PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM CAL-FIRE: MAKE SURE YOUR ADDRESS IS VISIBLE
Printer-friendly version October 8, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — October is fire safety month. CAL FIRE reminds everyone who lives in the backcountry that State law requires that every building must have an address number posted. This number needs to be a minimum of four inches in height, contrasting in color to the background, and clearly visible from the street. Your fire department, police and even your visiting friends depend on you having an address number so that you can be easily located in a time of need. Be fire safe, not sorry! Printer-friendly version
NEXT THIRD THURSDAY IS A LESSON IN EAST SAN DIEGO’S HISTORY
Printer-friendly version October 9, 2009 (San Diego)–Independent bookstore and coffeehouse Upstart Crow of Seaport Village and acclaimed small press Sunbelt Publications of El Cajon are teaming up to offer the public a free monthly author appearance and book signing. These “Third Thursday” events began in June, and have featured appearances by local authors of books on such diverse topics as the history of San Diego, adventure in the Galapagos Islands, and money management. Gary Mitrovich is the next scheduled to appear on Thursday, October 15th at 6:30 PM. Mitrovich is the local author of East of San Diego: The Lost History of the East San Diego Police Department 1912-1923. A third-generation native of San Diego and an active member of the San Diego Police Department since 1980, Mitrovich is widely recognized as an expert on both the SDPD and the now defunct city of East San Diego. His first book, East of San Diego uncovers the lost history of the East San Diego police department from 1912-1923, revealing a forgotten period in the history of San Diego law enforcement. Eric Peterson, author of the new novel Life as a Sandwich, is the next author scheduled to appear at the bookstore, on Thursday, November 19th at 6:30 PM. WHO: Gary Mitrovich WHAT: Presentation and book signing WHEN: Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 6:30 PM WHERE: Upstart Crow Bookstore and Coffeehouse, 835 C West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101, (619) 232-4855 TITLE: East of San Diego: The Lost History of the East San Diego Police Department 1912-1923 AUTHOR: Gary Mitrovich SPECIFICATIONS: 6”x 9”, 112, softcover ISBN: 9780979850103 PRICE: $12.95 Printer-friendly version
GAME OF THE WEEK BONUS COVERAGE – EAGLES SLOWED BUT NOT STOPPED BY HILLERS
Printer-friendly version by Christopher Mohr (SOLANA BEACH) September 26 – One of the most common sports cliches is that some opponents can’t be stopped; they can only be contained. Anyone who defended Michael Jordan, pitched to Tony Gwynn or golfed against Tiger Woods knows the concept all too well. So do Santa Fe Christian’s first three opponents this season. The Eagles won their first three games with scores of 53-6, 50-22 and 42-6. When the first quarter of their game with Grossmont ended with no score, it had to be an unusual experience for SFC, but in the end, the Foothillers only slowed down the Eagles and still lost 23-14. On an individual level, SFC’s Sam Hoekstra also seems to come from the ‘containable but not stoppable’ mold. He scored the first points of the game on a reverse play that went 80 yards for a touchdown to put SFC up 7-0. He later added an interception and a 53-yard run. Sometimes even containment can be a challenge; not only in Hoekstra’s case, but for the whole Eagle offense. One problem is that so many run the ball for the Eagles that if defenses keyed on Hoekstra, other players like Keaton Giannotti, Trent Von Yokes and Jarrod Wilson-Lewis could pick up much of the slack. Just before halftime, Von Yokes ran the ball in from seven yards out to extend SFC’s lead to 14-0. The Hillers got right back in the game in the third quarter. Dylan Cooper intercepted a pass from Giannotti and just two plays later, Grossmont used some razzle-dazzle to fire up the team. On a halfback option play, Deshaun Waters found Brett Etherton wide open on a 48-yard touchdown pass play. "The offensive coordinator was just watching when we ran a toss the first play before to see if they’d stay up and the next play they called a halfback pass. I was running, I saw the corner coming up hard and just threw it over his head," said Waters, describing the pass to Etherton. Unfortunately for the Hillers, the