January 2018 Articles

January 2018 Articles

TRAVELING STORIES BUILD A LOVE OF READING FOR CHILDREN IN EL CAJON

 

 

By Jillian Hymer

January 26, 2018 (El Cajon) – At a StoryTent pitched outside the El Cajon Library last week, children listened to stories read aloud and enthusiastically chose books to read. It’s all part of Traveling Stories, a local nonprofit that focuses on “inspiring children to learn to read so they can read to learn.”  You can bring your children ages 2-12 to weekly readings at three locations in San Diego County, including the El Cajon Library each Wednesday from 3:30-5:30 pm.

A StoryTent is set up where staff members, volunteers and parents all pitch in to “empower kids to outsmart poverty…by helping kids fall in love with reading by the 4th grade,” said Hezhi Naseem, the Field Director.


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LOVE LOBSTER? VALENTINE SPECIALS AT HACIENDA CASA BLANCA

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 26, 2018 (El Cajon) -- Hacienda Casa Blanca in El Cajon is cooking up a special menu on Valentine’s Day sure to please your sweetheart.  Chooses from Lobster Puerto Nuevo feature whole Maine Lobster, New York steak, or Garlic Cilantro grilled Mahi frizzled with white wine and lemon garlic sauce.   (The regular menu is also available).  Plus enjoy live jazz music from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.


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IF YOU'RE NOT ALARMED, YOU SHOULD BE; WHO'S LEFT TO HOLD CALIFORNIA'S GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABLE

 

By David Lesher, editor and CEO at Cal Matters, an independent public interest journalism venture covering California state politics and government

January 25, 2018 (Sacramento) -- Dear Californians,

If you care about this state, it’s time to sound the alarm about the crisis in media and what it means for the health of democracy in the world’s sixth largest economy.

Media is declining nationally, but unique pressures have made California into America’s laboratory for a dangerous experiment about what happens to the public interest when policy is made without the public’s awareness or accountability.


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CELTIC HARP CONCERT FEB. 18 AT MISSION TRAILS

 

East County News Service

January 25, 2018 (San Diego) - Amy Lynn Kanner will perform a Celtic harp concert at the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitors Center auditorium on Feb. 18 at 3 p.m. The performance will feature Pachelbel's "Canon" and Debussy's "Clair de Lune," and Praetorious' "Terpsichore." The program also features popular music like "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," "A Thousand Years," "Stairway to Heaven," and more.

Admission is free. For details and directions, visit Mission Trails Regional Park.


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BEARS BURNED IN CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES HEALED WITH FISH SKINS, RELEASED TO WILD

 

Unique treatment could translate to companion Animals, humans

By Amy Quinton, UC Davis

January 25, 2018 (Davis) - Two adult female black bears that were burned during the Thomas Fire in Southern California have recuperated and are now back in the wild thanks to the help of University of California, Davis, veterinarians and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.


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LYFT PROVIDES $1,000 IN RIDES TO SD NONPROFITS

 

Lyft drives impact of San Diego nonprofits through new Community Grant Program

East County News Service

January 24, 2018 (San Diego) -- Lyft, the fastest growing rideshare company in the U.S., today announced a new program to support the important work of San Diego area nonprofit organizations focused on building stronger, healthier, more equitable communities. Every month, starting in February 2018, Lyft will award one nonprofit $1,000 in Lyft ride credits to ease transportation challenges and support its work to create positive change in the San Diego region.


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SYCUAN CASINO TO ADD OVER 700 NEW CASINO AND RESORT JOBS

 

Now hiring for new Director of Sales position

East County News Service

January 24, 2018 (El Cajon) --  Sycuan Casino announced today that the organization is now hiring for a new Director of Sales position. This position is the first of over 700 new jobs for the hotel and resort expansion project. The new positions will be in the hotel, food and beverage and casino divisions. Sycuan will begin hiring for departmental leadership positions during the first half of the year and will host a series of job fairs mid to late 2018.


