GUHSD BOARD ADOPTS RESOLUTION TO FOLLOW BROWN ACT AND BYLAW— PRESIDENT WOODS DENIES VIOLATIONS

FBI AND LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTNERS ARREST MEMBERS OF MEXICAN MAFIA PRISON GANG

RAMONA COUNTRY FAIR BRINGS SUMMERTIME FUN AUG. 1-3

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: HOT AUGUST NIGHTS BRING LATE SUMMER CELEBRATIONS

JULIAN MOUNTAIN BREWFEST SET FOR AUG. 23

MT. HELIX PARK FOUNDATION FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL AUG. 16 FEATURES GATSBY THEME

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION MEETING ON LONG-TERM GAS SYSTEM PLANNING

CONGRESSWOMAN SARA JACOBS HOSTS TOWN HALL JULY 27 IN ESCONDIDO, SINCE ISSA WON’T HOLD LIVE SESSION WITH HIS CONSTITUENTS

UPGRADES TO RAMONA AIR ATTACK BASE PLANNED FOR NEW CAL FIRE TANKER

SUPERVISORS TO WEIGH IN ON COTTONWOOD SAND MINE IN SEPTEMBER

THREE-VEHICLE CRASH ON DEHESA ROAD KILLS EL CAJON WOMAN

PEDESTRIAN DEATH IN RAMONA

EAST COUNTY ARTIST WINS AWARD

 

May 10, 2013 (El Cajon)--Ally Benbrook, an artist and resident of El Cajon, took the third place award in San Diego Watercolor Society’s May show. Her watercolor, Last Connection #4, is one of a series of paintings the artist is currently producing which illustrate in harsh reality the connection between human beings and their dogs. 

In discussing his selection process, juror Mark Smith said he was drawn to the painting because of its urban patterning, its stylized forms and the artist’s smart use of a limited color palette.

RAMONA AIRPORT TOWER TO REMAIN OPEN THROUGH SEPTEMBER

 

May 10, 2013 (Ramona) -- The federal government has provided another extension on the announced closure of the Ramona Airport's air traffic control tower and other similar facilities across the nation, this time through at least September 30.

 

“The decision to keep the Ramona Airport tower open for now is a step in the right direction, but the federal government needs to come up with a long-term budget fix," Supervisor Dianne Jacob said in a press statement today. "Closing the Ramona tower at the end of September would endanger our region when we need the air traffic facility the most. Many of San Diego County’s biggest and deadliest wildfires, including the 2003 and 2007 firestorms, have started in our backcountry in the fall."

THE BOULDER BEAT

 

By Jennifer Doucet

May 9, 2013 (Alpine) – On March 20, Open House at Boulder Oaks Elementary in Alpine, California highlighted how fifth graders at the school have opened their minds to the exciting worlds of science and technology.

By using their school-issued IPODS, learning new software and applying the scientific method to their projects, they showcased their knowledge with a Digital Photography Show and Science Fair.

 

AFTER TURBULENT HEARING, SUPERVISORS POSTPONE ACTION ON WIND ORDINANCE TO MAY 15

 

 

“The Boulevard Marathon is like the Boston Marathon...[Residents opposed to the wind ordinance] are “like people with a pressure cooker and ball bearings with a bomb, trying to stop the projects…This is economic terrorism.” – John Gibson, Hamann Companies

“You should choose to save our communities, not destroy them—and I was not paid to come and talk today.” – Wendy Shannon, Boulevard resident and neighbor of Hamann’s proposed project

 

 

By Sierra Robinson; Miriam Raftery also contributed to this report

May 10, 2013 (San Diego)—After more than three hours of heated testimony on Tuesday, San Diego Supervisors opted to delay a decision on a controversial wind ordinance and changes to plans for two backcountry communities until May 15. The postponement came after a lawyer representing rural residents sent a last-minute letter claiming that approval of the project would be illegal.

JUDGE GRANTS RIGHT TO COUNSEL FOR IMMIGRANT DETAINEES WITH MENTAL DISABILITIES

 

By Miriam Raftery

May 9, 2013 (San Diego's East County) -- For the first time, the United States government will offer legal counsel to immigrant detainees with mental disabilities facing deportation hearings. This is the first expansion of the right to counsel in 30 years – the result of an ACLU lawsuit. Before to last week's federal court ruling, these individuals were not guaranteed legal representation  even though they clearly demonstrated tremendous difficulty in representing themselves in the complicated legal proceedings against them.

