May 2010 Articles

BLOCK’S BILL TO RESTORE LOCAL STUDENT GUARANTEED ADMISSIONS AT SDSU SET FOR HEARING WED. MAY 12

 

 Update: This bill was sent to the suspension file, which likely means it will not win passage this session.


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LEGISLATIVE LEADERS INTRODUCE PACKAGE OF BILLS TO CLOSE CORPORATE TAX LOOPHOLES

 

Bills’ supporters say budget shortfalls will hurt economy, lead to crowded schools and disintegration of safety-net
 

 

May 10, 2010 (Sacramento) -- Legislators held a State Capitol News Conference to announce the introduction of a package of bills to close “fat cat tax” loopholes.


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DON'T LEAVE GRANDMA IN THE ATTIC! GET TIPS TO PRESERVE FAMILY TREASURES DURING PRESERVATION WEEK @ YOUR LIBRARY, MAY 9-15

 

May 10, 2010 (Chicago) --This May 9–15, the American Library Association (ALA) will launch its first-ever Preservation Week @ your library, a time when thousands will turn to libraries across the U.S. for information and expertise on how to preserve collectables, photos, family records and other valuable materials.

 


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EL CAJON POLICE INVITES PUBLIC TO "SECTOR WATCH" NEIGHBORHOOD FORUMS

 

The El Cajon Police Department is holding a total of five Community Neighborhood Forums called “Sector Watch”. Well over 100 people attended the first Sector Watch Forum at Fletcher Hills Elementary School on May 4th. Additional forums are set for May 11, 18 and 26, as well as June 2.

 


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CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE ACTS TO KEEP TEXAS CURRICULUM CHANGES BACKED BY RELIGIOUS CONSERVATIVES OUT OF CALIFORNIA TEXTBOOKS

 

May 10, 2010 (Sacramento) – By a unanimous vote and with broad bipartisan support, the Senate Committee on Education passed legislation on April 21 to ensure that California textbooks will not contain changes made in Texas. In March, the Texas State Board of Education approved extreme right-wing curriculum changes. Due to the number of public school students in the state, textbook manufacturers are expected to make changes that could drastically influence textbooks throughout the country.


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GARDENING IN GYM CLASS: A HIGH SCHOOL IS MAKING TRADITIONAL PE CLASSES GREENER

By Rachel Ford
 

May 10, 2010 (New Jersey) -- Imagine switching compost bins instead of sides on the tennis court? Planting vegetables in place of goals in the net. That’s exactly what Princeton High School kids in New Jersey are doing. In an elective program, they can choose to take Gardening in place of traditional PE classes.


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YOUNG MAN STABBED IN COLLEGE AREA

 

May 10, 2010 (San Diego) – A Hispanic man in his early 20s was stabbed near San Diego State University following an altercation shortly after 3 a.m. on May 9th, San Diego Police report. According to police, words were exchanged between a group of Hispanic men and a group of white men walking in the 5200 block of Falls View in the east college area when a physical altercation ensued.

 


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HOLLINGSWORTH BILL TO REDUCE PENSIONS FOR STATE WORKERS IS HEARD IN COMMITTEE

By Miriam Raftery
May 10, 2010 (Sacramento) – Senator Dennis Hollingsworth (R-Murrieta) whose district includes most of East County, had a hearing in the Senate Public Employees and Retirement Today on his Senate Bill 919. The measure would increase retirement age from 55 to 65 and require higher contributions from state employees to their retirement accounts. It would also require that retirement benefits be based on the highest three years of wages, instead of the highest one year.

 

The measure, which would reduce pension benefits while asking workers to pay more into their pension funds, has sparked controversy in Sacramento, drawing opposition from teachers and other state workers.


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APARTMENT FIRE DESTROYS UNIT IN SPRING VALLEY


Story and photos by Miriam Raftery

 

May 10, 2010 (Spring Valley) – Fire gutted an apartment unit at 3613 S. Bonita in Spring Valley this evening, though a swift response by multiple fire agencies saved adjoining units.  Anxious residents, some in pajamas and one in a wheelchair, gathered outside as firefighters conducted a search of the building. No one was found inside and no injuries were reported.

“When I came home and opened the door, there was smoke,” said one occupant of the unit, who asked that his name not be published. “I broke open a fire extinguisher and saw a fire in a trashcan, then I called 911.” Four residents in his unit and a dog were displaced by the fire, he said.


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CONTROVERSY GROWS OVER ARIZONA IMMIGRATION LAW

 

Council votes to oppose measure; local conference unites groups in opposition

 

National polls show majority favors Arizona's new law

 

By Bill Pogue and Miriam Raftery

 

May 10, 2010 (San Diego) – The San Diego City Council has voted 7 to 1 to condemn Arizona’s tough immigration law, Senate Bill 1070. "This law threatens to divide our union," Councilman Ben Hueso said. "I believe it violates the Constitution. It victimizes legal residents as well as those who are here in the country illegally. And, it discourages the victims of crimes in the immigrant community to access justice."

