To avoid fires, don’t overload power strips, surge protectors or extension cords

GUHSD priorities: trustees give themselves a massive raise, nearly quadrupling salaries

ECM World Watch: national and global news

Health and science highlights

Santee approves contract to build $26.8 million community center and gives ok for new condos

Rabbi killed in Australian Hanukkah shooting was nephew of rabbi injured in Poway synagogue attack

Holiday lights and more in La Mesa Walks! stroll on Dec. 17

The stress of apartment searching in San Diego: monthly rents and cost of living exceed national average, while scammers target renters

Sharp-Collins hosting annual holiday giveaway for families in need

Lemon Grove community invited to 'Skate to Donate' fundraiser for youth programs

East County Jews to light Menorah today, stand against deadly shooting at Hanukkah celebration in Australia

Deputies respond to report of possible armed man at Sharp Rees-Stealy in Santee

NEWSPAPER ENDORSEMENTS ASSESS OBAMA AND ROMNEY STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

By Miriam Raftery

October 29, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Major newspapers across the nation are making their endorsements for president.  To date, of the 100 largest newspapers in the U.S., 34 have endorsed President Barack Obama and 28  recommended Mitt Romney to their readers. Though the President leads in total endorsements, Romney has the edge among newspapers in swing states, notably the Des Moines Register in Iowa.

ROMNEY: DISASTER RELIEF FOR HURRICANE VICTIMS IS “IMMORAL"; CALLED FOR FEMA TO BE PRIVATIZED

Obama to Governors in path of Hurricane Sandy: "We will be there...making sure that we've got the best possible response."

By Miriam Raftery

October 28, 2012 (San Diego) – As Hurricane Sandy, one of the worst storms in memory, barrels toward the East Coast and wildfire season hits full stride here in San Diego's East County, voters should know that when asked about federal disaster relief at a debate among Republican primary presidential candidates, Mitt Romney called such spending “immoral.” 

CALIFORNIA CLERGY LEADERS SPEAK OUT IN SUPPORT OF PROPOSITION 30

Top Bishops, Rabbis, and Muslim leaders say “our future is at stake” on November 6

October 30, 2012 (Sacramento)-- Leading Christian, Jewish & Muslim clergy and religious leaders from throughout California issued a powerful statement today in support of Proposition 30, the tax initiative on the November 6 ballot that would raise $6-9 billion to fund schools, public safety, and vital services.

LA MESA MERCHANT CLAIMS 'DECEITFUL' DEPICTION OF LOCAL BUSINESS IN COUNCIL CANDIDATE LOTHIAN'S CAMPAIGN MATERIAL

By Miriam Raftery

October 29, 2012 (La Mesa)—The owners of Hunter’s Carpet in La Mesa have sent a letter to Council candidate Laura Lothian, with a copy to the City Attorney, contending that Lothian’s campaign falsely represented the carpet company’s property as an eyesore. 

“The picture you promote as “typical trash” in the city is a gross misrepresentation,” the owners wrote.  “Evidently it’s your practice to be deceitful during your political campaigns,” the letter added, noting that the tactic is “similar to your last election campaign.” Lothian displayed a photo of the property in campaign materials touting a need to eliminate blight. 

CANDIDATES OFFER CLASHING VISIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS FOR CHANGE IN GROSSMONT HEALTH CARE DISTRICT RACE

Big issues include affordability and quality of care, long ER waits, and sweetheart contract with Sharp Health Care

By Mark Gabrish Conlan

October 30, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--How healthy is our healthcare district--and what remedies to candidates for the Grossmont Health Care District Board have to offer?

ECM contacted all candidates and obtained responses  from eight of the nine (all but Emad Bakeer). Virtually all saw the same principal issues facing the district, though they differ on solutions--and their approaches differ as much as their backgrounds.

LOCAL CHEF OFFERS “PRESIDENTIAL PAIRINGS” FOR ELECTION WEEK—PLUS FREE DESSERTS TO VOTERS

October 30, 2012 (San Diego) -- As Americans head to the polls on November 6, a local chef is capturing the flavor of the elections — literally. In honor of Barack Obama and Mitt Romney’s races for the White House, Terra American Bistro chef/owner Jeff Rossman has created a Presidential Pairings Menu featuring recipes that capture the qualities of both candidates. The menu will be offered November 4-10.