one-touchdown deficit would not last. Wilson-Lewis added a nine-yard touchdown run and Matt Kirwan kicked a 32-yard field goal, allowing SFC to make a Grossmont comeback highly improbable. That’s not to say they wouldn’t try. In reaction to SFC’s defense being a little too aggressive, Tyler Mutter threw a screen pass that Waters took in for a 38-yard touchdown. However, with a 24-13 SFC lead, Grossmont would have needed two scoring drives in the last 1:39 of the game to tie, which did not happen. Some might find consolation in the Foothillers’ loss, but don’t expect anyone from the team to join that group. Losing is still losing no matter how close. Missed opportunities such as a failed field goal attempt and two drives ending in interceptions could have made up for the 11-point difference in the final score. Stats don’t paint a complete picture either. As far as scorekeeping goes, an errantly thrown pass that hits the ground, a drop by a receiver or a throw batted into the turf are all treated equally, but all three tell different stories. In Grossmont’s case, the SFC defense had their passing game read. In addition to two interceptions, the Eagles batted down passes and just missed intercepting others. So far, the Eagles have scored 169 points, while giving up 49. After four games, that’s an average score of 42-12. Eagles coach Nick Ruscetta commented on why a small-enrollment school like SFC not only wins against larger schools, but does so in dominating fashion: "Great kids. It’s definitely the system fits the kids, the kids have played together, really good coaching, Coach Sipe left a good legacy here and we’re just rolling on." Coach Ruscetta was referring to none other than Brian Sipe, who played several years in the NFL and was the head coach for eight years at SFC before becoming quarterbacks coach this year at SDSU. He is credited with installing the schemes that have allowed SFC to be so successful. One interesting irony: Sipe played high school football for Grossmont. Grossmont (2-2) will go to Mt. Miguel (2-1) to face the Matadors, while Santa Fe Christian (4-0) travels to La Jolla (2-2) to face the Vikings. Christopher Mohr is a freelance writer in the San Diego area and is a huge Chargers, Padres and Detroit Red Wings fan. Scoring Summary: _______________________________________________ Grossmont 0 0 7 6 – 13 SFC 0 14 0 10 – 24 _______________________________________________ First Quarter No scoring Second Quarter SFC – Hoekstra 80 run (Kirwan kick) SFC – Von Yokes 7 run (Kirwan kick) Third Quarter G – Etherton 48 pass from Waters (House kick) Fourth Quarter SFC – Wilson-Lewis 9 run (Kirwan kick) SFC – FG Kirwan 32 G – Waters 38 pass from Mutter (kick failed) Printer-friendly version
ADOPT A SEARCH AND RESCUE DOG: SHERIFF’S TEAM WORKS WITH CHILDREN
Printer-friendly version October 7, 2009 (San Diego)–San Diego County Sheriff William D. Gore is announcing a unique educational program called “Adopt an SAR Dog.” In its third year, the San Diego Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Detail will participate in a program which offers a local elementary school class the unique opportunity to learn all about the various aspects of training a dog for Search and Rescue (SAR) work. Search and Rescue volunteers and their dogs will make regular visits throughout the year to the classrooms. Working closely with the teacher, the canine handler will incorporate a lesson for each visit that ties into the topic the class is currently studying. The goal of this program is for children to learn a variety of subjects, which include community service, the positive role of law enforcement, first aid for humans as well as pets, safety around strange dogs, and what to do if lost. Visits are usually twice a month for approximately 30 minutes. This year, two second grade classrooms at Riverview Elementary School in Lakeside will participate. The first visit is scheduled for Friday October 2nd at 9:00. Printer-friendly version
LA MESA OKTOBERFEST PROVES A ROUSING SUCCESS
