LOCAL AUTHOR’S FANTASY NOVEL “ICE SONG” RECEIVES CRITICAL PRAISE
Printer-friendly version GENDER-BENDER BOOK RATED “BEST OF 2009” BY BARNES & NOBLE, SCHOOL LIBRARY SCHOOL JOURNAL, AND ROBOTS AND VAMPS San Diego, CA January 8, 2010 – San Diego author Kirsten Imani Kasai’s debut novel ICE SONG, about a uniquely gifted single mother’s quest to rescue her abducted children, has been lauded as one of the best books of the year. Selected from a pool of more than 600 titles, the School Library Journal listed ICE SONG as one of six fiction picks for Best Adult Books for High School Students 2009. Francisca Goldsmith, Chair, Adult Books for High School Students Committee, says, “The themes of identity, difference, and personal integration are woven into a fantasy recounted with the quiet, and sometimes disturbing, sense of the dream world.” www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6708196.html Barnes & Noble book reviewer Paul Goat Allen included ICE SONG on his list of The Best Science Fiction/ Fantasy Novels of 2009, calling it “a deeply lyrical and sublimely haunting narrative powers this intriguing fusion of science fiction, fantasy and subtle social commentary.” Highlighted as an “Unabashedly Bookish” featured selection in August 2009, Allen wrote, “Those looking for a powerful and provocative female voice in their fantasy reading fare should definitely pick up this stellar debut, which is set largely in the frozen wastelands of the Sigue. The story revolves around protagonist Sorykah Minuit, a rare human ‘Trader’ who can switch sexual genders at will. After Sorykah’s twin infants are abducted by a reclusive madman who wants to use them for nightmarish scientific experiments, she sets off on a desperate quest to find her children and avenge them—and inadvertently begins a breathtaking journey of self-discovery.” http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/t5/Unabashedly-Bookish/The-Best-Science-Fiction-Fantasy-Novels-of-2009/ba-p/428273 Sci-fi, pop culture and book blog Robots and Vamps says, “Ice Song is probably the most underrated novel of the year. If the author would have been Ursula K. Le Guin instead of Kirsten Imani Kasai, then it is my opinion this novel could have garnered awards and received much acclaim. It is that good. [Kasai’s] imagination is astonishing but is balanced by well crafted plot that will have you thinking about this story for years to come.” http://robotsandvamps.com/?p=8158 The book has won praise from other reviewers, including: Locus Magazine "Hard to put down…an unstoppable force [that] ends with a bang." Agony Column "Ice Song is a gorgeously immersive novel, with lots of great details that give it a prickly, real-life feel even though the settings and critters are determinedly surreal." Booklist "A boldly adventurous tale depicting a richly detailed world." Philadelphia Gay News "A near-perfect combination of fantasy, great storytelling and social commentary." Kasai’s lyrical dark fiction, erotic horror and poetry have appeared in a variety of magazines and anthologies. TATTOO, the sequel to ICE SONG, will be published by Del Rey in 2011. She’s currently writing a third novel about Sorykah’s family. Kasai resides in San Diego, CA with her husband and children. Kasai will be a guest speaker/panelist at the San Diego Southern California Writer’s Conference, Feb. 12-15, 2010 and ConDor, the San Diego Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention, Feb. 26-28, 2010. Printer-friendly version
DINER KILLED WHEN CAR STRIKES RESTAURANT IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version January 3, 2010 (El Cajon) — At about 8:45 this morning, a vehicle driven by a 74-year-old El Cajon resident struck a Carl’s Jr. Restaurant located at 520 N. Second St. The vehicle went through the building, striking and killing a patron who was seated in a restaurant booth. The victim was a 66-year-old male who was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses described the victim as a regular patron of the restaurant. He was a resident of Spring Valley, according to the County Coroner’s office, which has not released the name yet pending notification of kin. The driver was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries. El Cajon Police Department is investigating the collision, which is still in its preliminary stages. According to witnesses, the driver came from a nearby bank ATM machine when he apparently drove through the parking lot and into the restaurant. There were no immediate indications that drugs or alcohol were involved, however investigators will examine all factors and evidence before determining the final cause of the accident. Printer-friendly version
