October 26, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – As nonpartisan, nonprofit media, East County Magazine does not endorse candidates. W strive to provide information on all sides of ballot initiatives and issues, along with candidate interviews, videos of debates and forums, and more.

View our updated Voter Guide below for in-depth info on statewide ballot initiatives, local bond measures, and candidates for local, state and national offices.

By Janis Mork

October 26, 2012 (Santee)- Small business owner Gabriel Pina is running against small business owner Elana Levens-Craig and real estate agent Robin Fries for seat 4 on the Santee school board this November. The seat is opened since Dan Bartholomew will not be up for re-election. ECM has asked all candidates to respond to questions; below are Pina’s responses.

October 25, 2012 (La Mesa) – Two visitors to the Baskin Robbins store in La Mesa tonight weren’t looking for Rocky Road or Rainbow Sherbert. Instead, the men forced employees to the floor at gunpoint, then robbed the ice cream shop located at 8807 La Mesa Blvd.

Stealth project in Cleveland National Forest could cost taxpayers $1 billion; public has just 30 days to comment

By Cindy Buxton, Chair of the Forest Committee, Sierra Club San Diego Chapter

October 23, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--Late last week, SDG&E filed a permit request with the California  Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and  sent an announcement to several local residents of a replacement project for five 69 kV lines which currently circle the county at the end of last week and filed the project with the CPUC.  http://www.sdge.com/regulatory-filing/3792/application-sdge-permit-construct-cleveland-national-forest-power-line

These lines traverse miles of Cleveland National Forest. Unlike the switching out of wood to steel poles that we have heard about for some time, oddly, they did not tell the Cleveland National Forest about their plans.

PLEASE review the link above and send comments to the CPUC. We have a scant 30 days to turn this around and expose SDG&E for not only gaffing off environmental quality, but probably far more important this time they are side stepping basic civil rights. Tell the CPUC they must respect the US Forest Service planning!

Both claim to be pragmatic centrists, but have clear differences on education and fiscal policies

By Mark Gabrish Conlan

October 25, 2012 (San Diego) — The two candidates for the 39th State Senate District seat have both served in the Assembly, the lower house of the state legislature. Democrat Marty Block, a career educator, won an Assembly seat in 2008, just as his Republican opponent, George Plescia, a career politician, was leaving. 

October 23, 2012 (El Cajon) -- Make plans to come to downtown El Cajon on October 26th for HauntFest On Main! The Promenade District and St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center will be hosting their first annual HauntFest on Main in Downtown El Cajon on Friday, October 26th from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.

October 25, 2012  --  (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/REGIONAL

• Scout files show abuse in county (U-T San Diego)
• La Mesa ready to allow beer and wine-making (U-T San Diego)
• U.S. to study cancer risk near San Onofre nuclear plant (KPBS)
• Appeals court deals another blow to sprawling Fanita Ranch project (Santee Patch)
• DeMaio once attacked tax hike he now champions (Voice of San Diego)
• U-T San Diego publishes questionable poll in mayoral race (LGTB Times/Free Press)
• California woman survives car bombing, husband’s double life (ABC)
• Another DeMaio scandal: U.S. attorney Laura Duffy (LGTB Weekly)
• San Vicente Dam reaches full height (FoxCT)

STATE

• California has lowered number of uninsured children (Sacramento Bee)
• Jerry Brown accuses anti-tax group of illegal money laundering (Sacramento Bee)
• Medical pot growers ravage state forest habitat (Sacramento Bee)

Read more for excerpts and links to full stories.

October 25, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Water Company President Joel Scalzitti is squaring off against incumbent Helix Water District board member Richard K. Smith for the District 5 seat.  ECM sent a questionnaire to both candidates.  Smith declined to answer the questions, instead responding, “I refer you to my web site, www.richardsmithforhelixwaterdistrict5.com.

Scalzitti , who previously served on the Helix Board but left office 13 years ago due to residency questions as a result of a divorce, says he now meets residency requirements and owns and runs a  small ranch in Granite Hills.  He answered each question in detail and his responses are below.  Scalzitti’s website is http://www.joel4water.com/index.html

By Joel A. Harrision, PhD, MPH

October 25, 2012 (San Diego)--In June, during the Primaries, I was appalled to see on the front page of the U-T San Diego both op-eds supporting Carl DeMaio for mayor and a list of voting recommendations. Historically, American newspapers, at least over the past century, have kept separate their news and editorial departments as well as their respective pages.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

October 25, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--Wildfires are a major concern for us beginning today and into the weekend says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Warm temperatures, with wind gusts anticipated to reach up to 60 mph in wind prone areas with relative humidity expected to be in the single digit area with little over-night recovery.

This warning applies to most all of the Southern California area. If a wildfire fire does develop under these conditions anticipate a rapid rate of spread due to low fuel moisture content!

October 24, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning, which means that critical fire weather conditions are occurring now or will shortly.A combination of strong Santa Ana winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will create explosive wildland fire growth potential.

Highest winds of up to 65 mph are forecast for late Thursday evening through early Saturday afternoon, with strong and gusty northeast to east winds.  Dry conditions will continue through the weekend, though with weakening winds.

October 24, 2012 (La Mesa)—A suspect wielding what witnesses described as a “submachine gun”, attempted to hold up the Well Deck Liquor Company at 3773 Avocado Blvd. in the unincorporated area of San Diego County near La Mesa on October 20 around 11:07 a.m.  The suspect carried an orange backpack and as described as possibly Hispanic with blood shot eyes. He was dressed all in black including a cloth over his face. 

6 candidates in Grossmont Union High School District also tackle furloughs, Brown tax measure.

By Kristina Houck , Santee Patch

October 23, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--Assailing what he called the school board’s lack of transparency, Grossmont Union High School District candidate Bill Weaver told a forum Monday night that he was running because he doesn’t trust the current board members.

October 23, 2012 (San Carlos) – Italian and food lovers across America’s Finest City are about to celebrate one of San Diego’s oldest restaurants next month:  Nicolosi’s Italian Restaurant announced its plans for its 60th anniversary party today. The weeklong celebration will begin on Saturday, Nov. 10 with an Italian street fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. followed by a special four-course dinner. In addition, Nicolosi’s will feature a special menu showcasing its 1952 inspired dishes until Sunday, Nov.18.

“Sixty years of being in business is a landmark to celebrate,” said Ron Burner, owner of Nicolosi’s Italian Restaurant. “We want to thank the San Diego community for its loyal support during the past 60 years and making Nicolosi’s what it is today.”

October 23, 2012 (El Cajon) -- The Knox House museum at 280 N. Magnolia Avenue will have some special activities on October 26th during HauntFest.  Popular historical author Carroll Rice will be reciting a murder mystery shrouded by ambient candlelight.  Enjoy a spooky evening of storytelling and refreshments, compliments of the El Cajon Historical Society.