REVELRY ABOUNDS AT RENAISSANCE FAIRE
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Photos by Mark and Miriam Raftery November 14, 2010 (Escondido)–Knights and knaves, wizards and wenches, pirates and peasants strolled the grounds at Felicita Park in Escondido, where the Renaissance Faire was held on November 6th and 7th. Thousands of people turned out for this festive annual event, including many community members clad in medieval and Renaissance-era attire. Gypsy dancers greeted visitors at the gates, while a nobleman on a black charger stallion patrolled the oak-shaded glens outside. Inside, the magic continued as reenactors played the roles of Queen Elizabeth and her court, resplendent in elegant costuming. Others entertained the crowd with a battle reenactment pitting the Queen’s army against rebel forces. A saucy rebel wench led the crowd in a chant of “No taxation!”, a message that resonated with many contemporary audience members. T he two sides charged forwarded with swords, lances and other weaponry, as the crowd roared, “Huzzah!” Knights in armor clashed in the battle’s finale, after which gypsies rushed onto the field to svavenge valuables from those who had fallen. A bawdy juggler regaled the crowd with spicy jokes while keeping multiple balls in the air. Nearby, vendors hawked wares—and hawk aficionados got an up-close look at falcons on display. Music, dancing, and a large snake wrapped around a gypsy woman intrigued guests, who feasted on fare that included turkey drumsticks , build-your-own crepes, and pirate’s punch. Lords, and ladies, wolves and wenches (some in gravity-devying garments) strolled the grounds, encouraging all to have a good time. For those seeking to participate in future Renaissance events, booths offered period clothing attire and other items such as corsets , tri-corn hats, elaborately embroidered gowns, swords, armor, leather gauntlets, and gypsy scarves trimmed with coins. One booth offered elegant rings at three for a dollar. Others offered authentic reproduction items for hundreds of dollars or more. Children could participate in a treasure hunt and other activities–all certain to bring smiles to the faces of lads, lasses and parents who were present. Printer-friendly version
SPRING VALLEY WOMAN, SAN DIEGO MAN DIE IN ROLLOVER CRASH AT -805 RAMP TO HIGHWAY 94
Printer-friendly version November 14, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – On November 11, a vehicle driven by Deshaun Glover went out of control, struck a guardrail and electrical box, then overturned on the northbound I-805 transition ramp to Interstate 94. Glover, 21, and a rear seat passenger, Candice McClean, 21, of Spring Valley were ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. McClean, who was single, lived with her mother, step-father and three siblings in Spring Valley. Glover, also single, resided with his aunt in San Diego, according to the County Medical Examiner’s office. Two other passengers in the vehicle survived. Printer-friendly version
MAN KILLED RUNNING ACROSS FREEWAY IS IDENTIFIED
Printer-friendly version November 14, 2010 (El Cajon) – Anthony Watson, 22, of Spring Valley was struck and killed on November 10th when he attempted to run across the westbound lanes of Interstate 8 near State Route 67. He was hit by an SUV. Medics transported him to Sharp Memorial Hospital’s trauma unit, where he was pronounced dead a short time later. Printer-friendly version
MAN KILLED IN RAMONA ACCIDENT
Printer-friendly version November 14, 2010 (Ramona) – An unidentified Hispanic man lost control of the 1994 Jeep SUV that he was driving, crashing into a wooden utility poll on Elm Street in Ramona on November 12th. Despite resuscitative efforts, emergency workers were unable to save him and he was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the County Medical Examiner’s office, the man has not yet been identified. Printer-friendly version
EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: November 14, 2010
Printer-friendly version November 14, 2010 –EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP highlights top news stories of interest to East County published in other media. Most recent Roundup headlines include: • Challenging Sempra resort got him terminated,ex-controller says • California budget shifts mental health responsibility to schools (impacts special education kids) • Ex-controller says Sempra paid bribes in Mexico • Planners oppose parts of County update • Lakeside man one of five state teachers of the year • Water officials and their wasteful ways • Some water officials get paid to go to festivals, movies • Burrowing owls becoming more rare around County CHALLENGING SEMPRA RESORT GOT HIM TERMINATED, EX-CONTROLLER SAYS November 13, 2010 (San Diego Union-Tribune)– — Here along jagged bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, just south of the only liquefied natural gas plant on the west coast of North America, a luxury-appointed, mission-style resort has risen from the coastal scrubland. Hidden behind miles of fencing and razor wire, Casa Azul is a little-known project of Sempra Energy, whose chief executive Donald Felsinger personally approved construction of the $17 million-plus private conference center, according to work orders obtained by The Watchdog. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/nov/13/ex-exec-says-sempra-resort-got-him-fired/ CALIFORNIA BUDGET SHIFTS MENTAL HEALTH RESPONSIBILITY TO SCHOOLS November 12, 2010 (Santee.Patch.com)–Gov. Schwarzenegger’s veto of funding for mental health services for special education and emotionally disturbed students is continuing to draw backlash from parents and school districts throughout the state. A specific veto item to the state’s fiscal year 2011 budget remains a topic of concern for parents of special needs children and the school districts that educate them. Funding for Assembly Bill 3632, which mandates the state fund county mental health departments in order to provide mental health services for special needs and severely emotionally disturbed students was blue-penciled by the governor on Oct. 8. http://santee.patch.com/articles/california-budget-shifts-mental-health-responsibility-to-schools-2 EX-CONTROLLER SAYS SEMPRA PAID BRIBES IN MEXICO The company says accusations are false, and $8,200 payment was legitimate November 12, 2010 (San Diego Union-Tribune)–A former executive in Baja California has sued for wrongful termination, claiming he was fired for raising too many questions about bribes and other business practices south of the border. