ATMOSPHERIC RIVER TO DRENCH REGION OVER EASTER WEEKEND

GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL BOARD SLASHES STAFFING, OVER OBJECTIONS OF VOCAL CROWD

CONSUMER ALERT FOR SAFELY FILING YOUR TAXES

VIEW OUR INTERVIEW: LA MESA ACTIVISTS OBJECT TO CITY COUNCIL BANNING REMOTE PARTICIPATION

WINTER STORM WARNING

EASTER BRUNCH AND EGG HUNT MARCH 30 IN EL CAJON

BIA SAN DIEGO PARTNERS WITH WORKFORCECONNECT TO UTILIZE JOBS PLATFORM, WHILE ADDRESSING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WORKFORCE SHORTAGE

RECENT FIRE DEATHS HEIGHTEN CALLS FOR FIRE PROTECTION BALLOT MEASURE IN SANTEE

COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND TANYA TUCKER LIVE AT THE MAGNOLIA MAY 19

MISSION TRAILS REGIONAL PARK COMMUNITY NIGHT SLATED FOR THURSDAY, APRIL 4

UNOFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS SHOW FLIPS IN TWO KEY RACES HOLDING

184 GUNS TURNED IN AT SHERIFF’S LEMON GROVE GUN SAFETY EVENT

EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: TOP LOCAL AND STATE NEWS

August 30, 2012 --  (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: 

LOCAL/REGIONAL 
  • Southern California town declares emergency over quake swarm (Reuters) 
  • Sale of  Padres becomes official (10 News)
  • U.S.-Mexico border: efforts to build a virtual wall (BBC)
  • New poll shows DeMaio trailing Filner in mayoral race (10 News)
  • San Diego’s morphing water policy (San Diego Free Press)
  • Charges against same-sex marriage activists dismissed (10 News)
  • No fines for unpermitted UT car museum (Voice of San Diego)
STATE  
  • 19 wind turbines burned, 9 damaged in Jawbone fire (California Wildfires Today) 
  • Reactions pour in to public pension reform (Sacramento Bee 
  • Are you eating genetically modified foods laced with pesticides? (San Diego Free Press)
Read more for excerpts and links to full stories.

SMART METER OPT-OUT SURVEY

 
August 30, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Since the California Public Utilities Commission required SDG&E to provide opt-out options for customers who wanted smart meters removed or not installed, some complaints have surfaced over notification, fees, access for meter readers to homes with dogs, and more. The Electrosmog Prevention organization has created a survey for SDG&E consumers in our area. Consumers can fill out the survey below and return the completed survey to Sue Brinchman, director@electrosmogprevention.org. You can also post comments below this article with details on your experiences. ECM will consider a follow-up article after hearing more from readers. 

EAST COUNTY GROWERS TAKE PART IN HAWAIIAN PLUMERIA FESTIVAL SEPT. 1-2

 

August 27, 2012 (San Diego) – The 13th Annual Hawaiian Plumeria Festival will be at Balboa Park’s Casa del Prado September 1 – 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The event is sponsored by the Southern California Plumeria Society and features a Flower Show competition with hundreds of entries a Plant Sale and live Hawaiian entertainment.

“Some of the most respected growers in the US are in East County,” said Mike Atkinson, an East County plumerian. East County has a number of prominent plumeria growers who will be participating in the flower show and sale:

DAVE MASON JR. BEATS OUT VETERAN RACERS TO FIRST PODIUM FINISH

 
Team Competitive Conquers First Ever Wild West Motorsports Park Event
 
August 29, 2012 (El Cajon) --  His rookie season in the pro-buggy class of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series started out like many rookies in sports...with trials and hardships. But Dave Mason Jr. and his team have been working hard to improve. Race by race they have been changing and adjusting on the #65 Competitive Metals/JAMAR Alumi Craft Pro Buggy.

GROSSMONT ADULT SCHOOL’S WHODUNIT BOOK CLUB TO BEGIN SEPTEMBER 4

 

August 29, 2012 (El Cajon) -- Mystery fans are invited to read and discuss mysteries at the Whodunit Book Club, a free Grossmont Adult School class that starts September 4, at the El Cajon Library, 201 E. Douglas Ave. The weekly class is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the library Seminar Room.

TROUBLING RISE IN ECTOPIC PREGNANCIES BAFFLES MEDICAL EXPERTS: 1 In 38 PREGNANCIES HAS THE LIFE-THREATENING CONDITION

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

August 26, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – How common are life-threatening pregnancy conditions?  The question is timely given the Republican Party’s platform calling for a ban on abortions, even when a mother’s life is at risk. Some who advocate outlawing all abortions have sought to justify the position by arguing that life-threatening conditions are rare. 

But in fact, the most common cause of death in early pregnancy has increased dramatically.

SDG&E RECEIVES LEGAL NOTICE OF "DANGEROUS CONDITIONS" AT OCOTILLO EXPRESS WIND PROJECT

 

Unsafe wiring and shallow foundations among hazards listed; where are the project's engineers?

