AUG. 12 HEARING SET FOR CABLE SKI PARK IN SANTEE; NEIGHBORS FEAR NOISE, TRAFFIC, & IMPACTS ON WILDLIFE
Printer-friendly version July 15, 2009 (Santee)— A public hearing by the Santee City Council on a conditional use permit for a controversial proposed cable ski park for Santee Lakes is tentatively set for the evening of August 12, Allen Carlisle, director of park and recreation for Padre Dam Water District told East County Magazine. Supporters say the cable ski park would create new recreational opportunities for area residents, as well as revenues for the water district and city. But some residents feel the project would be a detriment, not a benefit, to their community. “They touted the fact that this is for promotion of a healthy lifestyle. Whose? Certainly not the area residents,” Johney Lively said of a cable ski park proposed for Lake One at Santee Lakes, just 300 feet from his home. “Gone forever will be the lake’s scenic qualities. The peace and tranquility which first brought myself and my neighbors to this area will be nothing but a memory. We see the 35 foot towers as swords thrust into our neighborhood and as the gateway to hell, because our quality of life will be turned into a living hell.” Padre Dam Water District, which operates Santee Lakes, has descriptions and renderings of the project at www.santeelakes.com, as well as a video of sports at a cable ski park elsewhere. Cable-skiing allows people to water-ski and wakeboard without a boat, using a horizontal cable suspended on towers and powered by a “quiet” electric motor that supporters liken to a sewing machine in volume. A restaurant serving alcohol, viewing platform, snack bar and pro shop are also proposed. “The Park does not receive any tax or ratepayers subsidies,” Carlisle observed. “Our expenses are increasing faster than our revenue stream. If this doesn’t pan out, then I need to look for another way to generate that revenue.” Construction would be privately funded with no outlay from the water district, which would lease the area to the developer. Padre would reap $100,000 in revenues the first year with an annual increase, per the lease. Padre would also keep all parking and gate fees. The City would benefit through sales tax revenues in the park. Carlise said Padre Dam began meeting with neighbors three years ago and has slowed the process to respond to concerns over parking, traffic, noise and biological impacts. “Many changes have occurred in the plans,” he said. “One thing we heard loud and clear was parking is a problem.” To alleviate concerns of residents who feared parking on their streets, Padre added more parking on the west side of the lake, agreed to move a picnic area and also add 20 free parking spaces just before the park gatehouse. “We also put in an agreement with the developer that folks riding the cableway will have their parking covered in their ticket, so there is no incentive for people to park outside the park.” Carlilse said rumors that the park would include bleacher seating are false. “I don’t know where that came from. That was never the intent,” he said, adding that Padre rejected an earlier plan for a beach at Lake One, after determining it would draw too crowds too large for the neighborhood. Residents also voice concerns that the cable ski operation would run from 8 a.m. to dusk, seven days a week. Mayor Randy Voepel declined to be interviewed and referred our call to Vice Mayor Brian Jones. Jones said he initially had concerns over noise and traffic. “What I did was I went and looked at one of these in Texas. My opinion was changed as a result,” he noted. “They are not noisy. The crowds were under control. It’s very family-oriented. It seemed like it would fit in with our community,” he said, but added, “I still have a responsibility at the public hearing to take input from the public before I make a decision.” Presently there are five cable ski parks in the U.S. (in Kansas, Florida and Texas) and about 100 in Europe. But Guadelupe “Lupe” Gillenberg, a neighbor opposed to the project, said she showed Jones a Google map of the area. “There is absolutely nothing surround the parks in Texas, Kansas and Florida,” she said. “The one in Santee is surrounded by thousands of houses…It’s not the machinery. It’s the throngs of people that are going to inundate our homes. They were touting this as attracting 5,000 people…There are tournaments they will have. People from all of the world will come to ski in my backyard.” Projected average daily usage is 100 to 150 riders, according to the Santee Lakes website. Promoters estimate noise levels will not exceed 72 decibels (dB), a level deemed acceptable for recreational water use by Padre Dam, which approved the project unanimously about a year ago. But Lively cites a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Noise Effect Handbook, which says average community reaction at 60 decibels is slight to moderate, and just 2 dB below levels of “significant complaints and threats of legal action.” AT 75 dB, impacts on a community are “very severe”. A noise survey conducted for this project found “it only took five kids to put out 72 decibels of noise over at mist park (an existing water playground at Santee Lakes),” Lively said. “Can you just imagine what 20 or 100 people will put out?” Several residents also voiced concerns over potential use of megaphones or amplified sound at competitions or other events. Lively noted that community noise can lead to negative emotions such as depression, anxiety and aggression, the World Health Organization has found. The survey suggests trees in between the project and homes will serve as a noise barrier. But Lively countered, “We can hear the employees talking and even tell what radio station they are listening to now. This is on record with the City Council. The woman two doors down
GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE GAVIN NEWSOM TO HOLD TOWN HALL FORUM IN SAN DIEGO SATURDAY JULY 18
Printer-friendly version July 16, 2009 (San Diego)—San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, who has announced plans to run for Governor next year, will hold “Conversations About California’s Future” with voters in major California cities over the next few weeks, including this Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Clairemont High School quad, 4150 Ute Dr. in San Diego. Newsom, a Democrat, has met with voters at 16 town halls thus far. “We’re holding frank discussions with voters about how we can work together to move California in a new direction,” he Newsom stated in a press release “California needs new leadership. We can’t keep returning to the same old tired solutions and expect a different result.” After meeting with voters and answering their direct questions at multiple “Conversations About California’s Future” up and down the state, Mayor Newsom announced his candidacy for governor earlier this year by releasing an online video on www.GavinNewsom.com that ties his record as mayor to his vision for California’s future. “In San Francisco, we’ve not accepted excuses. We’ve protected people’s civil rights, created a universal health care program, protected teachers from layoffs and enacted a local stimulus plan that will put people back to work and save jobs. And we’ve done it while balancing our budgets and seeing our bond ratings go up,” Newsom said. Other potential gubernatorial candidates include Attorney General Jerry Brown, Senator Diane Feinstein, and E-Bay CEO Meg Whitman. For a full list of events, see http://www.GavinNewsom.com/events. Printer-friendly version
CONGRESSWOMAN SUSAN DAVIS MEETS WITH MEDICAL EXPERTS AT SAN DIEGO HOSPICE AND INSTITUTE FOR PALLIATIVE MEDICINE
Printer-friendly version Budget cuts threaten patient care, hospice leader warns; Pain treatments for military, quality of life programs and advanced palliative medicine education for clinicians also discussed July 15, 2009 (San Diego) – Threats to quality patient care services, as well as support for education and evidence-based research in palliative medicine were key issues discussed with Congresswoman Susan Davis during her visit with medical experts at San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine. President and CEO Jan Cetti stressed the importance of stopping impending budget cuts that threaten hospice care for patients with Medicare. The cuts come from a 2008 federal rule that eliminates a component of the Medicare hospice benefit known as the budget neutrality adjustment factor (BNAF), and would represent an approximate 4% cut in payments, jeopardizing the availability of compassionate and high-quality care that 1.5 million patients and their family caregivers receive from hospice providers each year throughout the nation. “Hospice care is an effective part of the solution for patients and families facing advanced disease with poor prognosis. It is a model for high-quality care and research shows that hospice is cost-effective,” said Cetti. “These cuts would create significant barriers for seriously ill adults and children who could benefit from this care at a particularly fragile moment in their lives.” Other issues discussed with Congresswoman Davis focused on the government’s role in paying for the medical training of specialists in the new specialty of hospice and palliative medicine. The federal government, through Medicare, pays for the clinical training of all physicians in the US. Of particular interest to Congresswoman Davis is the potential for palliative medicine training for military physicians to address pain, symptoms, psychological, social and spiritual issues of wounded warriors, as well as expanding the palliative care knowledge of community clinics and long-term care facility providers through training and resources available from The Institute for Palliative Medicine at San Diego Hospice. “The need for access to consultative resources in palliative medicine is great,” noted Charles von Gunten, MD, PhD, Provost of The Institute for Palliative Medicine. “Understanding that our ability to relieve suffering has never been more powerful in the history of medicine, subspecialty consultation is one of the ways to make that knowledge practically available to clinicians. Discovering and disseminating that knowledge is our goal at The Institute for Palliative Medicine.” “We appreciate Congresswoman Davis’ time and interest in learning about key issues that impact her constituents as well as the rest of the nation,” said Cetti. “We look to her support to help raise awareness about the benefits of hospice and palliative care, as well as the important work conducted in the field of palliative medicine. San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine is one of the 10 largest community-owned, not-for-profit hospices in the country, bringing compassionate, expert medical care to more than 1,000 seriously ill adults and children each day throughout San Diego County. In addition to patient care, The Institute for Palliative Medicine is internationally recognized for its excellence in palliative care education and research and has achieved international recognition for its innovative education programs, patient/family-centered research and evidence-based advocacy. For more information, visit www.sdhospice.org or call toll-free 866-688-1600. Printer-friendly version
