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.”
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 physicians, obstetrician-gynecologists, and dermatologists are now offering medical appointments through ZocDoc. Additional doctors, specialties, and appointment times are continually being added.
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.
(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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
February 2, 2012 (El Cajon)—The driver of a KSON radio station vehicle smelled smoke while sitting in traffic yesterday in downtown El Cajon. Looking behind his seat, he saw flames, quickly exited the vehicle and called 911 shortly before 2 p.m. yesterday.
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.
Presented by Delta Kappa Gamma Societyat theThe 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.
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)
February 2, 2012 (Alpine) – A Sig Alert has been issued due to an accident blocking the left lanes on I-8 east just west of Dunbar Lane. An overturned vehicle is on its roof. The Sig Alert was issued at 10:09 a.m. Traffic has reportedly been backed up to Tavern Road. CHP is in process of reopening one of the blocked lanes, CHP website indicates.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
February 1, 2012 (San Diego)--President Obama’s decision denying a permit to construct a controversial pipeline from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico has fueled strong responses. Now local representatives offer their views on the project, which pits calls for construction jobs and a domestic energy supply against potentially serious environmental and health impacts.
February 1, 2012 (Washington D.C.)--Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego), along with 27 other members of Congress, called upon President Obama to make an immediate appointment for the Director of the Federal Housing Financial Agency (FHFA).
“Reigniting the American Dream and expanding on our nation's economic recovery is contingent on restoring the housing market to the pillar of economic strength it once was," said Rep. Davis. “We need a director in place at FHFA who can guide that effort and help middle class families avoid foreclosures and keep them in their homes.”
February 1, 2012 (La Mesa) School budgets have been cut to the bone, but fortunately for the Grossmont High School Men’s Soccer Team, San Pasqual Winery is kicking in some help—and asks community support. This Saturday, February 4 from 6-8 p.m., San Pasqual Winery will host a fundraiser wine tasting to benefit the Grossmont Men’s Soccer Team. The event will be held at the Winery’s Tasting Room, 8364 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa.
February 1, 2012 (San Diego) -- Two centuries ago—on February 7, 1812—Charles John Huffam Dickens entered the earthly stage. Born into an impoverished family, his father having served a term in debtor's prison, Charles, worked as a child slave in a London blacking factory.
The rags-to-riches life of Charles Dickens's was more remarkable than any of his stories. From such unpromising origins, he arose to become the best-selling writer of his time and one of the most enduring and quotable writers of all time.
February 1, 2012 (San Diego)--San Diego Police Department Northeastern Division detectives are looking for a white male suspected of exposing himself to two Rancho Bernardo High School students as they walked to a bus stop yesterday morning.
February 1, 2012 (Alpine)—Democratic, Republican and Libertarian candidates running against incumbent Congressman Duncan Hunter will be squaring off at a candidate forum on Saturday, February 4 at 1 p.m. in the Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine.
February 1, 2012 (El Cajon)--The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is all about being prepared for a disaster, such as an earthquake, firestorm or house fire. This FREE preparedness education program offers residents the knowledge and tools they'll need in the event of a disaster. The first academy is now full, but there are two more academies being offered for 2012. Pick the one that best fits your schedule, and call (619) 441-1737 to register. Please leave your name and best contact phone number. Hurry, classes will fill quickly.
February 1, 2012 (Escondido)—The Escondido “For the Love of Chocolate and SweetArt” has my four favorite food groups: milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, and chocolate truffles. Oh—and pairings to provide the perfect wine for every chocolate! This sweet affair will be held Saturday, February 11 from 1-5 p.m. in downtown Escondido—just in time for Valentine’s Day.
February 1, 2012 (San Diego) – A group of citizens attempted a citizens’ arrest of Mayor Jerry Sanders on Monday, alleging that his deal to temporarily change the name of Qualcomm Stadium without Council’s approval amounted to felony embezzlement.
February 3, 2012 (Sacramento) --
By Brian Lafferty
By Brian Lafferty
By Cynthia Wharton
By Miriam Raftery, Editor, East County Magazine
By Brian Lafferty
Meet the artist February 3 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.
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.
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