HELIX WATER DISTRICT LAUNCHES 2019 LAKE JENNINGS SPRING PHOTO CONTEST

 

 

Source:  Helix Water District

March 19, 2019 (Lakeside) - Helix Water District has launched its eighth annual Lake Jennings Spring Photo Contest to share the beauty of its reservoir with the local community. The contest is open to photos taken at Lake Jennings between March 1 and May 31, 2019.


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READER’S EDITORIAL: LAKESIDE SAND MINE FACES PROSPECT OF LITIGATION AND LOSSES

 

 

“If Supervisors approve it, there will be a lawsuit by citizens and environmental groups to stop it … Perhaps Bill Adams will engage in good faith negotiations with anyone interested in buying this 400+ acre property. It might be better to get out now while there is some profit to be made.” – Catherine Tancredi Clothey

 

By Catherine Trancredi Clothey

Photo by Billy Ortiz

 

March 19, 2019 (Lakeside) -- What is the status of the sand mine project proposed by Bill Adams and his El Monte Nature Preserve partners and money lenders?

 

I write this as a Lakeside resident (as Catherine Clothey) and as an attorney (as Catherine Tancredi). In the mid 1990s, I represented a local group who sued to stop the Fashion Valley trolley extension due to CEQA violations. We lost and the appeal was denied. I also set up the 501(c)3 Iron Mountain Conservancy in Ramona. 

 

Public comments on the EIR were due October 29, 2018. It is now March, 2019. The City, County, environmental organizations and citizens wrote very detailed comments regarding the effects the sand mine would have on the community and its people. Hundreds of people showed up for the County’s public hearing and the Lakeside Planning Commission meeting last year to voice concerns. 


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HELIX WATER BOARD TO HEAR FINAL REPORT ON COMPENSATION STUDY AT PUBLIC WORKSHOP MARCH 27

 
 
Source: Helix Water District
 
March 19, 2019 (La Mesa) - On March 27, 2019, the Helix Water District Board of Directors will hear the final report on the compensation and benefits study conducted for the district by Reward Strategy Group. The public workshop will begin at 6:00 p.m.  on March 27 at Helix’s administration office, 7811 University Avenue in La Mesa. 

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PHOTO OF THE WEEK: CATCHING A WHOPPER AT LAKE JENNINGS

 

 

East County News Service

March 19, 2019 (Lakeside) – Steven Scouten sent in this photo of his son, Justin, with a large-mouth bass caught at Lake Jennings in Lakeside this past week.  “It’s 10 pounds—his personal best,” Scouten says. 

You can find more information about fishing, including special fishing events, at Lake Jennings by visiting http://www.lakejennings.org/.


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“RAINBOW DANCE PARTY” PLANNED TO COUNTER WESTBORO, HATE GROUP PICKETING HIGH SCHOOLS MARCH 25

 

 

East County News Service

March 19, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – Activists have announced plans for a “Rainbow Dance Party” to counter picketing by the hate group Westboro Baptist Church on Monday, March 25th. The counter-protesters will begin their event at 6:45 a.m. at El Cajon Valley High School, shortly before Westboro’s picketing starts at 7 a.m.  Then the rainbow dancers and marchers will proceed to Monte Vista High School in Spring Valley, arriving before Westboro’s picketing at 8:30 and remaining until 9:30 a.m.


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CALIF. BILL WOULD BAN COSMETICS WITH CHEMICALS LINKED TO CANCER OR REPRODUCTIVE HARM

 

 

East County News Service

March 19, 2019 (Sacramento) -- Landmark legislation introduced today would ban the use in cosmetics sold in California of 20 highly toxic chemicals known to cause cancer, reproductive harm or hormone disruption. Assembly Bill 495, authored by Assemblymembers Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) and Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland), states that cosmetics products containing toxic chemicals like mercury, lead, phthalates, formaldehyde, triclosan and the fluorinated compounds known as PFAS are “adulterated cosmetics” that may not be sold in California. The legislation is sponsored by Environmental Working Group and CALPIRG.


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DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: TOP FESTIVALS AND EVENTS MARCH 23 - APRIL 27

 

 

East County News Service

March 19, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes the 1000 Lights water lantern festival at Santee Lakes, Les Miserables at Steele Canyon High School, Latin vocal star Roberto Carlos at San Diego State University, and Off Broadway Live’s The Bridge in Santee.

Plus we’ll have a preview of April activities including Julian Gold Rush Days, Meet the Winemaker Weekend, the Catfish Opener at Santee Lakes, Lake Jennings Spring Carnival, a Star Party at Mission Trails, a Spring EggStravaganza, a warbirds event in El Cajon, Cajon Class Cruise celebrating its centennial season, live music at the San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room in La Mesa, Spring Harp Fest in La Mesa, Earth Day celebrations in La Mesa and Jacumba Hot Springs,a heavenly harp concert near Mission Trails, Lakeside’s Rodeo and Western Days Parade, and a Spring Garden and Butterfly Festival at the Water Conservation Garden.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!


