EL CAJON MAN KILLED IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT IN ALPINE
Printer-friendly version January 16, 2010 (Alpine) – Virgil Frank Garrett of El Cajon has been identified by the County Coroner’s office as the victim who died in a January 9th accident in Alpine. Today would have been his 50th birthday. According to authorities, Garrett was the driver and sole occupant of a motorcycle traveling eastbound on Alpine Boulevard west of Willows Road when for unknown reasons, he crossed the center divider and collided with an oncoming vehicle. Despite an aggressive resuscitative effort by emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene. California Highway Patrol is investigating the accident. Printer-friendly version
EDITORIAL: CALIFORNIA’S NEXT GOVERNOR: JERRY BROWN
Printer-friendly version By Bonnie Burns Price, PhD January 16, 2010 (San Diego’s East County)–California will soon have another opportunity to elect a governor. Because of the epic challenges facing the state, all citizens need to consider the candidates carefully. As one who has given California’s challenges a great deal of thought, I am convinced that Jerry Brown, California’s current attorney general, past mayor of Oakland, and past governor, is the most able candidate to deal with them. What are these epic challenges? Here are just a few: The infrastructure of the state is crumbling and inadequate to the needs of California’s population, now estimated to be over 38 million. From aqueducts, dams, and levees to highways and public buildings, expansion, reconstruction, and maintenance are needed. Unemployment exceeds 12%. That’s more than the national average of 10%. One of the reasons for the high unemployment rate is the inadequacy of the infrastructure. For example, farming counties in the Central Valley have had rates of 38% to 42% because farmers could not plant crops for lack of water supplies; deficient infrastructure to deliver water is part of the problem. The state government has demonstrated its incapacity to cope with state problems by failing to deal with a structural deficit for more than a decade. Voter initiatives earmarking funds for specialized programs have complicated efforts to budget according to a well-structured plan. A new approach to budgeting and governing the state is imperative. The preparedness of the next generation to rejuvenate California is questionable. Figures released recently by the United States Department of Education, through the National Assessment of Educational Progress for the 50 states, revealed this: Among eight graders, nation-wide, California students ranked 48th in reading and 49th in mathematics. Most community colleges have expanded basic skills courses more than ever before because so many entering students cannot read, write, or do mathematics at the college level. Prisons are filled with school dropouts, but more is spent to keep a person in state prison for a year ($46,000) than is spent per student, K-12 ($8,594). To fund prisons, education funding has been cut. Yet leading Republican candidates have proposed even deeper tax cuts. What kind of governor does California need to meet these challenges and others that threaten the future prosperity of this, the eighth largest economy in the world? California needs a governor who will focus the attention of all Californians on the resolution of these epic challenges rather than the distractions of political division. California needs an experienced leader who has a record of grappling with public issues through multiple governmental positions and systems. California needs a governor whose intellectual capacity, personal integrity, and dedication to the public good are equal to the challenges requiring attention. In short, California needs Jerry Brown as its next governor. Bonnie Burns Price, Ph.D. is a Democratic activist in La Mesa. The opinions in this editorial reflect those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org. Printer-friendly version
EDITORIAL: MIKE CULLY SAYS “CALIFORNIA NEEDS A LEADER LIKE MEG WHITMAN”
