October 13, 2011 (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.

·         Senate GOP votes to kill jobs bill (Washington Post)

·         Obama’s $447 billion jobs plan blocked with 50-49 Senate vote (The Hill)

·         Iranians charged in U.S. over assassination plot (Reuters)

·         Editor admits to infiltrating DC protest to undermine Occupy movement (RawStory)

·         Cain’s 9-9-9 tax plan under fire from both left and right (The Hill)

·         Census: Housing bust worst since great depression (San Diego Union-Tribune)

WORLD

·         Coptic Christians in Egyt battle state’s version of deadly protest (Christian Science Monitor)

·         Japan quake: Fukushima children undergo thyroid tests (BBC)

·         Palestinians win a vote on bid to join Unesco (New York Times)

Click on "read more" to see links and stories.

By Assemblyman Brian Jones

"In this realignment, which I strongly opposed, inmates convicted of certain crimes that would have sent them to state prison will instead be housed in county correctional facilities. What the Governor and those who voted for his plan failed to realize is the fact that many of the county facilities are already dangerously over-crowded, thus many of these “low-level” offenders will be receiving a “get out of jail free” card. "

October 13, 2011 (Sacramento) -- There are many reasons people enter into public service. For some, it is to gain power and influence. For others it is to make a profound difference for their community. As a lifelong resident of Santee, I put myself firmly into the second category. And since my early days on the Santee City Council, public safety has been a top priority.

The County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health (DEH) has issued a Boil Water Order and Public Notification for Wynola Farms Water District located at 4470 Highway 78, Julian, CA 92036 effective immediately.

October 12, 2011 (Otay) – A three-acre fire off Highway 94 near the Otay Lakes area Border Patrol checkpoint was caused by target shooting, Cakl Fire reports. The fire was held to three acres, with no injuries or property damage.

San Diego GOP Linked to Attempt to Impersonate Democrats

October 12, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal-Fire) has issued a no-burn proclamation due to the extreme risk of fire caused by critical fire weather and acute dryness of vegetation. The order suspends burning permits and other uses of open fire in all state responsibility area lands within San Diego and Imperial Counties.

October 12, 2011 (El Cajon) -- You can be a part of the party – and history.  Excitement is growing as plans continue for the City of El Cajon's Centennial Celebration in 2012, organizers report.  The exact date of the City's 100th Birthday is Monday, November 12, 2012, but events are in the planning stages for the months leading up to that date. 

The Centennial Celebration Committee, led by Councilmember Jillian Hanson-Cox, is now accepting volunteers.

“The City, on its own website, already supports many initiatives that show preference to some businesses over others—and rightly so, to promote the public good… Where were the so-called pro-life members of the council last night? Why, casting their votes on behalf of companies represented by an out-of-town Chamber of Commerce instead of showing compassion for unborn babies, children and families.”
 

By Meg Jensen
 

October 13, 2011 (La Mesa) – La Mesa’s City Council fell one vote short last night of joining major cities and small towns across America in becoming a “Fair Trade Towns USA” city. The resolution would not have cost the city a penny. It would, however, have enabled consumers to have information on retailers in La Mesa who have voluntarily agreed to carry at least two fair trade products certified to have been made without the use of child labor, slavery, or use of dangerous chemicals that harm workers and their unborn children.

Ruling today on smart meter opt-out for SDG&E customers sparks added interest among local ratepayers

By Miriam Raftery

October 11, 2011 (El Cajon) – SDG&E wants to hike utility rates by over 17% in the next four years.  Tomorrow, East County residents will have a chance to voice their views on the proposal at two hearings held by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The public meetings will be held at 2 p.m. and at 7 p.m. at the El Cajon City Council Chambers, 200 East Main Street in El Cajon. 

An East County Magazine poll of readers has found that thus far, 93% of the 275 who voted think the CPUC should deny SDG&E's rate hike request.  TAKE OUR POLL: Should the CPUC approve SDG&E's rate hike?

The rate hike is opposed by the CPUC’s own Division of Ratepayer Advocates (DRA), which conducted an audit that found SDG&E inflated its costs. The DRA recommended that SDG&E lower—not raise—its rates.   

By Miriam Raftery
 

October 11, 2011 (Borrego Springs) – Judy Winter Meier, long-time editor of the Borrego Sun, has been identified as the victim of an apparent murder-suicide. Her body was found last night at her home, along with her estranged husband, Jim Meier.
 

October 11, 2011 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa City Manager Dave Witt has announced the selection of 25-year La Mesa Police Department veteran Edward (Ed) Aceves as the City’s new Chief of Police.

"There are an estimated 1.4 billion people living in poverty and existing on less than $1.25 a day...Good news is that you can do something about this!" --La Mesa Fair Trade

October 10, 2011 (La Mesa)—On Tuesday, La Mesa’s City Council will consider a resolution to declare the community a “Fair Trade"city.

About two dozen cities nationwide have already been designated "Fair Trade Towns USA" including Chicago, Boston, San Francisco and other major cities as well as smaller communities such as Taos, New Mexico and Burlington, Vermont. Supporters have established a website at http://lamesafairtrade.blogspot.com.

By Miriam Raftery

October 9, 2011 (Ocotillo) – ECM has received photos and an e-mail from Jim Pelley, a motorcyclist who reports finding metal cables strung two feet off the ground across roadways in Ocotillo frequented by off-road vehicle enthusiasts.

The cables were attached to an SDG&E helicopter “pulling cables from tower to tower,” Pelley reports.”This is a serious situation and I am worried that someone will not see this cable and a serious accident will result with either the off road vehicle or the helicopter.”