August 10, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – San Diego Police report today that the body of Brent MacNab has been found near his Jeep Wrangler, which was located 300 feet down a canyon in Cleveland National Forest. California Highway Patrol made the discovery on July 30, after responding to a report of a vehicle in the canyon at Sutherland Dam Road and Sutherland Drive, between San Pasqual and Julian.
August 10, 2012 (Chihuahua Valley) 3:30 a.m. – Hundreds of firefighters from across California have been called in to defend 60 homes in Chihuahua Valley, a box canyon northeast of Warner Springs.View a map.
The area contains stands of old-growth oak trees estimated at 400 years old, according to residents.
Residents, shut out of the area, fear for livestock trapped inside without access to water--and some people may be trapped, a property owner at the scene told ECM.
Energia Sierra Juarez Substation and Cross-Border Transmission Lines Also Approved in East County
By Miriam Raftery
“This will impede firefighting efforts to a frightening degree…a wind-drive fire is not going to stay in the backcountry. We must not roll the dice…There are other, safer alternatives….I also have serious problems about an energy policy that depends on the stability of Mexico.” –Supervisor Dianne Jacob, who voted against both projects
“I’m opposed to green energy…I don’t think the Department of Energy should be putting subsidies in this….but the state has mandated renewable and we have to comply.” – Supevisor Bill Horn, who voted for both projects
August 9, 2012 (San Diego) – The irony was enormous. San Diego’s Board of Supervisors yesterday spent much of the morning debating whether cell phone towers five feet taller than current ones would mar community character on Mount Helix. In the afternoon,three of the five Supervisors then threw county height limits to the winds—voting to approve 500-foot-tall industrial wind turbines in scenic McCain Valley over the objections of numerous backcountry residents.
By a 4-0 vote, Supervisors also approved a power substation and cross-border transmission lines designed to bring power up from the massive Energia Sierra Juarez wind project proposed in Mexico.
August 3, 2012 (El Cajon) – Rose & the Nightingale’s concert Spirit of the Garden will be held August 11, at 7 p.m. at the Water Conservation Garden Amphitheater, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr. West, El Cajon. Rose & the Nightingale is a New York City based quartet of world-class improvising vocalists and instrumentalists. Spirit of the Garden blurs the boundaries of world music, folk and jazz improvisation for a unique sound.
August 10, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--The San Diego Stars semipro baseball team has been invited to participate in the Grand Forks International Baseball Classic in British Columbia, Canada, to be held over Labor Day weekend.
August 10, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--Have you ever sat down with friends to enjoy a meal at a restaurant, only to be handed the bill before you have even taken your first bite? Maybe the server mentioned you could pay at your convenience, but still signaled that it was “time to go?”
In other words: “Here’s your hat, what’s your hurry?”
August 10, 2012 (San Diego) – The San Diego Wine Country Festival will be held at Bernardo Winery on August 11 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Meet the winemakers of San Diego County in one location and sample 10 different wines. Bernardo Winery is located at 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, San Diego.
Tickets are $25 online at www.brownpapertickets.com or $30 at the door. Each admission includes 10 wines, tasting glass, baguettes, and oil and vinegar. Visit http://bernardowinery.com/ for more information.
August 9, 2012 (Warner Springs)--Reverse 911/AlertSanDiego contacted residents in Chihuahua Valley at 10 p.m. to tell them sheriff's deputies would be conducting mandatory evacuations due to the Chihuahua Fire. Residents need to be prepared to evacuate when called upon by deputies to do so.
Update 9:05 p.m. - 6 airtankers and 6 helicopters have been ordered for first light in the morning.
Update 8:40 p.m. : The Chihuahua Fire is now 900 acres and 0% contained. There are 31 engines, 12 fire crews, 4 water tenders, and 3 bulldozers and approximately 230 firefighters. More resources have been ordered, says Cal Fire's Roxanne Provaznik.
August 9, 2012 (Warner Springs) – The Chihuahua Fire near Warner Springs has swelled to 275 acres and may soon merge with another blaze, the West Branch Fire, near Santa Ysabel, ECM has learned.
BERKELEY, CALIF. (August 6, 2012) – Catalog Choice, through its Catalog Choice for Communities program, helps municipalities and their residents reduce paper waste and save costs on garbage collection and disposal.
Update 6 p.m. - The Chihuahua Fire is now in the Warner Springs area, threatening to jump firelines, Cal Fire reports. The blaze is 125 acres.
August 9, 2012 – A major brush fire atHighway 79 and Chihuahua Valley Road in the Poway area is now more than 100 acres.The likely cause was a lightning strike, Cal Fire reports.Traffic control is in effect with access limited to residents only.
