December 2014 Articles

BLEAK OUTLOOK FOR SOITEC’S SOLAR PROSPECTS

 

Despite company’s woes, county releases EIR on Soitec’s proposed Boulevard projects. A hearing is set for January 16, with the deadline for public comment  January 14.

By Miriam Raftery

December 22, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) -- The future for Soitec Solar is far from bright.  The company’s stock shares plummeted 57 percent on Monday,  reaching an all-time low. The plunge led Reuters to advise investors to avoid Soitec “like poison.”

The free-fall occurred after the company announced that the main project in its solar division has been cancelled and that the company will be scaling down its San Diego facility.  Tenaska Solar Ventures cancelled its deal to use Soitec’s concentrated photovoltaic panels at a facility in Imperial County. In addition, San Diego Gas & Electric spokeswoman Jennifer Ramp says that the utility “does not have any contracts with Soitec.” That statement conflicts with claims previously made by Soitec, Voice of San Diego reports in an article titled “The Darling of San Diego Solar Manufacturing Is on Its Death Bed.”

Despite this precipitous news, ironically the County of San Diego released the final environmental impact report (EIR) on Soitec’s four proposed industrial-scale solar projects in Boulevard.  A hearing on the projects are set for January 16th, which public comments due by January 14th at 4 p.m. , according to Mindy Fogg, planning manager for the County.


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SANTA BRINGS GIFTS TO HOMELESS KIDS-WITH HELP FROM FIREFIGHTERS AND MAYOR WELLS

 

December 22, 2014 (El Cajon) – Community members teamed up to bring joy to homeless children in a special Christmas party at the East County Transitional Living Center on Saturday. Santa made a special visit to pass out gifts, aided by CAL FIRE firefighters.


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NORTH KOREA DENIES SONY HACK, ISSUES THREATS TO U.S.

 

East County News Service

Photo credit: Darwinek, cc on Wikipedia Commons

December 22, 2014 (San Diego)--Last week, we reported that the FBI has officially blamed North Korea for the hacks on Sony Entertainment. Those cyber-hacks released personal information on employees, threatened theaters with terrorist attacks and led to cancellation of “The Interview,” a film that centered around a plot to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jon Un.


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'TIS THE SEASON FOR HOLIDAY SCAMS IN CALIFORNIA

 

By Lori Abbott, Public News Service

December 16, 2014 (San Diego) -- It may be the season of giving, but it's unfortunately the season of taking too.



Whether it's an online shopping scam, gift card fraud or a fake charity asking for donations, AARP fraud expert Sally Hurme says always think twice before giving out personal information.


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ALUMNI GIVE POINSETIA BOWL TICKETS TO STUDENT VETERANS

 

East County News Service

December 22, 2014 (San Diego) - The Poinsettia Bowl kicks off on December 23rd with San Diego State’s Aztecs versus the Navy at Qualcomm Stadium. The crowd will include student veterans and their families, thanks to the generosity of SDSU’s alumni community, which donated over 225 tickets so far.


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WIND ADVISORY ISSUED

 

East County News Service

December 22, 2014 (San Diego)—The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for our region from 10 p.m. night through 8 a.m. on Wednesday.


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ALPINE FIRE BOARD MEMBERS REAPPOINTED; NO OPPONENTS RAN

 

East County News Service

December 19, 2014 (Alpine)--Four of the five Board Members of the Alpine Fire Protection District were sworn into office for additional terms at the December 16th Board Meeting.  At the meeting, District legal counsel Steve Fitch, administered the oath of office to all four at the same time.


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EARTHTALK(R): CLIMATE CHANGE DENIERS IGNORE SCIENCE

 

Photo Credit: NASA HQ, Flickr CC

Congressman Lamar Smith (R-TX), chair of the House Science, Space  Technology Committee, calls the Obama administration's 2014 National Climate Assessment--which squarely pins the blame for global warming on human industrial activity--"a political document intended to frighten Americans into believing that any abnormal weather we experience is the direct result of CO2 emissions."

E - The Environmental Magazine

Dear EarthTalk: Are there still outspoken global warming deniers in Congress or the mainstream media? If so, what do they say when presented with scientific facts and anecdotal evidence pointing to an increasingly warming atmosphere?                                                      -- Ben Charles, Cary, NC

December 20, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) - Given the preponderance of data showing rising temperatures around the globe in recent decades—along with the increasing frequency of extreme weather events—it’s hard to believe there are still any climate change deniers. But a recent survey by the non-profit Center for American Progress found that some 58 percent of Republicans in the U.S. Congress still “refuse to accept climate change.” Meanwhile, still others acknowledge the existence of global warming but cling to the scientifically debunked notion that the cause is natural forces, not greenhouse gas pollution by humans.


