May 2012 Articles

SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY HONORS WINNING STUDENTS FROM SCIENCE FAIR, ART AND ESSAY CONTEST

 
Contests attract participants from across San Diego county
May 14, 2012 (San Diego) -- The San Diego County Water Authority recently honored winners of two student competitions – the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair for middle and high school students, and the Be Water Sm“Art” Essay Contest for elementary school students.

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JOHN L BROOKS SEEKS TO OCCUPY 51ST DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL SEAT

 
By Nadin Abbott
 
Vote your passion, not your fears.” -- John L. Brooks motto
 
May 14, 2012 (San Diego)—Updated May 17, 2012 --John Brooks has set his sights on the 51st Congressional seat held by Bob Filner. He is running against Denise Moreno Ducheny and Juan Vargas on the Democratic side. Why is he running? He was inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement, and knew that the next step was to step to the plate and run for office.

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PURPLE MOUNTAIN SAGE: CAMPING, MOI?

 
By Sharon Courmousis
 
May 14, 2012 (Boulevard)--“A little dust won't kill you”, said my parents as we packed up for the family camping trip. Being the oldest of four and an obedient child, I did resolve to have a miserable time. My pout lasted all of eight minutes after we arrived. Gosh! The rocks I collected were every one more beautiful than the last. We four kids ran off into the desert with admonitions, "Watch out for the snakes" fading fast. Middle brother muttering, "Why would I want to see snakes?" Oldest brother and I grinning, "Let's find some!". Youngest brother whining, "I'm gonna tell if you touch one!"  

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SDSU GRADS PREPARED TO LEAD

9,973 students have been approved to participate in 2012 commencement ceremonies May 17-20
By Glenn S. Robertson
May 14, 2012 (San Diego) -- Nearly 10,000 San Diego State University students approved to participate in commencement ceremonies later this month are taking their degrees to new heights, with plans to live up to the university’s motto of “Leadership Starts Here.” 

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DIVING INTO SUMMER: GARY KELLEY'S MONDAY WEATHER REPORT

 

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

Note: We are looking for sponsors for this daily weather forecast, which we can promote on Facebook, Twitter, on our website and in our newsletter.


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GET FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS MAY 18 AT SENIOR HEALTH FAIR IN SANTEE

 
May 13, 2012 (Santee) -- The 13th annual East County Senior Health Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, May 18, at the Santee Trolley Square shopping center, 9850 Mission Gorge Road, in Santee. Admission is free. The public is invited to attend. 
The East County Senior Services Providers, a coalition of community organizations and agencies that serve seniors in the East County and organizers of the health fair, said more than 60 exhibit booths will include free health screenings for stroke, blood pressure, blood glucose/diabetes, video otoscope and more. 

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USA'S LAURA BENNETT RACES TO OLYMPIC BERTH AT ITU WORLD TRIATHLON SAN DIEGO

 
Boulder, Colo., standout places third to earn second straight Games appearance
 
May 13, 2012 (San Diego) --Laura Bennett claimed the third and final spot on the 2012 U.S. Olympic Triathlon Team with a third-place finish Friday at the inaugural ITU World Triathlon San Diego. Bennett (Boulder, Colo.) will head to her second straight Olympic Games in August thanks to a time of 2 hours, 11 seconds on the 1,500-meter swim, 40-kilometer bike, 10-kilometer run course throughout Mission Beach. She was fourth in Beijing in 2008.
 
 
American Laura Bennett claimed the third and final women's U.S. Olympic Triathlon Team spot Friday at ITU World Triathlon San Diego (Paul Phillips/Competitive Image). 

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7-11 CLERK ROBBED IN LA MESA

 
May 13, 2012 (La Mesa) -- On May 13, 2012, at approximately 3:36 a.m. the 7-11 Store located at 4253 Palm Ave. in La Mesa was robbed of cash by a lone male suspect who demanded money. The business was staffed by a lone clerk who was approached by an adult male suspect who had a red bandana covering his face.

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CALIFORNIA SEEKS STATE-DEFINED WAIVER TO PROVIDE RELIEF FROM UNWORKABLE MANDATES OF 'NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND'

 
May 13, 2012 (Sacramento) -- The State Board of Education (SBE) today voted to seek a state-defined waiver of selected provisions of the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), which would allow the state to use its accountability system to focus improvement efforts on the lowest performing schools and provide schools greater flexibility over the use of federal funds.

 


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COLLEGE FOR KIDS A SUMMERTIME OPTION

 

Fun learning opportunities abound at Cuyamaca College


May 13, 2012 (El Cajon) -- As Summer vacation approaches, College for Kids at Cuyamaca College provides the perfect combination of fun and learning for elementary and middle-schoolers, with a wide assortment of low-cost classes and activities.The program offered through the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District’s Continuing Education program is available for youths, ages 7 to14. Registration just opened, and classes are offered from mid-July to mid-August at Cuyamaca College. 

