April 2009 Articles

CRAFTING WITH MARY: ELEGANT EGGS

By Mary Genser

April 1, 2009 (La Mesa)—These elegant eggs are beautiful enough to display year-round. They can be displayed throughout the home or given as treasured gifts.


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WILL POWER REPORT: A FISH STORY

Nothing but the Truth!

By Will Power

April 7, 2009 San Diego)--A tragic event happened on a Southern California fishing boat this week. A deckhand, hoping to amuse some children on an “Educational” Fishing Trip, stuck a live fish in his mouth. The fish logged in the man’s windpipe and he was suffocated.

But it is the fish, not the people in danger. Overfishing and pollution have caused some species of fish to disappear, while others can no longer legally be caught.


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EDIITORIAL: SDGE’S PROPOSAL TO SHUT-OFF POWER DURING TIMES OF SEVERE, FIRE-PRONE WEATHER RAISED IRE OF HUNDREDS OF BACKCOUNTRY RESIDENTS AT CPUC HEARING


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LA MESA CHAMBER MIXER AT VIEJAS DRAWS CROWD

La Mesa Chamber of Commerce President Mary England and Viejas spokesman Charlie Brown

By Miriam Raftery

March 26, 2009 (Alpine) —“We don’t just hold mixers. We make cash registers ring,” La Mesa Chamber of Commerce president Mary England told a crowd of approximately 100 members and guests at a mixer hosted by the Chamber at the Dreamcatcher Lounge in Viejas Casino. England presented a plaque to Viejas, which donated dinners for all Chamber members and guests.


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CONGRESSMEN SPAR AT SAN DIEGO REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LUNCHEON

By Miriam Raftery April 3, 2009 (San Diego)—Democratic Congressman Bob Filner took some good-natured swings at fellow members of San Diego’s Congressional delegation at the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce luncheon on March 27th. “First let me take some cheap political shots,” quipped Filner, sporting boxing gloves. He noted that the Chamber of Commerce and other business interests asked members of Congress to support the President’s stimulus package aimed at boosting the economy and creating jobs.


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RECORD NUMBER OF GUHSD SCHOOLS RECEIVE CALIFORNIA DISTINGUISHED SCHOOLS AWARD

Grossmont High School, Helix Charter High School and Grossmont Middle College High School Receive Prestigious Honor April 2, 2009 (El Cajon)—On April 1, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell announced that 125 California high schools were awarded the prestigious 2009 California Distinguished Schools Award. This marks the first year that a record three GUHSD schools have been recognized by the state for outstanding academic achievement.


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DESERT DREAMS: LOOK WHAT’S NEW UNDER THE SUN AT ANZA-BORREGO

Wild horse sculptures

By Miriam Raftery

April 1, 2009 (Borrego)—Visitors to Anza-Borrego may be startled by the vision of life-sized metal sculptures of dinosaurs, mastodons and other prehistoric creatures rising from the desert floor like sentinels of a forgotten era.  Other sculptures portray wild horses, birds of prey, tortoises, a saber-tooth tiger and Native American themes.  The creations by sculptor Ricardo Breceda are just some of the many surprises in store for those who visit the Anza-Borrego Desert, a treasure trove of hidden gems.


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MAKING THE GRADE: GUHSD'S 2009 TEACHER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

Mike Love and David Bradford Selected to Represent GUHSD in Prestigious San Diego County Teacher of the Year Competition April 3, 2009 (El Cajon)--At its Governing Board Meeting on Thursday, April 2, the Grossmont Union High School District honored Teacher of the Year nominees from its represented school sites. These nominees are selected by their peers. A panel comprised of previous Teachers of the Year and District personnel selected two representatives from this distinguished group of nominees to be considered for the San Diego County Teacher of the Year competition.


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DRY TIMES: WATER-SAVING LANDSCAPE ADVICE

April 4, 2009 (San Diego)—With water districts urging consumers to cut outdoor water usage by 40% amid the drought, homeowners are left wondering how to maintain an attractive yard without being water hogs—and paying hefty prices to be levied against heavy water users. The California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) offers some recommendations for consumers to make smart choices and protect the environment even with mandated water reductions.


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HOP TO GROSSMONT CENTER SATURDAY: EASTER BUNNY TO HIDE OVER 1500 EGGS AT LA MESA MALL

April 2, 2009 (La Mesa)—Grossmont Center is hosting an Easter egg hunt with treats for all visitors on april 11th from 9-10 a.m. in Macy’s Courtyard. The festivities include meeting the Easter bunny, prizes, giveaways and refreshments. Bring your own basket to hunt for over 1,500 colorfully decorated eggs. The event is free.


