5 Catholic justices issue ruling, raising question over lack of religious diversity on the high court

By Miriam Raftery

July 6, 2014 (Washington D.C.)--The Supreme Court decision last week in the Hobby Lobby case is drawing strong reactions across the nation and here in San Diego County—and raising questions over whether the Supreme Court lacks adequate religious diversity.

By Ray Lutz, Citizens Oversight Projects

July 5, 2014 (El Cajon)-- Please take a look at this video presentation I created to be presented to the CPUC.  http://youtu.be/2umrwqLz_MI

The proponents of the $3.3 billion settlement proposal have met with the CPUC commissioners and their advisors in private meetings.  They would not allow me to make this power-point presentation at the recent public meeting. However, we are allowed to have private meetings of the same length as those granted to the proponents.

July 5, 2014 (San Diego)-- Caltrans highway workers will be working at the connector ramp from westbound Interstate 8 (I-8) to northbound Interstate 5 (I-5) weekdays and weeknights for a two-week period beginning Monday, July 7.   All night work will take place from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Update July 6: The fire is now 100% contained, Cal Fire confirms.

By Miriam Raftery

July 5, 2014 (Julian)—Firefighters have held the Banner Fire at 217 acres, the same size as Wednesday night. The blaze that destroyed two homes is now 90% contained, Cal Fire reports.

For Julian residents, the fire brought tense moments.  Rosemary Keane watched as the blaze encroached close to her new home under construction in Julian Estates (photos, left and below).

Yesterday brought storm cells—and rain, as several relieved residents posted on the Julian Connection site on Facebook.  “Who did the rain dance?” asked Joshua Guffey.

July 1, 2014 (Escondido)--California Center for the Arts, Escondido (the Center) reaches a major milestone this year, celebrating its 20th Anniversary season with an exceptional line-up of acclaimed performers, including The Blind Boys of Alabama, Garrison Keillor, Merle Haggard, Pink Martini, Jake Shimabukuro, Harlem Gospel Choir, Whose Live Anyway, La Santa Cecilia, Kathleen Madigan, Pilobolus, Peking Acrobats, Jazzreach with Metta Quintet, Sirena Huang, Paul Galbraith, Mariachi Sol de Mexico, Lúnasa with Special Guest Karan Casey, Alberta Ballet, Jiayan Sun, Venice Baroque Orchestra, 2Cellos, Han Bin Yoon, and many more.

July 4, 2014 (San Diego)—The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory for San Diego County’s mountains and deserts through early evening. In addition, the NWS warns of strong rip current in San Diego’s coastal areas today through Monday. 

The urban and small stream flood advisory remains in effect for Warner Springs, Ranchita, and the Felipe burn area northeast of Julian until 6:45 p.m.

July 4, 2014 (El Cajon) -- Janis Mork, host of East County Magazine Show's People Power segment, sat down last month for an interview with Star Bales, El Cajon's recently appointed Councilmember and one of the first Iraqi Chaldean women to hold public office in the United States.  Councilmember Bales shared her thoughts on key issues of interest to residents in the El Cajon community--and why she's proud to be an American.

You can now hear an audiocast of our interview here: https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/au...

By Miriam Raftery

July 4, 2014 (La Mesa) – On the heels of the American Legion  backing out of the Park Station proposal, the City of La Mesa announced today that it has cancelled a Planning Commission Public Hearing on the project’s specific plan and environmental impact report that had been slated for July 16. 

The announcement issued by Bill Chopyk, Director of Community Development for La Mesa, specifically states that the hearing is cancelled “due to a change in the application and project description because the American Legion has withdrawn as a co-applicant. A new notice of public hearing will be distributed to interested parties once the specific plan and environmental documents are revised and ready for Planning Commission consideration and further public review.”

Photo, left:  Cal Fire Chief Joe Rinaldi discusses need to cancel parade for safety's sake.

By Nadin Abbott

Photos Tom and Nadin Abbott

July 4, 2014 (Julian) The Fourth of July parade was an unintended victim  of the so called “Banner Fire” east of Julian, which destroyed two homes and injured a firefighter. The fire started at around noon and by this morning it has charred 217 acres, with 40 percent containment according to Captain Ken Bortisser of CAL FIRE.

The following road closures remain in effect: State Route 78 at Manzanita Drive, and  Manzanita Drive at Lakeview Drive.

The decision to cancel the parade, announced late yesterday by the California Highway Patrol and CAL FIRE, sparked consternation among some residents.

