H1N1 FLU FOUND IN CAT, FERRET AND OTHER ANIMALS
Printer-friendly version November 5, 2009 – The first known case of H1N1 (swine flu) in a cat has been diagnosed in an Iowa housecat, the New York Times reports (http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/05/the-cat-who-got-swine-flu/ ) Since the cat never goes outdoors and other family members had flu-like symptoms previously, it is believed likely that the virus was transmitted from human to cat. Family members are undergoing tests to confirm if they had swine flu. The cat, the first domestic pet known to have contracted the disease, became lethargic, stopped eating, drinking and grooming, and showed signs of respiratory distress by resting on its haunches instead of on its side. Following IV fluids for hydration and antibiotics to prevent secondary infection, the orange tabby in Iowa (whose owners asked to remain anonymous) is recovering. The American Veterinary Medical Association has information on animals confirmed to have the H1N1 virus, which has also recently been confirmed in a ferret, pigs, and turkeys. http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/ . In addition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on November 2 began positing information on animals with H1N1, though the page has not yet been updated to include the case just diagnosed in a cat: http://www.usda.gov/documents/FINAL_RESULTS_2009_PANDEMIC_H1N1_INFLUENZA_CHT.pdf Printer-friendly version
DOLLAR-WISE DIVAS: SAVE MONEY WITH SPECIAL THANK YOUS FOR VETERANS
Printer-friendly version Take advantage of some of the hidden benefits of being a veteran! By Nancy and Dawn Clement November 5, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)- This week’s column is a special thank you to all the active duty, veterans, retired military and their families in the East County and San Diego region. Veteran’s Day is not just another time for stores to hold special sales, it is a day set aside to pause and collectively honor our military service members and their families. We know it comes at a personal sacrifice to you, time you spend away from your families, not being there for the birth of a child, spending holidays away from loved ones to protect our country and our freedom. DWD and ECM appreciate your military service and dedication to protect our country and our freedom and we extend our thanks and gratitude by sharing information on money saving services, ideas and activities specifically for you and your families. Free Lunch for Veterans and Active Duty Military: Wednesday 11th at both East County Applebees located in El Cajon. One restaurant is at 2508 Jamacha Road, in El Cajon, 92019 (619-670-7203) and the other is 107 Fletcher Parkway, in El Cajon, 92020 (619-593-3066) for more information: www.applebees.com/vetsDay/default.aspx. Another Free Lunch is offered by McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant. It is located at 675 L Street San Diego CA (619.645.6545) to learn more: www.mccormickandschmicks.com/featured-promotions/Veterans-Appreciation-Day. After a yummy lunch, Veterans and Active Duty Military can head out for another FREE activity. You have a choice of two very great options, either a Seal Tour: www.sealtours.com or Old Town Trolley: www.trolleytours.com. Dollar-Wise Diva Nancy has done both many times and gives them both a thumbs up. It is a terrific way to learn more about how to entertain out of town guests or to celebrate Veterans Day. Make it a habit to ask for military discounts; often managers have authorization to give them but the company does not advertise their availability. The truth is if you do not ask, you will not get! Some discounts are year-around, some seasonal, but either way, remember to bring some form of ID that verifies you as either active duty, retired or a veteran. Membership in veteran’s service organizations may also be used at some locations as well (VFW, DAV, American Legion, etc.). You have earned the respect of your San Diego and East County neighbors, save a little pocket change and enjoy your day! Nancy Clement is an east county Realtor®, mortgage broker and freelance writer and can be reached at 619-563-4184 or Dollar-wiseDivas@cox.net. Dawn Clement is a stay-at-home mother of three, a freelance writer, and creative shopper. Printer-friendly version
GOOD MONEY: ESTATE TAXES–WHICH WAY WILL THEY GO?
