May 13, 2012 (Sacramento) -- The State Board of Education (SBE) today voted to seek a state-defined waiver of selected provisions of the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), which would allow the state to use its accountability system to focus improvement efforts on the lowest performing schools and provide schools greater flexibility over the use of federal funds.
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.
Fun learning opportunities abound at Cuyamaca College
May 13, 2012 (El Cajon) -- As Summer vacation approaches, College for Kids at Cuyamaca College provides the perfect combination of fun and learning for elementary and middle-schoolers, with a wide assortment of low-cost classes and activities.The program offered through the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District’s Continuing Education program is available for youths, ages 7 to14. Registration just opened, and classes are offered from mid-July to mid-August at Cuyamaca College.
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.
May 13, 2012 (San Diego)—San Diego’s Planning Commission voted unanimously to have staff evaluate health impacts of wind turbines on people and wildlife. Commissioners balked at approving a proposed county wind ordinance or changes to the Boulevard community plan that could make it easier to gain approval of large-scale wind projects—taking the sails out of the wind industry.
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.
May 13, 2012 (San Diego)—Declarations by President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden in support of gay marriage last week have sparked reactions around the world.
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.
May 13, 2012 (Spring Valley) --Just four days before his retirement from San Miguel Fire Department, Chief August “Augie” Ghio has been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. The crash occurred this morning in Ocotillo Wells on State Route 78 east.
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.
May 12, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – This morning, 32 suspects with 38 outstanding warrants for felonies and misdemeanors were taken into custody during a sweep of East County neighborhoods conducted by San Diego Sheriff’s Court Services Bureau field unit.
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.
How did the number of homes powered by the Ocotillo wind project get reduced to just one-fifth of what Pattern has been promising?
By Jim Pelley
May 12, 2012 (Ocotillo)--Pattern Energy does a very good job deceiving the people. For example, all throughout the Ocotillo Wind Energy Project process Pattern Energy has been making statements deceiving the press, public and officials about the number of homes this facility will produce power for. Pattern’s website states: “The project will produce enough clean and renewable wind energy to serve more than 130,000 households a year. http://www.patternenergy.com/media/news/announcements/ocotillo_011312
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.
May 12, 2012 (El Cajon) – Four new stores will open at Westfield Parkway this year.The new stores include discount housewares seller HomeGoods, Ulta, a beauty products retailer and fashion retailers Charlotte Russe and Papaya.
Westfield Senior Vice President Tom Tierney said operators will announce more brand-name retail and restaurants in the coming months.Westfield Parkway is located at 415 Parkway Plaza in 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.
May 12, 2012 (Spring Valley) -- Maness Vineyard is holding the 4th Annual Food and Wine Mixer June 2 at historical Vineyard Mansion, 12685 Campo Road, Spring Valley from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.The event is to raise awareness for the local vineyards and wineries that are emerging across San Diego County.
The day will include entertainment such as local personality Diane Jean from The Brew Ha-Ha and Josh Tafoya on the baby grand.A grape stomping contest will be held as well.A charity raffle will benefit The House of Peru.
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.
May 12, 2012 (El Cajon) – Winners and participants of the Third Grade Essay Contest will be recognized June 4 in a ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, 195 E. Douglas Ave., El Cajon at 7:00 p.m. Local students learning about pioneers and settlers are invited to write an essay.
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.
County gets zero benefits for putting residents at risk
By Joe Asciutto
The approval for the projected Coyote Wells / Wind Zero Para-Military training facility, in the Nomirage area of Ocotillo, CA, has now been rescinded. Along with that goes the false hope that this facility would create a large number of jobs for the residents of Imperial County. Some people are elated about the rescinding and some are not, but whichever side you are on, almost everyone lost in this ordeal.
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.
May 12, 2012 (Washington, D.C.) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it is seeking public comment on a proposal encouraging manufacturers to consider the safety of children in the design of new X-ray imaging devices. In the draft guidance, FDA is recommending that manufacturers design new X-ray imaging devices with protocols and instructions that address use on pediatric patients.
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.