“In our 14 years, Terra American Bistro has delighted in serving the best of New American cuisine to San Diegans,” Rossman said. “And, really, what is more American than the presidential elections?”

TWO DAYS OF SOAP BOX RACES READY TO RUN NOV. 3-4 ON COURSE MODIFIED BY CITY OF LA MESA

October 30, 2012 (La Mesa)--Youngsters age 7-17 from throughout Southern California and Arizona are getting ready for two days of Soap Box Derby Races, November 3 and 4, as members of the host Kiwanis Club of La Mesa adjusts to modifications to the course on Junior High Drive at La Mesa Middle School.

DESCRIPTION OF MAN OFFERING RIDES TO STUDENTS: PARENTS URGED TO BE VIGILANT

October 30, 2012 (Alpine)  --Alpine Union School Superintendent Tom Pellerino has sent a letter to parents today describing a man questioned by law enforcement for twice approaching a middle school student and offering a ride. A detailed description of the man and his vehicle is provided in his letter below. 

A NEW COMMUNITY GARDEN OPENED AT LOS PENASQUITOS CANYON PRESERVE

October 31, 2012 (San Diego) – County Parks and Recreation hosted the grand opening of a new community garden at Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve on October 26.  County Supervisor Pam Slater-Price and County Parks and Recreation Director Brian Albright were on hand for the occasion.

ARMED SUSPECTS WANTED FOR CARJACKING AND ROBBERIES

Update: Suspects are now in custody.

October 30, 2012 (San Diego) -- San Diego Police Department Robbery Unit detectives, in cooperation with detectives from the Escondido Police Department, are investigating a series of armed robberies and a carjacking that occurred throughout the county yesterday in the College Grove, Escondido and Mission Valley areas, as well as burned vehicles used in the crimes that were found in College Grove and Chula Vista.

LA MESA MAN ROBBED AT GUNPOINT

November 1, 2012 (La Mesa)—This morning at 1:08 a.m., La Mesa Police officers responded to a report of an armed robbery in the 8200 block of Lemon Avenue.  The  victim, 20, said he had just left his residence and walked across the street to retrieve his wallet and cell phone that he had left in his vehicle. While the victim was sitting in his vehicle, the suspect approached the driver side and tapped on the window with a black semi-automatic handgun. 

CHIVALRY RIDES ON AT 6TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT OF THE PHOENIX

By Janis Mork

October 29, 2012 (Poway)- “We thought the fires would defeat us, but instead we have risen,  phoenix-like, from the flames,” English competitor Dominic Sewell declared back in 2007. The Witch Creek fire had just ravaged our region, but organizers decided that the tournament would go on.  Hence a name for the event was born—and it’s been held ever year since, with more competitions, displays and exhibitions each year. 

The 6th annual Tournament of the Phoenix took place at Poway Rodeo grounds October 27-29.

SOAPMAKING STUDIO IN LEMON GROVE OFFERS CLASSES, SUPPLIES AND EXPERT INSTRUCTION

“It is empowering to create a useful commodity appreciated by family, friends and customers.” – Kerri Mixon

By Caprice Harrison, Editorial Assistant for East County Magazine

October 27, 2012 (Lemon Grove) -- Ask Kerri Mixon about making soap.  You will be met with a smile and 16th-generation soapmaking expertise. Mixon  is the owner, administrator, lead instructor and artisan of Soapmaking Studio in Lemon Grove, an inviting classroom and supply center open to the public.

FROM THE CHIEFS CORNER: CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS—AND CHANGE YOUR SMOKE DETECTOR BATTERIES

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

October 29, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--It’s time to change our clocks this coming Sunday November 4th “back” for daylight savings and when we do that it’s a good time to change our smoke detector batteries and check their condition says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Roughly two-thirds of home fire deaths occurred in homes without working smoke alarms. Since most fatal fires occur at night, it’s essential that every home have working smoke alarms to provide an early warning.

USC DORNSIFE/LOS ANGELES TIMES POLL: CALIFORNIANS SUPPORT STRONG LAW/BORDER ENFORCEMENT ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, BUT HAVE A SOFT SPOT FOR DREAM-ERS

2 out of 3 Californians support work permits for children who were brought to U.S. illegally and have since completed high school or military service; Majority also support content of Arizona’s S.B. 1070.

