September 24, 2011 (La Mesa) – The band played Beatles tunes and other '60s favorites as guests came decked out in love beads, bell bottoms and peace symbols.

No, this wasn't Woodstock.  It all happened today right here in East County during Grossmont Center’s 50th anniversary celebration, evoking all things groovy from back in 1961, when East County’s first shopping mall was built.

Ralphs announced it will shut down all San Diego stores if strike occurs
 

September 13, 2011 (Escondido) -- What are the needs of working families in the Escondido area? Are those needs being met by schools, the city, and other governmental units?

By Billie Jo Jannen

September 11, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) -- A resolution introduced by District 40 State Senator Juan Vargas (D-San Diego) and passed in both houses Friday seeks to put the brakes on a high voltage trans-border power line slated to bring electricity in from the proposed 1250 MW La Rumorosa wind turbine project near Jacumba.

"I left my job to run for Congress - to fight for you - the working men and women who are the true heart and soul of America. Like you, I have known what it is to stand in the unemployment line. I've been without health insurance...Like you, I will not give up. I will not be invisible...All of us, employed and unemployed must make our voices heard, because we have become the new "Silent Majority."

- David Secor, who aims to run against Congressman Duncan Hunter and represent East County

Reprinted with permission from OB Rag; Secor comments added by ECM

September 6, 2011 (San Diego)--Under gray skies, over 350 people gathered along Broadway yesterday in downtown San Diego at a Labor Day “Rally for the Jobless.” Organized by MoveOn and Rebuild the American Dream, the noon event was designed to gather unemployed San Diegans and put pressure on the White House and Congress for jobs.

September 5, 2011 (San Diego) -- Looking for some appropriate music to liven up your Labor Day picnic, party, or rally?  

The Nation magazine has compiled a list of the "top 10" Labor Songs of all time, including audio and video clips of each, sung by original artists:  http://www.thenation.com/blog/163148/top-ten-labor-day-songs. Number one? Solidarity Forever, sung by Pete Seeger.

ECM Special Report

By Miriam Raftery
 

"There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things." Niccolo Machiavelli

By Walter Hall

Suit seeks to block AT&T from reaching out and touching 97% of Americans with a single wireless network

By Miriam Raftery

August 31, 2011 (Washington D.C.) – The federal government today filed an antitrust lawsuit in U.S. District Court to block AT&T’s acquisition of T-Mobile. The U.S. Department of Justice took the step to ensure that “everyone—including consumers, businesses and the government-continue to receive high quality, competitively priced mobile wireless products and services,” according to U.S. Deputy Attorney James M. Cole, who also voiced concerns over the merger's impact on rural and low-income residents.

August 16, 2011 (San Diego –Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) will host a Boot Camp for Job Seekers on August 30. Her office announced the event today, following a visit to her office by constituents concerned about jobs.

 
August 25, 2011 (San Diego) -- Small business owners in San Diego County can recycle fluorescent lights free! California state law requires everyone to recycle fluorescent tubes and bulbs, which contain small amounts of toxic metal mercury. The recycling can cost small businesses hundreds of dollars a year.

August 21, 2011 (San Diego) – A grocery workers’ strike at Vons, Albertsons and Ralphs supermarkets could begin as early as this week. Union members voted overwhelmingly on Saturday to authorize leaders to call a strike, with 90% voting in favor.

August 16, 2011 (San Diego's East County)--Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-El Cajon) invites job-seekers to a Fall Job Fair on Friday August 26 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.  The event will be held at Cuyamaca College in the Student Center Room.  Approximately 72 employers have committed to participate.

August 10, 2011 (Otay)-- Kid Ventures, a family-owned business in EastLake, is gearing up to celebrate its first year of success on August 12 from 5 to 8p.m. The celebration theme is Jungle Safari, in the spirit of unveiling a new outdoor jungle-themed play area.

Story by Miriam Raftery; Photos by Mark and Miriam Raftery

August 2, 2011 (Alpine) -- "Oh, you're beautiful!" San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce President Scott Alevy exclaimed as his wife, Joanne, dished up a forkful of chicken.  But he wasn't complimenting her cooking. Instead, Alevy was admiring Raja--a 500-pound Bengal tiger that Joanne was feeding after winning a drawing at Lions, Tigers & Bears (LTB) in Alpine.

The Chamber hosted a fundraiser to benefit the big cat rescue facility last weekend, donating 100% of proceeds to help this worthy cause while providing a memorable experience for Chamber members. View our video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFhE9h-O0Uw