BUG BOMBS CAUSE FIRE THAT DESTROYS TRAILER HOME IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version July 9, 2009 (El Cajon)–At 5:15 p.m. this evening El Cajon Fire crews responded to reports of a trailer home fire at the Chieftain Trailer Park, located at 187 Ballard, space number 48-B in El Cajon. Upon arrival firefighters found the trailer home engulfed. About 15 firefighters had the fire extinguished in about ten minutes, preventing damage to nearby trailers. The trailer home was destroyed, displacing two adults and their four children. A homeowner who cut his hand while trying to fight the fire with a garden hose was treated at the scene by paramedic firefighters. Fire investigators say the fire appears to have been caused by the homeowner setting off 16 bug bombs in an enclosed area, with fumes being ignited by an unknown heat source. The fire remains under investigation. Total damage has been estimated at $30,000 for the trailer home and its contents. The American Red Cross is now assisting the displaced family with temporary housing. A fire crew from the San Miguel Fire Protection District assisted El Cajon Fire crews in fighting the blaze. Printer-friendly version
NEW PROGRAM NOTIFIES VICTIMS WHEN PRISONERS ARE DUE FOR RELEASE, TRANSFER, OR ESCAPE
Printer-friendly versionVictim Information and Notification Everyday (V.I.N.E.) July 10, 2009 (San Diego)– In June of 2009, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department became a participant in the VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) program. VINE is a free service to the public and provides notification when significant changes occur to an inmate’s custody status. This service has been introduced in San Diego County in part, through a grant from the California State Sheriff’s Association. VINE users are able to register an e-mail address and/or telephone number(s) in order to be notified when an inmate in Sheriff’s custody is released, is pending release (for sentenced inmates with scheduled release dates), or when transferred to a facility in another county or state prison. This notification is confidential and protects the registrant’s anonymity. Crime victims can access information or register by calling 1-877-411-5588 or by visiting www.vinelink.com. Registrants must enter the offender’s name or booking number in order to properly register for notification with VINE. The booking number is available from the Sheriff’s web page, ‘Who’s in Jail’ link. Once a victim selects the proper inmate on the ‘Who’s in Jail – Inmate Detail’ screen, there is a direct link to VINE that queues the inmate’s booking number for registration. It is effective immediately. “This is an excellent resource for victims who want to know when inmates have a change in their custody status. We hope this will alleviate some of the mystery, guesswork, and confusion that are an extra burden victims simply don’t need to bear,” commented Sheriff Bill Gore. The VINE service is one component which will bring the San Diego Sheriff’s Department into compliance with one of the 17 enumerated rights contained in the Victim’s Bill of Rights (Marsy’s Law); notification of inmate release or escape. On November, 4, 2008, voters approved Proposition 9, the ‘Victims’ Bill of Rights Act of 2008: Marsy’s Law.’ This measure amended the California Constitution to provide certain rights to crime victims. The rights described in Marsy’s Law involve many different entities within the criminal justice system. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department is able to help meet these rights as they relate to defendants in the custody of the Sheriff. San Diego District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis commented, “Our victim advocates will continue to encourage and support crime victims by, and take a proactive approach by using this new system. One of our goals is to help crime survivors from being re-victimized by the criminal justice system.” Other elements include a victim’s prerogative to be notified of rights under the law. The San Diego Sheriff’s Department will comply with this by directing victims to the Sheriff’s Internet website for a full listing of Marsy’s Law rights. In the interim, to accomplish immediate compliance, a stamp has been made available to all facilities for the back of business cards. This will provide information about the Sheriff’s website and will contain a link to a Victim’s Services web page and the San Diego District Attorney’s website for offender court date information, as well as provide links to the Victim Assistance and compensation websites. A departmental training bulletin has been prepared and issued to sworn personnel with instructions on this new initiative. In addition to the department’s website, brochures are also available for distribution explaining Marsy’s Law, the VINE program, the Victims’ Bill of Rights, and resources for additional help and information. . Printer-friendly version
JOHN DEAN, FORMER WHITE HOUSE COUNSEL DURING WATERGATE, TO SPEAK IN LA MESA AUGUST 5