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CRISIS TEAM CALL VOLUME HAS RISEN 60% SINCE 2014: VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT

 

 

East County News Service

March 19, 2019 (San Diego) — Since 2014,  the volume of crisis team calls received by Trauma Intervention Programs of San Diego (TIP) has risen by 60%.  Last year, TIP responded to 1,199 scenes of tragedy, helping 5,288 residents in our community—and the organization is seeking additional volunteers.


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ANDREW MCCABE DEFINES TRUMP AS A NATIONAL THREAT

 

The Threat: How the FBI Protects America in the Age of Terror and Trump, by Andrew G. McCabe (St. Martin’s Press, New York, NY, 2019, 274 pages).

Book Review by Dennis Moore

March 18, 2019 (San Diego) - Andrew G. McCabe, former Deputy Director of the FBI, has written an incisive and titillating story of America at the crossroads of history, an America that seems to be under siege by the President himself. To put this book in historical perspective, McCabe states: “The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s official mission is ‘to protect the American people and support the Constitution of the United States.”’

To read this book, it does not seem as if the mission statement of the FBI is being allowed. The author lays that at the feet of the President of the United States, Donald Trump.


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GUATAY MOTORCYLIST KILLED IN COLLISION

 

East County News Service

March 18, 2019 (Guatay) – A Guatay man, 56, died at the scene of a collision yesterday at 4:25 a.m. He was riding a Suzuki SV1000 motorcycle on Olde Highway 80 approaching westbound State Route 79, when a Chevrolet Silverado driven by a Temecula man, 21, entered the intersection to make a left turn, violating the motorcyclist’s right-of-way, according to Officer Travis Garrow with the California Highway Patrol.


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LA MESA BEAUTIFUL CULTIVATES HARMONY WITH NATURE IN EAST COUNTY

 

Upcoming spring events April 10 and May 19 reap harvest of community opportunities

By Elisabeth Handley

March 18, 2019 (La Mesa) -- Spring heralds all things new, so what better time to plan a new garden or landscape renovation? La Mesa Beautiful’s spring events are the perfect venues to get ideas, talk to experts and have a lot of fun in the process.


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NEIGHBOR FINDS HOMICIDE VICTIM IN POTRERO

 
 
By Miriam Raftery
 
March 17, 2019 (Potrero) – A Potrero resident was found dead in his residence in the 25700 block of Potrero Valley Road this morning with signs of trauma to his body.
 
A concerned neighbor who hadn’t seen the man in several days looked through the window shortly after 11 a.m. and saw him lying on the floor, then called 911. Sheriff’s deputies responded to assist fire department personnel.

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HAWK IN LAKESIDE TESTS POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS

 

 

By Gig Connaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

March 17, 2019 (Lakeside) - A dead Cooper’s hawk found in Lakeside has tested positive for West Nile virus, making it the first sign this year of the potentially deadly disease in San Diego County.

County Vector Control officials said people should remember to follow the County’s “Prevent, Protect, Report” guidelines—particularly to dump out standing water and to wear insect repellent—to protect themselves from mosquitoes that can transmit West Nile virus and other diseases, such as chikungunya, dengue and Zika.


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MORE RAIN AND SNOW COMING MID-WEEK

 

 

East County News Service

March 17, 2019 (San Diego) – The current warm and sunny weather will end Tuesday evening, when rain, snow showers and strong winds are forecast.  The storm is predicted to drop a quarter to a half inch of rain on most parts of San Diego County, with up to an inch on Palomar Mountain but less than a quarter inch in Borrego Springs.

While Friday is expected to be dry, another storm system could hit our region again on Saturday or Sunday, says National Weather Service meteorologist James Brotherton.


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AZTEC SOFTBALL HOLDS OFF NEW MEXICO 4-3 TO CLAIM SERIES

 

 

SDSU survives late Lobo rally to win weekend series

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

March 17, 2019 (San Diego) - San Diego State held off New Mexico, 4-3, to claim the weekend series Sunday afternoon at SDSU Softball Stadium.

Leading 4-1 heading into the seventh inning, Aztec (14-14, 2-1 MW) pitcher Marissa Moreno allowed a two-run home run by Lauren Wilmert off the glove of right fielder Janina Jusay to bring the Lobos (8-18, 1-2 MW) to within a run. With no outs, Moreno retired the next three batters in order with a lineout and two groundouts to secure the win for SDSU.


