“TRIBUTE TO THE STARS” IN EL CAJON OCT. 10: EVENT TO BENEFIT MOTHER GOOSE PARADE FEATURES AMERICA’S TOP CELEBRITY TRIBUTE ARTISTS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery October 5, 2009 (El Cajon) – Brad Pitt, Angeline Jolie and Jennifer Anniston celebrity impersonators join a “Tribute to the Stars” fundraising event Oct. 10 at the El Cajon Performing Arts Center to benefit the Mother Goose Parade. Other special appearances include tribute artists for Gwen Stefani, the music of No Doubt, “Twilight” movie stars, and Johnny Depp tribute artist “Cap’n Jack” Sam Sparrow. The public is invited to join in the fun for $15 a person, $40 for a family four-pack–or splurge on a $45 rock star limo package that includes a celebrity red carpet welcome–complete with paparazzi to commemorate your arrival. “The common enemy we are all facing today is the economy,” said Sparrow, who was asked by El Cajon Mayor Mark Lewis to lead efforts to save the parade. “It’s forced us to band together like a pirate crew during rough seas.” Fortunately, Sparrow’s efforts raised enough money to halt cancellation of the parade, held annually over Thanksgiving weekend. But more funds are needed. “I reached out to my friends in the industry,” Sparrow told East County Magazine in an exclusive interview. “They agreed to help as a favor to me, which is amazing. They’re charging only a fraction of their normal fees, and these are the A list—the top celebrity tribute artists in the industry. Their hearts were touched when I told them a 63-year tradition was in danger of being cancelled, and that this is a parade for the children.” The evening will begin with a limousine dropping off those VIP visitors who sign up for the rock star package–and who are encouraged to "dress for the Academy Awards" to "feel what it’s like on the red carpet,” Sparrow explained. “There will be fake paparazzi taking pictures and shouting people’s names as they arrive. Then around 6 p.m., celebrity tribute artists will begin to arrive—starting with Brad Pitt, Jennifer Anniston, and Angeline Jolie,” he said, hinting that sparks will fly among the trio whose romantic escapades have headlined Hollywood gossip articles. “No Duh”, an acclaimed tribute band, will perform at 8 p.m. “One of Gwen Stefani’s quotes is `No Duh rocks,’” said Sparrow. Another attraction will be a parody show called “Hillywood” by tribute artists to actors in the popular vampire movie “Twilight.” The artists, from Las Vegas, struck gold with a hit parody on You Tube and now introduce the movie’s real actors at cinematic conventions. Tribute artists for Pitt and Anniston have appeared in the Rose Parade, he added. The event also features food and wine tasting by East San Diego County’s top restaurants, wineries and breweries,, including Downtown Café, Tabu Sushi, Savanna Grill, Taste of Italy, Press Box, Gio Bistro Wine Bar, Por Favor, New York Bakery, and Rock Bottom Brewery. Gino Limousine will provide limo service for the gala event. “Our goal for this fundraiser is $20,000,” said Sparrow, whose swashbuckling antics were a hit at a recent benefit for East County Magazine. Guests at “Tribute to the Stars” will have an opportunity to mix, mingle and have photos taken with the celebrity look-alikes, he confirmed. For reservations, call (619)623-6512. Tickets will also be available at the door.The East County Performing Arts Center is located at 210 East Main Street in El Cajon. Printer-friendly version
DUI/DRUNK DRIVING CHECKPOINT IN LEMON GROVE THIS WEEKEND
Printer-friendly version October 9, 2009 (Lemon Grove) –Sheriff William D. Gore today announced deputies from the Lemon Grove Station will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint this weekend. The message for the beginning of this fall season is that drunk driving will not be tolerated. "If you drive under the influence, we will be looking for you. If you are over the limit and we catch you, you will be arrested," the Sheriff’s press release warned. Drunk driving is one of America’s deadliest crimes. The Lemon Grove Sheriff’s Station will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on Friday, October 9, 2009 targeting those who still don’t heed the message to designate a sober driver before their first drink is taken. Funding for the checkpoint is through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “Statewide, DUI deaths fell 9 percent to 1,029 in 2008. Credit for the drop in DUI deaths goes to law enforcement, state and local agencies, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and other safety advocates," said Christopher Murphy, Director of the California Office of Traffic Safety. In addition, the people of California have come together to address this deadly problem and are now seeing results. As encouraging as these figures are though, we can never let up until we achieve our goal of zero deaths." San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore commented, “Drunk driving is simply not worth the risk. You place your life in jeopardy, as well as others and even if a drunk driver survives, the attendant trauma and financial costs of an arrest for impaired driving can be significant. Violators will face jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, attorney fees, time away from work, and dozens of other expenses.” All law enforcement is asking for the community’s help; if you see a drunk driver – Call 911. In addition to this checkpoint, the Lemon Grove Sheriff’s Station will continue to focus additional efforts toward removing impaired drivers from the roadways. For more information, visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org and www.californiaavoid.org. Printer-friendly version