Printer-friendly versionGood Money: Your guide to financial planning & socially responsible investing ESTATE TAXES – WHICH WAY WILL THEY GO? By Judith L. Seid, CFP ® President, Blue Summit Financial Group Estate Tax Reform President George W. Bush’s 10-year, $1.35 trillion across-the-board tax cut, passed in 2001, included a slow-but-steady reduction of the amount of wealth that is subject to "the death tax." Under the law, the value of an inheritance exempt from estate taxation increased from $1 million in 2001 to $3.5 million in 2009. In addition, the tax rate on inheritances larger than that decreased from 55% to 45%. And currently with a $3.5m exemption amount, this allows a couple who have done proper estate planning to leave a $7m estate completely free of federal estate taxes to their heirs. But this tax is scheduled to revert to the 2001 pre-Bush levels (55% rate on estates over $1 million); unless Congress takes action this year and passes new legislation. The reversion to 2001 levels was actually a compromise accepted by tax-writers to limit the long-term cost to the government of the tax cuts for budget scorekeeping purposes. But many policy makers assumed at the time that Congress in 2010 would instead vote to lock the full tax cuts in place permanently. Many agree that the estate tax is both an important incentive for giving to charity and a critical source of revenue for the federal government. The federal estate tax provides strong incentives for Americans of substantial wealth to donate from their estates to charitable organizations to support services and programs that help sustain healthy communities and the well-being of Americans of all ages. It encourages donors to give back, both during their lifetimes and through their estates with tax dollars or charitable contributions. Impact on Charitable Giving: The Congressional Budget Office has found that the estate tax leads affluent individuals to donate far more than they otherwise would, because such donations sharply reduce estate tax liabilities. The CBO found that about one-sixth of the estates filing estate tax returns in 2000 left a charitable bequest which together totaled $16 billion. Charitable bequests were heavily concentrated in the largest estates with over 70 percent of the total bequests coming from estates valued at more than $3.5 million. (CBO, The Estate Tax and Charitable Giving, July 2004) Permanent repeal of the estate tax would cost almost $1.3 trillion over the first ten years in which its cost would be fully felt, 2012-2021, according to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. This includes $1 trillion in lost revenue and $277 billion in increased interest payments on the national debt. According to the Urban Institute-Brookings Tax Policy Center, a proposal to raise the individual exemption to $5 million and lower the tax rate would reduce estate tax revenue by almost four-fifths as much as full repeal of the tax. Historical Federal Estate Tax Exemptions and Rates: Year Estate Tax Exemption Top Estate Tax Rate 1997 $ 600,000 55% 1998 $ 625,000 55% 1999 $ 650,000 55% 2000 $ 675,000 55% 2001 $ 675,000 55% 2002 $1,000,000 50% 2003 $1,000,000 49% 2004 $1,500,000 48% 2005 $1,500,000 47% 2006 $2,000,000 46% 2007 $2,000,000 45% 2008 $2,000,000 45% 2009 $3,500,000 45% Estate Tax Reform – Proposed Legislation With the estate tax expected to sunset for one-year in 2010 before returning in 2011 at pre-tax cut levels, several members of Congress have introduced pieces of legislation to address various aspects of the tax, including its scope, rate, exemption level, and permanence. • S. 722 – Introduced by Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) – Would extend 2009 estate tax rates permanently, index the exemption for inflation, and unify the estate and gift taxes. • HR 436 – Introduced by Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D-ND) – Would extend the 2009 estate tax rates permanently (45% rate; $3.5 million individual exemption), but does not index the exemption for inflation. • HR 498 – Introduced by Rep. Harry E. Mitchell (D-AZ) – Would gradually raise the exemption to $5 million, index it for inflation, and impose a top rate of 30% (Six Republicans have co-sponsored this bill). • HR 1986 – Introduced by Rep. Travis Childers (D-MS) – Would set a $4 million individual exemption and impose a 40% top rate. • HR 2023 – Introduced by Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) – Would set a $2 million per-person exemption, indexed for inflation, and impose progressive tax rates based on the estate value with a 55% top