East County News Service

October 8, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) -- Do you know how to protect your home and your family when a major quake strikes?  Recent seismic activity in San Diego has shown the importance of being prepared. All County residents are urged to participate in the Great California ShakeOut October 21 at 10:21 a.m. Schools, colleges, businesses, churches, and community organizations can register at www.shakeout.org. To date, more than 6.6 million Californians have registered to participate; over 530,000 are from San Diego County.

Here are tips from Shakeout on what to do -- and what NOT to do in a quake:

Over 7,000 East County Students & Parents Expected to Attend Largest Career/College Fair in San Diego County

October 8, 2010 (San Pasqual) – Orfila Vineyards presents “Concert in the Vines” on October17 from 6:30 to 8:30. The concert features the Spirit Wind jazz ensemble with international artist Adrienne Nims.

Tickets for the outdoor concert on a pavilion overlooking the vineyards cost $20 each (or $15 for Orfila Wine Lovers – OWL – members) and include a glass of wine.

Rummage, art, jewelry, fossils, gems and mineral offered for sale by museum patrons

October 8, 2010 (El Cajon) – Over 300 members of Heritage of the Americas Museum have donated household goods to benefit the Museum. This giant sales will occur throughout the Museum with free admission and parking on Friday and Saturday, October 22-23 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

October 9, 2010 (Alpine) - The ACLU has filed a lawsuit to protect Chris Neucomb's right to run for Alpine School Board. He was appointed to fill a vacancy and is running for re-election. A retired naval officer, now a federal employee, he is barred by the Hatch Act from partisan political activities. California school board elections are nonpartisan, and Neucomb is campaigning in a nonpartisan manner. Yet the U.S. Office of Special Counsel has warned it may find him in violation and declared that “a nonpartisan election could become partisan” if any candidate in the race seeks or advertises a political party's endorsement.

If found in violation, Neucomb could be forced to withdraw from the race, resign his federal position, or face enforcement action. He is asking a federal court to protect his First Amendment right, and asked that we publish his open letter to voters.

By Vera Moldt

October 8, 2010 (San Diego) -- Rather than building a strong industrial base that would provide economic security for a vibrant middle class, the United States instead continues to engage in currency wars that reduce the value of the dollar.

October 7, 2010 (El Cajon) – San Diego Sheriff's ASTREA helicopter crew assisted El Cajon Police in apprehending a suspected drunk driver following a high speed chase through La Mesa and El Cajon early Tuesday morning.

October 7, 2010 (La Mesa) -- Adult athletes ages 50 and older from East County are teaming up with elementary and middle school students for the fifth annual East County Intergenerational Games in La Mesa. This year’s event is held at La Mesa Middle School, 4200 Parks Ave in La Mesa. Students from grades second through sixth are paired with active adults age 50+ to complete in a circuit of non-competitive fun and simple activities. The event takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.on October 14.

Opening ceremonies will highlight Philip Dunn, a three-time Olympian race walker, four-time U.S. 50 km champion and USA Track and Field Board member.

The public is invited to the Fourth Annual El Cajon Animal Shelter Open House on Saturday, October 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1275 North Marshall Avenue. This family Halloween- themed event includes displays and activities, such as photos of your pet for $5. A low-cost rabies clinic and micro chipping I.D.’s for pets will be offered, plus “late fees” on licenses will be waived for El Cajon residents. Tour the shelter to see dogs and cats available for adoption.

As a special treat there, a Halloween Costume contest for dogs will include prizes for winners; contest starts at 1 pm.

By Miriam Raftery
 

October 6, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Who gets elected as California’s next insurance commissioner is important for East County,  where many residents face problems getting fire insurance and where recent tremors have heightened concerns over earthquake insurance costs. The new commissioner will also oversee healthcare reform implementation and regulation of rates for auto, health, and homeowner's insurance costs.

Dave Jones, a legislator who authored major bills to curb abuses by the insurance industry and who refused insurance industry donations in this race, is running for the job. Now the insurance industry has been revealed using back-door tactics to fund multi-million dollar TV ads for Jones' opponent, Mike Villines.

October 6, 2010 (El Cajon) – Drum Macomber has done his homework, researching El Cajon issues in depth and with zeal.

October 6, 2010 (Alpine) – The San Diego Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers invites you to Exotic Escapes, a fundraising event to benefit advancements in animal care as well as Lions, Tigers & Bears.

October 6, 2010 (Alpine) -- Do you love trees? Are you interested in promoting tree planting in Alpine? Would you like to be a part of Alpine's Tree Town USA celebration on April 16th 2011? Would you like to help establish tree programs for our local schools? If you answered yes to any of these questions, mark your calendar and join other Alpine residents on Friday October 8th at 5:30pm at 2451 Night Star Court in Alpine.

October 5, 2010 (Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Bob Filner announced that the Department of Treasury has approved a grant for construction work on the final segment of the I-805/SR-905 interchange near the Otay Mesa Port-of-Entry. Awarded under the TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) program, the grant will pay for the completion of access to the Otay Mesa Port-of-Entry’s intermodal connector.