D.A. FILES MISDEMEANOR CHARGES IN DEERHORN VALLEY CASE: NO HATE CRIME OR ASSAULT CHARGES FILED DESPITE RACIAL SLURS & VIOLENT BEATING OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN TEEN
Printer-friendly version Victim’s Mother Accuses Sheriff of “Dropping the Ball” on Investigation, Considers Lawsuit By Miriam Raftery Update October 2013: Jerry Arnold has contacted ECM to advise that charges against him were reduced to distrubing the peace with loud music, for which he paid a fine. Arnold also shared his side of the story. “I was executor of the estate. I hadn’t been around for nine years. I told the kids they couldn’t have a party, but they had it anyway…When police got here, I was breaking up the party. My son who had the party, I threw him out of the house…To say that I was contributing to minors’ drinking couldn’t be farther from the truth.” Arnold told ECM he knew nothng about the assault on Chris Jones, which did not occur on the property. He insists that he is not prejudiced and that three of his close family members have black partners or spouses. He added that when he asked all party guests to leave and did not single out those who were black. Johnson claims he was innocent of all charges but could not afford an attorney, so accepted the plea bargain offer. October 9, 2009 (Deerhorn Valley) – The San Diego County District Attorney (D.A.) has filed three counts of misdemeanor charges in the case of an African-American teenager severely beaten by a group of white men last April at a party in Deerhorn Valley, near Jamul. The home was in probate; the representative of the estate, Jerry Arnold Jr., was charged with allowing minors to drink; his son and a juvenile were charged with vandalizing the victim’s car. Denise Brown, mother of the victim, is outraged that no charges of assault or hate crimes were filed. “The Sheriff dropped the ball on this investigation, big-time,” Brown told East County Magazine following a hate crimes summit in El Cajon last week. “Those men beat my son. They smashed the car windows. They tried to burn the vehicle with him inside. There were boot prints and hand prints all over the car, but the Sheriff’s Department had it towed and never even took prints.” The victim, Chris Jones 18, has said he was called racial names before five white men dragged him into a bathroom and beat him. The attack left teeth marks on his back, Brown told ECM, adding that students from several high schools in the Grossmont Union High School District were at the party. “One girl at there said those men said they wanted to `go get us a nigger,’” said Brown. Jones escaped and ran into the woods, where friends found him and helped him into a car. In the vehicle, they were further terrorized by their attackers, who struck the car bottles, rocks, and a metal pipel “I never been that scared for my life. I thought I was going to die,” Jones’ friend, Aaron Burns, told Channel 10 News in April. Oscar Garcia, who heads up the hate crimes unit at the D.A.’s office, told Channel 10 News that there was a hate crime and an assault, but that witnesses have failed to identify the attacker(s) despite the fact that there were more than 100 people at the party. He said the office would like to file hate crimes charges, but added, “We don’t have the evidence to charge those crimes.” Brown also faulted the Sheriff’s office for failing to respond to several calls that the hospital told her it made. “They told the Sheriff’s office that there was a student who had been badly beaten, and that there were about 40 kids there,” she said. When a deputy finally arrived, according to Brown, “He said he didn’t have time to interview all those people.” It took weeks before some party guests were contacted, she said. Brown believes many of the witnesses were willing to talk to authorities that night, but have since been scared into silence by peers, parents, or the perpetrators who beat her son. Sheriff Bill Gore, who was Undersheriff at the time of the attack, told ECM that his office has conducted a thorough investigation. “We spent hundreds of man hours and interviewed dozens of witnesses,” he said. Asked why the car was towed without prints being taken, and why witnesses were not interviewed at the hospital, Gore said he wasn’t familiar with all details of the case. But he speculated, “Perhaps the deputy thought he was responding to a motor vehicle accident at first.” Gore added that it’s up to the D.A. to decide what charges should be filed. Brown expressed outrage at the outcome. “If this had been a white victim beaten by blacks, they would have arrested the whole neighborhood and sorted it out later,” she declared. Attorney James McElroy with the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is now representing the family. The SPLC has successfully sued in civil court to put some white supremacist leaders out of business. Notably, McElroy won a large judgement against Tom Metzer of Fallbrook, grand dragon of the Ku Klux Klan, seizing Metzer’s property to compensate the son of a man murdered by racist skinhead followers of Metzer. McElroy has confirmed to ECM that the family is considering filing a civil lawsuit. “Our goal is to see that justice is done, “ he concluded. Printer-friendly version
