June 2013 Articles

BACK TO THE OLD WEST: DESCANSO DAYS JULY 13 PACKS PLENTY OF FAMILY FUN

 

 

July 5, 2013 (Descanso)--You’re invited to come “Back to the Old West” at Descanso Days on July 13, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and join in some good old-fashioned backcountry fun at the historic Descanso Town Hall including live music, deep-pit barbecue, a parade, booths, prizes and more.

Guests can also cheer on entries in the Descanso Days Parade – Aussie, the Australian shepherd, on his motorcycle; a variety of unique and antique tractors; Eric Runningpath and Daughter (professional Native American dancers); and several mounted groups including the Grand Ladies of the Old West, the Winchester Widows, the Hole in the Wall Gang, and the Escondido Mounted Patrol. For excitement in the sky, members of the El Cajon Classic Hangar Club will fly over the Parade route in their WWII airplanes.


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ASSEMBLYMAN JONES’ BILL TO CONFORM STATE AND FEDERAL “MADE IN AMERICA” LABELING STANDARDS IN CA KILLED IN COMMITTEE

By Miriam Raftery

July 1, 2013 (Sacramento) -- Legislation by Assemblyman Brian Jones (R-Santee) to modify “Made in America” labeling standards has  been killed the Senate Judiciary Committee today. Assembly Bill 890 would permit a product to qualify as “Made in America” if 90% of the components of the merchandise were made in the United States.  Current California law requires 100%.


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DECADES OF EXPERIENCE LOST WITH PRESCOTT HOTSHOT CREW

 

 

19 elite firefighters dead in raging Arizona wildfire

By Nadin Abbott

June 30,2013 (San Diego)—A wildfire has resulted in a tragedy for Arizona firefighters and the nation, wiping out an entire Hotshot crew.  An Ariziona state forestry official confirms that 19 firefighters, including 18 members of the elite Prescott Granite Mountain Hotshots were killed in the line of duty today, fighting a fast-moving brush fire that leveled 250 homes in Yarnell. The unit’s only surviving member is reportedly hospitalized with burns. http://www.wivb.com/dpps/news/nation/18-firefighters-unaccounted-for-bat...

These firefighters are the elite of the elite in firefighting circles, among the best-trained firefighters in the country. Prescott is the first municipal department in the United States to gain the prestigious designation of a Hot Shot crew. It is the city with the oldest fire department in that State as well.


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BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS, AWARDS AT MANESS VINEYARDS’ FOOD AND WINE MIXER

 

By Miriam Raftery, photos by Sue Brenner and Miriam Raftery

Photo, left:  Award winners Raftery, Jacob and Kerns with Maness; photo by Sue Brenner Photography

June 30, 2013 (Mount Helix) –At the 5th annual Maness Vineyards’ Food and Wine Mixer earlier this month, Greg Maness presented Trailblazer awards honoring Supervisor Dianne Jacob, East County Magazine Editor Miriam Raftery, and winemaker/  Ramona Vintners Magazine Editor Teri Kerns for their pioneering efforts benefitting the local wine industry.  Maness also made another big announcement. At the event at Manor Vineyard on Mount Helix June 15, benefitting  St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center.

“”We have recently broken ground and designed the new [St. Madeleine’s] Mad Hatter Vineyard,” Maness told the crowd, then promptly asked for supporters to adopt  rows of grapevines.


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BILL TO INCREASE PROTECTION OF NATIVE AMERICAN SACRED SITES PASSES ASSEMBLY, BUT KEY LOOPHOLE COULD LIMIT ITS EFFECT

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 30, 2013 (Sacramento) – A measure to require that developers consult with Native American tribes before initiating projects that affect tribal sacred sites and cultural resources has unanimously passed the state Assembly by a 56-0 vote. The bill now heads to the State Senate.

The approval of AB 52, authored by Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles), came despite opposition from the California Chamber of Commerce, which called the measure a “job killer.”

The bill strengthens consultation standards with tribes under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), including impacts to tribal sites among the environmental impacts that must be weighed.  But the bill also contains a provision that could allow tribal concerns to be ignored if any one of a list of other benefits is found to outweigh tribal concerns.


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$5,000 REWARD FOR REPORTING ARSON

 

June 29, 2013 (San Diego) – One out of every four fires is started by arson, according to Cal-Fire. When an arsonist sets a fire, everyone pays. Arson fires destroy homes, businesses, communities, forests, wilderness and lives. They cost our community considerably in fire losses, firefighting expenses and higher insurance premiums. They also tie up fire crews and equipment needlessly.