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EL CAJON GUN VIOENCE ACTIVIST AMONG HONOREES AT PEACEMAKER DINNER APRIL 6

 

 

East County News Service

March 17, 2019 (El Cajon) – El Cajon resident Bishop Cornelius Bowser will be honored as a Community Hero for his leadership efforts to reduce gun violence. Bowser is among the winners to be recognized by the  National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC) atthe 31st Annual Peacemaker Awards Dinner on Saturday, April 6 at 5:30 p.m. at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. The theme of this year’s event is “Celebrating Human Dignity” honoring individuals and organizations dedicated to peacemaking in their own neighborhoods and around the world. The inspiring event shines a bright light on the importance of civility, peacemaking and social justice in a world filled with conflict. 


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BARONA CULTURAL CENTER & MUSEUM SELECTED AS FINALIST FOR PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL AWARD

 

 

Source: Barona Cultural Center & Museum

March 17, 2019 (Lakeside) -- Two San Diego cultural institutions have been honored nationally by one of the country’s premiere federal arts organizations.  The Barona Cultural Center & Museum in Lakeside and the New Children’s Museum have been selected as two of 30 finalists for the prestigious National Medal for Museum and Library Service Award presented by the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences (IMLS) in Washington, DC.


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PASSAGES: FORMER LA MESA MAYOR AND COUNTY SUPERVISOR GEORGE BAILEY: 1919-2019

 

 

Services set for April 27

By Miriam Raftery

 

March 17, 2019 (La Mesa) — Shortly after celebrating his 100th birthday, former La Mesa Mayor and San Diego County Supervisor died at his home on March 11th of congestive heart failure. He is remembered as a leader who left behind an indelible stamp on East County and the San Diego region, drawing respect from colleagues on both sides of the political aisle.

 

“Sad news about a big loss,” Supervisor Dianne Jacob posted on Facebook.  “But George Bailey’s decades of public service in East County and beyond will continue to inspire many of us.”


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RENAIISSANCE CRAFT FAIR MARCH 30 IN LAKESIDE

 

 

East County News Service

Photos: Creative Commons images by S.A.

March 17, 2019 (Lakeside) -- River Valley Charter School will hold a craft fair with a Renaissance flair on Saturday, March 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The school is located at 9707 Marilla Drive, Lakeside, CA 92020.


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TRANSPARENCY CONCERNS PLAGUE LA MESA COUNCIL OVER GRANNY FLAT ORDINANCES

 

 

By Allan Acevedo

 

March 16, 2019 (La Mesa) – What a difference two weeks makes. The La Mesa City Council heard robust public comment from diverse perspectives concerning the approval of two so-called “granny flat” ordinances. On narrowly won passage from a divided Council, while the second passed unanimously.


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BLOOMS, BIGHORNS AND BUTTERFLIES





Superbloom season is in full swing



By Miriam Raftery

March 15, 2019 (Borrego Springs) -- What a glorious day in Borrego Springs!  The desert is in full bloom --- a huge contrast to just a few days go, when I last visited and found some early blossoms but not the spectacular flower fields now delighting visitors.  Something about frolicking in a field of flowers elicits pure joy. (Photos left and right, along DiGiorgio Road.)


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ONE TO GO; AZTECS MEN'S BASKETBALL DEFEATS NEVADA TO ADVANCE TO MOUNTAIN WEST CHAMPIONSHIP

 

 

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

March 15, 2019 (Las Vegas) - Devin Watson  had 20 points and five assists and San Diego State held No. 14 Nevada scoreless for nearly seven minutes late in the Aztecs' 65-56 victory Friday night in the Mountain West Conference semifinals.


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INFAMOUS HATE GROUP, WESTBORO BAPTIST CHURCH TO PICKET EL CAJON VALLEY AND MONTE VISTA HIGH SCHOOLS MARCH 25

 
 
Westboro has protested funerals of soldiers and slain Sandy Hook elementary students.  Its inflammatory hate speech targets gays and lesbians, Jews, Muslims, Catholics and others.
 
By Miriam Raftery
 
March 13, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – Westboro Baptist Church has been designated a hate group by the Anti-Defamation League and by the Southern Poverty Law Center.  The notorious cult-like group has announced on its website plans on March 25 to picket El Cajon Valley High School in El Cajon at 7 a.m. and Monte Vista High School in Spring Valley at 8:50 a.m.

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LA MESA POLICE WORKING TO KEEP ROADWAYS SAFE THIS ST. PATRICK’S DAY WITH DUI PATROLS

 

 

Source: La Mesa Police

March 14, 2019 (La Mesa) -- St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated by millions across the country, often culminating in parties where drinking is involved. Sadly, this leads to tragedies on our roadways because of drivers who choose to leave parties impaired. This St. Patrick’s Day, the La Mesa Police Department will have additional officers on patrol all weekend, ready to stop and arrest drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.


