November 2014 Articles

SDSU STUDENT DIES AFTER FALLING OFF 5-STORY BUILDING

 

By Miriam Raftery

November 7, 2014 (San Diego)—A sophomore at San Diego State University has died after falling five stories off an apartment building near campus.  She has been identified as Melissa Kennon, a sophomore studying psychology.


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CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST FOUNDATION OBJECTS TO SDG&E POWER LINE PLANS

Photo: High-voltage Sunrise Powerlink tower by Lake Jennings

November 7, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has applied for a master permit to construct power line replacement projects in Cleveland National Forest. Now the Cleveland National Forest Foundation  has submitted formal comments objecting to the plan.

According to the Foundation, SDG&E’s project fails to assure that the state’s renewable energy mandate of 33% renewable by 2020 will be met; the project aims to increase energy project four-fold without proposing any reductions in dirty energy sources.


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COURT RULES COUNTY’S CLIMATE CHANGE PLAN IS NOT ADEQUATE

 

By Miriam Raftery

November 7, 2014 (San Diego)—The County’s climate action plan lacks teeth to assure that greenhouse gas emission goals will be met,  California’s 4th District Court of Appeal has ruled. The Appellate Court upheld a San Diego County judge’s ruling in a lawsuit filed by the Sierra Club.

The Sierra Club argued that the county’s reliance on voluntary measures and lack of clear deadlines were not enough to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the targeted amounts by 2020. The Court also noted that the County rejected mitigation proposed by the Sierra Club without  valid reasons.


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CHRISTIAN DATING RAPIST SENTENCED

 

By Miriam Raftery

November 7, 2014 (El Cajon) – A man convicted of raping two women he met on ChristianMingle.com, a dating site for Christians, has been sentenced to 37 years to life in prison by Superior Court Judge Daniel Goldstein in El Cajon.


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DOCTOR ARRESTED FOR ALLEDGED SEXUAL ABUSE OF PATIENTS

 

East County News Service

November 7, 2014 (El Cajon)—A doctor who volunteered at Volunteers in Medicine in El Cajon and other facilities has been arrested and charged with 24 felony counts, ECM news partner 10 News reports.   The charges include 15 felony counts of sexually penetrating an unconscious victim, 8 counts of sexual battery and one count of child pornography.


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SCIENCE AND HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS


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PROPOSED PLACEMENT OF PREDATOR IN BORREGO IS WITHDRAWN BY STATE

 

By Miriam Raftery

November 6, 2014 (Borrego Springs) – The proposed placement of sexually violent predator Gary Snavely in Borrego Springs has been withdrawn by the Department of State hospitals after the conclusion of public comments, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis has announced.


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GREEN HOMES TOUR NOV. 9 INCLUDES INNOVATIVE EAST COUNTY RESIDENCES

Photo: This house rocks! Boulder in center of Jamul home absorbs heat by day and gives off warmth by night.

 

East County News Service

November 6, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)—The San Diego Green Building Council will hold its Green Homes Tour this Sunday, November 9th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tour features innovative, sustainably designed homes throughout San Diego County.  There is a $5 fee for non-members. Several East County homes are on the tour.


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PETERS TAKES LEAD OVER DEMAIO

 

East County News Service

Photo: Scott Peters and family

November 6, 2014 (San Diego)-- Democratic Congressman Scott Peters has taken the lead over Republican challenger Carl DeMaio in the 5nd Congressional District– by a slim margin of just 861 votes, Registrar of Voters Michael Vu announced late today.  That’s a switch from election night, when DeMaio was on top by 752 votes.


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MARINE VETERAN RELEASED FROM MEXICAN JAIL

 

East County News Service

November 6, 2014 (San Diego) – Veteran Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi has been released from a Mexican prison, the State Department has announced.  Tahmooressi was arrested and imprisoned for driving across the international border with three guns in his vehicle, which is illegal under Mexican law. He reportedly suffers from post-traumatic stress syndrome and was not able to obtain treatment while imprisoned for over 200 days.


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PARTY WITH THE PRESS HIGHLIGHTS - THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

 

Photos by Nadin and Tom Abbott

November 6, 2014 (San Diego's East County) -- If you missed our "Party with the Press" benefit event, it was a great event!  We filled the Next Door Wine & Craft Beer Bar with our supporters.  A good time was had by all -- and it was all for a great cause: supporting our community journalism and wildfire alerts.

We savored a wonderful feast, thanks to Tiramisu Trattoria restaurantand our own East County Eater, who judged the winning culinary entries provided by our readers.  Next Door Wine & Craft Beer Bar served up tastes of some wonderful wines and beers.  We gave away a pile of prizes, played our East County Trivia Quiz, sipped and savored our way through a delightful evening.  We also thank SDG&E for its sponsorship of this event and for providing safety and energy saving tips for our guests.