YEAR IN REVIEW: TOP PHOTOS & STORIES FROM 2009 (1ST QUARTER)
Printer-friendly version January 3, 2010 (San Diego’s East County)–What were the stories that captivated our interest and attention in the past year? Stories that were newsworthy, tugged at our heartstrings, impacted our lives, or fired up indignation in San Diego’s eastern regions? Which images most indelibly reflect the changing times in East County–or captured key moments in time? We’ve compiled our most compelling stories and images from 2009, starting with the first quarter (January through March): JANUARY They’ve got Hope Photo credit: Miriam Raftery The inauguration of President Barack Obama, our nation’s first African-American president, elicited cheers and tears of joy among audience members watching the historic occasion on TV at the Malcolm X Library in East San Diego. Border closure Photo credit: Karl Hoffman Construction of the border fence has cut down on illegal immigration, but not without costs. Since construction of the border fence began, thousands have died crossing, including many children. The wall has also separated families. Photographer Karl Hoffman has captured many moving images of life on the U.S.-Mexican border, including this haunting photo of a father and child peering longingly into America from the Mexican side of the border. Multi-cultural celebration Photo credit: Leon Thompson La Mesa’s Multi-Cultural Festival, where these dancers from Ballet Folklorico performed, showcased a range of entertainment reflecting East County’s increasingly multi-ethnic, multi-cultural diversity. Fighter jet crash Photo credit: Miriam Raftery A fighter jet crash near Miramar Marine Corps Air Station killed a family and sent up toxic smoke, prompting closure of a freeway exit and new questions about safety of the region. The crash was among several dozen regional emergencies in 2009 for which East County Magazine issued emergency alerts via e-mail including wildfires, freeway closures, police SWAT team actions, flash flood warnings and a tsunami. (Sign up for the free Viejas wildfire and emergency alerts at the top of our homepage.) Saldaña sworn in as Assembly Speaker Pro Tem Photo credit: State Assembly As Speaker Pro Tem of the Assembly, San Diego Assemblywoman Lori Saldaña became one of the most powerful women in the State Legislature. Retiring next year due to term limits, she has announced plans to run for County Supervisor against incumbent Ron Roberts. FEBRUARY Powerlink protests Photo credit: Jody Morgan Without doubt, SDG&E’s proposed Sunrise Powerlink high voltage line emerged as the hottest issue in East County in 2009. Cedar Fire survivor Jody Morgan was mortified to learn that portions of his land in Lakeside’s El Monte Valley could be taken by SDG&E for construction of Sunrise Powerlink. He created this computer-generated image to show the visual impact of Powerlink, which he calls a “crime against nature.” The California Public Utilities Commission rejected a norther route through Anza Borrego, but approved the project’s southern route through East County. Now several lawsuits aim to halt it in court, arguing that the State’s environmental impact link failed to assess severe fire dangers, water usage and other impacts of the southern route. The East County Community Action Coalition, a local citizens’ formed to battle Powerlink, now claims to represent more than 79,000 members. Sex education? Superintendent grills Helix officials on misconduct Photo credit: Miriam Raftery Grossmont Union High School District Superintendent Bob Collins grilled Helix Charter High School officials on mishandling of sexual misconduct cases at a February hearing after four teachers were convicted of sexual relations with students—giving new meaning to the term “sex education.” By July, facing threatened revocation of its charter, Helix agreed to implement reforms. Wind farm stirs controversy Photo credit: Basin and Ranch Watch This construction project shows the scale of massive wind turbines proposed for East County’s McCain Valley area near Boulevard. In a probing three-part series, ECM’s Gayle Early interviewed rural residents and revealed compelling information on potential impacts of wind farms in East County, earning a San Diego Press Club award for her efforts. Closure of Friendship Park Photo credit: Gayle Early Girls slip through border fence behind the backs of U.S. Border Patrol agents stationed at a rally protesting closure of Friendship Park, a gathering place for families opened by former first lady Pat Nixon on the U.S.