PORKIN’ IN THE PARK
Printer-friendly version By Leon Thompson, the East County Eater October 25th, 2009 (Alpine) — “Smokin’ in the Park,” the state’s largest BBQ competition sponsored by Viejas, was held Oct. 17 at the Viejas Outlet Center. Last year’s event drew over 9,000 people and from the looks of the long lines of hungry barbecue aficionados waiting to sample the fare here, I’d say this year’s event was an equally savory success. This free event included a music festival with Southern California’s most popular rock band, Los Lobos, and other entertainment. The event also featured vendors, a fun zone for kids, beer garden, Sam the Cooking Guy, and the main attraction—an array of tantalizing barbecue options to sample. I must confess this was my first BBQ competition. I figured I was in hog-heaven and looked forward to munching mouth-watering mounds of meat. The first thing I discovered was that these competitions, while great fun for the public, are very serious business to participants. Sanctioned by the hallowed Kansas City Barbeque Society, the event offered $23,000 in cash prizes, an $8,000 first prize, and the prospect of a coveted place in the 21st Annual Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue in Lynchburg, Tennessee. With a fist full of tickets at $2 a taste, I set out to gorge myself with fabulous food. Out of the fifty-two contestants most were from far-flung places far from East County. In fact the first place winner was “Piggy D’s BBQ” from far off Winthrop Washington. Many had long lines – and the most popular ran out of food by day’s end. Hint: If you come next year, arrive early and try past winners’ samplings first! To my surprise many of the contestants had no retail outlet, restaurant or catering business. In other words only a select few people would ever get to taste their delicious creations. So I decided to be the judge of my own best BBQ. My rules were very much simplified from the five page judging procedures of the KCBS. First – my “contestants” had to be from East County. Second – they had to have a restaurant or catering business where fans could sample their wares AFTER the competition. Third – I confined my judging to pork ribs. I got a list of East County teams from KCBS Representative Kelly McIntosh and set out to taste them all. (My apologies to any I missed.) My favorites included “Here’s the Rub,” which had the juiciest BBQ rib-meat I have ever tasted. The flavor of the meat was amazing – little else was added or needed. Edward, the proprietor, was doing his best to serve everyone in the long line. (Forgive my informality in missing last names – my fingers were too coated with BBQ sauce to take notes on the spot!) I liked the “Cattlemen’s Pit” from Jamul. The team’s “Texas style” BBQ really hit the spot. Their portable smoker looked like a locomotive. Gabriel, dishing up the ribs, said it was made from a converted propane tank. Lead Chef Dennis, one of the “Porkateers” from El Cajon, served up succulent, fat ribs that had me licking my fingers. Having lived in Hawaii, my tastebuds appreciate exotic flavors—BBQ with hints of pineapple or teriyaki. Our editor, Miriam Raftery, has traveled to such BBQ capitals as Memphis and Fort Worth, where slow-cooked Southern-style BBQ is the popular style. Working a booth for East County Magazine at the event, we both had opportunities to try a variety of BBQ flavors at the Viejas competition. Among the local offerings, we both picked the same “utmost favorite” independently and without conferring. Our unanimous verdict: Cali (California)Comfort, the team from Spring Valley, had the most perfect ribs. The meat was so tender, you could suck it off the bone–flavorful with just the right balance of spices, and the sauce was to-die-for. Team Captain Shawn Walchef was hospitable and appealing. The young crew was having a great time and the fun was contagious. I wasn’t at all surprised to learn that they serve up their BBQ at “Cali-Comfort Restaurant and Sports Bar” on Troy Street in Spring Valley, because the food most certainly has crowd-pleasing appeal. We couldn’t resist visiting Cali’s a few days later; you can check out our savory review here. Printer-friendly version
CALI COMFORT: A SPORTING STOP FOR HOME-COOKED MEALS AND DOWN-HOME COMFORT
