SOLAR ECLIPSE VIEWING PARTY

ATMOSPHERIC RIVER TO DRENCH REGION OVER EASTER WEEKEND

GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL BOARD SLASHES STAFFING, OVER OBJECTIONS OF VOCAL CROWD

CONSUMER ALERT FOR SAFELY FILING YOUR TAXES

VIEW OUR INTERVIEW: LA MESA ACTIVISTS OBJECT TO CITY COUNCIL BANNING REMOTE PARTICIPATION

WINTER STORM WARNING

EASTER BRUNCH AND EGG HUNT MARCH 30 IN EL CAJON

BIA SAN DIEGO PARTNERS WITH WORKFORCECONNECT TO UTILIZE JOBS PLATFORM, WHILE ADDRESSING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WORKFORCE SHORTAGE

RECENT FIRE DEATHS HEIGHTEN CALLS FOR FIRE PROTECTION BALLOT MEASURE IN SANTEE

COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND TANYA TUCKER LIVE AT THE MAGNOLIA MAY 19

MISSION TRAILS REGIONAL PARK COMMUNITY NIGHT SLATED FOR THURSDAY, APRIL 4

UNOFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS SHOW FLIPS IN TWO KEY RACES HOLDING

POLICE ARREST TEEN, 16, FOR POINTING LASER AT HELICOPTER


February 4, 2012 (San Diego) - San Diego Police Department patrol officers from Southeastern Division have arrested a 16-year-old boy for pointing a laser at the police helicopter, ABLE. Such actions can put a pilot’s light in danger, since night vision goggles amplify light 30,000 times and the flash can be blinding.

GREAT GOURMET VALENTINE DINNERS TO SAVOR WITH YOUR SWEETHEART


February 4, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Satisfy your craving for a romantic night on the town this Valentine’s Day with a delicious dinner for two. Whether your passion is a gourmet repast at a French, Italian or American bistro or a meaty feast slow-smoked at a café on the County line, you’ll find plenty to tempt your taste buds and please your palate in East County. Scroll down for our East County Eater’s recommendations for this year’s best aphrodisiac dinners in our torrid inland region.

GET YOUR GOAT! COUNCIL APPROVES LIVESTOCK IN SAN DIEGO CITY LIMITS

By Miriam Raftery
February 3, 2012 (San Diego) – On Tuesday, San Diego’s City Council voted unanimously to approve an “urban agriculture plan” that encourages city residents to grow their own food--and sell some items.

POLICE RELEASE COMPOSITE DRAWING OF RANCHO BERNARDO INDECENT EXPOSURE SUSPECT

February 3, 2012 (Rancho Bernardo)-- San Diego Police Department Northeastern Division detectives are looking for a white male suspected of exposing himself to two Rancho Bernardo High School students on their way to school earlier this week.

SCHOOL BOUNDARIES, HELIX COMMUNITY GARDEN, & COLLECTIVE BARGAINING PROPOSAL FOR EMPLOYEES ON AGENDA FOR GUHSD FEB. 9

February 3, 2012 (El Cajon) – There’s a lot for the public to learn at the Grossmont Union High School District board of trustees meeting set for February 9, 2012 at 6 p.m.

Superintendent Ralf Swenson will provide an update on hotly contested district boundaries and an update on whether the district is in compliance with the California Voting Rights Act. Trustees will again weigh whether to approve a community garden for Helix Charter High School or create a new “Chef” position in Food Services.  They will also hold a public hearing on the Board’s proposed collective bargaining contract for California School Employees Association union members.

NEW PROCEDURE REPAIRS SEVERED NERVES IN MINUTES, RESTORING LIMB USE IN DAYS OR WEEKS

 
Team Applies New Procedure to Rapidly Induce Nerve Regeneration in Mammals


February 3, 2012 (Texas) -- American scientists believe a new procedure to repair severed nerves could result in patients recovering in days or weeks, rather than months or years. The team used a cellular mechanism similar to that used by many invertebrates to repair damage to nerve axons. Their results are published today in the Journal of Neuroscience Research.

 

BLIND CAT FROM SPRING VALLEY SHELTER EARNS RIBBON AT CAT SHOW


February 3, 2012 (Spring Valley)--This weekend at the Cat Fanciers Association cat show held at the(Del Mar Fairgrounds, an unexpected cat landed in the finals.  Gizmo is a 16 year old cat with cateracts in both eyes that has left her almost completely blind. She lives at the NatCat shelter in Spring Valley. 

COUNTY ACCESS AND CRISIS LINE: NEW, EASY-TO-REMEMBER NUMBER (888) 724-7240 LAUNCHES FEB. 15


February 3, 2012 (San Diego)--The services will remain the same. But the number will change. Starting February 15, people who need help with mental health including alcohol or drug abuse, suicide prevention, medication needs, and more can call a new and easier-to-remember telephone number: (888) 724-7240.

