TRANSCRIPT OF EL CAJON CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES FORUM: POLICE ISSUES, ECONOMY, MARIJUANA AND MORE SPARK HEATED CONVERSATIONS

 

Transcription by Jonathan Goetz

October 18, 2016 (El Cajon) - Seven candidates vying for three seats on the El Cajon City Council participated in a lively forum at Grossmont College on October 5th:  Stephanie Harper, Ben Kalasho, Hubert Cabrera, Steve Goble, George Glover, Joseph Fountain and Vikie Butcher.  Incumbents Bob McClellan and Star Bales, along with challenger Paul Circo, declined to participate citing travel and scheduling conflicts.

Topics included the police shooting, building a new animal shelter, reopening the performing arts center, sales tax in El Cajon, marijuana regulation, strengthening our community and improving police relations with minorities, poverty and unemployment.

Each candidate had one minute to respond to questions  from  moderators Miriam Raftery of the East County Magazine,  Karen Pearlman from the San Diego Union-Tribune, Albert Fulcher from the East County Californian, and  Marya Fani from  Mega Network, followed by audience questions.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS

 

East County News Service

October 18, 2016 (San Diego's East County) - East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

Presidential campaign

Other national news

WORLD

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS

 

 

East County News Service

October 18, 2016 (San Diego's East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include:

LOCAL

STATE

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

AZTEC FOOTBALL PRESS CONFERENCE: FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS REDUX

For more sports stories, visit ECM's Sports section.

Story and photos by Liz Alper

Full quotes courtesy Jen Heisel

October 18, 2016 (San Diego) - The Aztecs are playing on Friday night again, so coach Rocky Long, junior fullback Nick Bawden, junior defensive end Dakota Turner and redshirt sophomore quarterback Christian Chapman sat down with the media for a weekly press conference.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

8 ARRESTED AMID CIVIL UNREST IN EL CAJON; PROTESTERS FILE SUIT AGAINST CITY AND COUNTY

 

Update 2 p.m.: Police this afternoon are blocking access to the site that has been the focus of protests where  Alfred Olango was shot on Sept. 27.

East County News Service

October 18, 2016 (El Cajon) — El Cajon Police declared an unlawful assembly and arrested eight protesters last night at 800 Broadway near Mollison, the site where Alfred Olango was shot by police over two weeks ago.

According to a press release, the trouble started last night around 5 p.m. when two people arrived and became angry that a makeshift memorial had been removed. Police say the strip mall’s owner hired a security company to help return to business as usual. Earlier in the day, the release states, ”participants in the memorial, who had been asked to leave the property returned and asked to collect their items. They removed the tents, grills and other memorial and personal items. Neither the property owners nor the police department removed memorial items.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

READER’S EDITORIAL: SAND MINING AND THE STADIUM

 

By Barry A. Treahy, Lakeside

Photo:  Sand mining in Wisconsin; Wisconsin Watch creative commons image

October 18, 2016 (Lakeside) -- This November election will be interesting.

Two Charger stadium initiatives are on the ballot and one EIR for El Monte Valley Sand Mining remains pending.  Am I looking at a coincidence, that the EIR might be coming out after the Sand Miners see how elections go and whether or not they will be selling sand to build a new stadium?


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

TWITTER USERS RESPOND TO SECOND PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

 

By Amber M. Henry

Read full transcript of debate

October 18, 2016 (Washington University) -- Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump walked onto the stage from opposite sides as the town hall in Washington University erupted in applause at the second presidential debate on October 9th. Clinton smiled, nodded and called out “Hello!” to the audience. Trump walked in with his hands close to his sides, a guarded but friendly expression on his face.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SANTEE CANDIDATES AGREE TRAFFIC IS CITY’S BIGGEST ISSUE, DIFFER IN VIEWS ON HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT

 

By Mike Allen

October 18, 2016 (Santee) -- A Santee candidates’ forum held Oct. 13 at Rio Seco School found common ground on some issues, but differences in how to solve problems and shape the city’s future.