Printer-friendly version By Leon Thompson, The East County Eater CALI-COMFORT RESTAURANT & SPORTS BAR 8910 Troy Street Spring Valley, CA 92077 (619)337-0670 http://www.calicomfortsd.com/ November 10, 2009 (Spring Valley) — If you’re looking for a place with mouth-watering, home-cooked meals in a comfortable ambience—not to mention the best barbecued ribs in town—stop by Cali Comfort Restaurant & Sports Bar in Spring Valley. I first sampled Cali Comfort’s fare at the Viejas BBQ Championships, where my companion and I both picked the same “utmost favorite” independently. Cali Comfort’s ribs were so tender, you could suck the meat off the bone. The sauce was flavorful, with just the right balance of spiciness. Team Captain Shawn Walchef was hospitable and his energetic young crew was having fun serving up crowd-pleasing fare. So when I learned that Cali-Comfort has a local restaurant, I couldn’t resist stopping by for lunch a few days later. The name comes from the vision of Shawn’s grandfather, Dr. Luben Walchef to offer “California comfort food”. The Walchef clan emigrated from Bulgaria and in the early 1980s, turned their cheery yellow home into a place where neighbors and friends in the community could enjoy wholesome family food with warm Southern California hospitality. Today, Shawn, his business partner Corey Robinson, and chef Tommy House today remain actively involved in the community, catering special occasions and sponsoring local kids’ sporting teams. Inside, the restaurant is spacious and spotless. The facility includes a patio with outdoor dining and, of course, a bar with sports memorabilia in addition to the dining areas. A customer at the sports bar, clearly a regular, welcomed my companion and I to Cali’s, where you can also enjoy watching games on wide-screen TVs or talking about sports with the knowledgeable staff—including Evan Wong, who works for the Aztec Athletics Department at San Diego State. The bar serves up domestic and imported draft beers, wine, and a variety of mixed drinks ranging from California Sunrises to a house specialty: the Cali Comfort Chocolate Martini. On this hot autumn day, I settled for a cold draft and the tri-tip sandwich, which came highly recommended. The meat was lean and succulent. My companion ordered the ribs, which I resampled and found every bit as pleasing as the ones I’d savored at Viejas. I came back on “Taco Tuesday” to have the blackened fish taco. I’m a real fan of fish tacos, and these are easily in the top three out of hundreds in San Diego County—the fish taco capitol of the world. Our editor savored the meat loaf with fresh vegetables, mashed potatoes and gravy. This dish defines what “comfort food” means. Other options on the menu include soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, South of the Border entrees, breakfasts, and house favorites including Cajun tilapia and a “Thanksgiving year-round” turkey entrée complete with cranberry sauce and all the trimming. At Cali’s, Happy Hour happens seven days a week from 4 to 7 p.m. with $5 appetizers and $2.50 beer and drinks. Check the website for specials – such as the recent NFL football pool, where a lucky winner could pick up a $50 house tab. Cali’s is definitely a good bet in my book. Printer-friendly version
READY TO GO SOLAR? “ONE BLOCK OFF THE GRID” RETURNS TO SAN DIEGO , PARTNERS WITH HELIOPOWER TO OFFER GROUP DISCOUNTS FOR HOMEOWNERS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery November 10, 2009 (San Diego) – One Block Off the Grid (1BOG), the nation’s largest solar buying collective, today announced launch of its second solar community buying campaign to help San Diego County homeowners and small business owners purchase solar energy at group discount rates of $5.29 per watt from now through February 12, 2010. “That’s the best price we’ve ever seen, by quite a bit,” Brad Burton, head of product and development for 1BOG, told East County Magazine. “We provide group discounts, typically about 15% off the marketplace, and we also streamline the process for large numbers of people who all go solar at the same time.” Those going solar now can also take advantage of a 30% federal tax credit plus a statewide rebate, sharply reducing payback time for their solar systems. Statewide solar rebates are finite funds that are rapidly diminishing," Burton said. "Therefore, the earlier homeowners apply, the greater financial benefit they will receive." A former cap on the federal credit was lifted last fall, making solar more attractive than ever. Previously, it took 10-15 years to earn back savings from investing in a solar system. Now, Burton reports, “We’re seeing payback periods as low as five to seven years.” Moreover, the Governor just signed into law a feed-in-tariff measure to allow property owners to sell excess solar energy produced, with profits going to property owners, not utility companies. While details remain to be resolved (such as whether those sales will be at wholesale or resale rates), the payback period for solar will become even less in the future. “Feed in tariffs are what has allowed Germany to be by far the most mature solar market in the world, because it makes the payback period significantly shorter,” Burton said. Started in San Francisco by a husband and wife team who organized friends and neighbors to negotiate group discounts on solar photovoltaic installations for their homes, the concept has spread nationwide. “They realized they had a powerful concept—if they group people together in a neighborhood, they would have power in numbers and could negotiate for discounts,” Burton recalled. 