HOW PREPARED IS EAST COUNTY FOR THE NEXT WILDFIRE? BUDGET CUTS BURN SOME LOCAL AGENCIES
Printer-friendly version ”It’s outrageous and it’s irresponsible. That’s cold, that’s hard, that’s the truth. There are many other areas where life is not at stake.” –Leonard Villareal, San Miguel Fire District spokesman, on state budget cuts’ impact on fire protection. An East County Magazine special report By Miriam Raftery June 11, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Deep cuts in the state’s budget are having an impact across California, forcing many counties and cities to make painful reductions in public services. This week, East County Magazine spoke with fire officials and civic leaders throughout our region to assess where cuts have been made—and what steps are being taken to protect the public before the next major fire strikes. While some expressed confidence, others voice fears that budget slashing has gone too far and could place lives or property at risk. ENGINES AND MANPOWER “Barring some miracle, effective July 1st we are closing one engine company. That’s nine firefighters off the street,” said Leonard Villarreal, public information officer at San Miguel Fire District, which services the Spring Valley and Mount Helix areas. Currently, Station 15 houses two engines, including a 100-foot-long hook and ladder truck. But after July 1, the district will no longer have manpower to dispatch two engines at once. “When the bell rings, we’ll decide which rig to drive,” said Villareal, adding darkly, “If the Governor takes 8% from us and everyone else, it could get much, much worse.” Villarreal calls the state’s budget cuts “outrageous and irresponsible,” adding, “That’s cold, that’s hard, that’s the truth. There are many other areas where life is not at stake.” He urged area residents to take action. “This is the best time to fire a letter to your government and everyone else and say don’t do this, because it is irresponsible.” He added, “People aren’t thinking about what can happen with their insurance, especially in Mt. Helix.” Cal-Fire maps identify Mt. Helix as a danger zone because of dry brush—a problem worsened by drought and water rate increases that have led some area homeowners to let landscaping die. San Miguel Fire District has asked residents to approve a fire fee increase, a move that has sparked controversy and strong opposition from taxpayers who want to see cuts in salaries and overhead rather than being asked to pay more for fire protection. But the district has already cut $800,000 this fiscal year, including $200,000 in voluntary employee give-back, Villareal said. “There’s nothing left to cut but bone.” Whether or not the fire fee is approved by district residents,, Villareal revealed, “One of my goals is to create an East County Fire Foundation.” The Foundation would raise funds to improve fire protection locally “We’ll do everything from concerts to golf tournaments to selling brownies,” he pledged. Santee Fire Department is in healthier shape due to substantial property tax and sales tax revenues, though those sources have declined with the weak economy. “We’ve been fortunate so far in that we’re not looking at any cutbacks in our personnel, equipment or service level,” said Deputy Chief Richard Mattick. But with more cutbacks slated at year’s end, the district faces cuts in training programs for the next fiscal year. “We’ve had to tighten our belts in anything we can, “ he said, adding that replacement of vehicles has been deferred for a year. “Most of the other agencies are hanging on the edge right now waiting to see what happens…Our big concern is how much the state is going to raid the cities again.” Lemon Grove, La Mesa and El Cajon are looking at ways to expand a cooperative arrangement beyond dispatching. “The three City Councils have directed city staffs to explore a stronger relationship,” said Lemon Grove City Manager Graham Mitchell. For example, La Mesa and Lemon Grove currently share a duty chief at night to assure that a senior staffer is on hand if a fire starts, and may expand that shared duty with El Cajon. “We actually did cut salaries, but not services,” Mitchell said of Lemon Grove’s fire protection status. Monica Zech, spokesperson for the City of El Cajon, said El Cajon has avoided painful cuts in fire services thanks to voters who approved a sales tax increase in November. “Because of Prop J, as far as I know we haven’t had to make any cuts yet.” La Mesa, where voters also passed a sales tax increase, has also avoided personnel cuts in fire services, said city manager Sandy Kerl. But she said, “We are quite concerned about what the state is doing and their cutbacks on firefighters as we enter the fire season…How much more will we be called for mutual aid? Given the state’s budget problems, will they be able to reimburse us? “ The regions’ fire chiefs will hold a meeting this Friday to discuss economic impacts of the budget crunch on the current fire season, she disclosed. In East County’s rural areas, fire protection has long been left to volunteer fire departments since the “County abandoned fire protection 30 years ago,” noted Craig Williams, public affairs officer at Campo Fire & Rescue. Last year the County opted to move toward creation of a county fire authority and boosted funding for some County Service Area (CSA) fire departments. “We have increased funding and equipment from the County,” said Williams. Last year, Campo Fire & Rescue received $74,000—a $30,000 increase from the past. In addition, the County has agreed to pay a stipend of about $63,000 per volunteer fire department. But Williams observed, “Keep in mind that we are roughly the same size department as Alpine, which has roughly a $3 million budget, with the same number of engines and personnel. We’d like to have enough money to have a paid department.” Presently, the department has a 30% attrition rate because once recruits complete training in Campo, they take paid
EDITORIAL: WHY A BENEFIT ASSESSMENT FEE? IT DOESN’T GET ANY MORE LOCAL THAN THIS!
