June 18, 2013 (El Cajon) – On Saturday, June 22nd from 9am-11am, the East County Family YMCA will host the grand opening of a new 4,000 square-foot, YMCA Gymnastics Center, where guests can sign-up for a special introductory 4-week session, tour the new facility, and meet the staff!

The new Gymnastics Center, located at 2471 Jamacha Rd. Ste. 102-104, El Cajon 92019 features a full array of gymnastics equipment and sufficient space and amenities to accommodate preschool and school age gymnastics training and practice. This off-site gymnastics facility replaces and expands the previous program, which was housed at the McGrath Family YMCA on Campo Road due to the strong demand for gymnastics and fitness classes. The gymnastics program held offsite will not only allow for more days and times for gymnastics classes, but will also provide more space for additional group exercise classes at the McGrath Family YMCA.

June 18, 2013 (San Diego)--Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) pushed for language to be included in education legislation to end discrimination against LGBT students.  As Republicans prepare a bill for the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Democrats on the House Education and the Workforce Committee are preparing their version.

In a letter to the Ranking Democrat on the committee, Rep. George Miller (D-CA), Davis urged that the Student Non-Discrimination Act be added to the Democratic alternative bill.  The SNDA would put in place legal protections against discrimination of LGBT students. Davis is a cosponsor of the Student Non-Discrimination Act (H.R. 1652), which was introduced by Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO).

By Sholeh Sisson  and Miriam Raftery

June 14, 2013 (Campo)-- After passing winding roads and cow pastures in the most southern part of our County's backcountry, you will find Campo Creek Vineyards. Their winery won three bronze medals at last year’s San Diego County Fair in the amateur category.  Now the winery is bonded – and the Clark family hopes to next reap rewards in the professional category.

“This is a good climate up here for certain types of grapes – cabernet, merlot, and syrah …It takes a lot of work to do the nurturing,” said Mary Clark. Her family started planting vines here in 2003 and their winery now has more than 8,000 vines.

By Miriam Raftery

June 16, 2013 (La Mesa) – The public is invited to sample award-winning wines, savor food and live music at the grand opening of the San Pasqual Winery at 8140 Center Street in La Mesa.   The festivities will take place Saturday and Sunday, June 22 and 23 from 12-5 p.m.   Cost is $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

The decision to move its wine-making business from Pacific Beach to La Mesa was motivated by a need for more space and a desire to be close to San Pasqual Winery’s existing tasting room in downtown La Mesa.   The new facility will be triple the size of their existing winery, supplementing the existing tasting room with a second La Mesa location.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

June 17, 2013 (San Diego) – It’s summer time, and time for a vacation! Many of us may be ready for or planning a vacation for the summer months.  Here are some safety tips to help make your vacation safe and enjoyable says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Vacation safety actually begins while you are still at home and begins with planning for safety!

June 17, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – The Grossmont-Mt. Helix Improvement Association (GMIA) will hold its Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 23rd at the Cuyamaca Water Conservation Garden, 5:30pm – 8:30pm.

Phil’s BBQ and locally crafted beer and wine will be served, followed by Supervisor Dianne Jacob speaking on community interests.  Complimentary docent Garden Tours will also be available at 4:30pm.  Reservations are required.  The dinner is $10 per GMIA member and non-members may attend for $20 per person.

Originally posted Saturday, June 15 at San Diego Loves Green

(Image left: courtesy East County Magazine)

By Roy L. Hales

June 18, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – I disagree with one of the statements County Supervisor Dave Roberts made in his recent editorial. I do not think the County Board of Supervisors is as powerless, in regard to the final decision about wind farms going onto the Federal and tribal lands in East County, as he seems to think. I suspect that, if they were willing, the Board could bring a lot of assistance to the East County residents fighting to preserve their quality of life.

By Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss, E - The Environmental Magazine

June 17, 2013 (San Diego) -- Dear EarthTalk: Could it really be true that we are in the midst of the worst drought in the United States since the 1930s? -- Deborah Lynn, Needham, MA

Indeed we are embroiled in what many consider the worst drought in the U.S. since the “Dust Bowl” days of the 1930s that rendered some 50 million acres of farmland barely usable. Back then, drought conditions combined with poor soil management practices to force some 2.5 million Americans away from the Great Plains, only wreaking further havoc on an already devastated Great Depression economy. The lack of native prairie grasses or cover crops to keep the soil in place meant large swaths of formerly productive agricultural land turned to dust and blew away in so-called “black rollers.”

While we have learned a lot about maintaining soil quality since, drought conditions today are nevertheless taking a heavy toll on agricultural productivity, fresh water supplies and the economy—especially as the effects of global warming start to kick in more seriously.

June 19, 2013 (Valley Center)--A five-month-old baby abducted in Valley Center by a domestic violence suspect was found safe hours after the abduction, the San Diego Sheriff reports. A countywide amber alert issued for suspect Kenneth Nusun Welch has been cancelled. The suspect in this case was taken into custody in Vista just before 10:00 a.m.

The incident started just before 2:00 a.m, when deputies in Valley Center responded to a domestic violence call on Poomacha Road. Deputies found an injured woman. She was taken to a hospital with life threatening injuries. Deputies also learned the woman's boyfriend, Kenneth Wayne Welch, snatched their five-month-old son and threatened to harm the baby.

June 21, 2013 (Campo)--Mary Clark and her son, Jimmie, 3, enjoy an idyllic moment in the summer sun amid wildflowers next to their family's vineyard.  Miriam Raftery captured the moment on a visit to the Campo Creek Winery earlier this month. The photograph illustrates the joy of rural living--a lifestyle treasured by many people in East County.

Update 8:30 p.m. - Fire is 70% contained and has reached 110 acres, ECM reporter Nadin Abbott reports.

Update 8:00 p.m.  -- The fire has swelled to 60 acres, ECM news partner 10 News reports. One lane of 52 east is now open but the Santos ramp remains closed.  There are no threats to structures at this time.

June 16, 2013 (San Diego's East County) -- A fast-burning brush fire has consumed 20 acres and has now crossed into Mission Trails Regional Park, according to the CHP website at 5:25 p.m.  State Route 52 eastbound is also being shut down near Santo Road.

By Miriam Raftery

June 16, 2013 (Ocotillo Wells)-- Assemblyman Brian Jones (R-Santee) has sent  a letter to the State Parks Department encouraging open riding in Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) in response to legal action filed by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) and the Desert Protective Council (DPC).  Plaintiffs contend that riding off trails has caused extensive environmental damage in the park, which has over 1,200 historic and archaeological sites, as ECM previously reported.

“Many of my constituents enjoy recreating in the Ocotillo Wells SVRA, which is why this lawsuit is very troubling," said Jones.  "This area has been used for OHV recreation for over 50 years and has always been designated as an open riding area, meaning that users in the park are not required to stay on designated trails."

June 18, 2013 (San Diego)--Mayor Bob Filner appointed Theresa Quiroz and Anthony Wagner, two long-time neighborhood champions, to the City’s Planning Commission last week.

“I want to thank Theresa and Anthony for their commitment to our community and believe they will provide a strong voice for our neighborhoods in this new role” Mayor Filner said. “Their experience in community groups, knowledge of land use issues, and belief in healthy and vibrant neighborhoods will make them great additions to the Planning Commission.”

The appointments were approved unanimously by the San Diego City Council.

June 17, 2013 (San Diego)-- San Diegans will decide which local environmental nonprofit organization is most deserving of the ECO Ambassadors People’s Choice Award and a grand prize of $25,000 from San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). The eight local organizations that are finalists were announced at a breakfast ceremony on May 28.  They were selected to participate because their programs exemplify environmental stewardship, innovation and responsibility.

By Brian Lafferty

June 14, 2013 (San Diego) – The original Superman was entertaining in the moment, but terribly flawed upon further reflection, especially the ending.  As much fun as I had watching it, the ending was one giant mass of plot holes.  I remember liking the somewhat turgid Superman Returns when I saw it in theaters seven years ago.  Today I can’t remember a single thing about it.  Other than that, I had limited exposure to the silly Superman II.