Printer-friendly version October 7, 2009 (La Mesa) – The big beer garden filled to capacity on Friday and Saturday night, when party-goers from around San Diego County gathered in downtown La Mesa to celebrate La Mesa’s Oktoberfest. Entertainment ranged from polka dancing to a rock-and-roll band, plus perennial favorites such as the beer stein hoisting contest (photo, left). La Mesa Police estimate that more than 200,000 people flocked to the three-day event. “I liken this event to Thanksgiving dinner, but on a much larger scale,” said La Mesa Chamber of Commerce president Mary England. “It takes hours to purchase all the ingredients for a fabulous meal, hours to prepare and cook, time to set the table, clean the house and have everything in shape for the company to arrive and in a matter of a few short hours you are clearing the table, putting the leftovers away and washing the dishes!” The Chamber spent months preparing for the big event, training more than 175 volunteers. The biggest Oktoberfest west of the Mississippi River spanned over ten square blocks, with vendors offering wares ranging from hand-crafted jewelry to holiday crafts. “I am thrilled at the excitement of the community when entering the big beer garden and grateful for the support of the Mayor and City Council, who allowed us to produce this community event in the larger space – 35,000 square feet,” said England, who thanked all who participated in making the event a success.“The City Staff helped us work through all of the ordinances and for our first time event in this venue, were patient with us as we learned what to do and not do,” she added. “The public support was tremendous and we were glad we could partner with the La Mesa Village Merchants Association to produce this city-wide event.” Police arrested about 15 people on infractions such as drunk and disorderly conduct, but overall the event ran smoothly. At Gio’s Bistro Wine Bar (photo left) and other local restaurants along the Oktoberfest route on La Mesa Blvd. were packed, boosting sales tax revenues for the City of La Mesa. Many vendors reported brisk sales and estimated crowds were bigger than in the past, though some said people were spending less due to the faltering economy. “The publicity and exposure to the City of La Mesa is tremendous through an event like this and I only hope that many of the business community will see repeat business due to this exposure. After all,” England concluded, “When the cash register rings – everyone wins!” Printer-friendly version
KIDS EXPRESS THEIR HOPES FOR A CLEAN FUTURE AT THE SUSTAIN LA MESA ENVIRONMENTAL FESTIVAL
Printer-friendly version By Kristin Kjaero September 29, 2009 (La Mesa)– “Be an Eco-Hero! Each person can make a difference and you can too…. Let your voice be heard!” read a sign at the City of La Mesa’s second annual Sustain La Mesa Environmental Festival. A number of young people showed they are well on the way to being eco-heroes and heroines, as they came to share what they know and make a difference. High school volunteers arrived early to help set up booths, and worked throughout the event to provide information and assistance. In the Our Planet, Our Home Environmental Literacy and Art Contest, 276 Kindergarten through Grade 12 students expressed their love of the environment and hopes for a clean future. Their messages covered a wide range of issues from the more concrete, such as clean water and air, to picking up trash, to solar energy, to the more abstract, such as planting an idea and the interconnectedness of us to our world. Anna Hedberg, grade 3, wrote an illustrated, acrostic poem expressing her love of trees because “they use carbon dioxide and give us oxygen, and so without trees we wouldn’t really be able to live,” she said. She wants people to plant trees, and said her favorite thing at the Festival was that they gave out flower seeds. Katarina Schweitzer, Miss Teen La Mesa, spoke about the importance of preventing runoff in our yards, as it all ends up in the ocean. Heather Murphy, grade 5, said the Festival was “a lot of fun,” and brought her artwork made with recycled materials to share. She emphasized the importance to reduce, reuse and recycle, giving the example that “we should reuse what we have, like water bottles.” Heather’s mother, Cary Murphy, praised the Festival’s outreach to children. “It helps kids get a greater understanding of the larger world than just their household, and that the environment means something. I think seeing the different things that can be done, that we’re not always doing, is a very good lesson,” she said. Jackson Scholl, Grade 4 The Earth is Our Home Earth is our home A great and wonderful place to be A Rock that provides life It is almost a utopia It may be a rock, but it has many Hearts on it The earth is a beautiful piece of art Let it last Cassie Brewer, Grade 