May 2010 Articles

EIGHT MANUFACTURERS RECALL 1 MILLION POOL AND SPA DRAIN COVERS THAT POSE ENTRAPMENT HAZARDS


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SWEETWATER UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT DISHONORED WITH GRAND GOLDEN FLEECE AWARD

 

May 27, 2911 (San Diego's East County) -- San Diego Taxpayers Association has presented its not-so-coveted Grand Golden Fleece award this year to Sweetwater Union High School District for its declaration of "Let the Taxpayers Eat Wedding Cake!”

 

The "award" spotlighted taxpayer funded mailings and suggested improprieties involving contractors invited to the Superintendent's daughter's wedding. 


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WEDDING RESOURCES GUIDE

 East County Magazine’s Guide to vendors for your perfect wedding

 

Note: See our full "Weddings in East County" section with lots more info on getting hitched in East County at this link:  http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/taxonomy/term/3941


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GETTING HITCHED IN EAST COUNTY

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Creative East County Wedding Venues For Your Dream Ceremony

 

 By Richard Darvas

 

May 9, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) -- How many childhood fantasies stretch into adulthood, relatively unchanged? For many, wedding day is the holy grail of making dreams come true. Yet how many couples opt for a trendy wedding replete with clichés and high-dollar kitsch, only to later regret not choosing to stroll down an unbeaten aisle?  

 

Romance is not manufactured, nor delivered via assembly line. For memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime, why not select an idyllic setting that isn’t cookie cutter? Many betrothed couples are unaware of the serene mountain retreats, lush wineries, country ranches and exotic savannahs in San Diego’s eastern region. Whether your heart’s desire is a grand affair or an intimate occasion, you’ll find a wealth of unique venues for your dream ceremony in East County.

 

Here are our picks for East County's most romantic wedding venues:


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JOIN US SUNDAY AT THE EAST COUNTY BRIDAL & BEAUTY FAIR!

 

FREE!  Bridal fashion show, beauty treatments, vendors, music, & great prizes

 

Win a honeymoon suite in Julian--or a night on the town with limo, paparazzi, and Johnny Depp look-alike "Sam the Pirate"

 June 5, 2010 (Fletcher Hills) -- We're pulling out all the stops to celebrate--and you're invited to this fun, FREE event:

EAST COUNTY BRIDAL & BEAUTY FAIR

Sunday, June 6th from 12-4 p.m.

 La Dolce Belladonna Salon & Spa, 596 N. Westwind Drive in El Cajon. 

 

 

*Bridal fashion show: new & vintage bridal gowns & accessories from Sparrow Bridal

* Free beauty treatments, Bueno bakery treats, music, dozens of vendors, and fabulous prizes

Perfect for brides, grooms, bridesmaids, families, party planners, and all who are romantic at heart!


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“OPEN” PRIMARY MEASURE,PROP 14, OPPOSED BY ALL POLITICAL PARTIES IN CALIFORNIA

 

Prop 14 would ban party primaries, allow candidates to run without disclosing party, ban write-in candidates, and allow a general election run-off between two candidates in the same party

June 2, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) - A recent poll shows 60% of voters support Prop 14, the so-called “open primary” initiative on the June 8 ballot. But the measure goes far beyond “open primary” measures elsewhere. Opponents say most people don’t understand the implications of the measure, which is opposed by both the Democratic and Republican parties in California as well as minor parties including the Libertarian, Green and Peace & Freedom Parties.


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CHAMBER TO HOST CANDIDATES FOR 36th STATE SENATE AND 77th ASSEMBLY SEATS JUNE 1st IN EL CAJON

 

May 31, 2010 (El Cajon) -- The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce will present its“Conversations with the Candidates” legislative dinner on June 1st. All candidates running for the 36th Senate seat and the 77th Assembly district have been invited. Both are important electoral positions for the East County community and both are open seats this election cycle.


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TWO DEAD IN HOUSE FIRE NEAR JULIAN

 

 

Update 3 p.m. Cal-Fire reports that both fatalities were visitors to the home. Four other people escaped the fire, including one female who was transported to an emegency facility for treatment of smoke inhalation.

May 31, 2010 (Shelter Valley) – A modular home fire iat 7523 Gunslinger Trail in Shelter Valley near Julian overnight has resulted in two fatalities, the County Coroner's office reports. “When firefighters arrived, the modular home was fully involved,” said Cal-Fire Battalion Chief Nick Schuler.


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CLIMATE CHANGE LEADERS TO SPEAK IN BONITA JUNE 10

 

May 31, 2010 (Bonita) – An update on climate change will be presented by leaders of Citizens Climate Lobby on Thursday, June 10th at the Bonita Library, 4375 Bonita Road.

 

Citizens Climate Lobby hosts monthly national conferences and trains volunteers to speak to elected officials, the media, and local organizations on climate change issues.

 


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WILL POWER REPORT: IN MEMORIAM

Nothing but the Truth!

By Will Power

 

 May 31, 2010 (San Diego) -- On Memorial Day we pay tribute to those brave souls who risk life and limb that we may live in a free, democratic society. But those who serve often sacrifice more than life and limb.


