October 6, 2012 (San Diego)—The first general election Presidential debate between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney concluded on October 3, entering into history. It had become one of those events that seemed important because everybody — or at least all the political pundits — were saying it would be important. In an election in which the recent polls had shown Obama gaining slight but significant leads in many of the so-called “swing states,” the nine or so across the country where the balance between Democrats and Republicans is so delicate the election could go either way, the debates have been hailed as Romney’s last chance to turn things around.
October 8, 2012 (Sacramento)-- California farmers trying to adapt to climate change are getting some support. Governor Jerry Brown has signed two bills that will help the state reach its greenhouse gas reduction goals. The bills create a public process for determining how cap-and-trade revenue will be spent, with some of the revenue going to sustainable agriculture activities.
"Alpine could be the first of a district-wide peel off! This GUHSD Governing Board needs a wake-up call." -- Bill Weaver
By Bill Weaver, GUHSD Governor Board candidate and parent
The current Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) Board majority, which includes up for re-election incumbent Dr. Gary Woods, has shot themselves in the foot with recent bad policy decisions. They claim declining enrollment, and loss of Average Daily Attendance (ADA) funds as the justifying basis.
The GUHSD Board has passed a resolution to not move ahead with the 12th High School, until California State ADA funding returns to the higher 2007/08 levels. This has the Alpine Union School District, and the Alpine High School Citizens Committee, currently mounting an effort to pull out of the GUHSD.
October 7, 2012 (Washington D.C.)-- After a decade of legal challenges, the "roadless rule" landed on the U.S. Supreme Court's doorstep, and on Monday, the court opted to leave it in place rather than hear the latest appeal.
The rule doesn't allow new road-building on millions of acres of national forest land in three dozen states, including California.
October 6, 2012 (San Diego) – Broadcast journalist Gloria Penner, a pioneer in local broadcasting and a leading voice at KPBS radio/TV station on the San Diego State University campus for more than half a century, died today of pancreatic cancer. She was 81.
Her death comes just days before the Women’s History Museum was slated to hold a special tribute to Penner at an October 13 “Broads in Broadcasting” celebration of women who broke through the barriers in the broadcast world.
October 6, 2012 (Spring Valley) -- In a class last week, 5th degree black belt martial arts master Scot Conway taught kids different techniques of how to handle physical bullying by showing by example at the Bully-Stop Seminar at the Guardian Academy. Adults learned just by Conway explaining it. ECM participated in a few of the techniques with the kids.
First, Conway handed out a sheet of paper to the parents. The kids lined up in a line across the mat and properly greeted Conway as their sensei (teacher) by clasping their hands and bowing. Then, the kids gathered in a circle around Conway on the mat. Conway explained that one of the biggest problems of bullying is when parents are in the school office and claims are made that the bully and victim are just friends, that they’re just having fun.
October 6, 2012 (El Cajon) -- Considered to be one of the largest community events in the East County, the annual El Cajon Safety & Career Expo is being held Saturday, October 13th, at 100 E. Lexington Avenue from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
After a special noon welcome ceremony, the El Cajon Police Department will have a special Police K-9 demonstration. San Diego Gas & Electric and Mission Federal Credit Union are our title sponsors, both dedicated to education in the community. Stop by their booths for valuable safety information and get a fire badge sticker and red fire helmet for the children.
October 6, 2012 (Lemon Grove) – The Lemon Grove Historical Society is holding its annual October Autumn Tea at the historic H. Lee House on October 14 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Lee House is located at 3205 Olive in Lemon Grove.
The cost to attend is $23 per person and is first come, first served. The seating is limited to 30. For more information contact 619-460-4353 or lghistorical@gmail.com.
October 6, 2012 (El Cajon) – The El Cajon Safety and Career Expo will take place October 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fire Station 6, 100 East Lexington Ave., El Cajon. This year’s event will honor the city’s centennial. Heartland Fire and Rescue Fire Chief Rick Sitta will host the noon welcome ceremony that includes a tribute to responders and a tribute to the City of El Cajon’s Centennial.
Performances continue Oct. 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 at the Stagecoach Theatre, Grossmont College
Reviewed by Kathy Carpenter
Directed by Alumni Stephen Schmitz
October 5, 2012 (El Cajon)--It's the errors that make them valuable: stamps and people. Five simple characters or not so simple. Mauritius is the story of two half-sisters whose mother recently passed away The plot and arguments revolve around a stamp collection.
