EVACUATIONS IN LAKESIDE FIRE

RENOVATED VFW POST TO OPEN SOON IN NEW CAMPO LOCATION

FIRE ALONG BORDER IN CAMPO

SAN DIEGO BISHOP, A FORMER REFUGEE, CALLS ON CLERGY TO ACCOMPANY IMMIGRANTS TO HEARINGS AT COURTHOUSES

60,000+ IN DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO “NO KINGS” RALLY, THOUSANDS MORE COUNTYWIDE PROTEST AUTHORITARIAN ACTIONS OF TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

U-T OWNERS BLOCKED EDITORIAL ON ICE PROTESTS SAYS FIRED OPINION EDITOR

COURT RULES TRUMP’S ORDERING NATIONAL GUARD TO L.A. IS ILLEGAL AND UNCONSTITUTIONAL

FANITA RANCH GETS GO AHEAD FROM SANTEE CITY COUNCIL--AGAIN

“NO KINGS” PROTESTS PLANNED SATURDAY NATIONWIDE OVER AUTHORITARIAN TACTICS, INCLUDING 11 EVENTS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY

SAN DIEGO GROCERY WORKERS VOTE TO OK STRIKE AMID CONTRACT DISPUTE

CALIF. SENATOR PADILLA FORCIBLY REMOVED FROM HOMELAND SECURITY PRESS CONFERENCE AND HANDCUFFED

“HIGHWAYMAN” TOM WELLER, WHO AIDED THOUSANDS OF STRANDED MOTORISTS, NOW NEEDS HELP FOR EMERGENCY HOME REPAIRS

News

CLAIM YOUR EITC DOLLARS: IT’S EASY AND FREE

$10 Million Returned to San Diegans in 2012

January 25, 2012 (San Diego)--County officials and community partners kick off the 2013 campaign to help low-income families and individuals boost their federal tax refunds by taking advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and applying for CalFresh (food stamps). 

From Jan. 30 through April 15, hundreds of volunteers and college students will file income taxes for free at nearly 100 sites across the County. They will also screen families to determine if they qualify for CalFresh benefits. Residents can call 2-1-1 for more information. 


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PUBLIC RECORDS REVEAL EASTERN MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT FRONTING SAN DIEGO PUBLIC RELATIONS CAMPAIGN FOR METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT

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Riverside County water agency sued for refusing to release public records

January 24, 2013 (San Diego)--Public records show the Eastern Municipal Water District in Riverside County is funding a $15,000-per-month public relations campaign in San Diego County on behalf of the Los Angeles-based Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

While limited information was provided under the California Public Records Act, Eastern water district officials redacted key information and refused to release all records to the public, forcing the San Diego County Water Authority to file a lawsuit on January 22 to obtain the records.


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WHERE IS THE WIND? GOVERNMENT, SDG&E & PATTERN ENERGY REFUSE TO PROVIDE RECORDS ON ENERGY PRODUCED AT OCOTILLO

An ECM special investigative report:

Serious questions raised over industry claims on wind production here and around the world

By Miriam Raftery

Photos and videos by Jim Pelley

January 23, 2013 (Ocotillo) – Since taxpayer dollars were used to fund the destruction of public lands for the Ocotillo Wind Energy Facility, why won’t the federal government tell us how much power the project is producing?

Engineer and award-winning photojournalist Jim Pelley lives in Ocotillo.   A series of videos shot nearly each day since the wind project went online December 5, 2012 raises serious questions.  Turbines are not  turning , or scarcely moving,  in nearly all of the videos shot in December and January.  Wind speed readings and weather reports further suggest wind speed measurements are far below the minimum needed for the project to produce any power at all—let alone the levels claimed by developer Pattern Energy.

When the project went online December 5, Pattern claimed that with wind forecasts looking “favorable” it expected to power more than 125,000 homes. http://news.yahoo.com/video/controversial-ocotillo-wind-farm-goes-025000610.html.  But Ocotillo residents have long voiced concerns that their area lacks sustained strong winds needed to power the massive, controversial wind project on public lands that has been opposed by tribes, environmental groups and most residents.

After viewing videos bolstering concerns over lack of wind, East County Magazine sought public records to learn how much power has been produced.  The shocking result?  Federal and state authorities claim they don't know--and further, that public officials and the public have no right to find out.


