May 31, 2012 (Boston) – Today, the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit found that Section 3 of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional.  

Passed by Congress in 1996, DOMA declared that a marriage is between a man and a woman, nullifying marriages of gay and lesbian couples for purposes of federal law.  

Judge Michael Boudin, who was appointed by President George H.W. Bush, authored the unanimous decision. He was joined by Judge Sandra Lynch,an appointee of President Bill Clinton, and Chief Judge Juan Torruella, a Ronald Reagan appointee. 

By Mia Myklebust

“Stop the drones.” – Mossaret Qadeem, Amn-o-nisa implores

May 30, 2012 (San Diego) -- Dressed in brightly colored robes and hijabs, the women of Amn-o-nisa make a powerful statement with their presence alone. These 11 Pakistani women have come to the United States for the second time to spread their message of peace and international cooperation.

The name Amn-o-nisa translates to “women for peace,” which is the message the group hoped to spread on their visit to the U.S. The group visited Washington D.C., San Diego and Los Angeles and met with political figures including Senators Barbara Boxer and Diane Feinstein.

May 28, 2012 (Spring Valley) – A head-on collision has occurred at 10850 Jamacha Blvd. in Spring Valley. Incident Page Network reports four people are injured, including at least two in serious status. 

One vehicle is a Toyota Camry, according to the CHP website. The other vehicle is not yet identified. 

Update May 28, 2012 with a video news report by Paul Kruz, exclusive to East County Magazine, including interviews with the developer and Councilman Wells:

By Janis Mork and Miriam Raftery

May 23, 2012 (El Cajon)--El Cajon Council drew applause yesterday when by a unanimous decision, Council members rejected a proposal to tear down the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC) and build a hotel on the site.

Instead, Council agreed to work with community members and a newly formed ECPAC Foundation to reopen the theater long heralded as a centerpiece of El Cajon's downtown revitalization. 

May 26, 2012 (Alpine) -- The public is invited to enter to win 4 tickets for a harbor or whale watching cruise aboard Hornblower Cruises & Events simply by stopping by the California Welcome Center-Alpine, 5005 Willows Rd., Ste. H110, Alpine. Visit on Memorial Day Weekend and enter for a chance to win a prize package valued at $148.00.

May 25, 2012 (San Diego) – San Diego Police have issued a warning that on three occasions in the past two weeks, a man in a red vehicle has attempted to abduct children near Emerson Elementary School in the Mountain View neighborhood in southeast san Diego.

Update:  Two people are dead and four injured victims have been transported to local hospitals. A long-term road closure is expected.

May 25, 2012 (Ramona) – A major automobile accident at State Route 67 and Rockhouse Road has claimed the life of one person and others remained trapped, Incident Page Network reports.

The highway is closed between Poway Road and Archie Moore for the investigation and a SIG alert has been issued. A medical helicopter was unable to reach the area due to stormy weather.

May 24, 2012 (Julian) – The “Banner Fire” which started at 2:14 p.m.  has burned four to five acres thus far east of Julian near the Banner Grade. 

“The fire is located in an area known as Cigarette Canyon close to the location of last year’s `Great Fire,’” Battalion Chief Nick Schuler say, adding that the blaze is spreading at a “moderate rate.”

Webcam image from Volcan Mountain:  http://hpwren.ucsd.edu/cameras/L/sy-av8185-1_3.jpg

Update:  Mr. McKenzie has been found safely, ECM has been informed by family.

May 22, 2012 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa Police seek public help to find A.McKenzie, last seen in a silver 2011 Honda Insight (license CA 6SCK316) heading west on I-8 at 2 a.m. on May 21 near Pine Valley.  His daughter found what appeared to be a suicide note at 12:30 a.m. yesterday.

May 21, 2012 (Julian) – Julie Faith Fortier, 39, of Irvine, lost her life in a motorcycle accident that occurred May 19 on State Route 78 at the Banner Grade near Julian.

According to the Medical Examiner’s office, Fortier was a passenger on a motorcycle driven by her husband when he lost control on a curve at a high rate of speed.