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

LA MESA HOSTS TOWNHALL MEETING FEB. 7

 
January 29, 2012 (La Mesa)--In an on-going commitment to communicating with residents and in honor of the City’s Centennial, all five members of the La Mesa City Council will host a Town Hall Meeting. The open-forum session is set for Tuesday, February 7, at 6:30 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa. 

 

MULTIPLE ALERTS: ACCIDENTS, CLOSURES & WIND HAZARDS

 

January 29,2012 (San Diego’s East County) – If you’re driving in East County, please be aware of the following hazardous situations:

 

 

  • A medical helicopter is en route to 1840 Buckman Springs Road in Cameron Corners, where a rollover accident has resulted in major injuries. The accident involves a van that went off the roadway near a fire station. The accident was reported at 11:08 a.m.
  • A bicyclist, 17, has been hit head-on by a vehicle on Japatul Road at Hidden Glen. CHP is closing the roadway, CHP reported at 10:47 a.m. The victim was reportedly conscious and breathing.
  • High wind warnings have been issued for I-8 from Alpine to the County line and CHP advises the area is unsafe for high-profile vehicles. A wind warning has also been issued in the Julian/mountain areas.
  • In Alpine, Arnold remains closed at South Grade due to repairs from a water main break.

OUSTED CUSTOMER FIRES SHOTS AT LEMON GROVE BAR


January 28, 2012 (Lemon Grove) – A man who was asked to leave Dirk’s Nightclub in Lemon Grove shortly before closing time at 2 a.m. returned with a semi-automatic rifle and opened fire, ECM news partner 10 News reports. The shooter and a friend are believed to have fled in a dark pick-up truck.

MARTY BLOCK SETS SIGHTS ON 39TH STATE SENATE SEAT; HIGH COURT AFFIRMS NEW SENATE DISTRICT BOUNDARIES


By Miriam Raftery

January 28, 2012 (San Diego) – Yesterday, the California Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision to leave newly redrawn state Senate boundaries in place for this year’s elections. That’s good news for Assemblyman Marty Block, a Democrat and education expert running for the 39th State Senate district. The redrawn district has a 38.1% Democratic registration, 30.9% Republican and 26.1% decline to state, giving Block a clear advantage. 

In an exclusive interview with ECM, Block shared his goals and recapped his legislative accomplishments. Last year, Block authored 14 bills that were signed into law by the Governor—more than any other Assemblymember. Bill topics ranged from helping veterans and military families to protecting safe drinking water. But most reflect his passion for strengthening public education for California’s children, teens and college students. 

SPRING RECREATION CLASSES – CITY OF LA MESA

 
January 28, 2012 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa La Mesa Community Services is enrolling now for their popular classes that begin the week of February 6th. La Mesa Community Services Recreational Program was honored as 2010 Best of East County, by the 2010 East County Californian Readers Poll.  

 

2 MEXICAN MAFIA MEMBERS, 117 GANG MEMBERS AND ASSOCIATES ARRESTED IN MASSIVE COUNTY-WIDE CRACKDOWN

 
FBI releases photos of suspects still at large

 
January 28, 2012 (San Diego)--A federal grand jury in San Diego has handed up 17 indictments and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California has filed eight criminal complaints charging a total of 119 defendants with federal racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking violations, and federal firearm offenses, announced U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California Laura E. Duffy. 
 
Another 14 suspects remain at large. The FBI has released photos, which can be viewed here

 

EAST COUNTY BUSINESSES PROMOTE ETHICS ON THE RADIO

 
January 28, 2012 (East County) -- Owners of two East County businesses are hearing their voices on radio commercials this month as part of the San Diego Better Business Bureau’s “Famous Voices” radio advertising campaign. Mark McDonald of La Mesa Carpet & Linoleum and Brad Belus of Cable, Pipe and Leak Detection of El Cajon are among  several BBB accredited businesses touting the value of the BBB to their company and consumers in the community on about 2,000 30-second commercial spots airing in January on 19 English-language and nine Spanish-language stations.

 

HISTORIC SITES IN EL CAJON AND SANTEE CELEBRATE MUSEUM MONTH

 

January 28, 2012 (El Cajon)--Visit the first commercial building in El Cajon, built in 1876 as a hotel for travelers and teamsters on their way to the Julian gold fields. The Knox House Museum will be open each Saturday in February, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 280 N. Magnolia Ave., El Cajon. Also view a continuing exhibit titled Children's Toys on the Frontier.

