March 2013 Articles

JACUMBA HIKERS AND WALKERS ANNOUNCE SPRING SCHEDULE

 

 

March 26, 2013 (Jacumba) – From wildflowers to waterfalls, the Jacumba Hikers have announced  a variety of unique hiking destinations for their outings this spring. Scroll down for a list of hikes and descriptions of hikes set for April and May.

To view flyer with details, including difficulty/accessibility of hikes, click here.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

WORK OF RENOWNED ARTIST RAY “PADRE” JOHNSON TO BE FEATURED AT HERITAGE OF AMERICAS MUSEUM FINE ART SHOW AND SALE APRIL 26

                                                                                                                                                                                                

 

By Ariele Johannson

March 27, 2013 (Rancho San Diego)--Heritage of the Americas Museum is presenting a Fine Art Show and Sale on Friday, April 26with an array of art works that will capture the imagination and inspire. Thirteen artists will mingle with the guests including world-renowned artist and global issues speaker Ray “Padre” Johnson.

Padre Johnson has been called a true renaissance man for his diversity of achievements in many fields.  His works have been displayed at the United Nations. He was the first American ever invited to display his work at the Royal Palace in the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. He also exhibited here at the grand opening of the Heritage of the Americas Museum and is returning from Cody, Wyoming, to be here for the 20th anniversary

Additional artists will also be featured; for details on other artists see http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/12848. The event includes special music by the Chris Klich Jazz Trio and flautist Jim Hannibal. Wine and beer will be served. Great hors d’oeuvres and desserts will be offered by Cupid’s Catering. Donation is $10.00. Please RSVP (see contact information below).


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

FUNDRAISER APRIL 19 TO HELP CANCER PATIENT JULIE ATHERTON

 

March 19, 2013 (Lake Morena) – Community members are pitching in to help Lake Morena resident Julie Atherton, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is having surgery on March 28. Atherton works for the Mountain Empire Health at the Campo Community Center.

A spaghetti dinner fundraiser to help defray her medical expenses will be held on April 19 from 6-9 p.m. at the Mountain Empire Community Center, 976 Sheridan Road in Campo.  A silent auction will also be held. 


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

ECM ACQUIRES SURVEILLANCE DRONE

 

Special Report by Seymour Crooks

April 1, 2013 (San Diego’s East County)  -- There’s a new reporter on the beat over East County’s skies. Thanks to a generous bequest from an anonymous donor, East County Magazine announces acquisition of a surveillance drone.  Our publication joins a growing number of journalism organizations that seek to deploy drones, as U.S. News recently reported.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

BACKCOUNTRY TOWNS SECEDE TO FORM NEW COUNTY, CREATE ULTIMATE WILDLIFE PRESERVE

 

Special Report By Otto B. Free

April 1, 2013 (Jacumvardo)—Three East County communities— Jacumba , Boulevard and Campo, have voted to secede from San Diego County.

“We reject the designation of our region as an energy corridor,” said Donna Tisdale, who will chair a newly elected board of supervisors in the newly formed Jacumvardo County.  “By forming our own County, we are taking back control over our own land use decisions and preserving our rural community character. This move also gives us the opportunity to create a unique economy based on eco-tourism that will assure protection of endangered species--past and present.”


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

TAR SANDS PIPELINE BREAK CONTAMINATES TOWN, HIGHLIGHTS RISKS OF XL PIPELINE PROPOSAL: VIEW VIDEO

April 1, 2013 (Arkansas) – No, this is not an April Fool's joke. Thousands of gallons of tar sands oil, a gritty, toxic and flammable mixture, is flowing through the streets in a residential neighborhood of Mayflower, Arkansas after rupture of an Exxon-Mobil pipeline. The spill has also flooded backyards and threatens to spill into a lake.

