4th ANNUAL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT HONOR LIFE OF 13-YEAR-OLD KILLED IN TRAGIC CAR ACCIDENT

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: LATE APRIL AND MERRY MAY EVENTS

BIDEN SIGNS CONGRESSIONAL MEASURES TO AID UKRAINE, ISRAEL AND TAIWAN

CAJON VALLEY APPOINTS LILY SCHWORM TO FILL VACANCY ON SCHOOL BOARD

JOIN US MAY 8 FOR A FESTIVE FEAST! EAST COUNTY DINING CLUB AT LEMON GROVE BISTRO

SIPS AND SAMPLES TO SAVOR AT VINTAGE ALPINE MAY 5

LA MESA HOLDS SPECIAL HEARING TODAY ON PROP L SALES TAX RENEWAL SURVEY

HUD ANNOUNCES FINAL RULE THAT WILL PROTECT COMMUNITIES FROM FLOODING EVENTS AND RISING INSURANCE COSTS

PROTECTED CLASSES UNDER FAIR HOUSING ACT

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AS A TENANT: FAIR HOUSING PRESENTATION MAY 1 IN SPRING VALLEY

REFUGEE JOB FAIR TO BE HELD MAY 1 AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE

STUDENT ARRESTED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON MOUNT MIGUEL CAMPUS

SDSU’S MENTOR PROGRAM CULTIVATES NEXT GENERATION’S LEADERS

 
By Breena Loraine
 
April 5, 2012 (San Diego) -- San Diego State University’s Mentor Program is a win-win situation for students and San Diego businesses. With the participation of approximately 60 business executives from diverse companies, the program allows business seniors and graduate students to gain insight into the industries and positions that interest them, while also allowing businesses to identify students as potential interns and employees. 

 

AMERICAN TRIVIA

 
by Richard Lederer and Caroline McCullagh
 
April 5, 2012 (San Diego) -- San Diegans Richard Lederer and Caroline McCullagh are the proud parents of a bouncing baby book, American Trivia: What We All Should Know About U.S. History, Culture & Geography (Gibbs Smith Publisher, 2012). Over a span of a year, the co-authors will share with you their journey through American history. You can order inscribed and signed copies of the book by writing to richard.lederer@pobox.com.

THE WILL POWER REPORT: SUPREME COURT SAYS “TAKE IT OFF!”

 
Nothing but the truth!
 
By Will Schwent
 
April 5, 2012 (San Diego)--Forget your license?  Have a misdemeanor warrant for unpaid parking tickets?  Make sure you have clean underwear. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that anyone arrested, even if in error, must be strip-searched. 

MISS RANCHO JAMUL PAGEANT WINNERS CROWNED

 

April 5, 2012 -- Miss Rancho Jamul, Stephanie Grecco and Miss Teen Rancho Jamul, Gigi Gauthier we crowned Saturday, March 31 at the pageant held at the Steele Canyon High School Theater.

Stephanie Grecco is a 21 year old student at Cuyamaca College, and is currently working toward her Associates Degree in Music Industry Studies. She plans to attain her Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance. Stephanie enjoys singing, song writing, playing piano and guitar, and hopes to one day impact lives with the music she creates.

MISSION TRAILS 2012 AMATEUR PHOTO CONTEST: DEADLINE APRIL 27

 
April 5, 2012 (San Diego) -- Do you enjoy taking photos of your experiences while in Mission Trails Regional Park? Perhaps you've taken interesting photos of the various flora and fauna within the park. If so, you may want to consider submitting a few of your better photos into our annual Photo Contest. The entry fee is $5 per photo (maximum five entries) and you may win the top prize of $100.

ECM WORLD WATCH: GLOBAL AND NATIONAL NEWS



April 5, 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.
 
