MAN WANTED FOR SEXUALLY ASSAULTING JOGGER IN RANCHO SAN DIEGO

COUNTY OFFERING FREE PET ADOPTIONS ALL AUGUST FOR CLEAR THE SHELTERS

COUNTY CLOSES THREE PARKS IN AUGUST TO PROTECT HIKERS FROM HEAT

CONGRESSWOMAN SARA JACOBS SPEAKS OUT ON MEDICAID CUTS, ICE, AND MORE AT TOWN HALL IN REP. DARRELL ISSA’S DISTRICT

OUR EAST COUNTY DINING CLUB INVITES YOU TO ZEST WINE BISTRO AUGUST 21

SHERIFF’S DEPUTIES SHOOT, KILL SUSPECT WHO FIRED AT OFFICERS AFTER SWAT STANDOFF IN SANTEE

DISPARATE IMPACTS IN FAIR HOUSING AND HOW TO GET HELP

OUR GUIDE TO EAST COUNTY’S CITY SCENES

TSUNAMI ADVISORY FOR WEST COAST INCLUDING SAN DIEGO AFTER MASSIVE 8.8 EARTHQUAKE

JACUMBIA FEST BRINGS AFRO-COLUMBIAN RHYTHMS TO JACUMBA AUG. 30

BEACH BOYS’ AL JARDINE AND HIS PET SOUNDS BAND WILL ROCK THE MAGNOLIA NOV. 22

FUNDRAISING SITE AIMS TO HELP BORREGO SPRINGS WOMAN WHO LOST HOME TO FIRE

BOIL WATER ORDER AND PUBLIC NOTIFICATION FOR CAMPO ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL AND CAMPO LIBRARY WATER SYSTEM

September 13, 2012 (Campo)--The County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health (DEH) has issued a Boil Water Order and Public Notification for the Campo Alternative School and Campo Library drinking water system located on 31360 Highway 94, Campo, CA 91906 effective immediately. 

The drinking water system has tested present for total coliform bacteria and absent for E.coli. 

IBERDROLA’S SAFETY RECORD IN QUESTION

By Miriam Raftery

September 12, 2012 (San Diego's East County) -- Iberdrola Renewables states on its website that “Iberdrola strives to offer its energy supply and to carry out the other activities undertaken by the Group within a safe and reliable environment.”  But a look at the history of turbine collapses, serious injury, fires, safety violations and at least one death linked to Iberdrola facilities raise serious concerns about the company’s track record.

Despite these dangerous incidents, Iberdrola has been approved by the federal and county governments to install wind turbines at its Tule Wind project in McCain Valley.

AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION LAUNCHES NEW PROGRAM TO REACH OUT TO THE RECENTLY BEREAVED

Program launch coincides with National Suicide Prevention Week, September 9 – 15th

September 12, 2012 (San Diego) – Every 15 minutes, someone in the United States dies by suicide. Every 16 minutes, someone is left behind to make sense of it. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s new Survivor Outreach Program provides those left behind after a death by suicide comfort and reassurance that there is help, and there is hope.

GROSSMONT HOSPITAL CONSTRUCTION MONITORING GROUP SEEKS TWO ADDITIONAL MEMBERS

September 12, 2012 (La Mesa) – The volunteer citizens committee overseeing the expenditure of millions of dollars in construction improvements at Grossmont Hospital is seeking two additional members.

The Independent Citizens’ Bond Oversight (ICBOC) is overseeing how the Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) is spending $247 million in capital improvement construction projects at the hospital in La Mesa. ICBOC members are uncompensated East County residents with experience in project management, large-scale construction operations, finance, labor and healthcare industries.

ARREST MADE IN NORMAL HEIGHTS INFANT DEATH

September 8, 2012 (Normal Heights) -- San Diego Police Department Homicide Unit detectives have arrested the mother of an infant reported to have fallen out of a third floor apartment window.

On Friday, September 7 at 5:12 p.m., officers were dispatched to a call of an infant found in the west alley of 4500 39th Street.  A citizen had called the police to report finding the infant on the ground, below the windows of an apartment complex, appearing as if the infant had fallen out of a window.

SURVIVAL "EXCELLENT" FOLLOWING LIVING DONOR LIVER TRANSPLANTATION FOR ACUTE LIVER FAILURE

By Chung Mao-Lo

September 12, 2012 (San Diego) -- Patients in Japan who underwent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for acute liver failure (ALF) were classified as having excellent outcomes, with ten-year survival at 73%. The findings, published in the September issue of Liver Transplantation, a journal of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), suggest that the type of liver disease or treatment plan does not affect long-term patient survival following LDLT. Donor and patient age, however, does impact long-term outcome post-transplant.

BOOM IN BIOFUELS: CALIFORNIA COULD LEAD HUGE GROWTH IN ADVANCED BIOFUELS IN U.S.

State's clean fuel standard poised to drive growth in biofuels industry

September 12, 2012 (Washington D.C.) – Despite a challenging year, the advanced biofuels industry continues to grow, according to a new report from Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2). Biofuel production capacity has increased from 437 million gallons last year to more than 685 million gallons, the report shows. By 2015, the industry has the potential to produce 1.6 billion to 2.6 billion gallons of clean, renewable fuel.

