HAUTE WITH HEART FASHION SHOW AUG. 2 BENEFITS ST. MADELEINE SOPHIE’S CENTER

READER’S EDITORIAL: THE FIGHT FOR FREEDOM IS MORE URGENT THAN EVER BEFORE

A LAVENDER AND CAMEL OASIS IN RAMONA

PIZZABILITIES IN ALPINE SERVES UP BUILD-YOUR-OWN PIZZA AND INCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYEES

ANIMAL SERVICES SEEKS HELP TO FIND ANIMAL ABUSE SUSPECT WHO DRAGGED DOG BEHIND JEEP CHEROKEE IN SPRING VALLEY

FESTIVE FOURTH OF JULY EVENTS AND FIREWORKS

“ICE OUT” MARCHERS IN EL CAJON TAKE STAND FOR IMMIGRANTS AS CONCERNS OVER ICE RAIDS AND ABUSE OF DETAINEES GROWS

GLORIA CHADWICK RESIGNS FROM GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT BOARD

A CALL FOR RECALL AT AZTEC PARK

JAMUL CASINO RESORT PULLS OUT OF SAN DIEGO PRIDE PARADE AMID ANTISEMITISM CONCERNS

TESLA DRIVER CHARGED WITH MURDER OF MOTORCYCLIST, INJURING OTHERS INCLUDING EL CAJON MAN

COUNTY BUDGET INCLUDES MANY EAST COUNTY PROJECTS

WIND ENERGY TAKES FLIGHT WITH ALTAEROS ENERGIES’ FLYING TURBINE

 

By Sierra Robinson

June 1, 2012 (San Diego's East County)--It has been proven that ground-based wind turbines can result in issues such as environmental damage, noise and visual blight. But Altaeros Energies has brought an intriguing alternative to the table.

Altaeros has announced a breakthrough in high altitude wind power. In April, the company reports that it tested a successful prototype of a flying wind turbine, able to lift a standard Skystream turbine 1000 feet into the air--and produce far more power with the blades aloft.

PUBLIC HEARING JUNE 8 ON ENERGIA SIERRA JUAREZ POWER LINES TO ECO SUBSTATION

 

June 1, 2012 (San Diego) -- The County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing June 8 at 9 a.m. on a major use permit requested for the Energia Sierra Juarez high-voltage transmission line, which would transmit power across the U.S.-Mexico border to the proposed East County (ECO) substation.  The project would include three steel lattice towers approximately 150 feet in height.  For full details, read more.  

 

AUTOMATIC LICENSE PLATE READER CAR FOR VALLEY CENTER SHERIFF’S SUBSTATION

June 1, 2012 (Valley Center) – The Sheriff’s Valley Center Substation is receiving a new License Plate Reader (ALPR) car through a grant from the Barona Band of Mission Indians, Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Nation and the Indian Gaming Local Community Benefit Committee which funded the $78, 673 car.

RAMONA ATTORNEY KILLED IN TEXAS CAR WRECK

 
June 1, 2012 (Ramona) – Fred Ulysses Hammett, 70, an attorney from Ramona, died  Wednesday in a head-on collision that also claimed the life of a mother and her three young children.
 
Hammett was in Texas to attend his sister’s memorial service.  He was driving a rental SUV when he was struck head-on by a Ford pickup truck. The pickup was driving the wrong direction on I-20 in Mesquite, Texas and reportedly almost struck a Texas trooper’s car before hitting Hammett’s vehicle.

AMERICAN ABSTRACT RENOWNED ARTIST BILL MCGEE HAS SHOWING IN JACUMBA DURING JUNE

June 1, 2012 (Jacumba) – Local artist Bill McGee is showing two pieces of his work at the Jacumba Library, 44605 Old Highway 80, during the month of June. The artwork will be for sale and McGee will donate all proceeds to the Jacumba library and the Mountain Health Center, except for a small amount to be used to replenish his paints.

