TRUMP SENDS SUPPLIES TO EUROPEAN ALLIES, WHILE PUTIN INTENDS TO KEEP FIGHTING UKRAINE

MULTI-VEHICLE CRASH KILLS FIVE, LED TO BRUSH FIRE THAT CLOSED STATE ROUTE 67 BOTH DIRECTIONS

SANDAG MEETING FRIDAY ON DRAFT 2025 PLAN

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: MIDSUMMER FUN

MEMORY WEAVERS: AWARD-WINNING NOVEL OF TWO WOMEN BONDED BY TRAUMAS

ANIMAL ADVOCATES CELEBRATE HOUSING COMMISSION DROPPING PROPOSED NEW LIMIT ON PET OWNERSHIP

COUNTY WINS NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS

LA MESA CITY COUNCIL APPROVES RENOVATIONS FOR GROSSMONT CENTER

ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS

SAN DIEGO NAMED CANDIDATE HOST CITY FOR INVICTUS GAMES 2029

STATE PARKS PHOTO CONTEST RUNNING THROUGH SEPT. 30

GROCERY WORKERS AT RALPHS, ALBERTSONS, VONS, AND PAVILIONS VOTE TO RATIFY NEW CONTRACTS

FBI AND SAN DIEGO POLICE SEEK PUBLIC’S ASSISTANCE TO FIND ALLEGED BANK ROBBER; DNA MATCH FOUND ON CAP

 
Darius Demon Lake Charged With Robbing Chase Bank on April 6, 2012

The FBI and San Diego Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance to locate a man charged with robbing the Chase Bank, 4078, Adams Avenue, San Diego, California, on Friday, April 6, 2012.

BOIL WATER ORDER LIFTED FOR POTRERO GENERAL STORE AND CAFÉ WATER SYSTEM

 
Test Result Shows Total Coliform Bacteria Absent in Drinking Water Supply   
  
July 28, 2012 (Portrero) -- The County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health (DEH) has lifted the Boil Water Order for Potrero General Store and Café Water System, located at 25125 Highway 94, Potrero, CA 91963 effective immediately. 

ASSEMBLYMAN NATHAN FLETCHER, POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION TO HOLD FUNDRAISER IN SUPPORT OF COLORADO SHOOTING VICTIMS

 
 
July 28, 2012 (San Diego)-- California State Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher and the San Diego Police Officers Association will hold a fundraiser to help those affected by the Aurora, Colorado theater shooting at a special screening of The Dark Knight Rises this Sunday, July 29 at 3 p.m.
 
Movie ticket proceeds will go to victims and their families to pay for hospital stays, rehabilitation costs and miscellaneous expenses. Proceeds will go directly to the Aurora Victim Relief Fund, created by Colorado Governor Hickenlooper through the Community First Foundation.  Nathan Fletcher is an Assemblyman representing San Diego, where the shooter was from. 
 
This event is open to the public. Tickets will be available for a $25 at the door. Cash, check or credit card will be accepted. Event invitation here.   The location is  UltraStar Cinemas, 7510 Hazard Center Drive #100, San Diego, CA 92108.  For more information visit www.nathanfletcher.com/colorado.

TWO STROLLER RECALLS FROM CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION

July 29, 2012 (San Diego) --  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in co-operation with Peg Perego and Kolcraft has announced a voluntary recall of approximately 228,000 strollers.

The Peg Perego USA Inc. recall is of 223,000 strollers due to a risk of entrapment and strangulation.  A 6-month-old baby boy from Tarzana, Calif. died of strangulation after his head was trapped between the seat and the tray of his Peg Perego stroller in 2004. Another baby, a 7-month-old girl from New York, N.Y., nearly strangled when her head became trapped between the seat and the tray of her stroller in 2006.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT IN LA MESA AUGUST 7

July 27, 2012 (La Mesa) – The City of La Mesa will be participating in National Night Out on August 7 at the north Target parking lot at Grossmont Center, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  The event will be an Emergency Preparedness Fair that is family friendly and an easy way to learn to prepare for disaster.

