RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH NEW LAWS
Printer-friendly versionSeveral new laws designed to help strengthen existing DUI laws January 4, 2009 (Sacramento) — With a new year on the horizon, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) wants to remind motorists of a handful of new laws, passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Schwarzenegger, that go into effect in 2009. "The overall safety of the motoring public is our primary concern," says CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “Not only will these new laws enhance a motorist’s safety, many of them are a step toward ridding the roadways of drunk drivers and the tragedy they cause.” Below are the major changes to driving regulations and vehicle equipment. Texting While Driving (SB 28, Simitian) This new law makes it an infraction to write, send, or read text-based communication on an electronic wireless communications device, such as a cell phone, while driving a motor vehicle. Previously this was only illegal for individuals under 18 years of age, but now has been expanded to all drivers. Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Zero Tolerance (AB 1165, Maze) This new law prohibits a convicted DUI offender from operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level (BAC) of .01 percent or greater while on probation for DUI. The law requires the driver to submit to a Preliminary Alcohol Screening (PAS) test, a portable breath test to determine the presence of alcohol. If the driver refuses, or if the driver submits and has a BAC of .01 or greater, a citation will be issued, the driver’s license will be taken and driving privileges will be suspended. In addition, the vehicle will be impounded. Ignition Interlock Devices (IID) (SB 1190, Oropeza) This new law reduces the BAC from .20 percent to .15 percent or more at the time of arrest to trigger a requirement for the court to give heightened consideration for the installation of an IID for a first-time offender convicted of DUI of an alcoholic beverage. Ignition Interlock Devices (SB 1388, Torlakson) Effective July 2009, this new law transfers authority for the administration of mandatory IID programs from the state courts to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This law also authorizes the DMV to require any driver convicted of driving with a suspended license due to a prior conviction for DUI to install an IID in any vehicle that the offender owns or operates. Alcohol-Related Reckless Driving (AB 2802, Houston) This new law requires the court to order a person convicted of alcohol-related reckless driving to participate in a licensed DUI program for at least nine months, if that person has a prior conviction for alcohol-related reckless driving or DUI within ten years. Additionally, the court is required to revoke the person’s probation for the failure to enroll in, participate in, or complete a licensed DUI program. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) (SB 1567, Oropeza) This new law allows a portable GPS device to be mounted in a 7-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield on the passenger side of the vehicle, or in a 5-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side. These are the only two locations on a windshield where a GPS device can be mounted. The GPS device can only be used for navigational purposes while the motor vehicle is being operated, and it is required to be mounted outside of an airbag deployment zone. Motorcycles (AB 2272, Fuentes) This new law changes the definition of a motorcycle by deleting the weight limitation and deleting the separate definition for electrically powered motorcycles. The law will now allow fully enclosed, three-wheeled vehicles to have access to high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes regardless of occupancy. Clean Air Stickers: Misuse and Penalties (SB 1720, Lowenthal) This new law makes it an infraction for anyone who forges, counterfeits, falsifies, passes, or attempts to pass, acquire possess, sell, or offer for sale a genuine or counterfeit “Clean Air Sticker.” 911 Telephone System Abuse (AB 1976, Benoit) This new law increases the penalties for any person who knowingly uses, or allows the use of, the 911 telephone system for any reason other than an emergency. Those who misuse, or allow the misuse of, the 911 telephone system are guilty of an infraction, and subject to either a written warning or a fine. Special License Plates (AB 190, Bass) This new law, when approved by local authorities, allows veterans whose vehicles display plates honoring Pearl Harbor Survivors, Legion of Valor recipients, former American Prisoners of War, Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, or Purple Heart recipients to park their vehicles that weigh not more than 6,000 pounds gross weight, without charge, in any metered parking space. Studded Pneumatic Tires (AB 1971, Portantino) This new law allows the use of pneumatic tires with retractable metal-type studs, year round, as long as the studs are retracted between May 1 through October 31. However, the law prohibits a tire with retractable metal-type studs on a vehicle from being worn to a point that the metal-type studs protrude beyond the tire tread when retracted. Spilling Cargo Loads (AB 2714, Keene) This new law eases restrictions on cargo loads of straw or hay to allow individual pieces that do not pose a threat to life or property, to escape from bales of straw or hay that are being transported by a vehicle upon a highway, so long as those bales are loaded and secured according to federal regulations. Assault on Highway Workers (SB 1509, Lowenthal) This new law provides an increased penalty for assault and battery crimes committed against Caltrans highway workers who are engaged in the performance of their duties. Printer-friendly version
