Recent coyote attacks on large dogs in East County also reported; area residents suggest packs are becoming more aggressive
By Miriam Raftery
June 28, 2010 (Spring Valley) – A coyote attacked a 12-year-old girl shortly before 9:30 this evening at 9119 Jamacha Road in Spring Valley, just one block from the Spring Valley Library and La Presa Middle School, Heartland Dispatch and the San Diego Sheriff's office have confirmed.
June 29, 2010 (Campo) – Luis Alberto Duran, 21, of Campo was arrested yesterday and charged with assault resulting in the death of his infant daughter.
On Friday, deputies and paramedics were called to the family’s home in the 1800 block of Campo Truck Trail after receiving a medical assistance call reporting a four-month-old infant who was not breathing. The baby, who exhibited no outward signs of trauma, was pronounced dead at the scene.
June 29, 2010 (San Diego) -- San Diego Police Department homicide detectives are investigating the death of a man inside a College East apartment. Around 11:45 a.m., officers were dispatched to 7240 El Cajon Boulevard on a report of a person shot. They found a male inside an apartment who had suffered an apparent gunshot wound. Paramedics attempted lifesaving measures, but the victim died at the scene at 12:10 p.m.
June 29, 2010 (Tierrasanta) – Looking for a doggone fine place to take your canine companion—and socialize with other dog owners? Back by popular demand is “K-9s and Cocktails” night at Andiamo’s restaurant this Wednesday from 5 to 9 p.m. Bring your dog and enjoy happy hour drink specials on the patio.
Since it is easier to rig an electronic voting system than it is to rig a Las Vegas slot machine, citizens are rightly concerned about who is counting the ballots and how we can be sure that the real winners are sworn in.” --Linda Poniktera, executive director, Psephos
June 29, 2010 (Lakeside) – An accident has claimed two lives on Highway 67 near Slaughterhouse Canyon Road in Lakeside. According to the California Highway Patrol, a dark blue vehicle plummeted 200 to 300 feet down an embankment before landing upside down.
“Many have difficulty traveling very far, and to make someone travel 10, 15, 20 miles or more to get their medicine is inhumane. For some who are forced to take public transportation, such a trek could easily take up to half of a day.” – Charlie Imes
An Open Letter to the San Diego Board of Supervisors
By Charlie Imes
June 29, 2010 (San Diego) – I am a medical marijuana patient. I wasn't using marijuana prior to my diagnosis and emergency surgery in 2001 for stage 3 colon cancer. I had complications. I almost died a few times; the chemo almost killed me, too. I've had subsequent abdominal surgeries for diverticulitis, then later for a ruptured spleen, and finally for a severe abdominal hernia related to the previous surgeries.
June 28, 2010 (La Mesa) – “This is a wonderful opportunity for art collectors,” Shannon O’Dunn, owner of O’Dunn Fine Art in La Mesa, told East County Magazine. On Wednesday from 5-8 p.m., the gallery will host a reception and opening of a month-long exhibition of masterworks by Stanislaus J. “Stan” Sowinski, who died in January at his Rancho Bernardo residence at age 82.
His large-scale oil paintings and Byzantine-style icons grace the walls of many public buildings including city halls and a university, as well as corporate headquarters, restaurants, and prominent churches.
"Now you are finally considering zoning and operational ordinances regarding medical marijuana, which you will vote on tomorrow, and what are you proposing to adopt? A de facto ban that would effectively eliminate all medical marijuana facilities from operating in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County." -- Martha Sullivan
By Martha Sullivan
June 29, 2010 (San Diego)--As someone who is not a medical marijuana patient nor dispensary operator, but simply a taxpayer, voter and small business owner, I find the continuing opposition by my County Board of Supervisors to the Compassionate Use Act passed by California voters 14 years ago an affront to voters and taxpayers.
Opponents urge voters “tricked” into signing to ask that that signatures be revoked
By Miriam Raftery
June 28, 2010 (San Diego) – San Diego’s Registrar of Voters has rejected a ballot measure backed by Councilman Carl DeMaio that would have made it easier for the City to outsource jobs and overturned living wage standards. The measure was bankrolled by city contractors and developers who stand to gain from increasing outsourcing and lowering wage standards, along with DeMaio, who calls himself the "taxpayer's watchdog."
Conservation and Demand-response Programs Still Important
East County News Service
June 28, 2010 (San Diego) – Summer is here, and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) says it has lined up adequate electricity supplies and required reserves to meet customers’ expected energy needs this summer, barring extreme weather conditions
June 29, 2010 (Poway) – The public is invited to participate in the 22nd annual Make-A-Wish Golf Class July 23 at the Maderas Golf Club in Poway. San Diego County Credit Union is presenting sponsor of the event, along with the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Parks and Recreation to Hold Community Meetings to Hear What Residents Want
June 28, 2010 (San Diego) -- The County of San Diego’s Department of Parks and Recreation plans to hold community meetings starting this week in Lakeside, Fallbrook, Pine Valley, Ramona and San Diego to hear from residents about what kind of county parks they want.