  • ‘9-11 planners’ set for Guantanamo Bay trial (BBC)
  • Stocks resume their strong ride (Wall Street Journal)
  • Bankrupt meat processor cites “pink slime” uproar (Reuters)
  • With autism rising, researchers step up search for a cause (USA Today)
  • Romney sweeps Tuesday primary contests (CNN)
  • Arizona bill would declare pregnancy begins two weeks before conception (RawStory)
  • Does a chocolate habit help you learn? (NPR)
 
WORLD 
  • Bombing shatters Mogadishu bid to showcase peace (Seattle Times)
  • Like the U.S., Europe wrestles with healthcare (NPR)
  • Invisible Children to release “Kony 2012” sequel today (10 News)
  • Greek pensioner left suicide note of economic despair (VOA)
  • U.N. spells out Syria peace plan deadline amid skepticism (LA Times) 
 
Scroll down for excerpts and links to full stories. 

“CPUC MUST REJECT PROPOSAL TO STICK RATEPAYERS WITH TAB FOR 2007 FIRES,” JACOB SET TO ARGUE

 

Supervisor warns of ‘purchased’ testimony from groups receiving SDG&E funding

SAN DIEGO— San Diego County Supervisor Dianne Jacob is set to ask state regulators to reject a proposal by SDG&E that would force ratepayers to shoulder the costs of the 2007 wildfires and future wildfires. The California Public Utilities Commission is holding public hearings on the matter tomorrow at the Al Bahr Shriners Memorial Auditorium, 5440 Kearny Mesa Road, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

APRIL POOLS DAY KICKS OFF WATER AWARENESS WITH EVENTS APRIL 21 and 28 IN EAST COUNTY

April 4, 2012 (San Diego) – The San Diego County Aquatic Council will be holding water awareness events throughout the county during the month of April.  In anticipation of Drowning Prevention Month in May the events will provide information on how to keep children safe around water.

EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: TOP LOCAL AND STATE NEWS

 

April 4, 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 
  • Lemon Grove considers downtown rule change (UT San Diego)
  • Fletcher bolts GOP as San Diego mayoral race nears (Sacramento Bee)
  • Former college official, architect arraigned (UT San Diego)
  • Underemployment holding back San Diego economy (KPBS)
  • Candlelight vigil held for slain Iraqi woman (10 News)
  • Redevelopment pigs back at the trough (San Diego Reader)
  • MTS boosts benefits for boss by $20,000 (10 News)
  • Records Suggest Move Against Racist Icon Tom Metzger in Bombing (SPLC)
 
STATE
  • California Legislative Democrats balk at Jerry Brown’s proposed budget cuts (Sacramento Bee)
  • California GOP lawmakers push budget plan to cut state workers’ pay, nix tax increase (Sacramento Bee)
  • Gov. Jerry Brown’s solar energy campaign (Sacramento Bee)
 
Scroll down for excerpts and links to full stories.

DRUG AWARENESS PRESENTATION FOR APARTMENT MANAGERS PRESENTED BY LA MESA POLICE

 
April 4, 2012 (La Mesa) -- On April 10, 2012, the La Mesa Police Department will be presenting a Drug Awareness presentation for apartment managers. Attendees will learn how to identify illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia and how to recognize symptoms of persons under the influence of drugs. This meeting is open to all La Mesa apartment managers and owners. Reservations are encouraged.

MCFETRIDGE SAYS SUPERVISORS ARE PLAYING THE PLANNING GROUPS FOR APRIL FOOLS

 

By E.A. Barrera 
 
April 4, 2012 (San Diego)--Under California state law, planning and sponsor groups of San Diego County's unincorporated areas are considered elected agencies subject to all the laws governing open debate and process. They have largely been a part of San Diego's planning process since 1968, but they are creatures of any county's Board of Supervisors, and exist at the Supervisors' discretion.

 

GET GROOVIN’ AT THE SPRING HARP FEST APRIL 7

March 30, 2012 (La Mesa) – The 13th Annual Spring Harp Fest will be held at Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden Street, La Mesa on April 7 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Featured performers include Jon Gindick, Harmonica John with the Bayou Brothers and many more. 

The event is free to all and benefits the San Diego Blues in the Schools program.  The money raised will be used to provide harmonicas to the students involved in the BITS program.  For more information visit www.springharpfest.org.

