“Mercury Insurance has a terrible history of mistreating its customers, ignoring the law and trying to deceive voters.”—Brian Stedge, Consumer Watchdog
“Proposition 33 creates a more vibrant market for auto insurance by empowering California’s consumers to shop for the best deal.” –Samuel Kang, Greenlighting Institute
October 10, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—Proposition 33 is similar to an insurance-industry backed initiative defeated in 2010 (Prop 17). Both measures received millions in funding from Mercury Insurance Company.
Prop 33 would change the law so insurance companies may set prices for car insurance based on whether a person had insurance with any company before. Drivers who don’t have a history of continuous insurance would pay more. Special exceptions would be made for drivers who drop their insurance to serve in the military or due to loss of employment. The measure has a grace period, so drivers who cancel insurance and purchase new insurance within 90 days would still be considered as continuously covered.
“This initiative is exclusively about the stranglehold that special interests have had over California’s political system,”—Jake Suski, Yes on 32
"It promises political reform but it's really designed by its special interest backers to help themselves and harm their opponents." – Trudy Schafer, California League of Women Voters
October 10, 2012 (San Diego's East County)--Proposition 32, titled the “Paycheck Protection Initiative,” would restrict unions and corporations from deducting funds from workers’ paychecks to fund political campaigns, but would allow voluntary employee contributions. Prop 32 also prohibits unions and corporations from contributing to candidates and candidate-controlled committees or groups. Other kinds of political expenditures are still allowed.
October 10, 2012 (San Diego's East County)--Proposition 38 would raise income taxes to fund K-12 education. he measure differs from Prop 30, the Governor’s education funding initiative also on the ballot, in several key ways.
Prop 38 increases taxes on low and middle income earners as well as those with higher incomes, while Prop 30' sincome tax raise targets only the wealthy. Prop 38 imposes restrictions on how education funds can be spent. Prop 38 is limited to K-12 funding, while Prop 30 also includes community colleges. Prop 38 raises taxes over a longer time period.
October 10, 2012 (San Diego's East County)--Proposition 30 is the Schools and Safety Protection Act, also known as the temporary taxes to fund education. The measure aims to provide a stable source of funds for public education, which has seen budgets slashed severely in recent years. Local schools have seen teacher lay-offs and class sizes increase; colleges have severely cut back course offerings and some have even eliminated summer school.
Proposition 30 increases income taxes for seven years on Californian residents who earn over $250,000 a year or couples earning over $500,000 a year. It also increases sales taxes for residents of California by ¼ cent for four years. If passed, Prop 30 could raise $6 billion annually for community colleges and K-12 schools.
October 9, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--Proposition 31 would move California from a one-year budget cycle to a two-year budget cycle, meaning budget debates happen every other year, instead of annually. Prop 31 would also prohibit the Legislature from spending more than $25 million on new programs unless an equal source of revenue or spending cuts are identified first, and would require performance reviews of all state programs.
The measure is supported by the California Republican Party and opposed by the California Democratic Party.
October 10, 2012 (La Mesa) -- Absentee Ballots went out yesterday. Do you have a particular topic that would influence your vote for La Mesa City Council? See what the candidates have said in their own words at candidate Forums. Topics are organized alphabetically in categories, to make it simple to find what you are looking for.
We also provide links to their websites and articles from prior campaigns, for those who want to know more about the candidates themselves and their histories.
October 10, 2012 -- Dear EarthTalk: Given that the presidential election is just around the corner, what can you tell me about each candidate’s environmental track record and positions? -- Jane Miller, Chicago, IL
Just because the environment is getting short shrift this election season due to our nation’s lingering economic woes doesn’t mean that candidates Obama and Romney can ignore the issue.
October 10, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--Picture a serene summer night in Phoenix, Arizona, circa 1982.1
I lay on a crinkly table in a cluttered ER, joking with the doc, bribing him with a promise of homemade shortbread if he could fix my face without leaving scars, looking anywhere but in his eyes, and I noticed a police officer nearby.
