Local legislators divided on measure

Photo: Bobcat family in Lakeside, photo by Billy Ortiz

September 13, 2013 (Sacramento) – A bill to prohibit trapping of bobcats around public parks and wildlife refuges in California is now on the Governor’s desk awaiting signature.  The bill, AB 1213, would also prohibit trapping bobcats on private property without the landowner’s permission.   

An estimated 1,813 bobcats were killed in the 2011-2012 license season, up 51% over the prior year. The vast majority of those (1,499) were taken by trappers, the rest by hunters.  Bobcat pelt prices have soared from $78 in 2009 to over $700 today, the Los Angeles Times reported.

“We are seeing something quite strange, and unique. We are watching national leaders contact each other though the media and do media diplomacy.” – Nadin Abbott

By Nadin Abbott

September 12, 2013 (Sacramento) – As the first year of the 2013-14 Legislative Session comes to a close, Assemblyman Brian Jones (R-Santee) has issued a statement condemning the “gut and amend” process.  A common practice in the final days of session that circumvents public review, a “gut and amend” is when a bill is stripped and replaced with completely unrelated language.  Jones says, “It’s one of their favorite, sneaky maneuvers to keep the public out of the process.”  

September 12, 2013 (Lakeside) – A dead crow found in Lakeside has tested positive for West Nile virus and San Diego County officials are reminding people to protect themselves from mosquitoes that can transmit the disease.

The dead American crow was the sixth bird that has tested positive this year for the disease, which can kill people in rare cases.

September 12, 2013 (San Diego) – Dear EarthTalk: I’m planning a major home renovation and want to include as many green-friendly features as possible. Where do I begin to look?             

-- Matthew Glaser, Queens, NY

There has never been a better time to renovate green, given the abundance of Earth-friendly building material choices as well as contractors well-versed in energy- and resource-efficiency. Many homeowners don’t realize that they can save money in the long run, despite the up front costs, by choosing materials and strategies that will lower utility bills and reduce maintenance and replacement costs moving forward.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

September 12, 2013 (San Diego) – School is now back in session and along with it comes sports! With over 30 million youths participating in sports, injuries are very likely to occur. Most sports related injuries can be prevented with some basic preventive measures says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.

Keeping in shape “prior” to the season is a good start.  It’s still hot, so take it easy on hot or humid days and keep hydrated. Warm up prior to engaging is also important. Many schools require a physical exam before starting a school sport. Check with your child’s school. You may even want to have your child get a physical from your family physician.

September 11, 2013 (Grantville) – At 7:55 p.m. on September 7, a man entered the Rite-Aid at 6505 Mission Gorge Road. The man walked up to the counter with some items. He pulled out a knife and demanded cash from the clerk. The clerk refused to give him any cash. The suspect fled and the clerk followed the suspect of the store.

September 11, 2013 (Lakeside) – On Thursday, September 12,  from 9 to 11 a.m., Lakeside Fire Chief Andy Parr will hold a “Conversation with the Lakeside Fire Chief.”  The event will be held at the Lakeside Community Center at Lindo Lake Park. 

By Miriam Raftery

September 11, 2013 (San Diego) – Today, Supervisors approved the acquisition of over 14 acres of vacant land adjacent to Borrego Valley airport. The purchase aims to create a buffer zone between the airport and private properties to protect approach and departure routes. The property is listed for sale at $20,000.

No one spoke in favor of the measure.  One speaker, Robert Germann of Lakeside, spoke against, calling it a “waste of taxpayer money.”

September 12, 2013 (San Diego)-- Saturday evening, October 5 the second annual Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation’s “Art in the Park” will be held.  Featured art by more than 40 award-winning artists will be on display and for sale, with over 100 pieces of nature-related art featuring a variety of painting styles, ceramics, photography, and sculptures. Artists will also be in attendance representing their art. CBS8 Meteorologist and lifestyle reporter Shawn Styles, and Mission Publishing Group publisher, Jim Madaffer return as honorary co-chairs for this event in the Visitor Center from 6-9 p.m.  Tickets are required.