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READERS AND WRITERS CALENDAR MARCH 17-31, 2019

 

 

By Sam Warren,SDWriteWay@gmail.com

"Experience enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again." — Franklin P. Jones

SCROLL DOWN FOR A LIST OF BOOK EVENTS


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FIERY LEMON GROVE SCHOOL BOARD MEETING DRAWS IRE FROM PARENTS OVER ALLEGED FORCED RESIGNATION OF 16 TEACHERS

 

 

By Allan Acevedo

 

March 13, 2019 (Lemon Grove) – The community room at the Lemon Grove Library quickly overfilled last night as parents, students, teachers, and community members gathered to share their united concern for what they collectively referred to as the “firing” of 16 teachers.” With all chairs filled, attendees began congregating against the sides and doors of the room, some standing just outside the door to listen in.


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YOUR VOICE HAS POWER: GROUP SEEKS TO STOP RELEASE OF SEXUALLY VIOLENCE PREDATORS INTO EAST COUNTY

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 14, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – A new citizens’ group, Your Voice Has Power, has been formed to oppose the continuing release of sexually violent predators into East County communities. The group will meet on Thursday, March 21 at 4 p.m. at Tio Lio’s, 5302 Napa St. in San Diego. Organizers are calling for a public forum and encourage community leaders, impacted citizens and survivors of sexually violent predators to attend and speak out.  The group also urges the public to attend two hearings next week on the proposed release of two sexually violent predators into Jacumba Hot Springs.


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EAST COUNTY ARTISTS WIN AWARDS

 

 

By Judy Edelblute, Coordinator of St. Mark's Art Shows

Photo:  “The Ballerina” oil painting by Carlos Meneses

March 14, 2019 (San Diego) - Three East County artists have won awards in the 56th annual Lenten Art Show at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, San Diego.  Carlos Meneses, Paradise Hills, won first place, Jenny K. Ferrone, El Cajon, won second place and Sandra Seckington, Lakeside, received an Honorable Mention Award. There are a total of 56 art works by 30 artists in the show.


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RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL ON MEASURE A FROM CAL-FIRE FIREFIGHTERS LOCAL 2881 VICE-PRESIDENT PATRICK WALKER

By William T. Everett, Board Member, Julian-Cuyamaca Fire Protection District

March 14, 2019 (Julian) -- Union Vice-President Patrick Walker believes that the Julian Cuyamaca "volunteer fire station is inefficient and unable to provide adequate fire and life safety services in comparison to full time." He goes on to tout his experience and career as the reason he is credible. Yet, numerous Fire Chiefs and career firefighters throughout California, with far more experience than Walker, strongly disagree with his conclusion. What is the difference between Walker and the others? It is simple. Walker works for the Cal-Fire union and his primary responsibility is to promote the union and help create more union jobs. 

It appears that Walker's primary argument in favor of dissolving the Julian Cuyamaca Fire Protection District is his claim that full-time firefighters are better for the community than part-time (i.e., volunteers). What Mr. Walker either doesn't know or doesn't want the public to know is that the Julian fire station is now staffed full-time with 60  firefighters (volunteers) that are as highly trained and qualified as any "professional" firefighters in the United States.


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READER’S EDITORIAL: MEASURE A AND THE FUTURE OF FIRE SERVICES IN JULIAN AND CUYAMACA

By Patrick Walker, Vice President, CAL FIRE Firefighters Local #2881 – San Diego District

"It is my belief that the volunteer only fire station is inefficient and unable to provide adequate fire and life safety services in comparison to full time."

March 12, 2019 (Julian-Cuyamaca) -- I want to start by clarifying my comments within this editorial are not representative of CAL FIRE, but of my position as the 10th District Vice President within CAL FIRE Firefighters Local #2881, the labor organization that represents the Professional Firefighters of CAL FIRE in San Diego County. 

I will begin with information about my Fire Department and Labor background, as I believe in absolute transparency.  At 16 years old I began as a Fire Explorer with the San Pasqual Fire Department as well as the Ramona Fire Department.  I graduated High School in Ramona, went into the US Army and upon return became a firefighter with CAL FIRE in 1997.  I have worked in the counties of:  San Diego, Riverside, Santa Clara, Amador and El Dorado in my 20-year employment with CAL FIRE.  I have held the ranks for Volunteer Firefighter, Volunteer Fire Engine Operator, Volunteer Fire Captain, and with CAL FIRE I have worked as Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Engineer, Fire Captain and currently hold the rank of Battalion Chief working in South San Diego County.  I am married with children and reside in the City of San Diego.


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