82 square mile quarantine area declared after Mexican fruit flies found in La Mesa: all 4 East County cities, some unincorporated areas and San Diego neighborhoods are included
September 13, 2012 (Sacramento)-- Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom called upon Attorney General Eric Holder and members of the Antitrust Division at the Office of the Attorney General to review the actions of some members of the mortgage industry, as well as federal agencies, who have coercively urged local governments to reject consideration of any proposal that would exercise the powers constitutionally granted local governments to use eminent domain to help stem the mortgage crisis.
Unmaned predator drones are now used for surveillance here in the U.S. and abroad
By Dave Patterson
September 12, 2012 (Poway)--Every Thursday afternoon one can see a demonstration at the General Atomics plant in Poway, home of the Predator drone. The demonstrators are from the San Diego Veterans For Peace and their supporters, with the goal of enlightening the public on the desperate need for oversight regarding drone technology.
The Predator drone is flying over 16 countries now, loosing weapons over Yemen, Somalia and Pakistan. The kill statistics would be unacceptable in any conflict but are somehow overlooked because we are at war with terrorism.
September 13, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – As fire parcel fee notices arrive in the mail for rural homeowners in East County, the Howard Jarvis Taxpayer Association has filed a lawsuit contending that the fee is an illegal tax that required a two-thirds majority of the Legislature for passage.
If the gorup prevails, a court may order refunds. The organization’s website, FireTaxProtest.org site has a Petition for Redetermination that it suggests property owners mail in with their payments: http://firetaxprotest.org/?page_id=13.
September 13, 2012 (San Diego)--Hundreds of students, faculty and staff gathered in front of Hepner Hall to take part in San Diego State University’’s Patriot Day ceremony, honoring the victims and heroes from 9/11.
September 13, 2012 (Campo)--The County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health (DEH) has issued a Boil Water Order and Public Notification for the Campo Alternative School and Campo Library drinking water system located on 31360 Highway 94, Campo, CA 91906 effective immediately.
The drinking water system has tested present for total coliform bacteria and absent for E.coli.
September 12, 2012 (San Diego's East County) -- Iberdrola Renewables states on its website that “Iberdrola strives to offer its energy supply and to carry out the other activities undertaken by the Group within a safe and reliable environment.” But a look at the history of turbine collapses, serious injury, fires, safety violations and at least one death linked to Iberdrola facilities raise serious concerns about the company’s track record.
Despite these dangerous incidents, Iberdrola has been approved by the federal and county governments to install wind turbines at its Tule Wind project in McCain Valley.
Program launch coincides with National Suicide Prevention Week, September 9 – 15th
September 12, 2012 (San Diego) – Every 15 minutes, someone in the United States dies by suicide. Every 16 minutes, someone is left behind to make sense of it. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s new Survivor Outreach Program provides those left behind after a death by suicide comfort and reassurance that there is help, and there is hope.
September 12, 2012 (La Mesa) – The volunteer citizens committee overseeing the expenditure of millions of dollars in construction improvements at Grossmont Hospital is seeking two additional members.
The Independent Citizens’ Bond Oversight (ICBOC) is overseeing how the Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) is spending $247 million in capital improvement construction projects at the hospital in La Mesa. ICBOC members are uncompensated East County residents with experience in project management, large-scale construction operations, finance, labor and healthcare industries.
September 8, 2012 (Normal Heights) -- San Diego Police Department Homicide Unit detectives have arrested the mother of an infant reported to have fallen out of a third floor apartment window.
On Friday, September 7 at 5:12 p.m., officers were dispatched to a call of an infant found in the west alley of 4500 39th Street. A citizen had called the police to report finding the infant on the ground, below the windows of an apartment complex, appearing as if the infant had fallen out of a window.
September 12, 2012 (San Diego) -- Patients in Japan who underwent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for acute liver failure (ALF) were classified as having excellent outcomes, with ten-year survival at 73%. The findings, published in the September issue of Liver Transplantation, a journal of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), suggest that the type of liver disease or treatment plan does not affect long-term patient survival following LDLT. Donor and patient age, however, does impact long-term outcome post-transplant.
September 12, 2012 (El Cajon) – A rummage sale, art sale, jewelry sale, gems & minerals sale and fossils sale are all going on in one location to benefit the Heritage of the Americas Museum. The sale is going on throughout the museum through October 3rd.