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SAN DIEGO SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT SEEKS PUBLIC HELP IN APPREHENDING WANTED FUGITIVE RAMIRO ESPINOZA

 

June 29, 2013 (San Diego)—The San Diego Sheriff's Department, Crime Stoppers and the Fugitive Task Force seek public help to locate Ramiro Espinoza, who  has a $1,000,000 arrest warrant for attempted murder, domestic violence, felony assault, as well as a felon in possession of a weapon. Espinoza has a tattoo that says "San Diego" on his stomach. He also has a tattoo picture of Jesus with a thorn crown on his back. Espinoza is known to frequent the South Bay area of the county.

If you see him, do not approach him. Espinoza has a history of violence and should be considered armed and dangerous.


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LEMON GROVE COUNCIL TO WEIGH RESOLUTION CALLING FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO OVERTURN CITIZENS UNITED DECISION

 

June 29, 2013 (Lemon Grove) – At the request of Council members George Gastil and Racquel Vasquez, Lemon Grove’s City Council on July 2 will consider a request from Money Out of Politics (MOP) to adopt a resolution to limit the influence of money in politics. Thirteen state legislatures and many cities, including San Diego and Los Angeles, have already adopted similar resolutions.

The resolution opposes the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in the Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission case. The high court found limits on corporate campaign contributions to be illegal, finding that corporations have rights similar to citizens. 

The MOP resolution calls on Congress to begin the process of amending the U.S. Constitution t to make clear that corporations are not people and thus are not entitled to the rights and protections of citizens.


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GAY MARRIAGES RESUME IN CA; OPPONENTS FILE LAST-DITCH APPEAL

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 29, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – Following in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court decision dismissing the Proposition 8 case, the Ninth District Court of Appeal yesterday lifted its stay on same-sex marriages.  For the first time in five years, gay couples can now legally wed once again in California.

Attorney General Kamala Harris performed the first such marriage after the ban was lifted, uniting the two plaintiffs in the lawsuit brought against Prop 8, Kristin Perry and her fiancée, Sandy Stier.  The wedding took place at San Francisco’s City Hall.


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AMATEUR RADIO CLASS JULY 27

June 29, 2013 (Lakeside) – An Amateur Radio class is being held on July 27 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Lakeside Fire Protection District Office, 12216 Lakeside Avenue, Lakeside.  Testing for the Amateur Radio License will be held immediately after class at 5 p.m.

Obtaining an amateur radio license enables people to communicate during a local disaster such as a fire or earthquake when traditional land lines and cell phones may stop working.  License holders can help their local community during times of need as well as get up to date information about the disaster from local authorities.  It’s also a great way to communicate with people around the world.


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FIRES DOUSED IN SANTEE INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT AND IN LAKESIDE

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by 10 News and Leon Thompson

June 29, 2013 (Santee)---Exploding propane tanks fueled a fire in the 10500 block of Prospect Avenue in Santee yesterday, ECM news partner 10 News reports.

The fire began in a trash pile or container , according to Heartland Fire & Rescue spokeman Sonny Saghera. The blaze damaged a home, a garage and several vehicles, Santee Patch.com reported.


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BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR STOLEN CORRAL

 

June 29, 2013 (Deerhorn Valley) -- Rustlers have struck at a ranch in Deerhorn Valley -- stealing not livestock, but a corral.  Approximately 20 panels of pipe corral, including a gate, were stolen in a brazen theft last week. Each panel is 12 feet long, the Deerhorn Valley Antler reports. 

Citizens are asked to report any appearances of similar pipe corral panels elsewhere in the region, as well as any other information on this crime. 

"The corral was assembled, standing and used for training and riding lessons. Apparently the thieves came on more than once occasion to dismantle and carry away the panels.  In all, half the corral has been stolen, a significant expense for the owners," the Antler reports.


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BRUSH FIRE BURNING SOUTH OF TECATE

 

By Nadin Abbott

June 28. 2013 (San Diego’s East County)-- The smoke that residents in East County have seen in recent days is coming from a fire in Mexico, about 17 miles (28 kilometers) south of the international border. The fire has consumed 1,235 acres (500 hectares) and it is about 50% contained.


