LA MESA BANS ALCOHOL IN ALL PUBLIC PLACES WITHOUT A PERMIT
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery October 28, 2009 (La Mesa) – At last night’s La Mesa City Council meeting, it came as a surprise to many in the audience to learn that alcohol consumption has been prohibited in City parks since 1991. Last night Council voted 5-0 to extend that ban to all public places including City streets, curbs, and sidewalks—drawing praise from some and criticism from others. La Mesa Police supported the ban, which officials indicated is necessary to address a rise in alcohol-related calls and arrests in public places. Police have no authority to arrest individuals found drinking if they are not yet intoxicated, sometimes resulting in repeat calls for the same incident. “This is not designed to be a revenue device or a gotcha device,” said Councilman Ernest Ewin. Evelyn Hogan, who lives near La Mesita Park, supported the measure. She said a lot of drinking occurs on the sidewalk adjacent to the park. “On Sunday mornings I go and and pick up beer cans on my lawn,” she testified. Dexter Levy, a La Mesa resident, said law enforcement officers need the ban as a “tool” but that it will only be effective if enforced. The current ban on alcohol in parks is enforced only selectively; it is common to spot coolers of beer at family picnics and other events – even fundraisers for some local candidates on both sides of the political aisle. Authorities at last night’s Council meeting indicated enforcement is apt to be similarly selective for the alcohol ban on public streets . “The Police Department is not going to go around looking for people with an open bottle of beer,” one officer testified. Harshest criticism was leveled by Craig Maxwell, who ran against Mayor Art Madrid in the last election. “I would have hoped that repeal of Prohibition would have settled this,” he told Council. Maxwell urged that members consider the impression of hypocrisy a ban could leave with the public given the City’s support of Oktoberfest and the highly publicized case of an elected La Mesa official involving an alcohol-related incident on a public street (an apparent reference to Madrid). “I will suggest a double standard and a covert agenda to raise revenues for the City,” he concluded. Groups that wish to serve alcohol at events in public places may apply for a permit–for a $150 fee–as in the past. Individuals found guilty of drinking on a public street or other public place could face fines or jail time. Mayor Madrid spoke in support of the ban, noting, “We’re dealing with a population of repeaters. The average citizen won’t be affected one bit.” Councilwoman Sterling observed, “The average person does not walk down La Mesa Blvd. with a bottle of wine in a paper bag.” Ewin concluded that the City is not looking to single out people drinking in front of their homes who may step back onto the sidewalk. He said the ban is needed to prevent officers from making repeat calls and dealing with intoxicated individuals who may be out of control. He defended the ban as necessary “if it saves one life.” Printer-friendly version
ALERT: HIGHWAY 94 CLOSED IN LEMON GROVE
Printer-friendly versionUpdate: The woman, who has not been identified, fell from the bridge at 3:30 p.m. while law officers tried to talk her down. Following CPR, she was transported to a hospital. Her condition has not been released. October 28, 2009 (1:30 p.m.) – California Highway Patrol has issued a traffic alert and shut down Highway 94 in both directions in Lemon Grove. An individual has threatened to jump off the Lemon Avenue bridge over the highway. San Diego Sheriff’s officials are on the scene. East County Magazine activated the Viejas Wildfire and Emergency alerts to notify our subscribers via e-mail about this highway closure. If you are not yet a subscriber, sign up at the link at the top right side of our homepage. It’s free! All we need is your name and e-mail address. You will never receive any SPAM or junk mail — only our free weekly newsletter and regional emergency alerts. Printer-friendly version
SMOKIN’ HOT CHANGES AT PINNACLE PEAK
Printer-friendly version Famed Local Restaurant Serves Up Fare for a Crowd at Santee Chamber Mixer By Miriam Raftery October 28, 2009 (Santee) – Pinnacle Peak, East County’s Western-themed steakhouse best-known for adorning its walls with ties cut from the necks of guests who violate the casual dress code, hosted a recent mixer for the Santee Chamber of Commerce that attracted a hungry crowd. If you haven’t been here in a while, you might be surprised at some of the changes. “We’ve expanded our menu and we now serve seafood as well as steaks,” manager Dan Elsken (photo, right) “We’re also open for lunch.” In addition, Pinnacle Peak has launched a chuckwagon-style catering service to barbecue hearty fare for local events. A cowboy singer serenades visitors on Wednesday evenings. The original Pinnacle Peak in El Cajon burned down years ago, though a glass showcase in the center of the Santee restaurant features over 54,000 of ties