Green Scene

COUNTY “LEEDS” THE WAY ON SUSTAINABLE BUILDING

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

August 7, 2024 (San Diego) --When the County broke ground last month on its seventh Crisis Stabilization Unit in El Cajon—a place to give people in the midst of crisis a calm place to recover—it wasn’t just a boon for behavioral health. It was also a boost for the environment, sustainability and thwarting climate change in San Diego County.

That’s because when the building opens next year it will be the County’s 68th to meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED environmental standards. LEED stands for “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.”

It will also be the County’s 11th “Zero Net Energy” building, meaning it will produce more electrical energy than it uses—thanks to solar rooftop panels, ample use of natural lighting, air circulation and other green amenities.


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TWO COUNTY PARKS IN EAST COUNTY CLOSE FOR AUGUST DUE TO HIGH HEAT

 

Photo: El Capitan County Preserve

By Shauni Lyles, County of San Diego Communications Office

August 7, 2024 (San Diego’s East County)-- Due to triple-digit temperatures, two County parks will be closed for the month of August. They are El Capitan County Preserve in Lakeside and Mt. Gower County Preserve in Ramona.

These locations have difficult trails that end in isolated areas. They also offer very limited shade which can lead to dangerous conditions during major heat events. They join two desert parks that are already closed for the summer due to extreme heat: Vallecito and Agua Caliente County Parks.


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EARTHTALK®: AMERICAN CLIMATE CORPS HELPS MOVE U.S. TOWARD GREEN ECONOMY

 
Dear EarthTalk: What’s the idea behind the recent launch of the American Climate Corps by the Biden administration? —Paula B., Corpus Christi, TX
 
July 27, 2024 (Texas) -- The American Climate Corps (ACC) marks a significant step in the U.S.’s approach to climate change. It aims to engage young Americans in conservation and climate resilience projects, contributing to both ecological protection and job creation. The ACC reflects the administration’s broader climate policies, which prioritize moving to a clean energy economy and addressing the impacts of climate change.

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ADVANCING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES: EAST COUNTY OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM FOCUSES ON YOUTH

By David R. Shorey, San Diego County Program Director, Institute for Public Strategies
 
July 19, 2024 (San Diego) -- The Institute for Public Strategies recently launched its East County Outdoor Opportunities (EcoOp) program. It is a transformative initiative to expand access to nature for low-income and disadvantaged youth in Lemon Grove, Spring Valley/La Presa, and El Cajon. With a $300,000 grant from the California Natural Resources Agency, IPS will offer enriching outdoor experiences that promote health, wellness, and empowerment and support youth substance use prevention and early intervention.
 
The grant is part of the California Natural Resources Agency’s broader initiative to increase youth access to natural and cultural resources. The funding, totaling nearly $18 million, supports 71 Youth Community Access Program projects across the state. These projects prioritize communities disproportionately affected by past state and federal drug policies, as well as other underserved populations.

For more articles in this column visit: Advancing Healthy Communities | East County Magazine


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SIERRA CLUB SUES TO BLOCK GREENHILLS RANCH HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN LAKESIDE OVER WILDFIRE AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

By Miriam Raftery
 
July 17, 2024 (Lakeside) – After San Diego County Supervisors unanimously approved the Greenhills Ranch housing development in Lakeside near Lake Jennings, the Sierra Club filed a lawsuit against the County and Atlas Real Estate seeking to block the project.

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FRIENDS OF LOVELAND RESERVOIR ASK PUBLIC HELP AFTER FOREST SERVICES DENIES REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS TO HELP RESTORE SUNRISE-TO-SUNSET ACCESS

By Miriam Raftery

July 11, 2024 (Alpine) – The nonprofit Friends of Loveland Reservoir has been advocating for a return of sunrise-to-sunset hours at Sweetwater Reservoir.  Such access was agreed to along with an easement as part of a land-swap deal between the U.S. Forest Service and Sweetwater Water Authority (SWA) years ago, but in recent years amid tightened budgets, that agreement has not been honored.

Friends of Loveland states in an email to its supporters that it proposed for members of its large volunteer base to open and close Loveland daily from sunrise to sunset, with a new lockbox and gate key.  “ SWA agreed to open the gate every morning and would work with a volunteer group as long as USFS provided oversight. Unfortunately, the USDA Office of General Counsel did not agree,” the Friends group states in its email.

