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February 1, 2014 (San Diego)--Not long ago, I was at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park on a Sunday afternoon to hear San Diego’s civic organist, Carol Williams, play her weekly concert. After she was finished I walked over to one of the donation tables to renew my Spreckels Organ Society membership. The woman who helped me saw the book I was reading — a well-worn paperback of Theodore H. White’s book The Making of the President 1964 — and asked, “Is that about the Goldwater campaign?” I said yes, though the book is as much about Lyndon Johnson’s takeover of the presidency after the John F. Kennedy assassination and his campaign to keep the job. The woman then startled me by saying, “We need someone like Goldwater today — a progressive Republican.”
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February 3, 2014 (San Diego)--Residents of San Diego County are being asked to report any calls they receive from someone claiming to be a peace officer and subsequently asking for cash payment, the Sheriff’s Department announced this week.
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Left--Soitec's project in Newberry Springs scraped bare the earth and emits glare, despite company claims to the contrary.
Right--Shaded meadows with mature trees currently support a rich abundance of wildlife as well as grazing livestock. Soitec proposes to put over 8,000 panels on some 1,700 acres here in East County.
Residents have launched an online petition asking Supervisors to save their wildlife, water supplies, wild and scenic places. and put solar in urban environments instead. You can read the petition and sign it here.
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February 2, 2014 (La Mesa) – A Draft Environmental Impact Report for the controversial Park Station at the Crossroads project in La Mesa is now available for public comments and review.
Originally, the developerm Kitzman, had proposed an 18 story highrise. That proposal has been scaled down to lower heights in the EIR, with a low-profile facade but talller buildings stepped up behind. A tower in one section would soar to 110 feet—or about 11 stories, twice the height of the current 46 foot limit, thus it would require a variance to win approval by the Planning Commission and ultimately, the City Council.
Despite the changes, the City’s analysis concludes that “no feasible mitigation measures exist to reduce potential impacts to scenic vistas.”
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February 2, 2014 (San Diego’s East County )—An urgent winter weather message has been issued by the National Weather Service as a low pressure system sweeps into San Diego County bringing cold air, rain west of the mountains. Two to four inches of snow are possible above 4000 to 4500 feet. There is a chance of thunderstorms and over coastal areas, possible waterspouts tonight through Tuesday.
While rain is good news for our drought-parched state, a winter weather advisory means travelers may face difficulties.
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February 2, 2014 (Sacramento)—The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is “significantly out of step with best practices in the transportation field and with the state of California’s policy expectations,” concludes an assessment review conducted by the State Smart Transportation Initiative (SSTI).
A key criticism was the agency’s focus on a “move cars faster” culture and a draft five-year strategic plan at Caltrans that completely ignores sustainability and state legislative goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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February 2, 2014 (La Mesa) -- Heartland Fire and Rescue, assisted by San Diego and Cal Fire crews, are working a residential duplex structure fire in the 4700 block of 4th Street in La Mesa.
ECM photographer Jake Christie happened to be in the neighborhood when a fire began in a blue house around 3:30 p.m. and soon spread to an adjoining unit. “I saw no people, just smoke, then fire,” he said. “I may have been the first person to call in the fire.”
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February 2, 2014 (San Diego County) - "An American Family: The Art of Kathleen Strzelecki" will be held over through February in the Lemon Grove Library, 3001 School Lane, at the direction of Amanda Heller, head librarian of the library. Increased foot traffic for the exhibit, a rave review in the East County Californian, and attention from art educators have made the solo show one of the most successful of the current season.
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February 2, 2014 (Rancho San Diego) – Yesterday at 11:08 a.m., Sheriff’s deputies from the Lemon Grove Station responded to a report of "shots fired" and a victim lying in the driveway in the 11600 block of Calle Simpson in Rancho San Diego. Two male suspects were last seen leaving south on Calle Simpson towards Weighorst Way in a black four-door sedan and have not yet been located. Deputies found a 25 year-old victim, whose face and head were covered in blood. The victim's father, 52, also suffered injuries and was bleeding from his right eye.
Deputies learned the victim had been standing in the driveway of his home waiting for his girlfriend when he was approached by a Hispanic male, about 5'11", 160 lbs, wearing a black beanie, blue hoodie sweatshirt and gray pants. “The victim got into physical altercation with this suspect and a second suspect stepped out of a parked black four-door sedan and walked toward them. This suspect pulled out a gun and pointed it at the victim,” said Lieutenant Dave Schaller.