DONATE CELL PHONES & BATTERIES TO HELP DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS: HOPELINE DRIVE ANNOUNCED TODAY
Printer-friendly version October 9, 2009 (San Diego) – In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the San Diego Family Justice Center is working with the Verizon Wireless HopeLine program to collect no-longer used wireless phones, batteries and equipment from any wireless provider in a month-long phone drive during October 2009. Verizon Wireless will donate the refurbished wireless phones and airtime (in English & Spanish) to victims of domestic violence, as well as recycle them to offer funding and other contributions to non-profit domestic violence shelters and prevention programs like the San Diego Family Justice Center. For more information oh the program, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline. The San Diego Family Justice Center is a public safety initiative launched by the City of San Diego to assist victims of family violence. At the Family Justice Center, several agencies have come together to provide consolidated and coordinated legal, social, and health services to women, men, children, and families in need. Victims can now come to one location to talk to an advocate, get a restraining order, plan for their safety, talk to a police officer, and meet with a prosecutor, receive information on shelter, and get help with transportation. For more information on the center, visit www.familyjusticecenter.org . Printer-friendly version
GERMAN-AMERICAN CLUB HOSTS EL CAJON OKTOBERFEST: BAND FROM GERMANY & AUTHENTIC GERMAN FOODS, BEER ON TAP
Printer-friendly version September 28, 2009 (El Cajon)–The German American Societies of San Diego, Inc., hosts its traditional Oktoberfest on the first two weekends of October at Okberfest in El Cajon. Visitors are invited to savor authentic German food such as bratwurst, ox-on-the-spit, potato salad, potato pancakes, sauerkraut, red cabbage, German pastries and of course, a wide selection of German beers and liquors. The Guggenbach-Buam band from Baden-Württemberg, Germany, garbed in traditional clothing, will perform a variety of German music, just as you would hear in the beer gardens in Bavaria. You can listen to their music at http://www.germanclubsandiego.org/oktoberfest.html. Songs include the chicken dance, to polkas and waltzes, dance or sing along to Oom-pah tunes. Guests can also enjoy traditional folk dancing performances, check out vendor and craft booths, treat children to their own Kids’ Zone, and compete in numerous contests–including a perennial favorite: the Chicken Hat contest on October 11. Below is a schedule of events: Oktoberfest (First Two Weekends in October) Fri. Oct. 2 – 4:00pm-10:00pm Sat. Oct. 3 – 12:00pm-10:00pm – 4:00pm – Opening Parade and Ceremonial "Tapping of the Wooden Keg" Sun. Oct. 4 – 12:00pm-9:00pm Fri. Oct. 9 – 4:00pm-10:00pm Sat. Oct. 10 – 12:00pm-10:00pm – 4:00pm – Kinder Parade Sun. Oct. 11 – 12:00pm-9:00pm – Chicken Hat Day The event is open to the Public, Entry Fee: $5 for ages 21 and up; guests under 21 and all active military are admitted for free. All events take place at the German-American Club, 1017 S. Mollison in El Cajon. For more information, visit www.germanclubsandiego.org. Printer-friendly version
STATE LAUNCHES PROBE OF ANDERSON FINANCES; CASE PROMPTS CALL FOR CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery October 8, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) has launched an investigation into allegations that Assemblyman Joel Anderson’s campaign may have received funds funneled illegally through the Fresno County Republican Central Committee. (Read details.) Anderson (R-Alpine) has announced plans to run for the State Senate. The news sparked heated comments from Simon Mayeski, a state board member of Common Cause, a citizens watchdog organization committed to holding government officials accountable for their actions and encouraging citizen participation. “It is extremely discouraging that the constant need to raise campaign dollars now places Joel Anderson, my very own Assembly representative, under the investigative eye of the FPPC,” Mayeski, a San Diego resident, told East County Magazine. “It is even worse that he is under investigation because of the Commission’s own decision, and not by complaint of another politician.” The FPPC probe was announced yesterday in response to a San Diego Union-Tribune article revealing that major supporters of Anderson had donated thousands of dollars to the Fresno Central Committee, which in turn made hefty donations to Anderson’s campaign days later. In addition, Anderson sent identical contributions of $32,400 from his 2008 Assembly campaign to three Republican county committees in central and northern California; each committee then donated similar amounts to his 2010 state Senate campaign fund. California law places strict limits on how much money an individual donor or company may give to a candidate. While there are no limits on how much a Republican central committee may give to a candidate’s campaign, any coordination between private donors , the committee and the campaign would