BITTERSWEET REMEMBRANCE: A CEDAR FIRE SURVIVOR’S ANNIVERSARY ESSAY
Printer-friendly version An essay by Vickie Bradeen October 26, 2003 (San Diego’s East County)–Today is a day of bittersweet remembrance of October 26, 2003, when I watched the home I grew up in, my parents home of 34 yrs at the time, burn completely to the ground as the powerful, almost angry Cedar Fire consumed every inch of it right before my eyes. I can’t believe that six years have already passed. By the time it was all said and done, The Cedar Fire burned over 273,000 acres, making it the largest fire ever to burn in California. It also claimed 15 lives, including 1 firefighter and along with ours over 2,300 other homes were lost to the walls of quickly moving flames that were unstoppable. Looking back now my family realizes how truly lucky we are and were that day. My sister and brother in law evacuated safely and their home remained and though I got Mama and Daddy out of the house with nothing but the clothes on their backs and their small dog many others lost so much more than we did on that day, the day before and the days that followed. Some even lost their replacement homes again in the 2007 Witch Creek Fire. Unimaginable. Today as I remember the thick smoke that filled the skies and burned my eyes, and flash back to the sounds of the crackling orange flames that paralyzed my feet so I could do nothing but stand and watch in a helpless gaze, I will say a prayer for those families who lost precious members so quickly and without warning and for the others who bare the injuries they sustained while fleeing from the Monster storm. My your faith keep you strong and your Love help you to heal. I will also say a prayer of thanks for all of the blessings that my family has received over the past 6 years. We had no idea that the worst was yet to come for us. Even though we only had Mama for 4 more years after the fires we at least were able to enjoy, love and be with each other for those 4 years. Our replacement home is a reminder that even without all of our possessions, home truly is where your family is. The rest is just stuff! Love your family today…don’t wait for a tragedy. Hug them tightly and don’t ever forget who you are or where you come from. Life is short, don’t waste time being selfish or materialistic. Remember to live in the moment..Live today, for no one knows what tomorrow will bring. Printer-friendly version
URGENT PLEA ISSUED TO HELP FAMILIES WITHOUT FOOD
Printer-friendly version Need for emergency food boxes has more than doubled in the past year at Salvation Army Kroc Center October 28, 2009 (San Diego)—"So far, thanks to the generosity of San Diegans, The Salvation Army Kroc Center has been able to meet the increasing need for emergency food assistance in the surrounding community. But as the need continues to rise, our pantry is in desperate need of restocking," a press release issued today warns. In October of 2008, 40 families came to The Salvation Army Kroc Center’s Family Services Department needing emergency food boxes to help feed 136 people. In October of this year, that number more than doubled, with 94 families requesting emergency food to feed 416 people. Right now, the Salvation Army Kroc Center has barely enough food to get through this next month. The Center has an immediate need for the following items: pasta, pasta meals, rice, canned meat, canned meals, fruit juice, baby formula, canned fruit, canned vegetables, soup, jelly or jam, dried milk, diapers, baby wipes, shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste/toothbrushes, body soap, and deodorant. These items can be dropped off at The Salvation Army Kroc Center Family Services Building during business hours. Salvation Army Sites across the County are experiencing a similar increase in need and are accepting donations as well. Other sites include: Chula Vista, El Cajon, Downtown, Clairemont, Escondido and Oceanside. Printer-friendly version
CASH FOR BEST COSTUMES AT CASINO HALLOWEEN CONTESTS
Printer-friendly version October 29, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Want to be a winner at a casino—without having to gamble any money? Several area casinos are hosting Halloween costume contests and paying out big cash prizes. Others are offering parties, gifts, and Halloween eve concerts. Sycuan Casino in El Cajon is advertising the biggest Halloween Party in San Diego – giving away $2,300 in prizes in its costume contests at 12:20 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. in the non-smoking Bingo hall on Halloween, October 31st. Sycuan is also giving away $1,500 in a contest to guess the number of Dracula fangs. Music, giveaways, and “spooktacular” fun are all billed as part of the event. For details, see