Printer-friendly versionBy August Ghio, Chief San Miguel Fire Department June 11, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–It is a given, the current global economic crisis is or will effect every individual, every household and every organization. The San Miguel Fire Protection District is no different. Maybe a little different, our budget, primarily from property tax dollars, is utilitized to save lives and property. The District’s budget shortfall has hit a critical level. As we forecast fire dangers it is our duty and obligation to make you aware of how our current budget shortfall will affect our ability to respond. Since this is your Fire District we turn to you our property owners for direction. That direction will come in the form of a yes or no vote for a Benefit Assessment Fee. Here are the facts. Our estimated budget gap for FY 2010 is $1.75 million. That is an increase of $616,000 from our original projection. From a percentage perspective we will have a minus 6.45% property tax revenue in FY 2010 from our FY 08/09 property tax revenue. Additionally, earlier this month the citizens of the State of California resoundingly defeated Propositions 1A through 1E. This very likely will trigger the Governor to enact the State’s ability to borrow 8% of local government’s property tax revenues. For our District this would be an additional $1.3 million revenue loss for FY 2010. Accounting nuances aside, we need to do much more with much less. The Benefit Assessment Fee will help us stop the hemorrhaging. At a property fee of $41.94 per occupancy the District will generate $1.3 million. This infusion of funds will help the District maintain rapid response times, better protect homes from devastating fires, prevent the closure of an Engine Company (nine firefighters) and other reductions in direct services. This is a crisis we have been working to stave off for months. Core services and supplies are up by 2.7%. Run volume continues to increase by 200 incidents per year (over a 10 year average). In response, in this fiscal year alone the District has executed $800,000 in budget reductions. How? In part: –Training Captain eliminated –Operations Battalion Chief not hired –Part-Time Fire Inspector eliminated –Part-Time Clerical eliminated –Services and supplies reduced –Contracts revised for better pricing In addition there are no pay raises. The District’s work force voluntarily gave back $200,000 in benefits in FY 2009. That’s one million dollars in reduced spending. Now What? Additional cuts will seriously affect direct service to our residents. Our employees will begin negotiating their contracts where we will be discussing other ways to reduce costs to try to shore up direct services. We live in a high fire risk area. In fact, there is a swath of 169,000 acres of brush (some fifty years old) leading from Mount Laguna right into our District. A Benefit Assessment Fee will allow us, under our current set of circumstances, to maintain the level and quality of service our residents are accustomed to experiencing. When the temperature increases, the humidity decreases and the winds kick up, we could issue a “Red Flag” warning which is an indication that extreme danger is possible and is a warning to be prepared. In some ways: our Benefit Assessment is the same. It is a warning to our residents and an opportunity for them to tell us what they want. What level of protection they demand. We, like every other household, understand the fact many people are suffering. Our request of $41.94 per occupancy is an understanding of that. Some have suggested we ask for at least twice that much, but we emphasize we are not looking for property owners to give their Fire District a cure all. Instead, we need to maintain a current level of service as we look for new and innovative ways to adjust to a changing world. For the typical home owner this Assessment equates to only 11 cents per day. Firefighting is a dangerous labor intensive effort. A career of firefighting takes a toll on the men and women who serve. Job related deaths are three times higher than most careers. Firefighters suffer an increased risk for several cancers when compared to the general public. Each year 45 percent of on-duty fire fighter deaths are caused by heart disease. Simply put Firefighters, when compared to the general population, die sooner. Over the decades through the negotiating and contract process firefighters have earned a strong benefit and retirement program. Critics of the Benefit Assessment Fee say the District can somehow