Printer-friendly version By Mike Cully January 16, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) — It’s the beginning of a new year and California’s economic hardships haven’t changed. We face a 12 percent unemployment rate – one of the highest in the country – and a $20 billion deficit. Overtaxed and overregulated, companies are closing their doors and moving to neighboring states with lower costs to do business, and discouraged workers are leaving town in order to make a living. I am concerned about the future of California. That’s why I am supporting Meg Whitman to be California’s Republican nominee for governor. Meg is the only candidate with well-rounded experience and a bold vision to lead our state during these challenging times. Her business experience spans 30 years, including positions at Procter & Gamble, Hasbro and Disney. When she joined eBay as CEO in 1998, the company was a 30-person start-up with a little over $4 million in revenue. Just ten years later, when Meg stepped down, eBay was a global e-commerce leader with 15,000 employees and nearly $8 billion in revenue. Meg understands that for California’s economy to recover we must foster growth among the state’s small businesses. After all, small businesses make up a major part of the economy in communities across the state. As governor, Meg will cut taxes and reduce regulations to give small businesses greater incentive to expand and hire more workers. And she’s pledged to make certain California is competitive with other states by streamlining regulations and modifying workplace rules. Meg is determined to make a difference and she knows more about spurring job creation and running complex budgets and organizations than any other candidate in this race. California needs a seasoned leader like Meg Whitman who can get us out of our economic mess and restore discipline in Sacramento. Mike Cully is the President and CEO of the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce. Prior to this, Cully was the President and CEO of the Visalia Chamber of Commerce. The opinions in this editorial reflect the views of its author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org. Printer-friendly version
CHALLENGE CENTER, LA MESA RECEIVES $11,000 DONATION FROM LOCAL DOCTOR
Printer-friendly version January 16, 2010 (La Mesa) – Roy Springer, MD, a doctor with Center for Family Health in La Mesa, has presented an $11,000 check to the challenge Center, a nonprofit fitness club in La Mesa dedicated to helping people with disabilities achieve independence. “This give will provide a lot of health and life skills for those most often overlooked in these areas,” said Challenge Center president and founder Bill Bodry. The center helps adults and children with long-term disabilities to stay healthy and independent for life. Bodry added that he and his staff were overwhelmed by “this group of angels” offering a random act of kindness. Funds for the donation were raised through a Halloween musical event titled at “4th and B”, a popular San Diego night spot, with efforts led by Springer’s team of volunteers led by administrative director Rhonda Frisbie. Participating bands included A Dull Science, Dead Flowers, The Corvells, Ronnie Peer, and Mason James. Printer-friendly version
CLASSES, TOURS, & MORE OFFERED AT THE WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN
Printer-friendly version January 14, 2010 (Rancho San Diego)—The Water Conservation Garden, located at Cuyamaca Collegei in El Cajon, invites the public to enjoy its 2010 winter and spring events. Classes offered help residents save water and money by focusing on water smart landscaping techniques and plants. Classes are taught by experts and topics include lawn removal, water-smart landscape design, backyard composting, irrigation design and gardening for children. Pre-registration is required for all classes. To enroll call 619-660-0614 x 10. FEBRUARY Professional Landscape Design Consultations The Water Conservation Garden offers 45-minute landscape design consultation services. A professional landscape designer who focuses on drought tolerant landscapes will meet with you, one-on-one. You will leave with a design plan and a list of suggested plants. Bring a photo of your house and area you want to re-design, the dimensions of the space, and photos of design styles you like. Thursday, February 18 or 25, 5:30-8:30 pm Thursday, March 4 or 18, 5:30-8:30 pm Thursday, April 8 or 22, 5:30-8:30 pm Call for appointment availability, designer information and reservations. Additional dates are added as needed. $60 Members, $75 Non-Members 619-660-0614 Ms. Smarty-Plants® and the Magic of Water School Assembly The Garden offers educational tours of the Garden and school assembly programs presented by our own adventurous Ms. Smarty-Plants! For more information on fees and to book a program, contact Pam Meisner, AKA Ms. Smarty-Plants®, at 619-660-0614 ext. 16 New! Spanish Language Tours-FREE The Water Conservation Garden now offers Spanish language tours of the Garden, by reservation only. Please contact Elizabeth Ramos at 619-985-8337. (Donations always appreciated to cover the cost of our Spanish speaking guides) Little Sprouts Play Group-First Tuesday of the month-By Reservation Only Tuesday, February 