By Doug Deane 

February 6, 2011 (San Diego's East County)--The following local, state and national education news items are excerpted from a very informative e-newsletter published by Doug Deane, chair of the Business Education Committee at the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce.

Our picks for Deane’s top education stories from the latest issue include:

February 5, 2011 (Sacramento ) – Governor Edmund G. “Jerry” Brown Jr. delivered California's “State of the State” address on January 31st. The state faces a crisis that is “real and unprecedented,” said Brown, who called on both parties and voters to help put the state’s financial house in order. His budget seeks spending cuts but the Governor will also ask voters to approve extensions of taxes set to expire.

“It would be unconscionable to tell the electors of this state that they have no right to decide whether it is better to extend current tax statutes another five years or chop another $12 billion out of schools, public safety, our universities and our system of caring for the most vulnerable,” said Brown.

February 6, 2011 (San Diego) -- The second annual San Diego County Library Acoustic Showcase series starts this month. With a total of 30 concerts taking place at twelve libraries across the county from February to June, the Acoustic Showcase series offers a variety of some of San Diego's best singer/songwriters, folk music performers and story tellers. These concerts are free to the community.

February 6, 2011 (El Cajon) – “Budget cuts! We need your help!” states a press release announcing a school supply drive to benefit El Cajon Valley High School. The drive will be held on March 10 and 11, with drive-through drop offs in the student parking lot at 1035 East Madison Ave. in El Cajon.

Scroll down for details on items needed, times, and contact info.

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Ron Logan

By R.J. Hernandez

February 5, 2011 (San Diego) – Assemblymember Marty Block (D-78th District) hosted a town hall meeting with about 50 constituents Thursday evening at Patrick Henry High School in San Carlos Thursday night to discuss Governor Brown's proposed 2011-2012 budget and hear views of local residents.

February 5, 2011 (El Cajon) – The san Diego Medical Examiner’s office has identified Jason Patrick Kelsey, 35, as the motorcyclist who died January 31st in an accident in the 1000 block of Broadway in El Cajon. According to El Cajon Police, Kelsey collided with a Honda Accord that was in the westbound lane and crossed into his path at 6:38 p.m.

February 5, 2011 (El Cajon) – A 12-year-old child was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 10:37 a.m. in the 1300 block of Melody Lane in El Cajon. Police seek witnesses who may have more information.

According to witness statements and evidence at the scene, the pedestrian, 12, darted from the sidewalk across the roadway and into oncoming traffic. The motorist was traveling eastbound on Melody and was unable to avoid hitting the child, who suffered serious injuries and was transported to Children’s Hospital.

Rocker turned author to lecture at Cuyamaca College Feb. 14

Power to be Delivered across Sunrise Powerlink

Hikers Urged to be Cautious and Use Insect Repellent When Hiking

By Brian Lafferty

February 4, 2011 (San Diego) – A couple of months ago I came across a National Geographic article that covered underwater cave diving. As with any National Geographic publication, the photographs were stunning and the article offered a lot of insight into this activity. When I learned of Sanctum, I became excited, especially when I saw James Cameron’s name attached to the production.

The images in Sanctum are stunning but in the end that National Geographic article provided far more insight on the subject, and more wonder and thrills, than anything in this film.

Filing deadlines April 4 for property damage; November 2 for economic harm

February 3, 2011 (San Diego)--The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) advised San Diego County officials today that residents and business owners affected by the severe winter storms which impacted our region from December 18 through January 4 could be eligible for low-interest loans.

Mayor mum on whether he will take action

By: Jeremy Los

February 3, 2011 – Councilmember Marti Emerald has made an official plea to Mayor Jerry Sanders to reinvest reserve funds in restoring fire engines and lifeguard services.

“The primary function of government is keeping its citizens safe,” said Councilmember Emerald. “I will not stand down until adequate public safety resources are restored to our neighborhoods.”

February 3, 2011 (Escondido) – San Diego Sheriff Bill Gore has released departmental expenses associated with the investigation of the “bomb house” at 1954 Via Scott in Escondido. Expenses for the investigation, which culminated in burning down the home filled with the largest stash of home-made explosives ever found on U.S. soil, cost taxpayers $541,242.