5-ACRE FIRE DOUSED IN RAMONA
Printer-friendly versionAugust 30, 2009 (Ramona) – A five-acre brush fire off Steffy Road near Wilson Road in the Ramona area has been contained shortly after it began, CAL-FIRE reports. CAL-FIRE dispatched 12 engines, 2 fire crews, 1 bulldozer, 2 airtankers, 2 helicopter, 2 water tenders, and 2 chief officers for a total of approximately 100 fire fighters. The U.S. Forest Service and San Diego Sheriff personnel also assisted in swiftly dousing the blaze, which originated wtih a mobile home, not an outbuilding as CAL-FIRE had originally reported. The fire began at 11:53 this morning; command was released shortly before 3 p.m. this afternoon. Cause of the blaze remains under investigation. Printer-friendly version
“BILLIONAIRES FOR WEALTHCARE” GROUP MOCKS OPPONENTS OF HEALTHCARE REFORM AT TOWNHALL FORUM HOSTED BY CONGRESSWOMAN DAVIS IN SPRING VALLEY
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery August 30, 2009 (Spring Valley) – A rowdy crowd of approximately 1,500 turned out to cheer on and heckle Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) during a town hall meeting in Spring Valley Saturday afternoon. Protests from conservative “teabaggers” and signs with racist overtones were countered by a newly-formed group calling itself “Billionaires for Wealthcare.” (photos) Dressed in formal attire, members pulled up in a limousine to greet other protesters, thanking them for “standing with billionaires” to oppose real healthcare reform. The group later posted a YouTube slideshow, followed by a humorous video inside the townhall meeting, then forwarded an e-mail that read "Townhall crashed by wealthy Hollywood elite," creating an online sensation. Inspired by the website www.billionairesforwealthcare.com , Barbara Cummings of Spring Valley was among those to don black attire and pearls for the occasion “because sometimes street theater can have an impact where just yelling at one another accomplishes nothing,” Cummings said. Davis staffers passed out information on healthcare reform including answers to common questions—answers many in the crowd apparently had no inclination to read. Although the majority of the crowd seemed in favor of healthcare reform, those opposed were not content to wait their turn to be called upon to ask questions. Instead, many shouted out insults to the Congresswoman and some uttered racial slurs including "nigger" against President Barack Obama. When Davis attempted to assure the crowd that Congress does not plan to take anybody’s healthcare away (instead considering a public option for those who have no insurance or are dissatisfied with their coverage), booing ensued. One protestor (photo, right) carried a sign reading "Healthcare=gas chamber for seniors and babies," an apparent reference to claims that the bill’s provision offering coverage for end-of-life care and counseling would encourage euthanasia. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has issued a statement denouncing that claim as false. One UCSD student, dismayed that anti-healthcare protesters prevented her from asking a serious healthcare question (regarding coverage for women’s reproductive health) posted her account of the town hall meeting here: http://bitchingblogbites.blotspot.com/2009/08/chaos-at-town-hall.html. Disruptive tactics by anti-healthcare reform protestors appear to be counterproductive. A new national poll conducted by the American Association of Retired Persons has found that 80% of those surveyed now support a public option. Street theater tactics by Billionaires For Wealthcare may be contributing to the pro-healthcare reform sentiments. At its website, the group declares itself to be interested in one thing: “Profit!” A message at the site warns “fellow billionaires” that times are perilous because “the new government in Washington is trying to put an end to our decades-long profiting spree in health care.” The group’s site includes a mock list of demands that includes saying no to ANY health care reforms, privatizing Medicare (“What do old people need money for anyway?”) and abolishing the FDA. (“We will self-regulate. Trust us…again.” Service Employees International Union (SEIU) urged its members to rally Davis in support of healthcare reform. But Red County, a conservative blog, accused unions of packing the town hall forum with “stooges” so that Davis wouldn’t have to face her constituents. Opponents expressed opposition to “socialized medicine” and questioned how the plan would be financed. Davis supports the Obama healthcare proposal, H.R. 2100, which she believes is necessary to control skyrocketing health care costs while extending access to healthcare for the 47 million uninsured Americans. Premiums for health insurance have doubled for individuals and families since 2000, Davis’ website notes “ Further, without action, Medicare will become insolvent during the next decade,” she warns. Davis (photo, right) cast a vote in Committee approving H.R. 3200 because it will provide access to those without coverage and will work to reduce health care costs. However, she remains concerned about some of the provisions including impact of proposed reductions to Medicare and Medicaid funding on California’s hospitals. She is also concerned that small business will face difficulties providing health coverage to employees. Davis has pledged to advocate for these issues in the bill to be resolved before the legislation reaches the House floor for a vote. Davis, whose father was a pediatrician, also offered key amendments to strengthen the legislation, including requirements that states participate in developing the nation’s health coverage requirements and guidelines. To prevent the unemployed from losing their insurance before the legislation takes effect, she also added provisions to extend eligibility for “COBRA” benefits beyond the current 18-month eligibility period. In addition, she voted against several attempts to weaken or derail the legislation, including amendments to completely remove the “public” health insurance option. Printer-friendly version
PROMISE OF PEACE CONFERENCE SEPT. 26 TO CELEBRATE 20 YEARS OF PEACE PATROL
Printer-friendly versionOPENING SPEAKER TO HONOR MEMORY OF SLAIN SANTANA STUDENT By Marisa Kezirian August 2009 – On September 26, The Promise of Peace Conference, celebrating 20 years of Peace Patrol, will be held in Chula Vista. The opening speaker, Dr. Carol L. Macagba (photo, left), will honor the memory of her nephew, Bryan Macagba Zuckor, who lost his life during the March 201 Santana High School shootings in East County. The Santana and Granite Hills High School shootings drew global attention to the need for programs such as Peace Patrol to prevent school violence. It also fostered activism locally to avoid future tragedies. In March, East County resident Evelyn (Evy) Ponce, was presented with the Peacemaker of the Year Award by the La Mesa Sunrise Rotary chapter, as East County magazine previously reported. She was recognized for her hard work and dedication with Peace Patrol and Bullies Beware programs. Peace Patrol is a research-validated violence prevention program that empowers youth, families, and communities with knowledge, strategies, and skills for effective problem solving. Peace Patrol had expanded from just a classroom-based program to a system of integrated programs for pre-school through high school aged students. In 2001 the non-profit 501c-3 corporation, “Interactions for Peace” was formed. Following the formation of Interactions for Peace was “The Primary Peacemakers Program” is for pre-school through second grade students, and the Bullies Beware! Companion program is targeted to upper grades and middle school students. Peace Patrol teams can now be found in hundreds of schools across the United States, Canada, the Philippines, and Uganda. Peace Patrol in the Philippines is now dedicated to the memory of Zuckor. You are able to join the Peace Patrol team by learning how to engage youth in both peaceful interactions and community service while attending this conference. There will also be opportunities to meet the AmeriCorpsNCCC National Director of Projects and Partnerships, the I4P Philippines and Uganda Directors, and many experts in the field of violence prevention. In addition, there will be time for networking with others in order to develop community connections and worldwide partnerships through Peace Patrol. Examples of breakout sessions and afternoon discussion groups include: • Ability Awareness in Action: The Politics of Peaceful Interactions and Disability • Introducing Restorative Practice in Schools • Examining Bullying Behavior in the Upper Grades • Peace in the Environment—Making Connections • Building a Successful Peace Patrol • 1991-2009: Sustaining a District-wide Program • Peace Patrol Plus…the next steps • Serving Others: A Community Partnership • Cooperative Game Activities for Youth The conference, which brings together students, parents, educators and community organizers, will be held from 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on September 26 at Corky McMillin School, 1201 Santa Cora Ave. in Chula Vista. Registration is REQUIRED: for more information go to www.interactionsforpeace.org, email i4p@cox.net or call 619-421-5046 Marisa Kezirian is a communications major at San Diego State University and a journalism intern with East County Magazine. Printer-friendly version
RUN WOMEN RUN TO HOST CANDIDATE RECRUITFEST IN EAST COUNTY