rate. • HR 3463 – Introduced by Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) and the Republican leadership – Would make permanent the 2010 repeal of the estate tax. • HR 3524 – Introduced by Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) – Seeks to prevent the value of inherited farmland from being subject to the estate tax if the decedent’s family continues to own and farm it. Mr. Obama has proposed permanently locking in the estate tax at the current 45% rate with a $3.5 million exclusion. According to Jonathan Weisman (Wall St. Journal 9/19/09), it is highly unlikely that we will see anything pass that will permanently repeal the estate tax and that Congress is so busy working on health care reform, it is likely that we could see a one year extension of the current exemption and rate and “leave the fight to next year” Judith L. Seid, President and founder of Blue Summit Financial Group, Inc, is a Certified Financial Planner who has actively used Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) for her clients since 1992. She firmly believes that “We can influence corporations to change their policies by avoiding investments in irresponsible companies and by seeking investments in companies with positive practices and products.” Socially responsible investing (SRI) exists for investors looking to use the power of financial investment to create sustainable social change. For more information on Sustainable Investing, contact Judith at
OVER 1,200 STIMULUS JOBS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY, REPORT SHOWS
Printer-friendly version November 1, 2009 (San Diego)–Federal stimulus spending has generated 1,290 jobs in San Diego County, according to data reported this week on the first round of job creation under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). While the report represents a landmark in government transparency, more must be done to make sure high quality jobs are created to help build a sustainable, equitable, green economy, said Murtaza Baxamusa, research and policy director of the Center on Policy Initiatives. (http://www.onlinecpi.org/) "With 164,000 people unemployed and poverty at historic rates in this county, it has never been more important to build a strong, just, and green economic future for local residents," Baxamusa said. Among the stimulus fund recipients creating the most jobs in the county were North San Diego County Transit Development Board, San Diego Housing Commission, and Synergy Electric Co. of Santee. One example of the stimulus dollars at work is the MAAC Project (http://www.maacproject.org/) in San Diego, which has generated 18 new jobs in its YouthBuild training program and a new "Green Careers in Weatherization" program aimed at upgrading energy efficiency of low-income housing. "For more than 30 years, we’ve been helping low-income residents weatherize their homes so they can spend less money on energy and more on basic needs," says CEO Antonio Pizano. "Now, federal stimulus funds are allowing us to create training opportunities and even expand into solar retrofits." Nationally, the data show 650,000 jobs created or saved. Although incomplete, the reporting is, as the Associated Press noted, (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jMNoef6xDenBbHWO0Im6rIjDmAgAD9BLI2L80) the most extensive effort ever by any administration to calculate the effect of a spending program in real time. It is a watershed moment in government transparency. With ARRA funding still flowing to communities throughout California, public agencies and elected officials need to ensure that the jobs created present promising opportunities for career pathways and are available to low-income and disadvantaged communities. The data reports don’t include information on types of jobs created, or on the wages and benefits of the jobs created. CPI is part of the California Green Stimulus Coalition (http://californiagreenstimulus.org/) an alliance of the state’s top environmental, energy, labor, economic development and social justice groups. The coalition is urging better quality reporting in California and at the federal level in the remaining seven quarterly rounds of Recovery Act filings. Printer-friendly version
FALL & HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOWS THIS WEEK