 

Media has been reportedly largely blocked from access to the site, so residents have posted their own photos and videos online of the site, which has now forced evacaution of homeowners amid a massive cleanup effort. The spill highlights concerns over potential contamination from the controversial Keystone XL pipieline, which is proposed to pump tar sands oil from Canada across the U.S. Midwest south to the Gulf coast.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

ACTING CHIEF RESIGNS IN PROTEST OVER JULIAN CUYAMACA FIRE BOARD’S ACTIONS

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 30, 2013 (Julian) – Julian Cuyamaca Fire Protection District’s Acting Battalion Chief Cris Cornette has sent a resignation letter to the Board. In his letter, he faults the Board for not fighting to prevent a County takeover of the all-volunteer Department. 

Now in a message posted on the Julian Connection, Cornette calls on community residents to attend Thursday’s Board meeting and “demand the immediate removal of ALL board members.”  He adds that he would be willing to “step up to bat” and serve as a board member if asked--or return as Captain, but only if the current Board is replaced.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

MAN ARRESTED FOR STRING OF VEHICLE BURGLARIES IN REGION

March 31, 2013 (La Mesa) – Last Wednesday, La Mesa Police Detective Sean Snow arrested Nikolas Aledam, 29, of San Diego for a series of vehicle burglaries mainly targeted at Ford Rangers.  Aledam taken into custody at the courthouse when he showed up for an unrelated court appearance.  Police believe he is responsible for over 18 vehicle burglaries in La Mesa and numerous others in the San Diego County area.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

TWO PIT BULL DOGS STOLEN FROM EL CAJON ANIMAL SHELTER

March 31, 2013 (El Cajon) – On March 28, 2013 at about 4:50 p.m. two men went to the El Cajon Animal Shelter located at 1275 N. Marshall and engaged one of the shelter attendants in a conversation. While there, the two men were looking at two dogs in separate kennels. The men had additional questions about the dogs and the attendant referred them to the shelter's office. The attendant then went to another portion of the shelter where she could no longer see the men. A short time later it was discovered the dogs the men were looking at had been taken from their kennels and were missing. The men could not be located.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

MASGOOF AT NAHRAIN: THE AFFORDABLE FEAST

 

 

East County Eater's Restaurant Review

Nahrain Fish & Chicken Grill (Facebook: NahrainFish&ChickenGrill)

1183 E. Main Street, #A, El Cajon, CA 92021 (619)334-3222

March 29, 2013 (El Cajon )—Masgoof—fish smoked whole in a clay oven with wood fire, Iraqi-style--at Nahrain Fish & Chicken Grill in El Cajon  is the freshest you’ll find in East County.  Choose from fish caught daily displayed in a glass case, or at times, take the opportunity to catch your own with a fishing net in a tiled pool inside this eatery, which is popular with  both Middle Eastern and Western customers.

My dining companion and I savor a whole red snapper that is tender and juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside with a paper thin skin and a delightful smoked wood flavor.  It is served with a mango sauce (amba) that is balanced, sweet and spicy, along with onions, tomatoes, lemon parsley and freshly baked tanoor bread.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

VALLEY FEVER CASES SKYROCKET TEN-FOLD ACROSS SOUTHWEST; OVER 25% OF CASES ARE IN CALIFORNIA

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 29, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – The Centers for Disease Control yesterday issued a press release warning that cases of Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis), a fungal respiratory disease, have risen sharply across the southwest including California.  Cases rose nearly ten-fold from 2,265 in 1998 to over 22,000 in 2011 in southwestern states.

California now accounts for 25% all cases, trailing only Arizona, which has 70% of cases.   The fungus occurs naturally in dry soils of the southwest and is spread through the air when people inhale the spores. Outbreaks have occurred following wildfires and those in occupations exposed to dust are at higher risk, such as construction workers, archaeologists, farm workers and Border Patrol agents.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

IS THE PARTY OVER? COUNTY SUES FOREST SERVICE TO BLOCK REOPENING OF CEDAR CREEK FALLS TRAIL

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 29, 2013 (Ramona) – Today, San Diego County has filed a lawsuit seeking declaratory relief and an injunction to halt the U.S. Forest Service from reopening the trail to Cedar Creek Falls from Ramona’s San Diego Country Estates. The suit follows the USFS announcement that it plans to reopen the trailhead April 5th and implement a permit system for visitors. The falls and a natural swimming pool below are considered by some to be the most spectacular natural attractions in East County.