October 9, 2012 -- A real life David-and-Goliath battle is heating up in California’s newly formed 50th Congressional District. Republican incumbent, Rep. Duncan D. Hunter (photo, right), is facing off against first-time political candidate, Democrat David Secor (photo, left). The race is defined by large disparities in campaign finances and widely differing policy positions.
Hunter and Secor hold vastly different views on Social Security, Medicare, Roe v. Wade, access to birth control and other social issues which typify the divide between the Republican and Democratic parties. Among the most important economic issues on which the two candidates hold different opinions are policy differences surrounding family planning options, birth control and Roe v. Wade.
October 10, 2012 (El Cajon)--Eight candidates are vying for three seats on the El Cajon City Council in a hotly contested race: incumbents Tony Ambrose, Bob McClellan and Bill Wells and challengers Ben Kalasho, Lily Schworm, Kathy Spacone, Chris Shamoon and Duane Swainston.
ECM invited all candidates to be interviewed; six responded. Below are our in-depth interviews with candidates, listed in alphabetical order. In addition, here are links to coverage of a candidate forum, as well as candidates’ websites and Smart Voter pages from the League of Women Voters, prior stories on candidates who ran before, and additional news stories.
October 10, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Eastbound I-8 will be closed for an investigation until approximately 11:30 a.m., according to the CHP website.
A multi-vehicle accident has occurred involved a semi-truck and an over-turned vehicle in the center lane on I-8 near Japatul/Highway 79. Fire and medical personnel have been dispatched along with an ASTREA heliciopter; a suspect who fled the scene has been taken into custody by an Immigration and Customs officer.
October 10, 2012 (Lemon Grove) – San Diego Sheriff’s Department seeks public help to find a 72-year-old missing man considered at risk. Louis Lake Sr. was last seen by his daughter on October 9 at 1:30 p.m. in their resident in the 7000 block of Central Avenue in Lemon Grove.
Lake is black, 6 feet four inches tall and weighs 240 pounds with short black/gray hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black leather jacket, khaki pants and a brown shirt. He walks with a cane and often wears a baseball or cowboy hat.
October 9, 2012 (San Diego) -- The National Committee to Protect Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM), one of the most trusted, independent and effective advocates for these programs in the country since 1982, has endorsed Scott Peters for Congress, the Peters campaign announced today.
NCPSSM President and Chief Executive Officer Max Richtman said they are endorsing Peters over Bilbray because they trust Peters to protect Medicare and Social Security, while Bilbray has voted repeatedly to cut these critical programs which protect many of America’s seniors from living in poverty.
90% of dads who suffered football-related concussions want their kids to play tackle football;43% of football player dads say there’s too much hype over concussions
October 9, 2012 (Tampa Bay, Florida) -- Despite increasing awareness about concussion dangers for young athletes, a new national survey reveals 90% of men who played tackle football at the high school level or higher who suffered or suspected they suffered a concussion want their sons to play tackle football. Not only that, nearly half (43%) believe there is too much hype over concussions.
October 9, 2012 (San Diego) -- On the flight deck of the USS Midway Museum, a floating tribute to America’s past wars, the region’s community college leaders said dwindling budgets are affecting their ability to serve those returning from today’s conflicts and heading back to school.
Cindy Miles, chancellor of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District, speaks at Tuesday’s news conference focusing on the needs of student veterans. Behind her are from left, Constance Carroll, chancellor of the San Diego Community College District; Justin Dile, a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves; Paul McNamara, a Palomar Community College District governing board member; Melinda Nish, superintendent/president of Southwestern College; and Francisco Rodriquez, superintendent/ president of MiraCosta College.
San Diego State University and Olympic Gold Medalist Keshia Baker partner with the Helen Knoll Foundation to promote breast cancer prevention and early detection in women 18 to 40
October 9, 2012 (San Diego) -- San Diego State University has announced that it will be co-hosting the “ThinkPink@SDSU” breast cancer health fair with the Helen Knoll Foundation. The event is designed to educate women aged 18 to 40 about their breast cancer prevention and early detection options. It will be held in the Parma Payne Goodall ballroom from 5-7 p.m. on October 18.