June 28, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Among the most unique summertime activities in East County are the “Hot Kroc Nights” and “Pool Flicks” offered by the Salvation Army Kroc Center. You've heard of a drive-in movie...now you can enjoy a "dive-in" showing--or cool off with iceskating at an NFL-sized rink.
June 28, 2010 (Escondido) - San Diego Sheriff’s Department has issued details on the freak injury of a nine-year-old boy in Escondido. On Thursday, a Sheriff’s deputy, along with Escondido Police, responded to a call on San Pasqual Road in the unincorporated portion of Escondido. “
"The deputy learned that the nine year old, who had been shot with the arrow, had previously told his brother to shoot an arrow at him so he could catch it. He missed catching the arrow and was subsequently struck in the head, right above the eye,” a Sheriff’s media release stated.
June 28, 2010 (San Diego) – San Diego Police Department seeks two men who robbed a 7-11 store at 6571 El Cajon Boulevard Sunday night at gunpoint at 11:08 p.m.
June 28, 2010 (Alpine) - A brush fire burning east of Palo Verde Lake in Alpine is now five to seven acres. "The forward spread is stopped," Chief Don Butz of Viejas Fire informed East County Magazine at 6:40 p.m. this evening.
June 28, 2010 (Ramona) – Cal-Fire and the Ramona Fire Department came to the assistance of five hikers who became dehydrated while hiking in the Cedar Creek area of Ramona. In addition, firefighters rescued two of the hikers’ dogs, that were bitten by rattlesnakes.
June 28, 2010 (Lake Murray) -- The Lake Murray Kiwanis Foundation needs to raise $8,000 more in donations and advertising sponsorships to hold the annual 4th of July event, which customarily features bands, fireworks, and family-friendly activities.
“Summer is the time when one sheds one's tensions with one's clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit. A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all's right with the world.” ~ Ada Louise Huxtable
June 28, 2010 (San Diego) -- The San Diego Better Business Bureau (BBB) invites all local businesses, both large and small firms, to enter the 2010 Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics. The BBB's annual awards program honors companies that demonstrate ethical business practices. Both BBB members and non members, including for profits and non profits, are encouraged to enter the 13th annual Torch Awards competition, which matches businesses in similar size categories based on number of employees.
CHIPS CAN HELP LOCATE LOST ANIMALS AFTER A FIRE; MORE CLINICS PLANNED IN OTHER LOCATIONS
June 27, 2010 (Alpine) – San Diego County’s Animal Services Department will offer a clinic from 12 noon to 2 p.m. today at the Alpine Sheriff station, 2751 Alpine Boulevard. Pet owners can have their dogs, cats, rabbits or other small animals microchipped for a $20 fee—just in time for fire season.
The clinic will also provide $6 rabies vaccinations, plus spay/neuter coupons at $25 for male and $50 for female dogs and cats. Amnesty from late fees will be provided for owners who renew lapsed dog licenses.
This is the latest in a series on homeless persons in East County based on first-person accounts. Because voices of the homeless are seldom heard in the media, this provides an ongoing platform for the homeless to relay their unfiltered stories. If you are homeless, or know of a homeless individual willing to be interviewed, please contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.
By Richard Darvas
June 28, 2010 (El Cajon) -- Lucy has lived a rootless life. In a recent interview with East County Magazine, the 46-year-old homeless woman detailed how she lost her way. (To shield her children from untoward attention, she is using a pseudonym for this article.)
June 27, 2010 (Boulevard, CA) -- What could be more traditionally American then families having fun together?
Celebrate the 4th in a wilderness weekend full of old-fashioned fun for the whole family at Sacred Rocks Reserve. Activities include a kids' Fun-Athalon (swim, bike, run), stories of the Old West around the campfire, light stick parade, crafts, big bubble blowing, bocce, pentanque, badminton, horseshoes, croquet, and fireworks and a concert at Golden Acorn Casino.
Crafts include Sun Visor Decorating, Paul Revere Lantern Making, Wood carving and Rock Painting.
July 1, 2010 (Lemon Grove) -- The Lemon Grove library is hosting a Pride Celebration on July 10 from 12-3 p.m. This festival is celebrating the local literature, music, dancing, and more that contributes to the rich culture of San Diego.
The Pride Festival will host many popular authors, including Robert Heylmun, Eric Shanower, Walter G. Meyer, and Linda Patterson. Speeches by Sally M. Hall and Toni Duran will be heard in between performances by singer/songwriters Mary Dolan and Lisa Sanders, the hip-hop themed Kruciaal Element Dancers, and the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus Ensemble.
Update 3:15 p.m. The fire has jumped to 259 acres, Viejas Fire Chief Don Butz has informed ECM. "It's in a very inaccessible area," said Butz, adding that the forward spread of the fire has been slowed.