State's clean fuel standard poised to drive growth in biofuels industry
September 12, 2012 (Washington D.C.) – Despite a challenging year, the advanced biofuels industry continues to grow, according to a new report from Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2). Biofuel production capacity has increased from 437 million gallons last year to more than 685 million gallons, the report shows. By 2015, the industry has the potential to produce 1.6 billion to 2.6 billion gallons of clean, renewable fuel.
September 12, 2012 (El Cajon) -- The City of El Cajon Teen Coalition kicks off another year of leadership and community service. Applications are actively circulating at El Cajon middle schools, high schools, and recreation centers, with applications also made available on the City’s website, at www.cityofelcajon.us.
Candidates must be residents of El Cajon or attend a school within the city limits, in grades 6th through 12th, and be under the age of 19 years old as of September 1, 2012. Those interested in becoming a teen coalition member need to complete an application and return it to the Recreation Department at City Hall, located at 200 Civic Center Way, in El Cajon, by Friday, October 5, 2012.
September 12, 2012 (El Cajon) – The Heritage of the Americas Museum presents “Native American Song Cycles and Creation Stories in Southern California” with Steve Elster, Ph.D. on September 22 at 1:00 p.m. in the Museum Conference Room. Tribal members throughout the region will sing and speak as they give a rendition of their stories.
The cost of admission is $5.00, however Museum members and children are free. The Museum is located at 12110 Cuyamaca College Drive West, El Cajon. For more information call the museum at 619-670-5194 or visit www.cuyamaca.edu/museum.
September 12, 2012 (Viejas)– Viejas Casino, Southern California’s premier gaming, dining and entertainment destination, will attempt to set a new Guinness Record for the World’s Largest Blackjack Table on September 13 – Viejas Casino’s 21st Anniversary.
September 12, 2012 (Lakeside)--Hi, I’m Jackie! I’m retired, but I keep busy tending a sizable property (that I try to coax into various gardens with mixed results) and caring for many animals (chickens, ducks, goats, horses, cats, and a dog). I’m also an artist and aspiring interior decorator, and I have so many plans and ideas that I can only hope to live long enough to bring them to fruition!
I’ve decided to write a column to share with anyone who’s interested in getting better at living less wastefully. I’m calling it “Becoming Green” because although I try to be a good steward of the earth, I am far from fully achieving that goal. In fact, I’m probably a lot like you, trying to do my bit to recycle and waste less water, but fighting an uphill battle, with bad habits that are hard to break and a busy life that distracts me from doing more.
September 11, 2012 (Santee) -- Don’t pass up a chance to relax on a bale of hay under the soft glow of moonlight with live bluegrass music playing in the background.
Santee is offering adults a chance to have a great night out with gourmet food and spirits while simultaneously supporting the local teen center at the recession-busting price of $35 per person.
September 11, 2012 (San Diego) -- The national League of Conservation Voters (LCV) Action Fund and the California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV) together announced their endorsement of Scott Peters for the U.S. House of Representatives in California’s 52nd district. In backing his congressional bid, LCV Action Fund and CLCV cited Peters’ long and accomplished record of public service in the San Diego community, leading initiatives to strengthen public health standards, protect the environment, and grow the economy by creating thousands of new local jobs. Peters, a Democrat, will face long-time incumbent Rep. Brian Bilbray in the general election.
September 11, 2012 (La Mesa) -- The 3rd Annual Transportation Expo, Highlighting Transportation Resources & Safety will be held on October 3 at 8:30 a.m. at the Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa.
A variety of exhibitors and speakers will offer tips on driving and road safety, transportation options, safety related topics including how to avoid mail fraud, ensure financial safety, disaster preparedness, and crime prevention. In addition, flu shots will be given by the Sharp Senior Resource Center Team for a $2.00 donation.
September 11, 2012 (La Mesa) -- This year’s Park Appreciation Day is scheduled for October 20. La Mesa’s parks are the jewels of the city – help make them shine for the centennial.
Individuals of all ages and groups can join in and help their community. Civic, church or social groups can adopt a park. To find a project that all your members can do, contact us at 667.1300 or community@ci.la-mesa.ca.us.