COMPUTER BIZ WIZ– MAKING COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY WORK FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS
Printer-friendly versionTop 5 IT Mistakes Small Businesses Make By Michael Natter It is deceptively easy to see what the five top small business mistakes in IT are. They are pervasive, recurring and everywhere! Typical small businesses mistakes include: Not getting value for invested and spent IT dollars: Small businesses are constantly paying for lack of knowledge, hasty decisions, oversights, mistakes, choosing the wrong IT vendors, solutions, technology or even not taking a pro-active approach to technology, security etc. in their business dealings and day-to-day activities. That is, until it is either critical, a crisis erupts, or heaven forbid, it is almost unsalvageable or too late to do anything, data is lost or your business at risk! Spending money and precious IT dollars on the wrong things. Not spending on technology or not investing in upgrades or new equipment at all or when necessary: This might also entail, maybe even not knowing – investing in the wrong technology, or keeping the wrong technology, not investing or holding back to cut costs, in the short term. This leaves most business owners keeping their fingers crossed and leaving it up to random chance pretty much that the business and their IT ‘strategy’, or plan will work Waiting for the simple solution that almost never happens: Hoping against all hopes that things will work out and the solutions will come: entrusting others, following a somewhat passive-responsive approach. Getting the wrong technology for their needs, budget and/or anticipated growth: lack of planning and pro-active IT approach, lack of knowledge and clear strategy overall and in general. In addition, constantly fixing problems with no planning for growth or future needs, no roadmap, no direction, just dealing with today’s problem(s) is also commonplace. It’s important to know how to look and plan ahead successfully. How many small businesses do you know of that have a knowledgeable five-year IT plan, or even a longer-term view? There is great benefit in getting, staying and keeping current on IT trends, advancements and market, partnering with an IT provider who makes it a priority. If there is a lack of planning for now or future needs, it could be because business owners really do not know how to plan and need help from an IT company that is up to date and stays current, providing competitive resources, access and competence to afford them peace of mind and ease of process. Wasting precious dollars trying to repair old technology with a band-aid, stopgap, break-fix type of haphazard IT approach is very common in small businesses and start-ups. A young entrepreneurial company sets out and starts as a small business. The entrepreneurs initially use home PCs, or buy older PC’s, to save money in a slap-dash peer-to-peer network of sorts, fixing it all the time, always claiming they do not know why it keeps breaking. The IT strategy in this camp is always dealing with problems and cost. They will keep on fixing and paying for it. Calls and billings are typically charged at two to four per issue–an expensive non-solution, reactionary, responsive IT strategy, that does not make sense in the long term. Another strategy includes using friends, family or close relatives–any type of I know “so and so” referrals, to handle their IT needs, issues, troubleshooting, repair and/or purchases. Hiring any IT person or company without checking references or background exposes your business to risk. In most cases these individuals have no insurance, are not necessarily qualified, or have no real permission (from you the owner), to touch the PC but they do it anyway, maybe even with the knowledge of a fellow co-owner or employee’s blessing. Or we could give permission to someone we do not even know is capable of doing the job and who could be doing more damage in the process, even if they think that they are helping. At times, some might even know the IT-lingo enough to rope you into doing something that is not the best for you business, but “because he/she said so, I might just as well†is very bad logic and strategy to follow for your IT solutions and business. Do not just accept that all people or companies are who they say they are; check references and ask for referrals. IT companies also just have their certain way of doing things and are oblivious in some cases to all the other problems they are actually causing. Business owners then find themselves struggling with both vendor and technology – feeling as if both are working against them, inefficiently battling every day. Maintained managed technology services give clients peace of mind, even though most feel that they cannot afford it or that it is not budgeted for. They have to see how it will save them money and impact their business. Business owners need to realize and get a handle on what they are currently spending on their present strategy – it comes as quite a surprise if you sit down and figure it out for yourself. Rather than resolving the problem, they stay in this reactive mode, fixing one problem at a time. Some Other resistors might include being cautious about setting things up differently. Most of us do not like change and want nothing to do with it. Some of us do not even know what exactly it is that we need, and some succumb to wrong advice from a friend of a friend – not getting to the right people and IT resources that could actually help you. We find ourselves compromising and settling for sub-par, band-aided solutions, or not planning for the short, medium and longer term IT needs of our businesses. We are left getting the wrong advice and services from the wrong sources, with all of these factors contributing to the chaotic spend and reactionary trends that are so pervasive in small business IT management strategies today. Michael Natter Business Development 619-651-8711 direct mnatter@centrexIT.com www.centrexIT.com Printer-friendly version
