By Suzanne Potter, Public News Service

October 24, 2018 (Sacramento) - Four types of California's native bumblebees could be wiped out if nothing is done, according to conservation groups that this week petitioned the state to put the bees on the state endangered species list.

East County News Service

October 17, 2018 (San Diego) – Approximately 1,000 of California’s wild horses are currently being rounded up by the federal government with many at risk of being sold for potential slaughter by the United States Forest Service (USFS). Today, California State Assemblymember Todd Gloria (D-San Diego) and 22 of his legislative colleagues demanded the USFS cease this inhumane roundup and protect these wild horses from slaughter.

By Paul Kruze, Contributing Editor

Photo, left, by Paul Kruze

October 12, 2018 (Lakeside) -- Members of San Diego County’s Planning and Development staff bravely faced some 500 irate Lakeside residents at a recent loud and often rowdy standing room only meeting at the Lakeside Community Center over a proposed sand mine project at the El Monte Valley.

The meeting came on the heels of a controversial draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) released by the County on the possible environmental effects the sand mine project might have directly on the Lakeside community and on the adjacent cities of Santee and El Cajon.

The County has solicited its draft report for public review and comment from August 30th through October 29th. (The report and other documents related to the project can be accessed here.)

By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office

Image via Bruce Heimbach

October 8, 2018 (San Diego) - The County of San Diego has become the first county in California and the second in the nation to receive the U.S. Green Building Council’s Platinum certification – its highest distinction – in its LEED for Communities program.

East County News Service

October 1, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- Ready to get spooked? County parks invite you tor a haunted adventure through the woods. Don’t forget to dress up in your favorite Halloween costume!

By Miriam Raftery

August 31, 2018 (Lakeside) – The County has published a draft environmental impact report (EIR) for the controversial El Monte Sand Mining Project. 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Sunrise Powerlink tower dwarfs mountain ridges in McCain Valley

September 7, 2018 (Boulevard) -- Boulder Brush LLC (Terra-Gen) is seeking a major use permit to construct and operate a gen-tie line and substation/switchyard facilities on 110 acres of private land in McCain Valley south of I-8. The gen-time line would carry energy from the Terra-Gen Wind project proposed on Campo Kumeyaay tribal lands.

The naturally-occurring algae can form toxic blooms, causing severe illness in humans, kill pets, livestock, and other animals

By Paul Kruze, Contributing Editor

September 3, 2018 (San Diego )-- Some people believe in the health benefits of blue green algae as nutritional supplements found at health food stores.  But too much of it can make humans very sick and even kill pets and larger animals exposed to blue-green algae scum that forms on lakes and reservoirs.

While the County of San Diego has been battling a full-scale war on blue-green algae at Lindo Lake County Park in Santee, East County Magazine has received inquiries from readers who spotted algae scum at Lake Morena and voiced concerns.

 
By Miriam Raftery

August 11, 2018 (Boulevard) -- Terra-Gen's proposed Torrey Wind project (with up to 30 giant turbines each up to 586 tall and 4.2 megawatts) in Boulevard is moving through the planning process quickly. Boulevard Planning Group Chair Donna Tisdale is asking all who have concerns or information to share on impacts of wind turbines to come to a public scoping meeting  August 23 at 6 p.m. in the new Cal-Fire/County Fire Station at 40080 Ribbonwood Road, Boulevard.

“These turbines could be twice as powerful and about 100 feet taller than the Tule Wind turbines installed on public recreation land next door,” says Tisdale. “Bigger turbines can churn out much more noise and low frequency vibrations and potential electrical pollution over greater distances that can trigger psychical and emotional stress and the body's fight or flight instinct in people and animals. Turbines have reportedly been deemed nuisances in some legal and administrative proceedings around the world, with some families abandoning their homes and other homes bought out by developers over noise impacts and related litigation.”

By Mike Allen

Photo: Pam Kerzner testified, "We don't need any more houses," citing traffic delays.

August 9, 2018 (Santee) -- Voters in Santee hoping to have more say in future development projects will have to wait two more years to do so, following the City Council’s vote last night to prepare a report on the initiative’s possible impacts instead of putting the issue on the November ballot.

In a two-hour hearing Aug. 8 before an overflow crowd at City Hall, the Council voted 3-1 to prepare a report to be completed within 30 days. That effectively prevents a public vote in November because there isn’t enough lead time for a campaign, said City Attorney Shawn Haggerty.

The Trump administration is taking action, but in precisely the wrong direction.

By Mel Gurtov, published by Common Dreams

The sky above Soda Bay, Calif. is seen on July 30, 2018 as the River Fire burns. (Photo:  Bob Schoenherr/flickr/cc)

August 5, 2018 (San Diego's East County) -- By now we’re accustomed to learning that every year brings record high temperatures around the world. Extreme weather, says Prof. Michael Mann of Pennsylvania State University, “is the face of climate change. We literally would not have seen these extremes in the absence of climate change. The impacts of climate change are no longer subtle. We are seeing them play out in real time and what is happening this summer is a perfect example of that. We are seeing our predictions come true. As a scientist that is reassuring, but as a citizen of planet Earth, it is very distressing to see that as it means we have not taken the necessary action.”

By Miriam Raftery

August 4, 2018 (San Diego) – Looking to beat the heat?  The ocean waters off San Diego are the warmest in a century—reaching a balmy 78.6 degrees Fahrenheit on August 1st to break an all-time record.

By Michelle Mowad, County of San Diego Communications Office

Photo:  Volcan Mountain Wilderness 

July 30, 2018 (San Dietygo) - County Parks and Recreation will close several parks for the month of August, a precaution taken each year due to the season’s expected extreme heat.

East County News Service

July 26, 2018 (Ramona) - Ramona Ranch Vineyard and Winery will host a free water-wise landscaping workshop August 25th from 5 to 7 p.m. The winery is located at 23578 Highway 67 in Ramona, CA 920650.

Learn how to create a less thirsty and environmentally friendly landscape! Join Solana Center for this presentation where you will learn the basics of water wise gardening. Using trial-tested advice and interactive demonstrations, our expert educator will teach you all you need to know to get started with a garden that fits San Diego's semi-arid climate.

A little help from us can tip the balance between life and death for our wildlife neighbors

By Renee Owens

July 25, 2018 (San Diego) -- Our local wildlife species have evolved over many millions of years, adapting to some amazing extremes of weather where drought is par for the course. That means they can withstand pretty much anything Mother Nature delivers, right? Not necessarily, and especially not when combined with the incredibly high rate of ecological change to which  modern day global warming is exposing them.