Friends of Loveland Reservoir (FLR)has sent a letter in response to the Forest Service sharply criticizing the federal agency for refusing to enforce the public’s access rights and asking for a meeting with the Forest Service, FLR, and SWA representatives.(See copy of their letter below).

FLR also urging the public to contact the following Forest Service representatives:


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AFTER OTAY FIRE, LA MESA CITY MANAGER OFFERS ASSURANCES ON SAFETY OF PROPOSED BATTERY STORAGE SITE IN LA MESA

By Miriam Raftery

Image: Rendering of proposed Murray Project in La Mesa, via Enersmart's project website

July 8, 2024 (La Mesa) – A battery fire at the Gateway energy storage facility in Otay Mesa in May forced evacuation of nearby businesses for nearly two weeks.  

Enersmart has proposed building a battery energy storage facility at 8131 El  Paso Street in La Mesa.

After the Otay fire, La Mesa City Manager Greg Humora recently sent an e-mail to the mayor and city councilmembers highlighting key differences between the Otay and La Mesa projects in size, technology, and fire protection plans.

Green Scene | East County Magazine


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PHOTO OF THE WEEK: JUNE BLOOMS

East County News Service
 
July 8, 2024 (San Diego's East County)-- Junebug Owens sent in this idyllic image taken in late June of her Belgian Malinois mix dog, Ellie, lolling amid blossoms from a purple flowering Jaracanda tree and a scarlet Bougainvillea.

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CRITTER ENCOUNTERS: RAMONA RESCUE IS HAVEN FOR INJURED AND DISABLED ANIMALS

By Mimi Pollack
 
Photo: Finley the Fennec Fox
 
July 6, 2024 (Ramona) -- In the United States, there is a problem with people acquiring exotic animals without really doing their research. People bring these pets home as tiny babies, not realizing that they can grow to be quite large as adults. For example black and white Argentine Tegu lizards, which start out as tiny babies, can grow to be up to four feet long. In addition, there are animals that are hit by cars, which unfortunately can be a frequent occurrence in rural areas such as Ramona.

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18 LOCAL WATER SYSTEMS FAIL SAFE DRINKING WATER STANDARDS; 16 MORE ARE AT RISK

Update: Hear our in-depth interviews with state water officials, originally aired on KNSJ 89.1 FM Radio.
 
By Miriam Raftery
 
July 3, 2024 (San Diego) – The State of California has released its 2023 Drinking Water Needs Assessment, including a dashboard listing water systems that failed state or federal standards for safe drinking water. In San Diego County, 18 water systems failed repeated tests due to contaminants that include arsenic, uranium, nitrate, nitrite, manganese, E-coli, heavy metals, and more, including numerous water providers in East County. Sixteen other local water systems are at risk or potentially at risk. Also see: California Open Data.
 
Failing means the water system failed to meet one or more state or federal standards. However, it does not necessarily mean the water is unsafe. A system can be put on the list if there are serious financial issues that prevent it from cleaning up the water, for instance. Some systems may have multiple wells, and be able to continue providing clean, safe water through other wells.  Some may have only a temporary problem, while others may require costly long-term solutions.
 
Disadvantaged communities in California may be eligible for state grants to help restore safe drinking water under the SAFER (Safe and Affordable funding for equity and resilience) program.

Audio: 

Download: Audio icon Newsmakesrs-WaterQuality-Dmitri&more.mp3

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REP. LEVIN, AN ENVIRONMENTAL LAWYER, BLASTS SUPREME COURT'S 'DRASTIC' CHEVRON DECISION

By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association
 
Photo: Rep. Mike Levin speaks at a veterans event in May. Courtesy of his office
 
July 5, 2024 (San Juan Capistrano) -- Rep. Mike Levin, who worked as an environmental lawyer before his election to Congress, blasted the Supreme Court’s decision Friday to overrule a nearly 40-year-old precedent guiding government regulation of the environment and medicine.
 
The 1984 precedent the court overturned arose from a ruling involving oil company Chevron that called for judges to defer to reasonable federal agency interpretations of U.S. laws deemed to be ambiguous.