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HEPATITIS A OUTBREAK LINKED TO POMEGRANATE SEEDS SOLD LOCALLY

 

 

 

June 28, 2013 (San Diego)--Consumers are urged to throw away specific lots of Woodstock Frozen Organic Pomegranate Kernels, the second product sold in San Diego County associated with a national outbreak of hepatitis A, according to  the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA). 

The recalled lots contain pomegranate seeds imported from Turkey that were also used in Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend of frozen berries. Although the Woodstock product has not been linked to any illnesses here, the Townsend Farms berry blend has sickened 127 people nationwide, including 15 San Diego County residents.

“If you ate a product containing these pomegranate seeds in the past two weeks and you have never been vaccinated for hepatitis A or had the disease, you should contact your health care provider to discuss hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “Anyone who ate these products should be aware of the symptoms of hepatitis A and seek medical attention early if they appear.”


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RESTORE THE FOURTH (AMENDMENT): RALLY AND MARCH TO SENATOR FEINSTEIN’S OFFICE JULY 4

 

 

“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures...”  U.S. Bill of Rights, Amendment IV

June 28, 2013 (San Diego)—A new nonpartisan movement called “Restore the Fourth” has been formed to seek restoration of Constitutional rights to privacy under the Fourth Amendment.  The effort is prompted by revelations that the federal government has secretly accessed phone and Internet records for millions of American citizens.

On July 4, Restore the Fourth is organizing protests in cities across America.  Restore the Fourth invites the public to join a rally and march to Senator Dianne Feinstein’s office.  Marchers will meet at 11 a.m. at the Balboa Park fountain near the Reuben H. Space Theater.


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FROM THE CHIEF'S CORNER: THE HEAT IS ON

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

June 28, 2013 (San Diego) – The Heat is on and looks like it will be with us for a while!

If you work or play outside, you should know about heat stress safety tips. Heat stress is caused by over exposure to hot climates. You might not think it is possible, but you can suffer from heat related injuries inside as well as outside. Heat stress occurs when your bodies core temperature rises above normal.


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ENGLISH HIGH TEA AMID LAVENDER BLOOMS

June 28, 2013 – Keys Creek Lavender Farm is holding English High Teas on June 29, July 12 and 13.  The teas begin at 2 p.m. and feature 3 courses, including appetizers, sandwiches and petite sweets.  All courses are served with an assortment of rich flavored teas.

Tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased here.


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HIKE WITH THE WINEMAKER JUNE 29

June 28, 2013 (Ramona) – Join Jim, Milagro Farms winemaker, on June 29 at 4 p.m. for a guided hike around Milagro Farm Vineyards & Winery’s 20 acres of grapes.  This is a moderately strenuous hike and will finish at the tasting room with a private tasting.

Tickets are $10 per person or free with a bottle purchase.  RSVP to Audrey@milagrofarmwinery.com.  The winery is located at 18750 Littlepage Road, Ramona.


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ON THE SILVER SCREEN: BLOODLUST (BYZANTIUM)

 

By Brian Lafferty

June 28, 2013 (San Diego) – Neil Jordan’s Byzantium is cinema’s best answer to the Twilight series since Tomas Alfredson’s Swedish vampire masterpiece Let the Right One In (not counting Matt Reeves’ equally crafted American remake Let Me In).  It takes the now all-too-familiar forbidden vampire-mortal love story and breathes into it an intoxicating mix of realism, atmosphere, and wicked sexiness.


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PHOTO OF THE WEEK: MOUNTAIN MAGIC

 

June 28, 2013 (San Diego's East County) - Lighting can transform a scene into a magical display.  Milt Cyphert captured one of those golden magic moments with this photo, taken at a Laguna Mountain meadow.


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IMMIGRATION BILL PASSES U.S. SENATE WITH LARGE MAJORITY, FACES BATTLE IN HOUSE

 

By Nadin Abbott

June 27, 2013 (San Diego)—The United States Senate passed a comprehensive immigration bill today with 68 Senators voting for it, and 32 Senators voting against it.

In addition to citizenship for some undocumented immigrants and other provisions, the bill contains many provisions that would impact many in East County, including businesses, agriculture, and bolstering medical personnel.

It also calls for a border security “surge” including hundreds of miles of new border fencing and 18,000 additional federal agents on the U.S.-Mexico border.  Former Republican presidential candidate John McCain, who supports the bill, said it would create “the most militarized border since the fall of the Berlin Wall.”