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VIEJAS CASINO & RESORT ANNONUCES ANTONIO VOTTA AS EXECUTIVE CHEF FOR NEW RESTAURANTS LOCALE AND GINGER NOODLE BAR

 

Votta brings more than 10 years of experience to Willows Hotel & Spa’s culinary destinations

East County News Service

January 24, 2018 (Alpine) -- Viejas Casino & Resort has announced Antonio Votta as Executive Chef of Willows Hotel & Spa’s new restaurants, Locale and Ginger Noodle Bar. His focus in this new role will be highlighting the very best locally sourced bounties for the farm-to-table inspired menus.


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FEMA ENCOURAGES TSUNAMI AWARENESS AND PREPAREDNESS FOR COASTAL COMMUNITIES

 

East County News Service

January 24, 2018 (Washington D.C.) --  Following an intense earthquake that occurred in the Gulf of Alaska yesterday, which prompted tsunami watches, advisories and warnings across many state coastlines, FEMA continues to highlight safety tips for those who live in or visit coastal communities.  While today’s immediate threat has passed, the situation serves as a reminder to all that there are steps that can be taken now, to prepare for future events.


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ANIMAL SHOWS AND MORE AT OASIS CAMEL DAIRY’S OPEN FARM DAY FEB. 10-11

 

East County News Service

January 24, 2018 (Ramona) -- You’re invited to bring the family to open farm day at the Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona on February 10th and 11th from 1 to 4 p.m., with a live animal show at 1:30 p.m. The show features talking parrots, galloping, gobbling turkeys, dedicated farm dogs and of course the biggest stars – camels!


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SDSU'S SAGE PROJECT LOOKING FOR LOCAL COMMUNITY PARTNER

 

The deadline to apply is Feb. 15

East County News Service

January. 24, 2018 (San Diego) —  San Diego State University’s Sage Project is looking to partner with a local community for the 2018-19 academic year. As part of the collaboration, students assist with projects that directly address the partner community’s goals and in turn, better the quality of life for area residents.

During the 2016-17 academic year, the Sage Project partnered with the City of Lemon Grove. Students from 32 courses across 12 different disciplines designed and installed an art mural on the city’s community center, assisted in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping of thousands of data points and designed gateway signage, among other projects.


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SDSU WOMEN'S HOOPS STYMIED AT COLORADO STATE 72-43

 

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo:  Najé Murray (above) tied Geena Gomez for team-high honors with 12 pts at Colorado State.  Courtesy goaztecs.com

January 24, 2018 (Fort Collins, Colo.) - The visiting San Diego State women’s basketball team ran into a buzz saw on Wednesday, falling to Colorado State by a 72-43 count in a Mountain West game at Moby Arena.


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DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: JANUARY 24 - MARCH 4, 2018

 

East County News Service

January 24, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes Pepe Aguilar in concert at San Diego State, the Mousetrap at Lamplighter’s Theatre in La Mesa, Hawk Watch in the Ramona grasslands, Laurel and Hardy movies in Spring Valley, and a Local Authors Expo in El Cajon.

Plus, we’ll have coming attractions including a pow-wow at Cuyamaca College, Cupid and Canines at Grossmont Center, animal shows at the Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona, a star party, garden tours, romantic Valentine’s dinners in Julian, theatrical productions, and live music concerts including Mean Mary, the Oak Ridge Boys, jazz, classical and gospel music.

So stay tuned for all of these events and many more!


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RED CROSS HAS CRITICAL NEED FOR LOCAL BLOOD DONORS

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 24, 2018 (San Diego) – An urgent call for blood donors and platelet donors has been issued by the American Red Cross nationwide, including here in San Diego County. 

The Red Cross has a shortage due to donors cancelling appointments because of flu and in some areas, winter storms. Across the U.S., over 150 blood drives also had to be cancelled in January due to severe winter weather.


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SDSU WOMEN'S HOOPS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL GIRLS AND WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY

 

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

January 24, 2018 (San Diego) - Come out and join the San Diego State women's basketball team in celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day when the Aztecs battle UNLV on Saturday, Jan. 27 at Steve Fisher Court at Viejas Arena.


