July, 27, 2012 (La Mesa) -- Before running away from the AM/PM Gas Station at 4925 Spring Street in La Mesa on July 9, a lone suspect with scissors robbed the store at about 1:40 a.m. The suspect ran away westbound from the store with a metal cash box containing petty cash.
July 26, 2012 (Pine Valley) – The Mountain Empire Men’s Club presents the 42nd annual Pine Valley Days on July 27 and 28.The events begin on Friday at 5:00 p.m. with a Deep Pit BBQ followed by dancing under the stars at Pine Valley County Park, 28810 Old Highway 80.
Saturday’s events begin at 9:00 a.m. with a 2 hour parade down old Highway 80 from Pine Valley Road to Pine Blvd. After the parade there will be bouncies for kids, a rock climbing wall, music, a horse shoe tournament and food at the park.A market place with over 30 vendors will also be there.
July 26, 2012 (San Diego's East County) -- Though a power outage can occur from a simple malfunction in the system, human error or a traffic accident involving a power pole. Keep in mind, this is the time of year when it is important to prepare for power outages. Excessive heat warning may cause utility companies to issue “rolling brown outs.” The summer monsoon season can bring electrical storms causing power disruptions. Most importantly as we approach Fall, the Santa Ana Winds bring a multitude of threats such as wildfires, but also power outages from downed powerlines. A power outage can be extremely annoying and inconvenient, but it won't be a horrible experience if you're prepared for the worst.
July 22, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Revelations that six wildfires in the past six weeks have been caused by recreational shooting in East County has caused a firestorm of controversy.
Cal-Fire, joined by residents of Dulzura, Potrero and other areas bordering the Otay Wilderness area have asked the federal Bureau of Land Management to ban shooting on its properties within San Diego County for the duration of this year’s expected severe fire season.
July 26, 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:
WORLD
Returning migrants boost Mexico’s middle class: net immigration to U.S. now zero (Washington Post)
Pressure mounts to stop China’s forced abortions (USA Today)
Syria says could use chemical arms against foreigners (Reuters)
Tax havens: Super rich ‘hide’ 21 trillion (BBC)
Murdoch resigns from his British papers’ boards (NY Times)
U.S.
Poverty issue missing on presidential campaign trail (OpEd News)
Offshore jobs play role in campaign and economy (KPBS)
Romney walks political tightrope on foreign policy (CNN)
What happens to current nursing home residents if House Budget Resolution becomes law? (Medicare Advocacy)
White House threatens to veto GOP drilling bill (The Hill)
Solar trade war hurts Chinese imports (Technology Review)
July 26, 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:
STATE
Health insurance rebates due next week across California (Sacramento Bee)
California Parks Director resigns amid scandal (Sacramento Bee)
Prop 32 opponents blast measure as flawed, unfair (Sacramento Bee)
4th night of unrest in Anaheim as protesters confront police (San Diego Free Press)
Will California’s controversial desalination plant get off the ground? Here’s the last hurdle it faces (Alternet)
LOCAL
Foreclosures plummet in San Diego County (UT San Diego)
Council won’t sign PBID yet (La Mesa Today)
San Diego: America’s Olympic capital (UT San Diego)
Lakeside’s Long new face of Olympics (UT San Diego)
Abuse of power allegations levied against Border Patrol (10 News)
Video shows border agent destroying water for migrants (10 News)
July 26, 2012 (San Diego) -- Dear EarthTalk: I was appalled by the pollution haze I saw on a recent visit to Acadia National Park in Maine, and was told by a ranger that it was from smokestacks and tailpipes hundreds of miles away. Is anything being done to clear the air in Acadia and other natural areas where people go to breathe fresh air and enjoy distant unobstructed views? -- Betty Estason, via e-mail
July 24, 2012 (Ocotillo) – On Friday the 13th of July, foamingfloodwaters rushed through the town of Ocotillo, leaving a white chemical residue behind on lawns, streets, and the surrounding desert floor.
Despite numerous complaints to federal, state and local officials, however, nothing has been done to test the residue or correct a drainage pattern altered by Pattern Energy’s construction at the adjacent Ocotillo Express industrial wind site on Bureau of Land Management property.
The flooding is the latest in a long string of problems tied toPattern and its subcontractors, which residents say have exhibited a patternof breaking rules that protect public health and safety, with seemingly no serious consequences.
