April 2012 Articles

MISSING BOY FOUND SAFE

 Update April 11, 2012 3 p.m. - The missing boy has been found and is safe, Monica Zech, spokesperson for El Cajon, has informed ECM.  


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MTS PLANS TO ADD BUS AND TROLLEY SERVICE: OPEN HOUSES ARE BEING HELD TO GET RIDER INPUT

 

An Open House at the El Cajon Transit Center will be held April 14 with others around the county throughout the month.

April 10, 2012 (San Diego) -- For the first time since the economic downturn began in 2008, the Metropolitan Transit System is planning to add Bus and Trolley services. MTS will hold several open houses at transit centers to get rider input on planned service improvements and the opportunity to learn about proposed changes and ask questions in an informal setting.


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SDSU SENIORS SENT OFF ON GOOD NOTE

No. 9 Aztecs Defeat No. 19 Cal Baptist on Senior Day

By Ryan Schuler


April 10, 2012 (San Diego)--It may not have been the prettiest, but as they say in sports, “a win is a win.”

Behind two fourth-quarter goals by senior Leanne Ford, No. 9 SDSU defeated No. 19 Cal Baptist on Friday afternoon, April 6 at the Aztec Aquaplex. With the 4-2 win, the Aztecs improved to 18-9 on the season, while the Lancers fell to 17-8.


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APPEALS FILED OVER OCOTILLO WIND PROJECT

By Mia Myklebust
 
April 10, 2012 (Ocotillo)—At least three appeals have been filed over the Imperial County Planning Group’s approval of the Ocotillo Express wind project.  The appeals seek to have the Imperial Valley Board of Supervisors review the decision.   
 
Appeals filed by yesterday’s deadline include the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, California Environmental Law Project, and Boulevard Planning Group Chair Donna Tisdale.

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STOLEN INNOCENCE: HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY

 

"Imagine yourself, 8-years-old, stripped naked, on the ground, on the bathroom floor, chained, crying for your mommy." 

– Angela, Survivor
 
Story and photos by Ron Logan
 
April 9, 2012 (San Diego) – If you believe that human trafficking is not a problem in San Diego County – you would be wrong. Very wrong. Human trafficking is happening right now, across our region, even as you read this. And it is happening on our front porch.

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FREE CONFERENCE: AGING, COPING AND HEALTH CARE PLANNING, APRIL 18

 
April 10, 2012 (La Mesa) -- Sharp Grossmont Hospital’s Senior Resource Center and Sharp HospiceCare host a free conference for seniors geared toward future health care planning and communicating wishes with family and friends. The event includes presentations from health experts and community resources featuring health and senior service agencies. Program topics and speakers include: 

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SEARCH ON FOR LOST HIKER MISSING SINCE SUNDAY AT CAVES IN ANZA-BORREGO

April 10, 2012 (Anza-Borrego)—updated April 11, 2012--An intensive search continues for Guillermo Pino, 26, a hiker last seen Sunday, April 8 at noon at the Arroyo Tapiado mud caves in Anza-Borrego State Park's rugged badlands area.


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SAN MIGUEL FIRE DISTRICT HOSTS COMMUNITY MEETING APRIL 17 TO DISCUSS OUTSOURCING SERVICES TO CAL-FIRE

April 9, 2012 (La Mesa) – The San Miguel Fire Protection District will host a community meeting from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on April 17 at Foothills United Methodist Church, 4031 Avocado Blvd., La Mesa.  The meeting will provide residents a State of the District presentation and discuss the Request for Proposal submission from CAL FIRE for the outsourcing of the district’s fire protection. 


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RESCUE ON EL CAJON MOUNTAIN

 
Story and photos by Billy Ortiz
Video by Billy Ortiz and Pam Wilmers   
 
April 9, 2012 (Lakeside)—San Diego Sheriff’s Fire and Rescue performed a hoist rescue off the east face of El Cajon Mountain (known locally as El Capitan) today.  Leonard Pierini, 65, of Poway told ECM videographer Billy Ortiz that he was hiking alone, although other hikers were in the same area.  View a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omaz5TEpZrs

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SOLAR DONE RIGHT SUPPORTS LOCAL ALTERNATIVES TO REMOTE MASSIVE ENERGY PROJECTS

Coalition seeks to protect public lands, launches “Energy Democracy” sign-up
 
It is currently cheaper, on a per-watt basis, to install a small rooftop system in Germany than it is to install a giant desert installation in the US.
 
By Ariele Johannson
 
April 9, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--Driving through the southwestern deserts, I’ve long been impressed by the ocotillo, a cactus-like tree with straight branches angling upwards to the sun, ablaze with red blooms. This thorny desert tree is an apt metaphor for the ways different people view energy issues-- especially proposed industrial solar and wind power projects in remote wilderness areas. Like the ocotillo, these programs and policies have a wide array of angles from which to be viewed.

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LOCAL LITERARY CALENDAR NOW ONLINE: WEEK OF APRIL 8

 

April 9, 2012 (San Diego)—San Diego’s WriteWay,  in partnership with East County Magazine, has a variety of events for readers and writers coming up this week. Click Read More below to see a listing of the events. 

