EAST COUNTY ART FESTIVAL NOV. 13-14 AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE
Printer-friendly version November 12, 2010 (El Cajon) — Two local artists from La Mesa are organizing an East County Art Festival. "East San Diego County does not offer many opportunities for artists to share and sell their work, nor are there many events for the art lover to view numerous artists in one location. Kristy Dial and Rosario Wilke want to fill this void," a press release issued by the event organizers states. Cuyamaca College Nursery is the venue for the East County Art Festival! On Saturday, November 13th, the Water Conservation Garden of Cuyamaca College is holding their annual event: WATER SMART GARDENING FESTIVAL and estimate 5,000 guests. The garden is just across the street from the Nursery so attendees will easily be able to attend both events. A percentage of the proceeds from the Festival will benefit Cuyamaca College. "The artists that are participating in the East County Art Festival create art of the highest quality and will delight all holiday shoppers," said organizers, who encourage visitors to enjoy viewing arts and early holiday shopping at the event. Visit www.eastcountyartfestival.com and see who is participating, or contact eastcountyartfestival@gmail.com. Printer-friendly version
HOLIDAY ALTERNATIVE GIFT FAIR: LA MESA NOV. 14
Printer-friendly version November 12, 2010 (La Mesa) – Savor fair trade coffee while perusing products from fair-trade artisans around the world at the La Mesa Holiday Alternative Gift Fair. The event will be held on Sunday, November 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 7710 El Cajon Blvd., La Mesa in the parish hall. Products for purchase include handmade baskets, jewelry, purses, belts, wallets, handbags, vests, jackets, scarves, toys, pottery, Christmas ornaments, gift baskets, coffee, tea, chocolate, gourmet soups and dip and lots more! Call (619) 466-3241 for more information. Printer-friendly version
FEAST WITH THE BEASTS: THANKSGIVING BUFFET AT SAN DIEGO SAFARI PARK
Printer-friendly version November 13, 2010 (San Pasqual Valley)–The San Diego Zoo Safari Park (formerly the San Diego Wild Animal Park) in the San Pasqual Valley east of Escondido is offering a lavish buffet with Thanksgiving favorites as well as a children’s buffet at the Park’s Hunte Nairobe Pavillion. Main dishes include maple-glazed turkey breast, herb-roasted pork tenderloin, and butternut squash and sage lasagna. The buffet holiday feast also includes traditional side dishes such as butter pecan sweet potatoes and orange cranberry sauce, as well as deserts such as spiced pumpkin pie and ruby poached pears in citrus wine filled with toasted almond cream. There will be two seatings on November 25, at 12 noon and 3 p.m. Cost is $42.95 for adults and $15.95 for children 11 and younger. For reservations, call (760)738-5055 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily. View the full menu at http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wap/thanksgiving_menu.pdf . Than San Diego Zoo Safari Park is located in San Pasqual, east of Escondido. For more information on the park and directions, visit http://www.sandiegozoo.org/park/. Printer-friendly version
MILITARY AND VETERANS: DEC. 3 IS DEADLINE TO SUBMIT RETROACTIVE STOP LOSS SPECIAL PAY CLAIMS
Printer-friendly version November 12, 2010 (San Diego) – Congressman Bob Filner wants to make sure all active duty and veterans who were forced to involuntarily extend their service know that the deadline to submit a claim for retroactive “Stop Loss” pay is approaching. All claims must be submitted by December 3, 2010. “Service members and veterans who fell under the Stop Loss policy are due this pay and we want to make sure they know they can collect it if they are eligible,” said Congressman Filner. “While Stop Loss will soon be eliminated, the military men and women who were forced to extend their service involuntarily should be compensated for the sacrifices they made beyond what they signed up for.” The 2009 War Supplemental Appropriations Act authorized Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay (RSLSP) of $500 per month/partial month to Service members serving in Stop Loss status. Service members, veterans, and beneficiaries of Service members whose service was involuntarily extended under Stop Loss between September 11, 2001 and September 30, 2009 are eligible for RSLSP. The average benefit is $3,800. The Secretary of Defense announced in March 2009 a comprehensive plan to eliminate the current use of Stop Loss by March 2011. The Army is the only Service currently using Stop Loss (3,198 personnel as of September 2010), and is on a clear path to eliminate the practice by March 2011. Eligible personnel can go to www.defense.gov/stoploss for more information, or to submit a claim. Printer-friendly version
SKY HUNTERS: JEWELRY SALE TO RAISE FUNDS FOR ALPINE BIRDS OF PREY CENTER NOV. 13
Printer-friendly version November 13, 2010 (Alpine) – The public is invited to help support birds of prey at Sky Hunters, an Alpine-based center that takes in injured birds of prey, nurses them back to health and reintroduced them into the wild. Silpada Jewelry will be sold to raise funds for the center’s work–and you can enjoy a tour of the facility to see these amazing birds up close and personal. Sky Hunters is run on donations; All proceeds from the sale of Silpada will go back to the Sky Hunter organization as well as donations of $5.00 for a tour of the facility. Bird Tours will be given at 2:15, 3:15 and 4:15 for a $5 per person donation. If you are unable to attend but want to help, go to www.mysilpada.com/nannette.doolittle to see the full line of jewelry. Orders can be taken prior to the day of the event, call Nannette at 619-851-8120. SKY HUNTERS is located at 19550 Hidden Glen Road, Alpine. PLEASE RSVP! 619-445-6565 Printer-friendly version