2, 10:00-11:00 am Join our education department for a guided play experience designed for toddlers, and social networking for their caregivers enrolled in parent education programs. Each session includes an educational topic of interest for the adults, while the Little Sprouts enjoy each other’s company in the outdoors along with a special activity. Meet at the main entrance to the Garden. Little Spouts will be canceled in the event of rain. $5 per adult/child couple, ($4 for additional child or adult in the same family group, children under age 1 are free) Minimum of 10 parent/child couples required. The Protea Species: Exotic Options for Drought Tolerant Gardens Saturday, February 6, 10am-noon Walter Parkola, owner of Blossom Valley Protea, will take you on a morning tour to discuss the protea species exhibited at the Water Conservation Garden. Walter shares the history, characteristics, and care of these unique exotics in the Garden’s classroom. A limited number of beautiful, high quality plants will be available for purchase from Blossom Valley Protea’s nursery. $20 Members, $30 Non-Members. * Stimulus pricing applies Ask the Horticulturist Tour-FREE Sunday, February 7, 1:30 pm Enjoy an informative walk through the Garden with David Yetz, professional horticulturist. Bring your questions and prepare for an interesting tour from the perspective of someone who works in the Garden daily. Proper Pruning Practices Saturday, February 13, 10:30 am-12:30 pm Join Certified Arborist and Garden Docent Leah Rottke as she demonstrates the do’s and don’ts of pruning. Leah will cover need-to-know basics for pruning both trees and shrubs, and use the Water Conservation Garden as a lab to analyze samples. Learn how to select a professional tree specialist when the project is more than you can handle. 20 Members 30 Non-Members* Stimulus pricing applies Meet Nan Sterman, Local Garden Expert and Author-FREE! Have Your Gardening Questions Answered by Nan Saturday, February 13, 11:00 am-2:00 pm Meet Nan Sterman, author of California Gardener’s Guide, Volume 2 as she answers questions about low water landscape, plant selection, water conserving irrigation, landscape design and other garden-related topics. Nan will have signed copies of her books available for sale. Plant Propagation Made Easy Saturday, February 20, 9:30am-12:30pm Learn the secrets of the professionals, and get your plants for free. Everything you need to know about how to make new plants from cuttings will be taught by Connie Beck, experienced nursery manager and landscape designer. Learn successful techniques for preparing, storing, and planting seeds. Bring samples of plants and seeds that you wish to propagate. This class is offered in partnership with Cuyamaca College’s Community Learning Program. For information and to register, call 619-660-4350, or visit www.cuyamaca.edu/preview $25.00-at the Water Conservation Garden Special Access Tour-FREE Sunday, February 21, 9:30-10:30 am This special tour is offered monthly for individuals who may have difficultynavigating the terrain of the Garden. Explore the Garden from the comfort of the Verbeck Shuttle with David Yetz, Garden Horticulturist. This tour seats 4-5 people. For reservations call 619-660-6841 NEW! Create a Butterfly Garden with California Native Plants Tuesday, February 23, 6:30-8:30 pm If you plant it, they will come! Greg Rubin of California’s Own Native Landscape Design Company will teach you how to design a butterfly garden using beautiful, drought tolerant California native plants. Learn how to attract butterflies and create a sustainable butterfly habitat in your own yard. $20 Members $30 Non-Members Tune-up Your Irrigation and Dive into Drip! Saturday, February 27, 2:00 pm-4:00 pm Kathleen Eagle, Director of Ornamental Horticulture at Barona Resort and Casino,teaches you how to tune up your existing irrigation to make it Water Smart. Kathleenwill introduce you to drip irrigation, discuss the pros and cons, share the appropriate applications for drip, and demonstrate how to install a basic drip system. Get tips for retrofitting, setting your irrigation clock, and when and how long to water your landscape. $20 Members, $30 Non-Members. *Stimulus pricing applies. MARCH Little Sprouts Play Group-First Tuesday of the month- By Reservation Only Tuesday, March 2, 10:00 am-11:00 am Join our education department for a guided play experience designed for toddlers, and social networking for their caregivers enrolled in parent education programs. Each session includes an educational topic of interest for the adults, while the Little Sprouts enjoy each other’s company in the
