Sgt. Craig Johnson, also wounded, is recovering after surgery
Suspect pleads not guilty to attempted murder
By Miriam Raftery
September 27, 2012 (El Cajon )—The San Diego Blood Bank seeks blood donations for San Diego Sheriff Detective Ali Perez, who is in critical condition after being shot with a high-powered rifle yesterday during an attempted arrest in Lakeside.
September 27, 2012 (La Mesa) – A resident sleeping in an apartment at 5300 Marengo Avenue was awakened this afternoon by smoke. Seeing flames coming from her stove, she tried to douse the fire with water, which caused the fire to spread. She then evacuated the apartment, which suffered $50,000 in damages to the structure and contents.
September 27, 2012 (El Cajon) – The Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College will offer a fire-wise gardening seminar with Greg Rubin, native plant expert from California’s Own Native Landscape Design. Cost is $20 for members, $28 for nonmembers. The program will be held on Saturday, September 29 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
By Billy Ortiz, Lakeside Historical Society Member
Photos by Billy Ortiz and Lakeside Historical Society
September 26, 2012 (Lakeside) – Founded back in 1907, the Lakeside Auto Speedway is considered the first purpose-built auto racing facility in the United States. When completed, the Lakeside Auto Speedway transformed the nascent motor sports movement by moving races off dangerous public roads and horse race tracks.
Republican maverick has challenged his party on ethical issues in past, says he avoids "special interest money"
By Janis Mork
September 28, 2012 (San Diego)- Republican Michael Crimmins is running against Democrat Juan Vargas for Congress in the 51st district, which includes the entire border with Mexico and Imperial Valley. View a map of the district: http://www.crimminsforcongress.com/map/. The seat is open, since incumbent Congressman Bob Filner is stepping down to run for Mayor of San Diego.
Crimmins says he running because he wants to make a difference. His qualifications include military service and an education background. He is a retired military officer and San Diego teacher with two master degrees in education. Currently he resides in Point Loma, which is not in the district. If elected, he says he would move to Imperial Beach. Married in Florida in 1977, he divorced in 1988 and has a daughter, Ashley, a flight attendant.
September 28, 2012 (San Diego) – You don’t know where you’ll be when the next wildfire or other major emergency hits San Diego County. But this week’s destructive Shockey Fire is our latest reminder that emergencies do happen here.
Starting today, you can download SD Emergency to your iPhone, iPad or Android phone or tablet to get critical emergency information wherever you are. The app is designed to keep residents and their families informed and safe throughout events likely to affect the region, such as wildfires, or potential threats, such as damaging earthquakes or terrorist events.
September 28, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – For the fifth year in a row, East County Magazine reporters and photographers will be taking home awards in the San Diego Press Club Excellence in Journalism Awards. Nadin Abbott, Tom Abbott, Jim Pelley, Ryan Schuler, and ECM editor Miriam Raftery are all winners in the 2012 competition.
The winning categories—and just how many awards ECM has won – will be announced on October 23 at the San Diego Hall of Champions.
September 27, 2012 (El Cajon ) – It was the hottest party in town last night at the El Cajon Brewing Company, where a “Beer Bash Benefit” was held to raise funds for East County Magazine’s wildfire reporting and to encourage the public to sign up for ECM's free Viejas Wildfire & Emergency Alerts.
The event raised nearly $3,500, including a generous $2,500 donation from the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians. Charlie Brown, director of Community Relations for Viejas, and Chief Don Butz of Viejas Fire were on hand to make the presentation.
September 27, 2012 (El Cajon)--The Grossmont College Guitar Guild will present “Bach to Beatles,” a solo concert by Fred Benedetti, Grossmont College guitar instructor, at 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 28, on the Grossmont College campus, Building #26, Room #221. The public is invited to attend.
Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and military and $5 for students. Proceeds will benefit the Grossmont College Music Department.
September 27, 2012 (Ocotillo)– The public is invited to a funeral procession mourning the loss of the Ocotillo Desert in Imperial County on Saturday, September 29. Organizers of the funeral procession note that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) was established to protect and preserve precious public lands. The BLM’s stated mission is to sustain the health of public lands for current and future generations by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.
September 27, 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.