READERS EDITORIAL: SOMEBODY IS AFRAID OF YOU

 
By Diane Conklin
 
Speak out at Thursday’s CPUC hearing on SDG&E scheme to make you pay for wildfires that it caused
 
April 4, 2012 (San Diego) -- As you are probably by now aware, SDG&E is trying to get the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to make you pay for their future uninsured wildfire costs for fires they start, and including the past 2007 fires:  Witch, Guejito and Rice.  For those fires they want $594 million from their customer’s collective pocket, which works out to about $350 a meter.

CUB SCOUTS FROM RANCHO SAN DIEGO-JAMUL GET UP CLOSE LOOK AT MCAS MIRAMAR

April 4, 2012 (Rancho San Diego) – Cub Scouts and their families got a tour yesterday of at MCAS Miramar.  They were able to see demonstrations of the K-9 dogs used to detect explosives.  They were also shown how a fire is fought should a crash occur on the runway.  Finally, they were shown how ordinance is detonated via a robot and if necessary with highly trained Marines in the field.

The photo is of the Scouts and a Marine from the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team.

THIRD SUSPECT ARRESTED IN LEMON GROVE MURDER

April 4, 2012 (Lemon Grove) – On April 2, homicide detectives, with the assistance of the San Diego Regional Fugitive Task force, arrested another suspect in the March 14 murder of 23 year old Avel Michael Edgar that occurred in the 8200 block of Vernon Street in Lemon Grove. The suspect, 20 year-old Dasaun Roberts, of San Diego, was booked into the San Diego Central Jail for murder and the transportation/sales of marijuana.  He is currently being held with no bail.

GREENBLUE SAN DIEGO: GREEN LEADERS BRIEF ON OCEANS, WATER, THE ECONOMY CAREERS AND CLIMATE APRIL 5

April 4, 2012 (San Diego) – “GreenBlue San Diego" kicks off Earth Month in San Diego, on April 5th, 2012.  A distinguished group of regional Green leaders will brief on the next wave in the renewable sector, the sustainable oceans and water economy. Career experts will also discuss the growth of careers and job paths in this new and expanding area of the economy.

A FIRESIDE CHAT WITH ESTELLE LAUER APRIL 5

April 4, 2012 (Lemon Grove) --  The "History Alive" lecture series continues on Apr. 5 at 7 p.m. in the H. Lee House Cultural Center, 3205 Olive, Lemon Grove, when the Lemon Grove Historical Society presents "A Fireside Chat with Estelle Lauer."   This warm and witty writer, teacher, and former columnist for the Valley Grove News and Life News, is a walking repository of often hilarious tales that reveal the back story of Lemon Grove and its unique cast of people and institutions.  

FIRST COMMUNITY GARDEN BLOSSOMS IN SAN CARLOS

County, City, School and Church Partner to Make Vision a Reality

April 4, 2012 (San Carlos) – San Carlos has its first community garden at Springall Academy, a school serving K-12 students with special needs throughout San Diego County.  The school, in partnership with San Carlos United Methodist Church, developed and will operate and maintain the garden.  The garden, located at 6460 Boulder Lake Ave., San Diego, is one of two community gardens on San Diego Unified School District sites and represents an agreement between the district and the community to jointly use the plots for growing fresh fruits and vegetables.

NEW ‘COMMUNITY BENEFIT DISTRICT’ BILL WOULD LOWER BAR FOR FEE ASSESSMENT IN CALIFORNIA

 
District 51 Congressional candidate seeks more money from residents for local government
 
By Billie Jo Jannen
For East County Magazine
 
April 2, 2012 (San Diego's East County)--A new state bill proposed by District 40 Senator Juan Vargas would modify existing law based on Property and Business Improvement District Law of 1994 to make it possible for municipalities to levy assessments to pay for improvements in the district without the 2/3 voter approval by people who would pay it.