A second fire just south of the Chihuahua Fire is now 25 acres in size, spreading rapidly. Additional strike teams and crews have been dispatched to the scene.
In addition,a brush fire at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside is burning in a heavy stand of trees, with smoke affecting traffic on I-5.
August 2, 2012 (Rancho San Diego) -- The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce’s lively annual political event, Politics in Paradise, will be held on Friday, August 10 at the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College.
Six SDSU alumni are part of the Mars Science Laboratory team that landed the Mars Rover "Curiosity" on the planet.
By Gina Jacobs
August 9, 2012 (San Diego)--At approximately 10:31 p.m. PDT on Sunday, Aug. 5, the Mars Rover “Curiosity” touched down on Mars where it began a long-term exploration mission of the red planet.
August 9, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The Cities of El Cajon, La Mesa and Lemon Grove, whose jointly managed fire departments make up Heartland Fire & Rescue, have selected Rick Sitta as its new Fire Chief. Sitta replaces Chief Mike Scott, who retired on July 27, 2012.
August 9, 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
Sikh temple shooting to be probed as domestic terror (CNN)
Sikh temple shooter tied to hate groups (Washington Post)
Despite Supreme Court ruling, many minors may stay in prison for life (Pro Publica)
CDC warns about reemergence of swine flu (NPR)
Firefighters battling wildfires in Sequoia national forest (Los Angeles Times)
At least 18 blazes scorch Oklahoma; one nears record size (Los Angeles Times)
Presidential campaign
Santorum, Jeb, Ron Paul get convention speaking spots (Politico)
‘Romneyhood’: Obama derides Mitt’s tax plan (RawStory)
Romney campaign on fundraising winning streak (USA Today)
Reid puts Romney in a bind over taxes (CNN)
The massive policy gap between Obama and Romney (Washington Post)
WORLD
Syria’s prime minister leaves regime (CNN)
Floods paralyze Philipine capitol, Manila (BBC)
Suicide bombers attack as Somali delegates approve new constitution (ABC)
Islamists kill 15 Egyptians, Israel strikes attackers (Reuters)
Chemo may make cancer stronger (iScienceTimes and BBC)
August 9, 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
Padres sold to group headed by O’Malley heirs (UT San Diego)
Aquifers shrink as nation digs deeper for water (UT San Diego)
Why a Major Food Organization Is Teaming Up With Monsanto and Friends to Block Your Right to Know What’s in Your Food (San Diego Free Press)
Local casino’s past, present and future—impacts of Santa Ysabel potential closure( Ramona Journal)
Helix extends employee contract, draws criticism (UT San Diego)
Dead, sick animals found at Lemon Grove store (UT San Diego)
Crime up 6% in county for first half of year (UT San Diego)
Democratic Super PAC going after Bilbray with $1.2 million ad buy (La Jolla Patch)
STATE
California reaches deep into special funds to pay for schools, social services and prisons (Sacramento Bee)
State finds $230 million more in unreported reserves (UT San Diego)
Real estate license revocations set record in California (Sacramento Bee)
Judge says Riverside County can’t close pot shops (Sacramento Bee)
Top California Democrats rally around new assault weapons bill (Sacramento Bee)
Two California projects selected for transformational energy storage research to advance electric vehicle and grid research (Scoop San Diego)
August 9, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) -- Dear EarthTalk: What ever happened to the idea of turning Mt. St. Helens into a national park?
-- Esther Monaghan, Boston, MA
Mt. St. Helens, one of the less prominent yet massive peaks of Washington State’s Cascade Range, made history on May 18, 1980 by erupting with the force of 500 atomic bombs, devastating 230 square miles of formerly verdant forest and killing 57 people.
August 9, 2012 (San Diego)--Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency that can cause brain damage, organ failure and ultimately death in pets as well as humans. Recognizing signs of heat stroke can save your dog’s life. Emergency treatment is critical. Also, simply hosing the animal down is very important. By lowering the body temperature before transporting the dog to a vet, you can increase its chance for survival by as much as 30% says Dawn Danielson, RVT, director of Animal Services for San Diego County.
August 9, 2012 (Otay)--A California Energy Commission siting committee is recommending the approval of the proposed Pio Pico Energy Center. In the presiding member's proposed decision (PMPD) released today, the committee said the 300-megawatt (MW) project, as mitigated, will have no significant impacts on the environment and complies with all applicable laws, ordinances, regulations, and standards (LORS).
August 9, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – SDG&E has called a ‘Reduce Your Use’ event day today due to hotter-than-average temperatures.