The forum, attended by about 200 people, was one of only a few events where the Santee City Council and mayoral candidates for the Nov. 8 election appeared. It was sponsored by Santee Solutions and the Santee Mobilehome Owners Action Committee, and moderated by the San Diego League of Women Voters.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SPRING VALLEY GRADUATE RETURNS FROM OVERSEAS DEPLOYMENT

 

By Petty Officer Jamal McNeill, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs

October 18, 2016 (San Diego) - A 2003 Mount Miguel High School Graduate and San Diego, California native recently returned to the United States from an overseas deployment with the largest amphibious warship in the Navy.



Petty Officer 2nd Class Adam Vizcorrondo, is a master-at-arms serving aboard USS Boxer (LHD-4), based in San Diego, California.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

TOAST TO EAST COUNTY OCT. 22 HIGHLIGHTS LOCAL WINERIES, CRAFT BREWERS AND FOOD PRODUCERS

 

Local wine industry trailblazers will also be honored

East County News Service

October 17, 2016 (Rancho San Diego) – Six new Trailblazers will be honored and dozens of local wine and food producers will be highlighted at 2nd annual Toast to East County.

The event, sponsored by the East County Chamber of Commerce, will be held from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 22 at Cottonwood Golf Club on Willow Glen Road in the Rancho San Diego area of El Cajon.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

LA MESA CANDIDATES SHARE VIEWS ON COMMUNITY CHOICE ENERGY OPTION

 

By Miriam Raftery

October 17, 2016 (La Mesa) — Recently, La Mesa’s Planning Commission and Environmental Sustainability Commission held a public meeting on the potential for La Mesa to form its own community choice aggregation (CCA) energy program. The plan would enable the city to purchase power from renewable energy sources and sell it directly to residents, offering an alternative to SDG&E, which would continue to maintain power lines.

But where do the three candidates running for La Mesa’s City Council stand?  ECM contacted each candidate; their replies are below.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

HEFTY DONATIONS FLOW TO LA MESA COUNCIL RACES

 

By Miriam Raftery

October 17, 2016 (La Mesa) — Substantial campaign contributions are pouring into the La Mesa City Council race.  Topping the list is challenger Colin Parent, who has raised $63,668 as of the most recent campaign filing deadline.  Incumbent Council member/attorney Kristine Alessio has raised $16,000 of which nearly all, $15,000, is self-funded.  Council member Ruth Sterling’s campaign has raised $3,600, which is 100% self-funded.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

EARLY VOTING BEGINS FOR NOV. 8 ELECTION

 

By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office

October 17, 2016 (San Diego) -- Voters interested in casting their ballots early for the Nov. 8 Presidential General Election can now do so at the County Registrar of Voters office located at 5600 Overland Ave. in Kearny Mesa. Early voting began Monday and will continue from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and until the polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day. The office will also be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5 and Sunday, Nov.6 for weekend voting.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

CHIEF’S CORNER: A DEDICATION AND REMINDER THAT SANTA ANA WINDS ARE COMING!

 

 

Dedicated to the Men of Engine Company 57

“I can’t believe it’s been 10 years. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was home in Orange County leaving for work in Los Angeles. I could see the large plume of smoke to the east. In a matter of moments it intensified. The plumb expanded and rose quickly into the atmosphere. I knew something went bad. I didn’t think it was this bad… Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna”

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

October 17, 2016 (San Diego) -- October 26th 2006, 1:11 a.m. Santa Ana winds stirred across the southland.

A Red Flag warning had been identified and was in effect. A high probability for large fire growth was in effect as conditions were high temperatures, low humidity, and Santa Ana winds.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

MAN GUNNED DOWN IN BOULEVARD

 

 

 

October 18, 2016 1 p.m. --Update:  Paul David Carr, 61, has been arrested for this crime.  The victim has been identified as Rev. Craig Hodson, 55,  from Grace Baptist  Church in Jacumba, father of 11 children. Cause of death was a penetrating gunshot wound to the torso.  The death has been ruled a homicide.  NBC 7 reports Rev. Hodson was serving an eviction notice on Carr when he was shot.