October 8, 2012 (Spring Valley)- Incumbent Karrie Johnston Scully hopes to get re-elected to the San Miguel fire board this November. In an exclusive interview with ECM, she shares her goals which include holding Cal Fire accountable for promises made when the Board voted to outsource services to the state fire agency.
October 9, 2012 (Santee)--Santee's City Council will consider changing speed limits at its meeting on Wednesday, October 10 at 7 p.m. at Santee's City Hall, 10601 North Magnolia Avenue in Santee.
October 5, 2012 (San Diego)--Just about everybody who follows American politics at all has heard by now of the surreptitious video recording made of Mitt Romney and his peers at a $50,000 per person fundraiser in Boca Raton, Florida last May 17. In case you need the reminder, it’s the event at which he said, “There are 47 percent of the people who will vote for the president no matter what … who are dependent on the government, who believe that they are victims, who believe that government has a responsibility to care for them, who believe that they are entitled to health care, to food, to housing, to you name it. That’s an entitlement. … These are people who pay no income tax. Forty-seven percent of Americans pay no income tax. So our message of lower taxes doesn’t connect. … [M]y job is not to worry about those people. I’ll never convince them that they should take personal responsibility and care for their lives. What I have to do is convince the five to 10 percent in the center … ”
October 9, 2012 (El Cajon)—Councilman Bill Wells, a conservative who staunchly opposes new taxes and led efforts for El Cajon to become a charter city, seeks reelection to the El Cajon Council. He is one of seven candidates in the hotly contested race.
In an exclusive interview with East County Magazine, Councilman Wells discusses his accomplishments and plans for the future.
October 8, 2012 (El Cajon)--At tomorrow’s City Council meeting, the El Cajon City Council will consider the adoption of an ordinance making the sale of synthetic drugs a public nuisance in the City with the seller subject to civil penalties of up to $2,500 for each day said nuisance is in existence.
The ordinance came at the recommendation of El Cajon Police Chief Jim Redman at the August 14 City Council meeting.
October 8, 2012 (Poway) – The Tournament of the Phoenix and Festival of History is October 26 – 28 at the Poway Rodeo grounds, 14336 Tierra Bonita Rd., Poway. The event is a three-day, six-segment competitive sporting event, with entertainment and activities.
October 8, 2012 – The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has compiled a list of disaster apps and mobile optimized web pages in its Disaster Information Management Research Center. Most of the apps are available for both iPhone and Android devices.
October 8, 2012 (La Mesa)—A man shot in the head in the 5800 block of Amarillo Avenue in La Mesa on October 4 has been declared brain dead of his injuries. The victim has been identified as Josue Rodriguez, 33.
Antonio Garcia, 32, of La Mesa has been arrested and will be booked for murder, according to La Mesa Police.
Authorities are also looking for a second man, described as Hispanic, who was seen leaving the scene in a silver Honda with two women in the vehicle, La Mesa Today reported.
October 8, 2012 (Alpine) – A three-mile stretch of Interstate 8 will be closed tonight for a continuing investigation into a fatal crash on June 11 that killed two people. All eastbound lanes will be closed between Dunbar Lane/Harbison Canyon Road and Tavern Road from 11 p.m. tonight until 4 a.m. tomorrow, according to the California Highway Patrol.
October 6, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)- Bill Weaver hopes to replace incumbent board member Dr. Gary Woods on the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) board. He is a parent of a son and a daughter in Alpine schools, soon to enter the district. His two kids are the main reason of why he is devoted to GUHSD. He has championed a high school for Alpine but believes in reaching out to all schools. He also pledges to listen to concerns of every parent, make kids the focus when reaching a decision, use tax money wisely, and be open-minded and considerate of students’ needs.
October 8, 2012 (Ocotillo) – Photographer Daren Sefcik visited Ocotillo in May, before construction began on the Ocotillo Express wind project, then returned on October 3.
Through still photos and dramatic panoramic videos that reveal 360 degree views, Sefcik documents turbines dwarfng mountains and looming in close proximity to homes. “The landscape has already been destroyed by Pattern [Energy] and it will never, ever be the same,” he said.
October 8, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – ECM sent questions to all candidates running for Helix Water District Board.