 

Councilmembers joined mayors of San Francisco and Minneapolis, 12 City Councilmembers in New York City, Tucson and Flagstaff city governments in criticizing the measure. San Diego Unified School Board is also preparing to vote on opposing the measure as well as warning parents that travel to Arizona may subject their families to unlawful scrutiny.


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CLASSICAL GUITAR CONCERT AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE FRIDAY MAY 15

May 10, 2010 (El Cajon) -- The Grossmont College Guitar Guild will present a performance by Grossmont College Music Dept. classical guitar instructor Robert Wetzel starting at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 15, at Room 221 on campus. The public is invited to attend.

 

The performance is a fund-raiser for the Grossmont College Guitar Guild. Admission is $8 per person, and $5 for seniors, students and children under age 12.


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SEMPRA 1ST QUARTER EARNINGS DOWN SHARPLY DUE TO LITIGATION SETTLEMENT

 

SDG&E ratepayers due refunds for ENRON-style price manipulations; company also assessed higher fire insurance premiums


SAN DIEGO, May 10, 2010 – Sempra Energy reports first-quarter 2010 earnings of $106 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, down from $316 million, or $1.29 per diluted share, in the first quarter 2009. First-quarter 2010 earnings included a charge of $96 million after tax related to the energy-crisis litigation settlement announced last week.


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HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOFTBALL - WOLFPACK EDGE COUGARS 2-1 IN PITCHERS' DUEL

by Christopher Mohr

 

 May 7, 2010 (Spring Valley) - Micherie Koria hit a grounder in the top of the eighth, driving home what proved to be the winning run in West Hills' 2-1 victory at Steele Canyon High School Friday afternoon. Pitching and defense dominated this game, making runs hard to come by and the slightest sign of offense a dramatic event.

Both starting pitchers, Noelle Johnson for West Hills, and Lorena Klopp for Steele Canyon, each threw complete games while dominating opposing hitters. Neither pitcher faced more than five batters in any inning.


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POWERLINK MEETING IN ALPINE TONIGHT

 

More meetings set for May 18 in Boulevard and May 27 in Lakeside

 

May 10, 2010 (Alpine) – San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) will host a community meeting on Sunrise Powerlink at 6 p.m. tonight at the Alpine Women's Club, 2156 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine.

 

“Many may think this is a David vs. Goliath fight, but remember, David won the fight. We can, too,” said Sharmin Self, East County Community Action Coalition, an organization representing 79,000 people opposed to the Powerlink project. Self urged community members to attend the meeting, adding, “Numbers do count.”


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DEMOCRATS’ JOBS PACKAGE ADVANCES IN STATE SENATE

 

May 9, 2010 (Sacramento) – “The Senate continues to make progress to restore California's economy and put people back to work,” Senator Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego) announced. In April, Senate committees passed several bills as part of “Agenda 2010”, Democrats’ plan that aspires to create 140,000 jobs without raising taxes or dismantling workplace and environmental protections.

 


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FREE SCREENING TONIGHT OF "ENRON: THE SMARTEST GUYS IN THE ROOM" AT LESTAT'S COFFEEHOUSE TONIGHT; Q & A SESSION, BOOK SIGNING TO FOLLOW

May 9, 2010 (San Diego)—Almost ten years ago, Enron Corporation went bankrupt. In 2005, Alex Gibney directed a documentary entitled Enron: The Smartest man in the Room. Today, there will be a free screening of this film, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary, at Lestat’s Coffeehouse West Showroom in downtown San Diego. The screening begins at 5:00 and seating is limited so plan to arrive early.

 


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ANDERSON BILL TO INCREASE R&D TAX CREDIT IS RE-REREFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON REVENUE & TAX

Local Assemblyman says bill will save high-paying jobs; fiscal impact weighed

May 12, 2010 (Sacramento) - Assemblyman Joel Anderson (R-El Cajon) has introduced AB 2278, which will be heard in the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committtee.  “By giving tax credits to California businesses in research and development, AB 2278 will help stop the hemorrhaging of California jobs,” Anderson said in an e-mail to local business leaders.  But whether legislators will approve a tax cut when the state faces a $20 billion budget deficit remains uncertain.


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MEET EAST COUNTY’S “ECO-WARRIOR” JIM MUMFORD

 

  

First came green roofs; now edible walls join pioneering urban farming trends

 

By Gayle Falkenthal

 

May 8, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) -- Plenty of people told Jim Mumford he was nuts building a green roof project in the middle of a Kearny Mesa industrial park. Three years later, the roof is thriving and Mumford’s GreenScaped Buildings is a pioneering venture and he's earned a reputation as leader in this segment of the green building industry.

 

Ironically, it was the destruction of his Muth Valley home near Barona in the 2003 Cedar wildfire that got East County resident Mumford thinking about the environmental future and more seriously about sustainable growing practices.


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OBAMA ISSUES DISASTER DECLARATION; AUTHORIZES FEMA FUNDS FOR QUAKE RELIEF IN IMPERIAL COUNTY

 

 

May 8, 2010 (Washington, D.C.)-- On May 6, President Obama issued a major disaster declaration for California, making federal funds available to help communities rebuild after the April 4, 2010 earthquake.  