 

By Miriam Raftery

August 28, 2012 (Ocotillo) – An attorney representing homeowners in Ocotillo has sent a notice of dangerous conditions of public property” to San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E).  The letter alleges that at the Ocotillo Express wind project, Pattern Energy is in the process of burying over 80 miles of electrical lines “without the use of any conduit or casement to prevent electrocution.” 

Photos taken by ECM photographers indicate lines are only 18-20 inches deep – far shallower than the 48 inches required by the project Environmental Impact Report. In addition, the letter alleges that turbine foundations are too shallow, that massive grading has caused flooding, and that these designs were done without licensed engineers signing off on key project components.

FROM THE CHIEFS CORNER: WHAT TO DO BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE

August 27, 2012 (San Diego's East County)--With the recent Earthquakes and the anticipation of more aftershocks it’s a good time to review what to do before, during and after an earthquake says East County Magazine’s in-house Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.

Before an Earthquake

The following are things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your property in the event of an earthquake.

8TH ANNUAL STRUT FOR SOBRIETY! SEPTEMBER 8

 

August 28, 2012 (San Diego) – The 8th Annual Strut for Sobriety! is presented by A New PATH (Parents for Addiction Treatment & Healing), an organization founded by a Spring Valley mother.

The event takes place on September 8 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, 1380 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego.  The event will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a boutique and silent auction.  At 12:00 p.m. the luncheon, awards ceremony and fashion show will begin.

WORST DROUGHT SINCE DUST BOWL FUELING SEVERE WILDFIRES ACROSS U.S.

By Miriam Raftery

August 25, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—High temperatures and the worst drought since the Dust Bowl in the 1930s have combined to fuel severe wildfires across the U.S.  in the first 8 months of the year, wildfires have scorched nearly 7 million acres—on pace to make 2012 one of the worst years on record. 

LEGISLATURE PASSES BILL TO HAVE RETIRED JUDGES REDRAW DISTRICT LINES FOR SAN DIEGO SUPERVISORS

 

 
By Miriam Raftery
 
August 28, 2012 (San Diego)—San Diego County Supervisors won’t be able to redraw their own district lines or assign hand-picked appointees to do so if Governor Jerry Brown signs Senate Bill 1331 and San Diego voters approve the new plan. 
 
The bill, authored by Senator Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego), has passed both houses of the state Legislature.  It would require retired judges to redraw supervisors’ districts starting in 2021. The bill applies only to San Diego County, where Supervisors have been accused of gerrymandering districts to retain power for conservatives. 

BELLUS ACADEMY OFFERS FREE SPA SERVICES TO MILITARY SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN ON SEPTEMBER 4 - 8

 


August 30, 2012 (El Cajon) – The Bellus Academy is offering complimentary spa services for active and retired servicemen and women September 4-8.  The award-winning salon and spa has three locations in San Diego, El Cajon, Poway and National City.

2ND ANNUAL BEAUTY IN THE BRIDE WEDDING EXPO ON SEPTEMBER 30

 

August 28, 2012 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa David’s Bridal & Friar Tux Preferred Wedding Planner, Charisma Events & Consulting (CEC) host its second annual Beauty in the Bride Wedding Expo. Join the 2nd Annual Beauty in the Bride Wedding Expo on September 30, 2012. The Beauty in the Bride Expo will take place at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa.  The event doors will be open to the public from 2-5 p.m. and will consist of a fashion show, raffles and San Diego’s Top Wedding Professionals will display their services and products.

THE OPERA, CARMEN TO BE PERFORMED AT LAS PLAYAS ARENA ON AUG 30 AND SEPT 1

 
Update: All of the tickets for Carmen have sold out.
 
August 28. 2012 (Tijuana) -- One of the most famous operas in the world, Carmen, by George Bizet will be performed in Tijuana, Mexico at the Playas de Tijuana inside the rodeo arena on August 30, and September 1 at 8:00 p.m. The opera is sponsored by Tijuana's Municipal Institute of Art and Culture (IMAC) and Mexico’s National Council for Culture and the Arts.
 
The event is being  held as part of the celebrations organized to commemorate the anniversary of the founding CXXIII city of Tijuana.

EARTHTALK®: CO2 IN THE ATMOSPHERE

E - The Environmental Magazine 
Written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss 
 
August 28, 2012 (San Diego's East County) -- Dear EarthTalk: I read that CO2 in our atmosphere is now more than 300 parts per million. Doesn’t this mean that we’re too late to avoid the worst impacts of climate change?                                                                                                                          -- Karl Bren, Richmond, VA

A NEW PATH ORGANIZES EVENT FOR INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY (AUGUST 31) TO REMEMBER LIVES LOST AND EDUCATE ABOUT SOLUTIONS TO OVERDOSE CRISIS

 
Accidental Overdose Remain Leading Cause of Injury Death for Adults Ages 25-64
 
Moms United to End the War on Drugs Partners are creating events in several cities to bring attention to the need for Naloxone.
 
August 28, 2012 (San Diego) --  (A New PATH) will join the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA), and dozens of organizations in the U.S. and abroad participating in the 12th annual International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31. The day honors and remembers those who have lost their lives to an accidental overdose. The occasion is also an opportunity to educate policymakers and the public about the growing overdose crisis in the United States and abroad – and to offer concrete solutions that save lives.