“The lawsuit is in response to the Forest Service’s decision to ignore both the public safety and fiscal concerns raised by the County during the appeal of the permit system plan,” Supervisor Dianne Jacob said in a press statement issued today. “Adequate law enforcement staffing must be in place before the trail is opened back up.  Either the Forest Service needs to be able to enforce its own rules, or pay the Sheriff’s Department to do it.”


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SHERIFF TO WATCH FOR CURFEW VIOLATIONS OVER SPRING BREAK: 14 JUVENILES ARRESTED OVERNIGHT IN EAST COUNTY CURFEW SWEEP

 

March 29, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – San Diego Sheriff’s deputies arrested 14  juveniles during a curfew sweep of Santee and Lakeside from 10 p.m. last night until 1:30 a.m. this morning. 

The juveniles were released to their parents at the Santee Sheriff’s substation.  Eleven were given an opportunity to participate n a diversion program through San Diego Youth Services. Three cases were turned over to the District Attorney’s office for review. One juvenile was found in possession of marijuana.

Deputies were also out on patrol to look for social host violations. No social host violations were discovered.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

CONGRESSWOMAN DAVIS INTRODUCES BILL TO EXPAND MISSILE SHIELDS FOR ISRAEL

 

March 29, 2013 (Washington D.C.) – Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) has introduced along with 63 bipartisan cosponsors H.R. 1130, the Iron Dome Support Act.  Iron Dome is the defensive weapon system that is currently serving as a missile shield over Israel. 

“This joint Israeli-U.S. project is already in the field, having successfully downed nearly 90% of incoming missiles during last year’s conflict in Gaza.  Hundreds of innocent lives were spared as a result of Iron Dome and rocket fire from the Gaza strip did not escalate into a larger crisis," Davis states. “However, the coverage provided by the Iron Dome defense system is inadequate and regional security requires additional units to protect all of its civilian population.”


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

TWO ARRESTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER IN JULIAN

 

March 28, 2013 (Julian ) – A motorist found a gunshot victim left wounded on Banner Grade along State Route 78 this morning and brought him to the Julian fire station.  The victim was taken to Palomar Medical Center and is expected to survive his injury.

Two people have been arrested for the shooting.  Jeffrey Roberson, 47, is charged with attempted murder.  Jennifer Minor, 40, faces a conspiracy charge.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

HISTORY ALIVE: TALL IN THE SADDLE APRIL 4 IN LEMON GROVE

March 25, 2013 (Lemon Grove) – At the Lemon Grove Historical Society’s next "History Alive" lecture, Garry McClintock, the renowned saddle maker and CEO of McClintock Saddle Works, Descanso, and authority on cowboy history, will explain what makes a great saddle andwhy the cowboy was central to the story of the American West.  The event will be held on April 4 at 7 p.m. in the H. Lee House Cultural Center, 3205 Olive, Lemon Grove

See McClintock's gorgeous, hand-crafted saddles and hear why the life and times of the cowboy and his trusty horse became rooted in the American psyche.  From the gritty outback, to the open plains, to sprawling ranches, to the silver screen, the often harsh realities of the cowboy's world became the stuff of myth and legend, song and poetry. 


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

AMERICAN HOME SHOW COMES TO EAST COUNTY APRIL 5-7: FEATURES MADE-IN-AMERICA PRODUCTS

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 21, 2013 (Santee) – American Home Show will present the first-ever Spring Home Show at the Town Center Community Park  and Santee Sport Complex in Santee on April 5, 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily.  Admission is free.

‘The show inspires homeowners with countless ideas on enhancing their home’s comfort and functionality, as well as being labeled “made in America,” a press release from organizers states. The event will showcase hundreds of home improvement and landscaping exhibits, with product demonstrations . Attractions will also include live entertainment, speakers, an American business mixer, barbecue competition cook-off, gunny sack race, and a kids’ village.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

WRITE OUT LOUD AND SAN PASQUAL WINERY HOST “THE BIG READ” APRIL 2

 

Celebrate The Big Read: Imagine a World without Books: Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451

March 12, 2013 (La Mesa)--La Mesa's San Pasqual Winery will be hosting an overview of Bradbury’s celebrated novel, and a dramatic reading of his poignant short story The Love Affair of Laurel and Hardy on Tuesday, April 2 at 6:00 p.m. in the San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room (8364 La Mesa Blvd).


