March 2012 Articles

PASSAGES: ALPINE RESIDENT RONALD K. FULLER, FORMER WHITE HOUSE STAFFER & SDG&E VICE PRESIDENT


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HOT NEWS: SOLAR NOW COMPETITIVE WITH FOSSIL FUELS AS MAJOR STRIDES MADE TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY, BUT CHALLENGES REMAIN

 “San Diego is becoming a Mecca for renewable energy for the United States.” –Mike Armstrong, Soitec, speaking at the San Diego Solar Energy Symposium

By Miriam Raftery

March 18, 2012 (San Diego) – The future is sunny for solar energy. Price parity with conventional energy sources has now been attained in some areas as demand rises and the cost of solar falls. California has emerged as a national leader in the shift to solar--with San Diego at the helm. 


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DEPUTY INVOLVED SHOOTING IN VALLEY CENTER ENDS IN ARREST OF SUSPECT

March 18, 2012 (Valley Center) – Valley Center Area Investigators were called to Harrah’s Rincon Casino on the afternoon of March 15 for a report of a stolen vehicle in the parking lot.  As investigators were watching the vehicle, a subject, later identified as Joe Hernandez (07/10/86), approached and entered the vehicle.  Investigators attempted to detain Hernandez, who failed to comply with orders and attempted to flee in the vehicle.


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FREE TREES! APRIL 14 IN ALPINE

March 18, 2012 (Alpine) – Alpine, Tree Town USA, will be giving away 200 one gallon Sycamore trees and 200 one gallon Freemont trees between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the I Love A Clean Alpine event on Saturday April 14.  The event will be held in the Albertsons parking lot at 2955 Alpine Boulevard.


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WATER RATES AT STAKE: APPELLATE COURT TO REVIEW PRE-TRIAL DECISION IN WATER AUTHORITY CASE AGAINST METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT

 
MWD seeks to prevent discovery in case from revealing “bad facts” and “bad acts” 
March 18, 2012 (San Diego) -- The First District Court of Appeal has issued a preliminary order asking for further briefing on a request by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to prevent discovery in litigation filed by the San Diego County Water Authority challenging its 2011 and 2012 water rates. The court did not grant MWD’s request, or writ petition. It only asked the other parties in the case to set forth their positions on that request. 

 


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MEDIATION GROUP FORMED TO ADDRESS LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROVERSIES

 
March 18, 2012 (San Diego) -- The National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC) today announced the establishment of its Land Use and Environmental Mediation Group, specializing in resolving disputes among landowners, developers, environmentalists, community activists and government agencies around development issues and other environmental concerns.

 


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ARBY’S ROBBED AT GUNPOINT

 

March 18, 2012 (San Diego)—The Arby’s restaurant at 6225 Mission Gorge Road was robbed at gunpoint last night at 5:24 p.m.  According to San Diego Police Sgt. Todd Sluss, the suspect is described as a black male adult, 25-30 years old, 6 feet 1 inch tall, wearing a black zip-up hoodie and black jeans.

 


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COLLEGE PREP MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS EARN THEIR ROBOTICS STRIPES

 

March 18, 2012 (La Mesa) -- Eight students from College Preparatory Middle School (CPMS)in La Mesa competed in the Greater San Diego Botball Tournament on March10, 2012, at the University of San Diego. The CPMS Robotics Team was one of  18  regional  Botball  teams  from  San  Diego,  Arizona  and  Mexico  competing  at  the  tournament. The competition was tough and comprised of mostly high school teams but the newly formed middle school team called the Cyber Stripes, took 5th place in the seeding rounds and received the Rookie Award.

 


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FIRE CAUSES HEAVY DAMAGE TO AN ABANDONED HOME

March 18, 2012 (El Cajon) -- At 7:43 p.m. March 15, Heartland Fire & Rescue in El Cajon, with assistance from the San Miguel Fire Protection District, responded to reports of a structure fire in the 500 block of East Madison Avenue in El Cajon. As crews arrived on scene heavy smoke was seen coming from a single-story home at 593 East Madison Avenue. Quick action by firefighters had the fire knocked down in less than 15 minutes. According to Monica Zech of Heartland Fire & Rescue, the home was reportedly abandoned, with windows boarded up, but was full of household items and debris. There were no injuries reported.


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SAN DIEGO REGION WINS ADDITIONAL $1.7 MILLION IN FEDERAL HOMELESS FUNDING

Survivors of Human Trafficking/Commercial Sexual Exploitation Among Those Getting Help  

March 18, 2012 (San Diego) -- Four new regional projects have received more than $1.7 million in federal funding for the first time thanks to efforts by County Housing and Community Development, the lead agent for the Regional Continuum of Care.  The new projects will provide transitional and long-term housing and support services for homeless people. 