July 25, 2012 (Jamul)-- A brush fire that began at or near 128480 Proctor Valley Road in Jamul shortly after 4 p.m. was knocked down by a massive, multiple agency response that included over 100 firefighters from at least a half dozen fire departments.
July 25, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—Opponents of Sunrise Powerlink and massive industrial energy projects proposed to tie into the line are encouraging the public to join a protest on Thursday, July 26 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Update 5:20 p.m.: The fire's forward spread has been stopped at 20 acres, Cal Fire's Roxanne Provaznik reports. No structures were burned. Proctor Valley Road remains closed between Chula Vista and Jamul. Echo Way is also closed but should be opened soon.
July 25, 2012 (Lemon Grove) – If you bought a Mega Millions California Lottery ticket at a gas station in Lemon Grove, you may be the lucky winner of over half a million dollars.
The winning ticket matched five of six winning numbers in Tuesday’s draw (5, 9, 38, 46 and 51) but did not match the Mega number 5. The Lemon Grove ticket is worth $587,468, Lottery officials announced today.
July 25, 2012 (El Cajon) – Youth Theatre Conservatory (YTC) will be performing “Underground” July 23-28 at 7:00 p.m., with a 2:00 p.m. matinee on the July 28, at Granite Hills High School Little Theatre, 1719 East Madison Ave, El Cajon.The show is centered around forgiveness and letting go of struggles.It was previously named “A Room Full of Strangers”.
July 25, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—Padre Dam Municipal Water District are considering a rate hike on its 24,000 customers in East County.
On Thursday, July 26 at 6 p.m., the District will hold a workshop at its board room (9300 Fanita Parkway in Santee) to explain the proposal and answer questions.
July 25, 2012 (San Diego)-- Warm weather is expected with low clouds along the coast today. Later this week, a gradual cooling trend inland will bring relief from high temperatures--but watch for warmer weather on the horizon next week.
Here are the latest conditions provided by the National Weather Service for today:
July 25, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Lions, Tigers and Bears, the nonprofit big-cat rescue facility located just east of Alpine, invites you and your family to come pitch a tent and spend a “Wild Night in the Country” camping out next to big cats.
The overnight camps are offered JAugust 3, September 21, and October 26.The “Ruffin’ It Package” asks you to bring your own camping gear, dinner and breakfast; LTB provides s’mores.
July 25, 2012 (Escondido) – Palomar Health is hosting a “community celebration” on Saturday afternoon at the new, 11-story Palomar Medical Center (PMC) here. The district serves north San Diego County, including inland mountain areas.
Councilmember Mark Arapostathis volunteers to produce and perform in an annual fundraiser for the La Mesa Arts Alliance.
July 25, 2012 (La Mesa) -- The annual La Mesa Arts Alliance (LMAA) fundraiser will be a production called “Radio Daze III” on Thursday, July 26 at the La Mesa Community Center. Councilmember Mark Arapostathis who also volunteers to direct the Peter Pan Junior Theater and C. Hook Theater will again volunteer his time to produce and perform in the show. The hour long performance begins at 7:00 p.m. with a reception at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 with a no host food and beverage bar and current LMAA members will receive free admission and snacks. LMAA Membership is $25 for an individual or $40 for a family.
Solar Shines Bright To Help San Diego Fight Construction Of Gas Power Plant
July 25, 2012 (Santee) – San Diego’s Planning Commission voted last week against rezoning open space near Mission Trails Regional Park to install a gas-fired power plant. But the decision can be appealed at City Council. Residents in Santee and San Diego have voiced strong opposition to the Quail Brush power plant on the site bordering both communities.
“We have created the San Diego Solar Program to offer a reliable clean energy solution that benefits our local communities,” said Daniel Sullivan, founder and president of Sullivan Solar Power. “Not only are program participants saving money and helping our region meet our energy demands, they are getting paid to do so.”
To help with declaring energy independence, a free San Diego Solar Program informational solar luncheon is being hosted for East County residents on Saturday, August 4, at 11 a.m. at Santee City Hall, Civic Building #7 (10601 Magnolia Ave, Santee, CA 92071).
July 23, 2012 (McCain Valley) - ECM reader Tom Lemon sent in these spectacular photos of McCain Valley, site of the proposed Tule Wind facility in San Diego's East County.
"I first visited McCain Valley around 1995 after reading Jerry Shaad's book Afoot and Afield in San Diego County. I began camping and hiking in the Valley and explored the trails and side roads to vista points where you can see the abandoned San Diego and Arizona Eastern Railroad tracks, the Salton Sea, and Castle Butte in Arizona. Yes, you can see all the way to Arizona," he wrote.