 

CARLOS LUGO TO BE GM FOR HELIX WATER DISTRICT

 
January 28, 2012 (La Mesa) -- Helix Water District Board President DeAna Verbe
ke has announced that Director of Engineering Carlos Lugo has been selected as the new general manager of the Helix Water District.


Director Verbeke noted, “After a comprehensive process with a number of qualified candidates, the board has determined that Carlos Lugo is the best person for the position.  His 20-plus years of experience at Helix and leadership style will sustain the organizational excellence of the District and maintain the outstanding service we provide our customers.”

 

CITY OF LA MESA HIGHLIGHTED AS PART OF STRONG CITIES | STRONG STATE CAMPAIGN


January 28, 2012 (Sacramento) -- The
city of La Mesa was profiled as part of the ongoing “Strong Cities | Strong State” campaign highlighting local government success stories across California.  “Strong Cities | Strong State” is a project of the League of California Cities and the California City Management Foundation (CCMF).

“La Mesa is celebrating its Centennial in 2012 and it is fitting that La Mesa is highlighted as a Strong City with its long tradition of successful community projects,” says Mayor Art Madrid.

SMART CITY SAN DIEGO DELIVERS RESULTS

 
January 28, 2012 (San Diego
) – With a focus on the San Diego region’s job growth, smarter technology development, solar energy storage integration and increased electric vehicle infrastructure and deployment, Smart City San Diego is delivering results.  The collaborative is made up of City of San DiegoGEUC San DiegoCleanTECH San Diego and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E).  It formed to leverage each entity’s strengths to create and implement initiatives to improve the region’s energy independence, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and assert San Diego as a clean energy leader.

 

GRAND RE-OPENING OF RENETTE PARK COMMUNITY CENTER FEBRUARY 2


By Monica Zech
 
January 28, 2012 (El Cajon)—The public is invited to the Grand Re-Opening of Renette Park Community Center on Thursday, February 2, from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m., at 935 South Emerald Avenue in El Cajon. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 4:00 p.m.

HOUSE PASSES WAR MEMORIAL PROTECTION ACT AUTHORED BY HUNTER


January 28, 2012 (Washington, D.C.) – Yesterday the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 290, the War Memorial Protection Act. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-El Cajon), a member of the House Armed Services Committee and veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

HOW SWEET IT IS: OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST DESSERTS AND CANDY SHOPS IN OUR REGION

By Mia Myklebust

January 27, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Looking for something luscious for your special someone?  We promise you’ll love our guide to the most delectable treats in town! Whether you’re seeking candies, cakes, crepes or gelatos, we’ve found an appetizing array of choices.  Or surprise your heart’s delight with a special gift—such as candy-making class or a gourmet chocolate-of-the-month club.

Scroll down for these delicious options, and more "sweet" surprises.

ON THE SILVER SCREEN: TOUCH OF "GREY"

By Brian Lafferty

 

January 27, 2012 (San Diego) – Around this time last year, Sanctum hit theaters. Set in a series of frigid, but gorgeous underwater caves, it boasted beautiful cinematography. Unfortunately, it was a dopey survival movie whose sole purpose was to kill off its cardboard characters in gruesome ways.

 

FREE FRUIT TREES FOR LOCAL SCHOOLS, NONPROFITS AND COMMUNITY GARDENS


January 27, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) –California Rare Fruit Growers have partnered with the Paul and Helen Thompson Endowment Committee to offer free bare-root fruit trees for schools, nonprofit organizations, and community gardens. Varieties available include apples, peaches, pears, persimmons, and pluots.

GUHSD TO HOLD 2 PUBLIC FORUMS ON CONTROVERSIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT BOUNDARY CHANGES FEB. 7 AND FEB. 8

January 27, 2012 (El Cajon) – In response to numerous complaints from parents and residents who were not informed before the Grossmont Union High School District voted to change school boundaries, the District today announced that it will host two public information forums and accept public comments.

