June 2015 Articles

TEAMING UP TO CLEAN RIVER PARK IN SANTEE: PADRES AND TOYOTA PITCH IN

 

June 8, 2015 (Santee)--Toyota of El Cajon joined forces with the Padres Volunteer Team to help the San Diego River Park Foundation remove trash and debris from the San Diego River Watershed in the Forester Creek area of Santee on Saturday, June 6. The cleanup event targeted 20 sites along the river’s watershed, with the goal of collecting over 3,600 lbs. of trash in three hours.


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ATKINS BILL TO RESTRICT IVORY SALES PASSES ASSEMBLY

 

East County News Service

June 9, 2015 (Sacramento) – The California Assembly has passed Assembly Bil 96, a measure to protect elephants and rhinos by strengthening rules on the ivory and rhino horn trade. AB96 by Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins would end the state’s exemption for selling ivory imported before 1977 The bill would also impose stiff civil and criminal penalties for ivory sales.  Atkins, a San Diego Democrat, says California is a top market for ivory and that this could significantly reduce demand.


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PICTURE THIS: LOCAL ARTIST WINS AWARDS AT DEL MAR FAIR

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 7, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – Artist Chuck McPherson has picked up six awards at the San Diego County Fair at Del Mar, after having a record nine entries accepted.  The talented artist grew up in Spring Valley, lives in La Mesa and regularly dazzles crowds with his innovative performance art and colorful style at local charity events (he’s been known to add lipstick, coffee grounds and other audience-provided items to his works).


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CARJACKER WIELDS MACHETE

 

East County News Service

June 7, 2015 (San Diego) – Police are searching for two suspects, one armed with a machete-type knife, who assaulted a driver Sunday morning in the Fairmont village area and stole his gray Chrysler 300 car.


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GIRL, 10, MISSING SINCE WEDNESDAY IN EUCLID AREA

 

June 7, 2015 (San Diego) – San Diego Police seek help to find Isabella Keating, a 10-year-old girl who disappeared after leaving Horton Elementary School on Wednesday, June 3rd around 2 p.m. and has not been seen since then.   The school is located at 5050 Guymon Street in the Euclid area.


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TROPICAL CYCLONE BLANCA TO BRING THUNDERSTORMS AND RAIN TUESDAY

 

East County News Service

June 7, 2015 (San Diego) –Tropical Cyclone Blanca is making its way north from Baja, Mexico, bringing a threat of rain and thunderstorms to Southwestern California.


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DOUBLE-TIME PAY FOR HOLIDAY BILL FAILS

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 7,2015 (Sacramento) – San Diego Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez served up pumpkin pies to legislators in an effort to win approval for her bill to require double-time pay for most employees forced to work on holidays such as Thanksgiving.


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READER’S EDITORIAL: PRESIDENT OBAMA, IF TPP IS GOOD FOR HARD WORKING MEN AND WOMEN, WHY CAN’T WE READ IT?

 

By Mickey Kasparian, President, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 135

Mickey Kasparian, President of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 135 released the following statement after President Obama’s local news interview regarding Fast Track Authority for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

June 7, 2015 (San Diego) --Instead of talking into a satellite camera, President Obama should listen to the hard-working families of California who overwhelmingly oppose fast track. He says that the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) is different than past trade agreements that failed a majority of Americans, but thanks to leaked drafts and a negotiation process that included 600 corporate lawyers, it’s apparent that this deal will be a disaster for everyone but the wealthiest corporations.

The level of secrecy that surrounds TPP is deeply troubling. If this deal is truly good for hard-working men and women, then why can’t we read it? If the President believes this is a great deal, why can’t he prove it to us? American workers deserve to see the uncensored truth of this agreement.


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SPLISH AND SPLASH YOUR WAY TO COOL ENERGY SAVINGS

 

 

East County News Service

June 7, 2015 (San Diego's East County) -- Summertime is almost here--time to dive in and cool off. But maintaining a pool  and air conditionoing can be costly. SDG&E has provided some tips for saving energy and money on your swimming pool and air conditioning systems.