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HEAT WARNING: TEMPERATURES COULD HIT RECORDS; 122 DEGREES FORECAST FOR DESERTS

 

 

June 27, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for our region, with record high temperatures possible.  Extremely hot weather is forecast Friday through Sunday, with temperatures reaching 116 to 122 in the lower deserts and 110 in the upper desert areas. In the mountains and foothills, temperatures could hit 100 to 105,

Hot temperatures will continue Monday and Tuesday, though slightly cooler than the weekend.


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ELEVATED FIRE RESTRICTIONS IN CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST

 

June 26, 2013 (San Diego's East County)--Effective June 28, 2013 at 6:00 a.m., fire restrictions on the Cleveland National Forest will be moved to the “Elevated” level.  The increase in fire restrictions is due to dryer fuel conditions, higher temperatures, and the likelihood of small fires becoming larger fires. 

The purpose of fire restrictions is to reduce the risk of human-caused fires during high fire danger.  Fire restrictions impose limitations on forest users and are implemented only as deemed necessary to help prevent wildfires.


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SOMALI-AMERICAN CULTURAL FEST JUNE 29 IN CITY HEIGHTS

 

June 26, 2013 (San Diego) – Commemorating the 53rd anniversary of Somali independence, the 9th annual Somali American Cultural Fest will be held on Saturday, June 29 from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Market Creek Plaza at Jacob Center in City Heights, 3- 8 p.m. 

Thousands of Somali refugees and immigrants now call San Diego home.  The event will feature music, dance, poetry, a fashion show, children’s activities, food and vendor booths as well as free health screenings. The event is organized by Somali Youth United.


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AZTECS ANNOUNCE PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE FOR FOOTBALL SEASON

Highlight is KGB Sky Show August 31

By Go Aztecs, SDSU

June 27, 2013 (San Diego)--The San Diego State athletic department has announced the 2013 promotional and giveaway schedule for the defending Mountain West championship football program's six home games.


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HAVE A SAFE 4TH OF JULY

 

More fires are reported on July 4 than any other day of the year; fireworks also cause many serious injuries each July

With the Fourth of July approaching, the Sheriff's Bomb/Arson Unit reminds San Diegans that it's illegal to possess and use fireworks in the county. It's also illegal to transport fireworks from elsewhere into San Diego County or to make homemade fireworks or explosives.

Under California law, illegal fireworks include sky rockets, bottle rockets, roman candles, aerial shells, firecrackers and other items that explode, go up in the air, or move across the ground in an uncontrollable fashion. Those convicted can be fined up to $50,000 and sent to prison or jail for up to one year.


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ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND WORLD NEWS

 

June 27, 2013 (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.

WORLD

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


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COUNTY PLACES SEIZED HORSES UP FOR ADOPTION

 

June 27, 2013 (San Diego) – The San Diego County Department of Animal Services (DAS) impounded the animals May 23 when they were found without food and water. DAS had been monitoring the herd since May 20 when several of the horses were found on the highway. The California Highway Patrol and Intermountain Fire and Rescue safely moved the horses off the road and returned them to a nearby property. Intermountain Fire and Rescue also filled the horses’ empty water containers. DAS could not take any action then, but when animal services officers checked on the horses May 23, they found the herd was again out of water and lacked food so they seized the animals.


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EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS

June 27, 2013 (San Diego's East County)--East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include:

LOCAL/REGIONAL

STATE

For excerpts and links to full stories, click "read more' and scroll down.

 


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SUPREME COURT STRIKES DOWN DENIAL OF FEDERAL BENEFITS UNDER DOMA, DISMISSES PROP 8 CASE

 

 

Governor Brown orders county clerks to begin same-sex marriages as soon as 9th Circuit Court lifts stay

By Miriam Raftery

June 26, 2013 (Washington D.C.) – The U.S. Supreme court, in closely divided 5-4 rulings, handed down decisions today in two landmark same –sex marriage cases. The rulings are being hailed as victories for supporters of same-sex marriage, while opponents vow to continue the battle at the state level. In California, however, the high court's dismissal of the Proposition 8 case opens the door for weddings between same-sex couples to resume soon.

For Dayna Dunbar of Spring Valley, the news sparked an emotional chord.  She and her partner, Brenda, have been together since 2001 and have an adopted son, Jesse (photo, left). 

“We were just holding each other, in tears,” she told ECM today.  When their son heard news of the court decision, Dunbar added, “He was so excited, he hugged us about three times each.”


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