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Resident submit signatures to unify AUSD, split off from Grossmont District
"How deaf can this CBOC be without being complicit and compliant with the Board Majority’s political bias towards Alpine, as cited by the Grand Jury?”—GUHSD trustee Priscilla Schreiber
By Miriam Raftery; Janis Mork also contributed to this story
February 1, 2014 (Alpine) – At a contentious meeting of the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) Citizens Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) on January 30, Chris Loarie testified that the Alpine High School Citizens Committee (AHSCC) has submitted final signatures to the County Office of Education for unification of the Alpine Union School District (AUSD). Frustrated by the GUHSD board’s repeated refusal to build an Alpine high school despite two bond measures for that purpose, Alpine parents aim to bolt from the Grossmont District and expand the AUSD to include high school students and ultimately, build a high school.
Others, including an attorney and a district trustee, are leveling sharp criticism at the CBOC for turning a blind-eye to findings of a Grand Jury report on the District’s failure to fulfill its promises to Alpine voters, a report titled “Fool me once, fool me twice.” Critics contend that the CBOC has ignored facts and further, that the Chair has exhibited bias and presented skewed information for oversight committee members.
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January 31, 2014 (Sacramento)-As California’s water situation worsens, the leader of the state’s largest farm organization said rural areas face “severe economic problems” from water shortages.
The State Water Project warned today it will not deliver water to its customers. The federal Central Valley Project—the largest single supplier of agricultural irrigation water in the state—is expected to do the same, unless significant rainfall occurs before its first allocation announcement next month.
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February 1, 2014 (La Mesa)—After receiving a call from a male victim stating he was being held against his will in a black Ford Expedition vehicle traveling west on University Avenue near Park Avenue, La Mesa Police responded. The victim gave location updates to a police dispatcher, presenting he was talking to a friend, and reported that the suspect had a gun.
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February 1, 2014 (El Cajon)--The play Annie goes on stage during the weekend of Friday, February 14 and for the following weekend ending February 23. Performed by the Christian Youth Theatre, with such songs as “Tomorrow” and “It’s a Hard-Knock Life,” this production of Annie is appropriate for the whole family.
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February 1, 2014 (Alpine) – Healthcare in California is changing. Are you ready?
Professionals from Mountain Health will give a presentation about the new Covered California health care marketplace ( California’s approach to the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare). The event will be held Thursday, February 20 at 6 p.m. at the Alpine Library, 2130 Arnold Way in Alpine.
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February 1, 2014 (San Diego) – A proposal to require background checks on foreign pilots training at local airports, including Gillespie Field in El Cajon, will be heard by San Diego Supervisors at their Wednesday meeting at 9 a.m. The meeting will be held in the County administration building, 1600 Pacific Coast Highway.
Two of the Al Qaeda terrorists who flew planes into buildings in the 9/11 attacks in 2001 had flight training at Montgomery Field in San Diego.
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February 1, 2014 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – Celebrating its 100th year, Jacumba Hot Springs in San Diego's East County has launched a Centennial website at http://www.jacumbahotspringscentennial.org/.
The site lists upcoming festivals in this historic high desert community, plus a historical timeline, attractions and tips for visitors. Festivals include a Blues Fest on May 3, a Healing Waters and Arts Festival on May 24, a Fall Centennial Festival on October 4, and a Feliz Navidad Christmas festival on December 6. Scroll down for more details, and visit the Centennial webpage for additional information. The site will be updated throughout the year with even more details, including a separate page for each of these unique festivals.
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February 1, 2014 (La Mesa)--With a focus on Russian and Ukrainian dishes, The Village House Kalina does an excellent job of capturing the tastes and culture of these countries.
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AudioCulture and SDSU’s AB Samahan will team up on Saturday, February 1st from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Joan B. Kroc Theatre on University Avenue near La Mesa to raise money for the thousands of Philippine victims of super typhoon Haiyan.
The event will feature Eranetik, the Calamities, Savannah Durso, A.C.E., Ivan Cheong, Lance Retuya, Rydell Simpauco & Pia Larot, and more.
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February 1, 2014 (San Diego)--The Sheriff's Department plans to execute a winning game plan with increased DUI patrols across the county to stop drunk drivers on Super Bowl Sunday, the biggest day of the year for football fans.
Increased DUI patrols by deputies will start at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 2 and continue through 5 a.m. Monday.
More alcohol-related car crashes happen on Super Bowl Sunday in California than on any other Sunday in January and February, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.
