May 2, 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
Ramona wines beat French varieties in competition (UT San Diego)
La Mesa Council deadlocked on PBID approval, will make decision in July (La Mesa Patch)
$1 billion hospital opens (Valley Roadrunner)
DEA “accidentally” left forgotten suspect in holding cell for 5 days (UT San Diego)
6 La Mesa officers exonerated in fatal shooting of Andrew Yacko (La Mesa Patch)
Lloyd Jr pleads guilty to manslaughter in Santee teen Carioscias’ death (Santee Patch)
Lemon Grove School District cuts 30 jobs (UT San Diego)
SAN DIEGO MAYORAL RACE
Voice of San Diego series: Who is….
Bob Filner
Nathan Fletcher
Bonnie Dumanis
Carl DeMaio
Other mayoral coverage:
Filner releases pension plan (UT San Diego)
Fletcher pledges to make cycling, transit a priority (Reader)
Fletcher-GOP feud still going strong: party sues candidate over $5,000 fundraiser (UT San Diego)
The Fletcher Flim-Flam (OB Rag)
The unfortunate trajectory of Carl DeMaio (Citybeat)
STATE
San Diego takes water fight public (New York Times)
UCAN reaches settlement to allow group to go on (UT San Diego)
California rakes in healthcare grants (Saramento Bee)
Environmentalists feeling burned by rush to build big solar projects (Los Angeles Times)
Discovery of Indian artifacts complicates Genesis Solar project (Los Angeles Times)
Calif. Public Utilities Commission: PG&E smart meter “opt out” fees suspended
Diablo Canyon reactor gets some unwelcome guests
Scroll down for excerpts and links to full stories.
Looks Forward to Working with Leadership Team in Sacramento
May 2, 2012 (Sacramento)--Assemblyman Brian Jones, R-Santee, today announced that Assembly Republican Leader Connie Conway, R-Tulare, appointed him as Assistant Republican Leader on the Assembly Republican Leadership Team.
“I am eager to continue working with Republican Leader Conway to get Californians back to work. The most important issues facing our state are jobs and the economy – we have to remove the regulatory and tax burdens from California’s middle class and release our creative energy and entrepreneurial spirit. California can be the Golden State again.”
May 2, 2012 (San Diego) – The newly drawn 52nd Congressional district seat (formerly the 50th) currently held by Republican Brian Bilbray has attracted 10 candidates. Among those is Tea Party stalwart John Stahl, who is challenging Rep. Bilbray’s ethics and conservative credentials.
Host of the conservative talk show “Solutions for America” on KCBQ radio, Stahl has poured $300,000 of his own money into the race. A businessman with an MBA and a former Naval aviator, he pledges to offer “common sense solutions.” In an exclusive interview with ECM, Stahl shares his perspectives on a wide range of issues.
His views are not cookie-cutter political talking points—and some of his stances may surprise you.
May 2, 2012 (San Pasqual)--With two wheels on the ground the group speeds forward, smooth cement below and nothing but grass on the horizon. Oh, and a few giraffes. I’m in the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and I’m standing on a Segway. An activity I once thought of as daunting and foreign, my Rolling Safari Tour was an easy and exciting way to see the park and get up close and personal with the animals that make it so special.
May 2, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--When it comes to the current gridlock in Washington, average citizens are justifiably outraged as machine politicians refuse to take any meaningful actions. They ignore the voters who sent them to Washington, yet work day and night for the special-interests who funnel big money to their campaigns.
May 2, 2012 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police Officers responded to a report of a robbery in the 4100 block of Lois Street in La Mesa on April 24 at approximately 7:12 p.m. The victim, 58, was walking north on Lois Street, near University, when she was approached by two black male juveniles.One of them asked the victim for a dollar and they walked away when they were told she didn’t have one.The victim continued walking and a few moments later felt a tug on her shoulder bag.The victim struggled to retain her property but was overpowered and pulled to the ground.Both suspects fled on foot with the victim’s property.
May 2, 2012 (San Diego) -- Andiamo Ristorante is celebrating Cinque di Mayo with live music on the patio with Rosie G and Ed and a prix fixe special menu.Menu items include Filleto “Cinque di Mayo”, a pan-seared 8oz fillet mignon finished with chipotle chile, garlic, gorgonzola cheese, fresh rosemary and a touch of cream and a Shrimp “Mojo de Ajo”, jumbo Mexican shrimp finished with clarified butter, fresh garlic, cilantro and a touch of “Salsa Asada”.
May 2, 2012 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police arrested two suspects in the November 22 robbery of the Best Buy store located at 8401 Fletcher Parkway, La Mesa.The two males had entered the store, the first suspect grabbed two laptop computers, and both of them walked towards the exit without paying for the merchandise.When stopped by a store employee, the first suspect brandished a firearm as they ran out of the store.They fled the area in a red two door Chevy Camaro.