Mauritius was originally produced in New York by the Manhattan Theatre Club.
October 6, 2012 (San Diego) – The Scripps Ranch Fire Safe Council will host its 6th annual “Play to Protect” Charity Golf Tournament on October 20 at The Vineyard Golf Course, 925 San Pasqual Rd., Escondido. The event begins at 1 p.m. and features a fun day of golf and a selection of auction items and raffle prizes.
October 6, 2012 (El Cajon)--El Cajon, indeed, will have chickens in their town – not just in ovens---but on hats! Where? Oktoberfest -- held this weekend at the German-American Societies of San Diego, Inc. facility on South Mollison.
October 5, 2012 (San Diego) – The California Public Utilities Commission will hold a public hearing on SDG&E profits on October 5 at 7 p.m. in the Al Bahr Shriners Hall, 5440 Kearny Mesa Road.
The utility has repeatedly sought rate hikes. But SDG&E already has among the highest profit rates in the United States at 11.1%. Further, a recent study by The Utility Reform Network (TURN) indicates a 9.4% profit would be a fairer rate that would enable energy bills to be reduced by $50 a year for the average family. The public is invited to testify at the hearing.
October 5, 2012 (Jacumba)--The Jacumba Arts Council (JAC) is holding an art festival and fund-raiser between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 27th at the Highland Community Center on Old Highway 80. Some of Jacumba’s most talented artists will be displaying their art and offering many pieces for sale. Mark your calendars now!
October 5, 2012 (San Diego) -- Another week, another Liam Nelson film. Taken 2 is his fourth this year alone. First came The Grey, a gritty action survival film set in Alaska that packed a psychological punch. The second was the wretched Wrath of the Titans, which right now is my pick for the worst film of the year. Following that was Battleship, a stupid and turgid alien invasion flick that cribbed the worst elements of Michael Bay’s films. Taken 2 does nothing to better Neeson's batting average this year, but at least it's somewhat more tolerable than Wrath and Battleship. But that isn't saying much.
October 5, 2012 (East County) -- Former Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) Matthew Harvey Hedge has reported to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department License and Registration Division on October 3, 2012 that he is now a transient in the areas of Spring Valley and Lemon Grove.
Since the court lifted his designation as an SVP on September 28, 2012, Hedge is free to live and go anywhere. He is no longer required to wear a GPS tracking device. He has served the sentence imposed by the court and is not currently on parole or probation. Hedge is required to notify the Sheriff's Department of his whereabouts every 30 days.
October 5, 2012 (San Diego) – V/H/S is a twisted ode to the videotape, a once-venerable technology that is becoming an increasingly forgotten relic in the high definition digital age. Taking the best elements of the found footage genre and integrating it with the anthology film format, it made me scared, anxious, and queasy. Each story, helmed by a different director, uses the found footage genre to its fullest potential, with scary, disturbing and unsettling results.
October 5, 2012 (San Diego) -- Mid-October is Homecoming week for San Diego State University. This year’s homecoming theme is “Paint the Town Red”--something the Honorary Chair and Grand Marshall for the festivities – The Show – knows all about!
SDSU will host several events starting Sunday, Oct. 7 and leading up to the homecoming football game against the Colorado State Rams on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 at 3:45 p.m. at Qualcomm Stadium.
October 5, 2012 (La Mesa) – Oktoberfest has been a tradition in La Mesa for 35 years, growing from a small street fair to a three-day fest that now draws over 186,000 attendees and 400 vendors. La Mesa Chamber has partnered with La Mesa Village Merchants Association, founders of the event.
This year’s festivities include not only such German favorites as bratwurst, beer, and a Raving Polka band, but also more contemporary favorites such as CarTune Dogs playing classic rock and Jumpin’ Jack Flash mobile music all weekend long.
October 5, 2012 (Valley Center) – Feast your eyes on the delicacies to be served up Saturday, October 6 at 2 p.m. during an English High Tea at Keys Lavendar Farm in Valley Center. Savor vanilla scones with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves, Chicken Herbs de Provence and more while sipping on a variety of fruit blend and black teas—and of course, lavender tea. See full menu.