Judge rules Arizona can enforce strict provision to immigration law (Reuters)
Worrisome levels of arsenic in rice (Consumer Reports)
Massive tumors in rats fed genetically modified corn (CA Right to Know blog)
More than 1,000 pastors plan to challenge IRS by endorsing candidates (Fox)
As tax credit wanes, jobs vanish in wind power industry (New York Times)
Tesla offers free solar travel with new super-charged tech (RawStory)
Senators to Hilary: Show us the ambassador’s cables (ForeignPolicy)
Mormons want to expel Romney critic (Daily Beast)
Whose next in line for a kidney transplant? The answer is changing (NPR)
WORLD
Out with color: Islamists force Timbuktu women to wear black veils or face corporal punishment (Observers)
Fake Italian pilot traveled in cockpit, police say (Reuters)
Marijuana and cancer: Researchers find cannabis stops metastasis in aggressive forms of cancer (Huffington Post)
Report: restrictions on religious views rise worldwide (Jerusalem Post)
Second day of anti-Japan attacks rock China (NPR)
Man held in revenge plot over Muslim cartoons (Christian Science Monitor)
Russia reveals shiny state secret: It’s awash in diamonds (Christian Science Monitor)
Pakistani TV stations air a real ‘made in USA’ video. Will it calm violence? (Christian Science Monitor)
September 27, 2012 (San Diego) -- Soroptimist International of San Diego is holding their 3rd annual Wine, Cheese and Chocolate fundraising event on September 28, 2012, from 6:00 to 8:30 pm in the Visitor Center Lobby/Terrace. A silent auction will feature a gorgeous solid body electric guitar donated by Taylor Guitars! In addition there will be music by members of the San Diego Native American Flute Circle. Also, the San Diego Astronomy Association will have a large telescope on the terrace for a spectacular look at the stars and planets. For more information and to purchase tickets go here.
September 27, 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
County hires planning director from bankrupt city (UT)
Census: El Cajon Has Highest Poverty Rates In San Diego County (KPBS)
Blaze roared through quiet community like a freight train (UT San Diego)
Turko tackles Alpine Boulevard construction woes (KUSI)
Judicial race pits establishment against Tea Party (North CountyTimes)
Will San Onofre outage mean relief for ratepayers? (UT San Diego)
Pattern Energy: The bad stuff just goes on and on (Hawaii Free Press)
Prolific disabled access lawyer to be disbarred (UT)
San Diego’s median income drops (Fox 5)
Pensions fall well below 80% funding level (UT San Diego)
Could bullying be behind Ramona boy’s suicide? (10 News)
STATE
Watchdog group faults states’ inspection of oil, gas wells (Los Angeles Times)
Jerry Brown signs two-year reprieve for state parks (Sacramento Bee)
Jerry Brown signs bill allowing same-day voter registration (Sacramento Bee)
Gov. Brown signs 18 bills to help veterans, families (Sacramento Bee)
September 28, 2012 (San Diego) – There are times when the life of a film critic resembles that of a miner. Uncovering gems like Solomon Kane – which would have gone unnoticed and unreleased here were it not for RADiUS-TWC, The Weinstein Company’s newest distribution label – is one of dozens of reasons why being a film critic is life-fulfilling.
The Lemon Grove Historical Society's popular series, "History Alive," will continue on Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. in the H. Lee House, 3205 Olive, Civic Center Park, with "A Fireside Chat with Sally Rae Harris," a woman whose bucolic childhood in Lemon Grove begs the question, "How ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm after they've seen Paree?"
September 27, 2012 (El Cajon) -- For fans of Oktoberfest in El Cajon, festivities will run September 28, 29 and 30, and again October 5, 6 and 7 at 1017 S. Mollison Avenue. Come and enjoy authentic German food and a variety of German pastries.
The following details were provided in a press release from the district, which has been plagued by budget shortfalls, contentious public meetings, and labor-management disputes in recent years.
September 27, 2012 (Spring Valley) -- The San Miguel Consolidated Fire Protection District’s Board of Directors voted onSeptember 25 to approve a Cooperative Service Agreement with CAL FIRE. The Board voted unanimously to approve the five and a half-year agreement. Board President Chris Winter said, “This Cooperative Agreement allows the District to proceed with a balanced budget, maintain the current level of service for our residents and provide for the long-term viability of the District.
September 27, 2012 (San Diego)--After a rather lackluster first half, the No. 17/25 San Diego State women’s soccer team used a dominating second half to defeat UC Irvine, 3-2 last weekend at the SDSU Sports Deck, moving to an 8-1-1 record for the season.
September 27, 2012 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club will sponsor a 2012 Presidential Debate Watch Party at the La Mesa Community Center on Wednesday, October 3rd, at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive in La Mesa. The Club has arranged to have a large screen TV to view the faceoff between President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney.