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ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS

 

January 24, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) - East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen on important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to 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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HEAVEN'S BELLS! TREVOR HOFFMAN VOTED INTO BASEBALL HALL OF FAME

 

By Ken Stone, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

Photo:  Former Padres relief pitcher Trevor Hoffman waves at fans. Photo by Chris Stone

January 24, 2018 (San Diego) - The third time was charmed. Trevor Hoffman has been hurled into Baseball’s Hall of Fame.

The legendary San Diego Padres closer, who retired in 2010 after two years with the Milwaukee Brewers, was elected by the Baseball Writers Association of America in a vote announced Wednesday.


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EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS


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DOUBLE BLOW: COURT RULING ON BOND FUNDS AND STATE DECISION AGAINST UNIFICATION KNOCK DOWN HOPES FOR ALPINE HIGH SCHOOL

 

 

By Paul Kruze; Miriam Raftery also contributed to this report

Hear court audio

Read appellate decision

January 21, 2018 (Alpine) -- Just as students returned to school after winter break last week, lawyers for the Alpine Union School District (AUSD), Alpine Taxpayers for Bond Accountability and Grossmont Union High School District returned to court in front of a three-judge tribunal headed by Associate Justice Patricia D. Benke of the 4th District California Superior Court of Appeals.  

But a week later, the court panel upheld an earlier ruling by Judge Pressman against Alpine, agreeing that the GUHSD need not keep millions of dollars set aside for an Alpine High School that now may never be built, despite previous bond measures approved by voters that included funds for the school. Then on Friday, the State Board of Education denied Alpine's unification petition that would have enabled the AUSD to build the high school. The double losses may prove to be knock-out blows for the hard-fought effort to bring a high school to Alpine.


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“SAFEGUARD OUR SAN DIEGO COUNTRYSIDE” INITIATIVE LAUNCHED TO CONTROL DEVELOPMENT

 

Initiative would require public vote on significant changes to General Plan, to protect backcountry from sprawl-style development and traffic gridlock

East County News Service

Update: Hear our interview with former Supervisor Pam Slater Price and Mark Jackson from Save Our San Diego Countryside by clicking the audio link.  Learn more at https://saveoursdcountryside.org/.

January 24, 201 (San Diego) -- Today the San Diego County Registrar of Voters approved the title and summary for the “Safeguard Our San Diego Countryside” Initiative, clearing the way for proponents to gather signatures to place the initiative on the November 2018 ballot. If passed, the measure would require voter approval of amendments to the San Diego County General Plan that significantly increase density on parcels in the unincorporated county now designated for farming, open space, and wildlife uses.

Audio: 

Interview with Pam Slater Price and Mark Jackson

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COUNTRY MUSIC LEGENDS: THE OAK RIDGE BOYS LIVE FEB. 3 AT SYCUAN

East County News Service

Photo: cc by Gage Skidmore

January 24, 2018 (El Cajon) -- The Oak Ridge Boys, who were recently inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, will perform on Saturday, February 3rd at 5 p.m. in Sycuan’s Live and Up Close Theatre in EL Cajon.

Their four-part harmonies and upbeat songs have won many awards including a Grammy, Country Music Association and American Country Music awards—and they’re still going strong after more than 40 years.


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PEPE AGUILAR IN CONCERT JAN. 28 IN VIEJAS ARENA AT AZTEC BOWL

 

East County News Service

January 24, 2018 (San Diego) -- Pepe Aguilar will perform live in concert at the Viejas Arena at San Diego State’s Aztec Bowl on January 28th at 6:30 p.m.

The American born singer and songwriter raised in Mexico started singing on stage at three years old and he’s never left.  The son of Mexican music and film stars Antonio Aguilar and Flor Silvestre, he attained stardom in his own right with an album of romantic ballads in 1998. Since then, he’s embraced traditional Mexican rancheria and mariachi music as well as pop  music – a style that has won him multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards and sold over 12 million albums.


