May 16, 2012 (Lakeside) – A free Birds of Prey Presentation by Sky Hunters Raptor Education and Rehabilitation will be held on May 19 at Lakeside’s River Park, 12108 Industry Road, Lakeside from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.  Attendees will have the opportunity to see live birds of prey up close and learn about their life spans, habitat and diets. 

“This is nothing more than a public land grab for private profit. The BLM is literally giving this away to corporations…This may be out in the desert today, but tomorrow it could be in your backyard…Already over a dozen projects are proposed in San Diego and Imperial County.” – Robert Scheid, Viejas media relations

May 16, 2012 (La Jolla) – At a press conference yesterday outside the gleaming corporate towers occupied by Pattern Energy in La Jolla, a coalition of environmental groups, Native American tribes and outraged citizens urged President Barack Obama to stop fast-tracking of massive energy projects on public lands and halt construction at the Ocotillo Express wind facility immediately.

Heavy equipment has begun grading the site, ripping massive ocotillo cacti out by the roots, burying burrowing owl nesting sites and breaking hearts of the many people who love this  desert land.

May 15, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--The California State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal-Fire) plans to hold a special meeting this Wednesday to receive public input on draft regulations as part of ABX1 29, better known as the $150 annual parcel tax or "triple" fire tax for properties within the state’s area of responsibility. 

The meeting will be held this Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors chamber at the County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway in San Diego. 

By Miriam Raftery
May 15, 2012 (Santa Ysabel) -- The Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel is accusing San Diego County officials of acting illegally in attempting seizure of the tribe’s governmental funds.

Tribal Chairman Virgil Perez said his Tribe’s agreement with the County allows the attachment of proceeds from the Tribe’s casino, but prohibits the County from seizing non-gaming funds.

Perez said he received notice that the County tried to seize every dollar the tribe had in over 20 accounts--including federal grant funds obligated for operation of the tribal government, housing, environmental protection, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds for road improvements, Indian Child Welfare Act matters, as well as state funds for elder and veterans services, and the minors trust fund.

County to offer discounted zero-emission lawn mowers at 13th Annual Trade-In Event

May 15, 2012 (San Diego) -- County residents can roll their old, gas powered lawn mowers down to the County Administration Center this Saturday and come away with new, zero-emission models. The price? The Black & Decker mowers, which normally retail for $400 plus tax, will cost just $99.99.

May 15, 2012 (San Diego) -- San Diego Public Library continues the downtown verse poetry & spoken word program for May. Greek Drama, Hawaiian Poetry, San Diego State University Students are featured in May. The next featured performances are: 

Suspects drove black Volkswagen and tan minivan 

May 14, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—Two different men approached female students walking to Grossmont High School last week, offering rides. A letter sent by principal Dan Barnes today warns parents to “make sure your child does not travel to school alone. It’s always best to walk with a buddy or group of friends.”

Authorities also ask the public's help to report any sightings of vehicles or individuals matching the following descriptions.

May 14, 2012 (La Jolla) -- A coalition of environmentalists, tribes, and residents opposed to the Ocotillo Express industrial wind facility will hold a news conference Tuesday, May 15 at 2 p.m. in front of the La Jolla offices of developer Pattern Energy (4225 Executive Square, La Jolla) to explain to the public why they cannot accept Interior Secretary Ken Salazar's decision to approve the project--and why they will continue their opposition. 

The public is welcome to stand in solidarity with Native Americans, residents and environmental groups seeking justice.  (Map to Pattern’s La Jolla office: http://tinyurl.com/PatternLaJolla.)

May 14, 2012 (El Cajon) –How can you help “take back the media” and help get messages on campaigns or other issues out to the public?  Two experienced media insiders, who are also political activists, will share their techniques at the East County Democratic Club on Wednesday, May 17.

 Mike Thaller is a former television and film director specializing in commercials and educational Films. He is currently director of media relations for the San Diego Democratic Party

 John Mattes is an attorney and investigative reporter.  Known as “The Investigative Guy”, he has worked as an investigator for Fox TV news as well as an investigative counsel  for U.S. Senator John Kerry, as well as holidng public office as a Supervisor in Wisconsin.

Family criticizes search after private investigator locates body; Sheriff defends efforts

May 14, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) –A vigil is set for this afternoon, with a mass service tomorrow morning for Guillermo Pino Jr., 24.  Pino’s body has been recovered from a 60-foot-deep chasm near where he disappeared April 8 in the Arroyo Tapaido “badlands” area in the Anza-Borrego Desert.

Your Online Weather's forecaster gets into the swim of things with today's fun-in-the-sun predictions.

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