More than 20 pieces of equipment being shipped to East Coast today

October 30, 2012 (San Diego)--San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is shipping more than 20 pieces of equipment to the East Coast Tuesday to be used by approximately 40 SDG&E employees who will be assisting New York City utility Con Edison in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Sandy. Crews will be departing on Friday.

By Mayan Avitable

October 30, 2012 -- Halloween has become a very popular holiday being celebrated in many communities for days and even weeks before October 31. Just look in the  local entertainment sections of the community newspapers and websites will confirm the many parties, carnivals, concerts, sales, and displays provided for those interested in a spooky celebration! Halloween celebrations create fear of the dead, zombies, and displays of creepy graves where ghoulish spirits return to disturb one and all.

On the other hand, Día de los Muertos, traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2, honors death. The holiday is celebrated to celebrate the memories and spirits of friends and relatives who have crossed over. In the past, it was celebrated for as many as two months. The dates are observed in many Latin American countries and in the U.S. as well.

October 30, 2012 (Ramona) – County of San Diego Departments of Public Works and Environmental Health are holding a Recycling Event and Reuse & Repair Fair in Ramona, at 1401 Hanson Lane on Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Local experts will be on hand to demonstrate how to repair and reuse questionable or broken items.

October 28, 2012 (El Cajon)—A resident in the 1200 block of Yerba Verde heard his doorbell ring last night at 7:50 p.m. but didn’t answer.  Looking outside, he saw three males put on gloves and look into windows of his home.

“Fearing for his safety, the resident called 911 and hid,” said Lt. Tim Henson with the El Cajon Police. While talking to a 911 operator, the resident heard the suspects enter the home.

October 28, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Construction of the Tule Wind project in McCain Valley has not yet begun, though developer Iberdrola has pledged to preserve the most scenic portion of views across the Carrizo Gorge.  But photographer Tom Lemon stopped by  McCain Valley’s famed Carrizo  Gorge Overlook this weekend in McCain Valley, discovering to his dismay that wind turbines at Pattern Energy’s Ocotillo Express wind project in Ocotillo are plainly visible across the formerly pristine vista, gateway to three designated wilderness areas. 

BLM rules do not allow the agency to consider lost views when determining siting of energy projects, unfortunately for the many who cherish wilderness.

Above is the new view, with turbines across the horizon:

October 28, 2012 (El Cajon)-- The El Cajon Police Department has been awarded a grant from the San Diego County Law Enforcement Foundation (SDCLEF,) which enabled the Police Department to purchase a night vision monocular.  This tool will be used by the Patrol Division to assist in searching dark alleys, vacant buildings and open areas.  The night vision will be also be used to locate suspects taking advantage of darkness to conceal themselves while attempting to evade arrest during nighttime hours.

Update:  ECM news partner 10 News reports that this fire was started by El Cajon Police SWAT team conducting training exercises at a shooting range near Gillespie Field. 

Homes on Hacienda were threatened but did not burn, however one firefighter was transported to Grossmont Hospital in stable condition with a knee injury. 

Lt. M. Coit with El Cajon Police offered this statement.  "The smoke canister was deployed as part of an El Cajon Police Department SWAT Team training exercise.  The SWAT Team followed all safety precautions, however underestimated the weather conditions. The El Cajon SWAT Team is currently re-evaluating the safety procedures for the deploying of such devises.  The Heartland Fire Department will provide additional training to ensure that similar events do not occur. The El Cajon Police Department regrets any inconvenience to residents in the area."

October 27, 2012 (Lemon Grove)--Get ready to rumble.  Not content with just putting on the much-anticipated eighth annual Chili Cook-Off & Western Round-Up on November 3, Soroptimist of Lemon Grove has added -- gasp! -- judges!

That's right, pals, though you, your family and friends, will still deliver The People's Choice Award -- a coup de grace bestowed only on a gifted few -- the Big Jalapeño will be announced after a trio of judges has eaten themselves into a chili-induced torpor, then retired to consider the verdict.  (Actually, they'll be in a back room with ice packs on their heads, pencils in hand, pleading for a bodyguard.)

October 27, 2012 (La Mesa) – Last night around 7:35 p.m., a male suspect robbed a female or her purse as she walked near Grossmont Center shopping mall in La Mesa. The suspect grabbed her purse from behind near the the intersection of Grossmont Center Drive and Healthcare Drive.  The victim lost her balance in the struggle and fell to the ground but declined medical treatment.

The suspect entered a silver, two-door vehicle that was being driven by another male.

October 26, 2012 (Santee) – Phil’s BBQ will open its third restaurant, located in Santee at the Old Trolley Square, 9816 Mission Gorge Rd., on October 30.  The ribbon cutting ceremony will be at 10:30 a.m. to commemorate the grand opening.  The doors will open for business at 11:00 a.m.

The Phil’s BBQ Santee menu will include all of Phil’s signature mesquite-grilled dishes and sides.  The Santee location will also feature several unique and exclusive elements, including an outdoor walk-up bar for people waiting in line, a custom BBQ holding 20 beer tap handles and five signature cocktails.

October 26, 2012 (La Mesa) – Space Bar Internet Café is hosting an evening of poetry against nuclear energy and for green energy on November 1 from 7:30 – 10:00 p.m.  All are welcome to participate by writing a poem expressing whistleblowing, wishes to stop nukes, a dream of green. 

Write a poem or just attend the event at 7454 University Ave., La Mesa.

“By rejecting the Attorney General’s argument that patients who utilize dispensaries must collaborate…to cultivate the marijuana they purchase, the court is establishing a clear standard for dispensaries across the state.” –Joe Elford, Chief Counsel, Americans for Safe Access

By Nadin Abbott

October 26, 2012 (San Diego)—On Wednesday, the Fourth District Court of Appeal for California issued a unanimous ruling overturning the conviction of Jovan Jackson, the operator of Answerdam, a medical marijuana dispensary in Kearny Mesa. 

The decision is being hailed by medical marijuana advocates as a landmark decision that could have far-reaching impacts for medical marijuana patients and dispensaries.

October 26, 2012(San Diego) – As part of its ongoing commitment to cultural diversity and responsible banking, and in commemoration of Disability Awareness Month, Union Bank, N.A., has  partnered with KPBS to recognize two local heroes who are making a positive difference to improve the lives of others. 

The 2012 Local Heroes campaign is designed to celebrate and pay tribute to extraordinary members of the community who are making a difference by improving their workplaces, neighborhoods, region and the world.  The 2012 Disability Awareness Month honorees are: Louis Frick and Laurel Moorhead.

October 26, 2012 (Escondido) – Orfila Vineyards & Winery is hosting a Halloween Festival October 26 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at its tasting room located at 13455 San Pasqual Rd., Escondido.  Activities include a costume contest, wine tasting, live music, dancing, Halloween trivia and food trucks.  Admission is free.