August 31, 2012 (San Diego's East County)--California agencies battling the spread of invasive quagga and zebra mussels are asking boaters to be especially vigilant over the three-day Labor Day weekend. In San Diego County, these mussels have been found in Lake Dixon and San Vicente reservoir. 

August 30, 2012 (San Diego) – On the 92nd anniversary of women winning the right to vote, Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) gave an impassioned speech warning about threats to women’s hard-won rights.

“I don’t think any of us would have thought that we’d be fighting the kind of extremist legislation that we’ve seen in the last two years,” she said.  View video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzyDO6l9VJU&feature=em-share_video_user

Davis, a former League of Women Voters president, spoke of efforts by the Republican-controlled Congress and presidential/vice presidential candidates to redefine rape, weaken the Violence Against Women Act, defund Planned Parenthood, restrict access to birth control, and prevent military rape victims from obtaining abortions. 

She also denounced voter suppression efforts, which she called “chilling.”  

August 30, 2012 (Lakeside) – The Barona Band of Mission Indians will celebrate Native American culture and traditions at the 42nd annual Barona Powwow this weekend. The festivities begin on August 31 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. and continue on September 1 & 2 from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Barona Baseball Field, 1095 Barona Road, Lakeside.

Since its inception in 1970, the tribal celebration has grown into a 3 day event featuring traditional tribal dances, singing and music, a hand drum contest, authentic Native American food and handcrafted arts and jewelry.  More than 200 dancers from across the country will compete for more than $60,000 in cash prizes. 

August 29, 2012 (San Diego) – ArtsNFashion Magazine presents “Welcome to Ramallah”, a play by Sonja Linden and Adah Kay at Swedenborgh Hall, 4144 Campus Avenue, San Diego on Fridays and Saturdays from September 7 through 30 at 8:00 p.m. with a 2:00 p.m. matinee on Saturdays. 

The play tells the tale of a Palestinian man, Daoud, in love with a Jewish woman, Mara.  Together they are trapped in an apartment in Ramallah in the West Bank, along with his uncle and her sister.  They are forced to confront the painful history of the Israeli – Palestinian conflict.

August 30, 2012 --  (San Diego’s East County) – ECM World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflecting 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. economy expands more than anticipated  (BBC)
• Isaac reduces to tropical storm, lashes Louisiana (USA Today)
• Do wind turbines cause forest fires? (Bangor Daily News)
• Army issues multi-billion dollar solicitation for large scale renewable and alternative energy production for federal installations (Foley) 

• Republicans highlight Romney nomination, but poll shows low popularity (ABC News) 
• Romney: I’d cut PBS, Obamacare, arts subsidies (CBS News)
• McCain: America “can’t afford” another Obama WH (CBS News) 
• President Obama answers questions on Reddit-AMA; read his full answers (CBS News) 
• publicans hate Obama’s defense cuts. The trouble is, they voted for them (Washington Post wonk bl
• Vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan on abortion: Rape is just another “method of conception”(RawStory)
  
• Paul Ryan’s speech in 3 words (FoxNews.com) 

• Al Qaeda followers call for death of Seal who wrote Osama bin Ladin capture book (Washington Post) 
• Venezuela investigates alleged massacre in Amazon village (Reuters) 
• Romney: Nuclear Iran “unacceptable” (CBS) 

By Mark Gabrish Conlan

August 30, 2012 --  (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: 

• Southern California town declares emergency over quake swarm (Reuters) 
• Sale of  Padres becomes official (10 News)
• U.S.-Mexico border: efforts to build a virtual wall (BBC)
• New poll shows DeMaio trailing Filner in mayoral race (10 News)
• San Diego’s morphing water policy (San Diego Free Press)
• Charges against same-sex marriage activists dismissed (10 News)
• No fines for unpermitted UT car museum (Voice of San Diego)

• 19 wind turbines burned, 9 damaged in Jawbone fire (California Wildfires Today) 
• Reactions pour in to public pension reform (Sacramento Bee 
• Are you eating genetically modified foods laced with pesticides? (San Diego Free Press)

By Brian Lafferty

By Miriam Raftery

August 26, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – How common are life-threatening pregnancy conditions?  The question is timely given the Republican Party’s platform calling for a ban on abortions, even when a mother’s life is at risk. Some who advocate outlawing all abortions have sought to justify the position by arguing that life-threatening conditions are rare. 

But in fact, the most common cause of death in early pregnancy has increased dramatically.

August 27, 2012 (San Diego's East County)--With the recent Earthquakes and the anticipation of more aftershocks it’s a good time to review what to do before, during and after an earthquake says East County Magazine’s in-house Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.

Before an Earthquake

The following are things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your property in the event of an earthquake.

By Miriam Raftery

August 25, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—High temperatures and the worst drought since the Dust Bowl in the 1930s have combined to fuel severe wildfires across the U.S.  in the first 8 months of the year, wildfires have scorched nearly 7 million acres—on pace to make 2012 one of the worst years on record. 

August 30, 2012 (El Cajon) – The Bellus Academy is offering complimentary spa services for active and retired servicemen and women September 4-8.  The award-winning salon and spa has three locations in San Diego, El Cajon, Poway and National City.