EARLY MORNING FIRE LIGHTS UP SKY IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version December 16, 2010 (El Cajon) — San Miguel Firefighters laid enough hose to cover the length of seven football fields during the fight to save a home in the Granite Hills neighborhood of El Cajon. The fire was reported at 12:51 Saturday morning on the 800 block of Van Horn Road. As crews responded, witnesses reported seeing flames shoot up about 40 feet into the air. Narrow streets and a very long driveway required Firefighters to lay out about 2000 feet of hose to reach the multi-story, single family structure. Four trucks were needed to pump water to the all wood structure. Two people were home when the fire broke out. They evacuated the safely using their bedroom balcony. A mild early morning wind carried embers to the west of the structure and ignited grass in a field next to the structure. Those spot fires were quickly put out by hand. Due to the rapid spread of the fire and the intense heat, the house could not be saved, so San Miguel Firefighters moved into a defense mode to keep the fire from spreading to other nearby homes. It only took minutes for about 70 percent of the structure to collapse. No other structures were damaged. Crews worked into the early morning eliminating all hot spots. The structure is considered a total loss. In addition several vehicles were damaged; however the family’s two dogs and several of their pet birds were saved. The investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. No dollar loss has been set, but it will be into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. No injuries were reported. Printer-friendly version
WITNESS TO HISTORY: REV. KYLES RECALLS KING ASSASSINATION IN SPEECH AT SAN DIEGO YMCA HUMAN DIGNITY AWARDS
Printer-friendly version January 15, 2010 (San Diego) – In a powerful speech, Rev. Samuel “Billy” Kyles, last surviving witness to the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., brought tears to the eyes of many with his recollections of King’s final hours and an impassioned plea for audience members to “hold fast to your dreams.” Kyles spoke at the YMCA of San Diego’s 25th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Human Dignity Awards breakfast this morning at the Town and Country Hotel. Click image above to view the stirring finale of his speech. To view the other segments of his speech, view our 6-part video series at: https://www.youtube.com/user/EastCountyMagazine/search?query=Kyles Kyles, 75, has served as pastor of the Monumental Baptist Church in Memphis for the past half century and has been a leading figure in the civil rights movement nationally. He helped integrate public schools , city buses, public places and workplaces in Memphis. A leader in the Rainbow Coalition/PUSH, he also serves on the National Civil Rights Museum Board of Directors. He has won numerous awrsds including the Tennessee Living Legend Award, City of Memphis Humanitarian Award, Ford Freedom Legacy Award, and the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame. In San Diego, his speech recalled the dreams of his ancestors, who were slaves, and urged those in the audience to continue King’s legacy by aspiring to fulfill their own dreams. Election of Barack Obama, the first African-American president, demonstrates how far America has come in race relations, he noted. He spoke movingly of King’s courage in coming to Memphis to lead striking garbage workers after surviving a stabbing, and recalled King speaking of death in a prescient way. He also recalled his own family’s battle to fight segregation in the South and offered inspirational words that drew a standing ovation following his fiery oratory. Dee Sanford, chair of the event, met Kyles on a tour of the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis and invited him to be the keynote speaker for the event, which also featured performances by the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Choir San Diego. (Click here to view a video of the choir’s performance) In addition, the San Diego City Council presented a proclamation declared today Rev. Samuel Billy Kyles day in the city. A sell-out crowd of over 1,000 people attended the event, which has grown dramatically in attendance from the first year’s crowd of 40 or 50 people. Robert Countryman (photo: center right), a long-time YMCA board member and chair of the Y’s scholarship dinner, was presented the 20120 Human Dignity Award in honor of his work helping youths in our region. Emily Galloway presented a Youth Poetry tribute and Rich Collato, president and CEO of the YMCA of San Diego, offered reflections on King’s life. Buffalo Soldiers Color Guard presented the flag for the opening of the ceremonies. The morning ended with a benediction by Rev. Amos Johnson, Jr. of New Creation Church, followed by the audience reciting a “Living the Dream Pledge” and the choir singing “We Shall Overcome.” Printer-friendly version
