Update March 27, 2012 (San Diego)--At a bail review yesterday, the victim told the judge that she is certain Kobulnicky was not the person who reportedly raped her. "This man is not the man at all, and I'll stick with that for as long as I live," she stated, 10 News reports. http://www.10news.com/news/30763732/detail.html. The San Diego Tea Party has posted an interview with the woman on their website at http://www.sandiegopatriots.com . Kobulnicky remains in jail, however.
Update March 25, 2012: Outrage over Alawadi's brutal murder has spread around the world. Now a Facebook page called One Million Hijabs for Shaima Alawadi has been launched, featuring a photo of college students wearing hijabs in a show of solidarity with the El Cajon murder victim:
March 24, 2012 (El Cajon ) – Shaima Alawadi, 32, mother of five children, has died of injuries sustained Wednesday when she was found savagely beaten in her home.
ECM news partner 10 Newsconfirms that Alawadi was taken off life support this afternoon. The death is being investigated as a murder--and a family member believes the killing was a hate crime.
Donna Williams Selected as Best in Law Enforcement for Child Abuse Victims
March 25, 2012 (Huntsville, AL) -- The National Children's Advocacy Center (NCAC) presented the Outstanding Service Award in Law Enforcement to Donna Williams, who served as a Detective with the San Diego Police Department from 1989 until her unfortunate death in 2011. Detective Cindy Brady accepted the award on behalf of Williams. The honor came at the 28th National Symposium on Child Abuse in Huntsville, Alabama. Detective Williams’ daughter, De Kenya Williams, was in attendance at the award ceremony.
March 24, 2012 (La Mesa) – A search is on in La Mesa for an armed robbery suspect in the vicinity of 8601 Fletcher Parkway near the Grossmont Trolley.All trolleys have been stopped due to activity on the tracks, according to La Mesa Police.
Incident Page Network reports that the search involves a Sheriff’s helicopter and San Diego Police Department canine, around 11 p.m.
“The next time you decide to write a story like this one, I have a suggestion. Go bite a dog." -- Bill Horn staffer Anita Lightfoot, in an e-mail to Valley Roadrunner editor David Ross
By Miriam Raftery
March 24, 2012 (San Diego) – On Wednesday, March 28 at 9 a.m., Supervisors will vote on whether to abolish community planning groups or radically reduce their powers.Proposals made by developers on a "Red Tape Reduction Task Force: include making planning groups pay for appealing County decision, taking away liability insurance for volunteer community planners, and more.
March 24, 2012 – Viejas Outlets announced the opening today of the latest in a growing list of popular name-brand stores – a 4,100 square foot Skechers store, offering thousands of styles of footwear for men, women and children. “We are excited to add Skechers to our roster of national, name-brand retailers,” said Viejas Outlets General Manager Peter Cortese. “The Skechers brand appeals to a broad spectrum of our customers, who place a high priority on style and value. It’s a perfect fit for our business and for our customers.”
March 24, 2012 (Washington, D.C.) “There is now more supply…available in America today than there was three years ago when the price of gas was a buck ninety a gallon. There’s less demand now than there was at any time since 1997, so we’re not looking at a supply and demand problem. What we also know is that over eighty percent of the oil futures market is not controlled by people who actually use the oil, airlines, etc. , but by Wall Street speculators like Goldman Sachs/Morgan Stanley…The root of the problem is that our friends on Wall Street who caused this recession through their greed are at it again, and by manipulating oil futures market they’re driving up prices” – Senator Bernie Sanders, Vermont, only Independent member of Congress.
March 24, 2012 (San Diego) – In today’s tight budgetary times, local law enforcement departments are getting a hand from retired senior volunteer programs (RSVPs). How do these dedicated volunteers help our communities—and how do programs at different agencies compare?
March 24, 2012 (La Mesa) -- It looks like a cannon ball with a handle, and it’s called a Kettlebell. This small exercise tool has been used in Eastern Bloc countries for hundreds of years, and it has made it to the USA.
"Women especially really enjoy kettlebell training because it targets the areas where they want to see measurable results" says Owner JJ Brawley, Head Coach and owner of La Mesa Fit Body Boot Camp.
March 24, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Earlier this month, an administrative law judge with the California Public Utilities Commission ordered San Diego Gas & Electric Company to prepare a plan that would give ratepayers the right to not have wireless smart meters.
March 24, 2012 (El Cajon) – On March 28 Cajon Valley Middle School is opening their doors to the public from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to showcase their new campus at 550 East Park Avenue, El Cajon.The school is highlighting all the new programs taking place: computer labs, a community garden, newcomer classes, art, music and dance exhibitions, AVID and Writing for Change programs, an extended day program, athletics, clubs and tutorial support.