CITY OF EL CAJON RECREATION DEPARTMENT TEEN COALITION SEEKING APPLICANTS

September 12, 2012 (El Cajon) -- The City of El Cajon Teen Coalition kicks off another year of leadership and community service. Applications are actively circulating at El Cajon middle schools, high schools, and recreation centers, with applications also made available on the City’s website, at www.cityofelcajon.us.

Candidates must be residents of El Cajon or attend a school within the city limits, in grades 6th through 12th, and be under the age of 19 years old as of September 1, 2012. Those interested in becoming a teen coalition member need to complete an application and return it to the Recreation Department at City Hall, located at 200 Civic Center Way, in El Cajon, by Friday, October 5, 2012.

NATIVE AMERICAN MUSIC PRESENTATION: “THEY’D SING & THEY’D TELL” SEPTEMBER 22

 

September 12, 2012 (El Cajon) – The Heritage of the Americas Museum presents “Native American Song Cycles and Creation Stories in Southern California” with Steve Elster, Ph.D.  on September 22 at 1:00 p.m. in the Museum Conference Room.  Tribal members throughout the region will sing and speak as they give a rendition of their stories.

The cost of admission is $5.00, however Museum members and children are free.  The Museum is located at 12110 Cuyamaca College Drive West, El Cajon.  For more information call the museum at 619-670-5194 or visit www.cuyamaca.edu/museum

VIEJAS CASINO ATTEMPTS TO SET GUINNESS RECORD FOR WORLD'S LARGEST BLACKJACK TABLE

September 12, 2012 (Viejas)– Viejas Casino, Southern California’s premier gaming, dining and entertainment destination, will attempt to set a new Guinness Record for the World’s Largest Blackjack Table on September 13 – Viejas Casino’s 21st Anniversary.

BECOMING GREEN: GETTING STARTED WITH COMPOSTING AND CLEANUP

By Jackie Hanson

September 12, 2012 (Lakeside)--Hi, I’m Jackie! I’m retired, but I keep busy tending a sizable property (that I try to coax into various gardens with mixed results) and caring for many animals (chickens, ducks, goats, horses, cats, and a dog).  I’m also an artist and aspiring interior decorator, and I have so many plans and ideas that I can only hope to live long enough to bring them to fruition!

I’ve decided to write a column to share with anyone who’s interested in getting better at living less wastefully.  I’m calling it “Becoming Green” because although I try to be a good steward of the earth, I am far from fully achieving that goal.  In fact, I’m probably a lot like you, trying to do my bit to recycle and waste less water, but fighting an uphill battle, with bad habits that are hard to break and a busy life that distracts me from doing more.

3RD ANNUAL SANTEE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL SEPT. 22

September 11, 2012 (Santee) -- Don’t pass up a chance to relax on a bale of hay under the soft glow of moonlight with live bluegrass music playing in the background.

Santee is offering adults a chance to have a great night out with gourmet food and spirits while simultaneously supporting the local teen center at the recession-busting price of $35 per person.

CALIFORNIA LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS AND NATIONAL LCV ACTION FUND ENDORSE SCOTT PETERS FOR CONGRESS

September 11, 2012 (San Diego) -- The national League of Conservation Voters (LCV) Action Fund and the California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV) together announced their endorsement of Scott Peters for the U.S. House of Representatives in California’s 52nd district. In backing his congressional bid, LCV Action Fund and CLCV cited Peters’ long and accomplished record of public service in the San Diego community, leading initiatives to strengthen public health standards, protect the environment, and grow the economy by creating thousands of new local jobs. Peters, a Democrat, will face long-time incumbent Rep. Brian Bilbray in the general election.

3RD ANNUAL TRANSPORTATION EXPO IS OCTOBER 3

 

September 11, 2012 (La Mesa) -- The 3rd Annual Transportation Expo, Highlighting Transportation Resources & Safety will be held on October 3 at 8:30 a.m. at the Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa.

A variety of exhibitors and speakers will offer tips on driving and road safety, transportation options, safety related topics including how to avoid mail fraud, ensure financial safety, disaster preparedness, and crime prevention. In addition, flu shots will be given by the Sharp Senior Resource Center Team for a $2.00 donation.

GET INVOLVED: LA MESA PARK APPRECIATION DAY OCTOBER 20

 

September 11, 2012 (La Mesa) -- This year’s Park Appreciation Day is scheduled for October 20.  La Mesa’s parks are the jewels of the city – help make them shine for the centennial.

Individuals of all ages and groups can join in and help their community.  Civic, church or social groups can adopt a park. To find a project that all your members can do, contact us at 667.1300 or community@ci.la-mesa.ca.us.

OUR PLANET, OUR HOME CONTEST: ARE WE READY FOR THE NEXT 100 YEARS?

 

September 11, 2012 (La Mesa) -- The Environmental Sustainability Commission invites students to enter the “Our Planet, Our Home” Environmental Literacy & Art Contest.

