TRIAL RAISES ISSUES OF HUMANITARIAN AID TO BORDER CROSSERS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery December 14, 2009 (San Diego) – In Tucson, Arizona on December 4, a federal judge ordered a theology student to reconsider his refusal to accept community service as a sentence for leaving water jugs for migrants crossing the border in an area where hundreds of border crossers have died in the past year alone. Walt Staton was convicted of littering by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. He plans to appeal his conviction. But the judge warned, if Staton refuses to accept his sentence(which included community service, a year of supervised probation and a one year ban on entering the federal wildlife refuge where he left water jugs), he could be fined $100,000 and spend up to a year in prison, the Arizona Daily Wildcat reported. The decision has sparked international outrage from some and praise from others. It has also has drawn attention to the United States’ failure to reduce border deaths resulting from the border wall and heightened border enforcement in urban areas—tactics which have led migrants to attempt crossing the border in more treacherous mountain and desert locations including San Diego County. Last week, San Diego’s Coroner last week identified remains of two Mexican migrant men who died near Dulzura, the latest of hundreds of border crossers who perished in East County in recent years. “This is an invitation to the courts. Stand for human rights,” said Staton, a California graduate student in theology, as dozens of protesters supporting his stance on humanitarian aid stood outside the court. But U.S. Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Guerin informed Staton, “You are disregarding the jury’s findings and the court’s order,” the Santa Cruz Valley Sun reported. Mexico’s human rights agency alleges that some 350 to 500 people a year die crossing the border – up dramatically since the U.S. implemented Operation Gatekeeper, although apprehensions of people crossing the border illegally have declined. U.S. policies of pushing migrants into unsafe areas lead directly to “at least one death every day of a migrant crossing the border,” concluded an October 21 report by the American Civil Liberties Union titled Humanitarian Crisis: Migrant Deaths at the U.S.-Mexico Border. The Mexican agency, known by its Spanish acronym CNDH, recommends that the U.S. and Mexico make reducing border deaths a priority, including setting up a joint 911-type missing persons system, shifting border patrol resources to search and rescue, and allowing humanitarian aid groups to do relief work in border area, according to a Washington Post article on September 30, 2009 titled “Border Deaths Are Increasing.” Staton is a member of No More Deaths, a group that supports humanitarian aid along the border. Border Angels, a similar organization based in San Diego, also provides humanitarian aid for migrants, including leaving water jugs in harsh desert terrain. Founder Enrique Morones reacted with shock and outrage to news that Staton may face prison time. “It is outrageous,” Morones told East County Magazine. “Why don’t they sentence Joe Arpaio (a controversial Sheriff in Arizona) for his racist human rights violations. Why don’t they sentence the vigilante racist Minutemen that have killed nine-year-old girls like Brisienda Flores?” he added, referencing a case of two Arizona Minutemen leaders charged with the killing. “ Why don’t they sentence Duncan Hunter for Operation Gatekeeper, that has murdered 10,000 people?” Hunter, who represents the 52nd Congressional District that includes most of East County, was a vocal proponent of the border wall and tightened border security policies. (The Department of Homeland Security reports 4,111 border deaths since 1998, but those do not count deaths reported first to other agencies, so the real death toll is likely substantially higher. ) Others believe Staton deserves punishment for aiding illegal immigrants. “I, along with a few other volunteers, spend 300 hours per month removing litter/sign from public lands,” said Dan Russell, who has spent time along borders in East County as well as Arizona. “During the past 40 months, we have removed over 42,000 poudns of litter/sign from public lands…Much of this litter/sign is being discarded by illegal aliens crossing into our Country,” he added. Russell said he does nor support filling jails with those providing water for migrants, but does support community service for Staton. Some take a harsher view. “Illegals know there is a good chance there will be water left by stupid Americans and so they commit [sic] suicide, on a hope and a prayer,” wrote Cheryl Burns in an e-mail sent to East County Magazine via a local Minutemen discussion group. “Illegals are coming and forcing their culture on Americans,” she said, also faulting migrants for committing crimes ranging from littering to assault. A probation violation hearing for Staton has been scheduled for December 21. Printer-friendly version
FIRES MAR HOLIDAY SEASON FOR FAMILIES IN DESCANSO, LAKESIDE, VALLEY CENTER & LA MESA