ASSEMBLYMEMBER MARTY BLOCK HONORED WITH LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD FROM THE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY, PACIFIC SOUTH COAST CHAPTER


February 3, 2012 -- San Diego Assemblymember Marty Block, AD-78, was honored as the Legislator of the Year from the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Pacific South Coast Chapter, on Saturday, January 28, 2012.
“I am very humbled to receive this honor from the Multiple Sclerosis Society,” said Block. “I enjoyed serving as a board member of the Pacific South Coast Chapter and will continue to support initiatives working to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis.” 

ZOCDOC LAUNCH IMPROVES ACCESS TO MEDICAL CARE IN SAN DIEGO


San Diego Residents Now Able to Book Doctor Appointments Instantly Online

 
February 3, 2011 (San Diego) – Today ZocDoc, a free service for patients to find nearby doctors who accept their insurance and instantly book appointments online, launches in the greater San Diego area. Local primary care physiciansobstetrician-gynecologists, and dermatologists are now offering medical appointments through ZocDoc. Additional doctors, specialties, and appointment times are continually being added. 

CALIFORNIA TRIBAL BUSINESS ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES NEW OFFICERS FOR 2012

 February 3, 2012  (Sacramento) --The California Tribal Business Alliance (CTBA) has announced the group’s new officers for 2012. 

CHAIRWOMAN - Leslie Lohse, Treasurer of the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians of California.
VICE-CHAIRMAN - Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Band of Luiseño Indians.
SECRETARY-TREASURER - Margie Mejia, Chairwoman of the Lytton Rancheria of California.

 

READER’S EDITORIAL: IS THERE EVEN A BOUNDARY ANYMORE?


(Note: This reader asked to have her name withheld, for fear of government retribution.)
 
February 3, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--A woman came to my door today from the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau, because I had not returned the American Community Survey. Honestly, I don't remember receiving it.
 
She handed me a much used paper which said we are required by law to answer, and threatened fines up to a $5,000 if we do not comply. 

STANDING ROOM ONLY CROWD AT CPUC HEARING IN JACUMBA ON ECO SUBSTATION

 
By Cynthia Wharton

February 2, 2012 (Jacumba)- - The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) held a public participation hearing at the Jacumba Highland Center on January 24.

Presided over by an administrative law judge, the honorable Hallie Yacknin, this hearing provided an opportunity for interested members of the public to express their views on San Diego Gas & Electric’s (SDG&E) application for a permit to construct the East County Substation Project (ECO Substation).

ECM EDITORIAL: SAVE COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUPS FROM DEVELOPER-BACKED SCHEME TO SQUELCH LOCAL INPUT

 

SIGN A PETITION! Key vote Feb. 29 could take away your right to be informed and speak out

By Miriam Raftery, Editor, East County Magazine

“People will never hear about projects until after they’re done if this [elimination of planning groups] goes through.” – Mark Ostrander, chair, Jacumba sponsor group

February 2, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – I've rarely published an editorial commentary, reserving my opinion for only those matters with the gravest of consequences for East County. One such matter will come before San Diego's Supervisors on February 29, when supervisors will vote on whether or not to eliminate all community planning groups countywide.  They will also weigh other “reforms” aimed at making it easier to pave over paradise--or put a goliath-scale project next door to you--with nobody the wiser until it's too late.

This ill-conceived idea is the brainchild of a “Red Tape Reduction Task Force” stacked with developers. If adopted, it will stifle voices of concerned residents in the early planning phases of major development projects from condo complexes to wind farms. 

Danielle Cook, a concerned citizen in Jacumba, has launched an online petition calling on Supervisors to save community planning groups. I have signed it, and urge all County residents to do the same if you value a democratic process that allows people’s voices to be heard, not just special interests. You can sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/petitions/san-diego-county-supervisor-save-our-planning-and-sponsor-groups.

LIGHTBRIDGE HOSPICE ACHIEVES HIGHEST NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR VETERAN CARE

 
First, and only hospice in California to receive Partner Level 4 designation for “We Honor Veterans” program 

 
February 2, 2012  (San Diego) -- LightBridge Hospice & Palliative Care is the only hospice in California, and one of only 12 in the U.S. to meet stringent “We Honor Veterans” Partner Level 4 requirements in improving the care and support of Veterans.

 

HELIX CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL CLUB OFFERS PARENTS A DOSE OF REALITY


February 2, 2012 (La Mesa) -- Helix Charter High School’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Chapter invites parents to a party at which large doses of reality will be served. On Thursday, February 9, the group will host a Reality Party for parents.

 

TRY YOUR LUCK WHILE CELEBRATING LOCAL HEROES AT LA MESA CHAMBER’S CASINO ROYALE FEB. 23


February 2, 2012 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce will host its fourth annual Casino Royale  on February 23 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Town and Country Hotel and Resort, 500 Hotel Circle in Mission Valley. 