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COMMUNITY MEETING JAN. 24 ON INDUSTRIAL ENERGY PROJECTS PROPOSED IN EAST COUNTY

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 17, 2013 (Boulevard) – Two nonprofit groups, Protect Our Communities Foundation and Backcountry Against Dumps, will convene a community meeting Thursday, January 24, 2013 to inform residents about planned industrial conversation of Boulevard and surrounding areas.  A dozen or so big energy corporations—most from outside the region--seek to push through zoning changes to allow massive projects that would forever transform this now-rural area. 

“Learn about the many industrial scale wind, solar, and related transmission line projects planned in and around our residential neighborhoods (on public, private, and tribal lands), adversely impacting many homes,” a flyer for the event states, “and what you can do to help protect and defend your family, your property, your future.”

The meeting will be held at the Boulevard Fire Station Equipment Bay, 39923 Ribbonwood Road, Boulevard 91905 (northeast corner of Old Highway 80 and Ribbonwood Road) from 7 to 9 p.m. on January 24.


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BOARD OF SUPERVISORS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES BORREGO GROUNDWATER ORDINANCE AND AGREEMENT ON GROUNDWATER OVERDRAFT

Board directs action to plan long-term for the ground water’s sustainability

By Janis Mork

January 21, 2013 (San Diego)- At the January 9th meeting of the San Diego Board of Supervisors, all five Supervisors voted to direct the chief administrative officer to work with Borrego Water District to design a plan to address the long-term sustainability of  groundwater in the Borrego Valley and to report back with a potential recommendation.


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SUPERVISORS WEIGH PLAN TO ADDRESS BORREGO WATER SHORTAGE

By Janis Mork

January 11, 2013 (San Diego)- On January 9, San Diego Supervisors unanimously agreed to direct the chief administrative officer to work with Borrego Water District to design a plan to address long-term sustainability of groundwater in the Borrego Valley and to report back with potential recommendations.

The ordinance states that “groundwater is being pumped at rates that exceed natural replenishment. This situation referred to as an ‘overdraft condition’ has existed for several decades…. It is the cumulative impact of all users that has resulted in this condition.” An amendment has been proposed to the Groundwater Ordinance to require that private projects fully offset their water use.

At the meeting, a first reading of the groundwater ordinance amendment was read. On January 30, it will be read for a second time and be considered for adoption for the board.


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SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL BOARD TO CONSIDER RESOLUTION JAN. 22 TO OPPOSE RESTARTING OF SAN ONOFRE NUCLEAR REACTOR

Update January 23: The board passed this resolution, joining several Coastal City Councils in calling for an adjudicated license amendment hearing by the NRC

January 21, 2013 (San Diego) – San Diego Unified School District Board Vice President, Kevin Beiser and Board Member Richard Barrera are introducing a Resolution (Agenda Item H.1) similar to that passed by the Del Mar City Council last fall, calling for an adjudicated license amendment process by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission on the restart of the defective San Onofre nuclear reactor proposed by Southern California Edison. Eight and half million people live within the 50-mile potential evacuation radius around San Onofre. The action will be considered Tuesday January 22 at 5 p.m.; a press conference will be held at 4 p.m. Details below.

According to SDUSD Board Vice President Beiser, “The Board of Education of the San Diego Unified School District is considering this Resolution because restarting the defective Unit 2 nuclear reactor at San Onofre will have profound impacts on our children in San Diego Unified and the surrounding communities in the event of a nuclear accident regarding radiation contamination of air, water and food, evacuation plans, and long term viability of life in Southern California.”


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PRESIDENT SIGNS BILL TO STUDY VETERANS EXPOSED TO BURN PITS

 

January 21, 2013 (Washington D.C.) – President Barack Obama has signed into aw S. 3302, federal legislation requiring the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to create a registry for military service members who lived and worked near burn pits in Afghanistan, Iraq and other locations. 


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HOMELESSNESS, DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE, AND FILLING VACANCIES ON COMMISSIONS TOP LA MESA COUNCIL AGENDA

 

January 20, 2013 (La Mesa) – La Mesa City Council will hear a presentation Tuesday regarding the San Diego Grantmakers’ Homelessness Working Group’s “Keys to Housing: Ending Family Homelessness Initiative.”  In addition, a status update on construction of the downtown streetscape will be presented.

Also on the agenda are interviews of applicants for city board and commission vacancies, council committee reports, and discussion of council travel policy, among other items.