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BARONA CULTURAL CENTER AND MUSEUM CELEBRATES 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY


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2 FIRES QUICKLY CONTAINED

May 30, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – A hawk flew into power lines today in Mira Mesa, igniting a fire that briefly threatened homes. The fire is now extinguished. This evening, Cal-Fire is at the scene of a small fire started by a riding lawn mower on Haverford Road in Ramona. The fire is surrounded and is expected to be out soon.


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CONCERT IN JAMUL JUNE 1 TO HELP DILIBERTI SAVE HIS ARTISTIC HOME; SUPPORTERS TO ATTEND FIRE BOARD MEETING FOLLOWNG RALLY

 

 

May 29, 2010 (Jamul)- Harmonica John and the Reggae Band PSYDECAR will perform at a post-Memorial Day gathering Tuesday, June 1 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. across the street from the fire station at 14024 Peaceful Valley Road in Jamul.

 


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EDITORIAL: THE BIG PICTURE—A CREATIVE SMALL SCHOOL MODEL FOR ALPINE

 

Creative learning model is part of agenda at June 8 forum on Alpine's new high school

 

By Megan Werland
Alpine resident and member of the 12th HS Design Team

May 29, 2010 (Alpine) -- On June 8th, the GUHSD’s 12th High School Design Team will introduce its curriculum and architectural design to the community of Alpine and Blossom Valley (BV).

 

People will see innovation that will inspire them and may even make them a little nervous. Because after all, a school of the future will not look like the high school we attended when we were younger. Not to worry, parents!


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MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION AT SACRED ROCKS RESERVE

 

May 29, 2010 (Boulevard) – Sacred Rocks Reserve RV park and campground invites you to an annual Memorial Day celebration. Don’t feel like roughing in a tent or RV? Other lodging options include rental cottages or a Western-style bunkhouse.

“We have exciting new games like bocce ball and petanque, and as always, nature walks, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and labyrinth for friends and family enjoyment,” said Sharon Courmousis, co-owner of the boulder-strewn rural retreat one hour east of San Diego. Other attractions include a stargazing plateau, ancient oak grove, badminton, horseshoes, and “wild croquet.”


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MEXICAN IMMIGRANT IN CRITICAL CONDITION FROM TASER USED BY BORDER PATROL DURING STRUGGLE

 

Update:  The injured man, Anastasio Hernandez, died Saturday. The County Medical examiner's office listed high blood pressure, methamphetamine use, and the physical altercation with officers as contributing factors in his death.

May 29, 2010 (San Diego) – San Diego Police homicide detectives are investigating the serious injury of a 32-year-old Mexican border crosser. Following a struggle, a Border Patrol agent used a Taser to subdue the suspect, who quit breathing and is not expected to survive, according to SDPD.


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SLAUGHTERHOUSE FIRE CONTAINED AT 30 ACRES

 

May 29, 2010 (Lakeside) 4:30 p.m. – A 30-acre fire centered at Slaughterhouse Canyon Road just north of Lakeside has been 100% contained at 30 acres. The fire was caused by pieces of a malfunctioning catalytic converter expelled from a vehicle, according to Cal Fire spokesperson Roxanne Provaznik.

 

‘Now is the time of year to keep your vehicles properly maintained, so that fires like this don’t happen,” say’s Fire Investigator Captain Preston Fouts. Also to help prevent fires now that it’s camping season, R.V. owners are asked to check safety chains on the tow hitch and make sure they are tight and not sagging onto the pavement, causing sparks.


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5 FIRES BURNING ALONG HIGHWAY 67 IN LAKESIDE AREA -- HIGHWAY SHUT DOWN

 

1 p.m. update:  ECM publisher Mark Hanson, whose home overlooks the San Vicente Reservoir, says the fire appears to be out in his area following air drops on the blaze.  The U.S. Forest Service has also been called in to assist, Incident Page Network reports.


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PASSAGES: PEARL HARBOR HERO JOHN FINN, 100, DIES

Services Thursday for Medal of Honor recipient and former East County resident

May 29, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – John Finn, the oldest living Medal of Honor recipient honored for his heroism during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, died May 27 in a Chula Vista nursing home.

 

Finn manned a machine gun from an exposed position at the Naval Air Station at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii on December 7, 1941, firing at the attacking planes for more than two hours despite being hit 21 times by bomb and bullet fragments. The young Lieutenant left his post only when directly ordered to seek medical attention, then returned after treatment despite severe pain to supervise rearming of returning squadron planes.  For his courageous actions, he received the Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor during combat that a U.S. military member may earn.


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MISSING WOMAN FOUND DEAD NEAR JULIAN

 

May 29, 2010 (Julian) -- Stephanie Brehm-McCabe, 44, was found dead May 27 n her vehicle in a remote mountain area near Julian. Cause of death has not yet been released by the coroner's office.

A resident of Santa Margarita, she had been reported missing by family on May 25.  She was last seen May 24 at approximately 8 a.m. after putting a knife to her wrist. She left in her truck, then phoned an acquaintance and left a message indicating she intended to commit suicide.