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EDITORIAL: AN OPEN LETTER TO JANET NAPOLITANO, SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY, REGARDING ALAN BERSIN--A TOP CANDIDATE FOR U.S. CUSTOMS & BORDER PATROL TOP SLOT

By Ernie McRay Editor’s Note: Alan Bersin has served as Superintendent of Public Education in San Diego City Schools and was appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as California Secretary of Education. He is now in the running to head up the U.S. Customs & Border Patrol. Dear Secretary Napolitano: April 1, 2009(San Diego)--I write this letter because Alan Bersin is rumored to be on a short list of people who seek to run the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency.


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GROW THE GREAT PUMPKIN: VALLEY CENTER FARMERS’ MARKET HOSTS PUMPKIN GROWING CONTEST—FREE SEEDS IN APRIL!

April 8, 2009 (Valley Center) - Remember Charlie Brown's quest to grow the Great Pumpkin? Now you can grow your own jumbo-sized jack-o-lantern. The San Diego County Farm Bureau is putting on the first Valley Center Pumpkin Growing Contest at the Valley Center Certified Farmers’ Market. Anyone interested in participating can pick up free pumpkin seeds from the farmers’ market manager, Lorrie Scott, at the Thursday markets during the month of April.


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COMPOSTING IS EASIER AND MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOU THINK

By Rachel Hutman

April 1, 2009 (San Diego's East County) - Sure, you recycle, but do you compost? You probably know a little about composting and have heard it’s important for the environment. However you have always pushed it into the back of your brain saying “maybe someday” or “I don’t know how to start.” However composting is much easier than you think, and there are many nearby resources available to help you. The most important reason to start now is the positive difference you will be making in the environment by recycling valuable organic materials. It’s estimated that 50% of your everyday waste can be composted and reused.


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TAKING ROOT: VICTORY GARDENS SPROUT IN SAN DIEGO

April 2, 2009 (San Diego)--San Diego Roots, in coordination with several grassroots food and gardening groups, announces the formation of Victory Gardens San Diego. The group’s mission is to encourage and assist in the development of sustainable, healthy, Earth-friendly home, community and school food gardens throughout the San Diego area. The movement aims to foster appreciation for the taste of fresh healthy food grown locally. Participants are invited to share with family, friends, and community while teaching children about healthy food and where it comes from.


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SYLVIA’S SOAPBOX: HOMEOWNERS REVOLT AGAINST HOA’S LAWN RULES AMID WATER SHORTAGE

Learn How to Weather the Water Challenge at Earth Day April 19 By Sylvia Hampton April 1, 2009 (San Diego)--San Diego County’s biggest environmental challenge is WATER. We live in a desert but act like we live on a tropical island. Our supply is decreasing while our population is increasing. Climate Change is not helping. When we bought a new home in 1996, my husband and I were told we had to have a grass lawn or we would be in violation of the code of conduct for Scripps Ranch residents. Our neighbor across the street ignored that and put in a smart drought-resistant landscape.


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SIMPLE WISDOM: ARE YOU CAUGHT IN A TRIANGLE?

By Penelope Andrade

April 1, 2009 (San Diego)--Are you caught in a relationship triangle? Everyone is familiar with two people having an affair without the knowledge of a spouse or significant other. What you may not know is that other triangles also cause problems – parent and child against the other parent – friends, couples/in-laws, co-workers siding with one another in shifting alliances. Extricating yourself from any of these tangles can be a challenge because they’re typically a smokescreen for deeper issues.


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EAST COUNTY CITIES VIE TO LURE SHOPPERS

By Miriam Raftery

April 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – A sales tax hike that takes effect today in La Mesa and El Cajon, has sparked competition among East County cities and Chambers of Commerce vying for shoppers’ business. A statewide sales tax increase boosts sales tax county-wide to 8.75%. In El Cajon and La Mesa, voters approved additional tax increases to 9.75% and 9.5% respectively. But does shopping outside your own community make economic sense, if it means taking tax revenues away from your home town?