KIDNAPPING OFÂ 8-YEAR OLD BOY WAS FALSE REPORT
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 2, 2000 (La Mesa) — On January 1, an eight-year-old boy reported being kidnapped from in front of his residence in the 4800 block of Parks Ave., La Mesa. However, the La Mesa Police have concluded after further investigation that the boy had falsified the entire story and that no crime had ever occurred. On January 2, the alleged victim admitted to investigators that he had made up the story. Printer-friendly version
BE SURE YOUR HOME IS SAFE
Printer-friendly versionDear Readers: (Nick Schuler) Please make this your New Year’s resolution: Be sure your home is safe for you and your loved ones during this winter season. If you own a fireplace, have your chimneys checked before burning fires in this cold winter. These photos, taken at home in Valley Center, were the result of a chimney fire. These images reminded me of my days working at the Idaho Statesman, where an editor of ours had just finished writing a story on the importance of having chimneys swept and cleaned. Unfortunately he failed to heed his own advice, and had a chimney fire that nearly burned down his own home. It’s also important to have heaters inspected and NEVER use an extension cord on a portable heater. The saddest story I ever covered involved a man who went to work and left his family home sleeping. A fire started from an overloaded extension cord to an electric heater. It burned down his house and killed his wife and 7 or 8 children–a tragedy that could so easily have been prevented. Don’t leave heaters unattended and be sure they are on a nonflammable surface with no papers or other flammable materials nearby. (Nick Schuler) SDG&E will do free home heater inspections for safety’s sake. It’s also wise to invest in carbon monoxide detectors. Why is this important? My grandmother suffered brain damage from carbon monoxide poisoning due to a faulty portable heater. She was never the same again. Take it from a voice of experience-scrimping on safety is NOT worth the savings. Yes, the economy is tight. But it’s penny-wise, pound foolish to scrimp on these important safety measures and risk losing your home and loved ones. One positive note: Thankfully the home shown in these photos was saved, albeit with major damage, thanks to a swift and aggressive response by Valley Center Fire Department, CAL FIRE, Rincon Reservation Fire Department, San Pasqual Reservation Fire Department, Oceanside Fire Department (Breathing Support), San Diego Sheriff’s Department, and the American Red Cross. Residents were home at the time. If not for our brave and valiant firefighters, this could have been a far worse tragedy. Please don’t let this happen to you or someone that you love! Have a safe and peaceful New Year, Miriam Raftery, Editor Printer-friendly version
EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE’S 2008 NEWSMAKERS OF THE YEAR
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery January 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–For better or worse, these are the East County people who made headlines in 2008. Some are famous–elected officials and sports stars. Others are unsung heroes and ordinary citizens who found themselves in extraordinary situations, battling foes ranging from cancer to large-scale developments in their communities. Some have aspired to amazing feats, such as a young paraplegic athlete striving to join an Antarctic expedition. We’ve included heroes with heartwarming tales–and a few local leaders who made headlines for less-than-heroic deeds. We’ve honored our top three choices with separate stories below, then listed other worthy candidates in an "honorable mentions" story. We hope you’ll enjoy our New Year’s "Newsmakers" special edition–and pass it along to your friends. #1 NEWSMAKER OF THE YEAR: DONNA TISDALE: RURAL BACKCOUNTRY ADVOCATE Donna Tisdale is a backcountry planning board chair in Boulevard who has led the battle against Sunrise Powerlink, made the documentary, ahd been involved in many other major issues this year including the proposed wind farm. It’s seemingly impossible to watch TV news or read about any backcountry land use issue in newspapers these days without seeing Donna Tisdale. A retired rancher, she’s found herself in the eye of the storm–battling an array of massive projects seeking to locate in or near her small, rural town. "This is the industrialization of rural America," she said of Sempra Energy’s effort to march Sunrise Powerlink towers carrying high voltage power lines through her community. Critics have accused her of NIMBYism–a "not in my backyard" attitude. But to Tisdale, it’s all about preserving small-town America and the serenity of country living. In 2008, she produced "A Question of Power," a powerful and