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OUR MARCH RADIO SHOWS ARE NOW ONLINE

 

May 31, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) - - -Our March 2015 radio shows are now online!  You can listen online now (sound files may take a minute to load). For links to listen to the shows plus a full list of topics and interviews in March, click here and scroll down.

Our newsmaker interviews included environmental designer Jim Bell on how to achieve sustainability for our region, local authors and musicians. Plus we covered hot topics locally and nationally, on issues ranging from sexual misconduct allegations in the El Cajon Police force to a new trail planned at Three Sisters Falls and fundraising efforts for the new library in Alpine, plus much more. 

Audio: 


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CALIFORNIA'S STATE ASSEMBLY UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED AB 825

 

By Roy L Hales

June 6, 2015 (Sacramento) - California’s State Assembly unanimously approved AB 825, which is meant to bring increased transparency and independent oversight to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).


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BODY NEAR OCEAN BEACH PIER IDENTIFIED AS EAST COUNTY WOMAN

 

East County News Service

Photo courtesy ECM news partner 10 News

June 6, 2015 (El Cajon)--An El Cajon mother is mourning the loss of her 20-year-old daughter, Victoria Zubkis, whose body was found in the ocean near the Ocean Beach Pier on May 28th.   Zubkis’ mother had reported her daughter missing two days earlier, when she went to visit a friend in Ocean Beach.


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COUNTY SEEKS TO RESTRICT FREE SPEECH, PROTESTERS, PHOTOGRAPHY AND MORE IN PUBLC PARKS

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

 

 

 

Photos: Rural residents rallied for protection from wind turbines after explosions; faith-based community leaders sought justice for immigrants outside County Administration Building at site that may soon be restricted for free speech rallies.

June 6, 2015 (San Diego)—For years, community groups and activists have rallied outside the County administration building where Supervisors meet to protest or urge support for various causes, from immigrant rights to stopping environmentally damaging projects, with rally organizers ranging from civil liberties advocates to conservative Tea Party groups. 

But under a new ordinance proposed for consideration on Tuesday’s agenda, people wishing to exercise First Amendment rights may be restricted to  designated “free speech zones” at the new Waterfront Park around the building, where you won’t be able to bring a megaphone, microphone, or even a chair on which to sit.  There will be noise limits and gatherings of 200 or more must obtain permits—meaning you’ll have to predict how many will show up for your event, or risk paying fines.

That’s not all.  The proposed ordinance would go farther,  changing codes regarding selling and advertising for all county parks and recreation facilities to regulate “other issues such as commercial photography, noise levels, and the prohibition on posting or affixing materials on park property.”


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NEW FIRE STATION OPENS IN BOULEVARD

 

 

East County News Service

June 6, 2015 (Boulevard) – Last week, a brand new fire station opened in Boulevard.  The $3.5 million, 8,000 square foot facility replaces an older station across the street. Capable of housing up to six vehicles, the new fire station is the first to house County Fire Authority reserves along with Cal Fire firefighters and a paramedic unit under one roof.

Supervisor Dianne Jacob, who led efforts to secure funding, was on site for a ribbon cutting along with Boulevard Planning Group Chair Donna Tisdale, Cal-Fire Chief Tony Mecham and other local dignitaries.


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SHERIFF'S COFFEE WITH THE COMMUNITY: JULY 16 IN SPRING VALLEY

 

East County News Service

June 5, 2015 (Spring Valley) – The Rancho San Diego Sheriff’s Station will hold a coffee with the community at Cali Comfort Restaurant, 8910 Troy Street in Spring Valley.  The event will be on Thursday, July 16 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.


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LA MESA - MT. HELIX MAY ACTIVITIES

June 5 (La Mesa) -- Here's what's happening in La Mesa this month!