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COUNTY PLANNERS DEAL BLOW TO WIND INDUSTRY

 
By Miriam Raftery
 
May 13, 2012 (San Diego)—San Diego’s Planning Commission voted unanimously to have staff evaluate health impacts of wind turbines on people and wildlife. Commissioners balked at approving a proposed county wind ordinance or changes to the Boulevard community plan that could make it easier to gain approval of large-scale wind projects—taking the sails out of the wind industry.

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OBAMA SUPPORT FOR GAY MARRIAGE DRAWS REACTIONS FROM LOCAL, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEADERS

 

Mayoral candidates praise president's action

May 13, 2012 (San Diego)—Declarations by President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden in support of gay marriage last week have sparked reactions around the world.


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CHIEF GHIO SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH

 

Updated May 14, 2012

May 13, 2012 (Spring Valley) --Just four days before his retirement from San Miguel Fire Department, Chief August “Augie” Ghio has been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. The crash occurred this morning in Ocotillo Wells on State Route 78 east.


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32 ARRESTED IN EAST COUNTY WARRANT SWEEPS; ADDITIONAL SUSPECTS URGED TO TURN SELVES IN

 May 12, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – This morning, 32 suspects with 38 outstanding warrants for felonies and misdemeanors were taken into custody during a sweep of East County neighborhoods conducted by San Diego Sheriff’s Court Services Bureau field unit. 

 


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READER’S EDITORIAL: PATTERN OF DECEIT

How did the number of homes powered by the Ocotillo wind project get reduced to just one-fifth of what Pattern has been promising?

By Jim Pelley

May 12, 2012 (Ocotillo)--Pattern Energy does a very good job deceiving the people. For example, all throughout the Ocotillo Wind Energy Project process Pattern Energy has been making statements deceiving the press, public and officials about the number of homes this facility will produce power for. Pattern’s website states: “The project will produce enough clean and renewable wind energy to serve more than 130,000 households a year. http://www.patternenergy.com/media/news/announcements/ocotillo_011312


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NEW STORES OPENING AT WESTFIELD PARKWAY MALL

May 12, 2012 (El Cajon) – Four new stores will open at Westfield Parkway this year.  The new stores include discount housewares seller HomeGoods, Ulta, a beauty products retailer and fashion retailers Charlotte Russe and Papaya.

Westfield Senior Vice President Tom Tierney said operators will announce more brand-name retail and restaurants in the coming months.  Westfield Parkway is located at 415 Parkway Plaza in El Cajon.


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4TH ANNUAL FOOD AND WINE MIXER PRESENTED BY MANESS VINEYARDS JUNE 2

May 12, 2012 (Spring Valley) -- Maness Vineyard is holding the 4th Annual Food and Wine Mixer June 2 at historical Vineyard Mansion, 12685 Campo Road, Spring Valley from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.  The event is to raise awareness for the local vineyards and wineries that are emerging across San Diego County.

The day will include entertainment such as local personality Diane Jean from The Brew Ha-Ha and Josh Tafoya on the baby grand.  A grape stomping contest will be held as well.  A charity raffle will benefit The House of Peru.


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THIRD GRADE ESSAY CONTEST AWARDS CEREMONY JUNE 4

May 12, 2012 (El Cajon) – Winners and participants of the Third Grade Essay Contest will be recognized June 4 in a ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, 195 E. Douglas Ave., El Cajon at 7:00 p.m.  Local students learning about pioneers and settlers are invited to write an essay.


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READER’S EDITORIAL: APPROVAL RESCINDED ON WIND ZERO PARA-MILITARY TRAINING FACILITY

 
County gets zero benefits for putting residents at risk
 
By Joe Asciutto
 
The approval for the projected Coyote Wells / Wind Zero Para-Military training facility, in the Nomirage area of Ocotillo, CA, has now been rescinded. Along with that goes the false hope that this facility would create a large number of jobs for the residents of Imperial County. Some people are elated about the rescinding and some are not, but whichever side you are on, almost everyone lost in this ordeal. 

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FDA PROPOSAL AIMS TO HELP REDUCE UNNECESSARY RADIATION EXPOSURE FOR CHILDREN

 

May 12, 2012 (Washington, D.C.) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it is seeking public comment on a proposal encouraging manufacturers to consider the safety of children in the design of new X-ray imaging devices. In the draft guidance, FDA is recommending that manufacturers design new X-ray imaging devices with protocols and instructions that address use on pediatric patients.