Printer-friendly version December 14, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Residential fires have caused major damage to homes in Descanso, Lakeside, Valley Center and La Mesa this month. The latest blaze occurred this morning at 4:17 a.m. in a condominium complex at 9320 Earl Street #25 in La Mesa, where fire crews arrived in less than five minutes and ran hose lines inside through thick, dark smoke down to the floor. Firefighters used a thermal imaging camera to locate the fire in the kitchen. Firefighters extinguished the blaze in 13 minutes, containing burned damage to the kitchen and dining room, however significant smoke and heat damage occurred throughout the residence. Firefighters also cut a hole through the roof to provide ventilation of the smoke and check to make sure the fire had not spread into the attic. Sparks from a fireplace ignited carpet in a Descanso home, where smoke detectors were non-working. Four minor children and an adult were displaced and received assistance from the Red Cross. CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire Authority responded to the blaze at 5:35 a.m. on December 9, controlling the fire within half an hour. The family suffered a $120,000 loss, though $180,00 worth of property was saved by firefighters’ efforts. “We remind homeowners to obey the three-foot rule around their fireplaces and have a fire screen. Keep all flammables out of that area, especially when we come into the winter months,” CAL FIRE public information officer Mike Mohler said, adding that residents should also check smoke detectors for proper operation and replace batteries regularly. In Lakeside, a fire that started at a Jacuzzi spread into a home at 13347 Lakeshore Drive on December 10th. Heartland Communications Center dispatched five companies from the Lakeside and Santee Fire Agencies, as well as an ALS ambulance and battalion chief. In Valley Center, a two car detached garage with living quarters inside suffered $300,000 in damage on December 1st. When Firefighters arrived the structure was fully involved. Two patients were transported to Palomar Hospital with mild smoke inhalation and burns. Two dogs and a cat were killed in the fire.. Printer-friendly version
MAN PUNCHED AND KICKED IN LA MESA ROBBERY
Printer-friendly version December 14, 2009 (La Mesa) – On December 13th around 2:18 a.m., a man leaving a friend’s home at 8025 Valley View Circle in La Mesa was assaulted while getting into his vehicle . Three black male suspects approached him, armed with a crowbar and a stick. One suspect began punching and kicking the victim while demanding his property and stole his wallet, according to the La Mesa Police. All three suspects fled the scene in a dark 1994 or 1995 Ford Thunderbird. See detailed descriptions below. The suspect vehicle was last seen traveling westbound on High Street. The victim was not hit with the stick or the crowbar, but he received a one inch laceration to his forehead from the suspect who punched him. The victim declined medical treatment. The suspects have not been located and are not known to the victim. All three suspects are described as black males 20-21 years of age, 5’7”, weighing 170 pounds. One of the suspects had black short hair and a right eyebrow with three lines shaved into it. He was wearing a black All-Star letterman’s jacket and blue jeans. A second suspect wore a red hooded jacket and blue jeans. The third suspect wore a purple T-shirt and blue jeans. Anyone with information about this robbery should contact the La Mesa Police Department at (619) 667-1400. You may also call Crime Stoppers’ anonymous toll-free tip line (888) 580-TIPS (or www.sdcrimestoppers.com). You can remain anonymous, and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in this case. Printer-friendly version
THIRD ANNUAL HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT SERIES FOR TROLLEY RIDERS STARTS DEC. 14
Printer-friendly version Councilman Anthony Young Spearheads 13 Mini-Concerts at select Orange Line Trolley Stations in December and January December 14, 2009 (San Diego)–The Orange Line’s third annual Holiday Entertainment Series starts today at the 62nd Street/Encanto Trolley Station. Rodney Hutsona, a jazz vocalist will kick off the series which will feature performers from the Southeast San Diego area. The holiday music tradition is spearheaded by San Diego Councilman and MTS Board Member Anthony Young, with support from the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation, Coca-Cola, and MTS. This is Councilman Young’s third year to offer the holiday music series. “I hope this music will make this holiday season more enjoyable for the community. “ Councilman Young said. “Last year the music put a lot of smiles on the faces of many bus and trolley riders as they arrived to go to work or when they returned home.” Funding from Councilman Young was made possible through the City of San Diego’s Commission for Arts and Culture. “The music is a holiday treat for riders and will make their morning or afternoon commute that more enjoyable,” said MTS CEO Paul Jablonski. The schedule alternates between morning and afternoon performances at either the Euclid Avenue and 62nd Street Trolley Stations: PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE Mon. Dec. 14 Rodney Hutsona, jazz vocalist, 6:30– 8:30 a.m. , 62nd St. Station Lincoln String Ensemble 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Euclid Avenue Station Wed. Dec. 16 Deborah Terrell, gospel artist 6:30 –8:30 a.m., Euclid Ave. Station 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., 