January 17, 2013 (La Mesa) – La Mesa-Spring Valley School Board trustee Penny Halgren announced her immediate resignation at Tuesday’s meeting. Halgren said she is moving to Aracadia Los Angeles County to be with her boyfriend. Halgren has served on the board since 2002 and was reelected in 2010.
Asked whether the opening will be filled by appointment or by special election, Barbara Martinez, executive assistant to Superintendent Brian Marshall, told ECM, “That will be up to the Board to decide at the February 5 meeting.”
“We have an opportunity in San Diego to create a truly great international city; a city that respects and empowers its people; a city that protects and enhances their quality of life, and a city that promotes good-paying jobs and a healthy economy for all residents.” – Mayor Bob Filner
By Miriam Raftery
January 17, 2013 (San Diego)—In his State of the City address this week, newly elected Mayor Bob Filner discussed financial challenges as well as his vision for the future. He likened the city to a “patient who has overcome a serious illness,” citing a past cover-up of financial problems.
“The budget surplus predicted by my predecessor last year could actually be a deficit as much as $40 million,” Filner said, noting that state funding issues and court cases remain to be resolved. “But if we learned anything from the mistakes of the past, it’s that it is better to be truthful about these problems than to cover them up,” he said. Despite challenges ahead, the Mayor laid out ambitious plans for revitalizing the region's economy, making San Diego the nation's solar capital, expanding redevelopment to neighborhoods city-wide, and improving communication systems for regional emergencies such as wildfires.
Equine ordinance and Ewiiaapaayp rezoning request among agenda items
January 17, 2013 (Alpine) – The Alpine Community Planning Group will meet on Thursday, January 24 at 6 p.m. in the Alpine Community Center.
A County representative will be on hand to discuss the County’s proposed Equine Ordinance for horse owners. The Ewiiaapaayp band of Kumeyaay Indians will send a representative to request rezoning of a parcel to “rural commercial” designation. The agenda also includes cell phone site modification requests from Sprint and AT&T, and more. For the full Agenda, read more.
January 17, 2013 (San Diego’s East County)--The second amendment needs to be re-defined for the modern times.
It is my notion that the right to bear arms is very similar to the right to smoke; they both have a cancerous effect that contributes to the decay in modern society. We as a society can continue to ignore and look the other way with temporary fixes that give the appearance of seriousness; however, the reality is: there are too many guns in the US; and our too-many-guns are being turned on us.
January 17, 2013 (Santee)—A man’s body was found floating in the water at Santee Lakes this morning.
ECM news partner 10 News reports that workers opening a locked gate at 8:30 spotted a blue cap floating in the water. A parked vehicle with keys on the dashboard was also found nearby, Santee Patch reports. The body was partially submerged at the edge of Lake One.
January 17, 2013 (La Mesa) –The City of La Mesa is nearing completion of a draft environmental impact report on Park Station, a proposed 18-story high-rise project that would be 10 stories taller than any existing structure in the city.
Before planners and council members weigh in, Urban Housing Partners, marketers of the project have issued a survey, which you can take here:
January 16, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--Take a deep breath and buckle your seatbelt. You’re a caregiver: Sure you feel overwhelmed. It goes with the job; there’s not a family caregiver around who doesn’t feel stressed to the max – a lot of the time.
Caregiving is a rollercoaster. You go up and you go down, sometimes at virtually the same time. So buckle up and try to enjoy the best parts of the ride.
An important way to prepare for this journey is to set boundaries.
January 16, 2013 (San Diego) – The San Diego Sheriff is warning the public to beware of phone scammers posing as members of the Sheriff’s Department. There are at least two separate scams. One involves canceling arrest warrants or court appearances for a fee. The other scam entails notifying the victim that they have won a prize, then asking for payment for taxes. Scroll down for details.