East County News Service

October 17, 2016 (Boulevard) – Sheriff’s deputies responding to a call of a shooting last night at 7:22 p.m. in rural Boulevard.  They found a 55-year-old white man with multiple bullet wounds to his torso, lying on the ground in front of a garage at 36536 Old Highway 80.  The man succumbed to his injuries at the scene despite medical aid rendered by deputies and later, paramedics who arrived.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

MEET THE CANDIDATES FOR SAN MIGUEL FIRE BOARD

 

East County News Service

October 17, 2016 (Crest) — The Crest Fire Safe Council invites you to meet candidates running for San Miguel Fire Board at the Crest Community Clubhouse (113 North Park Road in the Crest community of unincorporated El Cajon) on Wednesday, October 19 at 7 p.m.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 7 SMARTPHONES BANNED ON AIRPLANES

 

East County News Service

October 16, 2016 (San Diego) – Effective immediately, all Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smart phones are banned on all flights to, in, or from the United States due to the risk of explosions.  The ban includes carry-ons, checked baggage, and shipping as air freight.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

LIONS, TIGERS AND BEARS RESCUES EXOTIC ANIMALS FROM CLOSED SANCTUARY IN SOUTH DAKOTA

 

Source: Lions, Tigers and Bears

October 16, 2016 (Alpine) -- Lions Tigers & Bears (LTB), a San Diego Big Cat and Exotic Animal Rescue, has sent its rescue team to a sanctuary in South Dakota, which has closed after a recent USDA inspection and tiger mauling last week.  


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

JUDICIAL MISCONDUCT CHARGES FILED AGAINST SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE KREEP

 

By Miriam Raftery

October 16,2016 (San Diego)—The state Commission on Judicial Performance has filed 11 counts of judicial misconduct against San Diego Superior Court Judge Gary G. Kreep,  following a preliminary investigation.   View the charges and notice of formal proceedings here.

 Judge Kreep has 20 days from the date of service (October 7, 2016) to file a written response to the charges,  which include conduct while serving as a judge as well as ethical violations during his campaign.  California’s constitution provides remedies that could include removal from the bench, censure, public or private admonishment.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

CRASHES CONCERN RESIDENTS NEAR CASINO

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo courtesy Deerhorn Valley Antler

October 16, 2016 (Jamul) – Since Monday’s opening of the Hollywood Casino in Jamul, several motor vehicle accidents have occurred along State Route 94, heightening residents’ concerns over safety.

The following details are based on a combination of California Highway Patrol incident reports online and eyewitness accounts published by the Deerhorn Valley Antler and its Antler Alerts.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

FEMALE STUDENT FIGHTS OFF ATTACKER AT SDSU CAMPUS

 

East County News Service

October 16, 2016 (San Diego) — Campus police at San Diego State University have issued an alert warning about a sexual battery that occurred at 2:20 a.m. on Montezuma Road near East Campus Drive. 

According to police, an unknown white man in his mid-30s, wearing a dark shirt and pants, grabbed a female student and touched her inappropriately. The woman was able to fight the man off and run away. She was not injured.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY BAKERS PLEDGE SUPPORT FOR WEST COAST'S LARGEST BAKE SALE TO BENEFIT MAMA'S KITCHEN

 

Sycuan returns for twelfth year, joins bakers such as Behind the Scenes Catering and Sweet Cheeks Baking Co.; Sales begin October 10, 2016

East County News Service

October 15, 2016 (San Diego) - Wells Fargo, Walmart, The Original Pancake House of Poway & Temecula, and Sycuan Casino are just a few of the local companies that have pledged their resources a successful upcoming Mama’s Pie in the Sky Thanksgiving Bake Sale. The fundraiser in its twelfth year benefits Mama’s Kitchen, a nonprofit organization that provides nutritional support at no cost to San Diego men, women and children affected by AIDS or cancer who are vulnerable to hunger. Sales begin October 10 and continue through November 20, 2016. Pie flavors are pumpkin, traditional apple, pecan and Dutch apple, and are available for just $25 each. Pies can be purchased online via www.mamaspies.org or by calling (619) 233-6262.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

LA MESA COUNCIL CANDIDATES SET FOR FORUM TUESDAY, OCT. 18

 

East County News Service

October 15, 2016 (La Mesa)—Three candidates vying for two seats on the  La Mesa City Council are slated to appear in a forum  on Tuesday, October 18 at 6 p.m.in the La Mesa Police Department’s community room.

This forum will be sponsored by the League of Women Voters and the  American Association of University Women.

