FREE BUS & TROLLEY RIDES AFTER 9 PM NEW YEAR’S EVE; SOME LINES TO RUN ALL NIGHT
Printer-friendly version December 30, 2009 (San Diego) — Need a ride after New Year’s revelry? On December 31st, all bus and trolley routes in San Diego County will be free after 9 p.m. This free service is made available through a partnership with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. Buses will run their normal time table (some end before midnight, some end just after) except for routes 7, 11 and the 901, which will operate all night. The Trolley will run all night as well. The timetables for the all-nighter routes are available online at: http://www.sdmts.com/Marketing/NewYearsService2010.asp. Printer-friendly version
DUI ARRESTS UP; NEW YEAR’S EVE CHECKPOINT & PATROLS ANNOUNCED
Printer-friendly version December 30, 2009 (San Diego) – Sheriff Bill Gore announced that a holiday crackdown on drinking in the first 13 days of the “AVOID” campaign (Dec. 16-29) has resulted in 605 individuals into custody for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, up from last year’s 363 DUI (driving under the influence) bookings during the first weekend of the winter holiday. Law enforcement officials will be conducting more anti-DUI efforts in the following communities: Local DUI Saturation Patrols will be deployed on New Year’s Eve in San Marcos, Escondido, Vista, Poway, Santee, Lemon Grove, Imperial Beach, Oceanside, National City, Chula Vista, Encinitas and La Mesa. A DUI Checkpoint is planned New Years Eve in San Diego. All CHP Areas throughout the state will have increased staffing during the New Year weekend. Avoid programs, named for the number of police agencies in each county, also concentrate on the Memorial Day and Independence Day weekends as well as the 18-Day August/Labor Day period. DUI Statistics show that the year end holiday period is among the deadliest season of the year, law enforcement agencies throughout the county will be making every effort to arrest drunk drivers before another life is lost. “Over the limit, under arrest” policies are in effect all around the state. Authorities warn that if you choose to drink and drive this holiday season, expect to spend the night behind bars. Your local police, Sheriff and the CHP encourage all motorists to help make your community safer by reporting drunk drivers – Call 9-1-1.If you plan to drink, authorities urge that you bring a designated driver or arrange alternative transportation, including free bus and trolley service after 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Printer-friendly version
POWERLINK OPPONENTS ACCUSE SDG&E OF EXCLUDING OPPONENTS FROM POWERLINK COUNCILS
Printer-friendly version December 30, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – SDG&E has named 110 people to serve on community councils to make recommendations on how areas should deal with disruptions caused by Sunrise Powerlink, the $1.88 billion high voltage power line project that the utility company wants to build. But many of the project’s most vocal opponents were not invited to participate—and are accusing SDG&E of stacking the deck in its favor. “Of course I wasn’t invited!” Denis Trafecanty, who led efforts to keep Powerlink out of the Anza-Borrego Desert, told East County Magazine in an e-mail. “It’s obviously a stacked deck,” he added. SDG&E spokesperson Jennifer Briscoe, in a December 31st phonecall, said Trafecanty was not invited because he lives in Santa Ysabel, not one of the communities along the line’s final route. Supervisor Dianne Jacob (photo, right), who represents East County and has been an outspoken opponent of Powerlink, told the Union-Tribune that she was not invited to participate on the councils. An SDG&E spokesperson told council attendees that Jacob was invited and could not attend, the Union-Tribune reported on December 21. "We did ask County officials to attend, but we did not specifically ask any elected County officials to serve on any of the community boards," Briscoe clarified. “I’m concerned that SDG&E may not be telling their hand-picked folks on the councils the truth about the adverse impacts on these communities,” Jacob said. “Why aren’t the meetings open to the public so anyone in the community can attend?” Jacob has announced plans to host a meeting at the Alpine Community Center at 6 p.m. on January 14 so all community members can hear from County officials about impacts of Powerlink construction. Those include two years of disruption along Alpine Boulevard to construct massive underground vaults, as well as the impacts on groundwater since SDG&E will need millions of gallons of water for the project’s construction along the Southern Route. Laura and Milt Cyphert are co-founders of the East County Community Action Coalition, which represents 79,000 members and is dedicated to defeating the Powerlink project. “I was not invited or even informed about them until after the meetings were held,” Laura Cyphert told ECM when asked about the councils. “I also heard that there were more SDG&E participants than community members, and that the invited guests included contractors who stand to benefit financially from the project if it is built.” Briscoe said she was unsure why the Cypherts were not invited. One Powerlink opponent who was invited is Donna Tisdale, chair of the Boulevard Planning Group (photo, left). But she was unable to attend. “So far SDG&E has refused to answer my questions about who attended the Nov 3 Boulevard meeting, what the results were, and the date of the next meeting,” she said. SDG&E has slated or conducted meetings in Alpine, Boulevard, Campo, El Centro, Jacumba, Lakeside and Scripps Ranch. Briscoe said she will send ECM a list of Council members and a schedule of upcoming meetings, which she said are open to the public and press. Asked how members were chosen, she replied, "SDG&E identified representatives either for or against…It wasn’t a