The East County Produce Exchange is kicking off the New Year with an event on Saturday, January 26th. It will be held in the Jamul Hardware parking lot from 3:30-5:00. The Exchange is a monthly event in Jamul, where people come from all over the county to exchange freshly grown fruits and vegetables. The produce exchange is like a farmer’s market, but it is a free event. There is no money involved!
You set out your produce on a table, and then walk around and take what you want from others, while others will take from you. This month the exchange expects to have lots of oranges, lemons, chard, cabbage, broccoli, kale, onions, and herbs.
Update: ECM has obtained the complete list of Executive Actions taken by the President from the White House press office. View them here.
By Miriam Raftery
January 17, 2013 (Washington D.C.) – Joined by families victimized by gun violence, President Barack Obama yesterday announced a comprehensive plan to reduce gun violence, including background check,s limits on ammunition purchases, improved mental healthcare, better resources for schools and law enforcement.
The President has the backing of most Americans, according to several new polls which found strong support for key elements of the proposal.
January 16, 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:
January 16, 2013--(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:
January 16, 2013 (Spring Valley) – On January 19 the community is invited to a special fundraiser at Steele Canyon High School, 12440 Campo Road, Spring Valley from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to benefit the family of Don Mott. Mott is recovering from a seven hour open-heart surgery after suffering three heart attacks in the month of December.
January 16, 2013 (San Diego) – Graduating high school seniors can earn up to $10,000 towards a college education through to Cox Cares scholarship program. Cox Communications has been awarding college scholarships for 13 years and this year will be awarding $100,000 state-wide.
January 16, 2013 (El Cajon) – The East SD County cash mob is headed to Silver Creek Gallery, 120 E. Main St. in El Cajon on January 19 at 12 p.m. A Cash Mob is a large number of people organized via social media to draw customers to support a local small business during tough economic times. Previous cash mob events have brought thousands of dollars into local retailers. It’s all about supporting your local economy.
January 16, 2013 (Campo) – The Campo Diner is a popular place in East County – and co-owner Carmen Delaguerra is happy to announce that rumors of the diner’s demise are not true. The Diner is now reopened, following a two-week closure over the holidays due to discovery that well water was contaminated with nitrates.
“We’re getting a new filtration system. They’ve approved us being open for 30 days,” Delaguerra said, adding that while awaiting installation, the restaurant is serving bottled water and relying on paper plates. “Our customers don’t care about eating on paper plates. They’re telling us they’re thrilled that we’re back open."
Closure came without warning at the busiest time of the year, just before Christmas, when the nearby Pacific Southwest Railway Museum runs its Christmas train rides. “We had a party coming in that evening and we had to shut down that afternoon,”Delaguerra said. "It couldn't have happened at a worse time."
January 16, 2013 (La Mesa) – Two men are in custody after attempting to break into a vehicle at the La Mesa Indoor Soccer Park yesterday evening. According to Police, the suspects fled the scene but were apprehended with help from the Sheriff’s ASTREA helicopter.
Officers found the suspects’ vehicle in the parking lot at the Soccer Park, 9586 Murray Drive, and discovered additional stolen property inside.
January 16, 2012 (Jamul)--The League will have tryouts on Saturday, January 26th starting at 9am for players ages 7-14. There will also be registration for boys and girls ages 5-14.
The location is at the Jamul Little League Fields at 14545 Lyons Valley Rd, Jamul, CA. The fields are between Jamul Primary and Jamul Intermediate School.
Okay, so it’s New Years, a time for resolutions. Since the independent press that was going to publish my memoir in 2013 has closed its doors due to the owner’s health, I need to find another publisher for my book. The state of the industry, large publishers merging in order to survive and the prohibitive cost of paper dictating major print publication decisions, makes this a challenging time for authors. The saving grace is we’re living in a digital age and there are multiple avenues available to writers through digital publication. Also, small to medium-size independent publishers are putting out excellent books.
January 16, 2013 (Washington, D.C.)--The Democratic Caucus earlier this month approved additional committee assignments for Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) has been assigned to serve on the House Science, Space and Technology committee.