SAN DIEGAN IN HAITI SEEKS HELP FOR CHILDREN AFTER ORPHANAGE DESTROYED; LOCAL LAW SCHOOL LAUNCHES DONATION DRIVE TO AID HOMELESS KIDS
Printer-friendly version January 15, 2010 (San Diego) – Vera Valdivia, a former San Diego resident and alumni of Thomas Jefferson School of Law, is in Haiti and seeks help from San Diego County residents for children in a Haitian orphanage that she co-founded and helped build. The 7.0 earthquake which struck Haiti earlier this week has destroyed the orphanage, East County Magazine has learned. “As of right now, Valdivia and the orphanage children are living outside in the harsh, earthquake-ravaged conditions,” Denice Menard, communications coordinator for Thomas Jefferson School of Law informed ECM today. “The latest thing I heard is that they are not close enough to Port Au Prince, so they are not getting anything.” The orphanage cares for approximately 60 children who are in need of food, milk, and other supplies. In addition, one of the children from the orphanage has been badly burned and needs medical help, Menard said. Valdivia lives in a Haitian village and recently came back to San Diego to visit her daughter. She returned to Haiti on Monday, just one day before thee quake struck. Several law school students have kept in touch with Valdivia through her daughter. Valdivia has taken two of her other children to the U.S. Embassy in hopes of getting them safetly to the U.S., but no such help is possible for the Haitian orphans. In addition to running the orphanage located in a village outside of Port-au-Prince called Bon Repos, Valdivia also works as an associate for a Haitian lawyer helping to arrange international adoptions for Haitian orphans. She told Thomas Jefferson Associate Dean Beth Kransberger on Jan. 10 that she has written 11 formal immigration appeals to allow the orphans to leave Haiti, of which she has won 10. Valdivia also recently was invited to give a presentation at an international adoption conference that was organized by the U.S. State Department, U.S. Consulate in Haiti. She was introduced as a "Legal Expert on International Adoptions" and presented with other Haitian officials to the Swiss Ambassador, French and Canadian Consulate officials and representatives of UNICEF. While an honor student at Thomas Jefferson, Valdivia helped organize a major conference on Women and Children’s Rights in Haiti that featured the Haitian Ambassador to the United States, a senator in the Haitian Parliament and a prominent human rights attorney in Haiti. Last spring, the law school’s black Law Students Association collected donations for a water purifier to be used at the orphanage. Thomas Jefferson School of Law is accepting monetary donations to benefit the orphanage. Donations of all amounts may be made online at www.tjsl.edu/donate-to-haitian-orphange, or checks may be made out to Thomas Jefferson School of Law and on the memo line state “Haitian Orphanage.” Checks can be mailed to Thomas Jefferson School of Law, 2121 San Diego, Ave., San Diego, CA 92110, or dropped off at the reception desk Monday through Friday during business hours at 2147 San Diego Ave. in Old Town. Receipts for tax deductions will be mailed to donors. Printer-friendly version
FORUM ON EAST COUNTY PERFORMING ART CENTER JAN. 21
Printer-friendly version January 15, 2010 (El Cajon) — The City of El Cajon continues to work on a master plan for the Civic Center area that will include renovations which could close the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC) for up to two years. As part of the design and review process, the City has sought public input through two forums. The last of those will be held Thursday evening, January 21, 2010 from 7-8 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, 195 East Douglas Avenue in El Cajon. The City will share goals of the renovation and then receive community input on desired renovations to the Theater. Deputy City Manager & Public Works Director Rob Turner will facilitate the meeting. He will be joined by Kurt Swanson, a consultant hired by the City to help with the renovations of the Performing Arts Center. Agenda will be the same as a previous meeting held in December. If you would like to attend and offer your thoughts and ideas, please RSVP to the Recreation Department at (619) 441-1754. Space is limited so the City requests no more than three people from any organization. Printer-friendly version