-Mexican border in 1971. Many East County residents turned out to join the protest, where Rev. John Fanestil was arrested for offering communion to families at the border fence. Amber Alert Photo credit: courtesy of the Dubois family Our hearts were moved by images of Amber Dubois, an Escondido teen who disappeared on her way to school in February 2009 and has never been found. Her story made national headlines, as her family continues the search, holding out hope that Amber will someday be found. Whistleblower’s Fiery accusations Photo credit: Miriam Raftery Insurance investigator-turned whistleblower Ed Clark, in exclusive interviews with East County Magazine, accused SDG&E of covering up dangerous conditions on its lines which he believes caused three fires for which the utility has not yet been blamed: the Witch, Paradise and Guejito wildfires. SDG&E maintains Clark is not credible (though he has represented SDG&E as an expert witness in the past) and the PUC opted not to intervene. But two electrical experts confirmed Clark’s contentions that the lines remain dangerous—and one termed the utility’s failure to fix the problem “negligent.” Our editor scrambled up a poison oak-covered slope to photograph this pole where Clark believes the 2003 Paradise Fire began–and evidence he presented to bolster his claim. Hollingsworth named Senate Minority Leader Photo credit: California Legislature Senator Dennis Hollingsworth, who represents East County, became the Senate’s most powerful Republican when he was sworn in as Senate Minority Leader. A staunch conservative who has held the line against all new taxes, Hollingsworth replaced a minority leader who had been ousted for breaking the Republican stronghold by voting
YEAR IN REVIEW: TOP STORIES & PHOTOS FROM 2009 (SECOND QUARTER)
Printer-friendly version Part two of our four-part Year in Review APRIL SDG&E shut-off plan sparks outrage Photo credit: La Mesa Fire San Diego Gas & Electric proposed to lessen fire danger (and its own liability) by shutting off power to backcountry communities on hot, windy days. The plan sparked praise from some but outrage from many shocked residents. Foes argued that people without power would lose access to emergency news, face traffic jams evacuating without signals, lose ability to pump well water for fighting fires, and be imperiled if relying on medical equipment such as ventilators. Following massive public outcry including testimony from concerned fire officials, educators and water district representatives, the PUC nixed SDG&E’s shut-off plans, for now. U.S. declares swine flu emergency Photo credit: Centers for Disease Control San Diego was the first U.S. community stricken with swine flu (since renamed H1N1 influenza by the U.S. CDC) after the disease caused a wave of deaths in Mexico. By year’s end, 778 people had been hospitalized from the pandemic in San Diego County and 55 had died. A mammoth project Photo credit: Miriam Raftery Artist Richard Breceda’s life-sized mastodon is among a collection of new sculptures depicting prehistoric creatures that once roamed our region. His works can be seen rising from the desert floor outside Borrego Springs. Congressmen spar on issues Photo credit: Bob Filner’s office Freshman Congressman Duncan D. Hunter (R-Alpine) took his seat in Congress—and promptly faced scrappy opposition from Bob Filner (D-Chula Vista). Filner donned boxing gloves at one of several Chamber of Commerce events, where the two representatives sparred verbally over issues ranging from the economy to global warming. MAY Stimulus funds bring "green jobs" to San Diego County Photo credit: Miriam Raftery San Diego is poised to become a leader in green jobs, Green for All’s national director said on a visit here in May. By November 1st, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act had created 1,290 jobs in our region, most focused on transitioning America to a green economy. In December, the County received additional stimulus funds for energy projects. In addition, key area nonprofits are poised to receive millions more dollars to create green jobs of tomorrow. Waterboarded in East County Photo credit: Miriam Raftery Kristin Kjaero (photo) led efforts to ask Helix Water District to rescind a hefty rate hike on homeowners, alleging that the Board violated state sunshine laws requiring public notice and input. In a joint investigative report with Channel 10 News, East County Magazine obtained records proving that 68 letters from citizens were not shown to the Board before it voted and that other questionable practices occurred. As a result, the Board rescinded the rate hike and later