Explore emergency vehicles, get free child fingerprinting and receive free resources and information on putting together an emergency preparedness kit.  Target will provide free BBQ.  For more information call 667-7545.

HEARTLAND FIRE CHIEF ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

 
July 27, 2012 (San Diego's East County) -- The Fire Chief for Heartland Fire & Rescue in El Cajon, La Mesa and Lemon Grove, Mike Scott has announced his retirement. His final day will be July 29, 2012. He had been the Fire Chief for the City of El Cajon since June of 2005, and became the Heartland Fire Chief, overseeing the three cities, in October of 2009.

SMITHSON TAPPED AS PRESIDENT, WARING RESUMES CHAIRMANSHIP OF CLEANTECH SAN DIEGO

 
July 27, 2012 (San Diego) -- The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of CleanTECH San Diego is pleased to announce the appointment of Holly Smithson as president and chief operating officer for the organization. Her appointment was approved by a unanimous vote. 
 
Smithson replaced Jim Waring who will be resuming his role as executive chairman of the board of directors of CleanTECH San Diego. Waring previously served as chairman of the non-profit trade organization from its founding in 2007 until 2011, when he assumed the interim role of president and CEO.

OFFICIAL PADRES WATCH PARTY AT SYCUAN JULY 28

 

July 27, 2012 (El Cajon) – The Padres are on the road, but you can still enjoy a game at an official Padres watch party at Sycuan Casino,  5469 Casino Way, El Cajon on July 28 at 4:10 p.m.  The watch party will be held at GameDay Sports Bar & Grill inside the casino.

Join the Pad Squad and the Swinging Friar while enjoying food and drink specials.  Exclusive Padres items will be available to win.  Visit http://atmlb.com/Ipy8jk for more information. 

42ND ANNUAL PINE VALLEY DAYS JULY 27 & 28, PARADE ON SATURDAY

July 26, 2012 (Pine Valley) – The Mountain Empire Men’s Club presents the 42nd annual Pine Valley Days on July 27 and 28.  The events begin on Friday at 5:00 p.m. with a Deep Pit BBQ followed by dancing under the stars at Pine Valley County Park, 28810 Old Highway 80. 

Saturday’s events begin at 9:00 a.m. with a 2 hour parade down old Highway 80 from Pine Valley Road to Pine Blvd. After the parade there will be bouncies for kids, a rock climbing wall, music, a horse shoe tournament and food at the park.  A market place with over 30 vendors will also be there.

FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: SURVIVING A POWER OUTAGE

 
By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
 
July 26, 2012  (San Diego's East County) -- Though a power outage can occur from a simple malfunction in the system, human error or a traffic accident involving a power pole. Keep in mind, this is the time of year when it is important to prepare for power outages. Excessive heat warning may cause utility companies to issue “rolling brown outs.”  The summer monsoon season can bring electrical storms causing power disruptions.  Most importantly as we approach Fall, the Santa Ana Winds bring a multitude of threats such as wildfires, but also power outages from downed powerlines. A power outage can be extremely annoying and inconvenient, but it won't be a horrible experience if you're prepared for the worst.

SIX BRUSH FIRES CAUSED BY SHOOTING FIREARMS IN EAST COUNTY; CAL FIRE ASKS BLM TO BAN SHOOTING DURING FIRE SEASON

 

By Miriam Raftery

July 22, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Revelations that six wildfires in the past six weeks have been caused by recreational shooting in East County has caused a firestorm of controversy.  

Cal-Fire, joined by residents of  Dulzura, Potrero and other areas bordering the Otay Wilderness area have asked the federal Bureau of Land Management to ban shooting on its properties within San Diego County for the duration of this year’s expected severe fire season.  