May 12, 2012 (Lakeside) -- The Eastbound Bar & Grill in Lakeside, located at 10053 Maine Ave invites the public to a fundraiser Sunday, May 20 from 4-10 p.m. to raise money for Relay for Life of Lakeside, an American Cancer Society program that helps patients and families cope with a cancer diagnosis.
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.
May 12, 2012 (Washington, D.C.) -- Spring has sprung. Warm weather means kids are playing outside and families are firing up their grills and working on the lawn. Before you use spring-related products this season, the U.S. Consumer Protection Agency advises, check to see if they have been recalled. It could save your family's lives. You can find out more about these recalls at www.cpsc.gov.
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.
May 12, 2012 (San Diego) -- On May 20, Chelsea’s Light Foundation will team up with AAU Baseball, San Diego Show Baseball, Southern California Little Leagues and Pony Baseball to orchestrate one of the sport’s largest, charity-focused youth baseball tournaments. Over 100 teams from San Diego and as far away as Los Angeles and Riverside will participate in “Homerun for Chelsea” to honor Chelsea King and benefit Chelsea’s Light.
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.
May 12, 2012 (Lemon Grove) – Deputies from the Lemon Grove substation received a call at 12:10 a.m. reporting that an assault victim had been taken to Paradise Valley Hospital by a friend. Deputies responded and discovered the victim, Adel Salim Rammal, 47 years of age, had been stabbed three times in the chest and he was also tased with a Taser by the suspect(s).
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.
May 12, 2012 (La Mesa) – A plucky group of La Mesa residents turned out at last week’s Council hearing to ask that smaller property owners be granted the right to raise chickens and savor fresh eggs.
Councilwoman Ruth Sterling asked to add consideration of chicken ownership to this Tuesday’s agenda for a discussion by Council.
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.
May 12, 2012 (Baja)--Greg Niemann, author of Baja Fever, and life-long Baja Buff who has traveled all over the peninsula known as Baja California in Mexico, has written a well-researched and easy-to-read history of the people and resorts that make Baja what it is today.
What is Baja anyway? “Baja,” which means “Lower” in Spanish, refers to an 800-mile long peninsula separated from Mexico’s mainland by the Gulf of California – or the Sea of Cortez, if you prefer. The peninsula is comprised of two Mexican states, Baja California (Norte), with Mexicali as capital, and Baja California Sur, whose capital city is La Paz. To make it easy Norte means “North” and Sur means “South.”
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.
May 12, 2012 (San Diego) – San Diego County Parks and Recreation has a cornucopia of events happening around the region in May.There’s something for everyone – from guided hikes to campfires and stargazing.
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.
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.
“We are the canaries in the coal mine. If this is not stopped here, destruction of millions of acres of public lands across the southwest will likely soon follow.” -- Terry Weiner, Desert Protective Council
By Miriam Raftery
May 11, 2012 (Ocotillo) -- Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today signed the Record of Decision, giving a go-ahead for the contentious Ocotillo Express wind project.
The announcement came just hours after a coalition of environmental leaders, tribal representatives, off-road vehicle users, outdoor enthusiasts, residents and legal spokespersons called for a national moratorium on the "fast tracking" of massive energy projects on federal public lands.
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.
May 11, 2012 (La Mesa) -- The Helix Charter High School Speech and Debate Team members know what they are talking about! Eleven students from Helix, along with 80 students from other San Diego County high schools, participated in the California High School Speech Association State Championships in San Francisco April 27-29, 2012.
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.
The Tour Features a Wisconsin-style “Lake House” on the La Jolla Oceanfront, Tennis Star Bobby Riggs’ 1970’s Remodeled Mid-Century in Ramona and Three North County Homes that Showcase Universal Design for Aging in Place
May 11, 2012 -- The San Diego Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
is offering an exclusive self-guided tour of five recently remodeled residences on Saturday, May 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The tour, subtitled “Spaces Re-Imagined and Re-Invented,” will feature designers at each location to discuss design challenges and solutions and answer questions. Tickets, priced at $25, are available at www.ASIDSanDiego.org. Tickets will also be available for purchase at all tour sites the day of the tour and group discounts are available.
