STUDENT ARRESTED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON MOUNT MIGUEL CAMPUS

SAN DIEGO FARMERS PRACTICE CLIMATE-RESILIENT AGRICULTURE TO CURB CLIMATE CHANGE

11 NOROVIRUS CASES IN SAN DIEGO LINKED TO FROZEN KOREAN OYSTERS

CEMETERY PROPOSED FOR PINE VALLEY OPPOSED OVER GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION CONCERNS

A GRAVE MISTAKE

HOMICIDE IN SPRING VALLEY: WOMAN KILLED, SUSPECT LATER FOUND DEAD

EL CAJON HOMICIDE SUSPECT ARRESTED CROSSING BORDER INTO U.S.

PINE VALLEY WOMAN DIES AFTER BEING HIT BY PICKUP TRUCK

AN ARTIST WHO REPURPOSES

JOIN US MAY 8 FOR A FESTIVE FEAST! EAST COUNTY DINING CLUB AT LEMON GROVE BISTRO

SAN DIEGO POLITICAL, COMMUNITY LEADERS CONDEMN IRAN MISSILE ATTACK AGAINST ISRAEL

LA MESA CITY COUNCIL GRAPPLES WITH FREE SPEECH, HATE AND INTIMIDATION

NEED HELP DEALING WITH DIVORCE OR A LOSS?

 
July 13, 2012 (La Mesa) – Foothills United Methodist Church is offering two classes to help those who are coping with grief.  The classes are ‘Dealing with Divorce’ and ‘Coping with Unexpected Loss.’
 
‘Dealing with Divorce:’
Foothills will be offering a class in its support series to assist those who may be facing divorce or separation. Learn tips to deal with the disappointments, decisions and discoveries that come along with these changes. The class incorporates faith and prayer with ways to deal with this loss.

LIBRARY JOURNAL NAMES TOP GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS AND BOOKS FOR 2012

 

July 13, 2012 (Washington, D.C.) — Each year, the American Library Association selects what it considers to be the most notable Government documents published by Federal, state, and local governments and publishes the list in the prestigious Library Journal (LJ).  

PUPPY WAKES FAMILY TO FIRE, BUT DIES AS FIVE PEOPLE EVACUATE

 
No Working Smoke Detector
 
July 13, 2012 (Spring Valley) --  San Miguel Firefighters responded to a fully involved mobile home fire located in the 10700 block of Jamacha Blvd. Units were dispatched at 8:45 a.m. Thursday and even though the first unit was on scene in 6 minutes, the double wide mobile home could not be saved. In addition to the home, two vehicles were destroyed and another vehicle damaged.

SAN MIGUEL FIRE DISTRICT PICKS ITS NEW CHIEF

By Paul Kruze

July 13, 2012 (Spring Valley)--By a unanimous vote by the board of the San Miguel Fire District (SMFD) and a badge pinned on his chest, then sealed with a kiss by his wife, former Division Chief Gary D. Croucher was installed as the District’s newest fire chief on Wednesday evening at the board meeting.

View a video clip of the appointment:  http://vimeo.com/45691689

FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR SAN DIEGO MOUNTAINS AND DESERTS FRIDAY

Storms to continue through weekend

July 12, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather statement for our region, including a flash flood watch for mountains and deserts in East County through Friday night, with storms forecast through Sunday. 

WILDFIRE DOUSED NEAR HOMES IN LAKESIDE

 

Photos and Video by Billy Ortiz

July 12, 2012 (Lakeside) – A brush fire briefly threatened homes at I-8 and Los Coches Road near in Lakeside early this afternoon.  Thanks to a full wildland fire response, the blaze was extinguished in about 20 minutes. 

"As I traveled up Los Coches Road, I spotted flames and smoke near a housing track. I called 911 and they dispatched fire crews.  Within 5 minutes  fire engine crews were on the scene," said ECM photographer Billy Ortiz, who shot this dramatic video as firefighters battled the blaze and concerned residents looked on.

DESCANSO DAYS: PARADE AND FAIR JULY 14

July 12, 2012 (Descanso) – Help fund preservation of Descanso’s historic town hall, built in 1899, by joining in this vintage Americana celebration in East County. Descanso Days fun begins with the “Proud to be an American” parade on Saturday, July 14 at 10 a.m. The parade route starts at Viejas Grade Road in Descanso and ends at the town’s elementary school. 

Later, enjoy live music by Pine Creek Posse Band as well as a bluegrass band and a “tin” band. The fair, held at the Descanso Town Hall, 24536 Viejas Grade Road in Descanso, also features arts and crafts, games, rides for kids, food and beverages.

