SYLVIA’S SOAPBOX: HOMEOWNERS REVOLT AGAINST HOA’S LAWN RULES AMID WATER SHORTAGE
Printer-friendly versionLearn How to Weather the Water Challenge at Earth Day April 19 By Sylvia Hampton April 1, 2009 (San Diego)–San Diego County’s biggest environmental challenge is WATER. We live in a desert but act like we live on a tropical island. Our supply is decreasing while our population is increasing. Climate Change is not helping. When we bought a new home in 1996, my husband and I were told we had to have a grass lawn or we would be in violation of the code of conduct for Scripps Ranch residents. Our neighbor across the street ignored that and put in a smart drought-resistant landscape. He got a letter or two in the beginning but ignored them, too. Smart man. Last year, as the water crisis got worse, we finally bit the bullet and tore out all the grass and planted a smart yard. Our water bill went down almost 40%. Several other brave and defiant neighbors are doing the same thing. Suddenly we noticed there are fake lawns going in and sprinkler systems going out. I am growing wonderful succulent plants with weird names and they reproduce like the rabbits that used to eat our grass and then pee on it to kill it. According to the Earth Day Network Urban Environment Report, San Diego ranks 58th out of 72 cities in the category of “drinking and surface water” in their “vulnerable population index.” Northern California cities do better, but Los Angeles is the worst at 72nd. Fargo, North Dakota is number 7, but now has a different kind of water issue. Perhaps we need more water pipelines than oil pipelines. Water conservation will be a primary part of this year’s celebration of Earth Day on April 19 in Balboa Park. We have the largest free annual environmental fair in the world, produced by 400 volunteers and featuring more than 200 exhibits, a food pavilion, activities for kids, five entertainment sites, cookies from a solar oven, alternative fuel vehicle parade and much more. Check it out at www.earthdayweb.org/ and drink an H2O toast to Earth Day 2009. Sylvia Hampton is a community activist inducted into the San Diego County Women’s Hall of fame for 2008 for her work in the fields of healthcare reform, social justice and reproductive health. She is the past president of the League of Women Voters of San Diego County and served on President Nixon’s Title X Family Planning Council. Her monthly Community Forum column is published in the Rancho Bernardo Sun, Diamond Gateway Signature, and her Soapbox in the East County Magazine. Opinions are Sylvia’s alone and not to be interpreted as the policies of the League of Women Voters or East County Magazine. Printer-friendly version
SIMPLE WISDOM: ARE YOU CAUGHT IN A TRIANGLE?
Printer-friendly versionBy Penelope Andrade April 1, 2009 (San Diego)–Are you caught in a relationship triangle? Everyone is familiar with two people having an affair without the knowledge of a spouse or significant other. What you may not know is that other triangles also cause problems – parent and child against the other parent – friends, couples/in-laws, co-workers siding with one another in shifting alliances. Extricating yourself from any of these tangles can be a challenge because they’re typically a smokescreen for deeper issues. Printer-friendly version
EAST COUNTY CITIES VIE TO LURE SHOPPERS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery April 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – A sales tax hike that takes effect today in La Mesa and El Cajon, has sparked competition among East County cities and Chambers of Commerce vying for shoppers’ business. A statewide sales tax increase boosts sales tax county-wide to 8.75%. In El Cajon and La Mesa, voters approved additional tax increases to 9.75% and 9.5% respectively. But does shopping outside your own community make economic sense, if it means taking tax revenues away from your home town? The City of Santee and Santee Chamber of Commerce launched the first volley, holding a press conference this morning to unveil a “Shop Santee and Save” campaign including a logo for Santee merchants to display in store windows and discounts posted at the Chamber website. The campaign touts Santee as a more affordable place to shop than neighboring communities, with the lowest sales tax of any incorporated city in East County. But neighbors are restless-and one neighboring town is fighting back with its own PR campaign. “During this environment of tough economic times, rising unemployment and a lack of consumer confidence, citizens must make tough personal and business decisions every day,” said Mary England, president of the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce. “So when considering traveling to a nearby city to shop because of a .75% lower sales tax, one needs only to look at the real cost of buying outside their own community.” Sales tax does not apply to groceries, she said, noting that the difference in sales tax on general items is negligible, typically only a dollar or two on a weekly grocery bill. Such a small different is “hardly worth the gas and additional time driving to and from an outside location,” she said. England observed that “shopping in La Mesa provides an additional opportunity for a resident of La Mesa to have a direct impact on the welfare of the local economy. These are difficult times for our local merchants and businesses.” She added, “The voters saw the value of maintaining the services provided by the City of La Mesa and overwhelmingly supported the La Mesa sales tax increase at the ballot box. The City of La Mesa boasts a new library, a new award-winning fire station, a brand new post office and the construction has begun on a brand new police station. The City services provide a quality of life second to non so I urge you—the local La Mesa consumers, to continue doing what you have been doing for so many years—shop in La Mesa and make sure that your local business community continues to proper in these economic items and your sales taxes support the services provided by your city. There is an overwhelming `pride of place’ within the City of La Mesa and your continued support of your local business men and women will ensure that the pride continues." Printer-friendly version
UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS EXTENDED AN EXTRA 20 WEEKS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery March 27, 2008 (Sacaramento) – With the state’s unemployment rate at 10.5%, jobless Californians will be eligible to receive unemployment benefits for an additional 20 week. Legislation signed by Governor Schwarzenegger will bring help to more than 400,000 California families, the California Labor Federation reports. California workers generated nearly 3,000 letters to legislators and the governor to gain their support for two measures, which will extend unemployment benefits for an additional 20 weeks and modernize the state’s outdated eligibility rules, making the state eligible for an additional $839 million in federal funds. “Accessing billions in federal unemployment aid not only will keep families in their homes, it’s going to provide a quick boost to withering local economies and small businesses,” said the California Labor Federation’s Art Pulaski. The Employment Development Department will be publishing details about how to access these benefits. For more information go to www.edd.ca.gov Printer-friendly version
ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STILL BLOOMING IN HIGHER ELEVATIONS
Printer-friendly versionWildflower Hike Planned April 16. April 1, 2009 (Borrego Springs) – It’s not too late to see Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in bloom. As we move past the peak flower time, the show is moving from the desert floor to canyons and higher elevations, where there are a wide variety of plants just beginning to bloom. Anza-Borrego Institute will offer a full-day hike among the flowers on the Pacific Crest Trail on Thursday, April 16 from 8:00 to 4:30, for $45 or $35 for ABFI members. Visit theABF.org for more details. If you’re interested in venturing off the pavement for other hiking opportunities, here are prime locations to find blooms: Along Highway 78 Cactus Loop Trail, across from Tamarisk Grove Campground near the junction of Highway S3 (Yaqui Pass Rd) and Hwy 78, find clusters of Fishhook and Barrel Cacti in bloom. Also look for Poppies, Whispering Bells, Wishbone, Ghost Flowers, and Bigelow’s Monkey Flower. In addition, the easier Yaqui Well Trail, also located across from the Campground, has lovely displays of flowers. Plum Canyon, west of Tamarisk Grove Campground on Hwy 78, offers large multi-color displays of Wishbone, Chuparosa, Chicory, Viguiera, Fiddleneck, Phacelia, Desert Rock-Pea, and Popcorn flowers. Gorgeous displays of Brittlebush, Desert Lavender, Dandelions, Chuparosa, Pincushion, and Cholla cactus can be found along Mine Wash Road, a dirt road located east of Tamarisk Grove Campground off Hwy 78. Narrows Earth is a short trail with Poppies, Chicory, Phacelia, Chuparosa, Whispering Bells, California Evening Primrose, and Pincushion, located off Hwy 78 east of Tamarisk Grove Campground. Near Visitor Center While at the Visitor Center at the west end of Palm Canyon Drive in Borrego Springs, wander around the pupfish pond and beyond to find Brittlebush, Chuparosa, Desert Dandelion, Little Gold Poppy, Cheese Bush, Phacelia, and Desert Lavender in bloom. Hiking up Borrego Palm Canyon, you may see Apricot Mallow, Rock Daisies, Brittlebush, Chicory, and Desert Lavender. For a change of scenery, hike out of the canyon using the alternate trail to spot Phacelia, Rhatany, and Fagonia. Consider hiking in the early morning to avoid crowds at this popular, and often crowded, hike to the palm oasis. The trailheads are located at the west end of the Borrego Palm Canyon Campground. Hellhole Canyon and Culp Valley, located just west of Borrego Springs on Hwy S22, are both beautiful with flowers, bushes and cactus in bloom. Contact Anza-Borrego Desert State Park’s Wildflower Hotline (760-767-4684) to get information about the bloom, updated weekly. For a map and other Park information visit Anza-Borrego Desert State Park online at parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page _id=638. To learn more about events throughout the month go to Anza-Borrego Foundation and Institute’s website: www.theABF.org. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is California’s largest state park and is the largest state park in the contiguous United States with more than 600,000 acres. It extends into three counties: San Diego, Imperial and Riverside. From just above sea level to more than 6,000 feet, the Park has unique and diverse landscapes and environments, and provides habitat for many endangered and rare species including Peninsular bighorn sheep, least Bell’s vireo, Borrego bedstraw and Arizona Carlowrightia. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the first State Park to develop a sister park relationship across the world. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Ikh Nart Nature Reserve in Mongolia were officially recognized as sister parks in September of 2008. The mission of Anza-Borrego Foundation and Institute is to promote conservation in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and the surrounding ecological region through land acquisition, education, interpretation and scientific studies. Anza-Borrego Foundation and Institute (ABFI), founded in 1967, is a non-profit educational organization which believes conservation of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is reached through educating Park visitors and others. Anza-Borrego Foundation operates Anza-Borrego Institute, a field school which provides high quality, in-depth educational courses to over 1,300 visitors each year. In addition, ABFI has a growing member/donor program with approximately 1,400 members. To generate funds to support Park programs and projects, ABFI sells an extensive selection of educational materials to visitors in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park’s Visitor Center and at ABFI’s website www.theABF.org. Printer-friendly version
EAST COUNTY EATER – THE VINE WINE BAR & BISTRO: VINTAGE CHARM IN ALPINE
Printer-friendly version 2502 Alpine Blvd., Alpine CA 91901 (619)722-7046 www.visitthevine.net April 1, 2009 (Alpine) — Let me recommend a sure-fire place to unwind. The Vine Wine Bar & Bistro in Alpine is situated in a cozy wooden building with hand-hewn beams and split-rail trim, reminiscent of places sure to be found in the back-closets of our memories. Places surrounded by trees and cool running creek water. How could you not feel comfortable in a restaurant that has a tree growing up through the middle of the bar and a huge river-rock fireplace warming the place? When I need to relax and escape the pressures of today’s tough times, I can’t afford to waste my time or money. Fortunately, the Vine Wine Bar & Bistro has not only a friendly atmosphere, but also a delightful array of food and more than 60 vintages of wines. Every item is hand-made from scratch. A popular item is the cheese platter, which includes fruits and tangy sauces. I’ve also savored the antipasto salad and the best fish tacos in town. (Check out “Taco Tuesdays” for great bargains.) Another favorite is a chicken salad sandwich on raisin-walnut bread from Dudley’s, East County’s famous bakery. Or opt for a tasty array of soups, salads and main dish fare ranging from Shepherd’s Pie to steak and seafood. If you stop by in the afternoon, you can savor peace and quiet in secluded nooks –and the only TV is usually turned to the food station, with the volume off! If a livelier scene is what you’re after, stop by on an evening when Paul Nichols and Cynthia Burnham are performing. Paul’s bluesy acoustic slide guitar style and foot-stomping accompaniment suits the environment here perfectly; when he and Cynthia sing a duet, the music is sweet, pure and lyrical. What more could you ask for when you need a little relaxation and diversion? Getting friends of the East County Eater and fans of East County Magazine together at the Vine Wine Bar & Bistro for a special after-work interlude! Michele Little, gracious owner, has agreed to open her restaurant just for us on Monday, April 20th from 6 to 8 p.m.—and you’re invited. Reserve early! The place only seats 50. RSVP to (619)316-0657 or writerink@cox.net. Make checks payable to our publisher, Heartland Coalition-ECM, and mail to: attention Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine, 4438 Hideaway Place, La Mesa, CA 91941. The $25 price will include tasting of three red and three white wines (beer lovers can substitute a favorite ale). Michele will provide delectable munchies from the appetizer menu (a selection of great cheeses and cold cuts, seasoned nuts, fresh fruits, breads, crackers , sandwiches and perhaps some surprises. Paul will entertain in strolling minstrel fashion with blues harmonica, guitar and vocal. We’ll have a drawing for prizes and also an East County Trivia contest. What a great way to break the ice—and get to know each other. Of course, the identity of the East County Eater will be revealed! If you have a favorite restaurant, hide-away, bistro or wine bar east of Highway 15, bring your suggestions for a future review. I’m hoping we can make “On the Road with the East County Eater” a regular monthly event. For more details, see our flyer. Until then—happy eating and I’ll see you in Alpine. The East County Eater Printer-friendly version
COURTS LIKELY TO OVERTURN SUNRISE POWERLINK APPROVAL, CONSUMER ATTORNEY PREDICTS TO CROWD OF 600 PROTESTORS IN ALPINE