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STATE STRENGTHENS RULES, TRAINING AND OVERSIGHT TO PROTECT DISABLED RESIDENTS FROM ABUSE

 

March 18, 2012 (Sacramento) -- The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) announced new measures last week that will improve safety and strengthen protections for residents of the state’s developmental centers. These measures include independent oversight by a nationally recognized law enforcement specialist, new protocols for first responders to the scenes of possible abuse, new rules for investigations and additional training requirements for DDS peace officers. 


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CA POISED TO SET PRECEDENT, DEMAND CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO OVERTURN CITIZENS UNITED RULING

 Legislature to weigh resolution calling for end to unlimited corporate political spending

March 17, 2012 (Sacramento) – On March 20, the California Assembly Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing and vote on Assembly Joint Resolution 22. The resolution calls for a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that allowed corporations to spend unlimited sums to influence elections.

If the Legislature approves the measure, as expected, California would be among the first states to formally call for an amendment. The effort is part of a national movement taking place in more than 1,000 cities and towns across America.


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LA MESA POLICE ARREST ADULTS FOR FURNISHING ALCOHOL TO MINORS

 
March 17, 2012 (La Mesa)—As part of a statewide crackdown on individuals buying alcohol for minors, the La Mesa Police Department, in a joint effort with Investigators of the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) arrested six adults for purchasing alcohol for a minor. The action was the result of a compliance check operation on March 16, 2012 in which minors under the direct supervision of detectives and investigators attempted to have adults purchase alcohol for them from six separate retail licensees in the City of La Mesa. 

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READER’S EDITORIAL: THE TRUTH ABOUT WIND POWER

 

By Monique La Chappa, Chairwoman, Campo band of Mission Indians
 
March 17, 2012 (Campo)--Wind power is making a difference.  As a local source of clean energy, it reduces our dependence on foreign oil while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Wind power creates American jobs, and perhaps most important for the Campo Band, it is providing revenue and economic diversification so that members of our Tribe can have a better quality of life.

 


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ACCIDENTS AND HAZARDS ON EAST COUNTY ROADWAYS

 

March 17, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Numerous accidents and traffic hazards pose risks to motorists across our region on this rainy, windy afternoon. Hazards include:

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MAN SHOT IN LEMON GROVE

Update March 25, 2012: The victim has been identified as Avel Michael Jordan Edgar, 21. According to the San Diego Medical Examiner, he died of a gunshot wound to the head.

March 17, 2012 (Lemon Grove) – Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call to a home at 8232 Mount Vernon Street in Lemon Grove, where a man had been shot, the evening of March 14.  Paramedics determined that the man was deceased.

There were several people inside the home at the time of the incident and they are being interviewed to determine what occurred.  There are currently two suspects in the case described as adult black males.


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SNOW STORM TO HIT MOUNTAIN AREAS DOWN TO 2,500 FEET IN EAST COUNTY

 

March 17, 2012 (San Diego’s East County ) – The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for East County’s mountain areas, where snowfall could dip as low as 2500 feet by tomorrow night.   Higher peaks could have snow levels of two feet or more.


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RESTAURANT OWNER ASKS SDG&E TO “SAY SORRY WITH A STEAK”


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GOSPEL TRIO THE BOOTH BROTHERS PERFORM MARCH 24

March 17, 2012 (San Diego) – The Booth Brothers, a gospel trio, will perform at the College Avenue Baptist Church, 4747 College Avenue, San Diego at 5:00 p.m. on March 24. 

The Booth Brothers have been sharing their music since 1998. Their musical influences are from a wide range of performers-from the Eagles to the Gatlin Brothers to legendary gospel greats such as Bill Gaither and Mosie Lister.  They have received numerous awards including a Grammy nomination.


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DON YOUR BOOTS FOR THE WIEGHORST ROUND UP 2012 COUNTRY FAIR MARCH 30

March 17, 2012 (El Cajon) – The Olaf Wieghorst Museum is hosting its 2012 Round Up Country Fair at the Elk’s Lodge, 1400 E. Washington Avenue, El Cajon beginning at 5:30 p.m.  Olaf Wieghorst (1899-1988) was one of the foremost western artists of the 20th Century, earning him the title "Dean of Western Artists." 


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NEW WEB RESOURCE HELPS LGBT REFUGEES ESTABLISH NEW LIVES IN US


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POLICE INVESTIGATE SHOOTING OF ROBBERY SUSPECT IN SAN CARLOS

Update March 25, 2012 -- The Medical Examiner has identified the deceased as Dean Leshawn Scott, 29, who died of a gunshot wound to the chest.

March 17, 2012 (San Diego)--San Diego Police Department Homicide Unit detectives are investigating a shooting that took place at the Cotijo Taco Shop, 7285 Navajo Road during a robbery attempt and the death of a man found shot in the 4100 block of 40th Street. 