1BOG held its first San Diego-area campaign last year. “We had about 950 people sign up with us and about 85 of them ultimately purchased. That represented about 10% of all solar installs in San Diego for 2009.” 1BOG estimates it has saved San Diego homeowners 26% over standard market rates from July 1, 2009 to the present. Burton added, "1BOG deals exclusively wtih residential solar installations, however we take small businesses into consideration on a case by case basis. A typical 5 kilowatt system would cost about $26,500 under the program in San Diego. Financing is available, with payments typically less than what one saves on utility bills each month. Another option to make systems even more affordable is a lease program called SunRun. Under that program, however, SunRun owns the solar system and you purchase the power from them, with SunRun keeping profits from any excess power produced. (Read ECM’s article about an unemployed San Diego homeowner who is saving money on his utility bills in his first year of installation through the SunRun program, with only a $1,000 investment.) In addition to saving consumers money, 1BOG seeks to simplify the process and avoid the need for individuals to sit through hard-sells from multiple companies. 1BOG obtains competitive bids from the top companies in a region, seeking out the best competitive pricing as well as high quality products, a proven track record, and a viable business model to make sure the installation company will be around to service warranties provided. HelioPower won the bid to provide installation and service throughout the entire San Diego metro region (including backcountry areas in East County) this time. “We were thrilled to have been selected for the second time to serve the 1BOG San Diego Community,” said Scott Gordon, Vice president of residential sales for HelioPower. For details, see www.solarSanDiego.1BOG.org. For information on packages available and calculating cost of a solar system for your home , visit http://SolarSanDiegio.1bog.org/campaign-costs. The company will offer a free webinar on November 19 at 7 p.m. To sign up, visit http://SolarSanDiego.1bog.org/faqs-and-webinar/. Printer-friendly version
VIEJAS TREE LIGHTING AT S. CA’S LARGEST OUTDOOR ICE RINK FRIDAY NOV. 13
Printer-friendly version Viejas Outlet Center transforms into a winter wonderland complete with ice skating, holiday tree lighting & shows November 10, 2009 (Alpine)– Viejas Outlet Center officially kicks off the holiday season this Friday, November 13, with the opening of Southern California’s largest ice rink including skating show at 6 p.m., holiday tree lighting at 7:30. p.m., the return of the Legend of the Ice Princess performance, plus holiday savings at all retail stores. Viejas Outlet Center is home of the largest outdoor ice skating rink in Southern California again this holiday season. The rink, measuring 70’x140’, will be open to the public November 14 through January 3. For $12, skaters will enjoy 90 minutes of skating, which includes skate rental (military discounts available). The rink will be open from 5 – 10pm, Monday through Friday (November 16 – December 18), noon to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday (December 21 – January 1) and from noon to 10pm on Saturday and Sunday. The rink will also be open at 4p.m. on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Log onto www.viejasoutletcenter.com for updates and specific hours of operation. The beginning of the holiday season would not be complete without a holiday tree lighting, and this Friday, November 13, Viejas Outlet Center transforms into a winter wonderland to present what’s billed as the biggest holiday tree lighting in San Diego County. Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. in the Outlet Center Park area and will feature a live, choreographed ice show culminating with the lighting of the 87-foot holiday tree and a visit from Santa Claus. The night concludes with the first public performance of the Legend of the Ice Princess at 7:30 p.m. in the Show Court. All performances are free and open to the public. The holiday show tells the story of Crystal, a young fairy princess whose magical powers bring winter to the holiday season amidst amazing pyrotechnics, dancing fountains, lasers and incredible special effects. The Ice Princess performs nightly, November 14 through January 2 at 7:30 p.m. (weather permitting) and is free and open to the public. Effective November 13, the Viejas Outlet Center holiday hours are: • Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. • Friday& Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. • Sunday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday, November 27: 12:01 a.m. – 9 p.m. December 18 – January 3, 2010 • Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. • Sunday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Christmas Day: CLOSED New Years Eve: 10a.m. – 9 p.m. New Years Day: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Shopper’s Alert: Viejas Outlet Center opens on November 27 at midnight for Midnight Madness shopping, where shoppers will be able to get the first pick at some of America’s top name brands at discount prices. Later in November, Viejas will open its newest attraction, Viejas Bowl. Printer-friendly version
ECM’S HEALTHCARE REFORM BILL ANALYSIS : WHO WILL BE COVERED–AND HOW WLL IT IMPACT YOU?
Printer-friendly versionCOSTS, DIFFERENCES BETWEEN KEY REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC PLANS ALSO WEIGHED November 8, 2009 (Washington D.C.) –H.R. 3962, The Affordable Health Care for America Act approved Saturday by the House of Representatives is widely deemed the most significant social reform since the enactment of Social Security and Medicaid. The bill will next be considered by the Senate. While much media coverage has focused on a public option (i.e., giving qualifying consumers a choice between private healthcare and a government-run system) the bill in fact has many other provisions that, if enacted, will impact nearly everyone in America. Last-minute amendments, media spin (and in some cases, outright fibs) have many confused about what’s actually in the bill. How will it affect you, what will it cost, and how does the Democratic-backed bill passed by the House compare with alternatives proposed by Republicans? East County Magazine has consulted a wide variety of sources on the left and right as well as nonpartisan fact-checking outlets, government analysts, and major media outlets to provide you with as many answers as we could find. Near-Term Impacts for all Americans If enacted, the bill would prohibit all health insurance companies from denying coverage to anyone based on pre-existing conditions –starting next year. Since one third of young adults have no insurance currently, the bill would allow adult children to be covered under their parents’ policies up to age 27. Insurers would be banned from dropping people when they become ill and could no longer impose lifetime limits on coverage. Insurance companies would also have to justify proposed premium increases to regulators. You will no longer have to pay a co-pay for preventive care, enabling people to to obtain early diagnosis and treatment of serious illnesses. Women could no longer be charged higher premiums than men under the measure passed by the House. The bill also bans insurance companies from discriminating against women based on pre-existing conditions which some insurers have defined to include domestic violence, C-sections, and pregnancy. Pregnant women will not be able to obtain funds for abortions under the public option, however, except in cases of rape, incest, or when a mother’s life is in danger. The bill also moves toward closing the “doughnut hole” for prescription drug coverage under Medicare starting with discounts on prescription drugs immediately, closing the cap entirely over the next ten years. It also bans insurers from charging higher rates to women than men and bans discrimination against women for pre-existing conditions, which some insurers have defined to include domestic violence and pregnancy. The Washington Post offers in-depth details on many of the bill’s key features. You can also view a summary of the bill’s key points from the House Speaker’s office. Can you keep your private insurance–and can you qualify for the public option? If you have health insurance, you can keep your plan and your doctor. If you are presently uninsured and can’t get coverage, you will be able to join a temporary high-risk insurance pool, making it easier for you to obtain coverage under a private insurer or a public option. If you’re unemployed, you will be able to keep your COBRA benefits until the public lan and insurance exchanges start in 2013. The bill, if passed by the Senate and signed by the President, would establish a new public option insurance system starting in 2013. Who will pay—and what’s the cost to businesses and individuals? Currently less than half of all small businesses offer healthcare to employees. The House bill gives employers access to less costly group rates and provides a tax credit to help businesses that provide insurance to their employees. Businesses with payrolls over $500,000 will be required to either provide insurance for their workers, or pay a fine of up to 8% of payroll. However 86% of all businesses in the U.S. have payrolls under $500,000 and would be completely exempt from those requirements. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has staunchly opposed the measure, however. At it’s website, the Chamber states: "Friday’s news that unemployment has reached double digits for the first time in 26 years should have been a wake-up call for those considering job-stifling tax increases and employer mandates included in the House health care bill. Expanding coverage is an imperative; it is also imperative that the nation is moving on a credible and sustainable fiscal path." For the first time, individuals would be required to obtain insurance or pay a fine of up to 2.5% of their income. The bill also imposes a 5.4% income tax surcharge on individuals earning more than $500,000 and on households with incomes over $1 million a year. What if I can’t afford or don’t want to buy insurance? Claims by critics that people who can’t afford insurance would serve time in jail are false, according to www.MediaMatters.org, a fact-checking website. In fact, the bill imposes no criminal penalties for people who fail to buy health insurance. However those who willfully refuse to pay a tax imposed for not buying insurance could face civil or criminal penalties. States will be required to extend Medicaid coverage to more people. Low and moderate income individuals who still can’t afford coverage will be able to apply for federal subsidies through an insurance marketplace that would negotiate with private insurance companies to provide comprehensive policies as options to a government-run public option. How does the Democratic plan compare with alternatives proposed by Republicans? According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the Democratic bill would cost $1.06 trillion, far more than the $61 billion cost of the Republican proposal over the next decade. However, the Democratic proposal would actually reduce the deficit by $104 billion over the next decade, compared with just a $68 billion savings in the Republican bill. The Democratic bill would also cover more people – 96% of all Americans, according to the CB0. The Democratic plan would reduce the number of uninsured Americans from 46 million to 18 million (including
GIO HOSTS BENEFIT NOV. 14 FOR 6-YEAR-OLD CANCER PATIENT AIDAN INMAN; BABY SISTER MAY OFFER “MIRACLE” CURE
Printer-friendly version November 10, 2009 (La Mesa) – Six-year-old Aidan Inman was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma on July 15th. The next day, his baby sister, Madison, was born. “Madison’s birth offered Aidan a miracle in that her stem cells were harvested from her umbilical cord. Her cord cells may be needed at some point in his treatment,” Aidan’s mother, Jen Inman, wrote on a blog dedicated to her son. Fortunately, Aidan is responding well to treatment, which includes chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and a bone marrow transplant. But the family needs help to cover the high costs of saving Aidan’s life. So Gio Bistro & Wine Bar, owned by family friends, invites you to a benefit on November 14 at 6 p.m. The event will feature entertainment including live music, a silent auction, appetizers, and a raffle. Prior to becoming ill, Aidan was an active boy who enjoyed skateboarding, surfing, fishing, snowboarding, bike riding, football, and other sports. His parents, Ryan and Jen, are optimistic that Aidan will ultimately make a full recovery. “By this time next year,” his mother said, “we are looking forward to seeing Aidan off the home/hospital school program and entering second grade, his body free and clear of the disease forever.”’ Tickets cost $25 in advance, or $30 at the door. For ticket information and to RSVP, contact allforaidan@gmail.com or call (858)692-5766. Make checks payable to TVPHP and mention Aidan Inman; mail checks to Heidi Spicer, 4420 Pomona Ave., La Mesa, CA 91942. Gio Bistro & Wine Bar is located at 8384 La Mesa Blvd. in the La Mesa downtown village . For additional information on Aidan, visit http://www.caringbridge.or/visit/aidaninman/ or http://www.tvphp.org. Printer-friendly version
OVER $27 MILLION FOR WITCH CREEK FIRE SURVIVORS RECOVERED BY CA DEPT. OF INSURANCE