September 11, 2012 (La Mesa) – Safe Routes to School is not just for kids anymore. Join your neighbors and help make the community safer. Volunteer for the City of La Mesa’s Walk-n-Roll Safe Routes to School intergenerational program.
September 11, 2012 (La Mesa) -- The Environmental Sustainability Commission invites students to enter the “Our Planet, Our Home” Environmental Literacy & Art Contest.
In this Centennial year, the students (our future!) are challenged with a theme: Big changes start with small steps, and every great development starts with a vision or dream. What solutions or inventions can you dream up to shape the kind of world you want to pass on to the youth of the next century?
September 11, 2012 (San Diego) – World Lymphona Awareness Day is September 15 and it’s the perfect time to do what you can to support the need for more research and treatment options. Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are, like leukemia and multiple myeloma, blood cancers. They attack the blood, bone marrow, or lymphatic system.
September 11, 2012 (El Cajon ) – Lily Schorm, a teacher, learned some lessons while attending El Cajon City Council meetings. Now she’s among seven candidates running for three Council seats in November.
“It’s illegal to have chickens in El Cajon,” says Schworm, in an exclusive interview with ECM. She has been working to persuade the City Council to legalize chicken ownership. During that process, she saw Council approve expenditures that she considered wasteful.
September 11, 2012 (San Diego) – Scripps Health presents Jerry Coleman Day on September 15 at 5:00 p.m. The Padres will be celebrating the legendary baseball and broadcasting career of Jerry Coleman with a statue unveiling at 5:00 p.m followed by the game against the Rockies at 5:35 p.m.
Tickets for the game can be purchased here or by calling 619-795-5555.
September 11, 2012 -- Dear EarthTalk: Which are the most eco-friendly and non-toxic (to people, cats and sanitation systems) cat litters? -- Sam Barnes, Macon, GA
It makes sense that environmentally enlightened cat owners would want cat litter made from natural products that will not potentially compromise their health or that of their beloved pets. Many mass market cat litters contain significant amounts of silica dust which has been linked to upper respiratory issues in cats and even humans. Likewise, the chemical fragrances in many cat litters can also be toxic to cats.
September 11, 2012 (Alpine) -- East County has recently been treated to columns by Bill Weaver and Sal Casamassima on the need for a “divorce” from the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) by the citizens who desire a new high school be built in Alpine. While I agree a “divorce” is necessary, those who truly desire a high school be built in Alpine should file divorce papers against the Alpine High School Citizens Committee (AHSCC) and the past/present chairs, e.g. Bill and Sal. Thinking it a good idea to follow the recommendations of the AHSCC is akin to trusting Sacramento’s work on your household budget.
September 11, 2012 (Spring Valley) -- San Diego County Sheriff's Department informed East County Magazine that a shooting occurred in the process of a CHP traffic stop in Spring Valley east of Route 125. Several law enforcement agencies have reported to Jamacha Boulevard and Sacramento Avenue. Traffic is closed on the surrounding streets.
City, County Officials and Fire Agencies Join Utility to Announce Cooperative Firefighting Agreement
September11, 2012 (San Diego) – San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) today announced it has renewed agreements with the County and City of San Diego and firefighting agencies to continue to make a heavy-lift air-crane available to support fire suppression efforts this fire season. An Erickson Air-Crane helitanker, the “Sun Bird,” was used by SDG&E during construction of the Sunrise Powerlink. Now that the transmission line construction is complete, the aircraft will be on standby and dispatched for firefighting assistance as needed.
September 9, 2012 (San Diego) – A new website, www.turbinesonfire.org, has been launched to raise public awareness about the dangers posed by wind turbines that explode into flames or are struck by lightning.
According to co-founder Sherri Langue with the North American Platform Against Wind, the site “acts as a red flag…to alert folks about this already looming and horrific, unregulated problem. Imagine the impact with thousands more turbines in North America.”
September 13, 2012 (Sacramento)-- Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom called upon Attorney General Eric Holder and members of the Antitrust Division at the Office of the Attorney General to review the actions of some members of the mortgage industry, as well as federal agencies, who have coercively urged local governments to reject consideration of any proposal that would exercise the powers constitutionally granted local governments to use eminent domain to help stem the mortgage crisis.
rson
SDSU News Service
September 13, 2012 (Campo)--The County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health (DEH) has issued a Boil Water Order and Public Notification for the Campo Alternative School and Campo Library drinking water system located on 31360 Highway 94, Campo, CA 91906 effective immediately. 