 


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MEETING ON ALPINE HIGH SCHOOL SET FOR JUNE 8

May 29, 2010 (Alpine) – Grossmont Union High School District will host a forum on Alpine’s planned new high school on Tuesday, June 8 at 6 p.m. in the Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Boulevard in Alpine. Residents from throughout the Grossmont Union High School are welcome to attend. While boundaries for the new school’s attendance are still being finalized, parents from Alpine and Blossom Valley are particularly encouraged to participate in the forum.

 

Speakers will include GUHSD superintendent Bob Collins, assistant superintendent mike Lewis, facility planner and project lead Dena Johnson, director of instruction Cindy Douglas, as well as the architectural team from IBI Group/Sprotte-Watson and the GUHSD design team.


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5 YOUTHS IN HEAD-ON COLLISION WITH TRUCK, TEEN GIRL DEAD IN SABRE SPRINGS

 

May 29, 2010 (Sabre Springs) BreAnna Erickson, 17, died from injuries sustained in a head-on crash with a truck on Sabre Springs Parkway near Creekbridge Place at 5:39 p.m. last night. A friend was driving the car at a high speed but lost control, according to the Coroner’s office. Four other young people were also in the car, San Diego Police report.


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TECATE MISSION TO CELEBRATE INSTALLATION OF SUN-TRACKING SOLAR PANELS ON JUNE 3


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ADVICE FROM THE PURPLE MOUNTAIN SAGE: UNSTUFFING

 

by: Sharon Courmousis, Sacred Rocks Reserve

Increase your enjoyment of living

 “We are not cisterns made for hoarding, we are channels made for sharing.” -- Billy Graham
 

Unstuffing

 

Cooler weather and wild storms have caused spring to come later this year. Signs of spring for me are seen in the plants and animals around Sacred Rocks. The Yucca plants, like huge asparagus, are popping up all over the mountains. I photographed peachy blossoms, pinkish with deep purple at the outside edges -- one I saw was a brilliant eggplant color. Astonishing beauty without human intervention, a gift.


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WHEEL OF WINNERS ROLLS OUT AT VIEJAS

 

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (May 29, 2010) – Visitors to Viejas Casino in June will have a chance to spin a giant “Wheel of Winners” and take home a share of up to $640,000 in cash. Drawings will be held at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m. every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Winners from each drawing will have a chance to spin the giant “Wheel of Winners” and win cash prizes ranging from $250 to $10,000.


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PROP 17 WOULD HURT VETERANS & CONSUMERS, EXPERTS WARN


INSURANCE-BACKED INITIATIVE DECEIVES CONSUMERS, SAY PUBLIC INTEREST GROUPS 

By Miriam Raftery

May 28, 2010 (San Diego) – Mercury Insurance is the sole sponsor of Proposition 17, though it hides its identity behind the deceptively name Campaign for Consumer Rights. Mercury wants to repeal portions of a law that prohibit it from charging higher rates to consumers who dropped insurance coverage for 90 days, missed a single payment, or were not previously insured (even if a teen had a perfect record driving a paren'ts car).

 

Yesterday, Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee Chair Mary Salas held a press conference with Votevets.org chairman Jon Soltz to warn that Prop 17 unfairly penalizes veterans who drop coverage while serving overseas or in the U.S. “Soldiers and veterans would be required to pay up to $1,000 more a year for auto insurance when they sought to restart coverage,” Salas cautions.


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LET THERE BE LIGHT! STIMULUS DOLLARS TO UPGRADE LIGHTING IN EL CAJON – SAVING ENERGY AND MONEY

 

 

May 28, 2010 (El Cajon) – El Cajon’s City Council voted Tuesday to approve using grant money to upgrade lighting at recreation centers, City Hall, a fire station, and along maor city streets. The stimulus funds is from the Obama administration’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which awarded El $881,100 for the upgrade of City equipment and facilities.


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ANDERSON SPEAKS OUT ON CAMPAIGN FINANCE ISSUES

 

"There was no money laundering...I'm endorsed by the  Deputy Sheriffs, police, the CHP. Do you think they would endorse me if I was a money launderer?" - Assemblyman Joel Anderson

 

May 28, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Assemblyman Joel Anderson (R-El Cajon) has been dogged by the whiff of scandal since the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) fined his campaign $20,000 for accepting five contributions over the legal limit of $3,900 per individual.

 

Opponents and some media reports have made references to money-laundering. For months, Anderson has said little on the matter, on the advice of attorneys. But in a phone call with ECM editor Miriam Raftery today, Anderson flatly denied any intentional wrongdoing and defended his integrity.


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THE WILL POWER REPORT: WHY USE OF CHEMICAL DISPERSANTS IS A BAD IDEA


Nothing but the Truth!

 

By Will Power

 

May 28, 2010 (San Diego) -- The Deepwater Horizon oil spill was a tragedy, but the British Petroleum response could be Armageddon for the Gulf of Mexico. Oil is toxic enough, but the tons of chemical dispersants can be five times worse.


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