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CLOSURES AT THREE LOCAL LAKES PREVENTED

By Miriam Raftery
 
June 25, 2024 (San Diego) – Following an outcry by rural residents and Supervisor Joel Anderson, the City of San Diego has revised its budget to eliminate proposed temporary closures of the reservoir at El Capitan in Lakeside, Lake Sutherland in Ramona, and Lake Hodges in Escondido.
 
In a post on the Friends of the San Diego Lakes Facebook page today, Supervisor Anderson states, “WE DID IT! WE STOPPED THE CLOSURES of EL CAP, SUTHERLAND AND HODGES IN 2025. LOTSA PEOPLE TO THANK FOR THIS.”
 
Though located in the County unincorporated areas, the reservoirs are owned by the city of San Diego. 

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SANTEE TO BE FIRST CITY IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY WITH AN ELECTRIC WASTE COLLECTION TRUCK

East County News Service
 
June 22, 2024 (Santee) -- The City of Santee is proud to work with Waste Management to bring the 2024 Peterbuilt 520 Electric Side Loader Collection Truck into service. Santee will be the first city in San Diego County to use an electric vehicle in its waste collection services. 

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GUIDED KAYAK TOURS AT LAKE JENNINGS JUNE 26

East County News Service
 
June 21, 2024 (Lakeside) — In honor of National Canoe and Kayak Day, Lake Jennings in Lakeside is offering guided kayak tours on Wednesday, June 26 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. 
 
The hour-and-a-half tour costs $30 per person and includes a kayak rental.  Learn about the lake’s history, biodiversity, conservation efforts and operations. Reserve space by calling (619) 596-1306.

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CALIFORNIA DAMS NEED REPAIRS, BUT NEWSOM AND LEGISLATORS BATTLE OVER GRANTS TO FIX THEM

 
CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters.
 
Photo: More than 100 years old, San Diego’s Lake Hodges Dam is one of 42 dams where the state has restricted storage because of safety concerns. Repairs began in 2022 and the dam is expected to be replaced by 2034. Photo by John Gastaldo for CalMatters
 
June 16, 2024 (Sacramento) -- Several dozen dams throughout California could store up to 107 billion more gallons of water if they underwent repairs to fix safety problems. But facing a staggering state deficit, Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed cutting funding for a dam repair grant program in half this year, while state legislators want the $50 million restored.  
 
California has an aging network of nearly 1,540 dams — large and small, earthen and concrete — that help store vital water supplies. For 42 of these dams, state officials have restricted the amount of water that can be stored behind them because safety deficiencies would raise the risk to people downstream from earthquakes, storms or other problems. 

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WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN GROWS REVENUES UNDER LEADERSHIP OF JPA, THOUGH BUDGET GAP REMAINS

By Miriam Raftery
 
June 13, 2024 (Rancho San Diego) – Seeds of change have been planted at the Water Conservation Garden. The Joint Powers Authority has taken over management and operations, while the nonprofit Friends of the Water Conservation declared bankruptcy after becoming mired in debt due to large loans. 
 
Hope is blossoming among JPA members and a growing group of around 60 volunteers who have stepped up to fill key needs. Expenditures have been pruned and revenues are on the rise, though major funding is still needed for long term sustainability.

If you would like to visit the Water Conservation, or donate to help it thrive, visit https://thegarden.org/.


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BEAR SIGHTINGS CONFIRMED ON PALOMAR MOUNTAIN

By Miriam Raftery

June 8, 2024 (Palomar) – Bears hadn’t been spotted on Palomar Mountain for roughly a decade—until now.  Over the past two weeks, multiple residents and business owners have posted photos and videos showing a black bear frequenting the area.

On May 21,  Deana Marie Freeman posted the photo (left) on social media, which she said was a bear outside her cabin along Fern Trail in the Bailey’s area of Palomar Mountain.  On May 26, Palomar Mountain Snow Play posted a video showing a bear running behind their store. A third video on June 2 shows a bear walking north on Canfield Road near the Palomar Mountain General Store (screenshot from video, right).


