April 12, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – Ariele Johannsen snapped this photo of Joel Talmadge from El Cajon. Talmadge is proud to live in East County – so to show off his East County spirit, he’s tattooed the words “East County” onto his arm.

Photo, left:  Guests at Viejas Band of the Kumeyaay Indians table at the Children's Ball

By Miriam Raftery

April 2004 (San Diego)--More than 400 people from throughout San Diego and East County attended the 48th annual Children’s Ball.  Held at the U.S. Grant Hotel in downtown San Diego, this elegant gathering benefitted the Boys and Girls Clubs of East County. 

This year, the event honored Mary Alice and Ron Brady (photo, right), founders of the Brady Companies which recently donated $3 million to the Boys and Girls Clubs of East County. A new  Brady Family Clubhouse on the campus of La Mesa Middle School will be named in their honor.  The Boys and Girls Clubs of East County serve over 3,000 children every year.

Hear our radio interview with term limits advocates Craig Maxwell and La Mesa Vice Mayor Kristine Alessio: http://kiwi6.com/file/257ktyze5y

By Miriam Raftery

April 12, 2014 (La Mesa) – An ad sent in a mailer to La Mesa residents by the La Mesa Term Limits Committee is sparking controversy.  The ad, topped by a no career politicians message, has two photos of convicted former San Diego Mayor Bob Filner – one in 1979, labeled “idealistic, committed, zeal of a new recruit” and the second in 2013 labeled “corrupt, drunk on power, self serving.”  The ad then admonishes voters to “keep all our reps honest with term limits.”

“How could the innuendo in this not be profoundly offensive to the current La Mesa City Council?” asks Anthony McIvor, a La Mesa resident, who calls the mailer a “regrettable smear” piece.

April 11, 2014 (San Diego) – San Diego State University campus police have issued an alert warning studies that at 10:45 this morning, a female student reported that a man grabbed her buttocks from behind and asked her to come into a parking structure with him.  The incident occurred while the student was walking on Montezuma Road at East Campus Drive.  The victim continued walking and was not injured.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

April 10, 2014 (San Diego)--Those little nine-volt batteries that you changed last month from your smoke detector or just keep around in drawers could post a serious fire hazard if not stored correctly says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.  The batteries could start a fire if surrounded by the wrong items.  Several house fires have been reported caused by the batteries.

April 11, 2014 (Santee)--On Thursday, May 8, 2014 the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and the Santee Chamber of Commerce invite you to join them for an evening mixer at Lantern Crest Senior Living, 11010 Sunset Trail in Santee.

April 11, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) -- In 2007, when devastating wildfires ripped through San Diego County, John Hartman and his family were left without a home. But the fires took more than replaceable items; they also separated the family from their dog, Buddy.

Maximum occupancy of 2,600 people is twice the population of Boulevard

Hearing May 8 at Boulevard Planning Group; Comments on proposal accepted through May 12

Photo: Protest held at same site during Sunrise Powerlink groundbreaking

By Miriam Raftery

April 11, 2014 (Boulevard) – Properties controlled by the Hamann Companies entities and family are proposed for a variety of large-scale projects on McCain Valley Road in Boulevard, gateway to the McCain Valley, a federal recreation area.  None are popular with neighbors, thus far. Hamann gained approval for industrial wind turbines as part of Tule Wind and has been pushing to convert another 765 acres to industrial solar as part of Soitec’s controversial proposed projects. The site hosted the groundbreaking for Sunrise Powerlink, drawing protesters from across the county.

Now, Hamann is also seeking a Major Use Permit to construct a conference retreat and wellness center and a campground on 713 acres. At capacity, the facility could house up to 2,600 people—or more than twice the current population of the entire town of Boulevard. 

April 10, 2014 (Poway) – The Poway Chamber of Commerce hosted the first annual Mickey Cafagna Memorial Golf Classic on Friday, March 28, 2014.   The event was held at Maderas Golf Club in Poway.  The tournament included a day of golf and an awards reception that honored the former Poway Mayor, Mickey Cafagna.

E - The Environmental Magazine

April 5, 2014 (San Diego)--Dear EarthTalk: What’s going on with Earth Day this year and how can I get involved? -- Christine B., Boston, MA

This coming April 22 will mark the 44th annual celebration of Earth Day, and the focus this year will be green cities. “As the world’s population migrates to cities, and as the bleak reality of climate change becomes increasingly clear, the need to create sustainable communities is more important than ever,” reports Earth Day Network, the Seattle-based non-profit that helps coordinate Earth Day celebrations and serves as a clearinghouse for related information and resources. The group hopes to galvanize the support of more than a billion people across 192 countries this Earth Day for increasing the sustainability and reducing the carbon footprints of urban areas everywhere.

April 10, 2014 (San Diego)--Empty your medicine cabinets of unused prescription drugs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at locations across the county as part of Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Improper disposal of prescription medicines can harm the environment.

By Miriam Raftery

 J. Richmond also contributed to this ECM special report

Records obtained by ECM show longer response times in rural areas than urban communities; new substation won't increase staffing

April 10, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) -- Recently, Potrero resident Tarah Corey called 911 to report that someone in her area had been crying out and screaming for help and to send officers immediately. She was shocked to finally receive a call back from the Sheriff’s department 45 minutes later to check to see if the screaming had stopped, according to posts on the Mountain Empire Community Facebook page. While you would expect a quick response to such a dire and life-threatening situation, she learned the hard way in East County’s backcountry that’s not always the case.

April 10, 2014 (La Mesa) -- Our editor, Miriam Raftery, didn't have to look far to find a photo of the week. She snapped this picture in her home office of her cat, Rex, snuggled up with her dog, Ginger--who didn't seem to mind awakening form naptime to find the interloper occupying her space.

If only the whole world could get alone so well!

April 10, 2014 (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.

• At Fort Hood service, Obama calls for renewed attention to wars’ toll on those who served (Washington Post)
• NATO could send U.S. troops to eastern Europe (Time)
• Same-sex marriage battle escalates to force a Supreme Court ruling on constitutionality (Washington Post)
• NASA maps out plan for sending people to Mars, tossing asteroids at the moon (Huffington Post)

WORLD

• Heartbleed bug: public urged to reset all passwords (BBC)
• A rising number of children are dying from U.S. explosives littering Afghan lands (Washington Post)
• Pro-Moscow protesters seize arms, declare republic; Kiev fears invasion (Reuters)

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

April 9, 2014 (Pine Valley) — Christina Walker, Owner and Founder of The Rockin’CW Ranch and Splash of Passion LLC, has been selected as an Honored Member of the National Association of Distinguished Professionals.  The selection recognizes Christina Walker’s commitment to excellence in Hospitality and outdoor recreation.