October 17, 2012 (Vallecito)--The County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health (DEH) has issued a Boil Water Order and Public Notification for the Vallecito County Park Water System located at 37349 Great Southern Overland, Julian, CA, 92036 effective immediately.
The drinking water system has tested present for total coliform bacteria and absent for E. coli.
October 16, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The San Diego Sheriff’s office announces several events to raise funds for Sheriff's Child Abuse Detective Ali Perez. Detective Perez was shot and wounded with Sergeant Craig Johnson while they were attempting to arrest a suspected child molester in Lakeside in September.
Sgt. Johnson is recovering at home.
Det. Perez face many months of recovery in the hospital. It is unknown if or when he will return to work. This incident has been a financial hardship for the Perez Family including his two daughters in college.
Friday, Oct. 19 is Debut of East County's New Halloween Attraction; scary movies also to be shown
October 14, 2012 (Rancho San Diego) - The Halloween Spirit has taken over Cottonwood Golf Club. A 10,000 square foot maze is being constructed with hay bales on Cottonwood's driving range. It's been labled "Scary Maze" and it opens to the public on Friday, Oct. 19 at 6 p.m.
October 14, 2012 (Otay) - Over 25 vehicles and three homes were vandalized last night or this morning in the 1800 block of Magdalena Avenue and on side streets in Otay Ranch.
"The damage consisted mostly of spray paint on cars, garage doors or broken car windows," stated Lt. Eric Thunberg with Chula Vista Police. "Some of the damage consisted of crudely drawn swastikas or parts of the human body."
October 14, 2012 (Pala) – A coalition fighting to stop out-of-town investors from developing a garbage dump in Gregory Canyon near Pala will rally at the Pala Rey Youth Camp on Saturday, October 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on October 20. Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians and Shasta Gaughen, EPA Director of the Pala Indians will be among the speakers and honored guests. The event will also feature traditional bird singing to protect Gregory Canyon as well as information on the fight to save the sacred mountain, which includes rock paintings and a medicine rock.
October 13, 2012 (Otay)—Incumbent Otay Water District board member Mark Robak faces three challengers for Seat 5: water manager David Charles, civil engineer Ronald Ripperger, and retired civil engineer Tim Stanton. East County Magazine sent a questionnaire to all of the candidates. Ripperger and Stanton did not respond. Replies from Charles and Robak are published below.
October 16, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--The Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation has made arrangements to offer children’s art classes for the first time. Nora Kearney-Johnson will offer four classes each Saturday, Oct. 20 through Saturday, Nov. 10.
“We have been working on offering children’s art classes for over a year and Nora has the perfect program for us,” said Jay Wilson, executive director at Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation. For more information and to sign up, visit: http://www.mtrp.org/news.asp?idno=250652
October 14, 2012 (Tijuana) -- Four Mexican designers presented a historic fashion show Sunday night outdoors as part of the Tijuana Innovadora conference before a standing-room audience of more than 700 fans. It was the first time such a large-scale show had been presented in the border city.
The designers were Louis Verdad and Ximena Valero, both based in Los Angeles, and Emedel Garcia and Daniela Villa, from Tijuana.
October 11, 2012 (Spring Valley)- Retiree Randy Dibb wants to run for the San Miguel fire board because he has “concern for the district” and wants to bring “changes.” His values include satisfying the needs of the constituents coupled with the dramatic changes in the way the district does business, and putting together a viable budget within the current concerns of the district.
October 12, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)- Challenger Barbara Stevens has been a writer/editor for over 35 years. She grew up in San Diego, attended Point Loma High School and San Diego State University.
She wants to focus “on the kids more so than adults, focus on student achievement, education, the students’ and districts’ needs.”Stevens was motivated to run because her daughter went through the district, graduating from Helix Charter in 2008 and recently graduating from California State University San Marcos.
October 14, 2012 (La Mesa)--La Mesa is serious about eradicating graffiti thanks to an organized program and dedicated volunteers, the city’s Focus publication reports. La Mesa participates in the countywide Graffiti Tracker program, where all graffiti is photographed and logged by area and “tag.”
The goal is to remove all graffiti within 72 hours, though often graffiti is eliminated within 24 hours.
Local sports-themed hair care provider challenges team members and clients to make calls home possible for deployed and hospitalized U.S. service members through VFW’s Operation Uplink™
October 16, 2012 (Santee) -- Beginning October 15, Sport Clips Haircuts in Santee at 9349 Mission Gorge Road will join more than 950 of the franchise’s locations across the country in launching its annual “Help A Hero” fundraising campaign to support the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW) Operation Uplink™.