adopted a more moderate increase—with ample public input. Labor victory on school construction projects Photo credit: Miriam Raftery San Diego School Board voted to keep 10,000 jobs local, requiring contractors to provide healthcare for workers on Proposition S construction projects. “We cannot survive as a city if 75% of our children are coming out of families living in poverty,” said Board president Sheila Jackson. “This is saying that our city is not going to live in poverty.” Circus thrills and chills Photo credit: Marisa Kezirian Motorcycle tightrope performers from the Carson & Barnes circus dazzled the crowd—along with elephants, acrobats and other circus actswhen the circus pitched a big-top tent in East County. This first-ever event was organized by the Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce. New life after the fires Photo credit: Miriam Raftery Five years after the Cedar Fire, signs of recovery abound at Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary in Lakeside. New species never seen before in the area have appeared and other long-dormant plants have germinated. In this photo, caretaker Phil Lambert examines signs of new life on a charred oak tree. JUNE Tolerance vigil in Lemon Grove Photo credit: Miriam Raftery After a gay rights activist was assaulted during East County’s first equality torch relay in Lemon Grove, supporters staged an even larger demonstration to promote tolerance, equality, and an end to violence. Honoring our past at Western Heritage Days Photo credit: Kyle Serzan Historical re-enactors bring Buffalo Soldiers to life at Western Heritage Days, sponsored by the Olaf Wieghorst Museum in El Cajon. The African-American unit made famous during the Civil War was last stationed in Campo, where Buffalo Soldiers helped protect the border during World War II, until the military dissolved cavalry units in 1944. Governor calls for state park closures Photo credit: Ernie Cowan Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s threat to close state parks, including Anza-Borrego and Rancho Cuyamaca State Parks in East County, drew overwhelming opposition from our readers. In the end, while parks ‘ hours became more limited, no local parks were closed permanently. In this photo from his book, Anza-Borrego: a Photographic Journey, Cowen captures the majestic beauty of the desert preserve. Accused killer trained at Minuteman camp in East County Photo credit: Campo Minutemen Shawna Forde, leader of Minutemen America Defense(MAD), was arrested with two men and charged with double homicide in a home invasion that resulted in deaths of a nine-year-old girl and her father. East County Magazine revealed that Forde visited Camp Vigilance, a high-desert training camp operated by Minuteman Civil Defense near Boulevard in San Diego’s East County in 2008. A second suspected arrested also has ties to Minutemen Civil Defense Corps (MCDC), which operates a Minutemen training facility in East County, ECM reported. Kids learn Indian skills Photo credit: Miriam Raftery Following the opening of a new Native American museum in Warner Springs, Girl Scouts got hands-on experience grinding acorns–albeit with a mechanical grinder, not the grindstones used by our region’s original inhabitants. It’s all
YEAR IN REVIEW: TOP STORIES & PHOTOS FROM 2009 (THIRD QUARTER)
Printer-friendly version Part three in our four-part Year in Review JULY Term Limits for Supervisors Photo credit: Leon Thompson County workers launched a drive in July to put an initiative on the June 2010 ballot requiring term limits for County Supervisors, some of whom have been in office for more than two decades, including East County’s Supervisor Dianne Jacob (photo). By year’s end, the measure qualified with ample signatures to let voters decide whether Supervisors should be limited to eight-year terms. Heroic rescue Photo credit: City of El Cajon Bystanders rescued an 84-year-old man from this vehicle. The driver had struck a fire hydrant and became trapped with his head underwater beneath the flow. The good samaritans flipped the vehicle onto its side, enabling the man to breathe. El Cajon and La Mesa fire and rescue personnel later used jaws of life to free the man, who was taken to a nearby hospital and treated for trauma. Pearl Harbor veterans honored Photo credit: Miriam Raftery Veterans of the attack on Pearl Harbor were honored as grand marshals in La Mesa’s Flag Day Parade, an annual tradition that was nearly canceled due to budget cuts until citizens raised money to save their parade. AUGUST Final honors for Agent Rosas Photo credit: Deborah Craig The funeral of slain Border