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LA MESA POLICE ISSUE 29 HOLIDAY SPEEDING CITATIONS

 

January 21, 2013 (La Mesa)--La Mesa Police Department, in an effort to reduce injuries and deaths on the Martin Luther King holiday, aggressively enforced state speed laws during the third “Traffic Safety Enforcement Program“ operation. uce deaths and injuries on local roadways.

La Mesa Police Officers wrote 29 speeding tickets including one to a driver traveling at 81 miles per hour on a city street with a posted speed limit of 35 mph. 


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ALPINE OWNER OF GYMNASTICS BUSINESS ARRESTED IN FATAL DRUNK DRIVING CRASH

 

January 19, 2013 (Alpine) – Jeremiah Smith, 38, of Alpine has been arrested for suspected drunk driving after striking and killing a man beside I-8 in Lakeside. He is the owner of Gym Trix  and Rocket Cheerleading in Alpine, ECM has learned.

The victim, a Mexicali resident, was driving a Chevy Astro minivan towing a Toyota west of Lake Jennings Park Road with his wife following in a Toyota at 4:10 a.m.  One of the vehicles had mechanical trouble. Both pulled over and the man exited his vehicle.  He was standing by his wife’s car when the GMC 2500 driven by Smith struck the Toyota, pushing it into the victim.


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PRESERVE WILD SANTEE SEEKS LETTERS TO GOVERNOR BROWN TO STOP QUAIL BRUSH POWER PLANT

January 19, 2013 (Santee) – The California Public Utilities Commission is expected to soon hold a hearing on its proposed decision finding that Quail Brush and Pio Pico gas-fired power plants are not needed. 

A letter from Preserve Wild Santee states that the CPUC decision has twice been delayed due to “industry lobbying behind closed doors.” Preserve Wild Santee, an environmental group that has lobbied against the power plants, now asks citizens to write to Governor Jerry Brown and ask him to speak out for the public interest and prevent SDG&E/Congentrix from obtaining a decision that would allow “another ratepayer rip-off.”


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FIREFIGHTERS SAVE MT. HELIX HOME FROM TOTAL LOSS

January 19, 2013 (Mt. Helix) --Family members returned home to their residence in the 4500 block of Calavo Drive at 12::55 p.m. Thursday to find smoke filing their home. One resident ran to the back bedroom and pulled one of the family’s two dogs to safety. A second dog was carried out from the backyard. Thick smoke was pouring out of the house when San Miguel Fire arrived with the first of approximately 18 firefighters who helped battle the blaze. 


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PROPANE LEAK IN LAKESIDE

 

January 19, 2013 (Lakeside) -- IPN reports a propane leak in Lakeside at  15289 Olde Highway 80. The roadway is benig shut down and a County Hazmat team has been requested; avoid this area.  View map.


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EXCLUSIVE: WHITE HOUSE PROVIDES ECM WITH DETAILS ON EXECUTIVE ACTIONS AND LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS TO CURB GUN VIOLENCE

By Miriam Raftery

January 17, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – As ECM reported earlier, President Obama has announced a package of reforms aimed at stemming gun violence in the wake of numerous mass shootings.   Initial media reports were unclear on which actions were done as executive orders by the President for immediate implementation, and which actions require Congressional approval.  So ECM contacted the White House. 

“I am providing you with two things that might help your readers understand the President’s announcement yesterday," Brian Lepow with the White House press office responded. “ THIS LINK will take you to the President’s transcript from yesterday.  I have also attached a fact sheet and executive summary on the package of proposals to reduce gun violence and a list of gun violence reduction executive actions.


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KENDRICK INTRODUCES MEASURE TO RESTRICT LIQUOR LICENSES IN EL CAJON

January 17, 2013 (El Cajon) – Councilman Gary Kendrick will introduce a measure on Tuesday, January 22 that would implement a “deemed approved” system to regulate liquor licenses n El Cajon. 

“It enables a city to put a whole host of new conditions on existing liquor establishments,” Kendrick told ECM.  “It even covers those grandfathered in that don’t have a conditional use permit, so we could stop a liquor store from creating a nuisance in the city.”  The measure would cover all off-site liquor stores, type 20 and 21 licenses, he added.

The proposal would also allow the city to charge a fee to liquor stores to funds sting operations against alcohol sellers as asll as pay for a full-time alcohol enforcement officer.