unilaterally cut wages and benefits. The District can’t. What we can say is our Board of Directors and our employees will enter the next contract phase with a clear view of this economic crisis. The Benefit Assessment Fee will allow us to stabilize our fiscal forecast as we adjust and adapt to a changing world. The Benefit Assessment Fee will allow the District to provide our residents with the best possible level of fire protection, as we work to provide the most efficient, well equipped team possible, at a reasonable and fair cost. Our request for funds includes strong fiscal controls and accountability, including the requirement that all funds can only be used for local fire protection, suppression and emergency services. In addition annual financial audits of the expenditures are required. We are not telling our property owners how to vote, but doing our level best to provide every stakeholder with a realistic forecast. Our pledge to our residents remains the same. Every San Miguel Firefighter will do his or her best to wage their war against disaster with the tools our community provides. There was a day firefighters faced the possibility of death by fighting a fire with little more than axes and buckets to transport water. That same spirit exists today. Residents trust us with their lives; we hope they trust us to treat their investment in public safety with caution and respect. The opinions expressed in this editorial reflect those
IN THE HEART OF AMERICA: WESTERN HERITAGE DAYS FEATURES INCLUDE BUFFALO SOLDIERS
Printer-friendly versionBy Kyle Serzen Photo by Leon Thompson June 11, 2009 (El Cajon)–Cowboys and Indians crowded the streets of El Cajon last weekend during the Olaf Wieghorst Museum’s 7th Annual Western Heritage Days, a festival celebrating American history and the expansion of the western frontier. Western Days showcased gun fight reenactments, blacksmiths at work, cowboy storytellers, and Native American dancers. However, a troop of warriors clad in navy and gold stood out from the sea of six shooters and spurs; they were the Buffalo Soldiers. The 9th and 10th Horse Cavalry units were created on July 28, 1866, consisting of Caucasian officers and African American troops. In 1867, the 10th Cavalry engaged in several battles with the Cheyenne Nation. The name “Buffalo Soldier” originates from these battles. “Captain” Les Keown, the chapter historian for the 9th and 10th Horse Cavalry of San Diego, explains that “the Cheyenne called them wild buffalo because of coarseness of the hair and the dark skin color, plus buffalo were pretty tough to kill. They gave them that name out of respect.” The name eventually made its way back to the American public, where it was applied to all African American soldiers. Aside from being the topic of a Bob Marley song, the Buffalo Soldiers played a role in over 100 American battles. Perhaps the most famous of these was the battle of San Juan Hill, where they fought alongside Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders. “Roosevelt and the Rough Riders got all the glory, but it [victory] didn’t happen ‘till the 9th and 10th showed up,” commented Keown. The Buffalo Soldiers also faced numerous infamous foes, such as Geronimo, Sitting Bull, Billy the Kid, and Poncho Villa. The Buffalo Soldiers made their way to Southern California during World War II, when the War Department noticed that the San Diego area had inadequate defenses in the case of a Japanese invasion. The 10th Cavalry began its occupation of Camp Lockett near Campo in 1942 to help protect the US-Mexico border. Their duties here would be short-lived, however. “In 1944, the government decided the horse soldier is obsolete, so the last Buffalo Soldiers unsaddled here in the San Diego area,” said Keown. Today the San Diego chapter of Buffalo Soldiers seeks to educate people on the history of the 9th and 10th Cavalries. Their goal is to create an interest and appreciation for the contributions these Americans made to our country, and they welcome anyone regardless of sex or race. The San Diego chapter functions as an affiliate of the National Office to the Ninth and Tenth (Horse) Cavalry Association. The Western Heritage Days event was sponsored by the Olaf Wieghorst Museum Foundation, honoring the late Olaf Wieghorst, famed Western artist and El Cajon resident. For more information on the Buffalo Soldiers, visit: http://www.buffalosoldiers-lawtonftsill.org/history.htm and http://www.ushist.com/buffalo-soldiers.htm For more information on the Olaf Wieghorst Museum, Foundation, or Western Heritage Days, visit: http://www.wieghorstmuseum.org/ Kyle Serzen is a political science major at San Diego State University and an intern with East County Magazine. Printer-friendly version