ECM WORLD WATCH: GLOBAL AND NATIONAL NEWS

 
July 26, 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:   
 
 
 
   
 
WORLD
  • Returning migrants boost Mexico’s middle class: net immigration to U.S. now zero (Washington Post)
  • Pressure mounts to stop China’s forced abortions (USA Today)
  • Syria says could use chemical arms against foreigners (Reuters)
  • Tax havens: Super rich ‘hide’ 21 trillion (BBC)
  • Murdoch resigns from his British papers’ boards (NY Times)
U.S.
  • Poverty issue missing on presidential campaign trail (OpEd News)
  • Offshore jobs play role in campaign and economy (KPBS)
  • Romney walks political tightrope on foreign policy (CNN)
  • What happens to current nursing home residents if House Budget Resolution becomes law? (Medicare Advocacy)
  • White House threatens to veto GOP drilling bill (The Hill)
  • Solar trade war hurts Chinese imports (Technology Review)
 
Read more for excerpts and links to full stories.

EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: TOP LOCAL AND STATE NEWS

 
July 26, 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: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STATE
  • Health insurance rebates due next week across California  (Sacramento Bee)
  • California Parks Director resigns amid scandal (Sacramento Bee)
  • Prop 32 opponents blast measure as flawed, unfair (Sacramento Bee)
  • 4th night of unrest in Anaheim as protesters confront police (San Diego Free Press)
  • Will California’s controversial desalination plant get off the ground?  Here’s the last hurdle it faces (Alternet)
LOCAL
  • Foreclosures plummet in San Diego County (UT San Diego)
  • Council won’t sign PBID yet (La Mesa Today)
  • San Diego: America’s Olympic capital (UT San Diego)
  • Lakeside’s Long new face of Olympics (UT San Diego)
  • Abuse of power allegations levied against Border Patrol (10 News)
  • Video shows border agent destroying water for migrants (10 News)
 
Read more for excerpts and links to full stories.

EARTHTALK®: AIR POLLUTION IN NATIONAL PARKS E - THE ENVIRONMENTAL MAGAZINE

 
Written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss
 
July 26, 2012 (San Diego) -- Dear EarthTalk: I was appalled by the pollution haze I saw on a recent visit to Acadia National Park in Maine, and was told by a ranger that it was from smokestacks and tailpipes hundreds of miles away. Is anything being done to clear the air in Acadia and other natural areas where people go to breathe fresh air and enjoy distant unobstructed views?                 -- Betty Estason, via e-mail

AWASH IN COMPLAINTS, OCOTILLO RESIDENTS SEEK PROTECTION FROM WIND DEVELOPER’S ACTIONS

By Miriam Raftery

July 24, 2012 (Ocotillo) – On Friday the 13th of July, foaming  floodwaters rushed through the town of Ocotillo, leaving a white chemical residue behind on lawns, streets, and the surrounding desert floor. 

Despite numerous complaints to federal, state and local officials, however, nothing has been done to test the residue or correct a drainage pattern altered by Pattern Energy’s construction at the adjacent Ocotillo Express industrial wind site on Bureau of Land Management property.

The flooding is the latest in a long string of problems tied to Pattern and its subcontractors, which residents say have exhibited a pattern of breaking rules that protect public health and safety, with seemingly no serious consequences. 

JAMUL FIRE KNOCKED OFF BY A MULTI AGENCY FIRE RESPONSE

 

Story and photos by Nadin Abbott

July 25, 2012 (Jamul)-- A brush fire that began at or near 128480 Proctor Valley Road in Jamul shortly after 4 p.m. was knocked down by a  massive, multiple agency response that included over 100 firefighters from at least a half dozen fire departments.

PROTEST PLANNED AT SDG&E’S SUNRISE POWERLINK SUBSTATION “CELEBRATION” THURSDAY IN EAST COUNTY

 Governor Brown to be present at event

July 25, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—Opponents of Sunrise Powerlink and massive industrial energy projects proposed to tie into the line are encouraging the public to join a protest on Thursday, July 26 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. 

LUCKY LOTTERY TICKET SOLD IN LEMON GROVE: $590,000 WINNER

 

July 25, 2012 (Lemon Grove) – If you bought a Mega Millions California Lottery ticket at a gas station in Lemon Grove, you may be the lucky winner of over half a million dollars.

The winning ticket matched five of six winning numbers in Tuesday’s draw (5, 9, 38, 46 and 51) but did not match the Mega number 5.  The Lemon Grove ticket is worth $587,468, Lottery officials announced today.