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POMEGRANATE DAYS AT OASIS CAMEL DAIRY NOV. 22-23

 

November 6, 2014 (Ramona) – One of the most unusual holiday season traditions in East County is coming up: the fourth annual Pomegranate Days celebration at the Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona will be held on Saturday and Sunday, November 22 and 23 from noon to 5 p.m.

The festivities include camel rides, bird and camel shows, shopping for holiday gifts such as camel’s milk soaps, and the highlight of the event, feeding pomegranates to the camels.


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SETTLEMENT TO HALT FORCED DEPORTATIONS

 

East County News Service

November 6, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – A hearing is set for February 9, 2015 to approve a final settlement in the American Civil Liberties (ACLU) lawsuit to halt forced deportations by the U.S. Border Patrol and Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The ACLU won a class action lawsuit filed in 2013 after demonstrating that officials threatened, lied and intimidated undocumented immigrants, forcing them to sign “voluntary” deportation papers even if they had strong claims to remain in the U.S.


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SAN DIEGO REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TEDDY BEAR DRIVE

 

November 6, 2014 (San Diego County) - Help brighten the holidays for a sick child at Rady Children's Hospital.  The San Diego County Sheriff's Department and Probation Department are co-hosting this year's San Diego Regional Law Enforcement Teddy Bear Drive. The public is invited to join in on Tuesday, Nov. 18 from 5-7 p.m. at Chick-fil-A Sports Arena, 3570 Sports Arena Boulevard.


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NEW ALPINE LIBRARY: COMMUNITY MEETING NOV. 9

East County News Service

November 6, 2014 (Alpine) – The public is invited to a community meeting to discuss plans for a new County library in Alpine. The meeting is set for Sunday, November 9 at 6 p.m. in the Alpine Community Center, located at 1830 Alpine Boulevard in Alpine.


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SDSU HOMECOMING TO IGNITE THE NIGHT NOV. 8

 

November 6, 2014 (San Diego) -- This week is Homecoming Week at San Diego State University. The celebration will culminate in the homecoming game on Saturday, November 8, with the Aztecs facing off against the Unversity of Idaho Vandals at Qualcomm Stadium. The event also features the KGB sky show.


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BOBCAT IN BACKYARD

 

November 6, 2014 (Alpine) -- An Alpine resident has posted a video on YouTube showing a close encounter with a bobcat that wandered into her backyard, apparently unaware of the photographer on a porch swing close at hand.


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NEW SENTENCING GUIDELINES TAKE EFFECT SATURDAY, COULD SHORTEN DRUG SENTENCES FOR TENS OF THOUSANDS IN FEDERAL PRISONS

 

November 6, 2014 (Spring Valley) A New PATH (Parents for Addiction Treatment & Healing) in Spring Valley joins dozens of organizations across the U.S. to highlight changes to federal drug sentencing guidelines. On Saturday, November 1st, courts may begin considering petitions from incarcerated individuals for sentencing reductions.


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NATIVE AMERICAN ARTISTS SOUGHT FOR ARTWORK ON ANZA HISTORIC TRAIL: DEC. 31 DEADLINE

 

November 6, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - The California Indian Heritage Center Foundation is calling for Native American artists to produce new visual artwork that shares the Native Californian perspective of the Anza Expedition of 1775-76 and its impact. The visual art will enter the collection of the California Indian Heritage Center Foundation for display and interpretation. It will also be used by the National Park Service for education and interpretation of multiple perspectives of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail.


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ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS

November 6, 2014 (San Diego's East County)-- East County Magazine's 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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EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS

November 6, 2014 (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

STATE

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


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READER'S EDITORIAL: INTEGRITY IS WHAT WE DO WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING

 

By Jason Jackson

November 3, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - Special District Board elections may not be sexy and certainly don’t get the press of federal races or even that of some of our municipal elections, but they are nonetheless extremely important for setting policy in the San Diego region. If anything the lack of attention paid to these districts adds to the importance of these elections. If the “sunlight” of media attention is the best disinfectant for a democracy, than it is easy to see why special districts can be breeding grounds for nepotism and corruption. The lack of public attention increases the importance of electing to these boards people of high integrity who will act as independent advocates for rate payers.


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LA MESA'S PROP J GOES UP IN SMOKE, BUT NATIONALLY MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION GAINS

 

By  Leon Thompson

November 5, 2014 (La  Mesa)  - The hopes for an ordinance that would allow for medicinal cannabis dispensaries in La Mesa went up-in-smoke as Proposition “J” failed in last night’s election.   A similar measure in Encinitas suffered the same fate.


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AS NATION TURNS RED, CALIFORNIA STAYS BLUE WITH SWEEP OF STATEWIDE OFFICES

 

By Paul Kruze

November 5, 2014 (Sacramento)--Tuesday night was not a happy one for Democrats. A red wave of Republican wins resulted in the party increased its hold on the House of Representatives and gained formidable control of U.S. Senate. But as a consolation prize, Democrats were able to keep California in the “blue state” column by keeping a firm hold on the state’s highest offices.