THE CAT’S MEOW: ALLEY CAT SUMMER FEST 2009 ON JULY 17 AND 18
Printer-friendly version5,000+ EXPECTED AT EL CAJON COMMUNITY CONSORTIUM July 15. 2009 (El Cajon)– On the prowl for some fun this weekend? El Cajon community art groups, museums, restaurants, and other downtown businesses are staging Alley Cat Summer Fest 2009, an event best described as the cat’s meow. Organizers predict 5,000 people at the two-day event on Friday, July 17, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m., and Saturday, July 18, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m., downtown El Cajon. St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center (SMSC), presenter of the event, describes this festive weekend as “a time when El Cajon comes alive with community spirit, support, and a collective focus on the pulse of any great city – its people, businesses, and amazing heart.” Alley Cat Summer Fest is one of SMSC’s community-integrated art opportunities available to the adults with developmental disabilities who attend SMSC’s Sophie’s Gallery, which is supported in part by the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities. This year’s SMSC event will feature prominent artists, including a juried art show sponsored by Friends of East County Arts, Inc., a classic car show, a "job fair" sponsored by the El Cajon Career Center, boutique vendors, a battle of the bands for teens, Concerts on the Green (Friday and Saturday), Jr. Crew, a Kids Zone, a beer garden sponsored by the German American Club, a special Little and Large presentation of jewelry and sculpture created by artists throughout San Diego, sponsored by the San Diego Museum of Art and San Diego Visual Arts Network, and much more. Stay tuned at www.alleycatsummerfest.org. Sponsors of Alley Cat Summer Fest 2009 include Mrs. Gloria Rimland and Mark Rimland of Edgeware Gallery in Kensington; San Diego National Bank; Video Fact; Motoworld; and the Friends of East County Arts, Inc. Sponsorships are still available. Call Cheryl Einsele 619-442-5129, ext. 3332. This event is also supported in part by the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities. St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center helps people with developmental disabilities, and their families and communities, discover, explore, and nurture opportunities to live life to its fullest, through their progressive programs and services, including an art gallery in downtown El Cajon (Sophie’s Gallery), an organic garden (Sophie’s Organic Garden), a Jr. Olympic Pool, supported employment contracts with local and national businesses, culinary, technology and music programs, and more. SMSC, a nondenominational adult day training and life skills center, is located in El Cajon, California, 20 miles east of downtown San Diego; they provide service to the greater San Diego communities. Printer-friendly version
SUMMER POPS! CONCERT SUNDAY JULY 19 IN ALLIED GARDENS
Printer-friendly version July 17, 2009 (Allied Gardens) — Navajo Events will host the 5th annual Summer Pops Concert on Sunday, July 19th at the Allied Gardens Community Park. The concert is free to attend and be enjoyed by people of all ages. The public is invited to pack a blanket, some snacks to munch on and join friends in the park for an evening under the stars listening to the musical talents of David Amos and his orchestra. The concert begins at 7:00PM. The park is located at 5155 Greenbrier Ave. in San Diego’s Allied Gardens neighborhood. For more information, visit http://www.navajoevents.com/PopsConcert/tabid/63/Default.aspx. Printer-friendly version
OTAY WATER DISTRICT HOSTS COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE JULY 21
Printer-friendly version Residents and Businesses to learn details of Jamacha Pipeline Construction Project July 15, 2009 (El Cajon/ Rancho San Diego, CA) – On Tuesday, July 21, the Otay Water District will host an open house-style community meeting to address the Jamacha Pipeline Project, a 5 mile-long, $22 million pipeline construction project along a large portion of Jamacha Rd. in El Cajon and Rancho San Diego. The meeting will take place at the Rancho San Diego Library at 11555 Via Rancho San Diego, El Cajon 92019. From 6-8 pm, the doors will be open for community members to come in and learn about the project’s origins, purpose, schedule and potential impacts. For more information about the Jamacha Pipeline project or the open house please visit www.jamachapipeline.com or call (619) 670-2552. The Otay Water District is a public agency distributing water to more than 195,000 customers within 125.5 square miles of southeastern San Diego County, including the communities of Spring Valley, Jamul, La Presa, Rancho San Diego, eastern Chula Vista and Otay Mesa. Printer-friendly version
CLICK TO HELP LOCAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAM QUALITY FOR FUNDING
Printer-friendly versionJuly 15, 2009 (San Diego)–Gael Streck and Casey Gwinn, of the Family Justice Center in San Diego, are attempting to win an All State Foundation Fundraiser/Grant for the Alliance to help domestic violence victims and their children. By clicking on this website you can help the Alliance win funding to assist domestic violence survivors in our community: www.clicktoempower.org. “We need to get as many clicks per person per day for 60 days as we can get,” said Jan Hedlun of Potrero, a speaker with the Alliance’s VOICES Domestic Violence Survivor committee. “We can use all the help we can get. If you could participate it would help tremendously.” Hedlun offered this message for East County Magazine readers: “If you could send this out to everyone you know and have them click on this once a day for 60 days it would help many people in many ways.” Printer-friendly version