http://sycuancasino.reachlocal.com/coupon/?scid=1209280&cid=428601&tc=09102913123793071&kw=8030757&dynamic_proxy=1&primary_serv=sycuancasino.reachlocal.net&pub_cr_id=2882369783. Pauma Casino is giving away $500 for the most original costume, $500 for cutest/funniest, and $300 for scariest costume. Registration is from 6-8 p.m. on October 31st in the Palm Club, with judging starting at 8 p.m. in the Red Parrot Lounge. Masks, completely covered painted faces, or simulated weapons are not allowed. All entrants also receive $10 in free play at the casino. The casino is located in the Pauma Valley off Highway 76, in the northeast portion of San Diego County. For details, see http://www.casinopauma.com/promotions.php. Golden Acorn Casino holds its contest October 31st at 8:30 p.m., awarding prizes for funniest, scariest, and sexiest costumes. First place winners in each category will receive $200 cash. Second and third place winners receive $100 and $50 in free play at the casino. For info and directions to the casino, located off I-8 near Boulevard (about a half hour east of El Cajon), see http://www.goldenacorncasino.com/content/20091019/halloween-costume-contest. Just across the freeway, La Posta Casino has a costume contest starting at 9 p.m. First, second, and third places will be awarded for scariest, funniest, most original and I Can’t Believe You Wore That categories. First place will be $200, second $150, and third $100 in each category. Live music will also be part of the festivities. For directions and additional Halloween activities, see http://lapostacasino.hypermart.net/index.html. (Note: the Halloween costume contest is not listed on the website, however ECM has confirmed details via a phone call at press deadline.) Viejas Casino in Alpine isn’t promoting a costume contest, but does offer a “Haunted Buffet” for just 99 cents throughout October to V-Club members who play at least 15 points. Not yet a member? Join free-and enjoy a free buffet! Details: http://www.viejas.com/html/gaming/promos.html#Harvest You can also catch rock legend Alice Cooper’s “Tour of Death” concert on Halloween night at Harrah’s Rincon Casino. For tickets, visit http://www.harrahsrincon.com/images/non_image_assets/OCT_09_calendar_8.5×11.pdf in Valley Center. Map: http://www.harrahsrincon.com/casinos/harrahs-rincon-san-diego/casino-misc/maps-and-information.html Printer-friendly version
AN EVENING WITH GEORGE MCGOVERN: NOV. 4 IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version October 30, 2009 (La Mesa)–Former Democratic Presidential candidate George McGovern will speak at the La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club on Wednesday, November 4. McGovern will discuss his latest book, "Abraham Lincoln" as well as current topics. Besides running for President in 1972 against Richard Nixon, McGovern also served as a U.S. Senator and two-term Congressman, as well as the food and agricultural ambassador to the United Nations. The event takes place at the La Mesa Recreation Center, 4975 Memorial Drive in La Mesa. Refreshments and social networking begin at 6:30, with the program starting at 7 p.m. Members of all parties are welcome to attend this event, which is sponsored by the La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club. The event is free to members and costs $5 for nonmembers. For more information, visit the LMFD website at More Info: http://www.lmfdc.sddem.org/President.html Printer-friendly version
LEFT IN THE WAKE: SANTEE COUNCIL APPROVES CABLE SKI, WAKEBOARDING & RESTAURANT FACILITIES AT SANTEE LAKES OVER OBJECTIONS OF NEIGHBORS
Printer-friendly version Mayor Randy Voepel, Vice Mayor Brian Jones and Councilman Hal Ryan voted in favor, Council members Jack Dale and John Minto voted against controversial project By Miriam Raftery October 29, 2009 (Santee) – By a 3-2 vote, the Santee City Council voted last night to approve a major use permit for Sudweeks Development to construct a cable ski and wakeboarding facility at Santee Lakes. The project, previously approved by Padre Dam Municipal Water District, will operate seven days a week and also include a restaurant serving alcohol until 11 p.m. The measure was approved despite strenuous and, at times, tearful objections from dozens of Santee residents and environmentalists.The developer and less than a half dozen supporters argued that the project will increase recreational opportunities in Santee, also boosting revenues for Padre Municipal Water District. “I have an attorney. We are not done fighting this,” Santee resident Julie Naggar told East County Magazine, hinting that a class action lawsuit may be an option. She added, “It seems like a misrepresentation to me. I believe their minds were made up two years ago.” Neighbors voiced concerns that the development will change Lake One’s serene character by spoiling views, creating nuisance-level noise, putting wildlife at