SOLAR ECLIPSE VIEWING PARTY

ATMOSPHERIC RIVER TO DRENCH REGION OVER EASTER WEEKEND

GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL BOARD SLASHES STAFFING, OVER OBJECTIONS OF VOCAL CROWD

CONSUMER ALERT FOR SAFELY FILING YOUR TAXES

VIEW OUR INTERVIEW: LA MESA ACTIVISTS OBJECT TO CITY COUNCIL BANNING REMOTE PARTICIPATION

WINTER STORM WARNING

EASTER BRUNCH AND EGG HUNT MARCH 30 IN EL CAJON

BIA SAN DIEGO PARTNERS WITH WORKFORCECONNECT TO UTILIZE JOBS PLATFORM, WHILE ADDRESSING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WORKFORCE SHORTAGE

RECENT FIRE DEATHS HEIGHTEN CALLS FOR FIRE PROTECTION BALLOT MEASURE IN SANTEE

COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND TANYA TUCKER LIVE AT THE MAGNOLIA MAY 19

MISSION TRAILS REGIONAL PARK COMMUNITY NIGHT SLATED FOR THURSDAY, APRIL 4

UNOFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS SHOW FLIPS IN TWO KEY RACES HOLDING

News

WIND TURBINE INFRASOUND BLAMED FOR AFFECTING WOMEN'S OVALUTION IN DENMARK

... and kill another small business

"All my female employees are complaining of irregular menstruations, and several have permanent headaches." (Boye Jensen, Nursery Owner, Denmark)

By Mark Duchamp, World Council for Nature

July 11, 2014 (Denmark)--The Danish press reports the case of a garden centre (nursery) going out of business because of nearby wind turbines. Headaches are frequent among employees, and female workers complain of unusual bleeding and problems with their menstruation cycles. They are worried that more serious illnesses may follow. Five have recently resigned. The owner is now closing his business for fear of being held liable should a child be born with deformities, as happened to numerous mink puppies at a fur farm near wind turbines in Jutland.


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ECM WINS 10 SPJ AWARDS FOR ONLINE NEWS AND RADIO SHOW

 

East County News Service

July 9, 2014 (San Diego) –East County Magazine picked up 10 journalism awards tonight in the Society of Professional Journalists San Diego contest, including four first place awards and for the third year in a row, the James Julian Memorial Award for community reporting.  

ECM picked up two awards for reports aired on KNSJ radio, as well as honors for online reporting. This brings ECM’s total awards to 69 since our launch in 2008.

“This is public service journalism at its finest—identify the problem for readers and track the changes. It worked in this case. Bravo,” commented a judge for the James Julian award, which includes a $100 cash prize for our story titled Why is County Veterans Service Department ignoring rural East County vets?  By Miriam Raftery.  After the report aired, Supervisor Dianne Jacob introduced a measure later adopted to bring veterans’ services to county libraries in rural locations.


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SPRINKLERS HELP STOP FIRE AT STORAGE FACILITY IN EL CAJON

 

East County News Service

July 8, 2014 (El Cajon)-Heartland Fire & Rescue crews in El Cajon responded to reports of a structure fire in the 1500 block of East Main Street in El Cajon this morning. As firefighters arrived on scene, they found smoke coming from one of the storage units at “Extra Space Storage,” located at 1539 East Main Street.


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STATE CONSIDERS MANDATORY WATER USE RESTRICTIONS

By Miriam Raftery

 

 

July 9, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - The state of California is considering making water conservation mandatory – with penalties for those who fail to comply.


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LOCAL GOVERNMENT REPORT: THIS WEEK'S HOT HEARING ITEMS ACROSS EAST COUNTY

By Miriam Raftery

July 6, 2014 (San Diego's East County) -- Below are some of the newsworthy items on this week's agendas for boards, commissions and councils in East County. Taxes, electronic cigarettes and land use issues are among the hot topics to be discussed in these public meetings.  You can find full agendas and meeting details at the websites for each local governing body.