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ALPINE PLANNING GROUP AGENDA FOR JANUARY 24 ANNOUNCED

Equine ordinance and Ewiiaapaayp rezoning request among agenda items

January 17, 2013 (Alpine) – The Alpine Community Planning Group will meet on Thursday, January 24 at 6 p.m. in the Alpine Community Center.

A County representative will be on hand to discuss the County’s proposed Equine Ordinance for horse owners.  The Ewiiaapaayp band of Kumeyaay Indians will send a representative to request rezoning of a parcel to “rural commercial” designation.  The agenda also includes cell phone site modification requests from Sprint and AT&T, and more.  For the full Agenda, read more. 


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BODY FOUND AT SANTEE LAKES

By Miriam Raftery

January 17, 2013 (Santee)—A man’s body was found floating in the water at Santee Lakes this morning.

ECM news partner 10 News reports that workers opening a locked gate at 8:30 spotted a blue cap floating in the water.  A parked vehicle with keys on the dashboard was also found nearby, Santee Patch reports. The body was partially submerged at the edge of Lake One.


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PUBLIC INPUT SOUGHT ON PARK STATION, 18-STORY HIGHRISE PROPOSED IN LA MESA

January 17, 2013 (La Mesa) –The City of La Mesa is nearing completion of a draft environmental impact report on Park Station, a proposed 18-story high-rise project that would be 10 stories taller than any existing structure in the city. 

Before planners and council members weigh in, Urban Housing Partners, marketers of the project have issued a survey, which you can take here: 

http://fluidsurveys.com/surveys/UrbanHousingPartners/la-mesa-community-survey


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FREE EAST COUNTY PRODUCE EXCHANGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 26 IN JAMUL

By Blake Powers and John Chapman

The East County Produce Exchange is kicking off the New Year with an event on Saturday, January 26th. It will be held in the Jamul Hardware parking lot from 3:30-5:00. The Exchange is a monthly event in Jamul, where people come from all over the county to exchange freshly grown fruits and vegetables. The produce exchange is like a farmer’s market, but it is a free event. There is no money involved!

 You set out your produce on a table, and then walk around and take what you want from others, while others will take from you.  This month the exchange expects to have lots of oranges, lemons, chard, cabbage, broccoli, kale,  onions, and herbs.


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PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO REDUCE GUN VIOLENCE

Update: ECM has obtained the complete list of Executive Actions taken by the President from the White House press office. View them here.

By Miriam Raftery

January 17, 2013 (Washington D.C.) – Joined by families victimized by gun violence, President Barack Obama yesterday announced a comprehensive plan to reduce gun violence, including background check,s limits on ammunition purchases, improved mental healthcare, better resources for schools and law enforcement.

The President has the backing of most Americans, according to several new polls which found strong support for key elements of the proposal.


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CAMPO DINER REOPENS AFTER WELL WATER ISSUES FORCED CLOSURE

January 16, 2013 (Campo) – The Campo Diner is a popular place in East County – and co-owner Carmen Delaguerra is happy to announce that rumors of the diner’s demise are not true.  The Diner is now reopened, following a two-week closure over the holidays due to discovery that well water was contaminated with nitrates.

“We’re getting a new filtration system. They’ve approved us being open for 30 days,” Delaguerra said, adding that while awaiting installation, the restaurant is serving bottled water and relying on paper plates.  “Our customers don’t care about eating on paper plates. They’re telling us they’re thrilled that we’re back open."

Closure came without warning at the busiest time of the year, just before Christmas, when the nearby Pacific Southwest Railway Museum runs its Christmas train rides.  “We had a party coming in that evening and we had to shut down that afternoon,”Delaguerra said. "It couldn't have happened at a worse time."


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BURGLARY SUSPECT ARRESTED IN RAMONA AFTER FLEEING DEPUTIES, DOUSING SELF WITH GASOLINE

January 15, 2013 (Ramona) -- Sheriff’s deputies have arrested Oscar Torres, 32, of Chula Vista on suspicion of burglary and vehicle theft in Ramona. A bizarre string of events began when deputies responded to a call reporting a suspicious person in the 17000 block of Ridgeview Lane, Ramona yesterday shortly after 3 p.m.

“The suspect entered several residences in the area and was described as having black paint on his face and arms,” said Sergeant Ken Jones. “The suspect stole a Ford F-150 truck from one of the driveways and left the area.”  Deputies found the vehicle traveling east on Main Street toward Highway 78. The ASTREA helicopter and canine units were requested.