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

A QUEST FOR UNITY: JOURNEY OF NISHIYUU AND CANADA’S FIRST NATION’S LAND MANAGEMENT REGIME

Editor's note: This is a victory born in the Idle No More Movement for Native rights, which has spread from Canada to the U.S. ECM recently covered Idle No More speakers in San Diego, including local Kumeyaay members.  

By Sarah Hales-Ried (reprinted with permission of San Diego Loves Green)

http://www.sandiegolovesgreen.com/articles/a-quest-for-unity-journey-of-nishiyuu-canadas-new-land-management-regime/

March 28, 2013 (Ottaway, Canada)--After over two months and 1600 kilometres (approx. 994 miles) of walking, the journey of Nishiyuu  - a Cree word meaning “the people” - reached Cam-nada's Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, on Monday, March 25. That same day, Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, formally welcomed eight First Nation communities into Canada's First Nations Land Management regime.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

IF YOU LOVE FLOWERS, YOU’LL ENJOY SWEET PEA DAY ON APRIL 13 AT SUMMERS PAST FARMS

 

 

March 28, 2013 (Flinn Springs)--Spend your morning enjoying sweet peas on April 13 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at Summers Past Farms annual "Sweet Pea Days."  The farm is located at 14602 Olde Highway 80 in Flinn Springs.  Should you decide to cut your own bouquet, you can do so at $3.00 per bouquet from 11:00 a.m. until the blooms are gone.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

READER'S EDITORIAL: SEQUESTRATION WILL LEAVE SENIORS HUNGRY

4 Million Senior Meals to be Cut Nationwide, 100,000 meals in San Diego Alone

By Paul Downey, President/CEO, Senior Community Centers

March 28, 2013 (San Diego)--Sometimes I am really glad to live almost 3,000 miles from Washington DC. The latest “raging” chest-thumping, finger-pointing debate is whether President Obama cancelling tours of the White House are politically motivated or a true result of sequestration. This is a bit of Nero fiddling while Rome burned.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

FEDERAL SEQUESTRATION CUTS HIT HARD IN LA MESA; CITY ELIMINATES MOST PUBLIC SERVICES FOR ELDERLY AND YOUNG PEOPLE

 

March 27, 2013 (La Mesa)—The federal government has slashed Community Development Block Grant funding for La Mesa from $800,000 a few years ago down to just $350,000 this year. As a result, the City Council voted 5-0 on Tuesday to completely eliminate funds for all public services funded by CDGB, except for fair housing. The cuts fall largely on programs that help the elderly, poor and disabled.

Funds will be axed for the Alzheimer’s Association, East County YMCA Summer Camp, Meals on Wheels of Greater San Diego, San Diego Youth Services, Elder help, Interfaith Shelter Network, Senior Community Centers, and more.

Mayor Art Madrid called the elimination of public services a “tough decision” necessitated by federal sequestration cuts. Sequestration mandates cuts across the board in nearly all federal agencies as a result of Congress failing to reach agreement on how to reduce federal debt and resolve the federal budget.  Democrats sought a combination of revenue increases and budget cuts, while Republicans have blocked such proposals, holding out for cuts-only solutions.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS

March 28, 2013 (San Diego's East County)--Health and Science Highlights brings you news on the cutting edges in these fields. 

On the science front, have earthquakes mastered the secrets pursued by alchemists since the days of legend? The journal Nature Geoscience writes about the ability of earthquakes to vaporize water in faults, depositing gold. Plus beekeepers are suing the EPA-- and a new study shows pesticides are affecting bees memories and navigation skills.