be illegal. One of the donations was a $30,000 gift from Hamann family, owners of an East County construction firm, to the committee in May. A few days later, the committee gave Anderson $28,500, the newspaper reported. Hamann told the Union-Tribune he couldn’t remember why he gave such a large sum to the Fresno GOP. Similarly, the Barona Band of Mission Indians from Lakeside gave $10,000 to the committee, and the committee gave Anderson $9,500. While it will be up to the Commission to determine whether the law was violated, Mayeski observed, “The bigger question here is`Why we don’t do something to remove the fundraising distraction and worse that forces every person running for state office in California to spend so much time and energy looking for money?’” Mayeski believes public financing of elections should be adopted in California, as Maine and Arizona have already done. In June 2010, voters will consider a ballot initiative approved by the Legislature and signed by Governor Schwarzenegger to create a pilot project for public funding of candidates running for California Secretary of State. Mayeski added that the clean elections pilot project would be “paid for by increasing the state registration fee for lobbyists – sweet!” If clean elections are adopted in California, Mayeski predicts, “We can elect folks who are responsive to us—not the big wallets and big purses with the big checkbooks!” Ultimately, proponents of clean elections hope to extend public financing to candidates for Assembly, State Senate, and Governor. (For more information, visit www.caclean.org.) Anderson did not return ECM requests for comment n this story. He has also declined comment to the San Diego Union-Tribune and other media. Raymond Lutz, Anderson’s Democratic opponent in the last election, also declined our request for comment. Printer-friendly version
ANDERSON BILL TO PROTECT HOMEOWNERS FROM FORECLOSURE AWAITS GOVERNOR’S SIGNATURE
Printer-friendly versionOctober 8, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—AB 1046, authored by Assemblyman Joel Anderson (R-Alpine) has passed both houses of the Legislature unanimously and is now on the Governor’s desk. If enacted, would protect homeowners from having their home seized by creditors as payment for debt that is unrelated to their mortgage. “Hard times can fall on anyone and it is important to have basic legal protections for their greatest investment – their life savings,” Anderson said. The law protects homeowners in two ways. When payment is sought by creditors, a homeowner may either be able to keep his home or keep a portion of the equity in the home, depending on the circumstances. (For details, see the legislative counsel’s analysis.) “Assemblyman Joel Anderson recognizes the current economic climate has had a dramatic impact on his constituents who are watching their home values, retirement accounts and life savings plummet,” a press release from Anderson’s office states. In East San Diego County, which Anderson represents, foreclosures rose 106% in 2008. One community in his district, Campo, held the second highest foreclosure rate in all of San Diego County. Vino Pajanor has a unique perspective on how our nation’s economic downturn has impacted East County families. At a recent meeting of key housing and real estate stakeholders in Assemblyman Joel Anderson’s El Cajon district office, Pajanor, who is the executive director of the Housing Opportunities Coalition – a nonprofit dedicated to expanding homeownership – said "the current crisis has created a vicious cycle that has affected everyone. At clinics for homeowners, Pajanor reported seeing “Homeowners who were diligent and responsible seeking foreclosure counseling." Pajanor knows first-hand the relief AB1046 bill will provide for struggling California families, once the bill is signed into law. “One of our partners is currently working with a homeowner who has fallen on hard times and may lose his home,” said Pajanor. “He is a small business owner, whose wife is disabled, and is now facing bankruptcy. With the AB 1046 homestead exemption, he would be able to preserve all of the home equity he has spent years building. It’s only fair.” “These are hard times and many hardworking families will be able to protect their life savings because of this bill. Individual responsibility is important and debts should be paid. But if you bought a home and paid for it, it should be protected from seizure,” Anderson said. Supporters of AB 1046 include unions, trade associations, and both Republican and Democrat legislators. Anderson is asking that supporters of this homeowner protection bill send a letter to his office asking Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to sign it. Letters can be emailed to Assemblymember.Anderson@assembly.ca.gov or faxed to (916) 319-2177. Printer-friendly version