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MOM NEEDS HELP TO MOVE SON TO RAMONA AFTER TEEN LOST DAD IN MURDER-SUICIDE

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  Jayson Hinkle with his mother, Crystal and brother, Dominick

January 20, 2018 (Ramona) – Crystal Dominguez Hinkle has launched a GoFundMe page to help her son, Jayson, 14. “I am desperately trying to gather funds to move us back to Ramona, where my son can be surrounded by his loving and supportive friends,” she told ECM in an e-mail.


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COUNTY TO ACCEPT COMPETING BIDS FOR ANIMAL SERVICES

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 24, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) – County Supervisors on Tuesday approved a proposal to accept bids from outside animal welfare organizations seeking to compete against the County’s Animal Services Department to provide services in the County’s unincorporated areas, including rural, desert and mountain regions in East County as well as neighborhoods such as Spring Valley, Alpine, and Lakeside. In East County, the city of Santee will also be impacted.


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HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS


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HELIX CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WALK OUT OF CLASSES TO PROTEST AGGRESSIVE ARREST OF SUSPENDED STUDENT

 

By Paul Kruze

Watch ECM news partner 10News Video of students speaking at Helix

Update January 24, 2018:  La Mesa Police have identified the officer, Scott Wulfing, and indicated he is assigned to administrative duty pending the outcome of an investigation.

January 23, 2018 (La Mesa) -- A group of some 200 students at Helix Charter High School on Monday morning walked out of their classes and gathered in front of the school chanting “Justice for Bri” to protest the aggressive arrest of an allegedly unruly 17-year-old female student on Friday afternoon.

The officer forced the handcuffed African-American girl, who has not been identified, to the ground. The San Diego Union-Tribune today reports that the La Mesa Police Department's school resources officer for Helix has been reassigned and will not be working in any schools until an investigation is concluded.


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SUPERVISORS APPROVE FUNDS FOR MORE CAMERAS TO SPOT WILDFIRES IN EAST COUNTY

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photos:  HPWREN images of Chariot Fire in 2013

January 23, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) – Five more cameras will soon be positioned atop mountains in East County to help spot wildfires and help firefighters douse flames early to prevent firestorms.  Supervisors on Tuesday approved funds to expand the UCSD Scripps Institute’s High-Performance Wireless Research and Education Network, or HPWREN.


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GIRLS BASKETBALL: WOLF PACK EMERGE VICTORIOUS IN LOW-SCORING CLASH OF THE HILLS

 

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Story and photos by Liz Alper

January 23, 2018 (Spring Valley) - ECM traveled to Granite Hills on Tuesday night for a clash between the lady Eagles and the lady Wolf Pack on the court.  Granite Hills has started their season a little lackluster, going 7-10 overall and 1-1 in league.  The Wolf Pack sport the same 7-10 record, but are undefeated so far in league, going 2-0.


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SANDAG COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MEETING MOVES TO EAST COUNTY FOR PUBLIC INPUT TONIGHT IN SANTEE

 

Third Session in a Series of Subregional Community Engagement Meetings

January 23, 2018 (Santee) -- The San Diego Association of Governments Board of Directors is conducting a nationwide search for a new executive director to lead the agency. As part of that process, the Board is seeking input from the community at a series of public meetings and through an online survey hosted by the firm hired to conduct the recruitment.


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COUNTY ENDS HEPATITIS EMERGENCY; EL CAJON BAN ON FEEDING HOMELESS IN PARKS ALSO ENDS

 

By Miriam Raftery

After four weeks with no new cases associated with the local hepatitis A outbreak reported, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved a motion Tuesday ending the local public health emergency which began September 1st.

El Cajon Councilman Gary Kendrick advised East County Magazine today that sunset language in its temporary ban on feeding the homeless in public places means the measure has officially expired, effective immediately.  So it’s now legal once again for organizations to feed the homeless in El Cajon’s parks or other public property.


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