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Sign expresses residents’ outrage over fire dangers posed by Powerlink April 8, 2009 (Alpine)—A coalition of more than 600 people packed the community center in Alpine last night to protest Sunrise Powerlink, the high-voltage line that SDG&E plans to build through the heart of this mountain community. Attorney Michael Shames from the Utility Consumers Action Network told the crowd that despite approval by the California Public Utilities Commission in December, he believes that construction of Powerlink will ultimately be halted through legal action. He revealed that as early as 2005, legal strategists mapped out a gameplan for “how to destroy this line” by building a case that would stand up in court. “What’s happened so far is eminently predictable,” Shames said, noting that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and former Vice President Dick Cheney were the chief proponents of the line and that four of the five CPUC commissioners were political appointees of Schwarzenegger. Half a million dollars has been set aside to appeal the CPUC decision in court, said Shames, who predicted, “The courts will overturn this.” The project could also be stopped by any one of three federal agencies: the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, or the Fish & Game Department. Shames urged citizens opposed to Powerlink to donate funds for local groups to wage legal battles on the federal front. He noted that the two administrative law judges for the state have already issued an opinion sthat the line should not be built. “That carries a lot of weight with the courts,” he said. Dulzura resident was among 600 people protesting Sunrise Powerlink in Alpine One local group, Backcountry Against Dumps (BAD) is currently fighting to overturn the BLM’s approval of Powerlink in January. Donna Tisdale, founder of BAD, urged citizens to contact local elected officials who she called “Missing in Action” on the Powerlink issue, including Congressman Duncan Hunter, Assemblyman Joel Anderson, Senators Barbara Boxer and Diane Feinstein, and State Senator Denise Ducheny. She also faulted Congressman Bob Filner for not taking action, though Filner has expressed opposition to the project. “He calls this the Deathlink, but where are the letters?” Tisdale asked. Supervisor Dianne Jacob, the one politician who has been outspoken in her opposition to Powerlink, received a standing ovation. “I’m here to tell you this fight is far from over,” she said. “It is unconscionable to me that SDG&E and the PUC would move forward with something that could increase the danger of another major fire.” She accused SDG&E of “dirty motives” and called for the cost of Powerlink to be invested in putting solar on rooftops instead. “That would put SDG&E out of business,” the Supervisor said. “I would love it. Wouldn’t you?” Donna Tisdale speaks before a poster depicting Powerlink and an Edsel–and suggesting both are antiquated ideas. Jacob revealed that she has spoken with the U.S. Forest Service director. “He is inclined to let legal measures play out before making a decision,” she said. SDG&E has argued that Sunrise Powerlink is necessary to meet the region’s future electrical needs. But Phil Powers, author of a smart energy plan, presented a point-by-point rebuttal to the utility company’s contentions. “Southern California has one of the densest transmission lines in the country—enough to provide more than 100% of our power. What we lack is local power,” he said. The utility has made presentations to the public representing that the line would carry energy from renewable sources such as wind turbines and solar farms. But when asked by the CPUC to guarantee that a percentage of energy from Powerlink would be from renewable, SDG&E refused. Powers said that investor-owned utility companies “privatize profits and make the public take the risk. They have every incentive to build more—and the biggest profits are in construction of lines.” He revealed that he participated in a survey along with SDG&E that found San Diego could have the capacity to obtain 2,000 megawatts of power from putting solar on commercial buildings, 3,000 MW from solar on residential homes, and 3,000 MW from solar over parking lots. “There would be no environmental issues, no endangered species impact, and it’s the cheapest option,” he concluded, “but SDG&E has tremendous political clout.” By contrast, other cities are turning to photovoltaics in partnership with utilities, he noted. “It would cost twice as much for the same amount of power from the line as to generate solar power here on our roofs.” Moreover, Powers said that due to new energy efficiency standards put in place by the CPUC, “demand for power is going down.” Area residents carried protest signs and many testified with concerns that included increased fire danger, destruction of views, health dangers including increased leukemia risks for people living near power lines, and decreased property values. One speaker cited a Wall Street Journal aricle which found that property values near high voltage lines declined by 10 to 30%. Laura Cyphert of Lakeside spoke out against SDG&E’s plan to run the power lines through El Monte Valley, a designated scenic area. “We’re going to lose it forever,” she said, drawing boos from the crowd when a photo of the valley with the power line photo-shopped in was revealed. Stop Sunrise Powerlink coalition turned out a crowd of over 600 April 7th in Alpine A Cedar Fire survivor who lives along the El Monte Valley attested, “I was burned out and am just now looking to rebuild a garage. I lost pretty much everything…I had to prove that my building was not going to distract from this breathtaking view…It’s the same view the Kumeyaay Indians saw…a thousand Cedar Fires couldn’t destroy it – until SDG&E came along.” Others pointed out that the line is slated to travel through old-growth forest that has not burned in many years. An EIR report found that the line presents a high fire danger and that the risk cannot be mitigated. Given that SDG&E has admitted in documents to the CPUC