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EL CAJON ISSUES TO BE FOCUS OF EAST COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CLUB APRIL 19

April 9, 2012 (El Cajon) -- The East County Democratic Club will have two speakers focused on El Cajon at its meeting at 7 p.m. on April 19 at Coco’s Restaurant, 1025 Fletcher Parkway, El Cajon. 

Simon Mayeski, board member of Common Cause, a citizen's watchdog organization committed to holding government officials accountable, will discuss his perspective on El Cajon's city government and its lack of representation of the many resident ethnic groups and women.  Ray Lutz, National Director and founder of Citizens Oversight Project Committee (COPS), which acts as a governmental watchdog and helps empower local citizens to make changes in their community, will report his observations of significant events at recent City Council meetings.


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TIME TO GROW FOR IT: HOMEGROWN ON YOUR OWN

 
April 9, 2012  (San Diego) -- Who would have thought getting dirt under your fingernails would ever be considered one of the hottest trends going? According to Doug Jimerson, Garden Core Director for Better Homes and Gardens, “growing your own fruits, veggies and herbs is something Americans are doing in record numbers this season.”
 

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PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: THE DESERT IS ABLAZE IN COLOR

 

April 9, 2012 (Anz-Borrego Desert) -- Daren Sefcik snapped these beautiful blooms this week in the Anza Borrego Desert State Park, where the desert is ablaze in color.


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MCDONALD’S PARTNERING WITH SDPOA TO HONOR JEREMY HENWOOD APRIL 11

Fundraiser to Support SDPOA Widows and Orphans Fund

April 9, 2012 (San Diego) – After the tragic shooting and death of SDPD Officer Jeremy Henwood, it was discovered that his last stop was the McDonald’s located at 3879 Fairmont Ave., where he bought cookies for a young boy.  In honor of the life of Officer Henwood, the SDPOA is partnering with Phil Palumbo, the owner and operator of that McDonald’s to raise funds for the SDPOA Widows and Orphans Fund.  A portion of the proceeds from purchases made between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on April 11 will benefit the fund. 


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THE WILL POWER REPORT: HOW ELEPHANTS LOST THEIR VOICE

 

Nothing but the truth!

By Will Power

April 8, 2012 (San Diego)--Long before the time of man, all animals used to talk.  And they talked with each other, not just squirrels to squirrels and lions to lions. In fact, the animals did a lot of bitching and moaning behind each other’s back, which started all the trouble, as it usually does.


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GOOD NEWS! RESURRECTION OF PALOMAR MOUNTAIN STATE PARK IS APPROVED

April 8, 2012 (Palomar) – It seems fitting that on Easter Sunday, we got word of a modern-day resurrection.

Rick Barclay chairs a foundation that’s been striving to save Palomar State Park from permanent closure in July, drawing help from many of our readers to fill the budget gap.  Today, he sent East County Magazine the following message of hope: 


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READER’S EDITORIAL: A THREAT TO ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK

 
Anza-Borrego Foundation
 
April 8, 2012 (Anza-Borrego)--The spectacular vistas, solitary wilderness and unique wildlife of Anza Borrego Desert State Park are under threat.  We write to you today to ask for a few moments of your time to help us protect your park. The Anza-Borrego Foundation opposes the proposed Ocotillo Wind Energy Facility, which will cause profound negative impacts on our desert wildlife, scenic vistas, and our pocketbooks.
We urge you to sign an online petition to help ABF oppose this project.
We also ask you to vote in an online poll conducted by East County Magazine. 

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PROJECT WILDLIFE HOSTS WILDLIFE BABY SHOWER APRIL 14

 
April 8, 2012 (San Diego) -- Each Spring and Summer when local wildlife nest and birth their young, Project Wildlife receives and cares for thousands of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife countywide until they are ready for release.
 
Come experience the wildlife “baby season” at the organization’s third annual Wildlife Baby Shower. The event will be held on Saturday, April 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Project Wildlife’s Triage Center, 887 ½ Sherman St., San Diego 92110. 

 


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WEDDING EXPO WITH FREE REGISTRATION FOR FIRST 50 COUPLES, FREE INVITATIONS, FASHION SHOW & GREAT GIVEAWAYS

 
April 8, 2012 -- La Mesa David’s Bridal & Friar Tux Preferred Wedding Planner, Charisma Events & Consulting (CEC) hosts its first annual Beauty in the Bride wedding expo. The goal is to provide an intimate, elegant experience for the brides and grooms, as well as provide all exhibitors maximum exposure by having only one wedding vendor per category. This is in the effort to relieve stress and pressure that most couples feel after leaving a wedding expo.

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FREE FAMILY FUN AT THE ANNUAL MULTICULTURAL FAMILY FIESTA!

 
April 8, 2012  (El Cajon) – The San Diego County Library El Cajon branch, 201 E. Douglas Avenue, is hosting their Annual Multicultural Family Fiesta on April 14 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.   Festivities include entertainment, refreshments, crafts, a K-9 dog demo, fire engine tours, free children’s books and author visit, magicians and a variety of dance groups.