Patrol Agent Robert Rosas graphically brought home the impact of border violence in our region. A teen boy was recently convicted of the murder near Campo, which triggered an increase in federal resources to boost border security. Healthcare reform rallies Photo credit: Billionaires for Wealthcare San Diego The national healthcare reform debate spurred millions of Americans to take to the streets. Local residents rallied for and against measures being considered in Congress. In San Diego, a street theater group called Billionaires for Wealthcare turned up at Congresswoman Susan Davis’ office, staging a counter-counter protest to mock those rallying against to healthcare reform. On Christmas Eve, the U.S. Senate passed a healthcare reform bill that was significantly watered down from a stronger House version. Next up: a conference committee will decide on a compromise measure, to be sent back to both houses of Congress for a final vote early this year. Go, grannies, go! Photo credit: Splash What could be more endearing than a team of octogenarians winning four national gold medals? Why, winning a fifth one – as the Splash basketball team , which includes players from East County, accomplished at the National Senior Games this year. Meg Whitman visits East County Photo credit: Joel Ryerson It’s not often that a gubernatorial candidate makes a public appearance in East County. In August, Republican Meg Whitman spoke at Cuyamaca College. The former E-Bay CEO pledged to run California like a business and create jobs. She called for more cuts in state spending, also pledging to strive for “excellence in education.” But some educators questioned how she could achieve both goals, since deep budget cuts for education have left many districts and colleges straining at the seams—including Cuyamaca College, where enrollment is up to 10,000 students but the school is only getting state funding for 7,000. (photo: Whitman, right, with Chancellor Cindy Miles, left.) We’ll drink to this: Ramona winemaker wins awards Photo credit: Leon Thompson East County winemaking is coming of age. Johnny Schwaesdall of Schwaesdall Winery picked up two gold medals in Temecula’s wine competition—putting Ramona squarely on the map as an up-and-coming winemaking region. All That Jazz Photo credit: Takayuki Higuchi Grossmont College music instructor Chris Klich has performed around the world during his 26-year career, including many of the top performance venues for jazz. In an exclusive interview with ECM Takayuki Higuchi, he recalled highlights of his career and shared insights into the East County music scene. SEPTEMBER Sheriff rolls out sonic weapon Photo credit: Mike Russell, Liberty One Radio This was our shot seen round the world! After Mike Russell sent us this snapshot of a sonic weapon spotted at a healthcare rally outside Congressman Susan Davis’ office, ECM launched an investigative report. We revealed that these devices had been brought out to other local events—and that the Poway manufacturer was willing to sell sonic weapons to lifeguards and radio stations. Our report prompted an international outcry, comments worldwide and 25,000 hits to our story—resulting in the Sheriff announcing he had disabled the sonic weapons feature. Sheriff candidates trade shots Photo credit: Leon Thompson Sheriff Bill Gore squared off against challengers Jim Duffy, Bruce Ruff and Jay LaSuer in a rough-and-tumble debate over who will be our next top lawman in the County. East County editor Miriam Raftery co-moderated the debate in El Cajon along with radio talk-show host Rick Amato. A tempest at a T.E.A. party photo credit: Leon Thompson 2009 saw the rise of “Taxed Enough Already” parties hosted by conservatives opposed to Obama administration policies, including this demonstration at the Civic Center ampitheater in downtown El Cajon. A School board learns a lesson Photo credit: Gayle Early Hundreds of irate parents and citizens turned out to chastise the La Mesa Spring Valley School Board for censoring a live speech by President Obama for schoolchildren. “If you were students in my class, you would not pass,” one teacher informed the Board. Public outrage ultimately prompted apologies from three Board members, including Rick Winet, shown in this photo. Viejas holds a block party Photo credit: Leon Thompson Festivals and street fairs are among the most enjoyable attractions in East County, including a new major event added this year—the Viejas Block Party. Entertainment ranged from rock and roll concerts courtesy of Magic 92.5 radio to a group of graffiti artists who transformed a blank wall into a vibrant piece of art.
