August 4, 2011 (Alpine) -- Gary Spivey, internationally acclaimed psychic, medium and predictor of future events, will appear August 6 in the DreamCatcher at Viejas Casino. 

by Jason Jones, J.D.

August 4, 2011 (San Diego)--As a bankruptcy attorney, I meet with clients everyday who struggle to make mortgage payments on their homes. Most of these clients participate in their bank’s loan modification program. But despite government pressure on banks to offer loan modifications, the sad truth is that most clients will never actually receive a modification.

Despite this fact, the bank’s programs will “consider” every applicant; no matter how likely they are to ultimately qualify. While it seems like this over-inclusiveness would be good, or at least neutral, it is in fact harmful to the struggling homeowner.

By Dawn Celapino
 

August 3, 2011 (San Diego’s East County)--Who says the only thing you can do with your dog is take him or her on a run/walk? Kayaking is a fun thing to do on a hot day with your dog, especially if your dog enjoys the water.

July 31, 2011 (Rancho Bernardo)—Tastings by 20 San Diego County wineries plus food vendors will be on hand at the San Diego Wine Country Festival on Saturday, August 6 from 1-5 p.m. The event takes place at the Bernardo Winery, San Diego’s oldest winery founded 121 years ago.

July 7, 2011 (Alpine) -- During the months of July and August, Alpine Community Centers Concerts will present the following  concert events on Sunday summer eves from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.:

By T.J. Dunnivant
Miriam Raftery also contributed to this report

August 3, 2011 (El Cajon) -- For the second week in a row, voters staged a protest outside Republican Congressman Duncan Hunter’s 52nd Congressional District office to urge that their representative address needs of ordinary citizens over corporations and the wealthy.

August 2, 2011 (San Diego)—By a unanimous vote, San Diego County’s Board of Supervisors today decided to redraw supervisorial districts to include a South Bay district in which racial minorities comprise the majority of the population The five white Supervisors, all Republicans, originally had proposed a map with all-white majority districts.

Story by Miriam Raftery; Photos by Mark and Miriam Raftery

August 2, 2011 (Alpine) -- "Oh, you're beautiful!" San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce President Scott Alevy exclaimed as his wife, Joanne, dished up a forkful of chicken.  But he wasn't complimenting her cooking. Instead, Alevy was admiring Raja--a 500-pound Bengal tiger that Joanne was feeding after winning a drawing at Lions, Tigers & Bears (LTB) in Alpine.

The Chamber hosted a fundraiser to benefit the big cat rescue facility last weekend, donating 100% of proceeds to help this worthy cause while providing a memorable experience for Chamber members. View our video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFhE9h-O0Uw

Update: The victim has been identified as Wesley Stewart Grove, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner. No other information has yet been released.

August 1, 2011 (San Diego's East County) -- Very soon, East County Magazine will be unveiling a very special guide to East County written by travel writers -- offering you tips of all the very best attractions and activities.  Watch our sneak preview 7-minute video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9xrwUQnymk

Sponsors needed! Call (619)698-7617 or e-mail editor@eastcountymagazine.org to learn how you can become a sponsor for one of our 10 "video adventures" for your region in East County. Each region will highlight the history, culture, and attractions. We will also have special sections for dining, lodging, wine tasting, activities, a shopping and services directory, seasonal favorites, festivals and events, and much, much more!

By Mark Duchamp, CEO, European Platform Against Wind Farms www.epaw.org
President, Save the Eagles International www.savetheeaglesinternational.org
 

August 2, 2011 (Washington D.C.)--The US Fish and Wildlife Service is asking the public to send in their comments regarding its revised draft Land-based Wind Energy Guidelines. The deadline for sending your comments is August 4, 2011.

This concerns people from anywhere in the world, as these guidelines may inspire other countries and be used as justification for killing protected species.

By Miriam Raftery

August 1, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Sempra Energy has asked the U.S. Department of Energy for a presidential permit to construct a cross-border transmission line called Energia Sierra Juarez to import electricity from Sempra facilities in Mexico. The line would cross the border near Jacumba in San Diego’s East County.
 

3 local representatives vote yes, 2 oppose

August 1, 2011 (Washington D.C.) -- By a 269-161 vote, the compromise measure hammered out by President  Barack Obama and bipartisan leaders of both houses passed the House of Representatives.  It now advances to the Senate, which is expected to vote before tomorrow's deadline to raise the debt ceiling or face default on our national debt.

Congressman Duncan D. Hunter (R-El Cajon) voted no on the measure, citing concerns over defense spending cuts. Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) voted in favor, calling it the "best of no good alternatives." Both have issued statements explaining their positions in detail.  (Scroll down for full text). San Diego Republican Congressmen Brian Bilbray and Darrell Issa voted for the measure, while Democrat Bob Filner voted against it.

In a moment of drama, Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords returned to the House floor for the first time since being shot in the head, drawing bipartisan applause as she entered the chamber to vote for the bill. 

August 1, 2011 (El Cajon)--El Cajon resident Mike Shepard has been named programming/operations manager for BCA Radio San Diego properties, announced Tex Meyer, BCA Radio vice presisent and general maanger.  These include XPRS FM–The Walrus 105.7, XPRS AM-XX 1090 and XEPE-ESPN AM-1700.

 Update August 1:  The House has passed the compromise measure 269-161 late today. Rep. Hunter voted no.  His explanation may be found here:  http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/6852

August 1, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) –Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-El Cajon) has served in combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. But now he’s facing fire from both sides of the political aisle as tomorrow’s deadline draws near to approve a plan to raise the debt ceiling, or see the U.S. default on its debts. 

Rep. Hunter has reportedly not yet made up his mind how he will vote on the high-stakes measure.