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UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS EXTENDED AN EXTRA 20 WEEKS

By Miriam Raftery

March 27, 2008 (Sacaramento) – With the state’s unemployment rate at 10.5%, jobless Californians will be eligible to receive unemployment benefits for an additional 20 week.  Legislation signed by Governor Schwarzenegger  will bring help to more than 400,000 California families, the California Labor Federation reports. California workers generated nearly 3,000 letters to legislators and the governor to gain their support for two measures, which will extend unemployment benefits for an additional 20 weeks and modernize the state’s outdated eligibility rules, making the state eligible for an additional $839 million in federal funds.


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ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STILL BLOOMING IN HIGHER ELEVATIONS

Wildflower Hike Planned April 16. 

April 1, 2009 (Borrego Springs) – It’s not too late to see Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in bloom. As we move past the peak flower time, the show is moving from the desert floor to canyons and higher elevations, where there are a wide variety of plants just beginning to bloom. Anza-Borrego Institute will offer a full-day hike among the flowers on the Pacific Crest Trail on Thursday, April 16 from 8:00 to 4:30, for $45 or $35 for ABFI members. Visit theABF.org for more details.  If you’re interested in venturing off the pavement for other hiking opportunities, here are prime locations to find blooms:


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EAST COUNTY EATER - THE VINE WINE BAR & BISTRO: VINTAGE CHARM IN ALPINE

 

2502 Alpine Blvd., Alpine CA 91901
(619)722-7046
www.visitthevine.net

April 1, 2009 (Alpine) — Let me recommend a sure-fire place to unwind. The Vine Wine Bar & Bistro in Alpine is situated in a cozy wooden building with hand-hewn beams and split-rail trim, reminiscent of places sure to be found in the back-closets of our memories. Places surrounded by trees and cool running creek water. How could you not feel comfortable in a restaurant that has a tree growing up through the middle of the bar and a huge river-rock fireplace warming the place?


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COURTS LIKELY TO OVERTURN SUNRISE POWERLINK APPROVAL, CONSUMER ATTORNEY PREDICTS TO CROWD OF 600 PROTESTORS IN ALPINE

By Miriam Raftery

Sign expresses residents' outrage over fire dangers posed by Powerlink

April 8, 2009 (Alpine)—A coalition of more than 600 people packed the community center in Alpine last night to protest Sunrise Powerlink, the high-voltage line that SDG&E plans to build through the heart of this mountain community. Attorney Michael Shames from the Utility Consumers Action Network told the crowd that despite approval by the California Public Utilities Commission in December, he believes that construction of Powerlink will ultimately be halted through legal action.

 


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APRIL 2009 FESTIVALS OF THE MONTH: PARTIES, A PARADE, RODEO, RIVER BLITZ AND MUCH MORE

By Miriam Raftery April 1, 2009 (San Diego's East County)--Aloha! Viejas teams up with El Cajon to host a brand new festival on Saturday, April 4. The new "It's 5'clock Somewhere Party" includes transformation of a downtown warehouse into an inland "beach" paradise complete with tiki bar, Hawaiian food and music by Shipwrecked, a Jimmy Buffet-style band. Also this weekend, community members are invited to turn out for a Community Mural Project and "River Blitz," both hosted by the San Diego River Park Foundation. Need a laugh?


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GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY: INTRODUCTION TO FARMING WORKSHOP SERIES AT LA MILPA FARM IN ESCONDIDO STARTS APRIL 4

April 1, 2009 (Escondido)—San Diego Roots and La Milpa Organica are pleased to announce a new educational program for our community. Whether you are a beginning gardener or experienced farmer, this program will take you full circle through a seasonal planting and harvest on a farm.


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JESSE LAMONACA HEADLINES AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE COYOTE MUSIC FESTIVAL MAY 1

Jesse LaMonaca

April 1,2009 (El Cajon) — The Cuyamaca College Music Industry Studies program is proud to announce the Coyote Music Festival on May 1, 2009 on the grand lawn of Cuyamaca College. The event will feature 6 San Diego acts playing original music during the late afternoon concert: Jesse Lamonaca, Regina Leonard, Silent Lune, Goodnight Caulfield, Rhythm and the Method and special emcee, Gill SOTU.


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NEW ASSEMBLYMAN MARTY BLOCK INTRODUCES BILL TO CREATE NEW COLLEGE IN CHULA VISTA

Vittorio Arata,
Gabriella Quiroga (1),
Katya Quiroga,
Mariella Quiroga
(Mark Raftery)

April 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — On his first day of work at the Capitol,  Assemblyman Marty Block introduced AB 24, a bill which would require that the California State University trustees conduct a feasibility study for locating the 24th Campus of the CSU System in Chula Vista.


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