RIDING HIGH: MAGIC HORSE PROGRAM HELPS INJURED TEEN BRITTANY SABER HEAL IN TIME FOR GRADUATION
Printer-friendly versionBy Marisa Kezirian June 10, 2009 (Lakeside)—Once again at The Magic Horse Therapeutic Riding Center in Lakeside, the power of the healing horses and their ability to make life-enhancing differences for disabled people and their families proves successful, as rider Brittany Saber makes huge progress with her strength of mind and determination. Less than a year after a devastating car accident in which a drunk driver slammed into Brittany’s car on Interstate-15, the 18-year-old was able to graduate with her senior class at Mt. Carmel High School in Rancho Penasquitos. The accident left her on life support for six months. She was not expected to recover, as she had broken both femurs and suffered from traumatic brain injury. “We were told several times that she probably wouldn’t make it, and we needed to accept that she would never talk, walk, or be functional,” Saber’s mother Alyesha Saber told NBC News. Brittany Saber spent six months in a coma and another six months involved in physical therapy, yet she was able to fulfill her graduation requirements and make the steps up to the podium to receive her diploma. She now wants to become an ICU nurse as a tribute to those remarkable individuals that helped her toward her own recovery. Truly, Brittany’s story is amazing, and her survival is considered a miracle, as doctors believed she would not make it. Every Saturday Brittany dedicates her time to recovery at the Riding Center, where she works with a horse named Fire. He challenges Brittany into working hard as she learns and develops more advanced riding skills. Fire is patient and cooperative, and very compatible with Brittany. Heather Rideout, Chris Rideout, Connie Noble, and Larry Pawl are the volunteers who have also helped Brittany progress while she has been working with Fire. “It’s a truly motivating experience for Brittany as she has developed an emotional relationship with the horse” said Robin Pawl, owner and operator of the Riding Center. “The riding helps Brittany’s motor skills as there are lots of buckles which require her fingers to work and move. The riding also challenges Brittany’s body, and requires her weak side to stay in balance, so it helps both her coordination and core strength. Throughout her ride, Brittany experiences a constant motion where her hands, legs, and muscles all work simultaneously as she leads her horse. As a result of her progress Brittany now rides off lead, and guides the horse herself. She has made remarkable progress in her riding and has learned higher level skills.” As a result of extensive medical expenses, Brittany’s family is $6.5 million in debt. If you would like to help, there are several options: Share this information with someone else Become a volunteer Sponsor Brittany’s riding lessons – ($30/lesson, $300/10 lessons) To sponsor Brittany make checks out to “The Magic Horse,” write “Brittany” in the memo area, and send them to: The Magic Horse Therapeutic Riding Center,13642 Vicinio del Este Place,Lakeside, CA 92040. For more information, call (619)672-6935. Marisa Kezirian is a student at San Diego State University and an intern with East County Magazine. Printer-friendly version
LOCAL LEADERS SHARE REACTIONS TO PREJEAN LOSING MISS CALIFORNIA CROWN
Printer-friendly versionJune 11, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Carrie Prejean, a senior at San Diego Christian College in El Cajon, has been dethroned as Miss California USA. Her turbulent reign, which weathered revelations of topless photos and a controversy over her statements opposing gay marriage, came to an end over the beauty queen’s alleged refusal to honor commitments for public appearances on behalf of the pageant. Her saga sparked controversy both locally and nationally. Here in East County and San Diego, community leaders say the Prejean controversy raises issues not only about her conduct, but about the conduct of pageant officials—and pressures imposed on teen beauty contestants. “This was a decision based solely on contract violations, including Ms. Prejean’s unwillingness to make appearances on behalf of the Miss California USA organization,” said state pageant executive director Keith Lewis. Pageant owner Donald Trump was involved in the decision to fire Prejean, CNN News