January 2017 Articles

SDSU WOMEN'S HOOPS STAGES IMPRESSIVE FOURTH QUARTER COMEBACK; BEATS BOISE STATE 84-77

 

Story and photos by Liz Alper

Quotes courtesy Jen Heisel

January 7, 2017 (San Diego) - After getting back on track in conference play with a win against Nevada on Wednesday night, the lady Aztecs took Steve Fisher Court again for a Saturday matinee against Boise State.


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REP. DAVIS CALLS FOR INDEPENDENT PROBE OF ‘CHILLING’ RUSSIAN HACKING

 

By Chris Jennewein

Reprinted with permission from Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

January 7, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- Rep. Susan Davis on Friday called for a “truly bipartisan and independent” probe into Russian hacking during the Presidential election.

Davis, a Democrat who serves on the influential House Armed Services Committee, described the reports of Russian hacking as “chilling.”


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FIRE DESTROYS TRAILERFUL OF TRIPE ON I-8 IN ALPINE

 

East County News Service

January 7, 2016 (Alpine) – Overheated brakes caused a fire that engulfed a big-rig trailer laden with 10 tons of tripe on Interstate 8 west in Alpine yesterday shortly after 1:30 a.m.

The driver disconnected the refrigerated trailer and escaped safely with his dog, but flames scorched most of the beef tripe bound for a San Diego distribution center, California Highway Patrol has indicated.


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KEEPERS OF THE FAITH CONCERT JAN. 12

 

East County News Service

January 7, 2017 (El Cajon) - Keepers of the Faith, originally from Hawaii, currently residing in Seattle, WA. will be in concert next Thursday, January 12.  These “boys” have been redeemed from a life of crime and decided to share their testimony via music.  


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EL CAJON PLANS FOR NEARLY 5,000 NEW HOMES

 

Public comment deadline is January 19

By Mike Allen

January 6, 2017 (El Cajon) -- El Cajon is making plans to create nearly 5,000 new homes through a rezoning program that would amend zoning in four areas of the city, enabling formerly commercial properties to include future residential units.


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FIRE SURVIVORS' ADVOCATE URGES PUBLIC TO SPEAK AT MONDAY CPUC HEARINGS ON SDG&E PROPOSAL TO CHARGE RATEPAYERS FOR 2007 WILDFIRE COSTS

Hear our KNSJ radio interview with Diane Conklin, Mussey Grade Road Alliance, by clicking the audio link. Conklin estimates cost of SDG&E’s proposal could be $280 per household.

By Miriam Raftery

January 6, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) --In 2012,  a huge turnout by ratepayers helped persuade the California Public Utilities Commission to deny SDG&E’s request to charge ratepayers for its uninsured costs of  three 2007 wildfires.

 Now the utility has revived a similar proposal, seeking $379 million from ratepayers. On Monday, the CPUC will hold public hearings in Escondido at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the California Center for the Arts Escondido conference center, Salon 1Room, 340 North Escondido Blvd. in Escondido.

Advocates for ratepayers and fire survivors are urging the public to again turn out in force at Monday’s hearings, arguing that it would be unfair and set a bad precedent to allow a utility to charge ratepayers for fires caused by its equipment. They say that SDG&E should have foreseen high winds and taken steps to protect the public.   The group estimates average cost per household would be $280 if SDG&E’s proposal is approved.

 But SDG&E contends that  it’s fair to ask ratepayers to help shoulder costs of the fires, which it contends were natural disasters with winds stronger than seen in previous fires.  The company also notes that it has worked to reduce claims and made major investments to improve fire safety for the future.

Audio: 


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FAMILY FUN FEST JAN. 7 AT KROC CENTER

 

East County News Service

January 5, 2017 (San Diego) - You can bring the whole family to a (free) family fun fest at Kroc Center on January 7th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Activities include arts and crafts, an inflatable fun park, sports challenges, giveaways and more. 


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HELIX WATER SETS SPECIAL MEETING JAN. 18 TO FILLL BOARD VACANCY AND VOTE ON MOVING MEETINGS TO EVENINGS

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left:  Directors Mark Gracyk and DeAna Verbecke offered opposing views on how board vacancy should be filled

January 5, 2016 (La Mesa) – At a packed meeting yesterday,  Helix Water Board members aired differing views on how to fill a vacancy left by the resignation last week of newly elected member Lu Tejeda. Tejeda cited conflicts of interest raised by his job with a contractor. 

The new board majority pushed to appoint Dan McMillan, whom Tejeda narrowly edged out by just 185 votes in the four-man race. Both ran on a platform of reigning in rising water rates. 

Director DeAna Verbecke dissented, calling for the district to accept applications and conduct interviews with all interested parties in an open meeting before making an appointment. 