The deceased man matches the description of the wounded robber.


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PHOTO OF THE WEEK, WITH A CHARCOAL FILTER

 

March 17, 2012 (La Mesa) -- Mayan Avitable, our assistant editor, took this photo around midnight last week as a cutting she had taken from a neighbor's plant generated this amazing bloom. The flower opened, filled the room with a fabulous aroma, and by morning was gone.

This flower is commonly called a Night Blooming Cereus. This particular plant is scientifically named Epiphyllum oxypetalum. Night Blooming Cereus refers to a large number of flowering Cereus cacti that bloom at night, and have flowers that do not live long. Some of these species, such as Selenicereus grandiflorus, bloom only once a year, for a single night.


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SAN DIEGO COMPANY’S uZAPPit™ SMART TAGS NAMED BEST OF EXPO AT PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS SHOW IN LAS VEGAS

 

March 17, 2012 (San Diego) – uZAAPit Smart Tags, produced by Pacific Emblem Company in San Diego, have been named “Best of Expo” at the 2012 Promotional Products Show in Las Vegas.

“We are so excited to be picked out of thousands of  products,” commented East County resident Rich Soergel, company innovator at the 28-year old manufacturer and importer.


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CPUC TO HOLD 2 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION HEARINGS ON SDG&E REQUEST TO CHARGE RATEPAYERS FOR WILDFIRE COSTS

 

March 16, 2012 -- The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will hold Public Participation Hearings regarding the request of San Diego Gas & Electric and Southern California Gas Company to establish a Wildfire Expense Balancing Account for recovery of wildfire-related costs. Two hearings will be held on April 5 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the  Al Bahr Shriners Center, 5440 Kearny Mesa Rd., San Diego.

 


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ASSEMBLYMAN JONES JOINS COLLEAGUES IN CALLING FOR REPEAL OF “ILLEGAL” FIRE TAX

 
Jones Cites Disproportionate Impact on San Diego County 
 
March 16, 2012 (Santee) -- Assemblyman Brian Jones (R-Santee) joined with his Republican colleagues in support of Assembly Bill 1506, legislation that will repeal the unconstitutional fire tax.

“I strongly support this legislation; the fire tax is nothing more than political sleight of hand and clearly does not pass Constitutional or ethical muster,” said Assemblyman Brian Jones of the mislabeled “fee”, which was passed by the Legislature with a simple majority vote and signed by the Governor as part of the 2011-2012 Budget deal. “It wrongly labels a ‘tax’ as a ‘fee’ and also double-taxes residents by combining new ‘fees’ with current local fire district assessments. This will have a disproportionate and devastating financial impact on the residents of my district in East San Diego County.”

 


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READER’S EDITORIAL: CAN REPUBLICANS WIN THE WHITE HOUSE WITHOUT THE HISPANIC VOTE?

 
By Patrick Osio
 
March 16, 2012 (San Diego County) -- Surely the Republican Party knows that it will be most difficult to occupy the White House without a significant percentage of Hispanic votes. Why then are two of the leading candidates seeking the nomination taking such anti-Hispanic positions, particularly front runner Mitt Romney?  Romney must know that his flip-flops on positions affecting the Hispanic community are disconcerting and unsympathetic to the feelings of the great majority of Hispanics throughout the country.

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METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TO VOTE ON RATE INCREASES IN APRIL

 

Board votes down motion to cut spending to reduce water rate increases
 
After hearing heartfelt testimony from several dozen speakers from the San Diego region, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Board of Directors voted to follow its own Administrative Code and vote on adoption of its next two-year budget and rate increases in April. The recommended budget includes two more years of rate increases, “averaging” 7.5 percent for 2013 and another 5 percent in 2014.  

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THE GOOD OLD DAYS ARE BACK WITH THE 21ST ANNUAL EL CAJON ROTARY CHARITY AUCTION MARCH 30

March 16, 2012 (El Cajon) – The El Cajon Rotary will be holding its 21st Annual Charity Auction on Friday March 30 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Toyota of El Cajon Showroom, 965 Arnele Avenue, El Cajon. 


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TEE UP FOR COTTONWOOD’S NINE AND WINE FOOD AND GOLF EVENT MARCH 25!

March 16, 2012 (El Cajon) – Cottonwood Golf Course is hosting its Nine & Wine event on Sunday, March 25 at 3:00 p.m. at 3121 Willow Glen Drive, El Cajon.  The event includes 9 holes of golf, gourmet food and wine pairings.

Tickets are $45 per person for golf, wine and food or $25 per person for just wine and food.  R.S.V.P. to John at 619-980-2018 or Christina at 619-442-9891.


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