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TV VIEWERS HELP FIND STOLEN BULLDOZER

 

East County News Service

December 19, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) - Earlier this week, we reported on a brazen bulldozer theft caught on surveillance video in Lakeside.


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FARM TO SCHOOL PROGRAMS ARE GROWING, SECOND ANNUAL "STATE OF FARM TO SCHOOL" REPORT REVEALS

 

School districts generate returns for San Diego County’s health and economy

December 19, 2014 (San Diego)--Farm to school practices are on the rise in San Diego County school districts, according to the 2014 State of Farm to School in San Diego County (State of F2S) released today by Community Health Improvement Partners (CHIP). All 42 San Diego County school districts participated in this year’s survey providing a comprehensive assessment of school food procurement and F2S activities in San Diego County and perhaps the most comprehensive assessment of a county’s school food procurement in the United States. Among the 24 districts that participated in last year's survey, 20 reported engagement in farm to school compared to 15 in 2013. Overall, 31 San Diego County districts are engaged in at least one of 18 farm to school activities measured for in the report.


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ERA ENDS IN LA MESA

 

East County News Service

December 19, 2014 (La Mesa)--It was the end of an era last Tuesday night at the La Mesa City Hall, where Mayor Art Madrid stepped down after a quarter of a century at the helm—one fourth of the time since La Mesa became a city.


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WIND COMPANY THAT SUED TO BLOCK RELEASE OF BIRD DEATH DATA PLEADS GUILTY TO KILLING BIRDS IN WYOMING

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 19, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – Pacificorp pled guilty this week in U.S. District Court in Wyoming to violating the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) in connection with the deaths of protected birds, including golden eagles, at two of the company’s wind projects in Wyoming.


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FREE AS A BIRD: BIRD IDIOMS AND CULTURE

 

By Greg Dunne                                           

December 19, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--“Free as a bird.” I might be a bit biased on this subject, being an avid birder, but I believe in the world of nature that birds are the biggest part of our human culture. We eat them, we use them in clothing, they are used for our national symbol, and we use them in our daily language.


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HAVE YOU SEEN THESE FUGITIVES? SHERIFF'S MOST WANTED

 

 

December 19, 2014 (San Diego) – San Diego’s Sheriff Department regularly posts photos and details on its most wanted suspects.  To view the list  with larger images and details on their alleged crimes, click here: 

http://www.sdsheriff.net/wanted/index.html


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EL CAJON POLICE DEPT. OPENS STOREFRONT AT PARKWAY PLAZA

 

December 19, 2014 (El Cajon)--For the 8th consecutive year, the El Cajon Police Department Holiday Storefront returns to Parkway Plaza in El Cajon during the month of December! This unique police storefront has been a popular place to visit during a hectic day of shopping.  There’s nothing to buy, but much to see and learn about holiday and year-round safety from the Police, Fire, and Recreation Departments.  See the Vintage 1942 El Cajon Police vehicle. McGruff the Crime Fighting Dog will be making special appearances as well.


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SAN DIEGO POTTERY TOUR SHOWCASES CLAY CREATIONS

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 19, 2014 (San Diego) – A delightful array of pottery by local artisans was on display during the San Diego Pottery Tour. This year’s event showcased works by more than 30 local potters at nine studios, including several in East County.


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ARRESTS MADE IN ATTEMPTED MURDER OF MOTEL CLERK IN EL CAJON

 

December 19, 2014 (El Cajon) -- El Cajon Police announced today that they have arrested two men in connection with the attempted murder of a clerk who was shot during an armed robbery on December 16th at Quality Inn and Suites, 1250 El Cajon Boulevard.


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CONCERT JANUARY 25 CELEBRATES RESTORED PIPE ORGAN IN LA MESA

 

East County News Service

December 20, 2014 (La Mesa) – A 90-year-old pipe organ has been restored at La Mesa’s Central Congregational Church, which will host a concert at 3 p.m.on January 25th to celebrate completion of the restoration.  The church is located at 8360 Lemon Avenue.


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CHAMBER HOSTS BREAKFAST WITH LA MESA POLICE CHIEF ED ACEVES FEB. 10

 

December 20, 2014 (La Mesa)-- The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce announces that the first breakfast meeting of the new year will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Marie Callender's, 6950 Alvarado Road, San Diego. The featured speaker in this breakfast series is La Mesa Police Chief Ed Aceves.


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MMMM! NEW YORK BAKERY IS BACK!

 

 

The New York Bakery is back!  You can print this coupon and savor a fresh mini-Danish with your next cup of coffee when you stop by  New York Bakery in downtown El Cajon.

We thank New York Bakery for providing all the delicious desserts for our holiday party this year, too!


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SANTEE COMMUNITY CHORUS IN CONCERT JAN. 18 AT MISSION TRAILS

 

December 20, 2014 (Santee) -- The Santee Community Chorus returns to the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitors Center Auditorium on Sunday, Jan 18, 2015 at 3 p.m.  The chorus is a volunteer, non-religious chorus that is open to all.