risk, and endangering safety of children. Adrian Van Ravesteyn faulted Council for not him sending him a notice of the hearing. “I spoke last time and I live two blocks from the lake,” Ravestyn told East County Magazine. In his testimony, Ravesteyn told Council members he fears “cheering and drunkenness” at the amusement facility. “Why isn’t there a park like this at Lake Murray or Lake Jennings?” he asked. “Because most cities, even in hard times, won’t trade the quality of life of its citizen for the benefit of private developers.” Padre Water District would reap a portion of profits from the facility, leading some residents to question whether water rates would go down if the project is a financial success. Others questioned who would foot the bill to remove the facility if it proves a financial boondoggle or if residents fears of a public nuisance prove true. At an August 21 meeting where residents raised vocal concerns, Council asked the applicant to consider alternative locations, moving the restaurant to the North shore, and limiting alcohol to beer and wine only. But the developer maintains that those options are not feasible. The developer has agreed to limit crowd size to 500 at major events and some additional parking has been added. Six speakers spoke in favor of the project, including the project architect, Augie Scalzitti, a director of Padre Dam Municipal Water District, and local residents. Twenty-five residents spoke against the project and another 22 registered opposition. “I run into people at the grocery store and up and down the park. Pretty much all of them, maybe not all, are very excited about it,” Scalzitti attested, drawing jeers and groans from the crowd. “I think it will be good for the community.” Santee resident Kevin Hippensteel attested, “I’ve actually ridden one of these and it was a lot of fun….It would be nice to have a restaurant overlooking the lake,” he said, adding that since San Vicente Reservoir closed down to skiers, there is “no place now to ski.” Area resident Danny Jack O’Brien also spoke in support, noting, “Allen Carlisle (director of Padre Dam Municipal Water District) is the person proposing this, and everything he has proposed turns to gold.” Carlisle said the cable ski park will donate 30 hours a month of free time to school districts for physical education as well as some free time for disabled persons and discounts for Santee residents. Use of cable ski and wakeboarding facilities will cost $25 to $30 an hour initially, said Trevor Sudweeks of Sudweeks Development. He insisted, “This will be an attraction for the entire community” and a “world-class development.” Councilman Dale expressed skepticism that not many Santee residents could afford such hefty fees, and suggested the developer was appealing mostly to outside interests. He also voiced concerns over drinking, noting , “That would be a grand concern if this were in my backyard.” Larry Sillman, from the project’s architectural firm, Sillman & Wright, tried to allay concerns over visual blight. He said residents “are not going to see it at all” from their backyards, assuming residents have solid six foot fences. Those with non-solid fences would be viewing the project through landscaping, he said. Santee resident Ranelle Peterson observed, “It’s a one-story restaurant, but it’s 21-feet high.” Others noted that the towers holding cables will be 36 feet tall, higher than a three-story building. Patricia O’Keefe shared those concerns and more. “For me, the noise is going to be horrible no matter what. I’m up on a knoll and I can see the whole lake. I have a teenage daughter. At night I leave my windows open and lights on…I’m worried about men drinking and looking at my daughter.” Councilmember Dale acknowledged, “It’s clear that people are going to see this thing.” He also expressed concern over the City’s potential liability if someone should be injured at the facility. “If something terrible does happen, everybody’s going to get named,” he said, adding that he wants to push to have the City added as an insured party. Nancy Hauser represented a Santee homeowners’ association. “Our community vehemently opposes this,” she said, adding that the group fears “nonstop screaming and shrieking” 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to dusk in the midst of a residential neighborhood. “This is like putting in a pig farm. It’s just odious.” Carlisle acknowledged that some complaints have been received about existing noise in the park, such as mobile DJs or bands at events, and that efforts have been made to reposition bands to reduce noise. The Mayor noted that no megaphones will be allowed at the new facility. Joyce Seyfert said that at a meeting of neighbors closest to the park, “Only one owner near the
NEW SPORTS BOOK SCORES WINNING LOCATION FOR LAUNCH PARTY
