BODY OF MISSING SAN DIEGO MAN FOUND
October 21, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – A body found by hikers in a vehicle that plunged into a ravine off I-8 has been identified as David Mow, 56, who has been missing since July 22nd. "My brother rests peacefully now. Thank you all for your support, prayers, love," Dot Darragh posted on a Facebook page devoted to the search for Mow. "I will forever love and miss my brother and be grateful for all of you have touched our lives." “David was apparently eastbound on I-8 headed into the Imperial Valley,” family member Michael Mow told East County Magazine yesterday. “I understand the vehicle was not visible from the road or the air and was so deeply wedged into the rocks that it could not be extracted," he said, adding that a recovery team had to cut open the vehicle to remove Mow’s remains. Confirmation came from matching the VIN number on his vehicle and finding his I.D. at the scene, as well as a positive identification made through dental records. Mow’s niece, Kim DeMars, had described her uncle as “a great big teddy bear of a guy,” following his disappearance shortly after Mow sent an upbeat text message to his fiance on July 22. Mow was a resident of North Park. His disappearance prompted widespread media coverage as well as extensive air and ground searches by law enforcement. Family members indicated that Mow had previously suffered a medical collapse in February, when he was found unconscious in a local hospital where he remained for a week without a definitive diagnosis. It is unknown whether a medical problem may have caused his fatal accident. He is survived by two children, six brothers and sisters, and an extended family. He owned a kitchen and bath remodeling business that had closed because of the economic downturn.
HOSTILE CROWD DOMINATES BUSBY-BILBRAY CONGRESSIONAL DEBATE
By Mary E. Paulet October 19, 2010 (San Diego) – Angry shouts, jeers and boos frequently interrupted responses by Democratic contender Francine Busby and incumbent Republican Brian Bilbray in the only scheduled debate among 50th Congressional district candidates. Moderator Ken Davy, award-winning editor of the North County Times, called for a civil debate with discussion only on substantive policy issues, but supporters of both candidates drowned out responses as Davy struggled to control an exuberant crowd and keep candidates on point. Busby labeled Bilbray as “more of a lobbyist than a politician.” Bilbray repeatedly dodged questions over his ethics, including his close ties to the Congressional Cigar Association, a quasi-lobbying association, and his seat on the board of advisors for Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), a designated hate group with ties to neo-Nazi groups. Bilbray highlighted his support for tax cuts and attacked Busby’s stances on the economy, healthcare and immigration. The debate, sponsored by the San Diego Chamber of Commerce North, was held at Del Norte High School in 4S Ranch. Candidates for the 50th Congressional District from the Peace and Freedom and Libertarian Parties- Miriam Clark(P&F)and Lars Grossmith(LIB) also participated. The candidates began with opening statements. Busby opened by promising to serve the people with “honesty, integrity and diligence.” She then accused Bilbray of a “betrayal of trust of the people” by founding the cigar club where lobbyists “spend tens of thousands on lavish parties to influence legislators.” She also assailed Bilbray’s ties to FAIR. She further said he betrayed people’s trust by voting against financial reforms that would have prevented massive foreclosures, voting against tax breaks to help small businesses, and voting to lift a moratorium on offshore drilling in a district that includes 20 miles of coastline as well as inland areas. A recent Busby mailer titled "Bilbray After Dark" depicted Bilbray in a smoking jacket and called him "more like Duke Cunningham every day." Cunningham, the former Congressman representing this district, is currently in prison on charges that include bribery. Bilbray’s campaign previously called that ad "false and misleading" but declined to identify any specific inaccuracies in the allegations raised over his cigar club and alleged favors for lobbyists. The San Diego Union-Tribune stated on September 9th that the Congressional Cigar Association "has proved to be a tool used by lobbyists" and said it "violated the intent of ethics rules limiting gifts from lobbyists." The Watchdog Institute at San Diego State University, on September 6th, stated that "politicians and their staffers have puffed and partied with lobbyists" via the cigar club and noted that Bilbray introduced or lent his name to bills that would benefit those lobbyists. FAIR accepted a $1.2 million contribution from the Pioneer fund, described as a neo-Nazi group, according to reports by 10 News and Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). The SPLC has designated FAIR as a hate group that supports eugenics. In his opening statement at the debate, Bilbray ignored the charges regarding FAIR and the cigar club. He fired back by criticizing Busby’s support of policies that he claimed are a “spending problem” in Washington. Busby has voiced support for the stimulus bill and healthcare reform, but opposed other expenditures. Bilbray opposed those measures, but has voted for other expenditures. According to the Washington Post, Bilbray voted for a defense appropriation bill that also increased unrelated federal spending by $17 billion. Democrats opposed that measure, which was backed by Congressional Republicans.. (http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/b000461/key-votes/) Bilbray cited high unemployment and the national debt as key problems. He noted that although his party is in the minority in Congress, “President Obama signed my bill that saves $95 billion a year of wrongful payments” then added, “People want to see us work together to create jobs and security for America.” Grossmith called for an end to bailouts and wars as well as eliminating the Federal Department of Education entirely.” Clark mused the US is “destroying civilizations” in an attempt to control natural resources. Clark observed, “There will be no money for any programs that we want as long as we’re spending trillions on war.” She called for an end to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and also voiced concerns over global warming. She urged students in the audience to look up the works of climate scientist James Hansen, who has warned that it may be too late to reverse climate change. Clark also warned that oil companies are funding efforts to “confuse people on global warming.” The debate soon turned to questions for the candidates. The first inquiry- if the candidates thought that