Printer-friendly version July 10, 2009 (La Mesa) – John Dean, the former White House lawyer under President Richard Nixon during the Watergate scandal, will speak August 5th at the La Mesa Community Center. The event, co-sponsored by the Eastlake–Bonita Democratic Club and La Mesa–Foothills Democratic Club, is free and open to all people. Dean’s publisher will be issuing an updated version of Dean’s book about the Watergate scandal, “Blind Ambition: The End of the Story” on July 21. This new printing includes an afterword that will provide new revelations and details that answer the most persistent questions lingering since the original investigation. Dean recently made headlines when controversy and crowds surrounded his appearance in June at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library. Dean, formerly a conservative Republican, has also been outspoken in his criticism of President George W. Bush, whom he has called “worst than Nixon.” Social networking for the August 5th event begins at 6:30 p.m., with the program starting at 7 p.m. The La Mesa Community Center is located at 4975 Memorial Drive in La Mesa. Printer-friendly version
BUG BOMBS CAUSE FIRE THAT DESTROYS TRAILER HOME IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version July 9, 2009 (El Cajon)–At 5:15 p.m. this evening El Cajon Fire crews responded to reports of a trailer home fire at the Chieftain Trailer Park, located at 187 Ballard, space number 48-B in El Cajon. Upon arrival firefighters found the trailer home engulfed. About 15 firefighters had the fire extinguished in about ten minutes, preventing damage to nearby trailers. The trailer home was destroyed, displacing two adults and their four children. A homeowner who cut his hand while trying to fight the fire with a garden hose was treated at the scene by paramedic firefighters. Fire investigators say the fire appears to have been caused by the homeowner setting off 16 bug bombs in an enclosed area, with fumes being ignited by an unknown heat source. The fire remains under investigation. Total damage has been estimated at $30,000 for the trailer home and its contents. The American Red Cross is now assisting the displaced family with temporary housing. A fire crew from the San Miguel Fire Protection District assisted El Cajon Fire crews in fighting the blaze. Printer-friendly version
WILL POWER REPORT: THE SOCIAL CONTRACT
Printer-friendly version Nothing but the Truth! The Social Contract By Will Power July 10, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–The neo-con ninnies disagree with the neo-liberals about the role of government. Anything that interferes with the invisible hand of the marketplace is seen as anathema. People should be able to borrow, spend, invest , and cheat each other with impunity. Government should be kept to the bare minimum, and private enterprise should take over the mail, the transportation, the roads, and the prisons. But there are some necessary services that government can do better than private corporations, just on the basis that there is public oversight. For example, a private justice system and private prisons are a threat to public liberty. Already retired judges in arbitration cases have unconstitutionally deprived debtors of fair representation regarding credit card debts. Private armies, which are now becoming stronger, pose even more of a threat to public justice. There are now more private soldiers in Iraq than sworn military personnel. What threat does this pose for the future? The unemployment rate is now equal to the sales tax rate in California, about 10%. Is there a relationship between these figures? As the working poor get taxed more and more, the corporate elite finds it easier to replace workers or cut their hours to make them ineligible for benefits. If workers are lucky enough to find another job, their hours, wages and benefits are often less than a living wage, if they get any benefits at all. Health care reform would equalize the playing field. But Republicans want workers to buy into inefficient existing private health care plans, and Democrats want a single-payer government plan to provide competition. No mistake, health care is expensive. But no health care is even more expensive. Do we have the political will to set up a government system which would compete with for-profit private plans? In other nations, government health care has proved successful. But simply forcing all Americans to buy private health insurance is just feeding the beast. Fining them for refusing to buy into an inefficient system is just further taxation. We must provide an alternative plan if costs are to be driven down. Printer-friendly version
HUNTER TO HOLD VIDEO TOWN HALL TUESDAY; HEALTHCARE REFORM TOPS AGENDA