Keys Creek Lavender Farm is located at 12460 Keys Creek Road in Valley Center, CA 92082. For reservations call 760-742-0523 or email events@kclfarm.com
October 5, 2012 (Lakeside)—Shots rang out at 6:24 yesterday morning after an intruder stabbed a resident in the 15000 block of El Monte Road in Lakeside. According to Sergeant Tom Poulin with the Santee Sheriff’s Department, as the intruder was fleeing the scene in the car he was attempting to steal from the resident, the resident shot off a couple of gun rounds.
October 4, 2012 (El Cajon)—Three challengers running for office in the El Cajon Council race have made allegations including sign-stealing, racism and pressure on local merchants to back incumbents and suppress messages from other candidates.
On September 25, John Gibson with the Hamann Companies, a backer of incumbents Bill Wells and Tony Ambrose, made racially-charged remarks about Iraqi Chaldean candidate Ben Kalasho in a City Council meeting. The comments came after the Kalasho campaign accused Gibson, along with an incumbent Councilman, of involvement in removing and defacing Kalasho campaign signs.
October 5, 2012 (El Cajon)--El Cajon Police responded to calls reporting gunshots heard in the 1300 block of Oakdale this evening at 7:40 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found a 22-year-old man with a non-life threatening gunshot wound to his leg.
"Officers were able to determine there was some type of argument in the street just prior to the shooting. The victim was transported to an area hospital. It is unclear at this time what led to the shooting," said Lt. Mike Moulton.
On October 5, 2012 (La Mesa)—At 5:22 p.m. yesterday, La Mesa Police Department received reports of “shots heard” and a victim on the ground in the area of 5800 Amarillo Avenue. Upon arrival, La Mesa Police Officers found an unknown white male lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds to the head. He was transported to a local hospital and is in critical condition.
“Fix the poverty rate and schools, then long term we will have a great city.” – Chris Shamoon
October 2, 2012 (El Cajon )—Chris Shamoon has big dreams for El Cajon. A successful business owner and recent law school graduate, Shamoon says he was approached by local business owners to run for El Cajon City Council. His platform extends far beyond the business community, as he seeks to represent needs of all people in the city—and tackle head-on the root causes of poverty, health and education problems dismissed by some candidates as unsolvable or not the role of the city to address.
Shamoon, one of seven candidates vying for three seats on the Council, shared his vision in an exclusive interview with ECM.
October 4, 2012 (East County, San Diego) -- Heartland Fire & Rescue will be hosting three Fire Open House events on Saturday, October 13, 2012 in Lemon Grove, El Cajon and La Mesa.
This is an opportunity to receive free safety tools and important lessons for you and your children.
October 4, 2012 -- (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 reflecting 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:
U.S.
Loose seats on American Airline flights ground planes (WAFB TV)
Ahead of presidential debates, polls show Obama ahead on key issues (Washington Post)
Mitt Romney would allow waivers to DREAMers (NBC)
Most swing states are better off today (LA Times)
Supreme Court rejects appeal on airport scanners (Reuters)
China farm sues Obama over blocked wind farm deal (BBC)
Obama blocks Chinese company from owning Oregon wind farm (Fox)
Montana governor sees big savings with new state health clinic (Reuters)
Intelligence effort named citizens, not terrorists(UT San Diego)
WORLD
U.S. intelligence now says Benghazi attacks deliberate (Reuters)
Pesticide use ramping up as GMO crop technology backfires: study (Reuters)
Nigeria probes student killings (BBC)
The Arab Spring becomes a Western Winter (Jewish World Review)
Richard K. Smith elected vice chair; Michael T. Hogan elected secretary
October 4, 2012 (San Diego) -- The San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors on Thursday, September 27 elected new officers to lead the agency’s board for the next two years.
October 4, 2012 (San Diego) – County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk Ernest Dronenburg wishes to advise all property owners whose property was damaged or destroyed during the recent Shockey Fire that property tax relief is available. This tax relief program requires the reassessment of the property to reflect its damaged condition. The reduced value will remain in effect until such time as the property is rebuilt or repaired.