CELEBRATE LA MESA’S CENTENNIAL AT SAN PASQUAL

June 1, 2012 (La Mesa) – In celebration of La Mesa’s 100th birthday San Pasqual Winery is offering a special Centennial Wine Tasting at its tasting room in downtown La Mesa at 8364 La Mesa Blvd.  For $15 you receive 6 generous tastes of San Pasqual’s award winning wines in a keepsake 19 oz Centennial logo glass.

STATE SENATE DEFEATS AFFORDABLE HOUSING FUNDING BILL

 
June 1, 2012 (San Diego)– State legislation that would have generated $500 million annually for the construction of affordable housing in California failed to reach the necessary two-thirds vote in the State Senate today and is dead for the year. 

READER’S EDITORIAL: COUNCIL MEMBER EMERALD QUESTIONS PROP A IMPACT ON CITY PARKS, PUBLIC SAFETY

June 1, 2012 (San Diego) – “San Diegans do love their parks, but our parks could be at risk if Prop A passes,” begins District 7 Councilmember Marti Emerald in a taped statement released today by the No on Proposition A campaign. Emerald cautions San Diego voters against voting for the measure, which State Controller John Chiang, State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, San Diego’s Independent Budget Analyst and Fitch Ratings Company have all stated will cost the City of San Diego hundreds of millions of dollars each year.

COME CELEBRATE NATIONAL TRAILS DAY JUNE 2

Hikes and Cleanups to be Held at County Parks Around the Region

June 1, 2012 (San Diego) -- The San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation is inviting everyone to “live well” and celebrate National Trails Day Saturday, June 2 by hiking through or helping to clean and restore trails in County parks.

TOO BUSY TO VOTE TUESDAY? VOTE EARLY ON SATURDAY

 
Registrar Office Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 
June 1, 2012 (San Diego) --  If you want to vote in the June 5 Presidential Primary Election, but your schedule won’t allow you to visit your polling place Tuesday, take advantage of the Saturday voting hours at the Registrar of Voters office.

 

SUSPECT SOUGHT IN MOUNTAIN VIEW ABDUCTION ATTEMPTS

June 1, 2012 (San Diego) -- San Diego Police Department detectives from the Southeastern Division are working in conjunction with members of the San Diego Unified School District Police Department to investigate a series of abduction attempts that occurred earlier this month in the Mountain View area.        

Since mid-May, four girls, ages 10 and 11 years, were followed as they walked home from Emerson Elementary School.   

FLETCHER PLEDGES “INDEPENDENT VOICE” IN MAYORAL RACE

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 1, 2012 (San Diego) –In an exclusive interview with East County Magazine, Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher laid out his vision for our region’s future. His priorities are to “make San Diego a leader in 21st century jobs” by rebuilding the economy base,” improve public education, and rebuild infrastructure to create more walkable and livable communities,  Fletcher told ECM.    

A retired Marine and decorated Iraq war veteran who has worked in counter-intelligence, Fletcher has also laid out plans to help returning veterans on issues ranging from homelessness to jobs.

 “I believe it’s important to have open and transparent government,” says Fletcher, who recently made headlines by announcing that he’s left the Republican party to run as an independent, shortly after the GOP endorsed Carl DeMaio for mayor. 

RISING STARS TO GADFLIES IN THE 79TH ASSEMBLY CONTEST

 

 
(Analysis for East County Magazine)
 
By E.A. Barrera
 
May 31, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) -- With only days left in the 2012 primary season, no contest reflects the nature of modern California politics better then the race in the 79th Assembly District. The new California Primary system is in place this year, forcing all candidates of any party to run in what are now quasi-municipal elections. No single party may field a candidate for the fall, and the top two vote-getters of the primary-- no matter the party--will face each other in a run-off election this November.

 

JUDICIAL TEMPERAMENT? FACEBOOK POSTS, LAWSUIT RAISE JUDGMENT ISSUES IN CONTENTIOUS SUPERIOR COURT RACE

 

By Miriam Raftery

May 30, 2012 (San Diego) –Accusations are flying in the contentious race for San Diego Superior Court seat 25.   Candidate Jim Miller has been removed as a Judge Pro Tem by the Superior Court—and now he’s crying foul.

Miller claims he’s a victim of dirty politics. He’s accused one of his opponents, Robert Amador, of involvement in his ouster, a claim denied by Amador, who previously sued Miller over ballot statement claims. 