On the health front, does aspirin reduce cancer risk? A study in the Journal Cancer this week suggests it might. The Community Asthma Initiative at Boston's Children's Hospital may provide a model for Medicare and insurance companies to keep costs down while preventing asthma. Speaking of governments involvement in health, this week the New York Superior Court struck down New York City's soda ban as "arbitrary and capricious," while the Mayor defiantly promised to challenge the decision.

In perhaps the most far reaching health development of the week, a new peer reviewed study lead right here in San Diego indicates that Down Syndrome may be caused by the lack of an important brain protein, SNX27-- and may lead to development of therapies that can reverse the syndrome if treatment is started up to as late as puberty.

For links to these stories and more, scroll down.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS HEADLINES

March 28, 2013 (San Diego's East County) -- ECM 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

Scroll down for excerpts and full stories.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: TOP LOCAL AND STATE NEWS


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

FULL ACCESS TO CEDAR CREEK FALLS WILL OPEN APRIL 5 WITH VISITOR USE PERMIT SYSTEM

 

 

March 26, 2013 (San Diego's East County)--Starting April 5th, hiking to Cedar Creek Falls will require a visitor permit. Access from the San Diego River Gorge Trailhead in Ramona is also set to reopen.  The trailhead has been closed since the death of an El Cajon teen who fell over the top of the falls in July 2011.  A second trailhead reopened last year.

With the opening, the U.S. Forest Service is implementing a Visitor Use Permit System that will limit the number of visitors to Cedar Creek Falls, while providing for protection of natural resources and enhancing public health and safety.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

READER'S EDITORIAL: A DECISION IN YOUR FAVOR

 

Court rules that CA Public Records Act applies to public officials’ private e-mail accounts

By Lou Russo

March 24, 2013 (Alpine)--In a Superior Court in California on March 19, 2013, a decision was filed which should make every Californian happy. The Honorable James P. Kleinberg decided that you, a citizen of California, have the right to view the records of public servants concerning the public’s business, in any form, regardless of where they are stored. Let me quote from the decision:

“[It is] unlikely the Legislature intended to render documents confidential based on their location, rather than their content.”


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

CAL FIRE TARGETS ONE-THIRD OF STATE FOR CLEARANCE: SEEKS EXEMPTION FROM ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

 

Your right to challenge clearance projects may be taken away

UPDATE: COMMENT PERIOD EXTENDED TO APRIL 8

By Miriam Raftery

Updated March 28, 2013 (San Diego's East County)--The California Board of Forestry and CalFire has released a proposal to target about 38 million acres (1/3rd of the entire state) to be burned, chewed-up, or sprayed with herbicides. This increases its habitat clearance program five times over current levels in what the California Chaparral Institute (CCI) calls a “major threat” to wildlife.

Robert S. Taylor Jr., a fire specialist with the National Park Service, has also blasted the proposal as a “very poor use of public funds” that would cause irreversible environmental damage. “I strongly recommend that Cal Fire withdraw the current proposal and produce a new one based on best available science," he wrote.  The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has also criticized the plan.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SUNSHINE AWARD BESTOWED ON OPEN GOVERNMENT ADVOCATE TERRY FRANCKE

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 28, 2013 (San Diego) –When it comes to open government and public access to government records, times have changed dramatically in California. Much of that change can be attributed to the tireless efforts of Terry Francke, General Counsel of Californians Aware. 

Last night, Francke received the coveted Sunshine Award from the Society of Professional Journalists in San Diego.  The award was presented by Donna Frye,  Director of Open Government for the City of San Diego and a prior recipient of the Sunshine Award.  Mayor Bob Filner also presented a proclamation honoring Francke.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

FREE EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA AT JOAN KROC CENTER ON MARCH 30

By Caprice Harrison

March 20, 2013 (San Diego) – Come to the Kroc Center on Saturday, March 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and you will take part in a FREE community Easter Egg Hunt and festival.

The Kroc Community Church is hosting its tenth-annual, “EGG-stravaganza” at the Salvation Army Kroc Center, located at 6845 University Avenue, San Diego. This event offers local families a free, safe and fun place to celebrate the Easter holiday. Highlights include visits and pictures with the Easter Bunny, bounce houses, carnival games, arts and crafts, music and thrilling prizes.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Pages