salvaged from the fire. Another addition is a “Wall of Honor” featuring “warrior ties,” which guests can purchase for $20. Ties are then ceremoniously snipped and mounted on the wall, with proceeds benefiting American military personnel. Or you can opt to wear your own necktie—and join the legions of diners through the decades who have left behind a snippet of their personal history –each labeled with the tie owner’s name and city, mounted like trophies on virtually every wall in the restaurant. Guests at the Chamber mixer savored barbecued ribs, chicken and baked beans, along with a tasty dessert. In addition to vying for raffle prizes, Chamber members and guests concluded the evening by singing happy birthday to Chamber president Warren Savage. Printer-friendly version
TOP DOGS: WINNERS SAVOR TREATS AT EL CAJON ANIMAL SH ELTER’S COSTUME CONTEST
Printer-friendly version October 28, 2009 (El Cajon) – Moe, a Rottweiler disguised as the headless horseman, was named top dog at the El Cajon Animal Shelter’s annual pet costume contest—taking home a basketful of dog toys and treats. “I made his costume,” said Moe’s owner, Ann McCorkell of El Cajon. Second place went to Pukall, a Chihuahua saucily dressed as a German beer maid. This was Pukall’s second time in the limelight, owner Sara MacGruder of Santee revealed.“Pukall was regional champion in the Chihuahua races,” said MacGruder, who also entered “Boeing”, a terrier mix masquerading as a grapevine. “We got Boeing from the El Cajon Animal Center. Her tag at the pound was 747,” she explained. Third place was awarded to Wall-e, a Pembrook Welsh Corgi owned by Ave Harrison of El Cajon and aptly attired as Robin Hood. Even City spokesperson Monica Zech got into the Halloween spirit, bringing her own dog, Romeo, a Labrador-mix clad in a skunk costume. Romeo was also a former shelter dog, Zech said. Other noteworthy mentions included Evan Klein of El Cajon and his dog, Trigger, both dressed as Raiders fans, Chico, a long-haired Chihuahua in a chicken hotdog costume, owned by Michelle Ednilao of El Cajon, Arnold, a turtle-clad boxer owned by Tracy Reid of Hillcrest, and Maggie, a black Labrador wearing a ladybug costume stitched up by McCorkell, who also made the first place winner’s outfit. Stormy, a pony owned by Lori Roberts of Blossom Valley, delighted youngsters present with a Batman costume. Bill Pogue (“Pogonose”) and Jean Abbott (“Miss Suzie-Q”) of All-Star Clowns entertained children and the young-at-heart with their antics—including Pogue’s dog, Thunder, a Maltese. Officer James Bray, K-9 handler for the El Cajon Police Department, presented a K-9 demonstration complete with an attack by Wilco, a Belgian Malenious. The Neuter Scooter was on hand to provide low-cost neutering of dogs and cats, by prior appointment. For information on how to schedule your pet for neutering at a future event, visit http://www.snap-sandiego.org/neuter_scooter.php. El Cajon Animal Shelter also offered low-cost vaccinations and animal adoptions. Printer-friendly version
EVERY DOLLAR SPENT ON METH TREATMENT SAVES $7 IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM COSTS, EAST COUNTY PILOT PROGRAM REVEALS
Printer-friendly version October 28, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Operation Tip the Scale was a six month multi-jurisdictional effort in East County that sought to increase public contact with law enforcement and to provide information about how to get help with drug problems. In San Diego County, methamphetamine continues to be the drug of choice for many adults, although this operation focused on all illicit substances. The folllowing report from San Diego County Sheriff’s Office offers some revealing insights into one way to reduce law enforcement costs, cut crime and get help for drug users: The idea was simple. Could cities and the unincorporated areas in East County share law enforcement resources to create a large and visible presence against illicit drugs? Could treatment services be part of the team and talk to residents about how they could get help? And most importantly, could we do this without any overtime, especially as all participating agencies have experienced budget cuts? The answer is a resounding yes. Supervisor Dianne Jacob agrees. “Operation Tip the Scale showed that East County knows how to cooperate for the common good. I am very pleased that these teams could get the word out about meth in such a cost-effective way.” Jacob is the founder of the Methamphetamine Strike Force, a multi-disciplinary group that has pursued a balance of prevention, law enforcement and treatment approaches to reduce meth problems in the region since 1996. “We’re convinced that this kind of operation leverages all our interests for the public benefit,” said Sheriff Bill Gore. “We are interested in replicating this project in other parts of San Diego County.” “The partnerships were amazing,” said Captain Patricia Duke of the Santee Sheriff Station. We had every law enforcement agency in the East County involved, including Parole, Probation, Trolley Enforcement