Miller maintains he knows of no legitimate reason for the court to remove him from its list of approved Judges Pro Tem.

Posts on Miller’s Facebook page, however reveal  some intemperate remarks made about cases he heard while serving as a Judge Pro Tem--as well as barbed criticisms of local attorneys, judges, and parties in cases he handled as a lawyer.

GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT ANNOUNCES SALE OF PROPOSITION H REFUNDING BONDS

Transaction results in $4.9 million in savings for district taxpayers 

 
May 31, 2012 (El Cajon) -- Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) has successfully implemented Proposition H 2006 Series bond refunding and announces a savings of $4.9 million for taxpayers over the next 11 years. The GUHSD board approved the refunding during its April 19 meeting.

 

ECM WORLD WATCH: GLOBAL AND NATIONAL NEWS

 

 
May 31, 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.
 
Memorial Day/Veterans issues:
  • Almost half of new vets seek disability (AP)
  • Romney tells vets dangerous world demands powerful military (Reuters)
  • Op-ed by President Obama: Keeping faith with our veterans (White House)
  • How Memorial Day glosses over the real horrors of war (AlterNet)
Other national news:
  • Iberdrola drops two wind projects  (Tribune-Democrat)
  • Help wanted, but not for mid-level jobs (NPR)
  • More relatives, friends caring for kids (Reuters)
  • Democrats to offer a ‘lifeline’ for single payer healthcare (ThinkProgress)
  • Romney hits magic number for GOP nomination (CNN)
  • Military campaign money favors Obama (USA Today)
 
WORLD
  • Official: 160 girls poisoned at Afghan school (CNN)
  • U.S. officials among the targets of Iran-aimed assassination plots (Washington Post)
  • Syria condemned for massacre (BBC)
  • Iran hit by new cyber-weapon “Flame” (Jerusalem Post)
  • Sudyei dispute, Sudan to ‘withdraw troops’ (BBC)
 
Read more for excerpts and links to full stories.

 

KICK UP YOUR HEELS AT GROSSMONT CENTER’S SUNSET SUMMER CONCERT SERIES—FRIDAYS IN JUNE AND JULY

 

 
May 31, 2012 (La Mesa) -- Nothing says summer like dancing under the stars, and dining al fresco. Back by popular demand, Grossmont Center will host its popular summer concerts series beginning Friday evening, June 1 and each Friday through July in the Macy’s courtyard from 6-8 p.m.

 

EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: TOP LOCAL AND STATE NEWS

 
May 31, 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
  • Radioactive bluefin tuna caught off coast of California (10 News)
  • A special Memorial Day delivery for La Mesa (La Mesa Today)
  • Soccer unites refugee and immigrant kids (UT San Diego)
  • Fletcher campaign receives over $56,000 from donors outside of state (Reader)
  • Portion of Interstate 8 dedicated to fallen agent  Robert W. Rosas (Backcountry Messenger)
  • New library, updated school for Lemon Grove (UT San Diego)
STATE
  • CA Senate passes bill prohibiting schools and employers from asking for Facebook passwords (Sacramento Bee)
  • California Democrats bid for 2/3 control of state Senate (Sacramento Bee)
  • Mentally ill inmates on the rise (Sacramento Bee) 
Read more for excerpts and links to full stories.

TASTE OF LA MESA - TASTE OF THE CENTURY JUNE 11

 30 Restaurants, 4 Wineries, & Signature Beer Sponsor Karl Strauss Brewery 

 
May 31, 2012 (La Mesa) – In honor of La Mesa’s Centennial, on June 11 the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce will host its biggest-ever  “Taste of La Mesa-Taste of the Century.”  This delectable event takes place at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 La Mesa.

COMMONLY USED PAINKILLERS MAY PROTECT AGAINST SKIN CANCER

 
May 31, 2012 (Washington D.C.)--A new study suggests that aspirin and other similar painkillers may help protect against skin cancer. Published early online in CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the findings indicate that skin cancer prevention may be added to the benefits of these commonly used medications.