factor that would keep them from being on the council at all. We wanted clear, two-way open dialogue including civic and environmental groups, government agencies, planning groups and businesses for a broad community cross-section." The project faces several legal challenges. The Utility Consumers Action Network (UCAN) has asked the California Supreme Court to overturn the Public Utility Commission’s approval, arguing that the original Environmental Impact Report on the northern route did not address serious environmental impacts in East County including fire dangers and water usage. A coalition of East County activists are challenging approval by the federal Bureau of Land Management. In addition, Jacob has told ECM that the County may consider legal action as well. In addition, Cleveland National Forest Supervisor William Metz has not yet approved construction of the Powerlink through federal forest lands. Metz could reject or approve the project, or opt to require additional environmental review. Printer-friendly version
VICTIM OF BARONA SHOOTING NAMED
Printer-friendly version December 30, 2009 (Lakeside) – The County Coroner’s office has identified Raymundo Casillas, 43, Executive Director of the Barona Gaming Commission, as the victim who was shot and killed in his office yesterday. The gunman, Donnell Roberts, a former employee, killed himself after fatally wounding Casillas. “This is a very difficult time for the Barona family and our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of this unimaginable tragedy,” a press release issued today by the Barona Gaming Commission stated, adding that the Commission is “saddened” by the loss. “While there are no words to describe how horrible this incident was, we want to express our deep gratitude to the Barona Security Department, the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, the California Highway Patrol, Barona Tribal Enforcement and the Barona Fire Department for their quick response. “ Grief counseling is being provided to staff through Barona’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. Casillas, a resident of La Mesa, had been the Executive Director of the Gaming Commission since December 2008. His responsibilities were to oversee the departments that ensure the casino is in compliance with federal, state and tribal laws, including the Federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and the tribal-state compact. His wife and children reside in Arizona, where he previously held a similar position. Donnell Roberts resigned from his position as a compliance officer for the Gaming Commission in November. (Note: Barona has issued a statement correcting an earlier press release, which incorrectly stated that Roberts was fired.) Prior to joining the Gaming Commission, he was a security guard at the Barona Resort & Casino. A suicide note was reportedly found by authorities at his home in El Cajon. An 18-year Marine Corps veteran, Roberts served in the Persian Gulf. According to an interview that the San Diego Union-Tribune conducted with his former wife, Maria Small in Wisconsin, Roberts’ father, a police officer, committed suicide when Roberts was ten years old and living in Maryland. Small, who has custody of the couple’s 12-year-old daughter, said Roberts was filled with rage and was sometimes violent with her. “He was always angry,” Small said. “It was more of a sadness. He was never happy with anything — never.” She said Roberts has six other children with other mothers and that he declared bankruptcy in 2003 in part due to problems making child support payments. When she spoke with him last on Christmas Day, he reportedly told her he had lost his job but had “something in the works.” She also disclosed an eerily preminiscent warning of Roberts’ violent tendencies, recalling that he once slashed the car tires of a former security company boss who had fired him. “He said he wanted to kill him,” Small recalled. Printer-friendly version
NAUGHTY NEWSMAKERS: EAST COUNTY’S TOP 10 IN 2009
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery, Editor December 27, 2009 – We’ve made our list and checked it twice, finding out who’s been naughty or nice. Below is our list of “naughty newsmakers” who made headlines for antics that were seamy, steamy, or just plain unseemly. Some of these folks from San Diego’s eastern region accomplished good deeds in their careers before finding themselves in hot water, making one wonder: just what were they thinking? For those who made this year’s “naughty” list—from Tiger Woods’ mistress to ethically challenged politicians to a dethroned beauty queen–we couldn’t resist also offering some good-spirited advice for New Year’s resolutions. We know that there are many more “nice” newsmakers than naughty ones, so we invite you to submit your nominations for East County newsmakers deserving of praise for their positive actions to benefit our community or our world. For details on how to submit nominations for “nice” newsmakers, click here. We will publish their stories in a future issue – and hope others will be inspired by such good examples. For now, scroll down to see our list of 2009 “Naughty Newsmakers” – and how they might reform their ways in 2010. Carrie Prejean, dethroned beauty queen – She won the Miss California USA pageant while attending San Diego Christian College in El Cajon. Prejean was stripped of her crown after topless photos were published online, though she insisted her dethronement was due to her support of Christian family values and comments opposing gay marriage. Prejean sued pageant officials—but dropped her lawsuit faster than her swimsuit top when a racy video surfaced that she admitted she’d “sex-texted” to her boy friend. If Prejean wants to champion moral values and undo her over-exposure in the media, we suggest she start by investing in some modest Christian undergarments: http://www.modestapparelchristianclothinglydiaofpurpledressescustomsewing.com/bloomers.htm Stephen L. Weber, president, San Diego State University – He’s the Grinch who stole a college education from many deserving local students. Weber, blaming state budget cuts, announced that SDSU is eliminating guaranteed admission for local students even though they meet California state university requirements. In East County, thousands of war refugees have boosted the number of people seeking low-cost education, but community colleges are straining at the seams. Cutting off affordable local education opportunities for good students in need puts Weber on our “naughty list” for 2009. We hope he resolves to change his mind and restore local student admission guarantees admissions in 2010. Assemblyman Joel Anderson – Anderson (R-Alpine) accepted funds laundered through Republican Central Committees in excess of legal campaign contribution limits, including hefty donations from Hamann Construction family members, Sycuan and Barona Indian bands, and Sempra Energy/SDG&E. Caught with his hand in the proverbial cookie jar, he refunded $100,000 and paid a $20,000 fine levied by the Fair Political Practices Commission. Anderson blamed his lapses on complex campaign finance laws. But as a seasoned former fundraiser for Senator Dennis Hollingsworth and past county co-chair of the Bush-Cheney presidential campaign, Anderson should have known better. For 2010, we propose he resolve to read campaign finance laws–or hire an accountant who will. Jeff Schemmel, SDSDU’s ex-athletic director – He used state funds to fly his mistress along on a trip to Alabama. But when her hubby filed for divorce and subpoenaed public records, the athletic director’s unsporting actions were revealed. He resigned in disagrace–but not before negotiating a settlement that included payment to Schemmel of $116,059 and $20,000 forgiveness of a home loan –making taxpayers the big losers. We hope Schemmel finds his conscience and resolves to return those funds to our cash-strapped public university. SDG&E – The utility and its parent company, Sempra Energy, threatened to sue victims of wildfires that were started by SDG&E’s powerlines. Sempra also threatened to shut off power to backcountry communities during times of high fire danger. The company pushed the Public Utilities Commission to approve Powerlink without bothering to notify planners or fire officials in Lakeside, who have since voiced concern that Powerlink would impede firefighting efforts in the very area where the Cedar Fire began. Now SDG&E is pushing to commence construction even before the Cleveland National Forest’s director’s deadline to decide whether Powerlink can be run through the l forest—a vital step for the line to be completed. Sempra should resolve to have its leaders take an anti-bullying course. Councilwoman Marti Emerald – The former TV Troubleshooter found herself in trouble with the City Ethics Commission for late reporting of bonuses paid to her campaign consultant and fundraiser. Now she could face fines totaling $10,000 for the omissions. Emerald should resolve to pick up some personal planner software–with automatic reminders of important deadlines before her next election campaign. Jeffrey Edward Nelson – It took a jury just three hours to convict Nelson of kidnapping, beating and torturing a 76-year-old La Mesa woman, whom he held in a car trunk for 26 hours. The elderly victim was saved by a Sheriff’s deputy who pulled over Nelson and two accomplices on a traffic violation. Nelson will be sentenced in February. The former door-to-door vacuum cleaner salesman should resolve to spend his years behind bars regretting his dirty deeds. Jamie Grubbs – A cocktail waitress and graduate of Escondido High School, Grubbs told US Weekly magazine that she carried on a torrid 31-month affair with golfing Lothario Tiger Woods, who is married and has young children. She claims to have X-rated text messages and photos as proof. Let’s hope she resolves to spare Tiger’s family more embarrassment–and finds a single guy to fill her narcissistic need for attention. Santee Councilman Brian Jones – Jones cast the deciding vote in a 3-2 approval of a controversial cable ski park at Santee Lakes. He failed to recuse himself and forgot to inform residents that he took $1,500 in donations from the developer and the director of Padre Dam, the two principal backers of the project, during Jones’ failed run for Congress. Jones’ New
“NICE” NEWSMAKERS OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS SOUGHT
Printer-friendly version Which East County residents have been good citizens in 2009, striving to make our commuity or our world a better place? Please send us your nomination –along wih a one-paragraph description of why you believe your nominee is deserving of praise. We’re looking for nominees in all categories –including education, business and labor, politics, philanthropy, healthcare, environment, community organizing, humanitarian efforts, heroism, and any other categories you wish to suggest. We will publish winners in an upcoming issue of East County Magazine. If you have a photo of your proposed honoree, please send it, preferably as an attached .jpeg file of less than half a megabyte. Deadline for entries is Tuesday, January 6th. Editor’s note: For our newsmakers of the year, we’re seeking names of East County community members who achieved positive and newsworthy accomplishments in 2009. In other words, people who have been nice. Scoundrels who made news in negative ways had their antics featured in a separate “Naughty Newsmakers” story. (Check our list–and if you think we missed any noteworthy scoundrels, feel free to post your comments with links in the “comments” section.) We know there are many more people doing good deeds – so we’re asking your help to find them! Questions, comments, and nominations should be sent to editor@eastcountymagazine.org. Printer-friendly version