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FREE ADMISSIONS AT HERITAGE OF THE AMERICAS MUSEUM AND WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN: SECOND FRIDAY EACH MONTH

East County News Service
 
May 29, 2024 (Rancho San Diego) – Two of East County’s most unique attractions, both at Cuyamaca College, are offering free admission on the second Friday each month: Heritage of the Americas Museum and the Water Conservation Garden.
 
Visitors can enjoy tours of the garden and museum, participate in scavenger hunts, and pack a picnic lunch. The Garden is dog-friendly.

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BOARD EXPANDS OPEN SPACE NEAR MOUNT OLYMPUS COUNTY PRESERVE

 

By Shauni Lyles, County of San Diego Communications Office

 

May 28, 2024 (Pala-Pauma) The County took steps last Wednesday to buy more land within the Pala-Pauma community for open space and species protection. The Board of Supervisors approved spending $1.2 million to buy 222 acres adjacent to the existing Mount Olympus County Preserve.


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FLOATING FISHING DOCK REPAIRS ON AGENDA FOR SWEEWATER AUTHORITY ON WEDNESDAY

 

By Miriam Raftery

May 20, 2024 (Alpine)—Sweetwater Authority has still not replaced or repaired the floating fishing dock that was partially destroyed at Loveland Reservoir in Alpine more than a year ago by heavy storms back in January 2023.  On Wednesday,  agenda item 9.1 asks the board to decide whether or not to authorize buying and installing a replacement fishing platform in the reservoir.

“This is the second time this has been on the agenda since Sweetwater recovered the insurance funds,”says Russell Walsh, a citizens’ advocate who has been calling on Sweetwater to replace the floating fishing dock. According to Walsh, a majority vote is not guaranteed; he urges concerned residents to contact Sweetwater’s general manager, Carlos Quintero, to urge support. Residents can also speak at the meeting at 5 p.m. Wednesday in person or remotely.


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LITTLE HOOVER COMMISSION HEARING ON CALIFORNIA’S HOME INSURANCE CHALLENGES HIGHLIGHTS THE NEED TO REDUCE WILDFIRE THREATS BY ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE

East County News Service
 
Photo: The Little Hoover Commission, formally known as the Milton Marks “Little Hoover” Commission on California State Government Organization and Economy, is an independent state oversight agency created in 1962.
 
May 17, 2024 (Sacramento) -- In a stark warning at a Little Hoover Commission hearing on California’s homeowners insurance market, former California Insurance Commissioner and Director of UC Berkeley’s Climate Risk Initiative Dave Jones voiced concerns over the future availability of homeowners insurance in California’s fire-prone regions.

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GLOBAL CO2 INCREASE SETS NEW ALL-TIME RECORD

By Olivia Rosane, staff writer for Common Dreams
 
May 17, 2024 (Hawaii) -- The average monthly concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere jumped by a record 4.7 parts per million between March 2023 and March 2024, according to new data from NOAA's Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii.
 
The spike, reported by the University of California, San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography on Wednesday, reveals "the increasing pace of CO2 addition to the atmosphere by human activities," the university said.

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FIRE AT OTAY BATTERY STORAGE FACILITY PROMPTS EVACUATION WARNINGS, SHELTER-IN-PLACE ORDER FOR DONOVAN PRISON

Update May 28, 2024 -- All evacuation orders have been lifted, though firefighters remain on scene.

Update 9:30 p.m. --The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department has issued an Evacuation Order. An Evacuation Order requires immediate movement out of the affected area due to an imminent threat to life. All persons in the impacted area should prepare to evacuate. Evacuation Order means there is extreme danger in your area.  You must leave now; do not wait. Contact your neighbors and share information.

By Miriam Raftery

May 17, 2024 (Otay Mesa) – The #CaminoFire at Gateway Energy Storage, a lithium battery storage facility  in Otay Mesa, flared up overnight and prompted county officials to issue an evacuation warning for businesses in the surrounding area due to the potential for release of toxic gasses.

The fire has also resulted in a shelter-in-place order for nearby Donovan State Prison. A road closure is in effect at Camino de la Fuente and Paseo de la Fuente.

According to Cal Fire’s incident update this morning, firefighters continue to battle the  thermal runaway fire involving lithium ion batteries.

The harmful gasses are “making access an issue for firefighters,” Cal Fire advises.”The building’s sprinkler system is currently being supplemented with the use of the existing standpipe system and the fire is still contained to the building of origin."