Trustee defends stances on Alpine High and bond monies amid reported Grand Jury probe
By Janis Mork and Miriam Raftery
October 12, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)- Elected to the Grossmont Union High School District Board in 2008, Gary Woods, Ed.D., is a professor of psychology at Southern California Seminary who says he has been an advocate of modernizing high school campuses and bringing technology into classrooms, although he opposed bond measures that provided that funding and is staunchly against new taxes.
Other priorities include "risk students and graduation success, best practices in secondary education, business internships, character development and charter school reform."
October 14, 2012 (San Diego)—November's election has big impacts for our region, our nation and our world--with San Diego poised to be a leader in the emerging green economy.
Should our region’s needs be met by rooftop solar or industrial wind projects in our backcountry? Should the San Onofre nuclear reactors be shut down? How can we fuel San Diego’s economy and create green jobs? In what ways should transportation and water issues be addressed—and what about global climate change? These were among the topics of lively discussion at the San Diego Green Candidates forum on October 4, where candidates for Congress, Assembly, Mayor and Supervisor shared their ideas on these important issues and more.
October 16, 2012 (San Diego's East County)--Over 50 industrial-scale "renewable" energy projects may soon change forever the face of our region in San Diego's East County and neighboring Imperial County.
Many are on formerly protected federal lands. Nationally, 370 million acres of public lands are targeted for big renewable energy projects -- twice the size of Texas!
ECM editor Miriam Raftery has prepared a Powerpoint presentation for organizations that wish to educate their members about the impacts of these projects--and the alternatives. To view our Powerpoint presentation, click here.
Update January 28, 2013: Our original presentation raised questions on wind speeds in Ocotillo. Following the project's completion, six weeks of videos document the lack of wind. An ECM investigation found this is not unusual; many projects around the world have failed to live up to wind speed claims and some countries are now revoking subsidies. Yet surprisingly, the Bureau of Land Management says it does not require energy companies to provide proof of energy production levels after projects are built. This revelation further casts doubt on the wisdom of destroying public lands with public monies.
October 16, 2012 (El Cajon)--The World Famous Harlem Globetrotters will be visiting Johnson Elementary School in El Cajon today to meet with students during two assemblies. They'll be teaching students about the "ABC*s of Bullying" - a Harlem Globetrotters pilot anti-bullying awareness program.
The ABC’s of Bullying Prevention program originated through partnership with the National Campaign to Stop Violence. Each year, the nonprofit organization hosts its Do the Write Thing Challenge. Last year, 60,000 middle-school students wrote essays on violence in their lives—and the most frequent experiences described by students traced back to bullying.
October 13, 2012 (El Cajon)—The San Diego Grand Jury has launched an investigation into possible misuse of bond funds by the Grossmont Union High School District’s board majority, muliple sources have confirmed to East County Magazine.
“We’re in a Grand Jury investigation about Alpine,” GUHSD board trustee Priscilla Schreiber told ECM. Schreiber said she learned of the probe “by accident” while in the District’s office. Schreiber has been a vocal critic of the Board majority (Trustees Gary Woods, Jim Kelly, and Robert Shields) for blocking construction of a high school for Alpine while allowing diversion of school bond funds for costly new projects not mandated in two bond measures, Prop H and Prop U. Both measures were approved by voters and specifically called for a new high school in Alpine.
October 15, 2012 (San Diego) – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Graco Children’s Products Inc., has recalled about 86,000 Graco Classic Wood Highchairs. The highchair’s seat can loosen or detach from the base, posing a fall hazard to a child. Consumers should stop using the recalled products immediately and call Graco for a free repair kit.
October 15, 2012 (San Diego)--African Restaurant Week, which starts on Friday, October 19th and ends on Sunday, October 28th is an event being hosted by a variety of African restaurants to showcase and promote African businesses and culture in San Diego. Just like San Diego Restaurant Week, participating businesses from throughout the City of San Diego will create a special prix fixe menu featuring special appetizers, main courses and desserts.
October 15, 0212 (Rancho San Diegoi) -- ECM videographer Paul Kruze rescued "Pitaya" after her prior owner had to move away for a new job. This sweet, 9-year-old tortoise-shell grey kitty is very "loving and calm" says Paul.
But she needs a new home loving home immediately because Paul's other cat, also a rescue animal, is not getting along with the newcomer. We're hoping one of our generous readers will come forward to save Pitaya!