widely-viewed documentary on Sunrise Powerlink. She also testified against SDG&E’s proposal to shut off electricity to backcountry residents during high fire-risk periods. Tisdale has been outspoken in raising concerns over other projects including a proposed wind farm with 400-foot-high wind turbines, a large-scale proposed residential development, and release of violent sexual predators in her community–and that’s just in the past year. She pens a newspaper column on backcountry issues, sits on a citizens’ advisory panel on waste management, and serves on Supervisor Dianne Jacob’s Backcountry Revitalization Committee. Tisdale’s activism on land use and community issues began nearly two decades ago, when she formed Backcountry Against Dumps, Inc. (BAD), an organization aimed at preventing a solid waste and industrial landfill proposed by Campo Indians on reservation land as a means of economic revitalization for the tribe. That project remains under review by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which is expected to issue a supplemental environmental impact statement in the near future. "The Campo Landfill was my wake-up call and baptism by fire," said Tisdale, who feared contamination of her community’s only source of drinking water from toxins at the site. The prospect spurred her to become active on many fronts. Her success staving off major projects since then has inspired citizens in other East County rural communities to launch successful protest movements against high-profile projects. Through the years, she’s learned the power of mobilizing opposition via public forums, media, and online organizing. The Internet has made efforts easier for activists such as Tisdale, whose early actions were hindered by communication hurdles. "At the time," East County’s avid activist recalled, "I did not even have a phone." #2 NEWSMAKER OF THE YEAR: CAL FIRE CAPTAIN CARL SCHWETTMANN, JR.: HARRIS FIRE HERO Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger with Cal-Fire Executive Officer Del Walter presenting a gold medal of valor to Captail Carl Schwettmann, who rescued a burned firefighter during the Harris Fire in Potrero. (Michael Routh of CAL FIRE) In December 2008, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger awarded Cal Fire Captain Carl Schwettmann Jr. a gold Medal of Valor, the highest honor bestowed upon a state employee, for risking his own life to save another. Informed during the Harris Fire that a firefighter was missing and presumed dead, Schwettmann resolved, "We don’t leave anybody behind." Captain Schwettmann drove his truck through intense heat, smoke and howling wind in a 15 to 20 minute search before finding Andrew Pikop, 23, who had suffered second degree burns over his entire body after becoming separated from other firefighters during efforts to rescue a trapped homeowner in Potrero. Cal Fire’s captain summoned a helicopter to rescue Pikop, who made a full recovery and has since returned to duty. In an ironic twist of fate, Schwettmann lost his barn in Ramona during the Witch Fire the same day, but still had strength to save his own home, using only a shovel. Humble about his heroism, he praised his coworkers and said he thought of the missing firefighter as a lost family member. The Harris Fire hero concluded, "I truly believe I work with some of the best firefighters in the world." #3 NEWSMAKERS OF THE YEAR: CARL MEYER AND JAN HEDLUN: BATTLING BLACKWATER Caption.. Jan Hedlun alerted townspeople to Blackwater’s plan to build a private military training camp near the small town of Potrero on land surround by federal wilderness preserves, shortly after she won election to the Potrero Planning Gro up. Her efforts helped draw international attention–and inspired local farmer Carl Meyer to serve recall notices on all other planning group members. The recall succeeded, marking the first time in San Diego County history that five members of a planning board were removed from office simultaneously. Citizens tossed out pro-Blackwater planners by a two-to-one margin with the highest voter turnout on record–a remarkable feat, particularly since the Harris wildfire scorched Potrero just one month before the election. A planner who voted for Blackwater refused to evacuate, valiantly saving neighbors’ homes from fire. The blaze left some Potrero residents homeless, trapping others for days. Ironically, Blackwater was first to come to the rescue, bringing food and water. Potrero voters found themselves forced to choose between loyalty to neighbors vs. the long-term quality of life for their community. Meyer was named Chair of a newly-elected planning group which promptly
2008 NEWSMAKERS OF THE YEAR: HONORABLE MENTIONS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Each of these individuals has attained remarkable achievements. Some have sparked controversy for their views or actions. Many are working to make our community, our nation, or our world a better place. Our list includes people who triumphed over disabilities, animal protection advocates, artists and musicians, business leaders, citizen watchdogs, educators, fire heroes, healthcare reformers, humanitarians, social justice leaders, politicians, a police intern, sports stars, tribal leaders, veterans’ champions, volunteers and nonprofit leaders. All are East County newsmakers extraordinaire. Who knew we had so many amazing people in San Diego’s eastern region? ABILITY TO TRIUMPH OVER DISABILITIES HERMES CASTRO: PARAPLEGIC & ASPIRING ANTARCTIC ADVENTURER Hit by a drunk driver while cycling near Bonsall in 2006, Hermes