and Animal Control. We also had the social service side with Child Welfare and Drug Treatment.” The project operated over six months, with a lead team in the communities of Santee, El Cajon, La Mesa and Lemon Grove. The operations were scheduled from March through September over one or two days. Law enforcement agencies contacted persons on probation and parole, as well as general contact with the public on the streets and trolleys. “Sometimes a probationer was under the influence, and brought in and booked,” said Duke. “In these cases they had a chance to have a private conversation with a treatment professional to talk through how they could get help.” At least one person entered treatment from these contacts. “We also gave resource packets to family members with brochures and hotline numbers,” said Sgt. Chris May of the Santee station. The Meth Hotline (1-877-No-2-Meth) is a toll-free number for anonymous meth crime tips or to secure referrals to treatment programs. Almost 17,000 contacts with the public provided information on substance abuse and drug treatment resources to families and the community to encourage drug treatment and recovery, rather than just tolerating dug using behavior. The operation resulted in 209 arrests, 416 contacts and 59 treatment conversations. In addition, on the trolley, 16,828 contacts were made and 366 citations were issued. “Fundamentally, addiction is why meth and other drugs are fuel for crime – and why drug use plays a significant role in so many crimes throughout San Diego County,” said Jacob. “The public needs to know that murder, assaults domestic violence, and other crimes are fueled by meth. We can’t stand by and watch this happen. Make that call to report meth crimes.” “Treatment can seem mysterious, and these conversations to explain what it is and how to get in are important,” said Susan Bower, Deputy Director for the County Alcohol and Drug Services. “We know that the earlier drug users enter a recovery program, the better their chances of success.” Studies show that every dollar spent on treatment saves $7 in criminal justice system costs, he added. Printer-friendly version
LIFE WALK DRAWS HUNDREDS IN LA MESA & ESCONDIDO TO FUND PRO-LIFE CURRICULUM
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery October 28, 2009 (La Mesa) — Linda Noble believes strongly that abortion is wrong. But she has taken a different approach to the controversial issue from most pro-life organizations. On Saturday, 200-300 walkers turned out in La Mesa, with more in Escondido to raise funds for an education program authored by Noble. “The political aspect has polarized people and prevented us from talking to people about the value of human life,” said Noble, who has written a whole-life curriculum for students. The program is primarily taught in private, faith-based schools. But she added, “We also do public school presentations.” The organization does not do anything political, Noble noted. Michaelene Fredenburg is president of Life Perspectives(www.lifeperspectives.net) , the San Diego-based organization promoting Noble’s curriculum. “We do offer national programs,” she said. In addition, the group provides “after-abortion outreach” for men, women and family members who have been impacted by abortion. The group has set up a website, www.abortionchangesyou.com and has also launched an “Abortion Changes You” ad campaign with signs on New York subways and other public places. This year’s LifeWalk (http://www.lplifewalk.com/) kicked off in Harry Griffen Park, La Mesa and Kit Carson Park Escondido. Participants included members of area churches, individuals, and for the first time, companies such as Ortega Construction, which sent a corporate team of walkers. Other event sponsors included County Supervisor Bill Horn, A-1 Self Storage, Tusssk, MD7, Nova Voice & Data Systems, Inc., Red Sea Marketing, and Chick-Fil-A. Participants believe education is key to reducing the number of abortions. Bethany Noble of Spring Valley concluded, “If we have these values, then things like stealing or abortion become unthinkable.” Printer-friendly version
EL CAJON ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR PLANNING COMMISSION & PLANNING COMMISSION
Printer-friendly version October 28, 2009 (El Cajon)–If you live in the City of El Cajon and would like to be more involved in your community, consider applying for one of two City Commissions. The El Cajon City Council is accepting applications for the Personnel and Planning Commissions. The filing period is October 14, 2009 through November 6, 2009, at 5:00 p.m. The interviews and appointment of selected applicants will be November 17, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located at 200 Civic Center Way in El Cajon. There are four upcoming vacancies for the Personnel Commission. Requirements: Applicants must be a resident of the City for not less than one year prior to appointment and continue to reside in the City during the term of office. (Applicants nominated by the employee associations are not subject to this