Legislature to weigh resolution calling for end to unlimited corporate political spending

March 17, 2012 (Sacramento) – On March 20, the California Assembly Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing and vote on Assembly Joint Resolution 22. The resolution calls for a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that allowed corporations to spend unlimited sums to influence elections.

If the Legislature approves the measure, as expected, California would be among the first states to formally call for an amendment. The effort is part of a national movement taking place in more than 1,000 cities and towns across America.

Update March 25, 2012: The victim has been identified as Avel Michael Jordan Edgar, 21. According to the San Diego Medical Examiner, he died of a gunshot wound to the head.

March 17, 2012 (Lemon Grove) – Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call to a home at 8232 Mount Vernon Street in Lemon Grove, where a man had been shot, the evening of March 14.  Paramedics determined that the man was deceased.

There were several people inside the home at the time of the incident and they are being interviewed to determine what occurred.  There are currently two suspects in the case described as adult black males.

March 17, 2012 (El Cajon) – The Olaf Wieghorst Museum is hosting its 2012 Round Up Country Fair at the Elk’s Lodge, 1400 E. Washington Avenue, El Cajon beginning at 5:30 p.m.  Olaf Wieghorst (1899-1988) was one of the foremost western artists of the 20th Century, earning him the title "Dean of Western Artists." 

Update March 25, 2012 -- The Medical Examiner has identified the deceased as Dean Leshawn Scott, 29, who died of a gunshot wound to the chest.

March 17, 2012 (San Diego)--San Diego Police Department Homicide Unit detectives are investigating a shooting that took place at the Cotijo Taco Shop, 7285 Navajo Road during a robbery attempt and the death of a man found shot in the 4100 block of 40th Street. 

The deceased man matches the description of the wounded robber.

March 17, 2012 (San Diego) – uZAAPit Smart Tags, produced by Pacific Emblem Company in San Diego, have been named “Best of Expo” at the 2012 Promotional Products Show in Las Vegas.

“We are so excited to be picked out of thousands of  products,” commented East County resident Rich Soergel, company innovator at the 28-year old manufacturer and importer.

March 16, 2012 (El Cajon) – Cottonwood Golf Course is hosting its Nine & Wine event on Sunday, March 25 at 3:00 p.m. at 3121 Willow Glen Drive, El Cajon.  The event includes 9 holes of golf, gourmet food and wine pairings.

Tickets are $45 per person for golf, wine and food or $25 per person for just wine and food.  R.S.V.P. to John at 619-980-2018 or Christina at 619-442-9891.

By Miriam Raftery; Bill Crotty also contributed to this report

“There is absolutely nothing wrong with that theater. It could be cleaned up and opened tomorrow.” – Paul Russell, former manager of the theater and founder of Christian Youth Theater

March 15, 2012 (El Cajon ) – Leaders of East County arts groups reacted with shock and condemnation to news that the El Cajon Council, by a 4-0 vote, agreed to enter into an exclusive negotiation with developer E. Neal Arthur for plans to tear down the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC) and build a Marriott hotel in its place.

Under Arthur’s plan, the hotel would have a “portable stage to accommodate limited performing arts.” 

But arts experts say that’s woefully inadequate –and leveled sharp criticism at the council. Some also contend that the Council failed to provide adequate notice the community before taking action.

San Diego Workshop Evaluates Controversial Large Solar and Wind Projects, Desert Conservation, “Rooftop” Solar and Distributed Energy Opportunities in Mexico and the U.S.

March 14, 2012 (San Diego) — Indigenous leaders from San Diego County and across the state are set to meet with renewable energy and conservation experts, and lawmakers in a workshop on Friday, March 16, to evaluate strategies for renewable energy implementation in Southern California and Northern Baja California, Mexico.

Controversial energy projects in the Southwest deserts have raised concerns about large-scale impacts to desert ecosystems, endangered and threatened species and Native American cultural resources. Several legal challenges by tribal and environmental groups are being heard in Federal Courts in the United States and Mexico. Projects have repeatedly been stopped and delayed.

Update 8:35 a.m. - The search has ended and the suspect was not located.