May 2, 2012 (El Cajon) -- The 22nd Heartland Fire Academy graduation was held April 28th at the Ronald Reagan Community in El Cajon. A total of twenty-four graduates successfully completed 16-weeks of intense firefighter training at the Heartland Training facility in El Cajon in conjunction with San Diego Miramar College. The San Diego Firefighters Emerald Society Pipes & Drums Band led the graduates in as the ceremony began.
May 2, 2012 (Sacramento)--A measure by Senator Joel Anderson (R-Alpine) to establish a landmark pay cap on the annual salary of state employees was defeated last week the Senate Government Organization Committee. Current law places no limit on state employee salaries; SB 1368 would have set the limit at no more than the Governor makes ($173, 987) annually.
May 2, 2012 (San Diego)—Lori Saldaña and Scott Peters, two Democrats vying for Republican Brian Bilbray’s seat in Congress, picked up some key endorsements this week.
Update: May 4, 2012 -- The Sheriff’s Department announced on Wednesday night that a suspect had been arrested in the death of a 94-year-old Ramona woman.
Gary Allen Thomas, 63, a resident of the mobile home park where the victim lived, was arrested Wednesday afternoon, sheriff’s homicide Lt. Larry Nesbit said at a news conference at department headquarters.
May 1, 2012 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce announced that the fourth annual “Taste of La Mesa - Taste of the Century” event will be held on June 11 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa. This year the Chamber has added “Taste of the Century” to celebrate the City of La Mesaʼs 100th Anniversary.
The evening allows guests to sample fare from many local restaurants and food providers, as well as winetasting and craft beers.
May 1, 2012 (San Diego) -- Fresh Start Surgical Gifts will be hosting a charity Roast and Toast Sam Diego on May 19 at The Tango Del Rey Palace, 3567 Del Rey Street, San Diego.The event, which benefits Fresh Start Surgical Gifts and a bone marrow registry drive for “Smiley” Ricky Martinez, will include live musical performances by Spanish guitar maestro David Maldonado, Lenny Morris, Gabriel Valentin and Ben Verela, a dance show, comedy by Brew Ha Ha Entertainment, Chinese raffles and the Roast.
Sam Diego, an East County resident, is well known for his support of numerous community and charitable causes in East County.
May 1, 2012 (San Diego) -- Poll workers are still in demand for the June 5 Presidential Primary Election; especially those who are bilingual in Chinese, Filipino, Spanish and Vietnamese. The need is especially great in the neighborhoods listed below:
May 1, 2012 -- Lions Tigers & Bears, San Diego's only Exotic Animal Rescue, will be holding their annual fundraiser May 12 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a VIP reception from 1:00 p.m. to 2 p.m. Events will include silent and live auctions, ranch animal encounters, visits with the big cats, food and live entertainment.
May 1, 2012 (Lemon Grove) – The Lemon Grove Historical Society will be hosting their Annual Springtime Fashion Parade and Luncheon on Saturday, May 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Civic Center Park, 3200 Main Street in Lemon Grove.
Inductees, including SDSU alumni Scott Tinley, will be honored May 10 in San Diego
May 1, 2012, (San Diego)--Triathlon legends Mark Allen, Scott Molina and Scott Tinley, who combined to win nine Ironman World Championship titles over the course of their decorated careers, highlight the fourth class of the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame.
Book Signing with Greg Koch from Stone Brewing Co. Takes Place at Yard House on May 3 During the Craft Brewers Conference
May 1,2012 (San Diego) – The Craft Brewers Conference gets underway in San Diego May 2-5 and Yard House, which helped to fuel the craft brew craze 15 years ago when it opened its 250-tap flagship restaurant in Long Beach, will host two events before and during the gathering at its Downtown location at 4th and Broadway.
The “Water Talks” Meeting at the Ronald Reagan Community Center is being held to address challenges facing the Colorado River
April 30, 2012 (El Cajon) – The “Water Talks” Meeting will be held at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, 195 E. Douglas Ave., El Cajon on May 1 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.The San Diego County Water Authority and San Diego County residents will discuss the Water Authority’s efforts to ensure a reliable supply of water from the Colorado River, which is the single largest supplier of water to residents of the county.
April 30, 2012 (San Diego) -- Live Nation welcomes comedian Kevin Hart to the Viejas Arena at SDSU on Friday, June 15th. Kevin Hart has burst onto the scene as one of the most versatile comedy actors in film and television.
April 30, 2012 (Lemon Grove) – A Hazmat team has been dispatched to 6800 Federal in El Cajon, where a contractor ruptured a natural gas line, Incident Page Network reported at 1:47 p.m.Local businesses have been asked to shelter in place.