A 1970s home originally owned by Bobby Riggs, one of the top tennis players in the world in the ‘40s, who infamously lost to Billy Jean King in the “Battle of the Sexes” tennis showdown in 1973 is one of five homes featured on the 2012 ASID Remodel Tour May 19. John Mills Davies, ASID, of Marrokal Design & Remodeling, and Kelly Smiar, ASID, designed the whole house remodel. For ticket information, visit www.ASIDSanDiego.org.
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.
May 11, 2012 (El Cajon) -- HomeGoods, the off-price store dedicated to home fashions, will open a new store in El Cajon on Sunday, May 20 at 8:00 a.m. The 25,000 square-foot store is located in the Westfield Parkway, Fletcher Parkway and Johnson Avenue. With the addition of this store, HomeGoods will have four stores in the San Diego marketplace.
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.
May 11, 2012 (San Diego) -- The Stahl for Congress Committee has called into question not only the journalistic intent, but also the community obligation of the local San Diego media.
The Stahl for Congress Committee is wondering why we are even having a primary if the local media wants to decide for the voters who should be in the debates and the general election without interviewing or vetting anyone but Saldana, Peters and Bilbray.(Editor’s note: East County Magazine HAS interviewed Stahl. View our profile here: http://eastcountymagazine.org/node/9523)
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.
May 11, 2012 (Santee) -- For the second year, Sportsplex USA has teamed up with SoccerNation to organize a fun and exciting indoor soccer tournament to recognize and honor our active, non-active military friends and family as well as local area veterans.
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.
May 11, 2012 (San Diego) --San Diegans Richard Lederer and Caroline McCullagh are the proud parents of a bouncing baby book, American Trivia: What We All Should Know About U.S. History, Culture & Geography (Gibbs Smith Publisher, 2012). Over a span of a year, the co-authors will share with you their journey through American history. You can order inscribed and signed copies of the book by writing to richard.lederer@pobox.com.
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.
May 11, 2012 (Lakeside) -- Lakeside’s River park Conservancy is presenting a free guided Mother’s Day hike on May 13 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.River Park biologist, Monica Winters, will lead a five mile loop of the San Diego Riverbed in East County.
Winters will point out plants, birds and insects along the way.All mothers will receive a beautiful native plant to take home.
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.
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.
"I thought wind energy was something I could believe in. This film suggests it's just another corporate flim-flam game. - Film critic Rogert Ebert
May 10, 2012 (San Diego) A special free showing of the award-winning documentary ‘Windfall,’ an exploration of industrial wind impacts on a rural community, will lbe held tonight at 7 p.m. at the Landmark Theater in Hillcrest. The showing is cosponsored by Backcountry Against Dumps and The Protect Our Communities Foundation.
Hundreds of industrial wind turbines are currently proposed for public, private and tribal lands in East County with 400-800 thousand acres of Wind Resource Area proposed for designation in the County's Wind Energy Ordinance & Plan Amendment DEIR.
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.
May 13, 2012 (San Diego)—Declarations by President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden in support of gay marriage last week have sparked reactions around the world.
May 12, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – This morning, 32 suspects with 38 outstanding warrants for felonies and misdemeanors were taken into custody during a sweep of East County neighborhoods conducted by San Diego Sheriff’s Court Services Bureau field unit. 
y 
May 12, 2012 (El Cajon) – Four new stores will open at Westfield Parkway this year.
May 12, 2012 (Spring Valley) -- Maness Vineyard is holding the 4th Annual Food and Wine Mixer June 2 at historical Vineyard Mansion, 12685 Campo Road, Spring Valley from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
May 12, 2012 (El Cajon) – Winners and participants of the Third Grade Essay Contest will be recognized June 4 in a ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, 195 E. Douglas Ave., El Cajon at 7:00 p.m. 
By Miriam Raftery
May 12, 2012 (San Diego) – San Diego County Parks and Recreation has a cornucopia of events happening around the region in May.
May 11, 2012 (Lakeside) -- Lakeside’s River park Conservancy is presenting a free guided Mother’s Day hike on May 13 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Recent comments