ABDUSSATTAR SHAIKH, CO- FOUNDER OF SAN DIEGO’S ISLAMIC CENTER, HONORED FOR 50 YEARS OF SERVICE PROMOTING RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery October 8, 2009 (Lemon Grove) – Community leaders gathered at the Masjid Usman-Center for Religious Tolerance in Lemon Grove on Saturday to honor Dr. Abdussattar “Sattar” Shaikh, co-founder of the Islamic Center of San Diego. State and city leaders as well as representatives from the Sheriff’s Department and San Diego State University all praised Shaikh’s leadership in fostering multi-cultural understanding and religious tolerance. “He has helped Muslims from all over the world form a thriving community, even in times of adversity,” said Lemon Grove Councilman George Gastil, who organized the event and issued a commendation on behalf of Lemon Grove. “We honor you, Dr. Shaikh, for the love and devotion you have shown to your adopted country. You have touched countless lives." Born in India in 1935, Shaikh left his war-torn homeland after India was divided into what is now three nations: India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. He came to San Francisco and arrived in San Diego in 1970 during the month of Ramadan. “He did not know any Muslims that he could join with the break the fast,” Gastil noted, “so he began calling Muslim-sounding names in the phone book. Within a week, he had gathered fifty Muslims at a local warehouse.” Since then, Shaikh co-founded the Union of Pan Asian Communities and the Inter-Religious Council of San Diego. He served for eight years on the Citizens Review Board on Police Practices and also served as an Honorary Deputy Sheriff from 1971-1995. Active in the National Conference of Christians and Jews, which later became the National Conference on Community and Justice, he has also been trained as a chaplain in the Red Cross. In Lemon Grove, however, he is best known as founder of the Masjid Usman Center for Religious Tolerance, which serves as a mosque and gathering place for many people including recent immigrants from Somalia, Kurdistan, and Afghanistan. Assemblyman Marty Block presented Dr. Shaikh with a commendation from the State Assembly recognizing his achievements. Khaleel Mohammed, faculty representative from San Diego State University’s Department of Religious Studies, was also on hand to honor Shaikh’s efforts. In addition, a Sgt. Dave Pocklington represented Sheriff Bill Gore, praising Shaikh for his actions to combat hate crimes, particularly in the post-911 era. In accepting his awards, Dr. Shaikh thanked those in attendance and urged all present to “Keep on doing good works, and don’t ever let it stop.” Printer-friendly version
GREEN BUILDING PRODUCTS MANUFACTURER DONATES MATERIALS TO BUILD HOME FOR EL CAJON FAMILY IN NEED
Printer-friendly version October 8, 2009 (El Cajon)– Cali Bamboo, a premier manufacturer of green building materials made entirely from bamboo for residential and commercial projects, has announced its partnership with the San Diego Habitat for Humanity. The company will provide $15,000 worth of flooring and fencing materials as well as volunteer employees to help build the final Jimmie Johnson Foundation house in El Cajon as well as other area homes. “The best part about working with Habitat for Humanity is that we’re actually able to be involved in the construction process and see our products being put towards helping people in need. It’s a truly fulfilling experience and such a remarkable group of people,” said Tanner Haigwood, COO and Vice President of Cali Bamboo. “We’ve always wanted to be in a position where we can help nonprofit organizations both financially and through volunteer efforts, and we couldn’t be more excited about this relationship!” As part of its membership with “1% of the Planet,” Cali Bamboo earmarks one percent of its annual revenue towards environmental groups around the United States, thereby setting an example for the rest of the business community. The company’s philanthropic gesture will help San Diego Habitat integrate green building techniques into the design and construction of their homes. “Cali Bamboo provides top-of-the-line products and we’re excited to have the opportunity to use them in our continued efforts to provide affordable housing to San Diego families,” said Bradford Bates, Executive Director for San Diego Habitat for Humanity. “Many people don’t know that bamboo is not only durable, but also sustainable and renewable, which directly helps us in our continued efforts to build environmentally-friendly homes and attain LEED Platinum status on some of our construction projects. It’s exciting to have Cali Bamboo as a partner in helping us achieve our goals.” The mission of San Diego Habitat for Humanity is to make housing a matter of action and conscience as a means to erase poverty housing from our community and the world. San Diego Habitat for Humanity, Inc. is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. SDHFH welcomes everyone of all faiths or no faith to join the effort in strengthening families, neighborhoods and communities. Donors and volunteers are the foundation of Habitat’s work in San Diego County. San Diego Habitat completed its 99th home and has more than 40 in the pipeline! For more information please visit www.sdhfh.org or call 619-283-HOME. San Diego-based Cali Bamboo manufactures green building products for residential and commercial projects made entirely from bamboo; one of the world’s most durable, sustainable and renewable materials. Founded in 2004 by Jeff Goldberg and Tanner Haigwood, the company is fast becoming one of the shining examples of how individuals, businesses and communities can develop style without impacting the environment. Cali Bamboo’s wide range of bamboo offerings includes, flooring, fencing decking, plywood and more. For more information, visit www.CaliBamboo.com. Printer-friendly version