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RESIDENTS FEAR FIRE AND TOXIC GASSES FROM PROPOSED ESCONDIDO CLEAN ENERGY BATTERY SITE

By Michael Howard
 
Photo by Michael Howard: Former Sempra executive Joseph Rowley is flanked by fellow Escondido residents against a proposed clean energy battery energy storage system in Escondido.
 
May 14, 2024 (Escondido) – The developer of a proposed battery energy storage system (BESS) slated to be built just over a quarter mile from Palomar Hospital in Escondido held its last in a series of three workshops last week at the San Marcos Community Center. The workshop was geared toward addressing the concerns of local citizens who have organized opposition to the project by gathering upwards of 2,700 signatures against the project.
 
The batteries are meant to bridge the energy gap between traditional energy sources provided by San Diego Gas and Electric (SDGE) and the spike of usage during peak times when historic “brown” or blackouts are ordered to mitigate capacity issues.

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MOUNTAIN LION WITH JAW FRACTURE RETURNS TO WILD AFTER RECOVERY IN RAMONA

Source: San Diego Humane Society
 
May 14, 2024 (Ramona)  - A mountain lion is back in the wild in Central California after spending two months at San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center. The adult male was released by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) on May 1, 2024, in rural San Luis Obispo County,
where he was initially found suffering injuries consistent with being hit by a car. Before release, he was fitted with a GPS collar to monitor his movements.

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UNION COALITION CALLS FOR CA WORKER CLIMATE BILL OF RIGHTS

By Suzanne Potter, California News Service

May 14, 2024 (Sacramento) -- Dozens of union members rallied last week in Sacramento, calling on lawmakers to pass a set of bills called the California Worker Climate Bill of Rights. The bills are intended to integrate worker's rights into the clean-energy transition.

The Climate Resilient Schools Act would create the first master plan to make sure our schools have clean, cool air, adequate shade and energy-efficient buildings and buses.


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SUNSET AND MOON RISE AT FONT’S POINT MAY 23

East County News Service

Photo courtesy of Anza Borrego Desert State Park

May 6, 2024 (Borrego Springs)—The Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association will host its traditional season’s end event—a trip to watch the sunset and moon rise at Font’s Point over the Borrego Badlands and the Salton Sea.

The organization’s program director Mike McElhatton will lead this free event. RSVP at 760-767-3098.


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GARDEN'S GIFT SHOP REOPENS ON MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND

By Miriam Raftery

May 2, 2024 (Rancho San Diego) – You’re invited to the grand reopening and newly refurbished “Gifts from the Garden” gift shop at the Water Conservation Garden on Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Discover one-of-a-kind crafts, art pieces, and garden treasures—the perfect gifts for Mom. Visitors will also receive a do-it-yourself succulent for Mom with every purchase.

The Garden is located on the campus of Cuyamaca College in El Cajon’s Rancho San Diego community.


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RAMONA GETS GRANT FOR SUSTAINABLE SHUTTLE SERVICE

East County News Service
 
May 1, 2024 (Ramona) -- Ramona residents who need a ride to shop for groceries, visit a doctor or a cultural event, will soon have a shuttle service with electric vehicles powered by the sun.

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WANT FRESH EGGS? TIPS FOR RAISING BACKYARD CHICKENS

By Patrick Watkins
 
Photo: Easter Egger chicken, known for blue eggs
 
April 27, 2024 (Alpine) -- With grocery prices skyrocketing and everyone looking for a way to cut back on costs, a fun and surprisingly low maintenance way to save money is by owning chickens. Now don’t mistake low maintenance for entirely no maintenance. Chickens aren’t just simply egg machines; some initial effort must be made. Here are some basic tips as well as things to avoid if you’re bringing chickens into your own backyard. 
 
My personal experience raising hens started five months ago when the skyrocketing egg prices and avian flu reports made me give into impulse and finally start a flock. I took the longer route of raising them from a young age, and this comes with its own set of pros and cons. A big issue new owners run into is figuring out whether their chicks are male or female, especially with most cities not allowing roosters. Experienced flock owners have methods such as wing shape, but the rest of us are left guessing if Betty is in fact a Bruno until a larger comb develops on boys at about six months.

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