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EL CAJON TEEN NAMED SEMI-FINALIST IN NATIONAL COMMUNITY SERVICE RECOGNITION PROGRAM

 

Nichole Miller honored for helping abused mothers and their children

 

May 8, 2010 (El Cajon) -- Nichole Miller, 17, of El Cajon has been named a semi-finalist in the 2010 search for Huggable Heroes®. Nichole is one of 75 young leaders recognized, honored and cele-bear-ated by Build-A-Bear Workshop® for helping make their communities and the world a better place.


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HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY FROM EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE!


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SAN MIGUEL FIRE DISTRICT TO HOLD FINANCIAL CRISIS FORUM JUNE 3

 

May 7, 2010 (Spring Valley) – San Miguel Consolidated Fire Protection District will host a “State of the Fire District” presentation and feedback forum. Information on the District’s fiscal forecast will include goals and objectives, current service levels, impacts on services from a shrinking revenue stream, steps taken thus far to balance the budget, and alternative revenue concepts.


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ROBBERS HOLD UP BANK COURIER IN LEMON GROVE, BUT GET NO CASH

 

 Suspects drove a gray Honda, wore red baseball caps

 

May 8, 2010 (Lemon Grove) – Two men held up a bank courier for Wells Fargo Bank at 7080 Broadway in Lemon Grove on May 6th at 4:45 p.m. According to San Diego Police, the men acted as if they had a gun and grabbed four bank bags. The thieves may have been disappointed in their haul, however, since the bags contained only account and customer information–-no money.


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BOXER WINS NEAR-UNANIMOUS PASSAGE IN SENATE OF AMENDMENT TO PREVENT TAXPAYERS FROM BAILING OUT WALL STREET

May 8, 2010 (Washington D.C.) – In today’s politically divisive climate, it’s rare for Senators to unite on any issue. But an amendment by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) to Wall Street reform legislation to ensure that no taxpayer funds will be used to bail out financial institutions has passed by a 96-1 vote.

 
“By passing this amendment, we make it clear – in law – that taxpayers will never again bail out Wall Street firms for their costly mistakes,” Boxer said.


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10-YEAR-OLD HIT BY TRUCK ON EL CAJON BLVD.

 

May 8, 2010 (San Diego) – A ten-year-old girl has suffered serious head and facial injuries after being struck by a truckl yesterday.  The driver, a woman in her 20s, was driving eastbound on El Cajon Boulevard at 56th street when she collided with a Volkswagen that was heading westbound, driven by a man in his 20s. After the collision, the truck spun out and struck the girl, a pedestrian standing on the corner.


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LIGHTS, CAMERAS, ACTION! SDSU STUDENT FILMMAKERS SHOWCASE & BENEFIT MAY 16

May 7, 2010 (San Diego) -- A screening of four outstanding short films by SDSU student filmmakers will be presented, followed by a question and answer forum with the cast and crew, on May 16th.  All contributions raised will enhance the SDSU Student  Filmmmakers Scholarship Fund, providing cash awards for the best student films.


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170,000 CRIBS RECALLED DUE TO INJURIES, STRANGULATION & SUFFOCATION HAZARD

May 7, 2010 (Washington D.C.) The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with C&T International Sorelle, announces a voluntary recall of numerous drop-side cribs sold from 2000 through March 2010 in retailers nationwide for approximately $300-$600. This recall involves C&T International, Sorelle and Golden Baby wood cribs. The full-size cribs were sold in natural, white and cherry finishes.


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INTERNATIONAL GOLD MEDAL FOR HAWK WATCH WINERY

 

May 7, 2010 (Warner Springs) – Hawk Watch Winery in Warner Springs is the recipient of nine medals so far this year. Most recently, the winery’s 2006 zinfandel won a gold medal at the Taster’s Guild International Wine Competition.

 


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ON THE SILVER SCREEN: "IRON MAN 2" A MOVIE OF STEEL DESPITE SCRIPT FLAWS

By Brian Lafferty

May 6, 2010 (San Diego)--When I saw Iron Man two years ago, I left the theater feeling it was a great movie but functioned more like a set-up for a better and bigger story. It raised my expectations for the sequel, which is out in theaters today. Iron Man 2 is bigger and better but not by much; it suffers from two major story flaws. Yet, I walked out of the theater feeling much more satisfied because everything that did work more than made up for what didn't.

 


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FREE CARNATIONS FOR MOMS ON MT. HELIX

 

May 7, 2010 (Mt. Helix) –This Sunday, docents at Mt. Helix Park will give free carnations to the first 36 mothers who visit the park starting at 10:30 a.m.

“Mt. Helix Park is actually a memorial to Mary Yawkey. Mrs. Yawkey had loved the peace and natural beauty of Mt. Helix so her children, Mary Yawkey White and Cyrus Yawkey, created a memorial park and amphitheater with the support of land owner Ed Fletcher,” said Tracey Stotz, executive director of the Mt. Helix Park Foundation. “The memorial park opened in the 1920s and here we are in 2010 still enjoying this lovely facility."


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