October 15, 2012 (Sacramento) -- The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) learned today that Military Warriors Support Foundation is currently accepting applications online from combat-wounded veterans and unmarried Gold Star Spouses of OIF/OEF for newly-renovated, 100% mortgage-free homes in Bakersfield, Crescent City, Riverbank, Sacramento and Stockton, California.
October 15, 2012 (Alpine) – The Alpine Union School District today sent an email alert from Superintendent Tom Pellegrino warning of an older man who has twice attempted to persuade a female student to get in his car. Below is the warning sent by the Superintendent today:
October 17, 2012 (Lakeside) -- Cox Communications and The Trust for Public Land announced Sally Nelson as the 2012 Cox Conserves Hero (click to see video). Sponsored locally by Think Blue San Diego and radio partners KYXY 96.5 and Energy 103.7 FM, Cox Conserves Heroes honors volunteers who are creating preserving or enhancing outdoor spaces.
Nelson was nominated by Lakeside's River Park Conservancy because of her commitment to the local environment, education and community awareness. Nelson has been volunteering for over 10 years. She has been active in every event the River Park has had, from the first purchase of land to the trail opening.
The 2nd Annual OceanLeaf Awards Celebration recognizes individuals who have helped to bridge the gap between the East African refugee community and greater San Diego
October 15, 2012 (San Diego)—Somali Family Service of San Diego is hosting the 2nd Annual OceanLeaf Awards Celebration to recognize the accomplishments of San Diego leaders who have contributed to the advancement of the Somali and East African refugee community in the city. The event celebrates the refugee journey to a new homeland (Ocean) and unity among cultures (Leaf).
October 15, 2012 (El Cajon) – Make plans to build a better future today! In partnership with the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District, the Grossmont Union High School District is hosting its ninth annual Got Plans? Career & College Fair for high school students and parents on Saturday, October 20, 2012, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Grossmont College.
October 15, 2012 (San Diego) – San Diego State University announced on Thursday, October 11 a transformative gift from two former faculty members. Professors Emeriti Carey Wall and Terry O’Donnell have partnered on a $2.4 million dollar gift to SDSU’s musical theater program.
Wall’s and O’Donnell’s gift will endow a faculty position in the nationally renowned program. The funding ensures SDSU musical theatre students will continue to have opportunities to learn from top faculty members.
October 18, 2012 (San Diego)- Democrat Jerry Tetalman is running against Republican Congressman Darrell Issa in the 49th District this November. Issa is among the wealthiest members of Congress and has long been viewed as invincible in a largely Republican district—though Citizens for Responsible Ethics in Washington (CREW) have documented numerous controversies and most recently, filed ethics and a Department of Justice complaint against Issa.
Tetalman supports a future of peace and prosperity based on building a world ruled by democratic law rather than force, and a sustainable economy in harmony with the environment.
Video, full text, analysis, polls, and fact check links
By Miriam Raftery
October 14, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—In a combative debate, Vice President Joe Biden and VP candidate Paul Ryan faced off at Kentucky Centre College last Thursday on both foreign and domestic policy issues.
Unlike President Barack Obama, who drew criticism from supporters for being “too polite” in failing to counter attacks and even misleading statements by Mitt Romney in the presidential debate, a scrappy Biden defended the administration’s record with the aggressiveness of a prize fighter, calling out Ryan repeatedly on factual errors or exaggerations. Unflapped, Senator Ryan fired back some verbal barbs of his own as he made his case for a Romney-Ryan ticket and assailed the adminstration's record.
October 14, 2012 (La Mesa)—A woman carrying her 2-year-old child in the 8000 block of University Avenue in La Mesa was pushed from behind, then robbed of her purse at 7:30 p.m. last night.
According to La Mesa Police, the victim was crossing the street when the man shoved her in the back, then stole her purse and fled. Neither the woman nor her child were injured. The suspect remains at large.
October 14, 2012 (Los Angeles)-- ECM photographer Ron Logan, in Los Angeles this week, snapped this historic image of the Space Shuttle Endeavor on its final journey to the California Science Center in Inglewood.
Astronauts, movie stars and political leaders were on hand. State Senator Roderick Wright concluded, that the reason for making the California Science Center the Endeavor's final home is "because we want you to know, every young person here in the audience, that the universe is your limit. You can go as high as you choose to go."
October 17, 2012 (Vallecito)--The County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health (DEH) has issued a Boil Water Order and Public Notification for the Vallecito County Park Water System located at 37349 Great Southern Overland, Julian, CA, 92036 effective immediately.