GROSSMONT COLLEGE TO HOST FREE OPEN HOUSE, SOCK HOP AND MORE APRIL 13-14

 

April 3, 2012 (El Cajon) -- A 50-year anniversary doesn’t happen every day, so Grossmont College will celebrate its golden moment in history with a blowout weekend of free events for the community to enjoy April 13 and 14 at the El Cajon campus.
 
Music lovers, foodies, dancers, amateur scientists, artists, CSI fans, poets, fitness and health devotees, theater lovers, techies, gamers, math whizzes – there’s something for everyone. 

 

FROM A TO Z---ADULT BALLET TO ZUMBA, SPRING ADULT AND YOUTH RECREATION CLASSES ANNOUNCED IN LA MESA

 

April 3, 2012 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa Community Services is enrolling now for their popular adult classes , and for the youth recreation classes that begin the week of April 9th. La Mesa Community Services Recreational Program was honored as 2010 Best of East County, by the 2010 East County Californian Readers Poll. 

Adult classes include: Adult Ballet, Belly Dancing, Boot Camp, Dog Obedience, Fencing, Ice Skating, Irish Folk Music, La Mesa Stroller Strides, Tennis, Walk and Talk, Yoga, Zumba, Adult Lap Swim, Adult Learn to Swim, Masters Swim Team, and Watercise.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: ONLY IN EAST COUNTY!

 

 
April 3, 2012 (Lakeside) -- Pami Wilmers of Lakeside rides her horse, Seth Boy, through the Jack in the Box drive-through in Lakeside.  Photographer Billy Ortiz offers this explanation for the unusual jaunt. “Pami will be in the Lakeside Western Days Parade next month, so she rode through town to get Seth Boy used to the cars and noise.”

 

IT’S UNANIMOUS: SUPERVISORS SPARE PLANNING GROUPS

 

Some other "red tape" reduction items are approved; action is postponed on Resource Protection Ordinance

By Danielle Cook

April 2, 2012 (San Diego)--On Wednesday, The San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously rejected Red Tape Reduction Task Force recommendations that would eliminate or severely limit the scope of community planning groups. The recommendation was one of thirty designed to speed up the permitting process and deliver better “customer service” for developers.

HIKER FINDS NATURAL BEAUTY—AND NO CROWDS AT CEDAR CREEK FALLS ON REOPENING DAY

By Miriam Raftery

April 2, 2012 (Cedar Creek) – When Ed Hale read that the National Forest Service (NFS) was reopening one of two entrances to Cedar Creek Falls starting yesterday, he and a friend headed east to hit the trail--and brought back a firsthand account of their experiences as well as some changes at the popular hiking site.

FIREFIGHTER BOOT DRIVE TUESDAY

 
April 2, 2012 (El Cajon) -- Tomorrow,  April  3rd,  firefighters  across  the  county  will  be  at  various intersections collecting donations for the Burn Institute’s “Give Burns The Boot” fundraiser.  Money raised benefits the Burn Institute’s burn prevention programs in the County.
 
Firefighters  from  Heartland  Fire  &  Rescue  in  El  Cajon,  will  be  at  the intersection of Greenfield Drive and East Main Street from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. collecting donations!

 

MEET THE NEW 50TH DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES IN RAMONA APRIL 11

 

April 2, 2012 (Ramona) -- On Wednesday April 11, the Congressional candidates running for the new 50th District, previously the 52nd District, will participate in a question and answer session. The candidates are Connie Frankowiak (D), Terri Linnell (R), David Secor (D), Michael Benoit (I)(L), and Congressman Duncan Hunter (R) has also been invited to participate. 

A DAY OF ACTION AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING APRIL 7 IN SAN DIEGO

April 2, 2012 (San Diego) – San Diego has become a hotbed of human trafficking and it includes more than undocumented immigrants. Law enforcement have identified San Diego as an international gateway for sex trafficking and one of the 13 cities in the nation with the highest incidence of child prostitution, including local teens. Forced marriages and modern slavery are also critical issues. Worldwide, trafficking is an estimated $40 billion industry affecting every country. 

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