There are a number of food events this month, including a Fire Station pancake breakfast, a Craft Beer and Wine Fest, the Taste of La Mesa, three nights of food trucks, and two nights of farmers' markets.

But fear not, as there are also several ways to work off all those calories.


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JONES BILL TO REVAMP "MADE IN AMERICA" LABELING LAW IN CA PASSES ASSEMBLY

 

East County News Service

June 5, 2015 (Sacramento)--Assemblyman Brian Jones’ (R-Santee) legislation to conform California law to the federal “Made in America” standard, which is used by every other state in the country, passed the Assembly on May 26th.


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EL CAPITAN'S "ALL SHOOK UP" ROCKED

 

By Kathy Carpenter

Associate and Youth reviewer sdtheatrereviews

June 5, 2015 (Lakeside) - El Cap students rocked the energy and made us feel  a part of this small, square town, for a couple of hours. They brought the spirit of Rock and Roll, as inspired by Elvis Presley, in the early sixties. Good. clean, fun for everyone. If you are in the area and like theatre, come by and support these future entertainers.


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NEW PRESIDENT CHOSEN AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE

 

(June 4, 2015 ) -- Dr. Nabil S. Abu-Ghazaleh, president of West Los Angeles College, has been named president of Grossmont College effective July 1.


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SINGER EVOKES BYGONE ERA

 

June 11 show at Sacha’s Supper Club

By Mimi Pollack

June 5, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) - Sacha Boutros is an old soul. This award winning San Diego jazz singer channels bygone eras naturally. She has been listening to records, and singing along, since she was a child. Her love of music came early, and on every birthday, she would always ask for a piano and eventually took piano lessons.


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LAKESIDE RESIDENTS AND PLANNERS VOICE OUTRAGE OVER SAND MINING PROPOSAL AT HEATED MEETING

 

Story by Miriam Raftery

 

Photo, left: "Would you want these kids breathing that, every day for 15 years?" -- Jessica Webb

 

June 5, 2015 (Lakeside) –  Imagine up to 250 trucks a day – one every minute and a half—hauling sand along a rural  road right in front of your house--five days a week for the next 15 years or more in El Monte Valley, if a sand mining developer has his way.  It gets worse:  noise and dust from sand mining operations clogging the area, kicking up potentially deadly Valley Fever spores lurking in soil here, where several El Monte Valley residents have already contracted the disease. 

The sand loads would be transported for use on highways, roadways and other aggregate projects across San Diego County—potentially bringing sand  laden with Valley Fever spores to construction projects near you.  All thanks to a deal cut by Helix Water District to settle litigation over a golf course and water reclamation deal gone sour on land that Helix owned in El Monte Valley, a county-designated scenic view corridor.

This project has the Orwellian-like name “El Monte Nature Preserve” though all parties including the developer concede it is first and foremost a mining operation that will strip bare the valley for decades, lowering the valley floor 30 feet with dredging  far deeper in places, in a project three times wider than Lake Jennings.


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CALIFORNIA'S STATE WILDLIFE ACTION PLAN 2015 AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC REVIEW

 

June 4, 2015 (Sacramento) - The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has released the draft California State Wildlife Action Plan 2015 Update (SWAP 2015) and is seeking public input. Public input will help shape the final SWAP 2015, which will be completed by October 2015.  The comment period is open from May 18 through July 2, 2015.


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LIVING LEGENDS, HONORED IN LEMON GROVE, SHARE WORDS OF WISDOM

 

 

 

Story and photos by Miriam Raftery

June 4, 2015 (Lemon Grove)—Five local living legends were honored on May 29th at the Lemon Grove Library, where their portraits by prominent artist Mona Mills were unveiled.  Those honored reflect a diverse cross section of our community, each with stories to tell.


