"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

August 1, 2011 (El Cajon)--El Cajon resident Mike Shepard has been named programming/operations manager for BCA Radio San Diego properties, announced Tex Meyer, BCA Radio vice presisent and general maanger.  These include XPRS FM–The Walrus 105.7, XPRS AM-XX 1090 and XEPE-ESPN AM-1700.

July 29, 2011 (Sacramento) – Implementation began July 1st for AB 2058, legislation authored by Assemblyman Marty Block (D-Lemon Grove) and recently signed into law. The bill expands training and education options that unemployed workers can receive without losing their unemployment insurance benefits.

Fruitful wine industry restores farmers’ dreams in rural East County
 

Story by Miriam Raftery

Photos by Mark and Miriam Raftery

July 22, 2011 (Spring Valley) – Friends and neighbors turned out to help plant 600 grapevine rootstocks from Napa Valley last weekend at the Vineyard Mansion in Spring Valley. Afterwards, guests savored a poolside tri-tip barbecue and sampled estate-bottled vintages in a stone-lined wine cellar. 

Their efforts are all part of a vision by East County vintners to establish a wine-making region along Highway 94—revitalizing the local economy with a new agricultural market to reward the fruits of their labors.

July 18, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – The California Redevelopment Association and the League of California Cities today filed suit in California's Supreme Court. They seek to block implementation of state budget measures that would force redevelopment agencies to either dissolve or fork over hefty sums to the state coffers.

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders held a press conference to support the law suit today, joined by La Mesa Mayor Art Madrid, National City Mayor Ron Morrison, and other local leaders.

 Tips and tricks for business success

by Rama Beerfas

July 11, 2011 (East County) --The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District’s (GCCCD) Continuing Education and Southwestern College’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will host a free workshop on “Checklist for Business Success” from 7 to 9 a.m. on Friday, July 15, at the East County Chamber of Commerce office, 201 S. Magnolia Ave., El Cajon.