October 29, 2012 — California voters support tough law enforcement policies on illegal immigration in large numbers, but more than two-thirds of Californians are willing to carve out exceptions for children who arrived in the United States without documentation, according to results of the largest statewide poll of registered voters.

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR NON-CITIZENS, CITIZENS AND AB540 STUDENTS

By Bill Weaver

October 29, 2012 (San Diego) –San Diego is home to immigrants and refugees from around the world.  The Mano A Mano Foundation has provided the following list of scholarships available to non-citizens as well as citizens and AB 540 students. AB540 is a California bill passed on October 12, 2001 that allows undocumented students who meet certain requirements to pay in-state tuition instead of out-of-state tuition in California's higher institutions. For more information see ab540.com.

LOOKING FOR FOREVER HOMES- SHELTER DOGS TO DREAM DOGS

October 30, 2012 (Alpine) -- Peanut is a mini-poodle; only 7 pounds at 7 months old and loves all people and dogs. His favorite thing to do is to be cradled in your arms like a baby, but is also game to play if you are. He bonds very closely and loves to follow me around outside or lie next to me while I work on my computer. He is quiet in his crate and a joy to have around! This adorable “ragamuffin” is a joy to train due to his wonderful, respectful listening skills.

SDG&E ENCOURAGES CUSTOMERS TO PREPARE FOR WINTER HEATING SEASON

October 29, 2012 (San Diego) – With the holidays and cooler weather right around the corner, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is helping customers prepare for the winter season by offering easy tips on how to stay safe and keep warm while also saving money.

“With most home heating systems operated by gas, now is a good time to schedule an appointment to have your heater inspected,” said Caroline Winn, vice president of customer services for SDG&E. “Keeping your furnace and other home gas appliances in good working order is essential to ensure they are running both efficiently and safely.”

POLITICAL REFLECTIONS: THE MEDIA DEBATE

By Mark Gabrish Conlan

I’m writing this article — both a review of the latest Presidential debate between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney at Hofstra University in New York State October 16 and an overview of how all three of the debates so far have been covered by the media — starting 10 minutes after the October 16 debate ended. It’s important that you know that, and that you know my article about the first Obama/Romney debate 10 days earlier was likewise written just minutes after it was over, because I’ve wanted whatever I had to say about the debates to be uncontaminated. I’ve wanted to write about these events solely from the debates themselves as I watched them on TV and filtered them through my perceptions, unaffected by the media “groupthink” that surrounds these events and, quite frankly, colors how ordinary voters perceive them and use them to guide their decisions.

NEARLY 1 MILLION ATTENDED TIJUANA INNOVADORA

October 21, 2012 (Tijuana)--Tijuana Innovadora ended with a joyous celebration Sunday night that had thousands dancing in the city's streets.

“This conference showed, particularly to our young people, that they can do it!,” exclaimed the event´s co-founder and president, José Galicot hours before the event ended. “Sí se puede!” 

VIEJAS CASINO HONORED FOR COMMITMENT TO EMPLOYING ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES

October 29, 2012 (Alpine) – Viejas Casino, Southern California’s premier gaming, dining and entertainment destination, has been named Business Partner of the Year by Partnerships with Industry (PWI). The honor was announced at PWI’s annual awards event held on Saturday, October 20.

“For seven years Viejas Casino has been providing adults with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities the opportunity to change their lives through employment in the community. “PWI is excited to honor Viejas Casino for their support, commitment and dedication to PWI’s mission and for being a corporate partner that defines a ‘win-win partnership,’” according to Mark Berger, PWI’s chief executive

EAGLE EXPERT WARNS OF POPULATION COLLAPSE

Tule Wind project’s turbines on ridgelines will be “deadly” for Golden eagles in San Diego County, wildlife biologist predicts

October 29, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Wildlife biologist Jim Wiegand, vice president of Save the Eagles International, has sent a letter to Bureau of Indian Affairs’ regional director  Amy Dutsche warning that the Tule Wind  project will be “deadly” for eagles in our region. 