Castro was left a paraplegic. Now a an avid hand cyclist, he has regained considerable strength and partial feeling in his legs–enough to pedal a spinning bike in his living room. Castro drew the attention of famed polar explorer Robert Swan, who lectured at Mesa College on his exploits as the first man to walk across both the North and South Poles. Inspired by Castro’s story, Swan invited the athletic youth to join his next trek in Antarctica. Now fellow students are raising funds to transform Castro’s dream into reality–and send him on an Antarctic expedition in March. LESIA CARTELLI: ANGEL FACES FOUNDER Burned over 50% of her face and body from an explosion at her grandparents’ home when she was nine years old, Lesia Cartelli is the founder and director of Angel Faces. The only national nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring severely burned adolescents achieve their maximum potential, Angel Faces has sponsored healing retreats in Ramona to help teen girls regain confidence and self-esteem after suffering burns. In 2008, Cartelli received a Women in Leadership award from the East County Chamber of Commerce as well as a San Diego 10 News Leadership Award. Married to a retired fire chief, the Angel Faces founder must surely have earned a special place in heaven. ANIMAL ADVOCATES BOBBI BRINK: TIGER LADY With a soft spot in her heart for abused big cats, Bobbi Brinks founded Lions, Tigers and Bears, a nonprofit rescue center east of Alpine. In 2008, she raised enough funds to open up Tiger Trails, a spacious exercise enclosure for rescued tigers, including adult animals that had never before run freely. The enclosure features a swimming pool, waterfall, rocks, grass and climbing gear purr-fect for tigers. Now Brink aims to build a second exercise area for lions. For the furry felines at her facility, she’s surely the cat’s meow. JUDY KI: ANIMAL RIGHTS ADVOCATE As a citizen activist for the Humane Society, retired Poway science teacher Judy Ki collected thousands of signatures to place Proposition 2 on the ballot, becoming a tireless advocate for the measure to reduce farm animal cruelty by outlawing cramped cages. The measure passed by a larger margin than any ballot measure in California history. Also an organizer of drives to register Asian-American voters, Ki has been nominated by the Journal of Culture and Commerce for a 2008 Asian Heritage Award. ARTISTS, AUTHORS & MUSICIANS CHARLAVAN HART: A SPIRITED SURVIVOR Artist, former gallery owner, writer, Internet radio show producer and poker instructor, East County resident Charlavan Hart faced her toughest gamble when diagnosed with breast cancer. She responded with a spirited battle, festooning her surgical scars with tattooed flowers to restore her self-esteem and create a positive self-image. Now she’s written a new book to inspire other breast cancer survivors, available on CD and print-on-demand, titled Tit Tatts: Life After Breast Cancer. The indomitable Charlavan also aims to offer practical products for breast cancer patients, such as wigs, at her website. JOAQUIN DES PRES: PRODUCER, SONGWRITER, MUSICIAN, STUDIO OWNER & AUTHOR Mount Helix resident Joaquin Des Pres has worked with dozens of music stars as founder of Track Star Studios in La Mesa. Des Pres composes music for CNN, CW Network, Food Network, HGTV, History Channel, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, KPBS, Bravo, TLC, Ellen de Generres Show, Tyra Banks, Extra, TMZ, TBS, and more. Most recently, he launched a successful line of music loops and beats that have taken over the market and are used by top record producers worldwide. Who can "beat" that record? BUSINESS LEADERS LEE MENCH, EAST COUNTY BUSINESS CENTER East County Business Center combines an office center with the St. Clair Gallery â–East County’s largest art gallery, filling hallways, office and conference center walls with collectors’ quality artwork. Mench’s innovative business model offers tenants a creative package unique in the marketplace–and increasingly attractive in today’s challenging marketplace. Tenants can avail themselves of private or shared office space by the day, week or month. In addition, a joint venture with Webb Marketing PR Inc. provides marketing services to tenants–typically generating ample marketing results to pay for small businesses’ office space. Gallery shows fill the building with art patrons, also attracting potential clients or sponsors for business tenants, who in turn provide traffic to view artworks on display. "It’s the best job I’ve ever seen of combining business and art," said Howard Bagley, director of St. Clair’s Gallery. "It works." MIKE CULLY: EAST COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Taking the reins of the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce as President and Chief Executive Officer in May, amidst an economic recession Mike Cully faced trial by fire. He offered change and pledged to lead the Chamber from mere social networking to an activist organization that engages in business advocacy and for the first time, endorsement of candidates and ballot measures. He hopes to attract and foster educational opportunities, including a four-year college for East County, helped organize a trade mission to China, and believes East County can attract industries to bolster the local economy. "If you haven’t seen it, take a drive out here," he told the San Diego Union-Tribune in mid-2008. "The change is coming." VALERIE HARRISON: PRESIDENT/CEO, RANCHO SAN DIEGO-JAMUL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Formed one year