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U.S. INVESTIGATOR SAYS BLACKWATER THREATENED HIM WITH DEATH TO HALT STATE DEPT PROBE IN IRAQ

 

 

East County News Service

Photo, left: Carl Meyer, leader of successful "stop Blackwater" effort in Potrero at a 2008 victory celebration

July 6, 2014 (San Diego's East County)--Blackwater, the private military contractor that has sparked considerably controversy through the years, is back in the headlines.Many East County residents recall the successful battle waged by residents in rural Potrero to prevent Blackwater from building a paramilitary training camp in San Diego's backcountry. 

Potrero residents held a recall election and removed all five planning group members who voted for the Blackwater facility and staged a march through adjacent federal forest lands that would be threatened by the project, drawing international attention before Blackwater ultimately withdrew its plans.

Now, the New York Times reports that around that same time back in 2007, Blackwater blocked a State Department inquiry into allegations of violence against civilians in Iraq by the company’s personnel.  The investigation was halted after Blackwater’s top manager in Iraq threatened that he “could kill” the government’s chief investigator—and that “no one could or would do anything about it” according to State Department reports, the New York Times article states.


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CALTRANS: LANE CLOSURES AT I-5 AND I-8 INTERCHANGE OVER THE NEXT WEEK

 

July 5, 2014 (San Diego)-- Caltrans highway workers will be working at the connector ramp from westbound Interstate 8 (I-8) to northbound Interstate 5 (I-5) weekdays and weeknights for a two-week period beginning Monday, July 7.   All night work will take place from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.


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URGENT POLL: ASK KNSJ TO AIR LIVE WILDFIRE ALERTS & WILDFIRE REPORTING: HONOR PROMISES MADE TO DONORS & HELP SAVE LIVES

 

Dear  Readers:

A year ago when KNSJ radio launched, the station promised to air our live wildfire and emergency alerts. Saturday is their anniversary party - please send a message TODAY asking them to honor this promise!

In the July 2013 Chariot Fire the station did go live and I reported on the fire on Mt. Laguna.  For a few weeks, KNSJ aired our alerts with a delay of an hour or so, promising to improve technology to get real live alerts. Later KNSJ stopped airing wildfire alerts at all. I’ve pleaded with KNSJ to air Viejas Wildfire Alerts as promised, which we offer them free, to save lives and keep you safe. In the backcountry when power lines burn and some have no cell service,  battery-powered radio is often the only way to get news during fires.

KNSJ’s CEO says having the federal emergency broadcast system  in place is enough, but it’s not. It wasn’t activated during recent fires in East County.  KNSJ's CEO and Board  refuse to even guarantee a start date for alerts or an exact dollar figure that would guarantee these would air. They ask for more money, without delivering on promises made to donors who already gave to support getting alerts on the air.  KNSJ also has zero live broadcasting, even for breaking news during fires.

TAKE OUR POLL AND SEND A MESSAGE TO KNSJ:  Should the FCC ask KNSJ to keep its promise and air live Viejas Wildfire & Emergency Alerts & have live news broadcasts during wildfires?

PLEASE VOTE HERE:  http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/poll/should-fcc-ask-knsj-keep-its-promise-air-live-viejas-wildfire-emergency-alerts-and-have-live-ne


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CHP SEEKS WITINESSES TO CRASH THAT INJURED 3 CHILDREN ON I-15

 

East County News Service

July 4, 2014 (San Diego) – Three children suffered moderate to major injuries in a rollover crash at 1:09 p.m. today on I-15 north of State Route 52.

The driver told the California Highway Patrol (CHP) he was traveling at 65-70 miles per hour in the number one lane when he felt the right rear of his Toyota vehicle sink. The Toyota collided with the center divide and rolled onto its roof.


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FLOOD ADVISORY ISSUED

 

 

July 4, 2014 (San Diego)—The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory for San Diego County’s mountains and deserts through early evening. In addition, the NWS warns of strong rip current in San Diego’s coastal areas today through Monday. 