Printer-friendly version August 30, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — Whether you’ve played an active role in improving the state of our political and social environment or wanted to but didn’t know how to get involved, joining Run Women Run provides opportunities for you to make a difference. On September 13, 2009, a Candidate Recruitfest will be held at the Rancho San Diego Library, 11155 Via Rancho San Diego, El Cajon, 92019 at 1:30 p.m. for individuals to learn about elective office opportunities. Admission is free and open to the public. Although this particular event is hosted by the Democratic Party, Run Women Run is a nonpartisan organization that aspires to “inspire, identify, mentor and support qualified pro-choice San Diego women who run for office or seek appointed government positions.” The group, which includes intergenerational and multi-cultural members, provides campaign training, technical assistance and hands-on volunteer help. Membership dues start at $100 per year ($50 for those under 35 or over 65). Members have opportunities to: • Learn about the issues impacting San Diego, California, and the nation, and their implications for women, children and families • Support the election of qualified women candidates in San Diego • Interact with elected officials and prospective candidates to evaluate their positions • Network with progressive pro-choice women and men who share similar goals • Attend (at a discounted rate) Run Women Run programs • Discover new ways to effect change • Join one of the committees that "run" Run Women Run For more information about this event call: (619) 447-3246 or visit http://www.copswiki.org/w/bin/view/Events/E00065 Marisa Kezirian is a communications major at San Diego State University and a journalism intern with East County Magazine. Printer-friendly version
CELEBRATE EAST COUNTY!” DISCOVER OUR AREA’S BEST-KEPT SECRETS SAT. AUG. 29
Printer-friendly version Discounts for pre-reservation–RSVP now! WIN PRIZES: A pirate for your next party, Padres tickets, private wine-tasting party & more! Like fine wine, the most festive event of the year just keeps getting better! Besides wine-tasting, gourmet foods, live music, art show, and book signings by East County authors , a museum tour and a scavenger hunt through one of the finest university-owned museums in the Western U.S., we now have some truly amazing silent auction items and drawing prizes. The latest “stars” in our lineup? A celebrity pirate impersonator, field-level Padres tickets, a baseball autographed by homerun slugging star Adrian Gonzalez (All Star player, Golden Glove winner, and two-time National League Player of the Week). Other awesome prizes include: private wine-tasting party for 10 at a local winery, dinner for 6 at a fire station, a Kern River vacation in a cabin that sleeps 14 , spa treatments, dinners, art classes, jewelry, wines, Wild Animal Park tickets, original art, a signed print by famed Western artist Olaf Wieghorst, and much more! Musical entertainment includes a symphony violinist and flutist from San Diego Festivals Music plus the guitar/singing duo Paul and Cindy Nichols. Sunbelt Publications authors will be on hand to meet our guests, sign books and share tips on East County attractions – such as the best hiking and cycling trails, cool places to take your dog, and much more! WHEN: Sat. August 29, 4-7 p.m. WHERE: Heritage of the Americas Museum, Cuyamaca College RSVP for our early-bird rates: (619)698-7617 or editor@eastcountymagazine.org. TICKETS: $25 adults pre-registered; $30 at the door ($20 for members of our sponsoring organizations—see list below, or for groups of 6 or more); $10 kids 12-17; $5 kids 4-11 (under 4 free). As a nonprofit media outlet, our funds are used entirely to support our local reporting on East County . We’re independent and non-partisan, so we’re not beholden to any special interests—only the public interest! Funds also help support our free wildfire and emergency alert service. Your ticket or donation is tax deductible. Just makes check payable to Heartland Foundation (our 501c3 nonprofit publisher) and mail to: East County Magazine, attention: Miriam, 4438 Hideaway Place, La Mesa, CA 91941. Our thanks to our major event sponsors: Heritage of the Americas Museum at Cuyamaca College, Sunbelt Publications, Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce, and Viejas Fire Department. Food and wine tasting sponsors: La Serenissima Winery, Schwaesdall Winery, Gloriosa Winery, San Pasqual Winery, Gio’s Wine Bar Bistro, Taste of Italy, Spinners Salads & Mediterranean, Riviera Supper Club Auction & Raffle Sponsors: San Diego Padres, Olaf Wieghorst Museum, Silver Creek Fine Art & Framing, Bella Mesa Gallery, O’Dunn Fine Art, St. Madeleine Sophie’s Gallery, East County YMCA, Stardust: A Rejuvenating Spot, Orfila Vineyards, Heritage of the Americas Museum, Tiramisu Trattoria, Grove Steakhouse at Viejas, Antique Row Café, Downtown Café, Pret-a-Porter Spa, Gio’s Wine Bar Bistro, San Diego Wild Animal Park, The Bouncing Bead, Collectiquity, Crafting with Mary, San Miguel Fire, Sunbelt Publications. Stone Brewery. Please join us in these festivities, bring a crowd — and forward this to your friends and family! Printer-friendly version