January 16, 2013 (Lakeside)--Sandra (Sandie) Seckington of Lakeside won a First Place award for miniatures at the San Diego Watercolor Society’s January show, “New Beginnings”. Sandie’s painting, “Uncertain Future”, was picked by juror Carol Mansfield because of its painterly but realistic depiction of a cheetah. Mansfield said that the cheetah had “such presence”.
Asked about her painting, Sandie said, “As a lifelong animal lover and currently doting "Mom" to two horses, two cats, a parrot and a dog, paintings of animals are a special pleasure for me. I try to really get to the soul of the animal through its eyes and imbue it with fanciful colors to express my delight in the creature.
January 16, 2013 (San Diego) – Wind industry professionals and government leaders gathered at the Hilton in La Jolla-Torrey Pines for a four-day conference sponsored by the American Wind Energy Association January 14-17.
On opening day, a Regional Wind Energy Summit-West was held focusing on on demand and challenges in the region, as well as new opportunities for wind energy developers in the western United States ranging from corporate clients and point-of-use projects to repowering older wind farms.
September 15, 2013 (San Diego) -- Joan McKasson and Joan Merrick were awarded first and second places respectively in the San Diego Watercolor Society’s January show, “New Beginnings”. The juror, Carol Mansfield, complimented both paintings for their expert use of watercolor along with their strong colors and designs.
January 15, 2013 (San Diego) – San Diego County Parks have many activities scheduled throughout the month of January—including everything from ranger-led hikes to star parties. Scroll down for activities in our inland regions, or visit www.sdparks.org for a full listing.
January 15, 2013 (Descanso) – The Descanso Branch Library will be holding a Customer Appreciation Open House on January 17 from 12 – 2 p.m. Meet the Library Director, Jose Aponte, enjoy lunch provided by the Friends of the Descanso Library and listen to bilingual storytime.
It’s Not Too Late to Vaccinate; Plenty of Flu Vaccine Available
January 15, 2013 (San Diego)--Another four county residents have died from influenza, bringing the number of deaths reported this flu season to six, the County Health and Human Services Agency announced today.
The number of people sick with influenza is also on the rise in the region. In the week ending Jan. 12, a total of 311 local flu cases were reported, more than double the number of cases reported the prior week, which had 143 cases. A total of 670 flu cases have been reported so far this season. Emergency departments are also seeing more patients with flu-like illnesses. They make up six percent of all visits, which is the expected level during the flu season but still an increase of a two-to-three percent from prior weeks.
January 15, 2013 (Encanto)--San Diego Police Department Homicide Unit detectives are investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred in the Encanto neighborhood of east San Diego.
According to police, on Saturday, January 12 around 1:17 a.m., a San Diego police officer patrolling the area saw a car speeding eastbound in the 5400 block of Imperial Avenue. The officer attempted to stop the car for the speeding violation; however the driver failed to yield to the officer’s police lights and siren. Two other officers assisted in the pursuit, chasing the car to the 6500 block of Brooklyn Avenue.
For complete Calendar including Authors Events, go to www.SDWriteWay.org
January 15, 2013 (San Diego)--Children’s Book Drive: Adventures by the Book, in partnership with Yellow Book Road Children's Bookstore, is hosting a special book drive and fundraising event featuring 10 bestselling and popular children's authors and illustrators, some of the most talented children's authors and illustrators in Southern California.
January 15, 2013 (Ramona) -- Sheriff’s deputies have arrested Oscar Torres, 32, of Chula Vista on suspicion of burglary and vehicle theft in Ramona. A bizarre string of events began when deputies responded to a call reporting a suspicious person in the 17000 block of Ridgeview Lane, Ramona yesterday shortly after 3 p.m.
“The suspect entered several residences in the area and was described as having black paint on his face and arms,” said Sergeant Ken Jones. “The suspect stole a Ford F-150 truck from one of the driveways and left the area.” Deputies found the vehicle traveling east on Main Street toward Highway 78. The ASTREA helicopter and canine units were requested.