The urban and small stream flood advisory remains in effect for Warner Springs, Ranchita, and the Felipe burn area northeast of Julian until 6:45 p.m.


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Should the FCC ask KNSJ to keep its promise to air live Viejas Wildfire & Emergency Alerts and have live news during fires?

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ALPINE PLANNING GROUP VACANCY ANNOUNCED

 

July 4, 2014 (Alpine) – The Alpine Community Planning Group has announced a vacancy for seat number two.  The position will be appointed by the Board of supervisors.


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LA MESA CANCELS PUBLIC HEARING ON PARK STATION AFTER KEY PARTICIPANT WITHDRAWS

 

By Miriam Raftery

July 4, 2014 (La Mesa) – On the heels of the American Legion  backing out of the Park Station proposal, the City of La Mesa announced today that it has cancelled a Planning Commission Public Hearing on the project’s specific plan and environmental impact report that had been slated for July 16. 

The announcement issued by Bill Chopyk, Director of Community Development for La Mesa, specifically states that the hearing is cancelled “due to a change in the application and project description because the American Legion has withdrawn as a co-applicant. A new notice of public hearing will be distributed to interested parties once the specific plan and environmental documents are revised and ready for Planning Commission consideration and further public review.”


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MARK ARABO DISCUSSES GENOCIDE IN IRAQ, INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS TO CREATE A MORE INCLUSIVE GOVERNMENT

 

July 1, 2014 (San Diego's East County)--This week, the extremist group ISIS declared an Islamic caliphate stretching from Syria across Iraq following weeks of mounting violence. On June 25, prior to the declaration, we aired a second interview with San Diego Chaldean-American leader Mark Arabo following his meetings with the State Department, members of Congress and high-level U.S. officials. We discussed international efforts to bring peace to the region, form a more inclusive government and protect Iraqi Christians.

Hear our interview here, originally aired June 18, 2014:  https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/au...

Audio: 


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SAN DIEGO IS RANKED MOST PATRIOTIC CITY

 

 

East County News Service

 

July 2, 2014 (San Diego)--MyLife, a social media website, recently did an analysis of data to determine the most patriotic cities in the U.S. The results are in -- just in time for the 4th of July -- and San Diego is ranked number one. 

MyLife’s analysis included four sets of data:


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MISSION PUBLISHING SELLS LA MESA COURIER, 2 OTHER NEWSPAPERS

 

 

July 1, 2014 (La Mesa)--The Mission Times Courier, Mission Valley News and La Mesa Courier are joining the San Diego Community News Network (SDCNN) and its group of award-winning community newspapers, strengthening SDCNN’s community news voice in San Diego.

SDCNN’s purchase of the trio of newspapers from Jim Madaffer’s Mission Publishing Group takes effect July 1. The acquisition also includes Mission Publishing Group’s online news site, ScoopSanDiego.com, a press release issued yesterday by Mission Publishing announced.


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BODY OF MISSING MAN FOUND

 

June 30, 2014 (Ramona)--The search for a missing Ramona man has ended tragically.

The Medical Examiner has determined that a body found in a field in Ramona is Carl Lee Salayer,  The 67-year-old man was reported missing from his Ramona home on June 17.


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PARTYING OVER THE 4TH OF JULY? FREE AND LOW-COST RIDES OFFERED

 

Sheriff to add DUI patrols and checkpoints

June 30, 2014 (San Diego)--The Fourth of July is a time for fun and celebration for the entire family. This holiday weekend, there are several options for getting safe rides home if you plan to party hearty.  Tipsy Tow offers free rides home (up to seven miles away).  Another service, be my Designated Driver, offers low-cost driver and pickup services.  Or consider taking a bus or trolley to your destination.