62nd St. Station Tues., Dec. 22, Reggie Smith’s Pressed 4 Time, Jazz Saxophone 6:30–8:30 a.m., Euclid Ave. Station 4:30-6:30 p.m. 62nd St. Station Thurs. Dec. 24, Lanee Battle, jazz vocalist, 6:30 – 8:30 a.m., Euclid Ave. Station Mon. Dec. 28, Lanee Battle, jazz vocalist, 6:30-8:30 a.m., 62nd St.. Station Prince Habib, jazz vocalist, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Euclid Ave. Station Wed., Dec. 30, Prince Habib, jazz vocalist, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Euclid Ave. Station Mon. Jan. 4, TBA, 6:30–8:30 a.m., 62nd St. Station The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System transports millions of San Diegans every year with over 95 bus routes and 53 miles of rail. For further information on fares, routes, and schedules, or to plan a trip, visit www.sdmts.com or contact 511. Printer-friendly version
Full List of Projects That Have Been Announced in San Diego County
Printer-friendly version State Cong. Dist. Location* Agency* Program* Project Discription Additional Information Sponsor/Recipient Estimated Recovery Act Funds Allocated Recovery Act Funds Obligated California 49 SAN FAA Facilities and Equipment Fuel Storage – Tank @ GNAS Power Systems CNS Communications $115,000 $94,414 California 49 SAN FAA Facilities and Equipment Fuel Storage – Tank @ GNAS Power Systems CNS Communications $115,000 $94,414 California 49 SANDIEGO FHWA Highway This is a New Construction Roadway project by the California Department of Transportation. The project is described as: CONSTRUCT 4-LANE HIGHWAY Pavement Widening California Department of Transportation $109,245,664 $109,245,664 California 49 Vista EPA Brownfields Assessment City of Vista $400,000 $400,000 California 50 SANDIEGO FHWA Highway This is a Pavement Reconstruction, Added Capacity project by the California Department of Transportation. The project is described as: In Chula Vista, from north of H Street to north of Route 54; als Pavement Improvement California Department of Transportation $12,543,450 $12,543,450 California 51 CRQ FAA Facilities and Equipment UIS-Remove & Replace HVAC at unmanned Nav Facilities Navigation and Landing PARSONS $22,500 $22,500 California 51 San Diego GSA Federal Buildings CA, Otay Mesa U.S. Land Port of Entry Land Ports of Entry $21,296,000 $16,018,050 California 51 San Diego GSA Federal Buildings CA, Otay Mesa U.S. Land Port of Entry Building Operations $290,221 California 51 SANDIEGO FHWA Highway This is a New Construction Roadway project by the California Department of Transportation. The project is described as: From I-805 to Otay Mesa Port of Entry Pavement Widening California Department of Transportation $78,336,000 $78,336,000 California 52 San Diego/El Cajon – SEE FAA Airport Grants Rehabilitate Taxiway County of San Diego $1,915,621 $1,915,621 California 52 SEE FAA Facilities and Equipment UIS-Remove & Replace HVAC at unmanned Nav Facilities Navigation and Landing PARSONS $7,500 $7,500 California 53 San Diego GSA Federal Buildings CA, San Diego Edward J. Schwartz Federal Office Building & Courthouse Green Buildings – Limited Scope $5,423,892 California 53 San Diego GSA Federal Buildings CA, San Diego Edward J. Schwartz Federal Office Building & Courthouse Building Operations California 53 San Diego Amtrak Capital Grants SAN DIEGO STATION (CA) SAN DIEGO STATION (CA) $2,525,000 California 53 SANDIEGO FHWA Highway This is a Transit project by the San Diego Association of Governments. The project is described as: Pedestrian/disabled user facility improvements. Transportation Enhancements California Department of Transportation $4,002,427 $4,002,427 California 53 San Diego – SAN FAA Airport Grants Install Guidance Signs San Diego County Regional Airport Authority $4,875,537 $4,875,537 California 53 Corps Operations and Maintenance SAN DIEGO RIVER ND MISSION BAY, CA $10,500,000 $2,677,549 California STATEWIDE FHWA On-the-Job Training STATEWIDE , ASIAN BUSINESS COMMUNITY DEVEL PROG Other $73,217 $73,217 California SANDIEGO FTA Fixed Guideway Rehab/Renovate Trolley Sta/Tracks SAN DIEGO ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS $2,010,984 $2,010984 California SANDIEGO FTA Transit Capital Transit Ctr; Electrif, Track & Bridge SAN DIEGO ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS $70,059,569 $70,059,569 California San Diego Maritime Admin. Small Shipyard Grants first year of training program $410,874 $410,874 Printer-friendly version
NEARLY $250 MILLION IN STIMULUS FUNDS ALLOCATED FOR TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE IN SAN DIEGO REGION
