September 22, 2012 (San Diego) – A local organization is accusing Congressman Brian Bilbray of being a “slum lord.” The independent expenditure group, Much Better Choices, has filmed a video revealing numerous apparent building code violations. Fox 5 aired the video on Sept. 21.
The video shows old boats, gas cans, a trash-littered weedy lot, and a dilapidated trailer with a growth resembling mold or fungus around windows--all on an unfenced lot adjacent to a school. Neighbors confirm the allegations and have said that they hope to see fines levied and the mess cleaned up.
September 22, 2012 (Washington D.C) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration yesterday issued a warning advising consumers not to eat Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter.
September 22, 2012 (El Cajon)-- A power outage that left downtown El Cajon, including the courthouse, in the dark yesterday afternoon and evening was started by a transformer fire, ECM has learned.
According to a fire official, there was also an underground explosion and gas leak--a potentially dangerous situation that forced shut down of an adjacent gas station and blocking off a section of Main Street just west of downtown.
The outage began about 3 p.m. SDG&E's website indicated power restoration could take up until 11:59 p.m. The website blamed a "suspected problem in the overhead electrical system" although there are no powerlines visible near the transformer in question.
September 22, 2012 (Washington, D.C.) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use Intestinomicina, a drug product manufactured in El Salvador and marketed as a treatment for infectious diarrhea and acute gastrointestinal infections. Consumers who have purchased this product should immediately stop taking it and consult with a health care provider.
Intestinominica contains the prescription drug ingredient, chloramphenicol. Oral forms of chloramphenicol were formally withdrawn from the United States market in July 2012 due to the risk of serious and life threatening injuries.
September 22, 2012 (Washington, D.C.) -- The Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs on Wednesday has approved a package of bills, including legislation (S 3313) that would expand access to assisted reproductive technologies for veterans with combat-related infertility conditions and their spouses, CQ Today reports (Fuller, CQ Today, 9/12).
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide coverage for in vitro fertilization and other ART procedures. Since 2003, more than 1,830 veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq sustained pelvic or genital injuries that could affect their fertility, according to Department of Defense figures released by Murray's office.
SDSU is No. 8 nationally for least debt among graduates, in top 20 for ethnic diversity and top 100 overall
September 22, 2012 (San Diego) -- U.S. News & World Report’s annual “America’s Best Colleges 2013” ranks San Diego State University No. 8 in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt. Among universities in California, SDSU ranks No. 1 for students with the least debt. According to the magazine, 44 percent of SDSU students graduate with no debt at all and the average amount of a student’s debt is $16,400.
September 22, 2012 (San Diego) -- On Saturday, September 29, hundreds of East County residents will shine their belt buckles and don their best pair of jeans for East County Family YMCA’s annual fundraiser called The Branding. The event, now in its 19th year, will be held in a western setting at McGrath Family YMCA in Rancho San Diego.
Since The Branding’s inception, thanks to the generosity of community members, sponsors, donors, and dedicated volunteers, The Branding has raised more than $1.5 million.
September 22, 2012 (San Diego) --Be a part of film history! Media Arts Center San Diego is now seeking films and videos for 20th Annual San Diego Latino Film Festival (March 7-17, 2013)! Come celebrate our landmark 20th year with an even broader program of exhilarating new activities, special events, and initiatives. The 20th Annual San Diego Latino Film Festival (SDLFF) is now accepting entries for the 2013 festival. SDLFF will take place March 7-17, 2013 at the Ultrastar Cinemas Mission Valley at Hazard Center located in San Diego, California.
September 22, 2012 (La Mesa) – Around 9:43 last night, La Mesa Police responded to a report of a vehicle accident at Myrtle and Johnson. Upon arrival, they found a Hispanic male face-down on the ground. He had suffered a gunshot wound to his face.
The man died early this morning at a local hospital of his injuries. Police are investigating this as a homicide. If you have information please call La Mesa Police at 619-463-6611.
September 21, 2012 (Ramona)--Looking for free family fun this weekend? The Ramona Airport Open House will display classic and modern hot rods and big trucks; classic war birds will fly in formation and be on display from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Visitors can tour U.S. Forest Service operations, the airport control tower, and Classic Rotors (the helicopter museum.)
There will also be arts and crafts and Smokey Bear for children to enjoy. Special guest Capt. Claude Rowe, one of the original Tuskegee Airmen of WWII fame, will also be there.
