesday night, February 2, they received a call from a hospital. The hospital informed police that a woman patient alleges that she was raped at an El Cajon residence by a San Diego Police officer and a woman.
El Cajon Police is investigating the case. ECM news partner 10 News cites sources who indentifed the officer as SDPD Vice Detective Arthur Perea.
Deputy reportedly sought to protect woman he was dating from assault by ex-boyfriend
February 7, 2011 (Lakeside)—An argument over alleged reckless driving with a child ended with the death of a man, 33, last night around 8 p.m.
According to Lt. Dennis J. Brugos with the San Diego Sheriff’s homicide detail, following a visit the man returned the child to the mother’s home in unincorporated El Cajon. The mother, 28, came outside and confronted the man, her ex-boyfriend, over his driving.
February 7, 2011 (San Diego's East County)-- Cal-Fire will be conducting a controlled burn today and tomorrow south of Pine Valley on the Corte Madera Ranch (south of I-8).
February 6, 2011 (San Diego's East County)--The following local, state and national education news items are excerpted from a very informative e-newsletter published by Doug Deane, chair of the Business Education Committee at the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce.
Our picks for Deane’s top education stories from the latest issue include:
February 6, 2011 (El Cajon) – A parolee accused of stealing a car has been arrested after crashing the vehicle into the bedroom of a home at 627 Verdin Street in El Cajon shortly before dawn this morning. Thankfully the home's occupants were spared a rude awakening, since no one was sleeping in the bedroom that was struck.
February 5, 2011 (Sacramento ) – Governor Edmund G. “Jerry” Brown Jr. delivered California's “State of the State” address on January 31st. The state faces a crisis that is “real and unprecedented,” said Brown, who called on both parties and voters to help put the state’s financial house in order. His budget seeks spending cuts but the Governor will also ask voters to approve extensions of taxes set to expire.
“It would be unconscionable to tell the electors of this state that they have no right to decide whether it is better to extend current tax statutes another five years or chop another $12 billion out of schools, public safety, our universities and our system of caring for the most vulnerable,” said Brown.
February 11, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak announced his resignation today, following 18 days of massive protests by Egyptians demanding democracy.
February 11, 2011 (La Mesa) -- The City is currently looking for a youth representative to serve on the Environmental Sustainability Commission. Applicants must live within the city limits of La Mesa and may not be more than 21 years of age. Applications may be obtained by accessing the City of La Mesa website, ![](/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/resize/AlpineHigh-DominiqueMarkowi-200x243.jpg ""If you go against your promise, at least four of my friends will die," Dominique Markowitz, 12, told the board, citing highway death stastistics for Alpine students commuting long distances.")
By Miriam Raftery
Increase your enjoyment of living
February 11, 2011 (San Diego's East Count)--On Thursday February 10, the SD County Taxpayer Association held an informative breakfast on 401(k) plans for public employees. All County and City leaders were invited to attend for free--but only representatives from the City of San Diego, San Marcos, Oceanside, the Port Authority, SD County Water Authority and the SD Firefighters and Police Associations were present, besides the public.
Story and photos by Ron Logan
February 11, 2011 (Escondido)--What could be sweeter on Valentine’s Day weekend than to indulge at the second annual “For the Love of Chocolate and SweetArt Festival” on February 12? Bring your sweetheart—or just your sweet tooth.
February 8, 2011 (Spring Valley) – Two suspects in a dark minivan tried to kidnap a 12-year-old girl walking to La Presa Middle School at St. George and Ramona streets in Spring Valley at 8 a.m. this morning.
February 8, 2011 (Spring Valley) – Curtis Haynes, 45, was shot four times after refusing to give up his wallet to a pair of robbers while walking outside the San Miguel Fire Station, in 3255 Helix Street in Spring Valley. He was struck in the torso, arm and both legs during the attack, which occurred around 7:03 p.m. last night.
February 5, 2011 (Sacramento ) – Governor Edmund G. “Jerry” Brown Jr. delivered California's “State of the State” address on January 31st. The state faces a crisis that is “real and unprecedented,” said Brown, who called on both parties and voters to help put the state’s financial house in order. His budget seeks spending cuts but the Governor will also ask voters to approve extensions of taxes set to expire.
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