7 I’m Waiting……… I’m waiting, I’m waiting For pollution to stop I’m waiting, I’m waiting For peace within people I’m waiting, I’m waiting For people to stop… Polluting the air in which we breathe I want the world to change Love Your World-LYW Bryson Collier, Grade 2 I am going to the moon to recycle. Then I am going back to the ground. Now Ill save the planet. I am going to the moon to renew The planet’s health from pollution. Then I am going back to the ground. Now the earth is safe. Amber Gilmore See, Grade 5 Earth Endless roads go around the world And as we go we pick up litter Reading every note that we see The notes are about no more pollution Here we are, back where we started With paper that we will recycle Andrew Parra, Grade 6 Endangered of pollution Assistance of savior needed Reject pollution Think what will happen if it’s too late Help save the Earth. Anna Hedberg, Grade 3 Tree Trailing around the world Renewing the air with Enough oxygen for all these people. Isn’t that Environmental? Jessica Baynes, Grade 7 How I See the World The world is like a crystal ball, And when you peer inside, You notice the Earth is special, Deep, far and wide. People create continents, Countries, borders, and laws, To form a new world, a world without flaws. But we tent to realize… we’re all just human beings, And what counts comes from inside. Because beneath our feet is the same earth, Same planet, same wonderful things, That make up our world just like you and me. We all know nature, a tree, a stone, a river, The sun that makes us warm, The snow that makes us shiver, The forests that are hushed, the oceans that roar, The dolphins that swim, the eagles that soar. Inside the Earth, there are many layers, Like all our emotions – it’s only fair, To treat one another, with kindness, to serve, And to give them all the respect they deserve. Oscar Rivera, Grade 2 Fish I am a fish. The sun is shining on me. My scales are green. I want to swim in a clean sea. Pick up your trash to help Keep my home clean! Printer-friendly version
COASTAL CLEANUP DAY A BIG SUCCESS : EAST COUNTY RESIDENTS PITCH IN AT LAKE MURRAY
Printer-friendly version Story and photos by Kristin Kjaero October 7, 2009 (Lake Murray)—In honor of this year’s 25th California Cleanup Day on September 19, Coastal Cleanup Day in San Diego County was bigger than ever. 10,032 volunteers in the county (up from 7,800 last year) covered 163 miles of coast and inland waterways to collect 101,933 pounds of trash and recyclables. Volunteers combed 80 sites county wide in canyons, urban areas, beach, bay, creeks, lakes and all sorts of habitats and environments for trash on foot, as well as by boat at Bonita Cove, Dixon Lake and Lake Murray, and an underwater dive off the Embarcadero. They also took on beautification projects including painting a mural at Carlsbad State Beach, stenciling storm drains and beach rules on the sea wall at Belmont Park, and building a patio and general landscaping at Rose House Foster Care Center in El Cajon. The generations came together at the Lake Murray site, which specialized in youth organizations and families. 238 volunteers picked up 197 bags containing 339 pounds of trash, making it the biggest ever cleanup at the lakel. Our photos were taken at the Lake Murray Cleanup. Printer-friendly version
STARRY STARRY NIGHTS: BORREGO SPRINGS OCT. 22-25
Printer-friendly version October 7, 2009 (Borrego Springs) – The 44th annual Borrego Days Desert Festival takes place October 22-25. “To help celebrate our recent designation as California’s first International Dark Sky Community, our Festival and parade theme this year is Starry Starry Nights, for which yours truly will be the Grand Marshal,” famed night sky photographer and syndicated astronomy columnist Dennis Mammano said in an e-mail to East County Magazine. Many activities will take place during the Festival weekend, including these "stellar" events (free unless otherwise noted): Friday, October 16 at 5 pm Opening Reception for One People, One Sky – Photographic Exhibition _______________________________________ Tuesday, October 20 at 6 pm Opening Reception for Borrego Skies – Photographic Exhibition _______________________________________ Thursday, October 22 at 5 pm Galactic Gala Fundraiser Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center _______________________________________ Friday, October 23 • 6:30am – 9:00am, Rotary Club Welcome Breakfast – at the