the Bush era tax cuts should be extended–drew varied responses. Grossmith replied, “Absolutely, It’s your money, you should keep it. He then stated that taxes “feed the monster.” Busby gave a mixed response. She stated that the tax cuts were responsible for the recession but would support continuing cuts for those with incomes under $250,000. She also called for funding to help communities. “We’re tired of selling cookies to pay for our schools,” added Busby, a member of the Cardiff School Board. Clark replied that she is in favor of letting the tax cuts expire. Bilbray opposes eliminating the tax cuts and insisted, “We don’t have a revenue problem. We have a spending problem.” The night then turned to how the candidates would end the war in Afghanistan. “When our men and women are in harm’s way, Congress needs to give them the tools to win,” said Bilbray, who has supported funding for the wars. He offered general support for Obama’s policies regarding the war, stating the President has acted “responsibly” in that regard. He also stated that local government in Afghanistan needed to be given more direct control over tax revenue. According to Bilbray, “The US should learn from Afghanistan”. Busby focused on ensuring that US troops had adequate resources and added that the wars show a “clear need for clean energy” to make the U.S. less dependent on foreign oil. Grossmith blamed both Republicans and Democrats for the
EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE WINS 13 JOURNALISM AWARDS FROM SAN DIEGO PRESS CLUB
By Miriam Raftery October 20, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) –East County Magazine picked up 13 new awards at San Diego Press Club’s “Excellence in Journalism” awards last night at the Hall of Champions in Balboa Park. ECM was named second-best news site and second best general interest website in San Diego County. Individual writers also took top honors across a broad range of categories. "We couldn’t have accomplished this without the efforts of our dedicated team of writers, interns and volunteers," said ECM Editor Miriam Raftery. "We also owe our success to the strong support of Mark Hanson and the Heartland Foundation, our nonprofit publisher, as well as the generosity of the Viejas Indians and other community sponsors who have enabled us to build our community reporting team devoted to East County issues." Raftery took home four first place awards, five seconds and two thirds, making her the most honored journalist of the evening, San Diego Press Club reported. Her first-place awards included a series on earthquake damage, political reporting, coverage of refugee issues, and a story on Lakeside residents’ efforts to halt Sunrise Powerlink. ECM’s Gayle Lynn Falkenthal won first place in the gardening category for profiling “Eco-Warrior” Jim Mumford, while Richard Darvas took third place for his investigative reporting on Joseph Diliberti, an East County resident facing auction of his home over unpaid weed abatement costs. J.W. August, managing editor of KGTV 10 News (ECM’s news partner) was honored with the Jim Reiman Award for Enlightened Media Management. Winners were selected from over 900 entries, a 15% increase over last year. ECM has won a total of 32 journalism awards in two years, since the publication’s launch in September 2008. Scroll down to view ECM’s winning entries, all in the daily newspapers and websites category: Miriam Raftery, first place, series: “Earthquake Coverage.” Earthquake series included : • Quake upgraded to 7.2; strongest ever in San Diego area: • http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/3064 • 2 dead, 50 wounded in Mexico quake; numerous fires burning http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/3065 • 100 aftershocks jar region today; more damage reports roll in • http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/3068 • Quake toll rises as aftershocks continue; minor damage found locally as businesses reopen after holiday weekend http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/3079 • Renewed seismic activity raises questions over major projects planned in East County • http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/3095 Miriam Raftery, first place, political and government: “Ethics, Economy and Education Among Issues in 36th State Senate Race.” http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/3358 Miriam Raftery, first place, public service/consumer advocacy: “Lakeside Citizens Put SDG&E Officials in Hot Seat.” http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/2690 Gayle Lynn Falkenthal, first place, gardening: “East County’s Eco Warrior.” http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/3267 Miriam Raftery, first place, multicultural: “Summit Seeks Help for Growing Refugee Population in East County.” http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/2234 Miriam Raftery, second place, multicultural, “Refugees from Burma and Bhutan Find News Homes in East County.” http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/3009 Miriam Raftery, second place, investigative reporting: “Sonic Weapons.” http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/1874 Miriam Raftery, second place, history: “La Mesa Turns 100.” http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/3397 Richard Darvas, third place, investigative reporting, “A Defensible Space.” http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/3229 Miriam Raftery, third place, breaking news: “CA Attorney General Threatens Lawsuit Against Padre Dam.” http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/3610 Miriam Raftery, third place, criminal justice: “”National Latino Leaders Targeted by Death Threat.” http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/3248 For a full list of all San Diego Press Club winners, see: www.sdpressclub.org
KIDS EAT FREE AT APPLEBEE’S ON HALLOWEEN
This is no trick…treat your children to a free meal at Applebee’s October 22, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Applebee’s, a family-friendly restaurant, is offering a treat for parents; kids eat free on Saturday, October 30 and on Sunday, October 31, Halloween. This special is available all day for kids twelve-years old and under for dine-in meals only. Each adult meal purchased allows two kids to eat free (from the kid’s menu)! For more information, contact the El Cajon location at 619-593-3066 or http://locator.applebees.com/ or the Rancho San Diego location http://locator.applebees.com/ at 619-670-7203. Don’t pass up this treat! Make this day fun for your little trick-or-treaters. Nancy Clement is an east county Realtor®, mortgage broker and freelance writer and can be reached Dollar-wiseDivas@cox.net. Dawn Clement is a stay-at-home mother of three, a freelance writer, and creative shopper.