In this Centennial year, the students (our future!) are challenged with a theme: Big changes start with small steps, and every great development starts with a vision or dream. What solutions or inventions can you dream up to shape the kind of world you want to pass on to the youth of the next century?

WORLD LYMPHOMA AWARENESS DAY IS SEPTEMBER 15

 

September 11, 2012 (San Diego) – World Lymphona Awareness Day is September 15 and it’s the perfect time to do what you can to support the need for more research and treatment options.  Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are, like leukemia and multiple myeloma, blood cancers. They attack the blood, bone marrow, or lymphatic system.

LILY SCHWORM RUNS TO LEGALIZE CHICKENS, CUT SOCIAL SERVICES IN EL CAJON

By Miriam Raftery

September 11, 2012 (El Cajon ) – Lily Schorm, a teacher, learned some lessons while attending El Cajon City Council meetings. Now she’s among seven candidates running for three Council seats in November.

“It’s illegal to have chickens in El Cajon,” says Schworm, in an exclusive interview with ECM.  She has been working to persuade the City Council to legalize chicken ownership.  During that process, she saw Council  approve expenditures that she considered wasteful.

PADRES CELEBRATE JERRY COLEMAN DAY SEPTEMBER 15

 

September 11, 2012 (San Diego) – Scripps Health presents Jerry Coleman Day on September 15 at 5:00 p.m.  The Padres will be celebrating the legendary baseball and broadcasting career of Jerry Coleman with a statue unveiling at 5:00 p.m followed by the game against the Rockies at 5:35 p.m.

Tickets for the game can be purchased here or by calling 619-795-5555.

EARTHTALK®: ECO-FRIENDLY AND NON-TOXIC CAT LITTERS

E - The Environmental Magazine

Written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss

September 11, 2012 -- Dear EarthTalk: Which are the most eco-friendly and non-toxic (to people, cats and sanitation systems) cat litters? ­                                                                       -- Sam Barnes, Macon, GA

It makes sense that environmentally enlightened cat owners would want cat litter made from natural products that will not potentially compromise their health or that of their beloved pets. Many mass market cat litters contain significant amounts of silica dust which has been linked to upper respiratory issues in cats and even humans. Likewise, the chemical fragrances in many cat litters can also be toxic to cats.

READER’S EDITORIAL: DIVORCE? YES. FROM GUHSD? NO.

By Lou Russo

September 11, 2012 (Alpine) -- East County has recently been treated to columns by Bill Weaver and Sal Casamassima on the need for a “divorce” from the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) by the citizens who desire a new high school be built in Alpine. While I agree a “divorce” is necessary, those who truly desire a high school be built in Alpine should file divorce papers against the Alpine High School Citizens Committee (AHSCC) and the past/present chairs, e.g. Bill and Sal. Thinking it a good idea to follow the recommendations of the AHSCC is akin to trusting Sacramento’s work on your household budget. 

SDG&E RENEWS AIR-CRANE SUPPORT FOR REGIONAL FIREFIGHTERS

City, County Officials and Fire Agencies Join Utility to Announce Cooperative Firefighting Agreement

September11, 2012 (San Diego) – San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) today announced it has renewed agreements with the County and City of San Diego and firefighting agencies to continue to make a heavy-lift air-crane available to support fire suppression efforts this fire season. An Erickson Air-Crane helitanker, the “Sun Bird,” was used by SDG&E during construction of the Sunrise Powerlink.  Now that the transmission line construction is complete, the aircraft will be on standby and dispatched for firefighting assistance as needed.

NEW WEBSITE DOCUMENTS WIND TURBINE FIRES

September 9, 2012 (San Diego) – A new website, www.turbinesonfire.org, has been launched to raise public awareness about the dangers posed by wind turbines that explode into flames or are struck by lightning.

According to co-founder  Sherri Langue with the North American Platform Against Wind, the site “acts as a red flag…to alert folks about this already looming and horrific, unregulated problem. Imagine the impact with thousands more turbines in North America.”

OCOTILLO GETS FIRST DAY IN COURT ON WIND TURBINE CHALLENGE

By Nadin Abbott

September 8, 2012 (San Diego)—There was tension in the air as the two legal teams got ready to present their case before District Judge William Q. Hayes.

Community Advocates for Renewable Energy Stewardship (CARES) lawyer, William Pate, observed, “This case is not about energy policies or government programs, it’s about the rule of law.” Pate argued that the government has to be ruled by laws, and that “it is no more complicated than that.” He also argued that government agencies, in this case the Bureau of Land Management, are run by people and that people make mistakes.

GOVERNOR SIGNS BLOCK BILLS TO AID IN FIGHT AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND ASSIST STATE UNIVERSITY RULE MAKING

AB 2212 gives law enforcement new tool; AB 2126 streamlines campus administration

September 10, 2012 (San Diego) -- Assemblymember Marty Block (AD-78) today announced that Gov. Jerry Brown signed his measure to give law enforcement a new tool to shut down human trafficking, AB 2212, and another bill, AB 2126, which helps the California State University (CSU) system streamline its regulation process.

Pages