READY OR NOT: DISASTER SURVIVAL SEMINAR FEB. 11

 
Presented by Delta Kappa Gamma Society
 at the The United Church of Christ of La Mesa (UCCLM) 

 
February 2, 2012 (La Mesa) --Are you prepared for disaster?  Equipped for survival?  Know what to do, what to have ready to use in the event of a flood, tornado, hurricane, earthquake or volcanic eruption?  In the face of nuclear, biological and chemical hazards?  An epidemic?  Problems caused by our crumbling infrastructure?  Terrorism?

 No?  Susan Conniry and Tom Beasley, authors of Ready or Not: A Disaster Survival Handbook, can help.

ECM WORLD WATCH: GLOBAL AND NATIONAL NEWS


February 3, 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.
 
General news 
  • Obama announces new housing refinance plan (Washington Post)
  • Facebook and Zuckerberg embark on mega-IPO(Reuters)
  • Obama offers plan to help small businesses, start-ups (Washington Post)
  • Proposed jobs bill would target outsourcing by U.S. firms (Washington Post)
  • USDA to require healthier meals in schools with updated nutrition standards (NPR)
  • Common chemical could make kids vaccines less effective (NPR)  
 
Presidential election 
  • Romney wins big in Florida, routing Gingrich (San Diego Union-Tribune)
  • Jailed Rep. Cunningham endorses Gingrich (Daily Beast)
 
 WORLD 
  • Villagers scramble for fuel in Europe's big chill (Reuters)
  • U.S. plans to end Afghan combat role early; Kabul surprised (BBC)
  • Child slavery and chocolate: all too easy to find (CNN)
  • Fair trade chocolate creations (CNN)
  • Al Qaeda in northern Africa an “afterthought” no more (CNN)
 
Scroll down for excerpts and links to full stories.

EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: TOP LOCAL AND STATE NEWS

 
February 3, 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 
  • Does new County land use plan go too far? (San Diego U-T)
  • State realignment floods county jails and probation departments (KPBS)
  • Sheriff reduces jail time for inmates to avoid overcrowding (La Mesa Patch)
  • City Council meeting Tuesday: With redevelopment gone, now what? (Santee Patch)
  • Santee gets another ‘F’ in state of tobacco report(Santee Patch)
  • Beating Briarcrest: How La Mesa attorneys saved city $10.5 million (La Mesa Patch)
  • Student protester faces stiff sanctions (Daily Aztec)
  • New playground coming to Lake Murray (San Diego U-T)
  •  Helix community garden vote again delayed again by board, dismaying backers (La Mesa Patch)
  • California Health Dept. cites smart meter health risks in report (La Mesa Patch blog by Susan Brinchman)
  • Ramona Water District engineering consultant fees goes up 67% (Ramona Patch) 
 
STATE 
  • Controller: State to run out of cash in March with no action (Sacramento Bee)
  • Caltrans sidesteps accountability (Sacramento Bee editorial)
  • California lawmakers move to limit protests at funerals (Reuters)
  • High court overturns CA slaughterhouse law (PBS)
  • Los Angeles judge blocks state cuts to Medi-cal providers (Sacramento Bee)
 
 
Scroll down for excerpts and links to full stories.

ROCK 'N' SOUL: THE ART OF LIONEL TALARO

Meet the artist February 3 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.

 
February 2, 2012 (La Mesa) -- Lionel Talaro returns to O'Dunn Fine Art for a show running from January 19 until April 19, 2012. His last show, "Divine Bovine", was one of the most successful exhibitions at the gallery, and nearly sold out. In this show, Lionel continues to demonstrate his virtuosity for figure painting in the new selection of works.

 

ELDERLY WOMAN INJURED IN CAMPO ROLLOVER ACCIDENT DIES

February 1, 2012 (Buckman Springs) – An 80-year-old woman who was a passenger in a rollover accident on January 29 in Campo died yesterday of head and neck injuries sustained in the crash. The victim, Maria Espiritu, was a widow who live in Vista.

Her daugher, who was driving, lost control of the vehicle and it overturned on Buckman springs Road north of Lake Morena Drive.

SUSPECT PLEADS GUILTY IN BARONA CASINO CARJACKING CASE

February 1, 2012 (Lakeside)—Kirell Rybarev, an East County resident, pled guilty today to felony carjacking and felony battery on a peace officer. A judge at the El Cajon Courthouse sentenced him to five years and eight months in state prison for stealing a car from the Barona Casino in Lakeside after punching a valet attendant.

RETAIL GIANT FRESH & EASY TO OPEN STORE IN ALPINE AT SITE OF FORMER DANIEL’S MARKET


February 1, 2012 (Alpine) –Fresh & Easy Neighborhood market, owned by British retail powerhouse Tesco, has announced plans to open an Alpine store at the site of the former Daniel’s Market. According to the San Diego Business Journal, Fresh & Easy has signed a 10-year lease to open a 22,015 square foot retail store in the Alpine Creek Town Center.

Pages