April 30, 2012 (San Diego)— Marriage equality activists charged with misdemeanors from an August 19, 2010 protest will be in court Monday morning. The “Equality Nine” are nine protesters who were arrested during a peaceful “sit-in” for marriage equality. Jury selection begins in their case Monday, April 30 at 10 a.m. before Judge Joan P. Weber in San Diego County Superior Court, 220 West Broadway, in downtown San Diego.
April 30, 2012 (Lemon Grove) -- Lemon Grove Historical Society will screen the award-winning PBS special, "Don't Tread On Me: Voices from the American Revolution," on the next "History Alive" presentation on May 3 at 7 p.m. in the H. Lee House Cultural Center, 3205 Olive, Lemon Grove.
April 30, 2012 (Santee) -- Swarming like bees all over an area of the San Diego River Trail in Santee, close to 400 local members and friends of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joined together on Saturday, April 28 to participate in the annual “Mormon Helping Hands” day of service. Volunteers of all ages performed duties such as trail maintenance, fencing installation, concrete breakdown, weed abatement, painting, laying down mulch, litter removal, water primrose and tamarisk removal and overall beautification tasks of the area.
Chef Ted Reader’s brings on the smoke and the flavor with these tasty tidbits
April 29, 2012 (Toronto, Ont.) -- With Spring already here, and Summer around the corner, people are gearing up to entertain guests during the warm summer months. Meat smoking is becoming very popular in local restaurants this season, and Chef Ted Reader has come up with these five easy tips from his new book, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Smoking Foods, to help you get rolling the first time you fire up your smoker, and every time to follow.
April 28, 2012 (San Diego County) -- The San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors has approved extending a temporary agricultural water rate program through January 1, 2015. The action provides the region’s agriculture industry with a measure of economic relief while providing urban water customers increased protection from water shortages.
Creative Program Provides More Than 1,000 Low-Income Households with Solar Energy
April 29, 2012 (Sacramento) -- During the Green California Summit Leadership Awards Ceremony April 26 and 27, at the Sacramento Convention Center, the California Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) Solar For All California pilot program was honored with a 2012 Green California Leadership Award for energy innovation. The CSD program uses innovative funding solutions through federal funding, state rebates and creative partnerships to address unequal access to residential solar energy for low-income families.
April 28, 2012 (Valley Center) – A Sheriff’s pursuit of a stolen vehicle in Valley Center ended in a head-on crash resulting in multiple injuries and death of a man who has not yet been identified.
On April 25 shortly after 9 a.m., San Diego Sheriff’s deputies attempted to stop a stolen 2007 Ford Focus with three people inside, but it failed to yield. A high-speed chase ensued, reaching speeds of 80 mph, the Valley Roadrunner reports.
April 28, 2012 (San Diego) – The Department of Parks and Recreation announced the May 4 kick-off of their Summer 2012 Teen Nite Program that will run through September 14.The recreation centers will have extended Friday hours from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. all summer long with lots of free activities for boys and girls ages 12 to 17.
Looks Forward to Working with Leadership Team in Sacramento
By Miriam Raftery
May 2, 2012 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police Officers responded to a report of a robbery in the 4100 block of Lois Street in La Mesa on April 24 at approximately 7:12 p.m. The victim, 58, was walking north on Lois Street, near University, when she was approached by two black male juveniles.
May 2, 2012 (San Diego) -- Andiamo Ristorante is celebrating Cinque di Mayo with live music on the patio with Rosie G and Ed and a prix fixe special menu.
May 2, 2012 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police arrested two suspects in the November 22 robbery of the Best Buy store located at 8401 Fletcher Parkway, La Mesa.
May 2, 2012 (El Cajon) -- The 22nd Heartland Fire Academy graduation was held April 28th at the Ronald Reagan Community in El Cajon. A total of twenty-four graduates successfully completed 16-weeks of intense firefighter training at the Heartland Training facility in El Cajon in conjunction with San Diego Miramar College. The San Diego Firefighters Emerald Society Pipes & Drums Band led the graduates in as the ceremony began.
May 1, 2012 (La Mesa) -- 
May 1, 2012 (San Diego) -- Fresh Start Surgical Gifts will be hosting a charity Roast and Toast Sam Diego on May 19 at The Tango Del Rey Palace, 3567 Del Rey Street, San Diego.
Registrar Is Asking for Public’s Help
The “Water Talks” Meeting at the Ronald Reagan Community Center is being held to address challenges facing the Colorado River
April 28, 2012 (San Diego) – The Department of Parks and Recreation announced the May 4 kick-off of their Summer 2012 Teen Nite Program that will run through September 14.
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