There will also be a silent and a live auction; for $25 guests can enjoy an evening of fine art, fine wine, fine cheese, and fine chocolate (by Xocai healthy chocolate). 

September 11, 2013 (El Cajon) – With a vow to never forget the sacrifices made and the lives lost in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Cuyamaca College today held a ceremony and display of 2,977 small flags on the campus’ Grand Lawn, each representing a victim of the fateful day when two planes hit the Twin Towers in New York City and two other commandeered planes crashed into the Pentagon and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

On a postcard-perfect summer morning with the San Miguel Fire Station’s massive 70-foot flag as a backdrop, the campus community and the public gathered to commemorate an event that even after a dozen years had spectators wiping away tears and speakers’ voices choking with emotion.

A few miles away, a similar ceremony took place at Grossmont College, where the morning began with the recitation of victims’ names interspersed with moments of silence corresponding with each horrifying incident that would forever leave an indelible mark on that historic day.

September 11, 2013 (San Diego's East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include:

LOCAL

• Fire district fray gambles with human lives (U-t San Diego)
• Mayor explains why he gave green light to developing Pinnacle Peak area (SanteePatch.com)
• Iraqi Refugee Family Struggles To Make A New Life In San Diego (KPBS)
• Former Councilwoman will do less time (U-T San Diego)
• Skip line, go online for trolley tickets (UT San Diego)
• TSA Precheck Screening Program Coming To San Diego Airport (KPBS)
• Study: Tsunami could slam San Diego U-T San Diego)
• Pattern Energy’s wind field in Ocotillo, California – a case study in environmental degradation (Quixotes Last Stand)
• Which ZIP codes pay most for insurance? (U-T San Diego)
• 'We’re doing what the state should’ (U-T San Diego)
• Payoffs alleged at assisted living centers

STATE

• Hunter's campfire sparked California blaze that scorched Yosemite (Reuters)
• California lawmakers OK bills to expand family leave, narrow workers comp for athletes (Sacramento Bee)
• California prison debate focuses on about 7,700 inmates (Sacramento Bee)
• State tries to save power by storage (U-T San Diego)

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

September 11, 2013 (La Mesa) – Sullivan Solar Power invites the public to two free  events on solar energy in La Mesa:

• La Mesa Solar Luncheon on Saturday, September 21st at 11:00 a.m.at the La Mesa Community Center (4975 Memorial Dr.). will provide opportunities to, learn about solar technology, how to determine if solar is right for your home, rebates and incentives, and local case studies. The presentation will last one hour; lunch will be provided. RSVP: 1.800.SULLIVAN. 

• Solar Open House on Saturday, September 28th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in La Mesa at 7430 Orien Avenue. Utility rates went up as much as 39% recently. Learn about solar technology, rebates and incentives, and the SDG&E rate hike from solar industry experts while talking to property owners that went solar. Call 1.800.SULLIVAN for more information.
  

Update September 11, 2013:  This agenda item has been postponed until September 25th due to the absence of Supervisor Greg Cox.

Hear ECM’s radio interview with Supervisor Dianne Jacob on this issue: http://k002.kiwi6.com/hotlink/uuv0z6n9db/diannejacob-energyplanhearing.mp3

By Miriam Raftery

September 7, 2013 (San Diego) Updated September 8, 2013 –On Wednesday morning, Supervisors will consider approval of the first phase of a “Renewable Energy Work Plan” to support renewable energy development – and determine just what types of renewable energy the County should pursue.   This includes an overview of energy resources available in the unincorporated areas including East County, a cost analysis of renewable energy options, and consideration of consumer choice alternatives for purchasing power from a source other than SDG&E, such as through community choice aggregation.

September 10, 2013 (Crest) – The San Diego County Library will celebrate its 100^th birthday with a presentation by the Crest Historical Society on September 24 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.  A historical DVD, “Crest: The Early Years” will be presented and subjects depicted in Crest Library’s Mural will be discussed.