Also be aware that the San Diego County Sheriff's Department will be holding increased driving-under-the-influence (DUI) patrols by deputies across the county beginning on Thursday, July 3rd through Sunday, July 6th.


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HOT, DRY WEATHER PREDICTED FOR JULY 4TH; THUNDERSHOWERS POSSIBLE NEXT WEEKEND

 

June 29, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) -- The San Diego region ends the first six months of this year with just over 5 inches of rain – less than half of normal.

If you’re planning some outdoor activities over the Fourth of July holiday, the weather forecast is warm and sunny, with temperatures about 5 degrees above normal through the end of this week.


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BODY OF MISSING ALZHEIMER’S PATIENT FOUND IN RAMONA

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 27, 2014 (Ramona) – The Medical Examiner has determined that a body found in a field in Ramona is Carl Lee Salayer, a 67-year-old man reported missing from his Ramona home on June 17. 

Salayer suffered from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. He had a feeding tube and required medications.  His disappearance prompted an intensive search involving dozens of Sheriff’s deputies, other law enforcement officers and volunteers.


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EL CAJON COUNCIL REJECTS HOMEOWNERS’ PLEAS FOR RELEIF FROM WEED ABATEMENT FEES , BUT GRANTS SALES TAX RELIEF TO CAR DEALER

 

Residents question high cost of weed cutting by private contractor

By Grey Feathers

June 24, 2014 El Cajon – The City Council of El Cajon considered issues from a retired police dog to hookah lounges as Mayor Bill Wells gaveled in Tuesday’s meeting.

Councilmember Star Bales displayed items purchased at the El Cajon ‘America on Main Street’ event that she will proudly wear at the Fourth of July celebration at Kennedy Park (photo, left). The Council then voted to retire and release ownership of El Cajon Police dog “Turbo” to Officer Thompson, Turbo’s experienced and sole handler.  Happy retirement Turbo!

The longest discussion of the meeting concerned filing liens on properties of owners who owe money to the City for weed abatement, mandatory trash service and sidewalk repair. The staff recommendation was to authorize the City Clerk to record the amount owed as a lien on the property  and forward the list to the County Tax Assessor for billing on the owner’s next property tax bill.


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COUNTY BOARD RENEWS GILLESPIE FIELD DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL FOR 4 MORE YEARS OVER OBJECTIONS OF SOME NEIGHBORS

 

By Nadin Abbott

June 25, 2014 (San Diego)--The San Diego County Board of Supervisors renewed the Gillespie Field Development Council, despite serious concerns raised by several members of the public.

The council runs the day to day activities at the Gillespie Field airport for both El Cajon, which appoints two members, and the County, which appoints three.

Robert Germann told the Board that he opposes the agreement since it does not include the City of Santee. He told Supervisors,“Santee should have a seat on the board. I am surprised they are not here demanding one.” The airport has one gate exiting into Santee, built at Santee’s expense.


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MORE LOW-INCOME SDG&E CUSTOMERS ELIGIBLE FOR BILL-ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

 

Increased Income Guidelines Expand Eligibility

June 23, 2014 (San Diego)– More San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) customers are now eligible to save every month on their bill and receive energy efficient home improvements due to new income guidelines that went into effect June 1, 2014.  Households of two with a yearly income of $31,460 or less can now enroll in the money-saving, state sponsored customer assistance programs California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and the Energy Savings Assistance Program.


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CALTRANS TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING JULY 24 IN SAN DIEGO ON FREIGHT MOVEMENT PLAN

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 22, 2014 (San Diego) – Caltrans will hold a public workshop July 24 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Caltrans office complex in San Diego (Garcia Room), 4050 Taylor Street.  The transportation agency seeks public comments on a draft California Freight Mobility Plan that aims to improve freight movement and reduce environmental impacts on the state’s highways, seaports and railways.


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SOLO VEHICLE COLLISION RESULTS IN A FATALITY

 

June 22, 2014 (Lakeside) – A Lakeside man, 45, died at the scene of an accident that occurred on June 13 at 12:49 a.m. on State Route 52 east, just west of Cuyamaca Street.