FAIR TRADE HOLIDAY SALE NOV. 13 IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version October 31, 2010 (La Mesa)–The youth of United Church of Christ of La Mesa (UCCLM) invite you to visit their “SERRV Holiday Sale, Craft Fair and One-Stop Christmas Store” on Saturday, November 13th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. SERRV is a nonprofit organization with a mission to eradicate poverty by providing opportunity and support to artisans and farmers worldwide. A SERRV gift for a friend is also a gift to the global community. Shop for fair trade gifts from around the world, as well as crafts created by members of the church – clothing, jewelry, baskets, linens, games and toys, Christmas decorations, coffee and tea, foodstuffs, household items and more. The church is located at 5940 Kelton Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942. For more info, call 619-464-1519, contact pastormarysue@cox.net or visit www.ucclm.org. Printer-friendly version
ROBBER THREATENS TO STAB CLERK IN LA MESA; 2ND ROBBERY AT KNIFEPOINT IN ALLIED GARDENS
Printer-friendly version November 13, 2010 (La Mesa)—La Mesa Police responded to a robbery at the 76 gas station at 6085 Lake Murray Blvd. at 3:32 this morning. The clerk told police that a white man with heavily tattooed arms a shaved head and plug-style earrings posed as a customer and asked to purchase some items. When the clerk began ringing up the purchases, the man produced a large pocket knife and threatened to stab the clerk if she did not hand over cash from the register. The suspect fled with the cash, running east on El Paso Street. He also stole a Padres baseball cap and sunglasses. The robbery suspect was described as 30-38 years old, 6 feet tall, medium build, cleanshaven with shaved head and heavily tattooed arms, wearing a grey tank top and black shorts. He carried a folding pocket knife with a green handle and a four-inch blade. If you have information on this case, call La Mesa Police at 619-667-1400. You may also call Crime Stoppers anonymous toll-free tip line at 888-580-TIPS or report a crime at www.sdcrimestoppers.com and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in this case. Earlier this morning, at 2:00 a.m., San Diego Police watch commander David Stafford reports a commercial armed robbery at the 7/11 store at 5100 Allied Gardens. In that case, the suspect also displayed a knife after first demanding that the cashier turn over a cell phone. The suspect was described as a white male, 30-40 years old, medium height, medium build and wearing a light colored shirt. SDPD’s robbery unit is investigating. Printer-friendly version
FOSTER YOUTHS DELIVER FRESH FRUITS & VEGGIES TO COUNTY EMPLOYEES
Printer-friendly version Youth Learn Agricultural Business; Teach County Employees to Eat Healthy November 12, 2010 (San Diego)–With Thanksgiving right around the corner, several San Pasqual Academy foster youth made their bimonthly delivery today of certified, organic produce to County employees to encourage them to eat healthier for the holidays, which is part of County’s year-round Build Better Health plan. At 6950 Levant St. in San Diego, several San Pasqual Academy students arrived to deliver fresh fruits and vegetables to County employees. Employees who signed up to be part of the subscription program pay only $20 per box for fresh produce every two weeks. Some employees opted to pay as much as $250 a month because they enjoy eating healthy, while supporting San Pasqual’s foster youth. Currently, the pilot program delivers to two County work sites in Linda Vista and Escondido. Although, the San Pasqual Academy Agriculture program was established in 2004, the organic produce program began a year ago when students came up with the label name, Dragon Organics. The program has grown roots and students began selling to local venders such as Whole Foods, Jimbos, Seaside Market and Stone Brewing Company. They have expanded to farmer’s markets in Carlsbad on Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. and other markets around the county. The fruits and vegetables include cucumbers, a variety of tomatoes, squash, bell peppers, yellow wax beans, purple dragon beans and melons. “This program is still in its infancy, but it is important that we have begun to form a partnership between students, County employees, and private business,” said County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Pam Slater-Price, District 3. “A new generation will develop work skills in agriculture that may eventually propel them into entrepreneurial careers in business. In addition, these skills teach them how to prepare healthy meals.” “Our employees have really stepped up to support this program and these youth by eating healthier foods. Our Building Better Health initiative is all about providing our employees and the community healthy food choices so they can make lifestyle changes that will improve their quality of life,” said Nick Macchione, Director of the County’s Health and Human Services Agency. “Nearly 57 percent of San Diegans die from diseases caused by poor nutrition, lack of physical activity and tobacco use. We are trying to change that.” To learn more about Dragon Organics, visit http://www.youtube.com/countysandiego#p/search/0/ONiDcbGy2kY Printer-friendly version
MEDIA WATCH: CRITICS OF COMCAST-NBC MERGER EXPECT WIDESPREAD CONSUMER FRUSTRATION IF MERGER IS APPROVED