Printer-friendly versionCongressman Filner provides update on funds with breakdown by Congressional districts By Miriam Raftery December 12, 2009 (San Diego) – More than $250 million has been allocated for the San Diego region through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for transportation and infrastructure projects, according to figures released yesterday by Congressman Bob Filner (D-San Diego). Filner is a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which recently held a hearing titled The Recovery Act: Progress Report for Transportation Infrastructure Investment.” On February 17, 2009, the Recovery Act was signed into law. The Recovery Act provided $48.1 billion of transportation investment for programs within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, including: $27.5 billion for highways and bridges; $8.4 billion for transit; $9.3 billion for passenger rail; $1.5 billion for competitive surface transportation grants; $1.3 billion for aviation; and $100 million for small shipyard grants. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee established strict reporting requirements for states and local transportation agencies and has held regular hearings to measure States’ progress. “The construction industry in San Diego County has been particularly hard-hit by the recession. It is critical that Congress ensure CALTRANS and local governments act quickly to spend federal stimulus funds and create jobs in San Diego County,” stated Congressman Filner. “On the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, we have been keeping track of every dollar that has been allocated, holding states and local government accountable.” Funding allocated ranged from less than $2 million in Duncan Hunter’s 52nd Congressional district to a high of over $110 million in Darrell Issa’s 49th district. Filner’s 53rd district was allocated over $26 million, while $22 million has been allocated to Susan Davis in the 51st district and more than $12 million to Brian Bilbray’s 50th district. In addition, several area-wide projects have been allocated approximately $73 million including renovations of trolley tracks, stations, and a transit center. To view the full list of projects that have been announced in San Diego County to date, click here. The Committee has also published a complete list of all announced projects on-line at: www.transportation.house.gov. Based on the data reported by States to date, the 7,886 highway and transit projects that are underway nation-wide have created or sustained more than 210,000 direct, on-project jobs. Direct job creation from highway and transit projects has resulted in payroll expenditures exceeding $1.1 billion. Using this data, the Committee calculates that $179 million in unemployment checks have been avoided as a result of this direct job creation. “Equally important as direct, on-project jobs, are indirect and induced jobs in the supply chain that have resulted from Recovery Act investments,” Filner stated. Indirect jobs include jobs at companies that produce construction materials such as steel, sand, gravel, cement, and asphalt, or manufacture equipment such as new transit buses. Total employment from these 7,886 highway and transit projects, which includes direct, indirect, and induced jobs, reaches nearly 630,000. Printer-friendly version
HELP THE HOMELESS IN SAN DIEGO: HOLIDAY CATALOG, AUCTION, & A PARTY FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN
Printer-friendly version Dear Readers, December 14, 2009 (San Diego) — Did you know that 200 homeless people a year die on the streets of San Diego? That’s what a counselor who works with the homeless told me at our holiday party last night. Children account for 39% of all homeless people nationally—and families are the fastest growing segment. This holiday season, as most people are opening gifts and enjoying warm meals, nearly 10,000 homeless men, women and children are living on the streets or in their cars, enduring bitter cold, hunger, and hopelessness. Many have lost their jobs and homes in this difficult economy. Fortunately, there are some things that each of us can do to help this holiday season. San Diego Rescue Mission has published an online holiday catalog where you can buy gifts that can change lives. Choose from home cooked meals, peaceful nights of shelter, fresh towels, new socks, and more to give to someone in need this season. Then send an E-card to your loved one saying the gift was given in their name. A gift of $30 will buy a pair of children’s shoes. A hygiene pack costs just $15. For $43.50, you can sponsor meals for 25 people, or give a week of safe shelter for $112.84. Another facility helping the homeless, St. Vincent de Paul Village in San Diego, holds online auctions of items to benefit the homeless. Current listings include vehicles, electric scooters, furnishings and electronics items. San Diego Coalition for the Homeless will host "Holiday Magic for Kids" on December 19th at 1 p.m. in downtown San Diego’s Golden Hall. Volunteers, donations of food and gifts are needed to brighten the holidays for homeless children and children in low-income families. For details and a detailed needs list, see http://sdhomeless.org/News%20Flash/news/holiday-magic-for-kids. Randy Jones, Legendary Padres Pitcher is honorary chair of the event, which will include clowns, mariachis, Valhalla Choir, Sheriff’s mascot McGruff, the San Diego Friar and more. Donations may be made online via Paypal or to: San Diego Coalition for the Homeless 270 East Douglas Avenue, El Cajon, CA 92020 North County partner to drop off Donations: Cornerstone Church 13617 Midland Road, Poway, CA 92064 858-748-2327 www.cornerstonepoway.com 9am – 1pm Mon thru Fri If any readers know of any East County organizations where people can donate or volunteer to help the homeless this holiday season or year-round, please post comments below. Thanks for helping to brighten the holidays for our homeless neighbors in need. Miriam Raftery Editor Printer-friendly version
HUNTER ASKS “WHERE ARE THE JOBS?” AND OUTLINES 2010 PRIORITIES