requirement.) Personnel Commissioners are required to file a Form 700 according to provisions of the Political Reform Act, the Fair Political Practices Commission, and the City’s Conflict of Interest Code. The City Council shall make two appointments directly to fill unexpired terms, one ending January 31, 2011, and one ending January 31, 2013. Two vacancies must be filled from a list of three persons nominated by employees in the Classified Service. (The list of three persons may be the same list to fill the two employee association nominations.) The other vacancy is for the Planning Commission. The duration is one (1) Four-Year Term that will expire January 31, 2014. Requirements: Applicants must be a resident of the City for not less than one year prior to appointment and continue to reside in the City during the term of office. Planning Commissioners are required to file a Form 700 according to provisions of the Political Reform Act, the Fair Political Practices Commission, and the City’s Conflict of Interest Code. Applications are available at the City Clerk’s Office, First Floor City Hall, 200 Civic Center Way, El Cajon, California 92020. Phone number: (619) 441-1764. Additionally, the Public Service Appointment Application Form will be interactive and downloadable through the “What’s New” section of the City’s website at www.ci.el-cajon.ca.us. Printer-friendly version
CREATIONIST BILLBOARD, CABLE SKI PARK, & BIKE PLAN TO BE CONSIDERED BY SANTEE COUNCIL WED. OCT. 28
Printer-friendly version October 27, 2009 (Santee) – Santee City Council will hold public hearings on Wednesday Oct. 28 for three hot topics. First, Council will hear public testimony on a cable ski park and restaurant at Santee Lakes, proposed by Padre Dam Municipal Water District. Second, Council will weigh whether to issue a conditional use permit for a freeway-oriented sign for the Creation and Earth History Museum, a facility promoting Creationism and denouncing evolution. Third, Santee Council members will consider a general plan amendment to incorporate the 2009 Bicycle Master Plan. Additional items are also on the agenda. To view the full agenda, see http://www.ci.santee.ca.us/Index.aspx?page=164. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at 10601 Magnolia Ave., Santee, CA 92071. Printer-friendly version
WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL TEAM TO CHALLENGE CUYAMACA COLLEGE ATHLETES IN FAST-PACED ACTION EVENT WED. OCT. 27
Printer-friendly version October 26, 2009 ( El Cajon)–The annual wheelchair basketball game–where the sound of squeaking rubber isn’t from the soles of players’ shoes, but from custom-built chairs pivoting and spinning across the gym floor–is set for 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28 at the Cuyamaca College gym. The five-on-five games feature a mix of Cuyamaca’s basketball team playing alongside members of the San Diego Xpress, a National Wheelchair Basketball Association team formed in the mid-‘80s. Most of the wheelchair athletes have suffered spinal cord injuries, but that hasn’t stopped them from playing competitively. Teams for Cuyamaca’s game are mixed with players from both sides, as well as anyone who wants to join in, so that the wheelchair league athletes don’t completely dominate the scoreboard, said Mary Asher-Fitzpatrick, a learning disabilities specialist in Cuyamaca College’s Disabled Students Programs and Services office. This is the 12th year that DSP&S and Rob Wojkowski, the men’s basketball coach at Cuyamaca, have been coordinating the game. The game provides a new awareness to students and others of what wheelchair athletes can accomplish, and, more often than not, results in Cuyamaca athletes taking their share of spills from the low-to-the-ground chairs specially designed for speed and maneuverability. The game is part of the college’s annual commemoration of National Disability Awareness Month. The event at 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway in Rancho San Diego is free and open to the public. “Cuyamaca College has a long history of services to, and awareness of, disability needs and challenges,” said interim college president Ron Manzoni. “The college’s sponsorship of this event provides a terrific opportunity for our staff, students and the public to witness the skills of these athletes who spend a great deal of time and energy developing their skill on the basketball court. This event is another example of Cuyamaca’s outreach efforts to encourage all students and to provide a variety of learning opportunities.” In keeping with the month’s theme, the Cuyamaca College library has a display focusing on the accomplishments and challenges facing the disabled. In addition to picking up some tidbits about famous people who are physically challenged, visitors can also learn how the college assists its own students with disabilities. On loan for the display are some of the assistive computer technology tools and alternate media used by DSP&S. For campus and driving maps, visit www.cuyamaca.edu or call 619-660-4236 Printer-friendly version