"My friend Brian getting into the spirit of McCain. Yeah, it does make you feel like that."
July 25, 2012 (Sacramento) – As ECM has reported, the state has suspended Brown Act provisions that previously required public boards to notify the public about agenda items at least 72 hours before meetings.
Now Californians Aware, a watchdog group that protects citizens’ right to open government, has created an online petition with Change.org to “Free the Brown Act from Budget Suspense.”You can urge Assembly speaker to support a constitutional amendment that would restore open government rights for the people by signing the petition here.
Update: The stay of eviction has been denied by the 4th circuit court. Mother Earth has filed for bankruptcy, but will remain open pending bankruptcy hearings, attorney Lance Rogers advised ECM today.
July 25, 2012 (San Diego)—A legal team for Mother Earth Alternative Healing Cooperative in El Cajon filed an emergency writ July 23 in San Diego County’s Superior Court seeking a stay of eviction from the facility near Gillespie Field.
County Offers Tips to prevent Fido from Becoming a “Hot Dog”
July 25, 2012 (San Diego County) -- Summertime is here and the Department of Animal Services (DAS) wants to remind everyone that these hot days can pose a danger to your pets.
“Animals can be very sensitive to high heat," said Director of Animal Services Dawn Danielson. "Make sure your pets have plenty of fresh cool water and shade; and cut down or stop any exercise for your dogs when it is hot."
July 25, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The San Diego Sheriff’s office responded to a 911 call Monday at 5:17 p.m. regarding a female hiker who reportedly had fallen off a rock while hiking at Three Sisters Falls. Law Enforcement and Fire/Rescue resources were dispatched to the scene. These resources consisted of a Sheriff's Deputy, a fire/rescue helicopter, A Sheriff's Department law enforcement patrol helicopter, as well as engine companies from the U.S. Forest Service and CAL FIRE.
July 24, 2012 (El Cajon)--An abundance of my childhood memories are focused around food. One memory that stands out is sitting at a black and yellow booth, hot breadsticks in hand, at Pat and Oscars. This restaurant held memories of family dinners, or friendly lunches, so I was devastated when these restaurants closed. Now,with great joy I bring good news: the chain has been transformed into a delectable combination of new and old, a twist of familiarity and contemporary design, reopening as O’s American Kitchen.
July 25, 2012 (La Mesa) – Patients, some in walkers and wheelchairs, were dismayed to learn that a power outage has forced evacuation of the five-story medical office building #3 at 5565 Grossmont Center Drive.
A spokesperson at the property management company told ECM that power may not be restored until after 5 p.m. tonight.
July 25, 2012 (Ramona)-- The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) has announced that Terese Rose, a local real estate agent, was charged with “devising and executing a mortgage loan origination fraud and kickback scheme.” The charges, filed in May, were unsealed July 12 and reveal that Rose pled guilty to conspiracy charges.
July 25, 2012 (Portrero) -- The County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health (DEH) has issued a Boil Water Order and Public Notification for the Potrero General Store and Café drinking water system located on 25125 Highway 94, Potrero, CA 91963 effective immediately. The water system serves a general store and cafe.
July 26, 2012 (Pine Valley) – The Mountain Empire Men’s Club presents the 42nd annual Pine Valley Days on July 27 and 28.
22, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Revelations that six wildfires in the past six weeks have been caused by recreational shooting in East County has caused a firestorm of controversy.
July 25, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—Opponents of Sunrise Powerlink and massive industrial energy projects proposed to tie into the line are encouraging the public to join a protest on Thursday, July 26 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. 
July 25, 2012 (El Cajon) – Youth Theatre Conservatory (YTC) will be performing “Underground” July 23-28 at 7:00 p.m., with a 2:00 p.m. matinee on the July 28, at Granite Hills High School Little Theatre, 1719 East Madison Ave, El Cajon.
By Caleb Trainer
Councilmember Mark Arapostathis volunteers to produce and perform in an annual fundraiser for the La Mesa Arts Alliance.
July 25, 2012 (Santee) –
July 23, 2012 (McCain Valley) - ECM reader Tom Lemon sent in these spectacular photos of McCain Valley, site of the proposed Tule Wind facility in San Diego's East County.
![](/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/2012/July/mother%20earth%20lawyers.jpg ""JD," Bob Reidel, Lance Rogers, and View Linville")
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