Mall on Palm Canyon Drive in front of Coldwell Banker • Afternoon, Hole-In-The-Wall Gang arrival on Palm Canyon Drive • Hole–In-The-Wall Gang Cowboy Camp – TBD • 5:30pm – 7:00pm – Miss Borrego Pageant & 2009 – 2010 Honorary Mayor Installation – Borrego Springs High School Gymnasium ________________________________________ Saturday, October 24 • Hole–In-The-Wall Gang Cowboy Camp – TBD • 9:00am – 2:00pm, Desert Classic & Vintage Car Show – off of Christmas Circle on Avenida Nordeste • 9:00am – 5:00pm, Soroptimists’ Arts & Crafts Fair – at Christmas Circle • 9:00am – 5:00pm, Festival T-Shirts, Food, & Beverage, & Retail Booths – At the Christmas Circle • 9:00am – 7:00pm, American Legion Beer Garden – at Christmas Circle • 10:00am – 11:00am – Borrego Days Desert Festival Parade – on Palm Canyon Drive – Grand Marshal, Dennis Mammana • 11:00am-2:00pm – Library Open House • 11:00am-3:00pm, Borrego Outfitters & Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center presents a Wine Tasting Benefit Event, entertainment by Jacqui Foreman – at the Mall on Palm Canyon Drive in front of Borrego Outfitters • 11:00am – 5:00pm, Kid’s Games – at Christmas Circle • 11:15am (following the parade), “How Big Is God?” Creation Astronomy presentation by 4th Day Alliance-hosted by The Christian Center – Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center • 12:00 noon – 4:00pm, Paul Pierce DJ – at Christmas Circle • 1:00 pm – Official Dark-Sky Community Presentation – at the Library • 1:00pm, Car Show Awards – off of Christmas Circle on Avenida Nordeste • 2:00pm (following the Dark-Sky Presentation), “How Big Is God?” Creation Astronomy presentation by 4th Day Alliance-hosted by The Christian Center – Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center • 4:30pm – 7pm, Celestial Celebration Concert with Jacqui Foreman sponsored by The Springs at Borrego RV Resort – at Christmas Circle • 5:00pm, Anza-Borrego Foundation Film premier – at ABDSP Visitor’s Center (TBD) • 6:00pm, One People, One Sky Lecture at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center • 7:00pm – Street Party at Borrego Springs Resort – Click here for details ________________________________________ Sunday, October 25 • Hole–In-The-Wall Gang Cowboy Camp – TBD • 6:30am – 10:00am, Lions Club Pancake Breakfast – at Borrego Springs Elementary • 8:00am – 3:00pm, Festival T-Shirts, Food, & Beverage, & Retail Booths – at Christmas Circle • 9:00am – 3:00pm, Soroptimists’ Arts and Crafts Fair – at Christmas Circle • 9:00am – 3:00pm, Kid’s Games – at Christmas Circle • 9:00am – 3:00pm, American Legion Beer Garden – at Christmas Circle • 9:00am – 7:00pm, Family Fun & Music with Paul Pierce – at Christmas Circle • 11:00am – 2:00pm, Kid’s Games sponsored by Borrego Fire – at Christmas Circle, east side • 6:00pm, “Crazy Like A Fox” book reading & signing by Borregan Carey Blakely – at The House of Borrego Springs ________________________________________ All Weekend One People, One Sky TWAN Photo Exhibition at the Borrego Art Institute Borrego Skies Photo Exhibition at the House of Borrego Springs Gallery To learn more about the many exciting Festival events, visit: http://www.borregospringschamber.com/BorregoDays/ Printer-friendly version
GALACTIC GALA: “STAR GRAZING” OCT. 22 IN BORREGO SPRINGS
Printer-friendly version Celebrate Borrego Springs’ "Starry Starry Nights" and International Dark-Sky Community designation! October 7, 2009 – You’re bound to feel star struck at the Galactic Gala honoring Dennis Mammana, Borrego Springs’ celebrity astronomer and Borrego Days Parade Grand Marshal. The event will be held on Thursday, October 22 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Anza Borrego Desert State Park Visitors Bureau; RSVPs are requested by October 9. A highlight of the evening will be an astronomy program titled “Stroll along the Milky Way” with honored guest Dennis Mammana. Mammana, famed night sky photographer, was instrumentall in helping Borrego Springs become the first California city to earn the international dark skies designation, which aims to protect night skies from light intrusion for prime astronomical viewing. Festivities will begin with a starlight buffet catered by Calico’s. Following the "star grazing", a silent auction will include original logo art designed by accomplished Borrego artist Nancy Bartusch. Tickets cost $50. To purchase tickets, call (760)767-0446 or click here. Printer-friendly version