For more information call 169-588-3718. 


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AGUIRRE: SDG&E PLAN TO CHARGE RATEPAYERS FOR WILDFIRE COSTS IS "DONE DEAL"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outraged? Scroll down to learn how to take action.

By Miriam Raftery

April 8, 2012 (San Diego) Updated April 10, 2012-- At the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) public meeting this week in San Diego, Administrative Law Judge Maribeth Bushey and CPUC Comissioner Timothy Simon heard from hundreds of area residents, including tearful testimony by numerous victims of the 2007 firestorms.  Some held twisted burned remnants of their lost homes. Others recalled friends who perished in the flames. 

But the most explosive testimony came from former City Attorney Mike Aguirre, who declared, “This decision is already made.”  He then leveled accusations that the two CPUC represenstatives present, Commissioner Timothy Simon and Administrative Law Judge Maribeth Bushey, are beholden to SDG&E and subverted the legal interests of fire victims and ratepayers.  


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LA MESA SEEKS DONATIONS FOR FLAG DAY PARADE JUNE 2

 

April 8, 2012 -- La Mesa's Flag Day Parade committee is raising funds for this year's annual parade on Saturday, June 2nd. Our financial goal is $15,000 which will offset operational expenses, including transportation costs for school marching bands, public address equipment, and traffic control set up.

 


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SUPERVISORS SHOW SUPPORT FOR EYE GNAT ORDINANCE

 
By Miriam Raftery
 
April 7, 2012 (San Diego)--On Wednesday, the San Diego County supervisors were asked to receive a report from Jack Miller, Director of San Diego County’s Department of Environmental Health. The report concerns a new county-wide ordinance aimed to reduce the nuisance level of eye gnats produced by two large organic farms in Jacumba and S. Escondido.
 
 
 

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GRANITE HILLS HIGH SCHOOL DEDICATED NEW AQUATICS FACILITY

April 7, 2012 (El Cajon) – Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) and Granite Hills High School representatives celebrated the completion of the school’s new aquatic center with a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 27.  The 40,000 square foot aquatic complex features the first Olympic-size pool on an East County high school campus and will serve as a center for East County community groups, youth aquatics teams, California Interscholastic Federation water polo and swim teams as well as physical education classes.


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RESCUED LIVESTOCK READY FOR NEW HOMES

 
Animal Services Looking For “A Few Good Homes”

April 7, 2012 (San Diego County) -- The starving animals rescued from a Campo ranch by County of San Diego Animal Services last December are now ready to be placed into new homes. The livestock includes 10 sheep, 5 goats, 6 cattle, 11 llamas, and 6 horses. Most of the animals may be viewed at the County Shelter in Bonita at 5821 Sweetwater Road, 91902. Four sheep are being housed at the County Shelter in Carlsbad at 2481 Palomar Airport Road, 92011 and can be viewed there.

 


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VALHALLA THEATRE ARTS WILL PERFORM XANADU APRIL 18 – 28

April 7, 2012 (El Cajon) – The Valhalla Theatre Arts department will be performing the musical “Xanadu” beginning April 18 at 1725 Hillsdale Rd., El Cajon. It’s an 80’s musical fantasy complete with roller skates and disco balls about a time when life was easy and Olivia Newton-John and E.L.O. ruled the world.


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CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL WILL PERFORM BYE BYE BIRDIE APRIL 18-21

April 7, 2012 (El Cajon) – “Bye Bye Birdie” will be performed by Christian High School’s award winning Drama Department on April 18, 19 and 21 at 389 N. Magnolia, El Cajon. The musical will take its audience on an entertaining trip back to the days of “Rock n Roll”.  The story centers on superstar Conrad Birdie prior to being drafted into the Army. Humorous complications ensue when his agent stages a good-bye kiss to the lucky Kim MacAfee on “The Ed Sullivan Show”. Kim’s steady, Hugo Peabody and her overbearing, but lovable father complicate the tale. Musical scores abound with “How Lovely To Be a Woman,” “The Telephone Hour,” “Put On A Happy Face,” “A Lot of Livin’ To Do,” “One Last Kiss,” and “Kids!”


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NEW EXHIBIT: BEING A LA MESA CHILD 100 YEARS AGO

April 7, 2012 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa Historical Society has opened a new exhibit at its McKinney House Museum at 8369 University Avenue, La Mesa.  It’s featuring a new room display showcasing the history of old time toys and games from tiddlywinks to spinning tops, tin windup toys, kaleidoscope, checkers, jacks and many more to illustrate a child’s play time long ago.  All of the items come from the collections of the Society and are displayed in a classroom setting with old photos of students from Allison School and La Mesa Grammar School between 1910 and 1929.


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LOTS OF QUESTIONS – AND SOME ANSWERS

 
By Cindy Miles, Chancellor, Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District
 
April 7, 2012 (San Diego's East County) -- We always encourage our students to ask lots of questions and seek out new information. For the past few months, we in the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District have been asking questions about our role in the community, how well we are doing, and what the future holds for us. Some of the answers are starting to come in.

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