Over 1,000 children anticipated to attend with their families
Grossmont Healthcare District and the City of La Mesa will present Kids Care Fest from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22 at Briercrest Park, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa.
Kids Care Fest is a free, family-oriented event featuring free health care screenings open to the public. Over 1,000 children under age 12 are expected to receive free, potentially life-saving health care screenings including hearing, vision and dental from healthcare professionals at 50 exhibit booths. Free medical information from pediatricians, dermatologists and pharmacists will also be available, as well as flu shots.
More free hands-on activities will include arts and crafts, water safety, astro jumps and pony rides, demonstrations and displays from police and fire officials--plus giveaways and more.
September 21, 2012 (San Diego)-A coalition of local community groups announces that it will fill the San Diego City Council chambers on Monday, September 24 at 2 p.m.
They will call on the City Council to uphold a recent Planning Commission decision to deny a community plan amendment request that would have paved the way for a 100 megawatt gas-fired power plant on open space designated land adjacent to Mission Trails Regional Park.
Days after a video was released in which Mitt Romney dismissed half the country for taking federal benefits and/or paying no taxes -- taking a swipe at students, veterans, seniors, the unemployed, and average wage-earners -- the Republican presidential nominee will be in Carmel Valley tomorrow for a $1,000-a-head fundraiser.
The County Democratic Party is organizing a "47% Welcoming Committee" protest on the route to the event on Saturday, Sept. 22, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. on the Carmel Country Road / Highway 56 Overpass. Click here for more details on how to participate.
September 15, 2012 (San Diego) – Thanks to Valley Roadrunner editor David Ross for giving us a heads up on County Supervisors’ latest attempt to hide their actions from public scrutiny. The newest scheme to keep the public in the dark is a proposal that would limit publication of community planning group meetings to a tiny two-by-two inch square ad in print publications—with no agenda included.
September 21, 2012 (Julian) -- Firefighters from across the region converged on Farmer’s Road, a narrow country lane on the north side of Julian to fight a brush fire that has been contained at 20 acres.
Camp Stevens, as well as the residents of Farmer Road were evacuated as a precaution, however no structures burned.
September 21, 2012 (Poway)--Bellus Academy is hosting this month's Poway Chamber of Commerce’s networking mixer on Thursday, September 27 from 5:30-7:30pm. Attendees will receive complimentary massages, facials, and beauty services by the students and staff of Bellus Academy.
September 21, 2012 (Julian) -- Cal-Fire is at the scene of a 15-acre brush fire in Julian at Wynola Road and Farmers, caused by a motorcycle-down accident. An ECM reporter is en route to the fire.
Evacuation of 25 homes will be done as a precaution, though no structures have burned, Mike Mohler with Cal Fire told ECM.
September 21, 2012 (El Cajon) -- The Grossmont College Adult Reentry Program will host “Listen Up,” a free presentation on improving listening skills, from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Sept. 26, at the Career Center on the El Cajon campus. Speaking will be Roxanne Tuscany, communications speech professor and director of the college’s speech and debate team.
September 21, 2012 (La Mesa)--The La Mesa Police Department in partnership with Helix Charter High School’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) club invites you to attend a special event on the school campus, 7323 University Avenue in the City of La Mesa on Monday, September 24.
Chinese imports suspected; FDA advises avoiding jerky treats
September 15, 2012 (Washington D.C)—The FDA has issued a report revealing that thousands of pet illnesses since 2007 have been linked to consumption of jerky pet treats. Most complaints involve chicken jerky (treats, tenders, and strips), but others include duck, sweet potato, and treats where chicken or duck jerky is wrapped around dried fruits, sweet potatoes, or yams.
September 21, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—The goal of renewable energy is positive. But putting industrial-scale wind and massive solar projects on protected public lands has attracted opposition from environmentalists and outdoor enthusiasts. Now the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mapped out 11,000 sites where renewable energy projects could be located on California land that is already impaired, such as sites formerly contaminated with toxins. This includes 75 high-priority California sites—43 targeted for utility-scale PV solar, 21 for geothermal, and 1 wind site.
Editor’s note: The following hilarious account of a vacation gone awry was written by a friend. Names have been changed to protect the privacy of the author and her husband, a candidate for public office. Amanda is currently recovering from this misadventures in paradise.
September 21, 2012 (San Diego) – We prepaid for a trip to Maui for our 34th wedding anniversary in March and could not take it due to my third shoulder surgery. Then we learned that we had to use it or lose it, so the first week in September we boarded a plane bound for paradise. This seemed like a good idea, as it would give Rob a break from campaigning.