OCEANLEAF AWARDS RECOGNIZE COMMUNITY LEADERS IN SOMALI REFUGEE COMMUNITY

By Ariele Johannson

October 28, 2012 (San Diego)--During the Somali Civil War, the number of refugees admitted to the United States soared starting in 1991. San Diego is now home to the second largest East African refugee community with an estimated population of 30,000. A real need arose to integrate the growing number of new immigrant refugees into the San Diego community. Ahmed Sahid, President and CEO of Somali Family Service of San Diego, states, “It’s very important to us that we work with other like-minded organizations to accomplish our goals.”

SDG&E TO HELP IN TROPICAL STORM SANDY AFTERMATH

More than 20 pieces of equipment being shipped to East Coast today

October 30, 2012 (San Diego)--San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is shipping more than 20 pieces of equipment to the East Coast Tuesday to be used by approximately 40 SDG&E employees who will be assisting New York City utility Con Edison in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Sandy. Crews will be departing on Friday.

EL CAJON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETES TWO MODERNIZED CLASSROOM BUILDINGS, GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL ADDS TENNIS COURTS

October 30, 2012 (El Cajon )--On Thursday, Oct. 25, El Cajon Valley High School celebrated the completion of its 700 North and 700 South classroom buildings with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and program showcase. The two 9,000-square-foot buildings were renovated to improve safety and quality and now provide well-equipped learning spaces for career technical training and art classes as well as outdoor spaces for displays, meetings and comfortable student access. Modernization of the building also featured video production studios and computer labs for students.

DON'T COMPARE DAY OF THE DEAD, DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS, TO HALLOWEEN

By Mayan Avitable

October 30, 2012 -- Halloween has become a very popular holiday being celebrated in many communities for days and even weeks before October 31. Just look in the  local entertainment sections of the community newspapers and websites will confirm the many parties, carnivals, concerts, sales, and displays provided for those interested in a spooky celebration! Halloween celebrations create fear of the dead, zombies, and displays of creepy graves where ghoulish spirits return to disturb one and all.

On the other hand, Día de los Muertos, traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2, honors death. The holiday is celebrated to celebrate the memories and spirits of friends and relatives who have crossed over. In the past, it was celebrated for as many as two months. The dates are observed in many Latin American countries and in the U.S. as well.

EL CAJON BREWING COMPANY DECLARES BANKRUPTCY

By Miriam Raftery

October 27, 2012 (El Cajon) – The El Cajon Brewing Company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, but the owner says the restaurant aims to reorganize and stay in business.

The brewery has received at least $645,000 in funds from the City of El Cajon, including $300,000 in start-up funds approximately three years ago, followed by a $345,000 loan borrowed from redevelopment funds to complete the renovation, the U-T  San Diego reported in April 2011.

Asked what the bankruptcy could mean for the city, Councilman Gary Kendrick told ECM, “This is a bankruptcy reorganization, so hopefully they will be able to reorganize their debt and continue operation or find another operator.  The city has a lien on their equipment as security for the loan. The value of the equipment would cover a significant part of the unpaid loan balance.”

REPAIR, REUSE AND RECYCLE IN RAMONA NOV. 3

October 30, 2012 (Ramona) – County of San Diego Departments of Public Works and Environmental Health are holding a Recycling Event and Reuse & Repair Fair in Ramona, at 1401 Hanson Lane on Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Local experts will be on hand to demonstrate how to repair and reuse questionable or broken items.

EARTHTALK®: THE FRACKING CONTROVERSY

E - The Environmental Magazine

Written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss

October 28, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) -- Dear EarthTalk: I have heard that fracking is becoming a major environmental issue in the U.S. Which parts of the country are already hosting fracking operations? Are there efforts underway to stop the practice in specific states or across the country?                             ­-- Jim Ross, Toronto, ON

FOUR ARRESTED IN EL CAJON HOT PROWL BURGLARY

October 28, 2012 (El Cajon)—A resident in the 1200 block of Yerba Verde heard his doorbell ring last night at 7:50 p.m. but didn’t answer.  Looking outside, he saw three males put on gloves and look into windows of his home.

“Fearing for his safety, the resident called 911 and hid,” said Lt. Tim Henson with the El Cajon Police. While talking to a 911 operator, the resident heard the suspects enter the home.

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