By Miriam Raftery

July 2, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--Eagles, America’s national symbols, have special status under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Killing an eagle, or engaging in activities that lead to the death of an eagle, is currently punishable by  a $5,000 fine and one year in prison.  Felony convictions can result in far stiffer penalties – up to a $250,000 fine or two years in prison – and the fine for an organization that kills an eagle can be up to a half a million dollars.

July 3, 2014 (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.

• 5 things women need to know about the Hobby Lobby ruling (Time)
• U.S. increases security at overseas airports amid bomb concerns

• East Coast Braces for Damage (Time)

• Teen describes brutal journey into U.S. (ABC News)
• Obama to seek $2 billion to stem surge of  Central American immigrants (Chicago Tribune)
• Surprise! Red and blue districts often agree on government policy.
• Democrats: No bluff, Obama will go it alone on immigration (The Hill)
• Mitt Romney isn’t running. So who will GOP turn to?  (Washington Post)
• Warren, Booker are Dems secret weapons (The Hill)
• Land of the free? Not so much. Americans' sense of freedom drops, poll finds. (CS Monitor)
• Stepping Into The Fire: Veteran Advocates & Pols Sound Off On Obama's Choice To Lead Scandal-Plagued VA (Reno Blogspot by Jamie Reno)

WORLD

• ISIS declares creation of Middle Eastern caliphate (CBS News)
• U.S. sends 300 more troops to Iraq over security concerns (Reuters)
• U.K. Loses Big Vote On The Future Of Europe — Now What?
• Bodies of three kidnapped Israeli teens found in West Bank (JPost)
• Volley of Gaza mortar shells fired toward southern Israel (JPost)
• Huge Crowds Turn Out for Hong Kong Pro-Democracy March (NY Times)
• European Court of Human Rights upholds French law banning veil (Reuters)
• Norway Does A Ctrl+Alt+Delete On E-Voting Experiment (NPR)

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

Update 7:30 p.m.  The fire has charred 150 acres and burned two homes.  Residents are now being allowed to return home, with ID.  The Julian 4th of July Parade has been cancelled, CHP advises,  though other activities including the American Legion BBQ will go on.

Update 12:35 p.m.:  This fire is now 75-100 acres in the Julian area, Air Attack estimates, with potential for extended attack. Two structures are reportedly damaged. Evacuations now include Kenwood and Whispering Pines. Temperature is 90 with 14% humidity and possibility of thundershowers tomorrow. 

Photo by Daren Sefcik, shot from Ranchita

July 3, 2014 (Julian) -- A brush fire burning along Banner Grade west of Julian has charred an estimated 30-40 acres or more. The Whispering Pines area is being evacuated with 200 homes there threatened, Cal Fire confirms shortly after noon today. 

The Julian High School has been set up as an evacuation area.

If you have photos or details on this fire or others, please send to editor@eastcountymagazine.org.

Plus previews of coming attractions

by Ariele Johannson

July 2, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--This week’s Destination East County has a run-down on 4th of July festivities throughout our inland region. No need to fight traffic to watch fireworks at the beach when you can choose from an array of venues right here in East County—where our cities and historic small towns show their patriotic spirit with parades, picnics, festivals and fireworks.  You’ll hear about KNSJ radio’s anniversary celebration at Mission Trails.

Plus we’ll have a preview of some unique events coming up next week—from a firefighters’ fishing derby to outdoor musical theater, twilight walks, a star party, and a super full moon jazz concert amid fragrant fields of lavender!

By Miriam Raftery

July 2, 2014 (Mt. Helix) – It was a very important date for guests at the Mad Hatter wine tasting party hosted by vintner Stephanie Young and Laurie Delaney at the Manor Vineyard on Mt. Helix.

Prizes were awarded for best costumes as guests mixed, mingled, munched appetizers and savored vintages brought by guests.  Vineyard consultant Greg Maness poured wines and spoke about our region’s fast-growing wine industry at the May 18 event.

July 1, 2014 (San Diego's East County)--This week, the extremist group ISIS declared an Islamic caliphate stretching from Syria across Iraq following weeks of mounting violence. On June 25, prior to the declaration, we aired a second interview with San Diego Chaldean-American leader Mark Arabo following his meetings with the State Department, members of Congress and high-level U.S. officials. We discussed international efforts to bring peace to the region, form a more inclusive government and protect Iraqi Christians.

Hear our interview here, originally aired June 18, 2014:  https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/au...