Poll shows strong public support for plan; Rep. Hunter visits Afghanistan to meet with military officers

By Miriam Raftery

June 29, 2011 (San Diego) – A Gallup Poll shows 72% of Americans support President Barack Obama’s plan announced last week to withdraw thousands of U.S. troops from Afghanistan this year. Just 23% opposed the troop drawdown plan, and some want to see an even faster troop withdrawal.

Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-El Cajon), a veteran of the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars and member of the House Armed Services Committee, visited Afghanistan this week and met with General David Petraeus. He has voiced support for troop withdrawals, citing erosion of public support. But he called for a shift in focus toward counter-terrorism utilizing special operations forces, intelligence gathering capability and air assets.

Update 2:55 p.m.:  The fire is now 5-10 acres, burning at Otay Truck Trail.

June 29, 2011 (Otay Mesa) – A brush fire that originated in Mexico has burned three to five acres in Otay Mesa along Alta Road, Cal Fire reports. Currently one air tanker, one helicopter, one air attack plane, three engines and two handcrews are at the scene.

"...The ACPG bent rules with both the Powerlink and High School Ad Hoc subcommittees that cost our community dearly."

By Lou Russo, Alpine Planning Group Member

June 28, 2011 (La Presa) -- A near fatal mistake on June 15, 2011 put the lives of seven family members in danger. Sheer luck in the actions of a 13 year old girl saves them all from death. 

Conservation and Demand-Response Programs Still Key 

June 28, 2011 (San Diego) – San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) today announced it has secured adequate electricity supplies and required reserves to meet customers’ expected energy needs this summer, barring extreme weather conditions. 


The California Independent Systems Operator (Cal-ISO), the agency responsible for managing the statewide power grid, has issued its 2011 Summer Assessment confirming adequate supplies to meet the projected electricity demand across the state – even if hotter-than-average temperatures occur. 

June 27, 2011 (Sacramento) – The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today issued an update to its preliminary incident report on two 16,000 pound Sunrise Powerlink towers dropped by an air crane earlier this month.

According to the updated report, a new air crane has been provided by the manufacturer, Erickson. The new helicopter has undergone test  transporting and lifting heavy loads, and has now been approved to resume construction activities in East County.

June 27, 2011 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police detectives today arrested Derek Patterson, 22, for the armed robbery of Zales Jewelry in Grossmont Center. The robbery occurred on June 14th, when the suspect stole 19 rings valued at nearly $77,000 from a display case, according to La Mesa Police.

June 25, 2011 (El Cajon) --Whether you're looking for swim lessons, youth sports, instructional classes or an exciting summer camp, El Cajon Recreation has it all! Log onto the website at www.elcajonrec.org to secure a spot for your child. Forgot your password? Just click on the "eRecreation" icon then "Forgot My Password".

Late Registration began June 6 which means registrations are accepted online, by mail or by walking into one of our Recreation centers during operation hours. For more information on instructional programs and general registration questions, call (619) 441-1516. For information on aquatics, call (619) 441-1672; and for information on youth sports, call (619) 441-1678. Our professional and dedicated Recreation Department staff will be happy to assist you. 

June 27, 2011 (La Mesa)  A 16-year-old boy was shot in the head early this morning at 1:49 a.m. after being robbed in front of 7366 El Cajon Boulevard. The victim is from Paradise Valley, Arizona, and was staying at a local La Mesa motel with his family.

The boy was riding his skateboard when the robbery and shooting occurred. The suspects took a personal item and a small amount of cash during the robbery.

by Shirley Clukey

June 24, 2011 (san Diego County) -- Dream Rider Equestrian Therapy in Alpine has room for six more ambulatory children between the ages of five and thirteen for its weekly therapeutic lesson program. Therapy pony Treasure takes children under 10 who weigh 100 pounds or less, especially younger children. She is also available for beginning riding lessons for able-bodied young children. Therapy pony Sailor can take children up to 13 who weigh less than 140 pounds.

Tricultural Pop Musician Carlos Olmeda Featured as Headliner

June 24, 2011 (El Cajon) --  World Music fans of all ages are invited to enjoy free acoustic music and dance, crafts for children, refreshments and more at the El Cajon Library’s Summer Music Festival, 201 E Douglas Ave, Saturday, June 25, from 1 – 6 p.m.  The festival will take place on the front lawn of the library, and is free and open to the public. A limited number of chairs will be provided, and attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs or blankets. 

June 23, 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 global and national news stories include:

U.S.

• Obama announces Afghanistan troop withdrawl plan (CNN)
• House sets up Friday vote on limiting funding for Libya mission (The Hill)
• Leading house democrats say social security cuts are a nonstarter (The Hill)
• GOP hopefuls divided over anti-abortion pledge (NPR)

WORLD 

• U.S., other nations agree to release oil; prices fall (USA Today)
• Israeli  military begins to move West Bank barrier ( Jerusalem CNN)
• Climate change: public skeptical, scientists sure (NPR)
• Syria warns against outside influence (Sydney Morning Herald)
• Mexico urges inquiry as U.S. shoots man on the border (BBC)