Printer-friendly version December 14, 2009 (Washington) – In a newsletter to his constituents, Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine) issued criticism of the Obama administration fiscal policies and called for changes to provide tax relief for Americans and help small businesses boost job creation. “As 2009 comes to a close, we are all preparing and building hope for the future while still keeping in mind our shared experiences and lessons learned over the last year,” Hunter stated, noting that the economic decline has impacted millions of Americans. “Unemployment figures nationwide, including San Diego County, remain at double digits as federal debt levels, perpetuated by an unwise tax and spend agenda in Washington, continue to grow,” Hunter continued. “Americans are growing weary of financial bailouts, job summits, so-called stimulus packages and other questionable initiatives that offer no real prospect for economic recovery. For all the action taken so far, as well as talk of a second stimulus package in the not too distant future, I join a strong majority of Americans in asking, “Where are the jobs?” San Diego has been allocated more than $250 million in federal stimulus funds (a quarter of a billion dollars) thus far. However less than $2 million of those funds have gone to the 52nd Congressional district represented by Congressman Hunter, the newest member of San Diego’s Congressional delegation. The largest share (over $110 million) went to fellow Republican Darrell Issa’s district, followed by Democrat Susan Davis ($26 million), Democrat Bob Filner ($22 million) and Republican Brian Bilbray ( $12 million). For a detailed breakdown, see http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/2413. Hunter plans to make jobs a key focus in 2010. A job fair that he hosted in East County in September was a “tremendous success” said Hunter, who added that he plans to host additional job fairs and community forums in the future. Watch for news of these upcoming events in East County Magazine or through the Congressman’s website. “The reality is that small business, not government, is the real engine of economic recovery,” said Hunter. “These are the entities that can create and keep jobs in our communities and therefore should be the focus of any recovery effort moving forward.” He faults the majority in Congress and the Administration for directing attention to healthcare reform (which Hunter terms a “job-threatening government takeover of healthcare”). He also criticizes energy tax policies that he says “fail to encourage substantive job growth.” (The Obama administration contends its policies are designed to encourage growth in green jobs, i.e. shifting the economy toward sustainable energy policies while diminishing fossil fuel usage and greenhouse gas emissions. Hunter supports alternatives centered on tax and regulatory relief for businesses and households, He outlined policies he plans to work to advance, though as a member of the minority party in Congress, he faces an uphill battle. Hunter’s goals include providing a 5% across-the-board income tax cut, permanently reducing the rate on capital gains and dividends, and allowing small businesses to tax a tax deduction equal to 20% of their income. He called for maintaining secret ballot protection in the workplace and making it harder for businesses to be sued for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance issues. In addition, he wants to repeal the alternative minimum tax, make unemployment benefits tax free, increase the child tax credit to $5,000, increase the tax deduction for student loans and qualified higher education expenses, and permanently repeal the federal estate tax. Hunter did not specify what programs he would cut to offset the lost revenues should such measures win passage, nor how reducing federal tax revenues might increase the federal deficit. “These initiatives represent just some of the steps we can take to help stabilize our economy and get businesses hiring again,” he concluded. “I have also cosponsored other pieces of legislation in Congress that are focused on tax and regulatory relief for businesses and working Americans, including the Workforce Investment Protection Act, which will be introduced in the coming days. A Republican-prepared summary of this legislation can be viewed here. Printer-friendly version
STAPLES ROBBED IN LA MESA; THEIF MAY BE SERIAL ROBBER
Printer-friendly version On December 13, 2009, at about 5:43 PM, a lone suspect robbed the clerk at the Staples store at 8805 Murray Drive, La Mesa. The suspect selected a display item, and waited in line. Once at the register, he simulated a handgun and threatened the clerk, demanding cash. The clerk complied and gave the suspect an unknown amount of cash. The suspect then fled on foot. No one was injured during the robbery, which La Mesa Police believe may be related to a series of robberies in the area. The suspect is described as a black male adult, 6’2”, 180 pounds, with a build. He was wearing a dark baseball cap with unknown writing on it and “round” sunglasses. He wore a long tan jacket, duster style, blue jeans, and tan work boots. The suspect had a deep voice and appeared very nervous during the incident. The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is urged to call La Mesa Police Department at (619) 667-1400. Printer-friendly version