YES, THERE IS A FREE LUNCH—FOR KIDS AT KROC CENTER THIS SUMMER
Printer-friendly version July 15, 2009 (San Diego)—Children under 18 can receive free sack lunches and milk at the Salvation Army Kroc Center from June 29th through July 31st (except July 3rd). Children under age 11 must be accompanied by an adult to receive the lunches, which are available Monday through Friday from 11 to 11:45 a.m. No paperwork or ID is required, and no questions will be asked. The program is offered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Seamless Summer Food Program, sponsored by the Lemon Grove School District. Lunches will be provided at the Salvation Army Kroc Center’s Education Garden (Building A), located at 6605 University Avenue, 92115. Adults may purchase sack lunches. For more information, call 619-269-1430. Printer-friendly version
CAMPO BAND OF KUMEYAAY INDIANS RECEIVE STIMULUS FUNDS FOR CLEAN DRINKING WATER
Printer-friendly version July 15, 2009 (San Diego)–Congressman Bob Filner announced that the Campo Band of Kumeyaay Indians, along with six other Indian Tribes in California, will have improved access to vital water services through funds awarded from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, otherwise known as the stimulus bill. “On tribal lands, 10 percent of homes lack access to safe drinking water compared to less than 1 percent of non-native homes,” said Congressman Bob Filner. “I am glad to announce that, in San Diego County, the Campo Band of Kumeyaay Indians will receive $753,100 for drinking water treatment.” News of the awards came from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Indian Health Service (IHS). $90 million nationwide is being awarded for shovel-ready infrastructure projects designed to protect human health and environmental resources in Indian Country. “This funding creates jobs for tribal members, addresses critical infrastructure needs, and increases access to drinking water and basic sanitation services,” said Congressman Filner. “By 2010, thousands of tribal homes in the Pacific Southwest are expected to receive piped drinking water or basic sanitation services for the first time.” President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on February 17, 2009 and directed that the Act be implemented with transparency and accountability. The additional tribes in California receiving funding at this time include the Quechan Tribe, Tule River Indian Reservation, Round Valley Indian Tribes, Redwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians, Grindstone Indian Rancheria of Wintun-Wailaki Indians of California, and Redding Rancheria. Printer-friendly version
A HEARTFELT DONATION: GROSSMONT FOUNDATION RECEIVES $30,000 GRANT FOR CARDIO-VASCULAR PROGRAM
Printer-friendly version July 15, 2009 (El Cajon)–The Grossmont College Foundation, a fund-raising organization that benefits Grossmont College students and educational programs, has announced that it has received a $30,000 grant from Abbott Vascular, one of the world’s leading vascular care businesses. The grant will benefit Grossmont students who are enrolled in the college’s cardio-vascular technology (CVT) program. According to Ernest Ewin, Grossmont College Foundation executive director, the Abbott grant will assist the entire CVT program to stay current with the latest research and instructional information, including new equipment and supplies used by CVT students. Grossmont College’s CVT program, which was founded in 1972, and boasts about 1,750 graduates, is one of three CVT programs offered at community colleges in California, and the only CVT program in the state to offer three different specialty areas in a cardiovascular technologist’s scope of work (invasive, non-invasive and vascular). It was the first CVT program at a community college to be accredited in the nation. Cardiovascular technologists are allied health professionals who are specifically trained to perform a variety of tests that provide information to the physician in the diagnosis and treatment of various cardiovascular diseases. Grossmont CVT grads are currently working in more than 90 percent of the available cardiovascular-related jobs in San Diego. Nationwide, the majority of Grossmont CVT grads have careers in clinical positions, while others work as department managers, teachers, medical researchers, authors and applications specialists. Abbott Vascular, a division of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT), is uniquely focused on transforming the treatment of vascular disease and improving patient care by combining the latest medical device innovations with world-class pharmaceuticals, investing in research and development and advancing medicine through training and education. Headquartered in Northern California, Abbott Vascular offers a comprehensive portfolio of vessel closure, endovascular and coronary products, which are recognized internationally for their safety, effectiveness and ease of use in treating patients with vascular disease. The Grossmont College Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that directly supports Grossmont College students, faculty and staff through scholarships, educational equipment and supplies, facilities and education programs. Printer-friendly version