José Gonzalezis a 33-year-old man who doesn't know his own age and, in many aspects of his life, has the cognitive ability of a two-year-old. Both his parents are lawful permanent residents of the United States, and José had a pending petition for residency. Until last week's historic ruling, the government expected José to represent himself in a deportation hearing – after holding him for five years in a detention facility.

11TH ANNUAL EXPLORE MISSION TRAILS DAY IS MAY 18

 

May 4, 2013 (San Diego) -- The 11th Annual Explore Mission Trails Day is May 18 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (most of the events will occur between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.) at Mission Trails Regional Park, 1 Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego.  The celebration highlights everything Mission Trails has to offer and features events throughout the park, including free guided nature walks, talks and programs.  There will even be live animals and special programs for children. 

CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY LUNCH AT KEYS CREEK LAVENDER FARM MAY 12

 

May 4, 2013 (Valley Center) – Celebrate Mother’s Day with a lunch at Keys Creek Lavender Farm, 12460 Keys Creek Road, Valley Center, on May 12 at 12:00 p.m. Enjoy a delicious menu in a beautiful countryside setting.  Menu items include: warm baked brie with Lavender Caramel Sauce, Lavender infused rice pilaf, chicken served with a port demi smoked bacon glaze, classic roast beef au jus, tiramisu and caramel apple pie, to name just a few.

COUNTY SEEKS TO DISSOLVE RURAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

 

By Nadin Abbott

Photos Tom Abbott

May 8, 2013 (Jamul)—As part of the County’s efforts to consolidate rural fire departments, the San Diego Rural Fire Protection District was asked last night whether “it will continue to operate as an independent fire district or dissolve and become part of the  new County Fire Authority (CFA).”

The County has given the District until June 30th to sign on a one-year contract that would extend the current contract with Cal-Fire, but ultimately would lead to the dissolution of the district under the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO.)

The pending decision has sparked concerns among residents in the District, which is a high fire risk area that has seen some of the worst wildfires in our region. It is also the area where major new energy projects are proposed which would increase the risk of fire.

YOUTH CHOIR OF SAN DIEGO PRESENTS DEBUT CONCERT MAY 11 AT KROC CENTER

May 9, 2013 (San Diego) --The Youth Choir of San Diego is a new community youth choir sponsored by the Kroc Center in partnership with Helix, Crawford and Lincoln High Schools.  The mission is to bring community to San Diego by developing young leaders through contemporary choral music.

The public is invited to enjoy a night of music featuring songs from every era--from the Beatles to Bruno Mars—while supporting local teens in this new venture.

ANTI-BULLYING EXPERT, AUTHOR TO SPEAK ON MAY 15

 

May 9, 2013 (Mission Hills) – Frequent ECM contributor Walter G. Meyer will be speaking about the timely topic of bullying at Mission Hills Books and Collectibles on May 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Meyer said he never set out to become a bullying expert, but his novel Rounding Third was published just before the bullying/suicide crisis started making the news. ECM reviewed the book when it was published http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/2580 and he has written about bullying for ECM http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/7976

At Mission Hills Books and Collectibles, he will be presenting a version of the PowerPoint he has done at libraries and community centers across the country. It covers what bullying is, how to respond to it, the role of bystanders in ending it, and what can be done to prevent it in the first place.

HIT AND RUN DRIVER SOUGHT IN LEMON GROVE

 

May 9. 2013 (Lemon Grove) – Detectives from the Lemon Grove Sheriff's Station and Crime Stoppers want your help in finding and identifying a driver responsible for a hit-and-run that injured a woman.

It happened on April 17 at around 12:30 a.m. as an 18-year-old woman was crossing the street in the 2000 block of Lemon Grove Avenue. The car hit the victim and just kept going. A friend of the victim saw the incident. She describes the car as a small, red in color with dark tinted windows. Parts of the car were left at the scene and determined to be from a red 2005 or 2006 Toyota Corolla. A photo of a similar car is included in this NIXLE message.

TRIM YOUR LAWN AND YOUR POLLUTION FOOTPRINT: TRADE IN YOUR GAS GUZZLING LAWN MOWER SATURDAY MAY 11

 

County to offer discounted zero-emission lawn mowers at 14th Annual Trade-In Event

May 9, 2013 (Mission Valley) – County residents can roll their old, gas powered lawn mowers down to Qualcomm Stadium this Saturday and come away with new, zero-emission models. The price? Just $99.99 for a Black & Decker mower that typically retails for about $400, plus tax.