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EASTBOUND BAR & GRILL HOSTS RELAY FOR LIFE FUNDRAISER MAY 2O IN LAKESIDE

 

May 12, 2012 (Lakeside) -- The Eastbound Bar & Grill in Lakeside, located at 10053 Maine Ave invites the public to a fundraiser Sunday, May 20 from 4-10 p.m. to raise money for Relay for Life of Lakeside, an American Cancer Society program that helps patients and families cope with a  cancer diagnosis.


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CHECK YOUR HOME FOR THESE RECALLED RECREATIONAL AND HOME PRODUCTS NOW THAT SPRING IS HERE

 

May 12, 2012 (Washington, D.C.) --  Spring has sprung. Warm weather means kids are playing outside and families are firing up their grills and working on the lawn. Before you use spring-related products this season, the U.S. Consumer Protection Agency advises, check to see if they have been recalled. It could save your family's lives. You can find out more about these recalls at www.cpsc.gov.


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MORE THAN 1,300 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA YOUTH TO PLAY BASEBALL FOR CHELSEA KING

 
May 12, 2012 (San Diego) -- On May 20, Chelsea’s Light Foundation will team up with AAU Baseball, San Diego Show Baseball, Southern California Little Leagues and Pony Baseball to orchestrate one of the sport’s largest, charity-focused youth baseball tournaments. Over 100 teams from San Diego and as far away as Los Angeles and Riverside will participate in “Homerun for Chelsea” to honor Chelsea King and benefit Chelsea’s Light.

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DEPUTIES SEEK PERSON OF INTEREST IN LEMON GROVE STABBING

 
May 12, 2012 (Lemon Grove) – Deputies from the Lemon Grove substation received a call at 12:10 a.m. reporting that an assault victim had been taken to Paradise Valley Hospital by a friend.  Deputies responded and discovered the victim, Adel Salim Rammal, 47 years of  age, had been stabbed three times in the chest and he was also tased with a Taser by the suspect(s).

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LA MESA COUNCIL TO WEIGH LEGALIZING CHICKEN OWNERSHIP

By Miriam Raftery

May 12, 2012 (La Mesa) – A plucky group of La Mesa residents turned out at last week’s Council hearing to ask that smaller property owners be granted the right to raise chickens and savor fresh eggs.

Councilwoman Ruth Sterling asked to add consideration of chicken ownership to this Tuesday’s agenda for a discussion by Council. 


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BAJA LEGENDS, BY GREG NIEMANN (SUNBELT PUBLICATIONS, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, 2002, 260 PAGES.)

 
Book Review by Dennis Moore

May 12, 2012 (Baja)--Greg Niemann, author of Baja Fever, and life-long Baja Buff who has traveled all over the peninsula known as Baja California in Mexico, has written a well-researched and easy-to-read history of the people and resorts that make Baja what it is today.
 
What is Baja anyway? “Baja,”  which means “Lower” in Spanish, refers to an 800-mile long peninsula separated from Mexico’s mainland by the Gulf of California – or the Sea of Cortez, if you prefer. The peninsula is comprised of two Mexican states, Baja California (Norte), with Mexicali as capital, and Baja California Sur, whose capital city is La Paz. To make it easy Norte means “North” and Sur means “South.”

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EVENTS ABOUND AT THE COUNTY PARKS IN MAY

May 12, 2012 (San Diego) – San Diego County Parks and Recreation has a cornucopia of events happening around the region in May.  There’s something for everyone – from guided hikes to campfires and stargazing.


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YOUR ONLINE WEEKEND WEATHER WITH GARY KELLY

Times are warming up in East County!


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COALITION OF TRIBES, ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERS & LAWYERS CALL FOR HALT TO "FAST TRACKING" OF MASSIVE ENERGY PROJECTS ON FEDERAL PUBLIC LANDS

“We are the canaries in the coal mine. If this is not stopped here, destruction of millions of acres of public lands across the southwest will likely soon follow.” -- Terry Weiner, Desert Protective Council

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

May 11, 2012 (Ocotillo) -- Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today signed the Record of Decision, giving a go-ahead for the contentious Ocotillo Express wind project. 

The announcement came just hours after a coalition of environmental leaders, tribal representatives, off-road vehicle users, outdoor enthusiasts, residents and legal spokespersons called for a national moratorium on the "fast tracking" of massive energy projects on federal public lands.


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HELIX CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM GARNERS SUCCESS AT STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

 
May 11, 2012 (La Mesa) -- The Helix Charter High School Speech and Debate Team members know what they are talking about! Eleven students from Helix, along with 80 students from other San Diego County high schools, participated in the California High School Speech Association State Championships in San Francisco April 27-29, 2012.

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