Printer-friendly versionSAN DIEGO, CA October 20, 2009 Join author Joey Seymour in celebrating the launch of his new book San Diego’s Finest Athletes: Five Exceptional Lives on Thursday, November 5th. The launch party for the book, published by Sunbelt Publications of El Cajon, will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the San Diego Hall of Champions. The San Diego Hall of Champions is the nation’s largest multi-sport museum, boasting three levels of memorabilia and 70,000 square feet. It offers a state of the art theatre, an interactive media center, and fascinating displays on the nation’s favorite sports. The launch party’s $15 entrance fee includes a signed copy of Seymour’s book San Diego’s Finest Athletes, which profiles five athletes from San Diego who each shattered barriers for future minority athletes, while accomplishing outstanding feats in their chosen sports. The talent, dedication, and spirit of Maureen Connolly (tennis), Charlie Powell (boxing and football), Greg Louganis (diving), Tiffany Chin (ice skating), and Adrian Gonzalez (baseball) make this book perfect for sports fans. The event will feature sports-themed snacks and refreshments, and guests of the launch party are invited to tour the museum. The museum’s current exhibits include “A Tribute to Jeremy Lusk,” which celebrates the life and career of a freestyle motocross rider who passed away in competition, as well as football, baseball, surfing, and action sports exhibits. Kids 18 and under get in free when accompanied by an adult. To purchase launch party tickets, please visit www.SunbeltBooks.com. WHO: Joey Seymour WHAT: Book Launch Party WHEN: November 5, 2009 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM WHERE: San Diego Hall of Champions, Balboa Park, 2131 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101 TITLE: San Diego’s Finest Athletes SPECIFICATIONS: 6 X 9, softcover, 208 pages ISBN: 9780916251994 PRICE: $17.95 Printer-friendly version
MEETING SET FOR NOV. 9 ON SDSU AXING GUARANTEED ADMISSION FOR LOCAL STUDENTS
Printer-friendly version San Diego Unified School Board invites parents, high school students and SDSU students impacted by changes to a special district-wide meeting October 29, 2009 (San Diego) – San Diego Unified School Board wants to hear from parents and students impacted by San Diego State University changing its admission policies to eliminate guaranteed admissions for students who meet California State University (CSU) requirements. The meeting will be held at 4 p.m. on November 4 at the Eugene Brucker Education Center, 4100 Normal Street, San Diego, CA 92103. All are welcomed to give testimony. Students, parents, current SDSU students, should be prepared to give an oral statement and to provide a written statement. SDSU’s president, Stephen Weber, has said eliminating the local admission guarantees and capping admissions is necessitated by state budget cuts. The local student guarantee was put into place because CSU recognized that many local students are “place bound” and cannot go elsewhere to obtain education at another four year institution due to circumstances beyond their control. Over the years, the policy of guaranteeing admission to local students has benefited the students, SDSU, the region and its employers, say proponents. Supporters of the admission guarantee further argue that it is necessary to provide equal educational opportunities for students in our region and to develop a local college-educated workforce. “Parents, teachers, students, employers need to become aware of this grave threat to educational access and thus to the prosperity of our region and take action,” says Pat Washington with the San Diego Equality Campaign. She urges individuals to write and call Chancellor Charles Reed and the CSU Board of Trustees and urge them to order SDSU to terminate its new policy and restore the local student admission guarantee policy. If you wish to send your views to Chancellor Reed and the CSU Trustees, here is the contact information: Charles B. Reed, Chancellor California State University 401 Golden Shore, Suite 641 Long Beach, CA 90802 phone (562)951-4700; fax (562)951-4986 CSU Trustees c/o Secretariat 401 Golden Shore, Suite 136 Long Beach, CA 90802 phone (562)951-4020; fax (562)951-4949 Local CSU representatives: Assemblymember Marty Block State Capitol P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0078 phone (916)319-2078; fax (916)319-2178 District Office: Lemon Grove Plaza 7144 Broadway, 2nd Floor Lemon Grove, CA 91945 phone (619)462-7878; fax (619)462-0078 Assemblywoman Mary Salas State Capitol P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0079 phone (916)319-2079; fax (916)319-2079 District Office: 678 Third Ave., Suite 105 Chula Vistas, CA 91910 phone (619)409-7979; fax (619)409-9270 Printer-friendly version