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February 1, 2014 (San Diego) – A final environmental impact statement released this week by the U.S. State Department on impacts of the Keystone XL Pipeline has alarmed environmentalists, who are organizing rallies nationwide on Monday, February 3. A candlelight vigil urging President Barack Obama to deny a permit for the controversial pipeline to pump tar sands oil across America will be held Monday night at 6 p.m. in front of the federal building at 880 Front Street in downtown San Diego.
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February 1, 2014 (Spring Valley) – Man caught in act of stealing air conditioning components, Sheriff reports. On January 30, James David Solak, 22 and his girlfriend, Jace Tanay Hernandez, 29, were arrested in conjunction with a series of thefts of recyclable metals.
“At this time, we believe Solak is responsible for more than 15 of these thefts, ranging from schools to commercial buildings, with a total damage estimate in excess of $200,000,” said Sergeant Greg Hampton.
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Jan. 28, 2014 (San Diego) -- The San Diego State Aztecs, who passed a tough road test at Utah State University Saturday night with a 74-69 overtime win, are headed toward the top of the 2014 class. Now ranked #5 in both major national college basketball polls, the 18-1 Aztecs, winners of 17 straight, are cramming for the Final Four in April and a possible national championship.
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February 1, 2014 (Lakeside)-- Lakeside's River Park Conservancy will open up a new segment of the San Diego River Trail on Saturday, March 8, 2014. The grand opening will be held at Lakeside Baseball Parks, 10030 Marathon Parkway, Lakeside, CA 92040.
This new San Diego River Trail segment is a huge step forward towards the overall goal of a 52-mile trail ranging from Julian down to Dog Beach. The public is invited to a grand opening day with free family-fun activities on Saturday, March 8, 2014 at Lakeside Baseball Parks from 9:00am-11:00am.
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February 3, 2014 (San Diego) – Pacific Southwest Wildlife Arts, Inc. is holding the 41st California Open Wildlife Art festival on February 15 & 16 at the Corky McMillan Event Center, NTC Promenade – Liberty Station, 2875 Dewey Road, San Diego. The event will run from 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. both days. The festival will feature art exhibits, antique decoys, auctions, a carving competition, a youth painting event and vendors.
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January 31, 2014 (San Diego)--The San Diego County Sheriff's Department is hiring. Recruitment for sworn positions will open for ten days in February. It means you can apply on‐line for the position and register to take the written exam. The application process is often suspended to process all those that have come in.
Open recruitment begins Monday, February 3rd through Wednesday, February 12th. Just go to www.joinsdsheriff.net to apply.
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January 31, 2014 (El Cajon) – Legends of rock and roll and country music will be taking the stage at Sycuan Casino's Live and Up Close theater this weekend.
On February 1, country western singer Ricky Skaggs will perform at Sycuan. Skaggs was named Country Music Hall of Fame’s 2013 Artist in Residence. In his long career, he’s won numerous Country Music Association Awards,a Grammy,and the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Album of the Year. His band, Kentucky Thunder, has been named Instrumental Group of the Year by the IBMA seven times.
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January 31, 2014 (El Cajon ) -- Amid our worst drought in California history, here are some options for learning how to reduce water use in your garden.
The Water Conservation Garden on the campus of Cuyamaca College in El Cajon is offering two garden workshops on Saturday, February 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon. Those interested can choose “Toss the Turf,” a workshop to learn the variety of ways to remove your turf once and for all, and what to do with your yard once it's gone. You must register at www.thegarden.org.
The other choice is a free Home Compost Workshop, also on Saturday, February 1st from 10:00 a.m. – 12 noon, where participants can learn the basics of composting, how to compost with worms, and how to save in the process.
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January 31, 2014 (San Diego)--If you're not a sports fan--or just can't bear to watch the SuperBowl after the Chargers were excluded, cheer up! While the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks duke it out on the (freezing cold) field in New Jersey this Sunday during Super Bowl XLVIII, San Diego County residents can soak up the sunny weather and take advantage of County activities that totally trump TV touchdowns.
Whether you love hiking, biking or just exploring San Diego, there’s plenty to do across the County this weekend instead of watching the Super Bowl. The County offers ten alternatives; all events take place on Sunday. Most of them are free--and most are in East County.
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January 30, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – East County Magazine has been awarded the World Council for Nature’s 2013 award.
“A number of articles published in East County Magazine have been brought to my attention,” Mark Duchamp, Chairman of WCFN, a global organization based in Spain, wrote in an e-mail to ECM’s editor. “The work you do informing people of the threats against nature in your county is commendable. The World Council for Nature wishes to honor your publication with the WCFN award for 2013.”
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