“This 2011 annual assessment confirms the findings of the previous WMO annual statements that climate change is happening now and is not some distant future threat. The world is warming because of human activities and this is resulting in far-reaching and potentially irreversible impacts on our Earth, atmosphere and oceans.” --WMO Secretary-General Michel Jarraud
By Miriam Raftery
March 23, 2012 (Geneva) – The United Nation's World Meteorological Organization, representing 183 member nations, issued its Annual Statement onthe Status of the Global Climate today. The report concludes that climate change accelerated in the past decade and that 2011 was the 11th warmest year since records began in 1850.
Increasingly destructive tornadoes, floods and other indicators of global warming are also occuring with heightened frequency around the world. The new study found extreme weather events increased from 2001 to 2010 at an alarming rate consistent with global climate change. Worldwide, this included an increase in floods by 63%, drought 43%, heat waves 43%, heavy rain 43%, fires 25%, and tropical cyclones 24% among countries responding to the survey.
March 23, 2012 (San Diego) – Charles H. “Chuck” Latimer, 81, passed away on March 12 at his home in San Diego of natural causes. A retired Pacific Bell employee, he was active in labor causes and political campaigns in San Diego and East County.
March 21, 2012 (El Cajon) – A 17-year-old found her mother, Shaima Alawadi, unconscious in the dining room of her home at 565 Skyview at 11:15 morning. “Alawadi was transported to a local trauma center, where she is not expected to survive her injuries,” said Lt. Mark Coit with the El Cajon Police, who have assigned homicide investigators to the case.
March 23, 2012 (San Diego) -- A Giant Owl butterfly delights Mac Jarman, 5, of La Mesa, when it lands on his red hair. Mac was one a few lucky kids who got a sneak peek at San Diego Zoo Safari Park's Butterfly Jungle Friday. The three-week festival of flutter opens on Saturday.
Once a year, guests at the Safari Park are enchanted as thousands of butterflies flitter around them in a walk-through aviary called Hidden Jungle. Butterfly Jungle runs through Sunday, April 15. New this year, guests can use identification cards in the exhibit that will help them determine the names of many of the 30 species.
March 23, 2012 (San Diego's East County) -- Do you live in a rural area? Do you hike or camp with your dog? If so, you have to be aware that there could be rattlesnakes or other poisonous snakes on and off of the trails and could even come into your yard or neighborhood. Do you know what your dog would do if he/she saw a rattlesnake? Many dogs inadvertently get bit by just sniffing in the bushes. Some are more curious when they see one and try to get closer to get a better look. Others are completely unaware and step right over top of them.
March 23, 2012 (Los Angeles) -- It looks like Simon Fuller has another hit on his hands. He owes his reputation to groups like the Spice Girls, albums by stars such as Annie Lennox, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry, Amy Winehouse, Adam Lambert, and franchise shows such as American Idol, and So You Think You Can Dance.
Four from the San Diego Watercolor Society - Voe Naturelle
March 23, 2012 (San Diego) -- The Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation is pleased to present "Four from the SD Watercolor Society- Voe Naturelle", an art exhibit featuring watercolors by Nell Bartlett, Ally Benbrook, Sue Blass, and Christine Waters. The exhibition will be on display in the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor's Center Art Gallery from March 24 - April 13, 2012.
March 23,2012 (San Diego)—San Diego Police are looking for the driver of a dark grey truck with front left fender/headlight damage. The vehicle struck and seriously injured a pizza deliveryman at Montezuma Road and 63rd street in the College area at 10:40 last night.
March 23, 2012 (San Diego) – The Hunger Games is gripping, emotional, and gritty. It’s Hollywood’s second great survival film after Joe Carnahan’s The Grey. On top of that, it’s an indictment on the social disparities between the elite and lower class, and on American society’s obsession with reality television.
Editor's note: Assemblyman Brian Jones has issued the following response to Ms. Disenhouse's editorial: “To give a small group of people a monopoly over deciding what is true or false does a great disservice to public debate in this country. Those who believe Lord Monckton has his facts wrong are welcome to continue in that belief, but he is still entitled to participate in this critical debate. As someone who does not blindly accept conclusions arrived at without conclusive evidence, I am more than happy to accommodate Mr. Monckton sharing his point of view.”
By Masada Disenhouse
March 23, 2012 (San Diego)--It is ironic that freshman Assemblyman Brian Jones has chosen this Saturday, March 24 to emcee one of the world’s most egregious actors on the climate denial stage – after a winter of broken heat records. Regardless of your opinions on climate change, sponsoring an inflammatory charlatan such as self-titled Lord Christopher Monckton is offensive to many in San Diego County.
March 22, 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.