Printer-friendly version November 4, 2009 – Want to get an early start on holiday shopping or pick up some fall decorations? East County’s backcountry area has several events this weekend. Fall is a beautiful time to visit East County’s rural areas—and pick up some one-of-a-kind, hand-made or vintage items as well. Here are details on events in Alpine, Descanso, Julian and El Cajon this weekend, plus a folk art country Christmas sale in Escondido next weekend. COUNTRY OPEN HOUSE: Fall show at 8458 Briar Glen Road in El Cajon (8 East to Los Coches Road exit, right at bottom of ramp, left at Camino Canada, right on East Country Road, left on Piping Rock Lane, left on Briar Glen Rd.) Find hand-made country gifts, jewelry, dolls, florals, jams, ceramics, baked goods, baskets, pottery, tole painting, wreaths and more. Along the way, it’s worth a stop at the APPLECRATE COUNTRY STORE, 13227B Highway 8 Business in El Cajon at the intersection of Los Coches Road and Old Highway 80 (Los Coches Road exit east off 8, to the Old Highway 80 junction). AN ALPINE CHRISTMAS: 17th annual craft boutique at the Attic Fanatic, 2156 Alpine Blvd. Take I-8 east to Tavern Road exit, merge right, then turn left on Alpine Blvd. Show will be held Thursday, Nov. 5 from 5-8 pm, Friday Nov. 6 from 10 am-7 p.m., Saturday Nov. 7 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Many crafters are exclusive to this show, which is indoors. DESCANSO MERCANTILE’S 5TH ANNUAL FALL FLEA MARKET & ANNIVERSARY PARTY: Saturday and Sunday, November 7 and 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Choose from a variety of vendors, antiques, collectibles, knick-knacks, bric-brac, and more for sale, as well as a silent auction including single and box lot items. 8306a Highway 73, Descanso (619)659-9206. DESCANSO ANTIQUE & ESETATE SALE: Saturday and Sunday, November 7 and 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This annual antique sale is held in conjunction with a 100-year-old estate sale oon location, including lots of old furniture, small antiques and collectibles. 25104 Viejas Blvd., Descanso. Take I-8 a few miles east of Alpine, exit Japatul and follow signs. THE BIG RED BARN’S FOLK ART COUNTRY CHRISTMAS: Held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday November 12-14 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., this event features country crafts and garden accents, all locally made – no imports. Items include primitive country folk art, farm-style furntirue, country home accents, antiques, garden accessories, birdhouses, blooming flowers/herbs, primitive dolls, gourmet soups/dips/pickles/olives, wooden toys, children’s dress-up costumes, primitive paintings by local artist Linda Kelly, and more. Also savor hot fire house kettle corn. 15175 Highland Valley Road, Escondido, near the Bandy Canyon junction. COUNTRY MARKET: Every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wynola Junction Antiques, 4326 Highway 78, three miles west of Julian, (760) 765-4758. Wynola Junction is a 3,500 square foot Antique Mall in a building that was originally a fruit packing shed for apple growers in the area. Now with more than 30 quality dealers, there is an intriguing assortment of collectibles and antiques, glassware, dishes, enamelware, quilts, yard-art, toys, tools, books, jewelry, furniture and more. Printer-friendly version
CNN CONFIRMS RACY VIDEO SPURRED CARRIE PREJEAN SETTLEMENT WITH PAGEANT OFFICIALS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery November 4, 2009 (San Diego) – A settlement agreement has been reached in two lawsuits between pageant officials and Carrie Prejean, a senior at San Diego Christian College in EL Cajon who lost her Miss California USA crown. The website TMZ claimed that revelation of a sex video made by Prejean prompted a hasty settlement. TMZ’s editor has said he obtained a copy of the video, which TMZ characterized as “extremely graphic” and too racy to post. He also suggested that Prejean performed solo in the video. Today, CNN reports, “The source with knowledge of the settlement talks told CNN those details were accurate.” Prejean first sparked controversy when she voiced opposition to gay marriage in response to a question posed by a pageant official. Pageant owner Donald Trump initially defended Prejean, even after semi-nude photographs of her surfaced on the Internet. She was fired in June, however, after pagent officials claimed she failed to represent the pageant at numerous events. As East County Magazine previously reported. Prejean sued pageant officials, claiming her firing was due to religious discrimination over her Christian beliefs. Pageant officials filed a countersuit in October, demanding that Prejean repay $5,200 in pageant money spent on her breast augmentation surgery. Settlement details are confidential. However TMZ has reported that Prejean will receive none of the settlement money, which will be used to cover legal costs. Both sides agreed to drop legal claims. Prejean has written a book about her experiences which is slated to hit book stores next week. The pageant reportedly agreed to drop pursuit of rights to anything she wrote. Printer-friendly version