While SDG&E has adequate electricity resources to meet the demand, customers can help reduce strain on the electric grid by reducing their electricity use today between 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. By doing so, they will be eligible to earn a bill credit of $0.75 per kilowatt hour saved.
August 8, 2012 (San Diego County) -- With temperatures expected this week to reach the mid 90s throughout the region, County health officials are warning the public to take precautions to avoid heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses.
“Even short periods of exposure to high temperatures can cause serious health problems,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer. “Doing too much on a hot day, spending too much time in the sun, or staying too long in an overheated place can cause heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke, exhaustion and cramps.”
August 8, 2012 (La Mesa) – Michael Murphy, MD, JD, Chief Medical Officer, Sharp Grossmont Hospital, has been appointed to the Board of Examiners for the 2012 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Dr. Murphy’s appointment was made by Patrick Gallagher, Ph.D., Director of the U.S. Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Company ties, history of fires and failures, raises troubling questions
By Miriam Raftery
August 6, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – After researching problems with Gamesa wind turbines and blades, ECM asked Iberdrola PR representative Michelle Sinning whether Iberdrola plans to use Gamesa products at the Tule Wind site in McCain Valley.
“I haven’theard anything about Gamesa,” Sinning said.She indicated she would obtain a statement and get back to us by tonight's deadline (she didn't), but added that Iberdrola will not make a decision on which suppliers to use until after contracts are signedin order to have flexibility to take advantage of the best “pricing and innovations” on the market.
By Sam DiGiovanna, East County Magazine In House Fire Chief
August 8, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--As spring and summer time calls people and snakes alike to the outdoors, encounters with snakes become inevitable. California has a variety of snakes, most of which are benign. The exception is California’s only native venomous snake - the rattlesnake.
DRA Says SDG&E’s cost of capital request is out of line with today’s market and unfair to customers
August 7, 2012 (San Francisco) – The Division of Ratepayer Advocates (DRA), the independent consumer advocate within the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), on Monday presented evidence in the CPUC’s proceeding on Cost of Capital. DRA found that San Diego Gas & Electric Company’s (SDG&E) request for an 11.0% Return on Equity far exceeds both the company’s revenue needs and market standards.
DRA recommends that the appropriate Return on Equity (“ROE,” or the revenue that shareholders can expect to earn on their investment) should be 8.5%, which would result in a $50 million annual savings to SDG&E’s customers. [See Cost of Capital Comparison Chart]
By Miriam Raftery
Energia Sierra Juarez Substation and Cross-Border Transmission Lines Also Approved in East County
August 3, 2012 (El Cajon) – Rose & the Nightingale’s concert Spirit of the Garden will be held August 11, at 7 p.m. at the Water Conservation Garden Amphitheater, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr. West, El Cajon. Rose & the Nightingale is a New York City based quartet of world-class improvising vocalists and instrumentalists. Spirit of the Garden blurs the boundaries of world music, folk and jazz improvisation for a unique sound.
Team is scouting for new players
By Assemblyman Brian Jones
August 10, 2012 (San Diego) – The San Diego Wine Country Festival will be held at Bernardo Winery on August 11 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Meet the winemakers of San Diego County in one location and sample 10 different wines. Bernardo Winery is located at 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, San Diego.
Update 9:05 
BERKELEY, CALIF. (August 6, 2012) – 
Six SDSU alumni are part of the Mars Science Laboratory team that landed the Mars Rover "Curiosity" on the planet.
August 9, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The Cities of El Cajon, La Mesa and Lemon Grove, whose jointly managed fire departments make up Heartland Fire & Rescue, have selected Rick Sitta as its new Fire Chief. Sitta replaces Chief Mike Scott, who retired on July 27, 2012.
August 8, 2012 (San Diego) – On August 14, book publicist Ilene Proctor will present the 52nd “Great Minds Series” event in Santa Monica.
August 9, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – SDG&E has called a ‘Reduce Your Use’ event day today due to hotter-than-average temperatures.
Cool Zones Open Throughout Region
August 8, 2012 (La Mesa) – Michael Murphy, MD, JD, Chief Medical Officer, Sharp Grossmont Hospital, has been appointed to the Board of Examiners for the 2012 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Dr. Murphy’s appointment was made by Patrick Gallagher, Ph.D., Director of the U.S. Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
By Greg Dunne
By Sam DiGiovanna, East County Magazine In House Fire Chief
August 7, 2012 (San Francisco) – The Division of Ratepayer Advocates (DRA), the independent consumer advocate within the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), on Monday presented evidence in the CPUC’s proceeding on Cost of Capital. DRA found that San Diego Gas & Electric Company’s (SDG&E) request for an 11.0% Return on Equity far exceeds both the company’s revenue needs and market standards.
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