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SETTLEMENT IN DOG JERKY CLASS ACTION SUIT

 

By Jaden Jimenez

June 16, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--Nestle Purina PetCare Co. and Waggin' Train LLC reached an agreement with pet owners in several states to create a $6.5 million fund to compensate dog owners who believe their animals were harmed by eating chicken and other jerky treats sold by the companies.


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LOCAL GOVERNMENT REPORT: HOT LAND USES ISSUES IMPACTING EAST COUNTY ARE AMONG AGENDA ITEMS THIS WEEK

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 22, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--Here are highlights of important issues on the agenda this week impacting San Diego's unincorporated areas as well as residents in the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa and Santee.

The San Diego Board of Supervisors meets on Tuesday and Wednesday this week with many important items slated to be heard. On Tuesday, Supervisors will deliberate the county budget and a joint powers agreement with Caltrans for the Next Generation regional communications system and more.

On Wednesday, supervisors will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to the Forest Conservation Initiative Lands General Plan amendment.  This is a controversial  issue that will determine what sort of development will be allowed on properties in the vicinity of Cleveland National Forest in East County.


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CALIFORNIANS URGED TO BE CAREFUL IN SUMMER HEAT

 

Lori Abbott, California News Service

June 18, 2014 (Sacramento)--The first day of summer may be on Saturday, but parts of California already have seen triple-digit heat this year - and more is on the way. With that in mind, health officials across the West are urging people to be careful in the potentially deadly heat.


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CO-APPLICANT WITIHDRAWS SUPPORT FOR PARK STATION PROJECT AT HEATED HEARING IN LA MESA

 

By Janis Russell; Miriam Raftery also contributed to this report

June 18, 2014 (La Mesa)- An overflow crowd filled Council Chambers and spilled outside at last night’s La Mesa Planning Commission meeting on the controversial Park Station project, a multi-use development proposed at Baltimore and Nebo Drive.  Kitzman, the developer, has scaled down original plans from 18 stories to 11, still well over double the height limit for the area. The new plan also eliminates a park and makes other changes.

Testimony ran on for over to four hours, with 23 speakers opposed and 26 in favor (most from outside La Mesa).  The evening ended with a shocker, when Lenny Guccione, business manager for the American Legion – the project’s co-applicant-- criticized the project as “too big” for the neighborhood, then abruptly announced withdrawal of the American Legion’s support and walked out. 

The announcement stunned planners and project  backers.  A recess was swiftly called, after which Sherman Harmer with Urban Housing Partners admitted the American Legion’s withdrawal came as a “total shock” to the applicant.

The Planning Commission voted 7-0 to close the public hearing and end public input on the project. Following  internal discussion and staff input, a new meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, July 16 at 7 p.m.


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CHALDEANS LAUNCH PETITION TO SAVE IRAQI CHRISTIANS AS TERRORISTS TAKE OVER CITIES ACROSS IRAQ

 

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

“If they keep taking out city after city, the whole world’s safety is threatened. I hope the world acts soon." -- Mark Arabo, Iraqi-American community leader

Update: Our interview with Mark Arabo, which aired on KNSJ 89.1 on June 13, 2014 can now be heard here:  https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/au...

June 17, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – The violence engulfing Iraq as terrorists capture  citiy after city is a “living nightmare that won’t go away” for Chaldean Christians across America, Mark Arabo, a first-generation Iraq-American and president/CEO of the Neighborhood Market Association, told East County Magazine.  “No question about it, this is a slow genocide."

Now, Chaldeans across American are asking the public to help by signing a petition urging President Barack Obama  and Congress to join with other world leaders and provide safe passage out of Iraq for Christians trapped with no safe place to go, now that Syria is in civil war and the terrorists in Iraq aim to impose Sharia law.  You can click this link to sign the petition to Save Iraqi Christians.

Audio: 


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