ART IN THE PARK: MISSION TRAILS JULY 14

July 12, 2012 (Mission Trails) -- The Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation and the California Art Club will present Treasures of the Mission Trails Regional Park Art Exhibit and Benefit on July 14 from 6-8:30 p.m.

Renowned Native American Flute Player Tim Romero will be performing and George Cowles, East County resident circa 1873-1883, will return in character. The event will also include fine art, fine wine, cheese and chocolate.

FREE FRANK SINATRA TRIBUTE AT VIEJAS JULY 13

 

July 12, 2012 (Alpine)—Old blue eyes is back—at least in spirit.  Frank Sinatra impersonator Monty Aidem will perform a free tribute concert on Friday, July 13 from 8 p.m. to 12 midnight in the V Lounge at Viejas Casino.  Aidem has performed at top casinos in Las Vegas and other major venues.  

CHIEF’S CORNER: LIGHTNING SAFETY TIPS

By Sam Giovanna

East County Magazine’s in-house fire chief

July 12, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) --Following proven safety guidelines can greatly reduce the risk of injury or death from lightning strikes.

Lightning safety tips

The following tips are provided by the American Meteorological Society and the National Lighting Safety Institution.

HAZARDOUS WEATHER WATCH: THUNDERSTORMS, FLASH FLOODS, HEAT & FIRE DANGER

 

July 11, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a severe weather warning for San Diego’s inland areas that includes multiple perils.  An excessive heat warning continues, with temperatures up to 118 degrees forecast for desert areas.

In addition, thunderstorms are possibly Thursday afternoon through Friday morning, producing lightning, gusty winds, hail and light to moderate rainfall.  A flash flood watch has also been issued, as well as a fire weather watch.

HIKER, 19, DIES OF HEAT STROKE AT CEDAR CREEK FALLS

 

Excessive heat warning in effect; Sheriff issues safety tips for hikers

July 11, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for San Diego County’s desert areas, cautioning that conditions “could be deadly” for unprepared campers or hikers. 

That message comes too late for Lynn Thu Tran, 19, of Escondido.  She was found unconscious with signs of heat stroke on the Julian side of Cedar Creek Falls at 5:30 p.m. on July 9. She was airlifted to Palomar Hospital but did not survive.  According to the Medical Examiner, she died of hypethermia, conditions related to a heat stroke.

ECM WORLD WATCH: GLOBAL AND NATIONAL NEWS

 
July 12, 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.
  • Senate Dems  plan tax offensive (The Hill)
  • U.S. beefs up Gulf naval force amid tensions with Iran (Reuters)
  • NOAA: Last 12 months hottest ever (The Hill)
  • U.S. delivers ‘powerful commitment’ to Afghanistan (UT San Diego)
  • Has ‘organics’ been oversized? (New York Times)
  • The tax man cometh to police you on healthcare (UT San Diego)
WORLD
  • Iran says it has plan to close Strait of Hormuz (UT San Diego)
  • What does London’s LIBOR mean to the US? (NPR)
  • Polonium found on Arafat’s clothes was planted (Jerusalem Post)
  • New projects help 3D printing materialize (NPR)
 
Read more for excerpts and links to full stories.

EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: TOP LOCAL AND STATE NEWS

 
July 12, 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
  • Catching up with San Diego’s legislators (San Diego CityBeat)
  • Report: Padres to be sold to group including local golf star (10 News)
  • Survey: Islam is San Diego County’s fastest growing religion (UT San Diego)
  • Could economics doom ailing California nuclear plant? (Sacramento Bee)
  • Santee among cities getting park grants (UT San Diego)
  • Padre dam board settles on five-year  plan (UT San Diego)  
  • ‘Appalled’ at Costs, Residents Slam Helix Water District Rate Hike Plan
STATE
  • California growers join greens to query frack safety (Reuters)
  • Legislature approves high speed rail spending (SF Gate)
  • Historic bridges of Yosemite Valley under siege (Sacramento Bee)
  • Study: What makes Californians smile? (News Service .org)
  • College tuition is political fodder, from the state Legislature to the presidential campaign trail (Sacramento Bee)
  • Rising costs push California cities to fiscal brink
 
Read more for excerpts and links to full stories.

GOVERNOR SIGNS HOMEOWNERS BILL OF RIGHTS INTO LAW


July 11, 2012 -- Marking a major milestone for Californians and all Americans, the Homeowners Bill of Rights, a package of bills sponsored by Attorney General Kamala D. Harris that gives homeowners important new protections and places restrictions on how aggressively banks can foreclose, was signed into law today by Governor Brown.