October 4, 2012 (Los Angeles)— Californians aren’t price sensitive when it comes to genetically modified foods, reveal the latest results of the USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times Poll. Even when presented with information about how much regulation might cost the cash-strapped state, a majority of voters support a November ballot initiative that would require new labeling for food that contains genetically modified ingredients. If approved by voters, the initiative would become the first of its kind in the United States.
By Mark Gabrish Conlan
By Bill Weaver, GUHSD Governor Board candidate and parent
By Miriam Raftery
By Janis Mork
October 6, 2012 (El Cajon) -- Considered to be one of the largest community events in the East County, the annual El Cajon Safety & Career Expo is being held Saturday, October 13th, at 100 E. Lexington Avenue from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
October 6, 2012 (Lemon Grove) – The Lemon Grove Historical Society is holding its annual October Autumn Tea at the historic H. Lee House on October 14 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Lee House is located at 3205 Olive in Lemon Grove.
October 6, 2012 (El Cajon) – The El Cajon Safety and Career Expo will take place October 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fire Station 6, 100 East Lexington Ave., El Cajon. This year’s event will honor the city’s centennial. Heartland Fire and Rescue Fire Chief Rick Sitta will host the noon welcome ceremony that includes a tribute to responders and a tribute to the City of El Cajon’s Centennial. 
Performances continue Oct. 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 at the Stagecoach Theatre, Grossmont College
October 6, 2012 (San Diego) – The Scripps Ranch Fire Safe Council will host its 6th annual “Play to Protect” Charity Golf Tournament on October 20 at The Vineyard Golf Course, 925 San Pasqual Rd., Escondido. The event begins at 1 p.m. and features a fun day of golf and a selection of auction items and raffle prizes.
By Rebecca J. Williamson
October 5, 2012 (San Diego) – The California Public Utilities Commission will hold a public hearing on SDG&E profits on October 5 at 7 p.m. in the Al Bahr Shriners Hall, 5440 Kearny Mesa Road.
October 5, 2012 (Jacumba)--The Jacumba Arts Council (JAC) is holding an art festival and fund-raiser between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 27th at the Highland Community Center on Old Highway 80. Some of Jacumba’s most talented artists will be displaying their art and offering many pieces for sale. Mark your calendars now!
By Brian Lafferty
October 5, 2012 (East County) -- Former Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) Matthew Harvey Hedge has reported to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department License and Registration Division on October 3, 2012 that he is now a transient in the areas of Spring Valley and Lemon Grove.
By Brian Lafferty
October 5, 2012 (San Diego) -- Mid-October is Homecoming week for San Diego State University. This year’s homecoming theme is “Paint the Town Red”--something the Honorary Chair and Grand Marshall for the festivities – 
October 5, 2012 (Valley Center) – Feast your eyes on the delicacies to be served up Saturday, October 6 at 2 p.m. during an English High Tea at Keys Lavendar Farm in Valley Center. Savor vanilla scones with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves, Chicken Herbs de Provence and more while sipping on a variety of fruit blend and black teas—and of course, lavender tea. 
Photos, video and story by Billy Ortiz
By Miriam Raftery
October 5, 2012 (El Cajon)--El Cajon Police responded to calls reporting gunshots heard in the 1300 block of Oakdale this evening at 7:40 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found a 22-year-old man with a non-life threatening gunshot wound to his leg.
By Miriam Raftery
October 2, 2012 (El Cajon )—Chris Shamoon has big dreams for El Cajon. A successful business owner and recent law school graduate, Shamoon says he was approached by local business owners to run for El Cajon City Council. His platform extends far beyond the business community, as he seeks to represent needs of all people in the city—and tackle head-on the root causes of poverty, health and education problems dismissed by some candidates as unsolvable or not the role of the city to address.
October 4, 2012 -- (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 reflecting 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:
Richard K. Smith elected vice chair; Michael T. Hogan elected secretary
October 4, 2012 (San Diego) – County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk Ernest Dronenburg wishes to advise all property owners whose property was damaged or destroyed during the recent Shockey Fire that property tax relief is available. This tax relief program requires the reassessment of the property to reflect its damaged condition. The reduced value will remain in effect until such time as the property is rebuilt or repaired.
October 4, 2012 (Los Angeles)— Californians aren’t price sensitive when it comes to genetically modified foods, reveal the latest results of the
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