Printer-friendly version November 10, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner yesterday announced that the Department of Insurance (CDI) has recovered more than $27 million from insurance companies for consumers. The recoveries were made through the department’s complaint process in the aftermath of the devastating Witch Creek fire in San Diego County that killed two people, destroyed 1,650 structures and burned more than 197,000 acres in Oct. 2007. "I am pleased that the Department’s aggressive action on behalf of consumers has resulted in more than $27 million back in the pockets of wildfire survivors," said Commissioner Poizner. CDI was able to recover these funds for consumers that notified the Department of their problems and suspected unfair treatment by their insurer. CDI received 391 consumer complaints since late 2007. Of the 391 complaints received from consumers, 70 involved underinsurance allegations. CDI recovered more than $4 million for consumers who had complaints stemming from underinsurance issues. As a result of the 2007 wildfires, nearly 40,000 claims were filed. The 2007 fires caused $2.3 billion in losses.California has suffered through the most damaging consecutive wildfire seasons on record. Since 1932, when the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection started keeping records, six of the top 20 worst fires in state history in acres burned and structures destroyed occurred in 2007 and 2008, including last November’s Sayre fire in Los Angeles County that burned 11,262 acres and reduced 604 buildings to ashes. Those six fires combined killed 22 people, burned 3,734 structures and torched nearly 1 million acres. CDI has recovered more than $50 million for insured residents from the 2007 and 2008 wildfires. "I also want to remind wildfire survivors struggling with their insurance company who haven’t contacted the Department that we are here to help," continued Commissioner Poizner. "I urge anyone having difficulty with their insurance company to contact the CDI Consumer Hotline at 800-927-HELP." Printer-friendly version
TEA TIME! FRIENDS OF EAST COUNTY ART CELEBRATE 25TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY TEA
Printer-friendly version Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Chancellor is Guest Speaker November 10, 2009 (El Cajon, CA) . . . Friends of East County Arts, Inc., celebrating their 25th year of supporting the arts in East County, will present its Annual Holiday Tea at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, Thursday December 3rd from 1pm to 3pm. This year’s event promises participants an afternoon of delicious tea and sandwiches, entertainment, a Chinese auction and raffle prizes. Musical entertainment will be provided by Caprice Strings of La Mesa. The guest speaker will be Dr. Cindy L. Miles, Chancellor of the 29,000 student Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District. Dr. Miles assumed the position of Chancellor in March of this year following a four year stint at Hialeah Campus of Miami Dade College. Dr. Miles focuses on the issues and needs facing community college students and has spearheaded efforts to improve both student retention and academic success. Friends of East County Arts, Inc. is a philanthropic 501 c(3) organization of 100 members who volunteer time and energy to further the growth and development of audiences for the visual and live performing arts and to support the fine arts and artists in the Greater East San Diego County. The organization has contributed more than $500,000.00 to arts-based programs in the community. Seating will be limited. Tickets for the Holiday Tea are $30.00 per person. Contact: Bonnie Fredensborg at 619-442-6031 for tickets and additional information. Printer-friendly version
EDITORIAL: BILBRAY, HUNTER & ISSA NEED A SHOT OF REALITY
Printer-friendly version by Francine Busby November 9, 2009 (San Diego) –Mr. Bilbray and his Republican colleagues in Congress just don’t get it. They need a shot of reality before they render themselves completely obsolete. It’s way past time to stop the empty excuses, tired remedies and baseless accusations in regards to Healthcare reform. It’s time to work together for the health and well-being of our families, our economy and our national security. This is a very personal issue. In San Diego County, over 600,000, or 20.2% of people are uninsured and tens of thousands more are under-insured. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in Bilbray’s own Congressional district, 15.8%, or over 103,000 people are currently without health insurance. In fact, under Mr. Bilbray’s preferred proposal, NONE of those 103,000 will gain access to healthcare. What solace does Mr. Bilbray offer his constituents who have no hope of gaining access to insurance? Tone deaf remarks about illegals, tort reform and tax credits won’t get them in the door to see a doctor. Will he suggest that they can just go to the Emergency Room? Congressional Republicans offered a last-minute plan that estimates that by the year 2019, 83% of non-elderly legal U.S. residents will have access to health insurance—the very same number who are covered today! In other words, the Republican “alternative” will do NOTHING to increase coverage of the uninsured. Conversely, under the plan currently proposed by Congress, the CBO estimates that by 2019, 96% of non elderly legal residents will be covered. According to the CBO, the Affordable Health Care For Americans Act of 2009 will be paid for by the provisions in the bill. Where was all this outrage and concern about cost and the rising budget deficit when the Republican Congress rammed through The Medicare Prescription Drug Act of 2003 in the middle of the night? With no provisions to pay for it and a sweet deal that prohibited negotiations to reduce the cost of prescription drugs, this program that was rubber stamped by the Republican Congress ballooned to $724 billion by the time it was implemented in January 2006. Contrary to Mr. Bilbray’s and Republican protestations, the Affordable Health Care For Americans Act of 2009 states clearly that residents in the country illegally are NOT eligible to participate in the program. In other words, no taxpayer funds will be used to provide health insurance to those present illegally, PERIOD! It’s time to stop the obstruction and get serious about healthcare reform. San Diegans deserve better. Our businesses are being stifled by the astronomical costs of providing health care to their workers. Small businesses are making the difficult decision to stop providing coverage for their employees, or face the prospect of going bankrupt. Families are one illness away from catastrophic consequences. The health plan passed by Congress this past weekend is far from perfect, but it is a monumental first step towards fixing the ills currently plaguing health care in America. It’s time for our Representatives to get in step with the American people. Francine Busby is a candidate for Congress in the 50th District in San Diego County. The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. If you wish to submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org. Printer-friendly version
DONATIONS, HOME WANTED FOR HUSKY HIT BY CAR
Printer-friendly version November 9, 2009 (El Cajon) The El Cajon Animal Center for Education and Services(ACES) Foundaton seeks help to replenish its "Chloe Fund", which pays for surgery on injured animals. In addition, ACES hopes to find a permanent or foster home for Hank, a husky struck by a car. The dog has undergone $4,500 in surgery for injuries including two fractures in his front leg. Hank was adopted recently to a home, but escaped and was hit by a car. The owner decided to relinquish him back to the El Cajon Animal Shelter rather than pay for the costly repairs. The dog was among four huskies picked up in La Mesa running free a few weeks ago. He is around six months old, neutered, and very friendly, according to ACES. The Chloe Fund is named for a cocker spaniel who was turned over to the El Cajon Animal Shelter in 2006 by her owners because she was severely injured and they could not afford to care for her. Dr. Jennifer Sipes, the shelter vet, examined Chloe and determined that she probably had a damaged anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This condition requires expensive surgery. Her injury was so severe she was determined not to be adoptable in her current condition. The Animal Medical Center of East County confirmed that she had injured her ACL and that surgery was needed. Although the Animal Medical Center gave us the lowest cost estimate they could for the surgery, the Shelter still couldn’t provide the funds. El Cajon Animal Shelter medical funds only pay for routine medical procedures. If more is needed, it has to come from donations, so ACES paid for her surgery. Chloe was the first Shelter animal to benefit from ACES fundraising efforts. Chloe recovered from the surgery and was soon adopted by Delora Knudson. ACES established the CHLOE MEDICAL EMERGENCY FUND to help other animals in need of extraordinary medical care. Checks, credit cards or cash may be mailed to: El Cajon ACES P.O. Box 1036 El Cajon, CA 92022 If you have any questions at all you may reach me: Lynn Endicott Silver Creek Fine Art Gallery & Custom Framing 120 East Main Street El Cajon, CA 92020 619 447-3535 Printer-friendly version