has reported. Runner-up Tami Farrell, Miss Malibu, will replace prejean as Miss California USA. Mary England, who has organized pageants including the Miss La Mesa pageant, made these observations.. “The young girls of today and the pageant ladies of tomorrow need to read all the fine print of the pageant, understand what they are getting into and then make an informed decision before they run for Miss California. Being Miss California is not any different than being an employee of a company – you need to understand the rules and obligations of the job – then abide by them.” She added, “ Whether you have a high profile job as Miss California or a "regular"job as the majority of the world – you need to fulfill all of the obligations that are expected of you. If Miss California did not fulfill all of the obligations – refusing to show up at public appearances, etc. then Miss California did not fulfill the obligations of her "contract" as Miss California.” But she added, “There are always two sides to every story – so none of us know what has really transpired, internally between Miss California and the people that govern the pageant…The message that this should send is: No matter what job you have in life – there will be challenges with that job – do the job to the best of your ability, complete all of your tasks and responsibilities related to that job and be the best person you can be!” Prejean did not respond to an interview request from ECM. She first drew national controversy when pageant judge Perez Hilton asked her opinion on legalization of same-sex marriage. “Well, I think it’s great that Americans are able to choose one way or the other. We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage,” Prejean replied. She added, “ I do believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman, no offense to anybody out there. But that’s how I was raised …” A second controversy ensued after pageant officials admitted to paying for breast augmentation surgery for Prejean in preparation for the Miss USA World competition. In addition, a series of revealing photos released on the Internet from lingerie shoots done by Prejean, a model, sparked further heated debate. Pageant rules ask contestants to disclose if they have posed for any semi-nude photos, which would be grounds for disqualification. Prejean blamed photos showing her topless on the wind blowing her vest aside during a modeling shoot; the photographer disputed her story and said the shots were posed. Prejean also claimed photos were made while she was a minor; Victoria’s Secret countered that the lingerie line shown was not manufactured until after her 18th birthday. While some in the Christian community defended Prejean, others contended that her actions made her an inappropriate spokesperson for groups that promoted “family values.” Despite those controversies, Trump determined in May that Prejean could keep her crown. However, the pageant producer, K-2, announced today that it decided to terminate her contract for “continued breach of contract issues.” Prejean has starred in a TV ad opposing gay marriage after winning her crown (despite a prohibition on outside appearances) but has reportedly failed to meet her official pageant appearance obligations. “This is like watching a train wreck in slow motion, isn’t it?” observed Doug Deane, education committee chairman for the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce, when the scandals surrounding Prejean became known. “I get the strong sense that Carrie Prejean’s life is not her own, and that she has been, and is still being manipulated by those whose concern for her career and well-being is not their highest priority.” He noted that Prejean answered Hilton’s question honestly, “knowing there might be a price for doing so. That’s something that should be admired, no matter how we feel about her answer.” England, in an interview conducted at the time of the marriage question controversy, faulted pageant officials for turning the event into a political hot potato. “Pageant officials should ask questions that are relevant—views on same sex marriage or other politically charged issues seem to me to be out of that realm,” she told East County Magazine when the controversy first erupted. Questions may legitimately test how a contestant “thinks on her feet” and assess the contestant’s views for purposes of determining whether she will be an appropriate role model at community events, England believes. “But she observed, “Rallies for same sex marriage or against same sex marriages I bet would not be on her calendar. Hence, why the question?” But she added, “I believe that each candidate in any public contest has a right to her or his opinions. This is America. We should never be judged because we do not believe with the norm.” Steve Whitburn, past president of the San Diego Democratic Club and a supporter of gay rights, had a different view. “If they think asking political questions will make