BACK TO SCHOOL TIME IS CHECK YOUR RECEIPTS TIME

 
County Urges Consumers to Protect Themselves from Overcharges When Shopping 
 
August 28, 2012 (San Diego)--The end of summer means back to school and lots of shopping for moms, dads — even teens — to pick up binders and backpacks, the latest pair of colorful jeans or Vans, even high-tech tools like tablets and e-readers. It also means it’s time to remind consumers to double-check their receipts to make sure they’re not being overcharged by faulty cash-register price scanners.

VOLUNTEERS TAKE ‘THE GREAT AMERICAN ROAD TRIP’ REGISTERING VOTERS AT CONCERTS

 

Dave Matthews Band, Wilco, Phish and Furthur Host Voter Registration Drives on Their Summer Tours
 
August 28, 2012 (New York, N.Y.) -- What’s more American than rock n’ roll and democracy? Well, a few lucky young people are getting a healthy dose of both this summer, taking “The Great American Road Trip” to register voters at Dave Matthews Band, Wilco, Phish and Furthur concerts across the country. The Dave Matthews band will perform at the Cricket Wireless Ampitheater in Chula Vista on September 7.

 

PETERS AFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR WOMEN'S RIGHTS

By Miriam Raftery

August 27, 2012 (San Diego)—Democrat Scott Peters’ Congressional campaign has issued a press release blasting his opponent, Republican Brian Bilbray, for a record on women’s rights and choice that “closely mirrors Mr. Akin’s,” Peters’ communications director MaryAnn Pintar said.

 

COUNTYWIDE POLL SHOWS INCREASED SUPPORT FOR CONTINUED INVESTMENTS IN WATER SUPPLY RELIABILITY

August 27, 2012 (San Diego) -- San Diego County residents’ support for funding seawater desalination or other investments to enhance the reliability of the region’s water supplies has increased compared to last year, a new public opinion poll commissioned by the San Diego County Water Authority has found.

The poll, which surveyed 816 adult San Diego County residents in July, found:

GROSSMONT HIGH CELEBRATES TOPPING OUT OF NEW HUMANITIES BUILDING

August 27, 2012 (El Cajon) -- Grossmont Union High School District and Grossmont High School celebrated the topping out of the new humanities building on Tuesday, Aug. 21. The ceremony marked the completion of the steel framing as the construction team set the final beam into place. The humanities building is scheduled for completion in spring of 2013.

SANTEE HAZMAT INCIDENT: CHEMICAL ODOR

August 28, 2012 (Santee) -- There is a Hazmat incident in Santee at 9457 Carlton Oaks Drive. A wide area is secured. E5 and chief are there with the Sheriff's Department. SDFD and County Hazmat are required responding to unit A.

Update:4:30 p.m.


By Nadin Abbott
Photos by Tom Abbott
 
August 28, 2012 (Santee)-- The Sheriff's Department responded to a call of a chemical odor at 9457 Carlton Oaks Dr. in Santee. At their discretion they escalated the call to a full Hazardous Materials response.

SWARM OF EARTHQUAKES FELT ACROSS REGION; STRONGER QUAKE POSSIBLE IN NEXT DAY OR SO

 By Miriam Raftery

Nadin Abbott contributed to this report

August 26, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – More than 200 earthquakes centered near Brawley in Imperial County have rocked our region in the past 24, many felt by residents across San Diego.  The strongest measured 5.5 and 5.3 on the Richter scale; the most recent, a 5.1, rattled the area at 10 p.m.

View a map; hit “animation” to see the progression: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsanim/canv/.  For details and eyewitness accounts, scroll down.

A TOUCH OF JAZZ FROM HARRY JOE REYNOLDS AT JEREMY’S ON THE HILL AUGUST 31

 

August 26, 2012 (Julian) – Jeremy’s on the Hill California Style Bistro presents Live Music with Harry Joe Reynolds on August 31 beginning at 6:30 p.m.  Reynolds, a local favorite since 1979, has been making music in Julian for 3 decades.  He will bring a touch of jazz to Jeremy’s on the Hill with easy listening songs on the jazzier side of blues with classic ballads and blue standards.

EARTHTALK® HOW EFFICIENT IS RADIANT HEATING?

 

E - The Environmental Magazine
Written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss
 
August 30, 2012 (San Diego's East County) -- Dear EarthTalk: How energy efficient (and comfortable) is underfloor heating, sometimes known as radiant heating? -- Marcy Dell, Boston, MA

Underfloor radiant heating involves under laying the floor with a hot element or tubing that transfers heat into the room via infrared radiation and convection, obviating the need for forced or blowing air.

 

HOME VIDEO HERALD: IN DARKNESS (BLU-RAY)

By Brian Lafferty

 

August 29, 2012 (San Diego) – A harrowing sequence of events transpire during the first thirty minutes of In Darkness, atrocities that I could describe but I won’t. That’s because as shocking as they are, there is only one shot, seen later, that remains entrenched in my mind.

 

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