September 27, 2012 (San Diego)– Three adolescent girls, who suffered severe burns from a Halloween accident, car crash, and kitchen incident, will share their stories during a special fundraising dinner at a private residence in the San Diego area on Saturday, October 6, 2012 from 6 to 9 p.m.
September 27, 2012 (Julian)—Ah, autumn! Fall is in the air—and Julian celebrates the season with a full month of “Apple Days” activities ranging from apple picking to an old-fashioned melodrama (boo the villain and cheer the heroine) and yes, an Oktoberfest.
Property owners, campers urged to take precautions to stem spread of infestation
By Miriam Raftery
September 23, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) –A voracious new pest is gnawing its way through East County. The gold-spotted oak borer has already killed over 21,500 trees in San Diego’s inland regions. Infestations have been found on federal, state, private and Native American lands across 1,893 square miles.
“Has anyone driven through Japatul into Julian lately? We did last weekend and it was a very SAD sight! Almost all of the Oaks are BARE SKELETONS or half brown and going fast,” Jerry Williams of Deerhorn Valley wrote in an e-mail to ECM.
September 27, 2012 (Palomar) -- Did you know that Palomar Mountain State Park is made up of pioneer homesteads that included magnificent apple orchards still producing delicious apples to this day? On Sunday, October 21 from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. you’re invited to join in a celebration of the Park's apple heritage with fresh apples picked from the park's 100 year old orchards, apple dishes, live music, cider, arts and crafts for kids, prizes and living history volunteers /re-enactors.
Guests are welcome to bring their own homemade apple dish-- and come dressed in 19th century homestead period attire. Admission is free to this second annual celebration.
September 27, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—The Shockey Fire is now 100% contained, after destroying 11 homes, 14 outbuildings, and 11 vehicles. The blaze also claimed the life of an elderly resident and injured three firefighters.
SWAT officer from SDPD credited with saving lives of fallen deputies
September 26, 2012 (Lakseide)—San Diego Sheriff’s Department has identified the two deputies who were shot in the line of duty yesterday by a suspected child abuser. The gun battle began at 12:17 yesterday at apartment 72 at 12701 Mapleview Street.
Sgt. Craig Johnson, a 23-year veteran of the Santee Sheriff’s Station and Detective Ali Perez, an 18-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Child Abuse unit, both suffered gunshot wounds to the torso. Following surgery at Sharp Memorial Hospital, Sgt. Johnson is in serious condition, while Detective Perez is in critical condition.
September 26, 2012 (California) -- Sunland Inc., which makes the recalled Trader Joe’s Salted Valencia peanut butter, has now broadened its recall to include other nut-based spreads that may be contaminated with Salmonella. These include Target's Archer Farms and Earth Balance, manufactured between May 1 and Sept. 24, 2012. View the full list of products affected in Sunland's press release.
September 22, 2012 (Santee) – Santee Lakes announced last week that bicycles are now available for rent. Wheel Fun of San Diego is partnering with Santee Lakes to offer a rental fleet to visitors and campers. With a variety of options, guests can have fun cruising as a group in a double surrey or venture off on their own with one of the cruiser bikes.
September 25, 2012 -- California State Parks (CSP) invites you to the first public meeting for the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park General Plan.The primary purpose of the meeting is to provide an opportunity for the general public to voice their hopes and concerns about the future of this special park. In addition, CSP staff will introduce the general plan process, as well as summarize natural and cultural data gained through a resource inventory of the park.
September 26, 2012 (Boulevard)—Around five in the afternoon, as the sun was starting to set, the first residents of Boulevard’s Tierra del Sol neighborhood began to come home. There was anxiety in some faces, as well as relief on others, as they learned what state their properties were in –and whether their homes had survived the devastating 2,850 acre Shockey Fire that destroyed 11 homes and claimed the life of an elderly man.
September 23, 2012 (Spring Valley)--Do you know someone close to you that hosts an amazing Charger Tailgate Party or do you have a Grill Master in the family that cooks awesome carne asada at all the family functions? Is that Grill Master you?
Back up your game, prove your skills, bring your personal barbecue and sign up to be an amateur contestant at the Spring Valley Tailgate and BBQ Festival on Sunday, October 14, 2012. The event is organized by Cali Comfort BBQ Restaurant and Sports Bar. Meat will be provided for you to compete and submit to the judges courtesy of Valley Farm Markets.
September 27, 2012 (La Mesa) – A resident sleeping in an apartment at 5300 Marengo Avenue was awakened this afternoon by smoke. Seeing flames coming from her stove, she tried to douse the fire with water, which caused the fire to spread. She then evacuated the apartment, which suffered $50,000 in damages to the structure and contents.