READER’S EDITORIAL: WHY WE NEED TO RETURN TO MAJORITY RULE FOR PASSING A BUDGET
By Paul Garver October 20, 2010 (San Diego) — Last week, Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher cut a deal for his crucial yes vote on the long delayed budget. What did he demand for voting yes? Elimination of the $386 million cap on San Diego’s downtown redevelopment. Fletcher claims the resulting building boom, funded by taxpayer dollars, will do wonders for our economy. Then why did he have to do it in secret, in the dead of night? Fletcher says because L.A. lawmakers would scuttle it. Why? They knew the real reason behind lifting the cap—so the Chargers can use taxpayer dollars to build a downtown stadium. You see, L.A. wants an NFL football team and if we build the Chargers a stadium, the Chargers will supposedly stay here. Alex Spanos, the owner of the Chargers, is a billionaire. If the stadium project made economic sense, he’d build it himself. But it doesn’t make sense. So he wants to use taxpayer money to build it. For a long time the Chargers claimed they didn’t need taxpayer money. Now they say a 62,000 seat stadium will cost $800 million but they only have $300 million—so they need $500 million from us. Of course this is just the start of a bait and switch because you need a 70,000 seat stadium (like Qualcomm) to host a Super Bowl and you’d be stupid to build a new stadium that can’t host one when you already have one that can. So you can bet your bottom tax dollar (because that’s all you’ll have left) that we’ll be asked to kick in a lot more. After first saying they wouldn’t need taxpayer dollars, the Chargers backtracked and said that if they did, they would ask the public to vote on it. It turns out the best part of Fletcher’s deal from the Chargers point of view is that the Center City Development Corporation (CCDC) doesn’t legally need to ask for taxpayer approval to issue bonds for building the stadium. So much for our voting on it. Fletcher says this will create thousands of jobs and invigorate downtown, increasing the tax base which could then be used to build schools and libraries and fire stations. Wait, wasn’t that what PETCO Park was supposed to do? It now seems that the increased tax base attributed to PETCO Park is instead going to be used to build another stadium. Do they really expect us to believe that a new NFL stadium used for just eight home games each year is going to pay for itself by increasing the tax base of an already bustling and booming downtown? Each day without a budget costs us millions because it lowers our credit rating and increases the cost of borrowing. Fletcher’s deal illustrates the hidden cost of requiring a 2/3 majority to pass a budget. That cost is in the special deals extracted by the last few representatives needed to achieve that supermajority. The good news is that we can fix this in the upcoming election by voting yes on Prop. 25. This will return us to a simple majority for passing a budget. Not surprisingly, Fletcher is against this. Might I suggest we vote him out with a simple majority, too? Paul Garver is the Democratic candidate running in the 75th Assembly district against incumbent Nathan Fletcher. The opinions expessed in this editorial reflect the views of its author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. If you wish to submit an editorial for consideration, please contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.
HEALTHY COMMUNITIES TREE PLANTINGS OCT. 23
October 20, 2010 (San Diego)–United Voices for Healthier Communities will be hosting the largest single day tree planting event in the history of San Diego on October 23rd in honor of National "Make a Difference Day". The plantings will be held at multiple locations in the cities of San Diego, Santee, Oceanside, Encinitas, Vista, and Escondido. Visit the individual cities’ websites for information on how you can participate in their tree planting events. The main "Healthy Communities" event will be held at Balboa Park near the corner of Park Blvd and Zoo Drive. There will be a welcome ceremony at 9 a.m. educational booths, a tree planting demonstration by the San Diego Urban Corps’ "Tree Army", and then volunteers will head out to plant trees at various San Diego City Schools. For more information, visit the United Voices website at: http://www.unitedvoices.org/ Sign up to volunteer by contacting SD Urban Corps at tsterns@urbancorps.org or 619.235.6884. United Voices for Healthier Communities is a coalition of tree-focused organizations dedicated to improving our communities one tree at a time.