Available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the 14th Annual “Mowing Down Pollution” Lawn Mower Trade-In Event will be 650 new mowers, County Supervisor Ron Roberts said at a news conference on Tuesday.

NATIONAL ANIMAL DISASTER PREPAREDNESS DAY: NINE TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR PETS IN A DISASTER

May 9, 2013 (San Diego's East County) --San Diego County residents know the importance of being prepared for disasters after the firestorms of 2003 and 2007, but are your pets included in those all important plans?  

“It’s not a question of if another disaster will strike, but rather when a disaster will strike San Diego County,” said County Animal Services Director Dawn Danielson.  “As part of National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day, we strongly encourage people to have a plan in place that includes your pets.”

As the lead agency in any disaster, the Department of Animal Services suggests you include all of the following in your pet disaster plan:

ROMNEY AGREES TO AID MAYOR FILNER IN EFFORT TO BRING OLYMPICS TO OUR REGION

 

May 8,2013 (San Diego) – Mayor Bob Filner met with former Governor Mitt Romney on Monday evening to discuss the City of San Diego’s Olympic bid for the 2024 Summer Games.

Mayor Filner announced last month that the cities of San Diego and Tijuana will submit a bi-national bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics. The Mayor invited Romney to his office to ask if the former Presidential candidate, who formerly headed up Salt Lake City’s Olympic organizing committee, would lend his advice to the effort. Romney said yes.

BICYCLIST FROM EL CAJON DIES AFTER ACCIDENT IN SANTEE

 

May 8, 2013 (El Cajon) – Erik. E. Gilbert, 48, from El Cajon died at Sharp Memorial Hospital on May 2 shortly after he was admitted due to head and torso injuries sustained in an accident. 

Gilbert was riding his bicycle in Santee when he was struck by a pickup truck at the intersection of Vomac Road and Mast Boulevard at 5:21 a.m.

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKERS, GRADUATION SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED AT SDSU

 

May 8, 2013 (San Diego) – San Diego State University will celebrate Commencement 2013 from May 16 to 19, graduating 9,038 degrees candidates.  There will be eight separate ceremonies throughout the weekend. By tradition, SDSU’s Commencement ceremonies include a processional, introductions, awards, a speaker and a recessional. Each processional is led by a grand marshal carrying a college banner, followed by the faculty marshals donned in full academic regalia. This year’s speakers include former Mayor Jerry Sanders, business leaders, and Kumeyaay.com founder Larry Banegas, among others.

CAL FIRE ANNOUNCES ARSON AWARENESS WEEK

 

Public urged to Report Suspicious Activity

May 8, 2013 (Sacramento) –While encouraging wildfire preparedness this week, CAL FIRE is also reminding residents of the dangers posed by arson. CAL FIRE is pleased to join the United States Fire Administration (USFA) in announcing the theme for the 2013 Arson Awareness Week: Reducing Residential Arson. The goal for this year’s Arson Awareness Week, which takes place May 5-11, 2013, is to provide all residents with strategies to combat arson in their neighborhoods.

According to the USFA’s National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) during 2008-2010, an estimated 16,800 intentionally set fires in residential buildings occur annually in the United States. These fires result in an estimated 280 deaths, 775 injuries, and $593 million in property loss each year. The average dollar loss for an intentionally set fire in a residential building is $21,320. The fatality rate for intentionally set residential fires was more than twice that of other residential building fires.

ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS

May 8, 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:

NATIONAL

WORLD

Scroll down for excerpts and links to full stories.

CUZICK STUDIO POTTERY SALE ON MAY 11 -12

May 8, 2013 (Spring Valley) – David and Mary Cuzick will be holding a Mother’s Day show and pottery sale at their studio at 9204 Campo Road, Spring Valley on May 11 and 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Featured artists are David Cuzick, Mary Cuzick, Evan Lopez, Frederick de la Cruz and Rachael Blackmore.  American Art pottery, dinnerware, planters and much more will be featured. 

Please call 619-461-3019 for more information or visit www.cuzickpottery.com.

CHRIS IRWIN HORSE SENSE CLINIC JUNE 6

 

May 8, 2013 (Lakeside) – Internationally renowned horseman Chris Irwin is bringing his inspirational message on Horse Sense to Mountain View Ranch, 15665 El Monte Rd., Lakeside for a special one day clinic.  Irwin, a best-selling author, specializes in teaching communication skills for people with horses.  People learn to use horse body language to become better leaders and communicators, to be “the better horse”.

EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: REGIONAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS

LA MESA POLICE OFFICER INJURED, DRAGGED BY RUNAWAY SUSPECT VEHICLE

 

May 8, 2013 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police Sergeant Bret Richards was injured early this morning when a stolen vehicle abandoned following a pursuit rolled backward, dragging the officer over 50 feet down Maryland Avenue.  Police still seek the suspect, who was not apprehended.

SAN DIEGO LABOR LEADER BLASTS WALMART AND FORMER MAYOR JERRY SANDERS

 

May 7, 2013 (San Diego) - With the recent completion of a state audit of the City of San Diego Development Services Department, United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 135 President Mickey Kasparian calls for the City of San Diego to take action, based on those results. “In light of the finding by state auditors, our city has no choice but to take extreme action on the Walmart project in Sherman Heights,” demanded Kasparian. “The clear violations of City codes and procedures, possible ethics violations, and a complete lack of transparency, are stunning in their magnitude.”

IT'S NO ORDINARY DAY AT THE GROSSMONT COLLEGE STAGEHOUSE THEATRE

 

Play runs May 9-10 and 16-17

May 7, 2013 (El Cajon) – A woman of a certain age contemplates suicide when the phone rings in her San Diego apartment. The caller, believing she is contacting an analyst she read about in a health magazine, launches into her own tale of woe.

So begins “An Ordinary Day,” a one-act play by Dario Fo and Franca Rame, and directed by Martin Katz, a Grossmont College theater arts instructor. The lead character, Julia, finds herself trying to help the woman on the phone, in between encounters with her neighbors, the police and two flower-delivery men. As the tragic-comedy unfolds, it illuminates the themes of zealous commercialism, relationship stress, the notion of betrayal and the exhilaration of contributing to someone else’s life.

TO SOME MOMS WITH KIDS, ROMANTIC LOVE IS A NEVER-NEVER LAND

 

By Rebecca J. Williamson

May 9, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) --To some, romantic love is a never-never land—a place of unfulfilled dreams.  Sometimes, a parent chooses not to explore fulfilling his or her own needs in order to protect someone else. 

Patricia, an East county resident who asked that her last name not be published, is a single mom. She does not date or bring a romantic partner into her life for a reason---to protect her now teen-age daughter from being hurt—emotionally, physically, or any other way. 

“I decided not to date when she was  two or three and to focus on raising her,” Patricia told ECM. As a mom, Patricia learned first-hand about having to protect her  daughter from a man who was a convicted pedophile. 

WHERE IS THE WIND? ATTORNEY PRESENTS EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST WIND INDUSTRY CLAIMS ARE OVERBLOWN

 

By Miriam Raftery

May 7, 2014 (San Diego)--“How do you beat the national average with below average wind speeds?” Attorney Bill Pate posed that intriguing question at a forum hosted in San Diego recently by Activist San Diego.

Good question. Pattern Energy told the California Public Utilities Commission that it would reach 34% capacity at Ocotillo Express Wind Facility, a  site rated just a class 2, the second lowest federal rating for wind speeds.  The first three months of data for the Ocotillo project show only about a 19% capacity reached.   In the entire U.S., there is only a 22 to 23% net capacity on average.  

So how did the project get approved?

EAST COUNTY RESIDENTS ASK COUNTY’S TOP HEALTH OFFICIAL TO REVISE REPORT, RECOGNIZE SERIOUS HEALTH IMPACTS FROM WIND TURBINES

 

By Nadin Abbott and Sierra Robinson;  Miriam Raftery also contributed to this report

“This is an epidemic and we need help.” – Rowena Elliott, Manzanita tribal member

(photos left, David and Rowena Elliott)

May 6, 2013 (San Diego) –At a press conference outside the county administration building today, backcountry residents living near wind turbines told the media of serious health conditions they are suffering.  With Wednesday’s vote on a county wind ordinance looming, residents called on the county’s top health official, Wilma Wooten, to revise her report and recognize health concerns linked to wind turbines.

According to Donna Tisdale, President of the Boulevard Planning Group and founder of two community nonprofits, the vote is critical. Supervisors will “either sell us out, remove our human and property rights, or the Board (of Supervisors) will vote to protect the community.” 

If that doesn't happen, residents are prepared to file suit, they said.

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