September 27, 2012 (El Cajon) – The Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College will offer a fire-wise gardening seminar with Greg Rubin, native plant expert from California’s Own Native Landscape Design. Cost is $20 for members, $28 for nonmembers. The program will be held on Saturday, September 29 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
By Billy Ortiz, Lakeside Historical Society Member
By Janis Mork
September 28, 2012 (San Diego) – You don’t know where you’ll be when the next wildfire or other major emergency hits San Diego County. But this week’s destructive Shockey Fire is our latest reminder that emergencies do happen here.
September 28, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – For the fifth year in a row, East County Magazine reporters and photographers will be taking home awards in the San Diego Press Club Excellence in Journalism Awards. Nadin Abbott, Tom Abbott, Jim Pelley, Ryan Schuler, and ECM editor Miriam Raftery are all winners in the 2012 competition.
September 27, 2012 (El Cajon)--The Grossmont College Guitar Guild will present “Bach to Beatles,” a solo concert by Fred Benedetti, Grossmont College guitar instructor, at 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 28, on the Grossmont College campus, Building #26, Room #221. The public is invited to attend.
September 27, 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:
September 27, 2012 (San Diego) -- Soroptimist International of San Diego is holding their 3rd annual Wine, Cheese and Chocolate fundraising event on September 28, 2012, from 6:00 to 8:30 pm in the Visitor Center Lobby/Terrace. A silent auction will feature a gorgeous solid body electric guitar donated by Taylor Guitars! In addition there will be music by members of the San Diego Native American Flute Circle. Also, the San Diego Astronomy Association will have a large telescope on the terrace for a spectacular look at the stars and planets. For more information and to purchase tickets go 
September 27, 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:
By Brian Lafferty
The Lemon Grove Historical Society's popular series, "History Alive," will continue on Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. in the H. Lee House, 3205 Olive, Civic Center Park, with "A Fireside Chat with Sally Rae Harris," a woman whose bucolic childhood in Lemon Grove begs the question, "How ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm after they've seen Paree?"
September 27, 2012 (El Cajon) -- For fans of Oktoberfest in El Cajon, festivities will run September 28, 29 and 30, and again October 5, 6 and 7 at 1017 S. Mollison Avenue. Come and enjoy authentic German food and a variety of German pastries.
The following details were provided in a press release from the district, which has been plagued by budget shortfalls, contentious public meetings, and labor-management disputes in recent years.
Skinner makes two goals, including game-winner
Local Democratic candidates will also be on hand
September 27, 2012 (San Diego)– Three adolescent girls, who suffered severe burns from a Halloween accident, car crash, and kitchen incident, will share their stories during a special fundraising dinner at a private residence in the San Diego area on Saturday, October 6, 2012 from 6 to 9 p.m.
September 27, 2012 (Julian)—Ah, autumn! Fall is in the air—and Julian celebrates the season with a full month of “Apple Days” activities ranging from apple picking to an old-fashioned melodrama (boo the villain and cheer the heroine) and yes, an Oktoberfest. 
September 27, 2012 (Palomar) -- Did you know that Palomar Mountain State Park is made up of pioneer homesteads that included magnificent apple orchards still producing delicious apples to this day? On Sunday, October 21 from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. you’re invited to join in a celebration of the Park's apple heritage with fresh apples picked from the park's 100 year old orchards, apple dishes, live music, cider, arts and crafts for kids, prizes and living history volunteers /re-enactors.
September 26, 2012 (Lakseide)—San Diego Sheriff’s Department has identified the two deputies who were shot in the line of duty yesterday by a suspected child abuser. The gun battle began at 12:17 yesterday at apartment 72 at 12701 Mapleview Street. 
By Miriam Raftery
September 22, 2012 (Santee) – Santee Lakes announced last week that bicycles are now available for rent. Wheel Fun of San Diego is partnering with Santee Lakes to offer a rental fleet to visitors and campers. With a variety of options, guests can have fun cruising as a group in a double surrey or venture off on their own with one of the cruiser bikes.
September 25, 2012 -- California State Parks (CSP) invites you to the first public meeting for the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park General Plan.The primary purpose of the meeting is to provide an opportunity for the general public to voice their hopes and concerns about the future of this special park. In addition, CSP staff will introduce the general plan process, as well as summarize natural and cultural data gained through a resource inventory of the park.
By Nadin Abbott
September 23, 2012 (Spring Valley)--Do you know someone close to you that hosts an amazing Charger Tailgate Party or do you have a Grill Master in the family that cooks awesome carne asada at all the family functions? Is that Grill Master you?
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