Author says AB 1873 would increase participation, save taxpayer money in traditionally low-turnout contests

February 22, 2014 (San Diego)-- California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) introduced the VOTE Act last week in an effort to boost voter participation and curb the taxpayer costs of special elections.

February 23, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - Statistics released in the FBI’s Preliminary Semiannual Uniform Crime Report reveal declines in both the violent crime and the property crime reported in the first six months of 2013 when compared with figures for the first six months of 2012. The report is based on information from 12,723 law enforcement agencies that submitted three to six months of comparable data to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program for the first six months of 2012 and 2013.

Our January 2014 shows are now online—including special reports on East County issues, holiday specials, interviews with top newsmakers and people making a positive difference in our community.  Click here for a list of our January shows and interviews with links to listen online.

You can also hear our one-hour show live when it airs on KNSJ 89.1 FM on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 5 p.m. and reruns Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 9 a.m.  Or listen live online during those hours at www.KNSJ.org.

February 22, 2014 (Santee)—Gearing up to launch its brand nationally, the former Manzanita Brewing Company and Manzanita Distilling Company has announced a name change to reflect the twisted Manzanita tree that grows wild throughout California.

 Jeff Trevaskis owner and founder stated, “We wanted to unify our logos and focus on our tree. People always ask us what Manzanita stands for or if we make cider, due to the alternate meaning of Manzanita in Spanish, “little apple”. By clearly focusing on the uniquely beautiful and twisted Manzanita tree we are making it clear what our logo represents. Manzanita will always focus on making great balanced beer, but adding the Twisted just helps to define our image.”

By Nadin Abbott

Miriam Raftery also contributed to this report

February 22, 2014 (Deerhorn Valley) -- Deerhorn Valley residents  are reporting serious problems with new cell phone service in their area. These issues range from the very serious, including getting disconnected during a 911 call to recurring reception problems.

February 21, 2014 (Jacumba) - Back by popular demand, the Jacumba Hikers will lead a Jacumba Walk-About on Saturday, February 22. Walkers will meet at 8:00PM at Mr. Jalapeno's Restaurant, 44461 Old Hwy. 80, Jacumba Hot Springs. Breakfast is available starting at 7:00AM. This hike will take you to the Chinese Castle, the natural hot springs, Jacumba lake, the Cook's House, Sand Wash, Railroad Station, through the Jacumba Hot Springs neighborhood with stops at the Jacumba Spa, library/community park, border fence, and ending at Mr. Jalapeno's.

February 21, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - The 2014 Activist People's Ball will be held on Saturday, March 15 at 7:00PM at the World Beat Center in Balboa Park. The extravaganza is a benefit for Activist San Diego and its newly-launched radio station KNSJ (Networking for Social Justice).

February 20, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--  Sheriff’s Deputies at the Rancho San Diego station ask public help to locate Henry Camarena, 38.  He has not been seen of heard from by family or friends since Sunday, February 16. 

Camarena has health issues and requires daily medication, said Detective Moore.  He may be driving a white 2013 Nissan Versa with California license late 6ZAF275.

February 19, 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:

U.S.

• Banking barrier tumbles for legal sellers of marijuana (Washington Post)
• ‘Thug music’ killer dodges murder charge (Huffington Post)
• Possible radiation leak at New Mexico military nuclear waste site (Reuters)
• US Navy Ready To Deploy Laser For 1st Time (AP)
•  The 'Crime' of Having a Hidden Compartment in Your Car (Reason)
• Debate: Was Edward Snowden Justified? (NPR)

WORLD

• Tensions high in Kiev after at least 21 die in fiery clashes (CNN)
• Japan quake survivor wins skating gold (UT San Diego)
• More than 140 Brazilian cities ration water amid prolonged heat wave (Fox)
• A New Assault on Freedom of the Press (Reason)
• U.N. Report Details North Korea's 'Crimes Against Humanity' (NPR)
• Report: Egypt creating buffer zone on Gaza-Sinai border, destroys 10 tunnels (Jerusalem Post)

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

By Miriam Raftery

February 19, 2014 (La Mesa) –La Mesa residents may soon be able to raise chickens (though not roosters) in their backyards.  On Wednesday, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to allow one chicken for each 2,000 square feet, or three chickens for the average 6,000 square foot residential lot.  The proposed new ordinance must next be approved by the City Council, which is expected to hear the measure on March 25.

February 19, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - West Hills High School Foundation invites community members and friends to its 3rd Annual Gala & Dance, the IDES OF MARCH: Sumptuous hors d'oeuvres with a no-host bar, dancing to the ever-popular RAMSHACKLE, premium auction items, and a new venue at Mission Trails Regional Park Visitors Center.

February 19, 2014  (San Diego’s East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.

SCIENCE

• Crocodiles can climb trees (alligators, too!) (Reuter)
• Science Confirms: Internet Trolls Really Are Narcissistic, Psychopathic, and Sadistic (Slate)
• Study: Arctic getting darker, making Earth warmer (UT San Diego)
• Trading water for fuel is fracking crazy (Eco Report)
• Jet stream may be changing (BBC)
• Snowy owls invade 'south'; cold affects waterfowl (UT San Diego)

HEALTH

• The Full-Fat Paradox: Whole Milk May Keep Us Lean (NPR)
• The genetics of being a daredevil (New York Times)
• Sexually Transmitted Food Poisoning? A Fish Toxin Could Be To Blame (NPR)
• IVF Baby Boom: Births From Fertility Procedures Hit New High (NPR)

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

Disturbing data suggests Golden Eagles appear on verge of extinction in our region

By Miriam Raftery

February 15, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) –A state inventory of California’ rarest animals, birds and plants reveals that Golden Eagle populations have suffered a precipitous decline statewide, including here in San Diego County.  Statewide, only 141 element occurrences (eagle nests and foraging habitat) are listed in all of California. Locally, the inventory lists just 14 “occurrences” countywide—with only one nest remaining in East County.

“So much for Bittner’s estimates,” wildlife biologist Jim Wiegand with Save the Eagles International told ECM.  David Bittner is the so-called eagle expert hired by major energy companies to justify wind projects locally. Bittner was convicted in federal court and sentenced in August to charges of failing to file data reports with the federal government and illegal taking of an eagle.

Wiegand has previously estimated local nesting sites at 10--a fraction of Bittner's recent estimates.

Updated February 24, 2014 with identities of agent and suspect

February 18, 2014 (Otay)—A U.S. Border Patrol agent who was struck by a thrown rock shot and killed Jesus Flores-Cruz, 43 , who died at the scene.  The shooting occurred at 6:40 this morning in the White Cross area of the Otay Mountain Range. The identity of the deceased, who sustained two gunshot wounds, was confirmed by comparing fingerprints from a 1996 arrest by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

According to San Diego Sheriff Homicide Lt. Glenn Giannatonio, the agents were attempting to detain a group of suspected illegal aliens.  “The two agents were out of sight of each when one of the agents was struck in the face by a rock thrown by one of the suspects. Fearing for his safety, the agent fired,” he said, adding that the agent suffered minor injuries.

By Miriam Raftery

February 17, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--As a journalist, I find it disturbing to see the high number of East County media outlets that have closed their doors, slashed content, or sold out to a corporate conglomerate in recent months.  Those remaining are struggling amid a culture of readers that increasing are failing to support the important job of news gathering that is so critical for our democracy—not to mention keeping you informed of breaking news, emergencies and events in your community.