“UNDERGROUND” PERFORMED BY YOUTH THEATRE CONSERVATORY JULY 23-28

 

July 25, 2012 (El Cajon) – Youth Theatre Conservatory (YTC) will be performing “Underground” July 23-28 at 7:00 p.m., with a 2:00 p.m. matinee on the July 28, at Granite Hills High School Little Theatre, 1719 East Madison Ave, El Cajon.  The show is centered around forgiveness and letting go of struggles.  It was previously named “A Room Full of Strangers”.

PADRE DAM WEIGHS RATE HIKE: PUBLIC FORUM THURSDAY JULY 26

July 25, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—Padre Dam Municipal Water District are considering a rate hike on its 24,000 customers in East County.

On Thursday, July 26 at 6 p.m., the District will hold a workshop at its board room (9300 Fanita Parkway in Santee) to explain the proposal and answer questions. 

WEDNESDAY WEATHER REPORT

Your online weather with Gary Kelley

 

July 25, 2012 (San Diego)-- Warm weather is expected with low clouds along the coast today.  Later this week, a gradual cooling trend inland will bring relief from high temperatures--but watch for warmer weather on the horizon next week.

 Here are the latest conditions provided by the National Weather Service for today:

WILD NIGHT CAMPOVERS AT LIONS, TIGERS AND BEARS

 

July 25, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Lions, Tigers and Bears, the nonprofit big-cat rescue facility located just east of Alpine, invites you and your family to come pitch a tent and spend a “Wild Night in the Country” camping out next to big cats. 

The overnight camps are offered JAugust 3, September 21, and October 26.   The “Ruffin’ It Package” asks you to bring your own camping gear, dinner and breakfast; LTB provides s’mores.

NEW PALOMAR MEDICAL CENTER HOSTS COMMUNITY CELEBRATION SATURDAY, JULY 28

By Caleb Trainer

July 25, 2012 (Escondido) – Palomar Health is hosting a “community celebration” on Saturday afternoon at the new, 11-story Palomar Medical Center (PMC) here. The district serves north San Diego County, including inland mountain areas.

DON’T TOUCH THAT DIAL! RADIO DAZE III JULY 26

Councilmember Mark Arapostathis volunteers to produce and perform in an annual fundraiser for the La Mesa Arts Alliance.

July 25, 2012 (La Mesa) -- The annual La Mesa Arts Alliance (LMAA) fundraiser will be a production called “Radio Daze III” on Thursday, July 26 at the La Mesa Community Center.  Councilmember Mark Arapostathis who also volunteers to direct the Peter Pan Junior Theater and C. Hook Theater will again volunteer his time to produce and perform in the show.  The hour long performance begins at 7:00 p.m. with a reception at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 with a no host food and beverage bar and current LMAA members will receive free admission and snacks.  LMAA Membership is $25 for an individual or $40 for a family. 

EAST COUNTY FIGHTS PROPOSED POWER PLANT; LOCAL SOLAR COMPANY OFFERS SUNNY SOLUTIONS AT FREE PROGRAM AUG. 4 IN SANTEE


Solar Shines Bright To Help San Diego Fight Construction Of Gas Power Plant 

July 25, 2012 (Santee) – San Diego’s Planning Commission voted last week against rezoning open space near Mission Trails Regional Park to install a gas-fired power plant. But the decision can be appealed at City Council.  Residents in Santee and San Diego have voiced strong opposition to the Quail Brush power plant on the site  bordering both communities. 

“We have created the San Diego Solar Program to offer a reliable clean energy solution that benefits our local communities,” said Daniel Sullivan, founder and president of Sullivan Solar Power. “Not only are program participants saving money and helping our region meet our energy demands, they are getting paid to do so.”

To help with declaring energy independence, a free San Diego Solar Program informational solar luncheon is being hosted for East County residents on Saturday, August 4, at 11 a.m. at Santee City Hall, Civic Building #7 (10601 Magnolia Ave, Santee, CA 92071).

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