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FIRST HALF HELPS SDSU WOMEN'S HOOPS TOPPLE NEVADA 83-78

 

The Aztecs had nine three-pointers in the first half

Source: goaztecs.com

Photo: McKynzie Fort courtesy goaztecs.com

January 4, 2017 (San Diego) - Behind an outstanding first half in which the Aztecs scored nine 3-pointers, the most in a half since 2005, and 52 points, San Diego State women’s basketball clawed its way past Nevada, 83-78, in its Mountain West debut at Viejas Arena Wednesday night.


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SDSU MEN'S BASKETBALL DROPS CLOSE THREE-POINT SHOOTOUT TO NEVADA

 

By Liz Alper

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

January 4, 2017 (Reno) - After a loss that should've been a win on New Year's Day against New Mexico on the first day of conference play, the San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team traveled to Reno to take on the Wolfpack of the University of Nevada.


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EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS

 

East County News Service

January 4, 2017 (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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ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS

 

East County News Service

January 4, 2017 (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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DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: TOP FESTIVALS AND EVENTS JAN. 7-FEB. 11

 

East County News Service

January 4, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes an artists’ reception, a family fun fest, train rides, a walk up Mount Helix, a Lore of the Kumeyaay class, and an international music and arts festival.

Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including theatrical performances, a writers’ conference, a Hawaiian and Celtic guitarist and song writer, outdoor ice skating, an author’s book signing, and a Native American powwow at Cuyamaca College.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!


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JV BOYS BASKETBALL: EAST COUNTY EAGLES CAN'T SURVIVE SLAUGHTER FROM SOUTH COUNTY EAGLES

 

Story and photos by Liz Alper

January 4, 2017 (El Cajon) - In their second game back from winter break, the JV boys basketball Eagles of Granite Hills took the court against the other Eagles, the ones from Olympian High in Chula Vista in round one of the Wolfpack Shootout.


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LA MESA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WILL HOST BREAKFAST WITH SUPERVISOR DIANNE JACOB

 

Source: La Mesa Chamber of Commerce

File photo: Jacob meets with constituents in Dulzura

January 3, 2017 (La Mesa) - The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce will host County Supervisor Dianne Jacob for its first breakfast meeting of the year starting at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at the Marie Callender’s restaurant, 6950 Alvarado Road, San Diego.


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SDSU'S JEFF HORTON NAMED FOOTBALLSCOOP RUNNING BACKS COACH OF THE YEAR

 

Horton picked by peers for prestigious award

Source: goaztecs.com

Photo:  Donnel Pumphrey and Jeff Horton, courtesy goaztecs.com

January 4, 2017 (San Diego) - San Diego State associate head coach/offensive coordinator/running backs coach Jeff Horton was recently named the 2016 FootballScoop Running Backs Coach of the Year, presented by ProGrass.


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RUNNING PUTS PROBATION YOUTH ON POSITIVE PATH

 

A running program is giving some youth in detention not only a physical outlet for stress but also meditative time to refocus and readjust attitudes that landed them in trouble. It’s turned into both a goal and an accomplishment they never thought they could attain – and an important component of their efforts to get their lives on the right track.


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SHARP GROSSMONT HOSPITAL GOES OFF GRID

 

Source: Sharp Grossmont Hospital

Photo: Dave Grundstrom, chairman of the Sharp Grossmont Hospital board, and Michael Emerson, vice president of the Grossmont Healthcare District board, join donors Mary Alice Brady and Ron Brady for the official launch of the hospital's central energy plant.

January 4, 2017 (La Mesa) -- Sharp Grossmont Hospital and the Grossmont Healthcare District officially celebrated the completion of the hospital's new central energy plant (CEP) in December.  The facility now supplies the hospital with its own generated energy, taking Sharp Grossmont completely off the electrical grid.


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HOUSE VOTES TO FINE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS FOR PROTEST ACTIONS

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 4, 2016 (Washington D.C.) – The new Republican-led House of Representatives has passed a resolution to impose fines on members who stage protests on the House Floor.


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SAN PASQUAL WINERY TASTING ROOM AND GALLERY ANNOUNCES FEBRUARY MUSIC EVENTS

 

East County News Service

January 4, 2017 (La Mesa) - San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room and Gallery will host a variety of musical entertainment each Saturday evening in February—including an acoustic guitar and mandolin duo, a guitarist focused on Hawaiian and Celtic styles, a Latin music guitarist and composer, and a pianist performing favorites from the ‘40s through the ‘70s.  Scroll down for details.


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CUYAMACA COLLEGE POWWOW FEB. 4

 

East County News Service

January 4, 2017 (El Cajon) - The Native American Student Alliance at Cuyamaca College will host its 3rd Annual Powwow on Saturday, February 4th from  10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. in front of the Communication Arts complex (Building B).


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PLEIN AIR ARTISTS RECEPTION JAN. 7 AT THE WIEGHORST MUSEUM

 

East County News Service

January 4, 2017 (El Cajon) -- The Wieghorst Museum in El Cajon invites you to an opening night reception for a new art exhibit titled “Salmagundians and their Friends” this Saturday, January 7th from 5:30 to 7 p.m.