Early on in the vote counting, major news organizations projected that voters had granted Governor Jerry Brown a second consecutive four-year term  (the fourth in his political political career)  by a comfortable margin which did not change throughout the evening.  Incumbent Democrat Gavin Newsom was able to stave off a challenge by East County resident and former chairman of the California Republican Party, Ron Nehring.


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REPUBLICANS WIN CONTROL OF SENATE, GAIN HOUSE SEATS INCLUDING ONE LIKELY IN SAN DIEGO

 

By Miriam Raftery

November 5, 2014 (San Diego) -- Nationally, Republicans have won control of the Senate and increased their margin of dominnance in the House of Representatives. One of those gains appears to have occurred in San Diego's 52nd Congressional District.

With all votes tallied except several thousand provisional ballots, former Councilman Carl DeMaio, a Republican, has just 752 votes more than Democratic incumbent Scott Peters, up by 50.26% to 49.74%.  It is not yet known whether Peters will request a recount, which is his right under the law with such a narrow margin. 

In other local races, Republican Congressman Duncan Hunter captured 71.55% of the vote over challenger James Kimber, a physician assistant in the 50th Congressional District.  In the 51st District, Democratic Congressman Juan Vargas scored a solid victory with 68% of the vote over his opponent, Stephen Meade. 

Two other races were somewhat closer. Congresswoman Susan Davis, a Democrat, fought off a challenge from ex-Navy Seal Larry Wilske, a Republican. Davis won with 57.88% of the vote in the 53rd District; Wilskie picked up  42.12%. Congresman Darrell Issa, a Republican who has drawn national media scrutiny as chair of the House Oversight Committee held his seat with 57.97% of the vote over Democratic challenger Dave Peiser, who receivecd 42.03%.


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CHALLENGERS OUST INCUMBENTS IN SAN MIGUEL FIRE DISTRICT

 

East County News Service

November 5, 2014 (San Diego's East County) -- The biggest political upset in East County this electionappears to have taken place in the San Miguel Fire District, where a slate of challengers has won three seats on the board, ousting incumbents.

On top with 100% of precincts counted Mike Vacio, Jim Ek and Theresa McKenna with 20.16%, 18.25% and 16.26% of the vote.


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DEMOCRATS PICK UP SEAT ON LEMON GROVE COUNCIL

 

By Miriam Raftery

Updated November 5, 2014 (Lemon Grove)--Democratic challenger Jennifer Mendoza has ousted incumbent Councilman Howard Cook, a Republican, to increase Democratic control on Lemon Grove's Council.  Jerry Jones, an incumbent who is also a Democrat, also won reelection. Though officially a nonpartisan race, the political parties threw their weight behind candidates in the race.

Chair of the city's Planning Commission, Mendoza is also a paralegal and as a board member of the Soroptomists, Boy Scouts, PTA, and other community groups. She has made street repairs her number one goal if elected.


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LOTTERY TICKET PURCHASED IN FLINN SPRINGS WORTH $408,000

 

East County News Service

November 4, 2014 (Flinn Springs) – If you bought a Fantasy 5 California Lottery ticket at the 7-Eleven store at 14110 Olde Highway 80 in Flinn Springs (just east of El Cajon), you could be instantly rich.

A ticket worth nearly $408,000 matches this week’s winning numbers of 3, 12, 14, 32 and 34—but the winner has not yet come forward to claim his or her prize.


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ARAPOSTATHIS DEFEATS LA MESA MAYOR ART MADRID, BABER & MCWHIRTER WIN COUNCIL RACES

 

Photo, left: Baber and McWhirter's victory party at Tiramisu Trattoria in La Mesa

 

Republicans, developer-backed candidates in Council race

Updated November 5, 2014 (La Mesa) - Mayor Art Madrid, who has led La Mesa for the past 24 years, has been unseated by Councilman and teacher Mark Arapostathis.  With 100% of precincts counted, Arapostathis has received 58.8% of the vote to Madrid's 41.11%.


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INCUMBENTS WIN HANDILY IN STATE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY RACES

 

By Miriam Raftery

November 4, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – By large margins, legislative candidates representing East County have won their reelection bids. Republican State Senator Joel Anderson leads Democratic challenger Fotios “Frank” Tsimboukakis by a 69.29% to 30.71% margin, with 37.7% of votes counted in the 38th district. 

In the 40th State Senate District, where two Democrats are in a run-off due to the top-two primary system, incumbent Senator Ben Hueso leads challenger Rafael Estrada 55.29% to 44.71% with a third of all precincts counted in San Diego County, though results from Imperial County are not yet available. Hueso enjoys the substantial lead despite an arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol.


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