Projects Funded by Proposition H, Proposition U School Bonds
 

El Cajon, Calif. (May 11, 2011) – Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) announced today that it has awarded several new construction contracts, valued at over $50 million. Many of the projects are now underway at campuses throughout the district as part of the Prop H and Prop U bond programs. In the months ahead, the district projects it will award another $38 million in work.

Parkway Plaza in El Cajon is Local Westfield Shopping Center

Los Angeles - (5/3/11) – Westfield announces the third year of its highly successful Westfield Family program, the free membership program that enhances and energizes the family shopping experience by bringing family-friendly activities and events, money-saving promotions, and convenient amenities offered exclusively at Westfield Shopping Centers.

Now offered at 30 centers across the country, the Westfield Family program will continue its successful and popular program elements that make shopping fun and easy for families, including the Monthly Retailer Calendar highlighting family retailer events, promotions and offers; family-friendly retailers, eateries and amenities at each center; and Westfield Family Events offered at select centers.

New this year to Westfield Family are Westfield Family Fun Days, two free activities per month geared towards children ages 2-5 and their caretakers. At each themed Fun Day, kids will be able to create a craft with their parent, have a snack and learn more about the theme of the month through read-aloud story time. Westfield has increased the scope and capacity of the activities, and moms will receive a Westfield calendar featuring educational tips and ideas based on the month’s theme. The program began in April with “The Great Outdoors,” and continues in May with “Get Fit.”

Alan Cohen, Westfield’s Executive Vice President of Marketing says “We are enhancing Westfield Family this year by providing more events and activities,  showcasing our commitment to the families that make up such a strong segment of our shopper base.”

Signing up for the program is simple and can be done online (www.westfield.com), through a mail-in postcard, at the Westfield Concierge or management office, or at any of the Westfield Family events.

For more information and updated information on Westfield Family activities, promotions, and services, visit www.westfield.com.

Harris Fire survivors among thousands nationwide ordered to return money to FEMA

By Miriam Raftery

May 12, 2011 (Potrero) – Donald and Veronica Lytle are stunned after receiving a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) demanding that they return all of the $1,647.43 that FEMA paid them in 2007 for cleanup and temporary lodging after their home on Potrero Valley Road was damaged in the Harris wildfire. FEMA has offered no explanation for the demand, other than stating that the entire amount was an “overpayment.”

The Lytles say FEMA insists their home did not suffer fire damage--despite mounds of ashes blown inside and a hole knocked in the roof by a tree felled during a firestorm so extreme that it fueled its own weather system.

ECM editor Miriam Raftery visited Potrero during that firestorm and concidentally, interviewed the Lytles’ next-door neighbor—witnessing firsthand the devastation clearly caused by the horrific wildfire.

May 13, 2011 (East County) - San Diego RiverFest will be held May 15, at the Qualcomm Stadium Practice Field, starting at 10:00 a.m. This year’s theme is “Celebrating San Diego River Parks & Trails.” Proceeds help preserve riverfront areas in East County and San Diego.

Over 5,000 outdoor enthusiasts, eco-friendly nature lovers, pet lovers, and people from throughout the county are expected to attend the event, which includes bands entertaining as well as booths filled with arts, crafts, jewelry, plants, historical and multicultural displays, and exhibits on water conservation, saving energy, the environment, healthy living and outdoor recreation.

May 13, 2011 (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 reflecting all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views.

May 12, 2011 (Alpine) -- Lions Tigers and Bears is holding its "Wild in the Country" fundraiser on Saturday May 21, 2011 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. 

"There will be several incredible live auction items, including trips to Hawaii, Banff, Canada, a polar bear expedition and more!" a press release from LTB states. The organization is is also partnering with two entertainers - the  band Haute Chile and the dancers of Dance Masters.  Phil's BBQ is catering this event. 

"Phil's has been providing amazing food to the San Diego area for years and is always a big hit," LTB's release states. "Hope you'll come to this event to support animals and help raise awareness for the plight of captive big cats." 

By Miriam Raftery

May 11, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Several of our readers have asked for updates on the crisis at the Fukushima, Japan nuclear reactors. I expected that since the story seems to have fallen off the radar of most major media, the situation might have stabilized.

By Jeremy Los

May 11, 2011 – The battle over the Mt. Soledad cross is being revamped recently as Congressman Duncan D. Hunter (R-San Diego) looks to protect the 41-foot cross atop the La Jolla landmark under his proposed War Memorial Protection Act.  Language from the Act has now been included as a provision under the National Defense Authorization Act.  Hunter's measure would allow for the preservation of war memorials that display religious symbols.

The full bill is expected to be heard tomorrow by the House Armed Services Committee during mark-up.

Bring Your Items and Take Part In This Community E Waste Event

May 11, 2011 (La Mesa) --In order to create a cleaner environment for our community, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce is hosting an electronic waste (e-waste) recycling collection event.  It will take place on Saturday , May 14th and Sunday, May 15, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The drive will be located in the parking lot of Grossmont Center between Lava Fitness and Fuddruckers.

 
May 10, 2011 (Santee) --East County Economic Development Council (ECEDC), responding to clearly stated needs of the East County business community, has joined with regional banks, financial service intermediaries, and other business resource providers to hold a Small Business Access to Credit Workshop on Saturday, May 14, 2011 from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm at the Santee City Hall, 10601 North Magnolia Avenue, Santee, CA.

Congressman Duncan D. Hunter has been invited to welcome the attendees and set the tone for the workshop.

Calls for end to Wall Street fund managers speculating with retirees' money

"Don't let anyone tell you that the problems with public pensions are the results of groups of avaricious kindergarten teachers and DMV workers...The fault lies with Wall Street. They abused these funds--while pocketing billions to run them into the ditch." -- William Lerach

By Miriam Raftery
 

May 10, 2011 (La Mesa) – “What might we be able to do to avoid financial Armageddon?” asked William Lerach, who led prosecutions against some of America’s most powerful corporations including ENRON, recovering billions for defrauded shareholders. “Next year, 77 million baby boomers will hobble into retirement.”  He warned that corruption and mismanagement by Wall Street managers has led to public and private pension funds that are severely underfunded. He calls the situation a “ticking time bomb” -- and proposes a solution.

By Brian Lafferty

May 9, 2011 (San Diego) – In my review of Thor, I wrote that X-Men (2000) established the Marvel comic book movie formula commonplace in the last decade. It couldn’t have done it without this week’s Netflix Streaming Pick of the Week. That movie is Superman (1978), the prototype for the modern superhero movie.

May 9, 2011 (San Diego) -- Getting a ticket for running a red-light equipped with camera can be a costly mistake, with fines that can run hundreds of dollars in some areas. Fortunately, ECM reader Jan Hedlun has compiled a  list of locations for all red-light cameras in San Diego County--including East County, North County, and other communities in our region. 

Check out our handy guide to red-light camera locations below, then pass this link along to other drivers.  

ECM investigation reveals record of deaths, prior injuries from "lion walks," Africa's latest tourism attractions

By Miriam Raftery

May 7, 2011 (Rancho San Diego) Updated May 9, 2011: --A lion attack near Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe has injured Rancho San Diego resident Colleen Garbaczewski. Garbaczewski, an executive with Pacific Coast Rentals and active community volunteer, had taken a “lion walk” with her husband when the attack occurred.

An East County Magazine investigation reveals that lion walks, in which tourists are encouraged to walk alongside and even pet “tame” lions, have resulted in other serious injuries and at least two deaths.