October 16, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The San Diego Sheriff’s office announces several events to raise funds for Sheriff's Child Abuse Detective Ali Perez. Detective Perez was shot and wounded with Sergeant Craig Johnson while they were attempting to arrest a suspected child molester in Lakeside in September.
Friday, Oct. 19 is Debut of East County's New Halloween Attraction; scary movies also to be shown
October 14, 2012 (Otay) - Over 25 vehicles and three homes were vandalized last night or this morning in the 1800 block of Magdalena Avenue and on side streets in Otay Ranch.
October 14, 2012 (Pala) – A coalition fighting to stop out-of-town investors from developing a garbage dump in Gregory Canyon near Pala will rally at the Pala Rey Youth Camp on Saturday, October 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on October 20. Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians and Shasta Gaughen, EPA Director of the Pala Indians will be among the speakers and honored guests. The event will also feature traditional bird singing to protect Gregory Canyon as well as information on the fight to save the sacred mountain, which includes rock paintings and a medicine rock.
October 13, 2012 (Otay)—Incumbent Otay Water District board member Mark Robak faces three challengers for Seat 5: water manager David Charles, civil engineer Ronald Ripperger, and retired civil engineer Tim Stanton. East County Magazine sent a questionnaire to all of the candidates. Ripperger and Stanton did not respond. Replies from Charles and Robak are published below.
October 16, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--The Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation has made arrangements to offer children’s art classes for the first time. Nora Kearney-Johnson will offer four classes each Saturday, Oct. 20 through Saturday, Nov. 10.
October 14, 2012 (Tijuana) -- Four Mexican designers presented a historic fashion show Sunday night outdoors as part of the Tijuana Innovadora conference before a standing-room audience of more than 700 fans. It was the first time such a large-scale show had been presented in the border city.
By Janis Mork
By Janis Mork
October 14, 2012 (La Mesa)--La Mesa is serious about eradicating graffiti thanks to an organized program and dedicated volunteers, the city’s Focus publication reports. La Mesa participates in the countywide Graffiti Tracker program, where all graffiti is photographed and logged by area and “tag.” 
Local sports-themed hair care provider challenges team members and clients to make calls home possible for deployed and hospitalized U.S. service members through VFW’s Operation Uplink™
ork and Miriam Raftery
Story by Miriam Raftery, videos by Paul Kruze
By MIriam Raftery
October 16, 2012 (El Cajon)--The World Famous Harlem Globetrotters will be visiting Johnson Elementary School in El Cajon today to meet with students during two assemblies. They'll be teaching students about the "ABC*s of Bullying" - a Harlem Globetrotters pilot anti-bullying awareness program.
By Miriam Raftery
October 15, 2012 (San Diego) – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Graco Children’s Products Inc., has recalled about 86,000 Graco Classic Wood Highchairs. The highchair’s seat can loosen or detach from the base, posing a fall hazard to a child. Consumers should stop using the recalled products immediately and call Graco for a free repair kit.
October 15, 2012 (San Diego)--African Restaurant Week, which starts on Friday, October 19th and ends on Sunday, October 28th is an event being hosted by a variety of African restaurants to showcase and promote African businesses and culture in San Diego. Just like San Diego Restaurant Week, participating businesses from throughout the City of San Diego will create a special prix fixe menu featuring special appetizers, main courses and desserts. 
October 15, 2012 (Sacramento) -- The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) learned today that Military Warriors Support Foundation is currently accepting applications online from combat-wounded veterans and unmarried Gold Star Spouses of OIF/OEF for newly-renovated, 100% mortgage-free homes in Bakersfield, Crescent City, Riverbank, Sacramento and Stockton, California.
October 17, 2012 (Lakeside) -- Cox Communications and The Trust for Public Land announced 
The 2nd Annual OceanLeaf Awards Celebration recognizes individuals who have helped to bridge the gap between the East African refugee community and greater San Diego
October 15, 2012 (San Diego) – San Diego State University announced on Thursday, October 11 a transformative gift from two former faculty members. Professors Emeriti Carey Wall and Terry O’Donnell have partnered on a $2.4 million dollar gift to SDSU’s musical theater program.
By Janis Mork
By Miriam Raftery
October 14, 2012 (La Mesa)—A woman carrying her 2-year-old child in the 8000 block of University Avenue in La Mesa was pushed from behind, then robbed of her purse at 7:30 p.m. last night. 
Recent comments