Candidates are incumbents Ruth Sterling and Kristine Alessio,  as well as challenger Colin Parent.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

HEAR OUR INTERVIEW WITH MARK JORGENSEN, AUTHOR OF DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP, WILDERNESS ICON

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

October 15,2016 (Borrego)—We sat down for an interview with Mark Jorgensen,  former  Superintendent of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and author of the award-winning book, Desert Bighorn Sheep,  Wilderness Icon. 

He spoke about the progress made to protect these  magnificent animals,  as well as threats to their survival and challenges that remain.  

Listen now by clicking the link to our interview, which originally aired on the East County Magazine Show on KNSJ 89.1 FM Radio.

Audio: 

Mark Jorgensen, author of Desert Bighorn Sheep Wilderness Icon, interview

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

HEAR OUR INTERVIEWS: ALL 6 CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT BOARD

 

Click audio links to hear our 4-part series of interview with GHD candidates

By Miriam Raftery

Photos: Art Madrid,  Virginia Hall,  Bob Ayres,  Jimmy Parker, Michael Emerson, Priscilla Schreiber

October 15, 2016 (La Mesa) –In a series of interviews, we caught up with each of the six candidates running for the Grossmont Healthcare District Board, which oversees Grossmont Hospital.   The field is diverse, and each candidate brings their unique perspectives and priorities for the public’s health. 

Topics ranged from easing congestion in the hospital’s busy emergency room to oversight of new construction project,  from protecting patient privacy to preparing for the impacts of ballot measures such as an initiative that could legalize marijuana. 

Audio: 

Art Madrid, Grossmont Healthcare District candidate interview
Bob Ayres & Virginia Hall, Grossmont Healthcare District candidates interview
Jimmy Parker, Grossmont Healthcare District candidate interview
Michael Emerson & Priscilla Schreiber, Grossmont Healthcare District candidates interview

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

A SURJ OF AWARENESS

 

Story and photos by Byron Croft

Shooting sparks broader conversation on police-citizen relations in East County and San Diego,  facilitated by Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ)

October 14, 2016 (El Cajon) -- The recent shooting of Alfred Olango in El Cajon has sparked a surge of conversation on the topic of how police handle people in some sort of mental distress, and how that handling may sometimes be different when the people police encounter happens to be with someone with skin darker than “white.” What for many, until recently, was viewed as a concern for those in larger cities, such as Chicago and New York, has now become a topic of discussion in East County, and surrounding San Diego.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

ECM FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: HILLERS REMAIN UNDEFEATED AS CONFERENCE PLAY BEGINS

For more sports stories, visit ECM's Sports section

Story and photos by Liz Alper

October 14, 2016 (La Mesa) - It’s time for conference play.  For this week’s Friday Night Lights, ECM went to Grossmont High School to see the undefeated Foothillers host the Norsemen of Valhalla High. 


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

AZTECS FOOTBALL: SAN DIEGO STATE DEFEATS FRESNO STATE 17-3

For more sports stories, visit ECM's Sports section

Source: goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

October 14, 2016 (Fresno) - Donnel Pumphrey rushed for 220 yards and two touchdowns, surpassing 1,000 yards for the season and moving into the NCAA Top 10 for his career, leading San Diego State to a 17-3 win over Fresno State on Friday night.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

COMMUNITY RAISES $7,000 TO HELP 3 DOGS BITTEN BY RATTLESNAKE

 

By Miriam Raftery

October 14, 2016 (Jamul) - A GoFundMe site setup yesterday to help a Jamul woman whose three dogs were bitten by a rattlesnake has raised over $7,000.  She is a single mother who can’t afford the costly care needed to save her dogs’ lives.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

LA MESA COUNCIL VOTES 3-1 TO MAKE IT HARDER TO GET ITEMS ON AGENDA: COUNCILWOMAN STERLING BLASTS DECISION

 

By Miriam Raftery

October 13, 2016 (La Mesa) – By a 3-1 vote, with Councilwoman Ruth Sterling opposed and Councilman Guy McWhirter absent, La Mesa’s City Council on Tuesday voted to approve a measure that requires signatures of two council members to place any measure on the ballot. 

Councilmember Ruth Sterling blasted the action in an e-mail to ECM. “They diminished the people’s right to know, the government’s transparency, “ she said of the Council majority.”This is the people’s government. That fact was ignored.”

Sterling said City Attorney Glenn Sabine  indicated there are conflicting writings on whether such action might violate the Brown Act,  making it a “gray area.”


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Pages