Printer-friendly version By Mera Szendro Bok November 12, 2010 (San Diego)–Haven’t seen your favorite Glee or House episode lately? Your regularly scheduled sports game not airing on FOX this week? This is what Cablevision customers have to deal with as the Fox-Cablevision retransmission dispute rolls on. While you might be hard pressed to find your friends discussing the dynamics of media company rate disputes, they sure as heck know when their favorite show isn’t on. Cablevision subscribers are continuously frustrated as FOX and Cablevision remain in a stalemate over their dispute. Many Americans will be feeling the same way if the Comcast- NBC merger is approved. A recent NY Times article suggests that Comcast is looking to challenge ESPN if it’s proposed merger goes through. Comcast could block ESPN content entirely, or create a paywall where Comcast subscribers would have to pay for particular events and games. Comcast subscribers would then be forced to watch Comcast’s sports channels. To rub salt on consumers open wounds, News Corporation tried to cut Cablevision subscribers access to shows like House and Glee via Fox.com and Hulu. When Cablevision viewers attempted to find a second source for their beloved shows, many shows ended up being blacked out online and only offering a message that Fox shows were blocked from Hulu. This has never been done before (http://www.tvsquad.com/2010/10/18/fox-cablevision-blackout-the-ugliest-retransmission-fight-yet/) and Fox was sending a message loud and clear, that consumers have to subscribe for the service providers that is willing to cough up Fox’s carrier rates. DirecTV and the American Cable Association even echoed the concern of many media policy advocates, that the Fox-Cablevision dispute will have repercussions for the Comcast-NBC merger. DirecTV and the American Cable Association on Wednesday wrote FCC chairman Julius Genachowski saying: “Without appropriate safeguards, it is reasonable to assume that Comcast/NBCU would take similar action against non-Comcast broadband subscribers in the event of a dispute because it could increase its leverage in carriage negotiations and encourage subscriber defection to Comcast’s own video and broadband platforms,” the letter warned. This long time dispute raised some reaction from the FCC when they wrote to the companies asking Fox and Cablevision to resolve their dispute. The FCC still has done very little though to signal an intention to stop the long term effects of the Comcast-NBC merger or the root of the problem. In a letter to the dueling parties, the FCC writes, “Your contract dispute extends beyond just Fox and Cablevision,” it said. “It affects millions of innocent consumers who expect to watch their preferred broadcast programming without interruption. We urge you to place the interests of these consumers first and conclude your negotiations promptly.” New Media Rights is concerned that there is plenty of evidence that the vertical integration of Comcast and NBC will stifle the success of independent creators who want to work with cable providers. Indeed, if Fox versus Cablevision is a stalemate between giants, individual complaints from independent media would easily be steamrolled by unregulated Internet Access Providers. Susan Crawford in her latest blog, “Sister Spat”, an excellent rundown of this retransmission case and it’s link to the merger, writes: “The media conglomerates need the tens of billions of dollars they get from the cable industry players, and the cable industry helps out by ensuring that there is almost no non-media-conglomerate programming made available. Really, just about zero programming not owned in part by one of those five media companies comes across the cable distribution platform.” We need all stand up for consumers and independent creators by fighting the merger. Don’t be fooled, while Comcast would like media policy advocates and citizens to believe that they already have this merger in the bag, they don’t. We still have work to do. Mera Szendro Bok is the Communications and Information Officer at New Media Rights (http://www.newmediarights.org/) in San Diego. New Media Rights offers free legal assistance on copyright and online publishing as well as a free public media studio. To read more about why the Comcast-NBC merger matters, read Executive Director of New Media Rights Art Neill’s op-ed. . Printer-friendly version
JULIAN STAGE COMPANY PRESENTS DICKENS’ “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” OPENING DEC. 9 THROUGH DEC. 19
Printer-friendly version November 12, 2010 (Julian)–Julian Stage Company and the Julian Chamber of Commerce present the 2010 production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol–a Julian holiday tradition. Give your holiday spirit a boost with the classic story of a lonely, hard-hearted old man who finds the true meaning of life and love one haunted Christmas Eve. Be sure to allow time to take in the quaint holiday charm of small-town historic Julian this holiday season, with its horse-drawn carriages, strolling carolers, and spiced cider. Performance dates: Thursday, Dec. 9, 7:00 P.M. Friday, Dec. 10, 7:00 P.M. Saturday, Dec. 11, 1:30 P.M. Saturday, Dec. 11, 7:00 P.M. Thursday, Dec. 16, 7:00 P.M. Friday, Dec. 17, 7:00 P.M. Saturday, Dec. 18, 1:30 P.M. Saturday, Dec. 18, 7:00 P.M. Sunday, Dec. 19, 1:30 P.M. Tickets: $10/adults; $5/children 12 & under Location: Julian Town Hall, 2129 Main Street. Doors open one hour prior to performance times. Reservations not required, but recommended. (Shows sold out in 2009!) For information and reservations, call (760) 765-3789. Credit cards accepted (small surcharge applies). Printer-friendly version