STATE SCHOOLS CHIEF TOM TORLAKSON APPLAUDS NEW NUTRITION STANDARDS FOR SCHOOL LUNCHES

 
January 27, 2012 (Sacramento)-- State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson congratulated First Lady Michelle Obama and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for making fresh fruits and vegetables the focus of the first major changes to school meals in more than 15 years.

 

HEALTHCARE SYSTEM RANKS AMONG TOP 15 IN NATION

 
Alvarado Hospital Recognized


January 27, 2012 (San Diego) -- Alvarado Hospital was recognized as part of the only hospital system in California—Prime Healthcare—named one of the nation’s top 15 by Thomson Reuters, a leading provider of information and solutions to improve the cost and quality of healthcare.

 

COUNTY LIBRARY’S ACOUSTIC SHOWCASE CONCERTS IN FEB. FEATURE MANY EAST COUNTY LOCATIONS

 January 27, 2012  (San Diego County) -- The winter series of the San Diego County Library Acoustic Showcase is coming to an end with eight concerts taking place in February!  The Acoustic Showcase series offers a wonderful variety of some of San Diego's very best singer/songwriters, folk music performers and story tellers. 

 
These concerts are FREE to the community. 

 

COUNTY BACKS DOWN AFTER LAWSUIT OVER ALLEGED BROWN ACT VIOLATIONS

 

Feb. 29 meeting will allow public testimony on Red Tape Reduction Task Force recommendations, including developers’ proposal to eliminate community planning groups and Resource Protection Ordinance

By Miriam Raftery

January 27, 2012 (San Diego)—A lawsuit filed by Californians Aware has succeeded in persuading the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to vacate votes that approved key changes made by a developer-stacked Red Tape Reduction Task Force without public input. The lawsuit alleged that the Board violated the Brown Act by voting on items not listed as action items on the agenda.  Now, the County has announced it will hold a public hearing on February 29. 

LOCAL REACTIONS TO STATE OF UNON SPEECH: LEADERS IN BUSINESS, POLITICS AND COMMUNITY SHARE THEIR VIEWS

By Miriam Raftery and Mia Myklebust

January 26, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) - President Barack Obama laid out some ambitious new legislative plans in Tuesday night’s State of the Union speech. Here’s a bipartisan sampling of reactions from local business and community leaders, as well as voters.

Scott Alevy, president and chief executive officer of the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce, voiced support for some of the president's economic proposals, while voicing skepticism over other points in the speech. “Anything that brings jobs to Americans, be it jobs coming back from another company or creating jobs, is good,” said Alevy. “As a veteran myself, I love the idea of employing the veterans coming back with a Jobs Corps.”

OBAMA OUTLINES PLANS FOR “AN AMERICA BUILT TO LAST” IN STATE OF THE UNION SPEECH

President calls for trade reforms to bring jobs back to U.S., tax fairness and more

By Mia Myklebust and Miriam Raftery

January 26, 2012 (San Diego)—The State of the Union address traditionally reviews the condition of our nation and previews the President’s legislative plan for the future. This year, Barack Obama’s speech had added importance as his last State of the Union address before the 2012 election.  The incumbent presidents challenges were to address successes of his current term and his long-term goals for a potential five more years.    

The President provided evidence that economic recovery is underway. He touted his administration’s success in combating terrorism, eliminating Osama bin Ladin, ending the Iraq War and improving America’s relationships overseas. In addition, he laid out ambitious proposals for “an America built to last.”  He issued repeated calls to action, among them:

  •   Trade reforms and tax credits for businesses that bring jobs back to America
  •   Tax “fairness” to help middle class Americans
  •   Invest savings from ending the Iraq war into reducing the deficit and creating jobs
  •  Creation of a Veterans Jobs Corps
  •  Prevent high school drop-outs and provide incentives to stop tuition hikes
  •  End oil subsidies, increase U.S. oil production, and support clean energy  technologies

46TH ANNUAL AUTHORS EXHIBITION IN FEB.TO FEATURE MANY AUTHORS PROFILED IN EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE


By Dennis Moore

 
January 26, 2012 (San Diego)--The San Diego Public Library hosts the 46th Annual Authors Exhibition at the downtown library throughout the month of February. The Local Author Exhibit highlights the intellectual and creative accomplishments of writers in the San Diego region, and I am fortunate to be included among those. The aim of the exhibit is to bring exposure to local talent and to nurture the pursuit of the writing arts in San Diego.

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