SHOPPER’S FIND: GLAMOUR GIRLZ BOUTIQUE
Printer-friendly version Story By Miriam Raftery Photos by Leon Thompson and Miriam Raftery November 4, 2009 (El Cajon) – Through this holiday shopping season, East County magazine will be profiling unique shops and shopping districts in our region. I recently discovered Glamour Girlz Boutique at 124 East Main Street in downtown El Cajon, a delightful place to find chic, upscale clothing and accessories at affordable prices. Sweet! It’s not hard to see how this local store was voted second best women’s clothing store in our region – after Macy’s—in an East County Californian reader poll. This Friday, the store celebrates its third anniversary (and El Cajon’s “First Friday” fete) starting at 6 p.m. Bring in this flyer for a 10% discount–and be sure to tell them you heard about Glamour Girlz in East County Magazine! “I used to work as a fashion buyer,” says owner Peggy Harris, who brings 25 years of experience and fashion flair to her new business. She makes frequent trips to Los Angeles, buying up bargains on everything from glitzy gowns to hats, handbags and jewelry. The store even has a section of body care products to pamper yourself from head to toe. “We also do fashion shows for a lot of charitable groups,” Harris said. We provide the free entertainment for your event.” Whether you’re looking for something special to wear to holiday parties, or shopping for gifts to give the women in your life, you’ll find plenty of gorgeous options at Glamour Girlz Boutique. Printer-friendly version
ELKS NATIONAL “HOOP SHOOT” PROGRAM
Printer-friendly version November 5, 2009 (El Cajon)–The Elks National “Hoop Shoot” Program is America’s largest non-commercial co-educational sports program. It offers kids ages 8-13 regardless of race, color, or creed an opportunity for character and skill development, healthy spirited athletic competition, social relationships, quality family time and travel with minimal expense to participants and parents. The El Cajon Elks Lodge has 30 schools comprised of elementary and middle school participants who have signed up for this year’s contests chaired by Mac Masso. The finals for the contest will be held on November 21, 2009 at Hillsdale Middle School at 9:00 a.m.. The winner of the local contest will advance to the State and possibly to the National contests. For additional information, contact Mac Masso at 629-997-3652. Printer-friendly version
LEMON GROVE SUICIDE VICTIM IDENTIFIED; FELL FROM BRIDGE AS OFFICERS TRIED TO TALK HER DOWN
Printer-friendly versionNovember 5, 2009 (Lemon Grove) – The coroner’s office has identified Jessica Eve Louise Kuntz, 29, as the woman who fell to her death from a bridge in Lemon Grove on October 28th. Kuntz was witnessed to climb over the safety fence of an overpass at Lemon Grove Avenue above Highway 94. According to the County Coroner, Kuntz resident in both Santee and Lemon Grove. Traffic was shut down for hours as Sheriff’s officials tried to talk down Kuntz, who ultimately fell and was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced brain dead hours later. The Coroner lists cause of death as a suicide. Printer-friendly version
LAKESIDE FIRE CHARS 5 ACRES
Printer-friendly version November 4, 2009 (Lakeside) – A fire that started near San Vicente Reservoir shortly after noon charred five acres north of Lakeside. CAL FIRE dispatched five engines, two fire crews, one bulldozer, three air tankers, three helicopters and a chief officer to quell the blaze, assisted by Heartland Fire Agencies, the U.S. Forest Service and San Diego Sheriff’s Department. No structures were threatened. The cause of the Vicente Fire remains under investigation. Because no evacuations were ordered or eminent, and no major highways were impacted, East County Magazine did not activate the Viejas Wildfire & Emergency Alert Service. If you wish to receive warnings of fires or other emergencies in our region, please click on the Viejas Wildfire Alerts button at the top right side of our homepage. Subscriptions are free, and you will ONLY receive the wildfire alerts and, if you wish, a free weekly copy of East County Magazine. Our alerts come via e-mail, keeping you safe even if phone lines or cell phone towers burn down. Stay safe! Sign up–and tell your friends. Printer-friendly version