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VACANCIES ON 5 EL CAJON COMMISSIONS AND COUNCILS

 

December 19, 2014 (El Cajon) – The city of El Cajon announces vacancies on five civic boards.  They are:

·         Gillespie Field Development Council - one vacancy for a four-year term expiring January 31,        2019, and one vacancy for a four-year term expiring March 18, 2019

·         Personnel Commission - one vacancy for a four-year term expiring January 31, 2019.

·         Planning Commission - two vacancies for four-year terms expiring January 31, 2019.

·         Public Safety Facility Financing Oversight Committee - four vacancies for four-year terms expiring January 31, 2019.

·         Veterans’ Commission - one vacancy for a four-year term expiring January 31, 2019.


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COURT APPROVES PREDATOR PLACEMENT IN JACUMBA HOT SPRINGS

 

December 19, 2014 (Jacumba Hot Springs) –A Superior Court Judge has approved the release of sexually violent predator Gary Snavely to be housed in Jacumba Hot Springs:


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5 DEAD, 28 ILL AFTER EATING CARAMEL APPLES

 

East County News Service

December 19, 2014 (San Diego) – Five people are dead and 28 have been sickened with listeria after eating pre-packaged caramel apples. The illnesses have occurred in ten states including California, according to the U.S.Centers for Disease Control.


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PHOTO OF THE WEEK: BEAUTIFUL BACKCOUNTRY

 

December 19, 2014 (Lake Morena) – Photographer Kurt Scherbaum shared this beautiful image taken at Lake Morena in East County. You can view more of Kurt’s work at www.thelensmanphotography.com


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FBI ISSUES STATEMENT CONFIRMING NORTH KOREA LAUNCHED CYBER ATTACKS ON SONY

 

 

 

East County News Service

December 19, 2014 (San Diego)--Sony Pictures Entertainment has cancelled its Christmas day debut of the comedy film "The Interview" at theaters nationwide following cyberattacks that released personal data of Sony employees, followed by threats from the hackers of 9-11 style attacks on theaters.   The film depicted journalists recruited by the CIA to assassinate North Korea's President Kim Jung-Un.

Today, the FBI issued a statement on its investigation which has confirmed that North Korea is behind the threats. Below is the full text of the FBI release, provided by Special Agent Darrell Foxworth:


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JOIN US IN FEASTING AND MERRYMAKING WITH EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE DEC. 21!

 

Our holiday festival is getting better and better -- feast your eyes on the latest updates!

December 10, 2014 (Mt. Helix) -- Joy to the world! It's time for our annual eve of feasting and merrymaking with East County Magazine's readers, staff, loyal volunteers, and our team of elves working hard to make this event festive and fun for all.  Our annual holiday bash will be held on Sunday, December 21 from 3 to 7 p.m. at a private home on Mt. Helix.

The party is open only to our subscribers of our free weekly newsletter and/or our wildfire alerts, so if you're not yet a subscriber, join free by clicking here to receive your invitaiton with address and full details.

Come mix and mingle, savor wonderful  foods, wine tasting, live music by Jeff Lee, holiday fun, prizes galore and more.  Thanks to our generous sponsors including New York Bakery, Olive Garden, Anthony's Fish Grotto, La Mesa Bistro, San Pasqual Winery, Ramona Valley Vineyards, La Finquita Winery, Viejas Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, Poway Performing Arts Center, Next Door Wine & Craft Beer Bar, and  Fusion Glass.

 

 


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SDSU FRAT SHUT DOWN OVER HARASSMENT AND HAZING COMPLAINTS

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 18,2014 (San Diego) – The Delta Sigma Phi fraternity at San Diego State University has been shut down for disciplinary action and will remain closed until at least fall of 2016. Additionally, individuals involved in the harassment policy violation will be subject to a Title IX policy investigation and a student code of conduct policy violation investigation.

San Diego State University’s Division of Student Affairs has announced the disciplinary action due to consistent pattern of policy violations including harassment of  women participating in a Take Back the Night March on Friday, November 21st as well as serious hazing and alcohol misconduct issues.


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HUESO PLEADS TO RECKLESS DRIVING CHARGE

 

East County News Service

December 18, 2014 (San Diego) – State Senator Ben Hueso has accepted a plea deal from prosecutors in Sacramento County.  Hueso, a Democratic legislator from San Diego, was originally charged with drunk driving but pled guilty to a lesser charge of reckless driving involving alcohol.


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PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: OPTICAL ILLUSION IN OCOTILLO

 

December 18, 2014 (Ocotillo) ---Photographer Daren Sefcik sent in this intriguing image.  He states, “On just the right day and wind conditions one could believe that the wind turbines cross the road. Of course this is not true but on a certain part of the highway it can look that way.”


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