CONFERENCE CELEBRATES WORLD INNOVATION OCT. 11-21

 
July 12, 2012 (Tijuana) -- The world’s leading innovators will gather this October at an international conference on San Diego’s doorstep. Nobel laureates Rajendra K. Pachauri, the United Nations’ point man on climate change, and Ada Yonath, winner of the Chemistry Prize, will join global thought leaders, technology entrepreneurs and pioneering philanthropists at the event, called Tijuana Innovadora 2012.

A NEW PATH (PARENTS FOR ADDICTION TREATMENT & HEALING) RECEIVES A MISSION SUPPORT GRANT FROM ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION

 
July 12, 2012 (San Diego) -– A New PATH, a non-profit organization that works to reduce the stigma associated with addictive illness, has received a grant from the Alliance Healthcare Foundation for $63,158 for core support of their mission and projects. Through education and advocacy, PATH promotes therapeutic rather than punitive drug policies.

HOUSE REPUBLICANS VOTE TO REPEAL AFFORDABLE CARE ACT, ROLL BACK CONSUMER PROTECTIONS

By Miriam Raftery

July 12, 2012 (Washington D.C.) – San Diego’s Republican representatives Duncan Hunter, Brian Bilbray and Darrell issue joined the Republican majority in the House of Representatives in voting to repeal the Affordable Health Care Act—taking health benefits away from their constituents as well as eliminating the mandate for coverage.

California Democratic Party Chairman John Burton sent an email blasting the vote.  “If ever anyone was looking for a reason to vote Congressional Republicans out of office in November, this has got to be it.”

BASEBALL SCAM ARTIST ARRESTED

 

July 11, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—Seth Tucker, 22, was arrested this morning for a scam in which he allegedly asked Santee residents for donations to send a local high school baseball team to Maui for a championship game.

“Investigators learned that Tucker had been doing this scam for several months in several different neighbors,” said Sgt. Tom Poulin.  “He would always represent himself as a player for the local high school team of the area he was in.”

BILL TO CREATE “INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING DISTRICTS” FOR MASSIVE ENERGY PROJECTS –WITHOUT VOTER APPROVAL—ADVANCES IN LEGISLATURE

 

By Miriam Raftery

July 7, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – If a bill passed by the Assembly and by a key State Senate Committee becomes law, San Diego County residents could be forced to pay for development of massive wind and solar projects in rural East County through property taxes—even though the projects are opposed by numerous area residents.

Sponsored by San Diego legislators Ben Hueso and Juan Vargas, AB 2551 would provide a fresh source of funding for energy companies pushing large wind and solar projects, since federal subsidies expire at year’s end. Both Vargas and Hueso have accepted thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from the electric utilities industry. 

The bill has drawn outraged reactions from key community leaders, who note that backers have vested interests in massive-scale energy projects and transmission lines proposed here. The measure is also opposed by the California Taxpayers Association and the California Association of Realtors.

TAYLOR GUITARS AND WESTFIELD CENTERS ANNOUNCE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES JULY 12 – AUGUST 23

 
Free acoustic performances to showcase local talent
 
July 11, 2012 (San Diego) -- This summer, Taylor Guitars and Westfield Centers are bringing live, acoustic music to shopping malls around San Diego County.
 
Beginning July 12, visitors to Westfield Horton Plaza and Westfield North County will be treated to free performances by local Taylor Guitars artists, including Americana revivalists, The Silent Comedy and Lexington Field, as well as singer-songwriters Oliver Trolley and Chi McClean.

CITY OF LEMON GROVE HOSTS GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY TO COMMENCE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW MAIN STREET PROMENADE JULY 19

 

City’s Highly-Anticipated, Sustainable Redevelopment Project Moves Forward
June 11, 2012 (Lemon Grove) -- Construction is set to begin next month on the highly-anticipated Main Street Promenade Redevelopment Project in Lemon Grove. The public is invited to join regional public officials for the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, July 19 at 3:00 p.m. on the 3500 block of Main Street, just north of Broadway.

SUSTAINABILITY EXPERTS AT UC SAN DIEGO GIVE TIPS ON HOW TO BEAT THE HEAT AND SAVE ENERGY

 
July 11, 2012 (San Diego County) -- Heat waves and power outages have been plaguing the nation in recent weeks and temperatures are expected to rise higher than usual in San Diego County within the next few days.
 
“In these extreme weather conditions, it’s important for people to be aware of how much power they are using because the high demand for energy and high temperatures go hand-and-hand,” said Dave Weil, director of building commissioning and sustainability at the University of California, San Diego. “At UC San Diego, saving energy is a top priority all year-round. The university generates about 90 percent of its annual electricity demand.”

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