September 21, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – A new documentary directed by Robert Lundahl provides an unprecedented look at how fast-tracking of federal energy projects is having devastating impacts on Native American cultural sites, destroying sacred landscapes and geoglyphs thousands of years old. View film trailer: http://planet-rla.com/who-are-my-people-film-trailer/
The film has enjoyed the support of Native American elders, including Sr. Alfredo Figueroa (Yaqui/Chemehuevi), Rev. Ron Van Fleet (Mohave), Phil Smith (Chemehuevi), and Preston Arrow-Weed (Kumeyaay/Quechan), who appear in the film.
September 21, 2012 (Jamul)--The water saving garden at Jamul Primary School was bursting with lush plants, colorful sunflowers, ripe tomatoes and peppers, tall corn, enormous pumpkins, and an excited community participating in celebration of the first harvest season at the new garden. Second and third grade students gave visitors tours of the garden and answered questions about its water saving features. Other activities for families included a garden mosaic group project, and seed planting. Refreshments were served, and a young student addressed the crowd about the importance of composting all the watermelon rinds and paper products, in order to reduce impact on landfills.
September 21, 2012 (Spring Valley) - On July 12 at 8:45 a.m., San Miguel Firefighters responded to a fully involved mobile home fire located in the 10700 block of Jamacha Blvd. Even though the first unit was on scene in six minutes, the doublewide mobile home could not be saved. Two vehicles were also destroyed and another vehicle damaged.
Five people inside evacuated only after being awakened by the family pet. There was no working smoke alarm in the residence. In the process of alerting and saving the family, the puppy died.
It’s not just the health concerns and power outages associated with hot days…we are stepping right into our first high pressure system of the season and if you ask any fire service authority, all will agree this will be an extremely dangerous fire season according to Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.
September 21, 2012 (Ocotillo) -- Parke Ewing forwarded these images showing transformation of the desert landscape in Ocotillo, where public outcry and seven lawsuits have thus far failed to stop the Pattern Energy's wind project.
The first image reveals excavation for just one of the 112 wind turbines; this hole measures 16 feet deep. In the sunset shot, towering wind turbines now replace the century-old ocotillo forest that once stood here, sacrified for "green" energy.
Merger highlights the decline of independent media
By Miriam Raftery, Editor, East County Magazine
September 19, 2012 (San Diego)—The U-T San Diego’spurchase of the North County Timesfor $11.95 million dollars has sent shudders across the journalism community locally and nationally. The deal also includes acquisition of the Californian in Riverside County(no relation to the East County Californian), which was owned by North County Times.
Demise of one of San Diego’s largest independent media outlets highlights two growing problems: fewer voices controlling the media due to consolidation and a decline in quality including slashing investigative/watchdog reporting and abandoning journalistic standards—most importantly, impartiality.
Two teens find fashion makeovers to be an unforgettable experience
By Sierra Robinson
ECM editor Miriam Raftery also contributed to this report
September 19, 2012 (La Mesa) – From an early age, Kim Romano developed a passion for fashion—and a keen eye for detail. At age five, she liked to sketch paper dolls in stylish outfits. By age nine, she enjoyed playing dress-up.
“My Mom would bring home bags of hand-me down clothes. I had the best closet in town,” says Romano, owner of Fashion Exchange at 8270 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa. She went on to attend a fashion college, then worked as a traveling makeup artist at Nordstrom’s, Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s department stores.
In 2009 she opened up her shop—which despite the weak economy has thrived. “It’s better every year,” she told ECM.
Candidates Clash Over Their Visions for City’s Future
By Mark Gabrish Conlan
September 15, 2012 (La Mesa)--Five candidates for two seats on the La Mesa City Council — Kristine Alessio, Patrick Dean, Laura Lothian, Shannon O’Dunn and 20-year incumbent Ruth Sterling — met September 13 for the first candidates’ forum of the campaign. Held at the La Mesa Community Center on Memorial Drive and sponsored by the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce, the 90-minute forum centered mostly around finances and development, specifically around downtown and the La Mesa Village area, but it also touched on issues like the city’s responsibility towards homeless people and whether it should declare itself a fair-trade zone.
September 22, 2012 (Washington D.C) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration yesterday issued a warning advising consumers not to eat Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter.
September 22, 2012 (El Cajon)-- A power outage that left downtown El Cajon, including the courthouse, in the dark yesterday afternoon and evening was started by a transformer fire, ECM has learned.