CBO says GOP budget would double cost of healthcare for seniors (Forbes)
Home sales show strength, prices rise (Reuters)
GOP budget calls for fire sale of public lands (Think Progress)
Wind energy poses threat to golden eagle population (Fox News)
California could decide the GOP nominee (Washington Post)
WORLD
Hundreds of houses damaged after strong quake hits Mexico (CNN)
France on high security alert after 4 killed in shootings at Jewish school (CNN)
Chevron execs barred from leaving Brazil over spill (Reuters)
Explosions rock Syrian capital (CNN)
Europe’s chief scientist warns against climate delays (Reuters)
Israel issues travel warning on Turkey (UT San Diego)
North Korea says it will launch long-range rocket (UT San Diego)
Scroll down for excerpts and links to full stories.
March 22, 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 NEWS
Nudist purchases East County town (10 News)
Without San Onofre, are blackouts possible? (UT San Diego)
3 tubes at San Onofre plant fail during stress test (KPBS)
MWD accused of forming shadow government (KPBS)
A quiet divide: the Mayor and the Chamber (La Mesa Today)
Underground water storage for Santee? (Santee Patch)
LOCAL POLITICS
San Diego Congressional candidates speak on women’s health, gas prices (San Diego Reader)
Slater-Price endorses Democrat Dave Roberts for Supervisor (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Foulds gets maximum 12-year sentence in DUI double fatality (La Mesa Patch)
Video of 52nd Congressional debate hosted by KPBS (KPBS)
CA 52: Excluded from KPBS debate, independent Jack Doyle response (US independent voter network)
STATE
California struggling to prepare quake early warning system(Los Angeles Times)
Cal-State trustees okay pay hikes for two presidents (Sacramento Bee)
Judge rules state violated disclosure law [re Medicare cuts] (Sacramento Bee)
Wal-Mart to pay $2.1 million for overcharging (Sacramento Bee)
Scroll down for excerpts and links to full stories.
March 22, 2012 (San Diego) – My first exposure to Vietnamese director Anh Hung Tran was in my Language of Film class at California State University, Fullerton. In this class, we had to watch at least two to three movies per week to analyze such film grammar as movement, color, rhythm, lines, space, etc.
March 22, 2012 (San Diego) -- It’s a wrap! The 19th Annual San Diego Latino Film Festival has concluded, and its 2012 Premio Corazon Award winners have been announced. Below are the favorites chosen by judges and audience members.
March 22, 2012 (San Diego) -- Kristin Kjaero snapped this ultra close-up portrait at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in San Pasqual.
“We rode the "Caravan" down into the exhibit which we've never done before, and got to hand feed giraffes and rhinos,” she says. “Wow, so worth the experience!
East County Magazine Catches Up With Goalie of SDSU Women’s Water Polo Team
By Ryan Schuler
March 20, 2012 (San Diego)--San Diego State senior goalie Kelly Campoli is no stranger to individual awards. As a three-time team Most Valuable Player and All-CIF selection coming out of El Toro High School in Lake Forest, Calif., expectations were high for Campoli as she continued her water polo career at SDSU.
March 22, 2012 (La Mesa) -- The City of La Mesa asks public help to eradicate graffiti as quickly as possible. La Mesa Police ask that you please report any graffiti you see around your business and home to the new graffiti hotline at 619-466-3789.
For further information regarding the La Mesa program see the City of La Mesa website.
March 22, 2012 (Rancho San Diego) -- The Friends of the Rancho San Diego Library will be holding a quarterly Half-Price Book Sale on Saturday, March 31, from 10:00-12:00. All books inside the store 1/2 price. Selected books and children's books on tables in the courtyard at the library located at:
11555 Via Rancho San Diego El Cajon, CA 92019 For information, contact Sherry Johnson, 619-670-5650.
For further information about the library including a map, and a calendar click here.
March 22, 2012 (La Mesa) – Three young suspects are under arrest for burglarizing a residence in the 7600 block of Seattle Drive in La Mesa.
Tuesday morning at 10:04 p.m., La Mesa Police received a call from a citizen who provided detailed descriptions of suspects who were breaking into the residence. The witness provided police with updates as officers responded to the scene.
March 24, 2012 (La Mesa) – A search is on in La Mesa for an armed robbery suspect in the vicinity of 8601 Fletcher Parkway near the Grossmont Trolley.
March 24, 2012 (La Mesa) -- 
March 24, 2012 (El Cajon) – On March 28 Cajon Valley Middle School is opening their doors to the public from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to showcase their new campus at 550 East Park Avenue, El Cajon.
March 21, 2012 (El Cajon) – A 17-year-old found her mother, Shaima Alawadi, unconscious in the dining room of her home at 565 Skyview at 11:15 morning. “Alawadi was transported to a local trauma center, where she is not expected to survive her injuries,” said Lt. Mark Coit with the El Cajon Police, who have assigned homicide investigators to the case.
By Brian Lafferty
By Brian Lafferty
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