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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State of the County address also calls for improved public safety, oversight of senior care facilities, and support for agricultural entrepreneurs
By Miriam Raftery
January 30, 2014 (San Diego) – In her state of the county address yesterday, Chairwoman Dianne Jacob said the County has saved nearly $2 million a year by buying 90 percent of its electricity from sources other than SDG&E. “The problem is, consumers don’t have the same right. You can’t shop around like the County. But if it’s good enough for government, it should be good enough for you,” she said, then announced support for a community choice aggregation to give consumers new choices in where to buy electric power.
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January 30, 2014 (Carrizo Mountain)—The Jacumba Hikers will be hitting the trail this Saturday at 8 a.m. for an “extreme” hike to Painted Gorge/Carrizo Mountain. Heat and movement over time has created fantastic shapes and colors as the sun illuminates and plays shadows upon this geologic wonder.
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January 30, 2014 (San Diego) –The winter series of the San Diego County Library Acoustic Showcase continues in February with seven concerts taking place throughout the month—including East County performances in Rancho San Diego, El Cajon, and Lemon Grove.
The Acoustic Showcase series offers a wonderful variety of some of San Diego's very best singer/songwriters, folk music performers and story tellers. These concerts are free to the community. To date, More than 12,000 people have attended these concerts. Scroll down for a full details on this month’s artists performances in East County, or visit the San Diego County Library Acoustic Showcase website for a full list of all performances countywide.
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I was not an early supporter. I backed Nathan Fletcher in the primary and was not initially happy with Alvarez' victory. I felt he was too young; too tied to the left-wing of the Democratic Party; and would not be able to defeat Kevin Faulconer and the downtown lobbyists.
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January 24, 2014 (San Diego)--Tinkering is a time-honored American pastime. Many men and women can’t leave well enough alone. They’re always trying to create something or improve something. As with most creative people, they benefit from the work of those who came before them, but they add that little spark of genius that can take their invention figuratively or literally into the stratosphere. Here are some of our best:
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January 30, 2014 (Boulevard) -- Is a "green" energy project really green if it destroys these beautiful scenes? Soitec wants to industrialize our backcountry with over 8,000 solar panels, each 30 feet high, scraping the earth bare and destroying sensitive wetlands and wildlife habitat. Thanks to Teresa DeGroot for documenting what will be destroyed unless Supervisors vote down this project, one of several industrial-scale energy projects proposed as part of the "energy zone" that elected officials seek to create in East County's rural and wilderness areas. Area residents want to see green energy projects located in urban areas where power is used--not in pristine areas such as these that are located along state designated scenic highways. Click "read more" to view more photos.
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January 29, 2014 (San Diego’s East County ) --ECM World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:
Scroll down for excerpts and links to full stories.
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January 23, 2014 (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:
Scroll down for excerpts and links to full stories.
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