U.S. COURT OF APPEALS RULES DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE ACT IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL

May 31, 2012 (Boston) – Today, the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit found that Section 3 of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional.  

Passed by Congress in 1996, DOMA declared that a marriage is between a man and a woman, nullifying marriages of gay and lesbian couples for purposes of federal law.  

Judge Michael Boudin, who was appointed by President George H.W. Bush, authored the unanimous decision. He was joined by Judge Sandra Lynch,an appointee of President Bill Clinton, and Chief Judge Juan Torruella, a Ronald Reagan appointee. 

NEWSPAPER CHARGES VARGAS USED TAXPAYER FUNDS FOR MAILERS WHILE IGNORNING CONSTITUENTS AMID CONGRESSIONAL BID


“This is exactly the kind of behavior that infuriates voters and must be stopped.” – Denise Ducheny, former state Senator and current 51st Congressional district candidate

 

May 31, 2012 (San Diego)– State Senator Juan Vargas is under fire again, this time in an article from The Press Enterprise, published yesterday. The article catalogued the actions of Vargas and his Senate office, who stand accused of using taxpayer dollars to fund mail pieces aimed at helping his candidacy.  Vargas is now running for the 51st Congressional District seat, which spans San Diego and Imperial Counties, seeking to replace Bob Filner who is retiring to run for Mayor.

YEE-HA! WESTERN MUSIC JUBILEE JUNE 2

May 24, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--The Olaf Wieghorst Western Heritage Center will present the 2nd Annual Wieghorst Western Music Jubilee!  The event will take place on Saturday, June 2, at the Cuyamaca College Performing Arts Theater in Rancho San Diego.

Belinda Gail, Sourdough Slim, The Tumbling Tumbleweeds and Tom Hiatt & The Sundown Riders, are just a few of the artists who will be entertaining. The show begins at 7:00 p.m.

LA MESA CONTINUES ITS 100-YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AT CENTENNIAL FLAG DAY PARADE SATURDAY

 
May 31, 2012 (La Mesa) -- On Saturday, June 2, downtown La Mesa will dress up in red, white and blue to celebrate 100 years and “A Salute to Old Glory!” at the La Mesa Centennial Flag Day Parade. Spectators are encouraged to dress in patriotic attire and join in the fun in this old fashioned Centennial event! Following is a line up of the activities:

 

NEW BOOK OFFERS HELP FOR SUDANESE REFUGEES, FAMILIES IN SAN DIEGO AND SUDAN

May 30, 2012 (San Diego) – “The clash between traditional South Sudanese values and western values threatens the survival of families already rocked by decades of war, poverty and injustice,” says Walter Davis. “This book provides powerful tools with which the South Sudanese people can experience an epiphany."

Davis is editor of South Sudanese Community Insights, authored by John Chuol Kuek, chairman of the Southern Sudanese Community Center in San Diego and a refugee camp survivor. View an interview with Kuek conducted by Davis as guest host of Consider the Possibilities:
 

AWARD FINALISTS ANNOUNCED BY SD HOUSING FEDERATION

May 30, 2012 (San Diego) -- The San Diego Housing Federation has announced finalists for its annual affordable housing and community development awards newly named the “Ruby Awards  . . . There’s No Place Like Home”. Finalists include individuals, organizations and developers of affordable housing.

PETERS MAKES CASE FOR ELECTABILITY IN NEW 52ND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

 
In exclusive interview with East County Magazine, Peters talks about key issues in our region
 
By Miriam Raftery
 
May 30, 2012 (San Diego) –“I’m the candidate with the best record of working across the aisle to get things done,”  says Scott Peters, a Democrat. He is  one of ten candidates vying for the new 52nd Congressional district seat currently held by Republican Brian Bilbray.

BUGLARY INTERRUPTED IN LA MESA, SUSPECT GETS AWAY

 
May 30, 2012 (La Mesa)—At  approximately 4:15 p.m. yesterday, the La Mesa Police Department received a call of a burglary that had just been interrupted in the 7400 block of Colony Drive. The witnesses reported that they observed a female suspect hanging out of the window of the victim’s home.

Pages