Printer-friendly version July 12, 2009 (Washington D.C.) – Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine) whose district includes most of East County, will hold a video town hall meeting on Tuesday, July 14th at 6:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. To participate, click the “video townhall meeting” link on his website Tuesday evening (http://www.hunter.house.gov/). This event was previously scheduled for the end of last month but was postponed due to legislative business on the House floor. “As promised, I will be discussing health care reform and cap and trade legislation, while also taking questions on other issues of interest,” Hunter said an an e-mail to constituents and media. Next week, Congress is expected to begin consideration of a tri-committee health care reform proposal. "Since I serve on the House Education and Labor Committee, which is tentatively meeting this coming Wednesday to consider part of the proposal, I will be directly participating in this process and working with my colleagues to move forward a sensible plan that strengthens our health care delivery system," Huner stated. "I hope to hear your thoughts and learn of any suggestions you might have regarding this proposal so that I can ensure the viewpoints and interests of my constituents are well represented.” Hunter has previously informed constituents that he opposes both a public option for healthcare coverage, as the Obama administration is expected to propose, and a single payer system such as healthcare for all advocates have proposed. A recent poll on his website, showed over 70% of participants favor a “government imposed” healthcare plan. Printer-friendly version
POWERLINK MAY HINGE ON CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST SUPERVISOR: Attorney for 3 Community and Environmental Groups Sends Legal Notice to Metz; Metz Speaks With East County Magazine
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery July 9, 2009 (San Diego, Calif.)- An attorney for three community and environmental groups sent a letter today urging Cleveland National Forest Supervisor William Metz to reject construction of the Sunrise Powerlink transmission line project across the forest. The letter describes in detail numerous legal conflicts between Powerlink and the Forest’s overarching management plan. The group also calls on the Forest Service to combine consideration of the Powerlink with an inter-related pending decision: a new Forest Service permit for miles of SDG&E’s existing power lines in the forest. The Sunrise Powerlink transmission line through southern San Diego County was approved by two state and federal agencies, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), in December and January 2008. Appeals have been filed by the three groups, which argue that those approvals are flawed. Other agencies must also provide additional approvals for the project to proceed. Cleveland National Forest Supervisor William Metz is currently considering whether to allow the Powerlink to cross miles of the forest and whether the project will follow the terms of the Forest’s management plan. Metz is also separately considering whether to renew expired permits to SDG&E for all existing power lines on the forest. East County Magazine interviewed Metz on July 8, one day before the letter was sent. “Currently there is no hard and fast timeline for approval,” he said. “We are currently working with SDG&E to complete resource assessments within the footprint assessments for Sunrise Powerlink, including biological and heritage resource assessments.” After reviewing information provided by SDG&E’s consultants, a Forest Service biologist and archaeologist will verify whether the assessment is consistent with a BLM assessment, he said, adding that the process will likely take a couple of months. Since the BLM was the lead agency that made a decision on Powerlink, Metz observed, “The environmental analysis process has been completed. We’ll be looking at Powerlink’s specific footprint on Cleveland to make sure that it’s consistent with the BLM process,” he said, adding that fire mitigation is a component of that process. Asked if there will be an opportunity for public input, Metz replied, “It’s complex because the decision has really already been made through the BLM process. The only way at this juncture that we would open up for public scoping and comment period would be if we determined that Cleveland National Forest needed to do a supplemental EIS (environmental impact assessment).” ECM was unaware of the legal demand letter at the time of this interview. We did, however, ask Metz if he had seen the Powerlink Protest song (photo) with lyrics calling on him by name to save the Forest. Those lyrics read in part: “We know you love the forest, too. You can stop them if you want to, William Metz.” (View the video and read full lyrics here: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/?q=node/1303). Metz said he was aware of the video but hadn’t seen it. However his staff has brought the lyricis to his attention. “I guess I’m part of folk lore now,” he said with a chuckle. Some have voiced concern that Obama appointee David Hayes, new deputy secretary of the Interior Department and a former SDG&E lobbyist, could be involved in the Powerlink decision. (There has been a proposal in Washington introduced in the waning months of the Bush administration to move the Forest Service from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of the Interior, the Washington Post reported in March 2008 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/24/AR2008032402510.html .) Asked whether Hayes or other officials higher up in the U.S. Forest Service would be involved in the decision, Metz replied, “I can’t speak to that potentially. But right now the decision to approve or approve Sunrise Powerlink will be made here on the Cleveland National Forest.” Stephan Volker, attorney for the three groups that sent a legal demand letter to Metz, said the fundamental problem with locating Powerlink in the Cleveland National Forest is that “the project would cause enormous harm to the forest, yet Powerlink environmental review documents treated this area as an afterthought." He added, “The Cleveland National Forest Land Management Plan is supposed to be a blueprint to conserve forest resources. Yet we found page after page of gross conflicts between the Powerlink and the management plan." "Forest Supervisor Metz needs to step up and do the right thing by conducting the legally required environmental and other reviews for the selected route that SDG&E, the BLM, and the Public Utilities Commission all failed to do", urged Donna Tisdale of Back County Against Dumps. "This is a matter of law, public trust, and personal responsibility." Laura Cyphert, president of the East County Community Action Coalition, observed, "One of our greatest concerns is the potential for the Powerlink to ignite another Cedar or Witch Creek inferno or interfere with firefighting. The Powerlink can’t be allowed to shove aside the forest plan promises to reduce the threat of wildfire." "The Cleveland National Forest is here to protect natural resources and nature-based recreation opportunities for the people of San Diego," said Denis Trafecanty, President of The Protect Our Communities Foundation. "It’s not here to provide a path of least resistance for massive industrial projects with little public benefit like the Powerlink." The Sunrise Powerlink is a major new electrical transmission line proposed by San Diego Gas and Electric for construction from the Imperial Valley to central San Diego County near Poway. SDG&E contends the line is necessary to meet our region’s future electrical needs. The utility has claimed that the line would carry renewable energy, but refused to agree to any minimum percentage of renewable energy when requested by a CPUC member. A press release issued by the three groups describes the line as follows: “Like a dead-end freeway with local off-ramps, the Powerlink would consist of a larger capacity 500kV line to a remote rural area east of Alpine, smaller 230kV lines continuing on to central San Diego, and plans by SDG&E to extend
GUHSD TRUSTEES TO HELIX: CHANGE BOARD POLICIES TO PREVENT SEXUAL MISCONDUCT, OR LOSE CHARTER
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery July 8, 2009 (El Cajon)—By a 5-0 vote, Grossmont Union High School District trustees approved a notice of intent to revoke the charter for Helix High School. Superintendent Bob Collins (photo, left) and the trustees made clear that Helix must change the makeup of its governing board and improve procedures to protect students from child molestation, or face revocation of its charter at a hearing in the next month. “Four convictions for child molestation in the same high school raises serious concerns,” Collins told trustees, referring to four teachers convicted of having sex with students, as East Count Magazine has previously reported. He assured parents and students present that tonight’s hearing was not about assessing blame or having an anti-charter agenda as some have alleged. (In fact, trustees recently approved a third charter high school, Liberty). Despite strong student academic achievement, however, Helix will likely lose its charter if it fails to meet recommendations made by the GUHSD trustees. Collins testified that in some of the cases, teachers or staff suspected sexual misconduct but failed to report their concerns. Instead, they confronted the perpetrator, potentially placing students at even greater risk. “If you have a reasonable suspicion that a child is in danger, your obligation is to report it to law enforcement and child protective services,” Collins said. “That is from the Attorney General’s guidelines..Teachers, administrators and volunteers didn’t report according to the law. That’s the issue.” He urged the Helix Charter board to adopt the District’s child abuse reporting policies, provide adequate staff training on proper procedures, replace teachers on the charter board with potential conflicts of interest and add parents who are elected, not appointed by board members. The GUHSD trustees have been investigating allegations against Helix for approximately two years. “This board was very concerned about some very misleading statements,” Collins said, noting that the GUHSD trustees were told that one administrator accused of sexual harassment had left voluntarily due to a “socially awkward incident.” Collins observed, “Sexual harassment is a very serious incident.” Trustees want Helix to adopt policies prohibiting teachers from giving rides to students or having students in teachers’ homes without parental permission, or from being