YEAR IN REVIEW: TOP STORIES & PHOTOS FROM 2009 (FOURTH QUARTER)
Printer-friendly version Part four in our four-part Year in Review (fourth quarter 2009) OCTOBER Poverty Rising in East County Photo credit: Gayle Early New census data released in October revealed that poverty in San Diego County has shot up 50% in the past year. In El Cajon, 40% of the population is economically challenged—and many faced foreclosures in 2009. This file photo, though taken at a food bank in late 2008, illustrates another aspect of the economic downturn—hunger that has risen even more in the past year. Not for the birds: Cable Ski Park is approved in Santee Photo credit: Miriam Raftery Santee’s Council approved a cable-ski park for Santee Lakes by a 3-2 vote in October, over strenuous objections from many area residents concerned over noise, traffic, alcohol, and impacts of towering motorized cables on birds and other wildlife. Marching to a different drummer Photo credit: Leon Thompson Only in sunny San Diego would Halloween parade traditions include mermaids, cheerleaders, and SDSU’s homecoming king and queen marching in the Boo! Parade, a college-area event since the 1930s. Students protest SDSU admission changes Photo credit: Pat Washington Local students staged massive protests after San Diego State University’s president announced elimination of guaranteed admission for local students who meet California State University requirements, citing budget cuts as the reason for the unpopular action. The move prompted a hearing chaired by Assemblyman Marty Block, who has proposed allowing community colleges to offer some four-year degrees to make higher education more accessible for local students. Block also wants to build a new CSU campus in Chula Vista. Dark Skies in the Desert Photo credit: Dennis Mammana Thanks to the leadership of night sky photographer Dennis Mammana, Borrego Springs became the second city in the world to receive the International Dark Skies designation. The community has taken steps to protects its premier stargazing by restricting night lighting. This breath-taking image shows a rare Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) visible in the Anza-Borrego Desert. Schools Going Green Photo credit: Scripps Ranch High School Students at Scripps Ranch High School will soon be learning about sustainable technology careers in the greenest educational facility in San Diego County. A model of the school’s planned Green Technology Complex (photo) was unveiled October 16 at a “Growing Green Careers” forum at Cuyamaca College, also a leader in green careers training. Later in the year, San Diego County received millions in federal stimulus funds for green job training and sustainable energy projects. Arts Renaissance in La Mesa Photo credit: Takayuki Higuchi Opening of Bella Mesa Gallery and O’Dunn Fine Arts are part of an arts renaissance in La Mesa’s downtown village. At Bella Mesa, nationally acclaimed artists’ works are displayed—including Sean Didiker’s portrait of President George Washington crafted from folded dollar bills. The artist recently landed a commission from the Obama campaign to create a portrait of President Barack Obama, drawing the attention of national art critics to La Mesa. Voices against hate Photo credit: Miriam Raftery A hate crimes summit in East County drew attention to racially and ethnically motivated violence—bringing together law enforcement, faith-based leaders, victims and concerned citizens to seek solutions. Denise Brown (photo), whose son was brutally beaten in a hate-motivated incident in Deerhorn Valley, was among the panelists who courageously spoke out, calling for increased prosecution of hate crimes–and encouraging victims and witnesses to come forward. Fire agencies consolidate Photo credit: City of El Cajon Three East County Cities – La Mesa, Lemon Grove and El Cajon – signed a joint powers agreement for shared firefighting services to better protect our region.This agreement created a shared management team to coordinate fire and emergency medical services, firefighter training, fire prevention, emergency planning, and community preparedness. NOVEMBER Refugee hopes Photo credit: Miriam Raftery Somali refugees in Lemon Grove are among 300 to 400 refugee families each month being settled in East County by the federal government. In October, a refugee summit convened at Cuyamaca College revealed how the growing number of refugees are straining local resources—and sought to find solutions for helping refugees from Iraq, Burma, East Africa and other war-torn regions start new lives in our region. Everyday heroes Photo credit: Steve Russo Lakeside Fire Department rescues two people trapped in this vehicle rollover, all just part of a day’s job for rescue workers and emergency service providers in East County. Truck hits planes: Photo credit: William Thorn Planes normally crash into vehicles on the ground—not the other way around. But when a driver lost consciousness in El Cajon, his pickup crashed through a fence at Gillespie Field and destroyed two airplanes. Ready to roll Photo credit: Leon Thompson These giant boulders form a natural cathedral at Sacred Rocks Reserve in Boulevard, where ambitious owners have built California’s largest labyrinth, hosted a writer’s retreat and Thanksgiving campover, and next aspaire to create a resident artists’ colony in East County. Saving Mother Goose Photo credit: Miriam Raftery Ahoy! When budget cuts put El Cajon’s Mother Goose parade on the chopping block, the Mayor called in Johnny Depp look-alike Sam “Cap’n Jack” Sparrow to commandeer a city council meeting and pull together a crew to save the cherished tradition. East County’s own pirate captain staged a fundraiser starring celebrity look-alikes and coaxed corporations to pitch in, saving the famed holiday parade. DECEMBER Clinching the CIF Title Photo credit: Chris Mohr Oceanside Pirates relish their victory over the Helix Highlanders, capturing their sixth straight CIF title for San Diego County after dousing the Scotties’ championship dreams overboard. Block’s bright idea Photo credit: Miriam Raftery With University of California tuitions jacked