June 26, 2010 (Santee) - A vegetation fire that began late this morning north of Santee is now approximately 70 acres in size, according to Heartland Fire dispatch. The fire is burning westward into federal property in the adjacent Miramar area.
The blaze is not yet contained, however the forward spread of the fire is slowing, Heartland informed East County Magazine. Currently there are 100 firefighting personnel, five hand crews and three helicopters battling the blaze. Fixed wing aircraft have been released.
June 25, 2010 (El Cajon) – An undercover operation by the El Cajon Police Department yesterday targeted males soliciting acts of prostitution from women on the streets of El Cajon. With assistance from the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, 14 individuals were arrested yesterday during the six-hour operation.
June 25, 2010 (La Mesa, CA) -- The cities of La Mesa and Santee will hold their second annual fashion show fundraiser,“Fashion Rocks the East,” to benefit the Miss La Mesa and Miss Santee Pageants Scholarship Fund. The fashion show will be held on Sunday, August 8th at the La Mesa Community Services Arbor Room at 3 p.m.
Former contestants and titleholders in the Miss La Mesa and Miss Santee programs will model wardrobe items provided by local businesses. Ramshakle, a popular East County band, will provide live music.
June 25, 2010 (San Diego) – It doesn’t get much closer than this. Yesterday, Mary Salas' lead over Juan Vargas had evaporated to a single vote. Today, in the hotly contested Democratic primary for the 40th State Senate District,Vargas pulled into the lead by a six vote margin with 24,079 votes to Salas' 24,073. But this horse race isn’t over yet, with thousands of votes yet to be tallied in a race spanning three separate counties.
June 29, 2010 (Campo) – Luis Alberto Duran, 21, of Campo was arrested yesterday and charged with assault resulting in the death of his infant daughter.
June 29, 2010 (San Diego) -- San Diego Police Department homicide detectives are investigating the death of a man inside a College East apartment. Around 11:45 a.m., officers were dispatched to 7240 El Cajon Boulevard on a report of a person shot. They found a male inside an apartment who had suffered an apparent gunshot wound. Paramedics attempted lifesaving measures, but the victim died at the scene at 12:10 p.m.
By Miriam Raftery
June 29, 2010 (Lakeside) – An accident has claimed two lives on Highway 67 near Slaughterhouse Canyon Road in Lakeside. According to the California Highway Patrol, a dark blue vehicle plummeted 200 to 300 feet down an embankment before landing upside down.
By Miriam Raftery
June 28, 2010 (San Diego) – San Diego’s Registrar of Voters has rejected a ballot measure backed by Councilman Carl DeMaio that would have made it easier for the City to outsource jobs and overturned living wage standards. The measure was bankrolled by city contractors and developers who stand to gain from increasing outsourcing and lowering wage standards, along with DeMaio, who calls himself the "taxpayer's watchdog."
East County News Service
Parks and Recreation to Hold Community Meetings to Hear What Residents Want
East County News Service
June 28, 2010 (San Diego) – San Diego Police Department seeks two men who robbed a 7-11 store at 6571 El Cajon Boulevard Sunday night at gunpoint at 11:08 p.m.
June 28, 2010 (Alpine) - A brush fire burning east of Palo Verde Lake in Alpine is now five to seven acres. "The forward spread is stopped," Chief Don Butz of Viejas Fire informed East County Magazine at 6:40 p.m. this evening. 
CHIPS CAN HELP LOCATE LOST ANIMALS AFTER A FIRE; MORE CLINICS PLANNED IN OTHER LOCATIONS
This is the latest in a series on homeless persons in East County based on first-person accounts. Because voices of the homeless are seldom heard in the media, this provides an ongoing platform for the homeless to relay their unfiltered stories. If you are homeless, or know of a homeless individual willing to be interviewed, please contact 
June 27, 2010 (Boulevard, CA) -- What could be more traditionally American then families having fun together?
June 26, 2010 (Santee) - A vegetation fire that began late this morning north of Santee is now approximately 70 acres in size, according to Heartland Fire dispatch. The fire is burning westward into federal property in the adjacent Miramar area.
June 25, 2010 (La Mesa, CA) -- The cities of La Mesa and Santee will hold their second annual fashion show fundraiser,“Fashion Rocks the East,” to benefit the Miss La Mesa and Miss Santee Pageants Scholarship Fund. The fashion show will be held on Sunday, August 8th at the La Mesa Community Services Arbor Room at 3 p.m.
June 25, 2010 (San Diego) – It doesn’t get much closer than this. Yesterday, Mary Salas' lead over Juan Vargas had evaporated to a single vote. Today, in the hotly contested Democratic primary for the 40th State Senate District,Vargas pulled into the lead by a six vote margin with 24,079 votes to Salas' 24,073. But this horse race isn’t over yet, with thousands of votes yet to be tallied in a race spanning three separate counties.
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