While being followed by deputies, Jones said, the suspect began to throw objects out of the vehicle and dowsed himself with gasoline. He then lit a towel on fire, throwing it onto the roadway.
January 15, 2013 (Ramona)--On a warm spring morning in the Upper Borrego Valley in 2003, the last 29 wild horses in East County--were rounded up by helicopters and driven into pens. They were then removed from Coyote Canyon and trucked to a sanctuary in South Dakota through a snow storm with temperatures 4º below zero.
Equine ordinance and Ewiiaapaayp rezoning request among agenda items
By Alfred Waddell
By Marsha Kay Seff
January 16, 2013 (San Diego) – The San Diego Sheriff is warning the public to beware of phone scammers posing as members of the Sheriff’s Department. There are at least two separate scams. One involves canceling arrest warrants or court appearances for a fee. The other scam entails notifying the victim that they have won a prize, then asking for payment for taxes. Scroll down for details.
January 16, 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:
January 16, 2013--(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:
January 16, 2013 (Spring Valley) – On January 19 the community is invited to a special fundraiser at Steele Canyon High School, 12440 Campo Road, Spring Valley from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to benefit the family of Don Mott. Mott is recovering from a seven hour open-heart surgery after suffering three heart attacks in the month of December.
January 16, 2013 (San Diego) – Graduating high school seniors can earn up to $10,000 towards a college education through to Cox Cares scholarship program. Cox Communications has been awarding college scholarships for 13 years and this year will be awarding $100,000 state-wide.
January 16, 2013 (El Cajon) – The East SD County cash mob is headed to Silver Creek Gallery, 120 E. Main St. in El Cajon on January 19 at 12 p.m. A Cash Mob is a large number of people organized via social media to draw customers to support a local small business during tough economic times. Previous cash mob events have brought thousands of dollars into local retailers. It’s all about supporting your local economy.
January 16, 2013 (La Mesa) – Two men are in custody after attempting to break into a vehicle at the La Mesa Indoor Soccer Park yesterday evening. According to Police, the suspects fled the scene but were apprehended with help from the Sheriff’s ASTREA helicopter. 
January 16, 2012 (Jamul)--The League will have tryouts on Saturday, January 26th starting at 9am for players ages 7-14. There will also be registration for boys and girls ages 5-14. 
By Ray M. Wong
January 16, 2013 (Washington, D.C.)--The Democratic Caucus 
January 16, 2013 (Lakeside)--Sandra (Sandie) Seckington of Lakeside won a First Place award for miniatures at the San Diego Watercolor Society’s January show, “New Beginnings”. Sandie’s painting, “Uncertain Future”, was picked by juror Carol Mansfield because of its painterly but realistic depiction of a cheetah. Mansfield said that the cheetah had “such presence”. 
By Miriam Raftery
September 15, 2013 (San Diego) -- Joan McKasson and Joan Merrick were awarded first and second places respectively in the San Diego Watercolor Society’s January show, “New Beginnings”. The juror, Carol Mansfield, complimented both paintings for their expert use of watercolor along with their strong colors and designs.
January 15, 2013 (San Diego) – San Diego County Parks have many activities scheduled throughout the month of January—including everything from ranger-led hikes to star parties. Scroll down for activities in our inland regions, or visit 
January 15, 2013 (Descanso) – The Descanso Branch Library will be holding a Customer Appreciation Open House on January 17 from 12 – 2 p.m. Meet the Library Director, Jose Aponte, enjoy lunch provided by the Friends of the Descanso Library and listen to bilingual storytime.
January 15, 2013 (San Diego)--Another four county residents have died from influenza, bringing the number of deaths reported this flu season to six, the County Health and Human Services Agency announced today.
January 15, 2013 (Encanto)--San Diego Police Department Homicide Unit detectives are investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred in the Encanto neighborhood of east San Diego.
For complete Calendar including Authors Events, go to 
By Ariele Johannson
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