Ducheny Chastises Vargas for "Special Interest" Favors

May 5, 2012 (San Diego) -- Congressional Candidate Denise Moreno Ducheny took issue with Senator Juan Vargas's recent voting record and called on the Senator to back a strong set of foreclosure protection bills being discussed in the Senate this week. "The recent voting record of my opponent is a disservice to the residents of San Diego and Imperial Counties," Ducheny said in a statement. "He should be spending more time focusing on the needs of his constituents, not just those special interest groups who write his campaign checks."

“This legislative proposal is perhaps the most direct assault on national parks ever to be advanced at any level in any Congress in U.S. history.” – Maureen Finnerty, Chair, Coalition of National Park Service Retirees

 May 4 2012 (Washington D.C.) -- Legislation pending in the U.S. House of Representatives is falsely touted as improving U.S. border security. Instead, it would “have the potential to devastate 54 of America’s national parks, historic sites, national monuments and other popular park icons and negatively impact the nation’s economy,” according to a warning issued April 18 by the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees (CNPSR).

By Kate Yapjoco

May 4, 2012 (San Diego) – Terra American Bistro in East County is among area restaurants highlighted as part of Celiac Awareness Month in May.  An estimated 3 million Americans suffer from celiac disease, which is an autoimmune digestive disease.  People with celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye as well as many other food products.  During Celiac Awareness Month San Diego restaurateurs will be offering a wide, delicious, healthy array of gluten-free dining options.

May 4, 2012 (Ramona) -- Thomas (Bo Donovan) Becker, who lived in San Diego Country Estates, passed away on April 24 surrounded by his family.  A noted radio broadcasting personality, he also founded the award-winning Silvertree Inc. creative services firm and has been active in organizations ranging from United Way to the Better Businses Bureau. 

By Brian Lafferty

May 4, 2012 (San Diego) -- The Avoid the 14 San Diego County DUI Task Force will be deploying DUI saturation patrols on Cinco De Mayo, May 5th from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. in Escondido and around San Diego State University.

Cinco de Mayo is a special opportunity to gather with friends and co‐workers for chips, salsa and Margaritas, celebrating California’s rich cultural diversity. It is also a night when dangerous and often deadly outcomes occur because another impaired driver hits the road drunk.

May 3, 2012 (El Cajon) – It's been two years since the East County Performing Arts Center went dark.  But on Monday, a group of concerned citizens seeking to "Save ECPAC" took a behind-the-scenes tour last week to determine the extent of repairs needed to reopen the cherished community landmark. 

Although challenges are steep, the good news is that the cost for critical repairs appears to be significantly less than the estimates  provided by the city for a more ambitious renovation.

May 3, 2012 (San Diego's East County) -- Scroll down to view a list of this week's obituaries here, or visit  www.EastCountyObits.com to read the full obituaries. 

April 25, 2012 (Alpine) – The Center to Help Instill Respect & Preservation for Garden Wildlife, Inc. (CHIRP) is hosting the 15th Annual Alpine Sage & Songbirds Festival & Garden Tour May 4-6 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m at the Show Court at Viejas Outlets, 5000 Willows Road, Alpine.  This year’s theme is Waterwise & Butterflies and the garden tour will include 6 bird and butterfly friendly gardens, a place of worship habitat garden and a raptor rehabilitation facility.

By Miriam Raftery

Flowers, banner at Junior Seau Sports Complex in La Mesa pay tribute to football legend

May 2, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) –East County and San Diego leaders reacted with shock and sadness to news that former Chargers star Junior Seau, 43, was found dead at his Oceanside home today of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.  

A former resident of Mt. Helix and supporter of local charities, Seau also frequently visited the Junior Seau Sports Complex at La Mesita Park in La Mesa that was named in his honor.

“He was always here for us,” La Mesa Art Madrid said, La Mesa Today reported.  “He was part of the family in this town.”