By Miriam Raftery
Program launch coincides with National Suicide Prevention Week, September 9 – 15th
September 12, 2012 (La Mesa) – The volunteer citizens committee overseeing the expenditure of millions of dollars in construction improvements at Grossmont Hospital is seeking two additional members.
September 8, 2012 (Normal Heights) -- San Diego Police Department Homicide Unit detectives have arrested the mother of an infant reported to have fallen out of a third floor apartment window.
By Chung Mao-Lo
September 12, 2012 (El Cajon) – A rummage sale, art sale, jewelry sale, gems & minerals sale and fossils sale are all going on in one location to benefit the Heritage of the Americas Museum. The sale is going on throughout the museum through October 3rd.
State's clean fuel standard poised to drive growth in biofuels industry
September 12, 2012 (El Cajon) -- The City of El Cajon Teen Coalition kicks off another year of leadership and community service. Applications are actively circulating at El Cajon middle schools, high schools, and recreation centers, with applications also made available on the City’s website, at 
September 12, 2012 (El Cajon) – The Heritage of the Americas Museum presents “Native American Song Cycles and Creation Stories in Southern California” with Steve Elster, Ph.D. on September 22 at 1:00 p.m. in the Museum Conference Room. Tribal members throughout the region will sing and speak as they give a rendition of their stories.
September 12, 2012 (Viejas)– Viejas Casino, Southern California’s premier gaming, dining and entertainment destination, will attempt to set a new Guinness Record for the World’s Largest Blackjack Table on September 13 – Viejas Casino’s 21st Anniversary.
By Jackie Hanson
September 11, 2012 (Santee) -- Don’t pass up a chance to relax on a bale of hay under the soft glow of moonlight with live bluegrass music playing in the background.
September 11, 2012 (San Diego) -- The national League of Conservation Voters (LCV) Action Fund and the California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV) together announced their endorsement of Scott Peters for the U.S. House of Representatives in California’s 52nd district. In backing his congressional bid, LCV Action Fund and CLCV cited Peters’ long and accomplished record of public service in the San Diego community, leading initiatives to strengthen public health standards, protect the environment, and grow the economy by creating thousands of new local jobs. Peters, a Democrat, will face long-time incumbent Rep. Brian Bilbray in the general election.
September 11, 2012 (La Mesa) -- The 3rd Annual Transportation Expo, Highlighting Transportation Resources & Safety will be held on October 3 at 8:30 a.m. at the Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa.
September 11, 2012 (La Mesa) -- This year’s Park Appreciation Day is scheduled for October 20. La Mesa’s parks are the jewels of the city – help make them shine for the centennial.
September 11, 2012 (La Mesa) – Safe Routes to School is not just for kids anymore. Join your neighbors and help make the community safer. Volunteer for the City of La Mesa’s Walk-n-Roll Safe Routes to School intergenerational program.
September 11, 2012 (La Mesa) -- The Environmental Sustainability Commission invites students to enter the “Our Planet, Our Home” Environmental Literacy & Art Contest.
September 11, 2012 (San Diego) – World Lymphona Awareness Day is September 15 and it’s the perfect time to do what you can to support the need for more research and treatment options. Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are, like leukemia and multiple myeloma, blood cancers. They attack the blood, bone marrow, or lymphatic system.
By Miriam Raftery
September 11, 2012 (San Diego) – Scripps Health presents Jerry Coleman Day on September 15 at 5:00 p.m. The Padres will be celebrating the legendary baseball and broadcasting career of Jerry Coleman with a statue unveiling at 5:00 p.m followed by the game against the Rockies at 5:35 p.m.
E - The Environmental Magazine
By Lou Russo
September 11, 2012 (Spring Valley) -- San Diego County Sheriff's Department informed East County Magazine that a shooting occurred in the process of a CHP traffic stop in Spring Valley east of Route 125. Several law enforcement agencies have reported to Jamacha Boulevard and Sacramento Avenue. Traffic is closed on the surrounding streets.
City, County Officials and Fire Agencies Join Utility to Announce Cooperative Firefighting Agreement
September 9, 2012 (San Diego) – A new website, 
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