September 22, 2012 (Washington, D.C.) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use Intestinomicina, a drug product manufactured in El Salvador and marketed as a treatment for infectious diarrhea and acute gastrointestinal infections. Consumers who have purchased this product should immediately stop taking it and consult with a health care provider.
September 22, 2012 (Washington, D.C.) -- The Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs on Wednesday has approved a package of bills, including legislation (
SDSU is No. 8 nationally for least debt among graduates, in top 20 for ethnic diversity and top 100 overall
September 22, 2012 (San Diego) -- On Saturday, September 29, hundreds of East County residents will shine their belt buckles and don their best pair of jeans for East County Family YMCA’s annual fundraiser called The Branding. The event, now in its 19th year, will be held in a western setting at McGrath Family YMCA in Rancho San Diego.
September 22, 2012 (San Diego) --Be a part of film history! Media Arts Center San Diego is now seeking films and videos for 20th Annual San Diego Latino Film Festival (March 7-17, 2013)! Come celebrate our landmark 20th year with an even broader program of exhilarating new activities, special events, and initiatives. The 20th Annual San Diego Latino Film Festival (SDLFF) is now accepting entries for the 2013 festival. SDLFF will take place March 7-17, 2013 at the Ultrastar Cinemas Mission Valley at Hazard Center located in San Diego, California. 
September 22, 2012 (La Mesa) – Around 9:43 last night, La Mesa Police responded to a report of a vehicle accident at Myrtle and Johnson. Upon arrival, they found a Hispanic male face-down on the ground. He had suffered a gunshot wound to his face.
September 21, 2012 (Ramona)--Looking for free family fun this weekend? The Ramona Airport Open House will display classic and modern hot rods and big trucks; classic war birds will fly in formation and be on display from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Visitors can tour U.S. Forest Service operations, the airport control tower, and Classic Rotors (the helicopter museum.)
Over 1,000 children anticipated to attend with their families
September 21, 2012 (San Diego)-A coalition of local community groups announces that it will fill the San Diego City Council chambers on Monday, September 24 at 2 p.m.
Days after a video was released in which Mitt Romney dismissed half the country for taking federal benefits and/or paying no taxes -- taking a swipe at students, veterans, seniors, the unemployed, and average wage-earners -- the Republican presidential nominee will be in Carmel Valley tomorrow for a $1,000-a-head fundraiser. 
By Miriam Raftery
By Nadin Abbott
September 21, 2012 (Poway)--Bellus Academy is hosting this month's Poway Chamber of Commerce’s networking mixer on Thursday, September 27 from 5:30-7:30pm. Attendees will receive complimentary massages, facials, and beauty services by the students and staff of Bellus Academy. 
September 21, 2012 (El Cajon) -- The Grossmont College Adult Reentry Program will host “Listen Up,” a free presentation on improving listening skills, from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Sept. 26, at the Career Center on the El Cajon campus. Speaking will be Roxanne Tuscany, communications speech professor and director of the college’s speech and debate team.
September 21, 2012 (La Mesa)--The La Mesa Police Department in partnership with Helix Charter High School’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) club invites you to attend a special event on the school campus, 7323 University Avenue in the City of La Mesa on Monday, September 24.
Chinese imports suspected; FDA advises avoiding jerky treats
September 21, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—The goal of renewable energy is positive. But putting industrial-scale wind and massive solar projects on protected public lands has attracted opposition from environmentalists and outdoor enthusiasts. Now the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mapped out 11,000 sites where renewable energy projects could be located on California land that is already impaired, such as sites formerly contaminated with toxins. This includes 75 high-priority California sites—43 targeted for utility-scale PV solar, 21 for geothermal, and 1 wind site.
By Amanda Witt
By Miriam Raftery
By Cass Crain
September 21, 2012 (Spring Valley) - On July 12 at 8:45 a.m., San Miguel Firefighters responded to a fully involved mobile home fire located in the 10700 block of Jamacha Blvd. Even though the first unit was on scene in six minutes, the doublewide mobile home could not be saved. Two vehicles were also destroyed and another vehicle damaged.
By Fire Chief Dan DiGiovanna
September 21, 2012 (Ocotillo) -- Parke Ewing forwarded these images showing transformation of the desert landscape in Ocotillo, where public outcry and seven lawsuits have thus far failed to stop the Pattern Energy's wind project. 
By Miriam Raftery, Editor, East County Magazine
By Sierra Robinson
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