July 7, 2012 (San Diego) – San Diego State student, Whitney Ashley has become San Diego State’s fourth national champion since 1985.  She won the national title in discus throw on the first day of the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Des Moines, Iowa in June.

July 7, 2012 (La Mesa)—Helix Water District invites the public to a public informational meeting on a proposed water rate hike. The meeting will be held July 10 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive in La Mesa.

July 6, 2012 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police today announced the arrest of Darron Willams, 19, a transient accused of hurling a bottle bomb at a trolley station in La Mesa on July 3 shortly before 8 p.m. The device, a 16-ounce plastic bottle filled with magnesium and water, exploded at the Spring Street Trolley Station at 4250 Spring Street.   

 By Miriam Raftery

July 5, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) –Among the least understood aspects of the Affordable Care Act are the benefits that it offers to nonprofit organizations.  Smaller nonprofits have potential to reap benefits, along with their employees—without the potential penalties facing some for-profit employers.

East County Magazine contacted the new Health Law Guide for businesses site to ask how the law will impact nonprofit organizations.  Here is the response that we received:

July 6, 2012 (Santee) – Enjoy an  evening of romantic jazz performed by the Chris Klich Jazz Quintet, a well-known local ensemble has played at venues all over San Diego County.  The group’s album "Blue Skies" was nominated for best jazz album at the San Diego Music Awards.  

July 6, 2012 – It’s been many years since rock star Bruce Springstein performed in San Diego.  Now fans of “the Boss”  can enjoy his music performed by Thunder Road, twice nominated as best tribute band in the San Diego Music Awards. 

Best of all, this concert is free! Thunder Road takes stage at the Viejas Casino V-Lounge in Alpine this Friday, July 6 from 8 p.m  to midnight.

July 5, 2012 – The Homeowners Bill of Rights is one of the most significant consumer protection reforms this year. Find out how your representatives in San Diego County voted on this important legislation, which passed both houses in Sacramento and is expected to be signed by Governor Jerry Brown.

Status: On Governor’s desk awaiting action

• Al Jazeera: tests suggest Arafat died of radioactive polonium poisoning (USA Today)
• Mexico’s president-elect may double security spending – aide (Reuters)
• Iran long range missiles attack ‘mock’enemy  bases (ABC news)
• Report describes brutal torture centers in Syria (CNN)

• Obama, Romney campaign to square off over energy (The Hill)
• Congress passes student loan bill (Huffington Post)
• The bomb buried in Obamacare explodes today – Hallelujah! (Forbes)
• More state leaders considering opting out of Medicare expansion (Washington Post)
• Romney campaign enters ‘message mayhem’ on insurance mandate (USA Today)
• The Nation: Guns blamed for started wildfires in parched west  (North County Times)
• This summer is ‘what global warming looks like’ (AP/Associated Press)
• Deadly land hurricane strikes Midwest, Atlantic states  (Accuweather)
• A health care Judas recounts his conversion  (CNN)

July 5, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—Brew Ha HA comedians will host two live comedy events aimed at raising money to help a new radio station get on the air in East County.  KNSJ Radio, FM 89.1, has been approved for an FM license to broadcast from Descanso and also streaming live broadcasts online.  The network will focus on social justice issues while also providing an on-air forum to showcase community news, highlight local musicians’ works, and air local emergency alerts.