alone in a schoolroom with a student behind closed doors. “Our policies need to protect both our students and our teachers,” Collins emphasized, adding that damage done to students subjected to sexual abuse is “horrific.” He cited a recent court case in which a $1.25 million judgment was awarded against a school for sexual abuse of a student. Trustee Priscilla Schreiber said she has been a strong supporter of the Helix charter “more than anybody on this board” but added, “There has to be somebody in charger over there putting some serious guidelines and oversight into place.” Jim Kelly, another trustee, denied rumors that the board has its mind made up and assured that the Superintendent is “a man of good faith.” Chairman Robert Shield noted that a resolution has previously been introduced which would “make this go away” but that was rejected by Helix, specifically, setting up parent-provided oversight of the charter board. He warned, “If we don’t resolve this in the next three or four weeks, then we can’t resolve it.” Numerous Helix students, parents, teachers and staffers turned out in support of the Helix board. “It’s very frustrating because none of us wants the charter revoked,” said Alexis Aceves, a recent graduate of Helix (photo, right, with Aubrey Asimos). Her father, a police officer, has served as a community member on the charter board. “I got a fantastic education. I was on ASB (Associated Student Body) when it all happened and it was shocking, but it did not affect my education. The teachers and staff on the board right now are totally there to represent the students." Julie Damschen (photo, left) is a psychology teacher and member of the Helix charter board. She found the trustees’ decision surprising and troubling. “Originally they told us they wanted a majority of community members and parents on the board. Then they told us the wanted it 9-0,” she said. “Later I believe they were discussing 3 staff members, 3 parents and 3 community members, but as of tonight it’s still unclear what they want.” Asked how the makeup of the Helix charter board compares to other charter schools, she replied, “Ours is not unusual.” Former GUHSD board member Larry Urdahl offered this assessment after the meeting. “The big problem there is with the Helix Board. They’re not following the rules,” he told East County Magazine. “If you’re a school board member, you have to take Brown Act Classes and more. But the Charter board members don’t do that; to go to a CSBA event costs around $500 a member and that’s a lot of money for them.” The solution, Urdahl believes, is “a new board, or a board that follows the rules.” Some at Helix have spread rumors accusing GUHSD trustees of wanting to break the charter in order to bring Helix back under district control for financial reasons given the state budget crunch—an accusation denied by trustees. “We are a very diverse board,” trustee Gary Woods observed, “and when this board unites on something, it’s serious.” Collins summed up the sentiments of others in assuring that revoking the charter is not the goal (though it appeared evident that revocation will likely take place if Helix refuses to comply with the district’s requirements). So at recommendation of staff, he asked the board to vote for the notice of intent to revoke the charter. Collins, who has extensive experience overseeing sexual misconduct cases as Superintendent of schools in Los Angeles, made clear that his goal is to “assure the safety of kids.” The Superintendent concluded “Resolution of this lies squarely at the feet of the Helix Board members.” Printer-friendly version
NEIL DIAMOND TRIBUTE FRIDAY JULY 10 AT FREE “CONCERTS ON THE GREEN”
Printer-friendly version July 10, 2009 (El Cajon)–“Diamond Is Forever,” the popular Neil Diamond Tribute band, will perform tonight at El Cajon’s Concerts on the Green, the free weekly summer concert series featuring live music for all ages from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on the Prescott Promenade in Downtown El Cajon. Concerts on the Green has performances every Friday evening through September 4, 2009. Sponsored by Sycuan Resort and Casino and presented by the El Cajon Community Development Corporation, the family-oriented Concerts on the Green features popular local entertainers in a park setting every Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Styles range from blues to rock, and from jazz to swing to suit every music lover’s taste. The concerts attract more than 1,000 spectators each week. Bring a picnic, or enjoy dinner at one of several fine restaurants now open on Main Street in Downtown El Cajon. For more information, call the El Cajon CDC at (619) 401-8858, or visit on-line at www.downtownelcajon.com 2009 Concerts on the Green Schedule July 10: Diamond is Forever (Neil Diamond Tribute) July 17: Scott Martin (Latin Soul) July 24: The Farmers (Rock) July 31: Bill Magee (Blues) August 7: The Heroes (Variety) August 14: The Variations (Big Band) August 21: Eve Selis (Roadhouse Rock) August 28: The Coolrays (Beach Boys Tribute) September 4: FX5 (Variety) (Schedule subject to change) Printer-friendly version