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APPLICANTS SOUGHT FOR CITY OF EL CAJON COMMISSIONS: JANUARY 12 DEADLINE TO APPLY

 

Source: City of El Cajon

January 4, 2017 (El Cajon) -- The El Cajon City Council is now accepting applications for its Planning Commission, Veterans’ Commission, Personnel Commission, and Public Safety Facility Financing Oversight Committee.


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STUDENT SOLOISTS ANNOUNCED FOR UPCOMING CONCERTS, PERFORMING FULL CONCERTOS IN SAN DIEGO AND POWAY

 

East County News Service

January 4, 2017 (San Diego) – Each year, talented students from San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory's most advanced level Ovation, and intermediate level Showcase programs compete in our solo Concerto Competitions.   In addition to cash scholarship awards, the winners of both competitions gain the opportunity to perform as featured soloists in future San Diego Youth Symphony concerts.


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TEJEDA RESIGNS FROM HELIX WATER BOARD: WED. MEETING TO INCLUDE DISCUSSION OF REPLACEMENT AND MOVING MEETING TIMES TO EVENINGS

By Miriam Raftery

January 3, 2017 (La  Mesa) – Newly elected Helix Water District board member Lu Tejeda has resigned, effective December 30, 2016.  In a an e-mail to Board President Joel Scalzitti, Tejeda said new business opportunities could present a conflict of interest.

The remaining board members will address Tejeda’s resignation and next steps to fill the vacancy at a meeting on Wednesday, January 4 at 2 p.m.  The agenda will also include consideration of a proposal by new member Dan Gracyk to move board meetings to evenings, as members of the public have long requested.


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ISSA BILL WOULD UNDO MULTIPLE OBAMA ACTIONS IN A SINGLE VOTE

 

East County News Service

January 3, 2017 (San Diego) – San Diego Republican Congressman Darrell Issa has introduced the Midnight Rules Relief Act, or HR 21.  If approved, it would make it easier for Congress to undo regulations issued in the final weeks of President Barack Obama’s administration.


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OPPOSITION GROWS TO SESSIONS’ NOMINATION AS ATTORNEY GENERAL: NAACP PROTESTERS ARRESTED IN ALABAMA

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Screenshot of video on NAACP Facebook page at sit-in in Rep. Sessions’ office in Mobile, Alabama

January 3, 2017 (Washington D.C.) – Over 1,100 law professors from across the nation have sent a letter urging the Senate to reject Donald Trump’s nomination of Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions as Attorney General.  In addition, NAACP members in Alabama have been detained after launching a sit-in at Sessions’ office in Mobile, Alabama in protest of racial equality, civil rights and voting rights issues dogging the nominee, who formerly served as U.S. attorney in Mobile.


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FIRST ACTION OF NEW GOP CONGRESS: GUT ETHICS OVERSIGHT, RESTORE IT AFTER PUBLIC OUTCRY

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 3, 2017 (Washington D.C) –The first action of the 115th Congress was a closed-door vote by House Republicans to gut the Office of Congressional Ethics’  (OCE) independence and oversight powers.  But hours later,  after media reported on the action and members received a flood of calls from angry constituents, a new vote was held to scrap that plan and keep the OCE intact, for now.

The OCE was created in 2008 by then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in response to the corruption scandal involving lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who was later convicted of multiple felonies.  The House Ethics Committee did nothing about that scandal. Nor did it take any action against Randy “Duke” Cunningham, a San Diego Congressman sentenced to a decade in prison for bribery and corruption charges. It also took no action against Congressman Bob Filner when he was charged with trespass after pushing past a TSA agent at an airport.

In light of the House Ethics Committee’s impotence, the OCE  was created to conduct independent investigations, including probes based on tips from staffers, the public and anonymous sources.  


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SDG&E PRESIDENT SCOTT DRURY BEGINS ROLE

 

Source:  SDG&E

January 3, 2017 (San Diego) – The New Year brings new leadership to San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) as Scott D. Drury becomes president of the energy company. Drury succeeds Jeff Martin, who has become executive vice president and chief financial officer at Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), the parent company of SDG&E. Drury’s and Martin’s new assignments were announced last September as part of Sempra Energy’s ongoing leadership development and succession planning process.


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THE BENEVOLENCE OF RAY AND JOAN KROC

 

Ray & Joan: The Man Who Made the McDonald’s Fortune and the Woman Who Gave It All Away, by Lisa Napoli (Dutton, New York, NY, 2016, 353 pages).

Book Review by Dennis Moore

January 3, 2017 (San Diego) - Virtually everyone in the world has had and tasted a McDonald’s hamburger at some time or another. In my case I have actually had thousands, and as a matter of fact, my first job at the age of 19 was preparing burgers and fries at a McDonald’s in Kansas City. Ray & Joan: The Man Who Made the McDonald’s Fortune and the Woman Who Gave It All Away, is an intriguing book about fame and fortune, and how it all began.


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