By Miriam Raftery

Back Country Voices, a citizens group in East County, held a forum on November 11 regarding a proposal to test drones--unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs-- over backcountry areas in San Diego and East County.   Concerned citizens packed into Julian’s library to learn more about the implications of drone testing in our region.

The first speaker was John Raifsnider, a local resident.  “San Diego Military Advisory Council, the Economic Development [Council] and then the Chamber…What does that mean? “ he asked. “Money and military. What does that mix create? We want to know.”