While being followed by deputies, Jones said, the suspect began to throw objects out of the vehicle and dowsed himself with gasoline. He then lit a towel on fire, throwing it onto the roadway.


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DRAFT PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PLAN FOR REGIONAL PLAN RELEASED FOR PUBLIC REVIEW

January 15, 2013 (San Diego)--SANDAG invites the public to review and comment on the draft Public Involvement Plan (PIP) that will be used to support the development of a consolidated regional plan. The review period ends February 7, 2013. Comments should be directed to David Hicks at david.hicks@sandag.org.


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17-YEAR-OLD INJURED AS FIRE CONSUMES TRAILER HOME IN EL CAJON

January 15, 2013 (El Cajon)--At 9:47 a.m. yesterday, Heartland Fire & Rescue crews in El Cajon responded to reports of fire in the 400 block of Van Houten Avenue in the City of El Cajon. As crews responded, heavy smoke could be seen rising from blocks away. The fire was located at the Evergreen Mobile Home & RV Park on Van Houten, where they found a trailer home in flames.

The fire was knocked down in less than ten minutes. A 17 year-old neighbor, who attempted to extinguish the blaze before fire crews arrived, was transported to the hospital with a non-life threatening arm injury. No one was home at the time of the fire and no other injuries were reported.


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PRESIDENT URGES CONGRESS TO RAISE DEBT CEILING

By Miriam Raftery

January 14, 2013 (Washington D.C. ) – In a press conference today President Barack Obama today urged Congress to raise the debt ceiling and made clear that his position is non-negotiable. (View video and read transcript.)

Republican House members have balked thus far. Speaker John Boehner said, "The American people do not support raising the debt ceiling without reducing government spending at the same time." (View full statement.)

The President called that position “irresponsible” and made clear that raising the debt ceiling does not increase spending, but instead authorizes the nation to pay its bills already incurred by Congress.  He likened House Republicans' stance to refusing to pay a restaurant bill after the food has been eaten, adding, “We are not a nation of deadbeats.”


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GUN FIGHT IN WASHINGTON: NRA AIMS TO DO BATTLE WITH GUN CONTROL ADVOCATES

By Miriam Raftery

January 13, 2013 (Washington D.C.)—Vice President Joe Biden will meet today with representatives of Congress to discuss his task force’s proposals for reducing gun violence in the wake of the Sandy Hook elementary school massacre. Options may range from limiting access to assault weapons to improving diagnosis and treatment of the mentally ill.

One intriguing possibility for the future is the use of “smart gun” technology.  “A lot could change if, for example, every gun purchased could only be fired by the person who purchased it," Biden said Friday. "The technology exists, but it’s extremely expensive.”


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HIGH WIND WARNING

 

January 13, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for our region.  Strong and gusty north to northeasterly winds will develop over inland and coastal water areas Monday through Tuesday. Damaging winds gusts of 60 miles per hour or more will be possible through and below wind prone canyons and passes.

Frost and freeze warnings remain in effect for portions of the mountains and deserts tonight, though temperatures are expected to begin warming on Tuesday and Wednesday.


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84% OF FISH HAVE MERCURY CONTAMINATION, NEW STUDY FINDS; UNITED NATIONS SEEKS TREATY TO REDUCE MERCURY POISONING

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 13, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – A shocking new study  released January 8 by the Biodiversity Research Institute finds that 84% of fish worldwide are contaminated with mercury.  This week, the United Nations begins negotiations in Geneva on an international mercury treaty aimed at curbing the contamination.

Contamination findings were so high that based on health guidelines, only one fish per month should be eaten in the U.S.  In Japan and Uruguay, where levels were highest, no fish should be consumed.  In Japan, fish has traditionally been a dietary staple.


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MAN DIES IN PINE VALLEY MOBILEHOME FIRE

Cal Fire and East County Magazine offer heating safety reminders for cold weather

January 13, 2013 (Pine Valley) – Firefighters battling a blaze at a mobilehome park in the 27500 block of Old Highway 80 in Pine Valley last night discovered a man’s body inside after extinguishing the blaze. Sheriff’s Bomb/Arson detectives have ruled out foul play.

Cal Fire spokesman Mike Mohler told ECM that investigators are looking at several potential causes, including the possibility that the victim may have perished due to an old or improperly used heating device in last night’s sub-freezing temperatures.

Here are important safety tips to stay warm  and safe during cold weather:


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