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EL CAJON HOSTS 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION & FIREWORKS AT KENNEDY PARK

 

Source: City of El Cajon

June 4, 2015 (El Cajon )—You’re invited to celebrate Independence Day with numerous games, musical entertainment and fireworks at the City of El Cajon’s Fourth of July Celebration.


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SAN DIEGO RESEARCHER HELPS LAUNCH “PROJECT MOSUL” TO RECREATE HERITAGE DESTROYRED BY ISLAMIC STATE

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 4, 2015 (San Diego)—Imagine using crowd-sourced images to digitally recreate ancient works of art and architecture, starting with those destroyed by the Islamic State in Iraq and other world heritage sites where antiquities have been lost.  That’s precisely the mission of Project Mosul, an innovative undertaking started by University of California San Diego (UCSD) researcher Matthew Vincent, along with several others.

You can help!  Needs include uploading videos you have from destroyed or damaged sites, such as vacation photos you’ve taken. You can also assist in sorting, masking, or processing reconstructions on the site.  Start  here.  If you know how to code, you can build tools here or join a conversation with volunteers  here.


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MAGETTA CHANTILOUPE BOOK SIGNING AT ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN POWAY, SUNDAY, JUNE 14 AT 11:15AM

 

Driven: When Obstacles Take Center Stage

June 4, 2015 (Poway) - Sunday, June 14, at 11:15AM,  St. Bartholomew’s own Magetta Chantiloupe (immigrant, single mother-of-four, entrepreneur, and Registered Investment Advisor) shares stories and wisdom from her book Driven: When Obstacles Take Center Stage immediately following 10:15 service. Chantiloupe, a distinguished speaker on the roles of faith, hope, willpower, and positive thinking in overcoming harsh difficulties, will provide signed copies of her book at a “St. Bart’s discount." See book review


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MARK ARABO SPEAKS AT ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN POWAY SUNDAY JUNE 7 AND JUNE 28

 

Upcoming Sunday Education:

June 4, 2015 (Poway) Sunday, June 7 and 28, at 9 a.m., St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Poway will host an Education Summit.  Nationally-recognized global humanitarian Mark Arabo will share details of the urgent circumstances in Iraq and neighboring Syria. He will provide insights into how we may be able to help our fellow Christians in the part of the world where Christianity was born. The theme of Arabo’s speech will be “Persecution of Christians in the Middle East.”


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READER'S EDITORIAL: ARE SAN DIEGO COUNTY YMCA'S GRADUALLY LOSING THEIR HISTORICAL MISSION?

 

"Why did San Diego County YMCA's board vote in 2013 to have all branches in our region stop issuing affordable youth memberships? Under the new policy, instead of paying just $80 to $100 a year for a child 12 or younger to use the Y’s facilities, users must purchase a family membership at a cost of about $1,000 per year. Are they really saying that if kids' parents aren't interested or can't afford to join, then the Y isn't interested in the kids?" -- Joel Harrison, PhD, MPH

By Joel A. Harrison, PhD, MPH

June 4, 2015 (San Diego) — The following can be found on the website of the U.S. National YMCA Headquarters:


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DESTINATION EAST COUNTY JUNE 6-20

 

June 4, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)--This week’s Destination East County includes a craft beer and wine festival, Shakespeare, night fishing, poetry by the river, a firefighters’ breakfast, Taste of La Mesa and more. Plus we’ll also have a preview of coming attractions including Julian’s Backcountry Dance and Barbecue, Boars and Brews at Lakeside’s River Park, and much more.  So stay tuned for all of these events and much, much more!


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THAT GREAT DAD: NO SOCKS, PLEASE, WE'RE ORIGINAL

 

By Lemon Grove Historical Society president Helen Ofield

June 4, 2015 (Lemon Grove) -- On Father's Day, nix the socks, ties, shirts and BBQ tools. Avoid T-shirts reading "Kiss Me, I'm Slovenian."  Like, really, how much of this stuff does any dad need?  Father's Day is just 35 days away.  Don't panic.  Remain upright.  Here's your list:


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