In the race for seat three, there are two candidates: incumbent Chuck Muse and challenger Lori Kern-Greenberg. Kern-Greenberg responded to all questions in detail on topics ranging from water rates to transparency. (Scroll down for her replies.)
Muse refused to answer any questions, instead sending a brief reply: “All information you requested can be found on my web site.” (Editor’s note: In fact, only some of the topics are addressed on his website, which can be viewed at www.chuckmuse.org.)
October 8, 2012 (Columbia, Missouri) – With near record viewership for the first presidential debate, expectations are now unusually high for the one and only vice presidential debate on Oct. 11 between Democrat Joe Biden and Republican Paul Ryan.
Mitchell McKinney, University of Missouri associate professor of communication and internationally recognized scholar of presidential debates, points out that vice presidential debates present unique challenges for the vice presidential candidates and these debates function very differently than their presidential counterparts. Key features that typically characterize the vice presidential debate include:
October 8, 2012 (East County, San Diego) -- It only takes seconds for a fire to grow out of control, making escape from a fire impossible. That's why CAL FIRE is urging people to, "Have 2 Ways Out" of their home. In the event of a fire, remember that every second counts, so you and your family must always be prepared. Escape plans help you get out of your home quickly. Prepare and practice your fire escape plan regularly with everyone in your household, including children and people with disabilities.
By Thea Skinner
By Thea Skinner
By Thea Skinner
By Thea Skinner
By Thea Skinner
E - The Environmental Magazine
By Kit-Bacon Gressitt
By Carolyn McGraw, AllVoices.com
October 10, 2012 (El Cajon)--Eight candidates are vying for three seats on the El Cajon City Council in a hotly contested race: incumbents Tony Ambrose, Bob McClellan and Bill Wells and challengers Ben Kalasho, Lily Schworm, Kathy Spacone, Chris Shamoon and Duane Swainston.
October 10, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Eastbound I-8 will be closed for an investigation until approximately 11:30 a.m., according to the CHP website.
Update: Louis Lake has been located. 
October 9, 2012 (San Diego) -- The 
90% of dads who suffered football-related concussions want their kids to play tackle football; 43% of football player dads say there’s too much hype over concussions
October 9, 2012 (San Diego) -- On the flight deck of the USS Midway Museum, a floating tribute to America’s past wars, the region’s community college leaders said dwindling budgets are affecting their ability to serve those returning from today’s conflicts and heading back to school.
San Diego State University and Olympic Gold Medalist Keshia Baker partner with the Helen Knoll Foundation to promote breast cancer prevention and early detection in women 18 to 40
By Janis Mork
By Mark Gabrish Conlan
By Miriam Raftery
October 8, 2012 (El Cajon)--At tomorrow’s City Council meeting, the El Cajon City Council will consider the adoption of an ordinance making the sale of synthetic drugs a public nuisance in the City with the seller subject to civil penalties of up to $2,500 for each day said nuisance is in existence.
October 8, 2012 (Poway) – The Tournament of the Phoenix and Festival of History is October 26 – 28 at the Poway Rodeo grounds, 14336 Tierra Bonita Rd., Poway. The event is a three-day, six-segment competitive sporting event, with entertainment and activities. 
October 8, 2012 – The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has compiled a list of disaster apps and mobile optimized web pages in its 
October 8, 2012 (La Mesa)—A man shot in the head in the 5800 block of Amarillo Avenue in La Mesa on October 4 has been declared brain dead of his injuries. The victim has been identified as Josue Rodriguez, 33. 
By Janis Mork
October 8, 2012 (Ocotillo) – Photographer Daren Sefcik visited Ocotillo in May, before construction began on the Ocotillo Express wind project, then returned on October 3.
Courtesy of the University of Missouri
October 8, 2012 (East County, San Diego) -- It only takes seconds for a fire to grow out of control, making escape from a fire impossible. That's why CAL FIRE is urging people to, "Have 2 Ways Out" of their home. In the event of a fire, remember that every second counts, so you and your family must always be prepared. Escape plans help you get out of your home quickly. Prepare and practice your fire escape plan regularly with everyone in your household, including children and people with disabilities.
Recent comments