“CASH FOR CLUNKERS” VOUCHER BILL PASSES HOUSE; MEASURE AIMS TO REDUCE POLLUTION, SAVE JOBS AND FUEL
Printer-friendly versionLocal Representatives Split Votes By Miriam Raftery June 10, 2009 (Washington D.C.)–Three local representatives have voted in favor of a “cash for clunkers” program that will allow consumers to trade in their old, gas-guzzling cars for vouchers worth up to $4,500 to help people buy new, more fuel-efficient vehicles. The Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act (HR 2751) aims to spur sale of up to one million more fuel-efficient cars and trucks, while stimulating the ailing auto industry and reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a 298 to 119 margin. Among San Diego County representatives, Brian Bilbray, Susan Davis and Bob Filner voted for the measure, while Duncan Hunter and Darrell Issa voted against it. “This is a smart program that will help grow our clean energy economy, cut down on pollution, and save money at the pump as we reduce consumption by over 250 million gallons of gas,” said Rep. Filner (D-San Diego). “It goes a long way towards getting Americans back to work and behind the wheel of a cleaner, more environmentally-friendly car.” The legislation provides rebates for cars and trucks in the following four categories: • Passenger Cars: The old vehicle must get 18 mpg or less. New vehicles with improvement of at least 4 mpg will get a $3,500 voucher. New vehicles with improvement of at least 10 mpg will get a $4,500 voucher. • Light-Duty Trucks: The old vehicle must get 18 mpg or less. New vehicles with improvement of at least 2 mpg will get a $3,500 voucher. New vehicles with improvement of at least 5 mpg will get a $4,500 voucher. • Large light-Duty Trucks: The old vehicle must get 15 mpg or less. New vehicles with improvement of at least 1 mpg will get a $3,500 voucher or trade-in of a “work truck.” New vehicles with improvement of at least 2 mpg will get a $4,500 voucher. • Work Trucks: The old vehicle must be a pre-2002 model. New vehicles in the same or smaller weight class will get a $3,500 voucher. Opponents criticized the bill for authorizing $4 billion in spending, subject to appropriations and raised concern that the supply of affordable used cars for sale and donations of cars to charities could be reduced. Supporters argue that economic benefits to the economy and environment will ultimately more than offset the investment. The bipartisan measure is supported, however, by a broad coalition that includes the AFL-CIO, UAW, car dealers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers. “Americans of all stripes have come together on this bill because it’s a win for the consumer, the economy, the environment, and the auto industry,” said Rep. Filner. “We’re able to save American consumers money and save American jobs, at the same time we help our struggling auto dealers and continue down the path towards a cleaner, greener economy.” Printer-friendly version
EAST COUNTY’S LARGEST FREE HEALTHCARE FAIR SATURDAY JUNE 13
Printer-friendly versionJune 11, 2009 (La Mesa)–The public is invited to attend the 9th annual Summer Healthcare Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, June 13, at the Grossmont Center shopping mall, 5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa. Free health screenings will include diabetes, blood pressure and stroke prevention. Free information will be available on such topics as nutrition, body fat, ear wax, hand problems, laser eye surgery, chiropractic, sleep disorders, acupuncture, osteoporosis, home safety, herbal supplements, fitness, hospice care and health insurance, as well as free information on senior housing home care services, nutrition services, volunteer opportunities and careers in medicine. More than 50 exhibit booths will be located near the movie theaters. Event sponsors include the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce, Grossmont Healthcare District, Sharp Grossmont Hospital and Grossmont Center. The Chamber is organizing the free health fair. For event information, phone (619) 440-6161 or visit www.eastcountychamber.org. Printer-friendly version