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/nov/12/ex-controller-says-sempra-paid-bribes-in-mexico/order . PLANNERS OPPOSE PARTS OF COUNTY UPDATE Ramona Community Planning Group (RCPG) opposes specific components of the county’s General Plan Update. November 11, 2010 (Ramona Sentinel)–In a letter to planning group Chair Chris Anderson and Secretary Kristi Mansolf, Devon Muto from the county’s Department of Planning and Land Use (DPLU) said the county supervisors wanted to obtain official positions from each community planning and sponsor group on such components as the Land Use Map, the Conservation Subdivision Program, minimum lot sizes in community plans, and any other issues of concern. http://www.ramonasentinel.com/article/News/News/Planners_oppose_parts_of_county_update/21102 LAKESIDE MAN ONE OF FIVE STATE TEACHERS OF THE YEAR November 12, 2010 (San Diego Union-Tribune–A second-generation PE teacher from Lakeside has been named one of five California Teachers of the Year today and will go on to compete for the national honor. Darin Curtis, who teaches eighth-grade Physical Education at Tierra del Sol Middle School, was recognized as one of San Diego County’s Teachers of the Year last month. He said the achievement honors his late father, Ed Curtis, who taught PE at Tierra de Sol for 25 years. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/nov/12/lakeside-educator-named-one-five-california-teache/ WATER OFFICIALS AND THEIR WASTEFUL WAYS November 9, 2010 (San Diego Union-Tribune) — It’s an aggravating fact of life about California government: When small, obscure agencies are scrutinized, they are commonly found to act in wasteful ways. The Sunday U-T Watchdog story on stipends given to many members of local water boards was a classic example. At a time when water rates are constantly going up, these officials should be hypersensitive on spending questions. Instead, many seem indifferent. The worst by far were Helix Water District board members, who collected an average of $17,480 in stipends in 2009. They are compensated $200 per meeting or per event they attend as district representatives, sometimes showing up five-strong at the same Chamber of Commerce breakfast. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/nov/09/water-officials-and-their-wasteful-ways/ SOME WATER OFFICIALS GET PAID TO GO TO FESTIVALS, MOVIES November 6, 2010 (San Diego Union-Tribune)– One local water board member billed his agency $150 for his attendance at a movie. Another charged $130 for doing a media interview. Three members of one board were paid $150 each to go to a holiday parade. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/nov/06/some-water-officials-charge-for/ BURROWING OWLS BECOMING MORE RARE AROUND COUNTY November 7, 2010 (San Diego Union-Tribune)–Burrowing owls in San Diego County — counted at 500 to 600 about 30 years ago — now number in the double digits at only a handful of sites. Over the years, their continuing decline across California, the American West and Canada has been linked to the reduction of food sources, disappearance of habitat and deaths of burrowing mammals that historically have provided the owls shelter. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/nov/07/burrowing-owls-become-more-rare/ Printer-friendly version
5 DEAD, 6 INJURED IN OCOTILLO CRASH, INCLUDING 4 MEMBERS OF AN EAST COUNTY MOTORCYCLE CLUB
Printer-friendly version Authorities seek driver who fled scene after crossing line, causing collision Update Nov. 14: Authorities now say that the driver who fled the scene was in a gold Honda Civic November 13, 2010 (Ocotillo) – A horrific pileup today included seven motorcycles from Lakeside’s Saddle Tramps club and two other vehicles. The crash left five dead, including at least four East County residents, and injured six others. According to the CHP, a car crossed the center line on State Route 98 seven miles east of Ocotillo around 1 p.m., attempting to pass a group of motorcyclists. A sedan veered to avoid a head-on collision with the car, then struck several motorcycles. Authorities seek the car that witnesses believe caused the accident by passing unsafely. “He fled the scene. He did not stop,” Captain Peter Stanton at the Imperial County Fire Department informed East County Magazine. No description of the vehicle has been released. Stanton said the motorcyclists were traveling together and were members of the Saddle Tramps motorcycle club in Lakeside. “Two of the deceased were from Alpine,” he said. The other two motorcyclist fatalities were from Ramona and El Cajon. The driver of the sedan, which had Mexican license plates, was seriously injured and his passenger, a woman, was killed. “Some of the injuries were major trauma,” Stanton said, confirming that at least one victim had a limb severed. Medical helicopters flew the injured patients to hospitals in San Diego and Palm Springs, while ambulances transported additional patients to hospitals in El Centro and Brawley. CHP officers, Border Patrol, Bureau of Land Management, Imperial Valley Sheriff’s deputies and Imperial Valley County Fire Department responded to the crash. The highway remains closed tonight as an investigation into the deadly crash continues. Printer-friendly version
HELIX WINS GROSSMONT HILLS TITLE WITH 26-7 WIN OVER STEELE CANYON
Printer-friendly version by Christopher Mohr November 13, 2010 (La Mesa) – Friday night’s football game at Helix High School between the host Highlanders and the visiting Cougars from Steele Canyon High School effectively amounted to a league championship game. The CIF may not have planned it that way, but both teams have had outstanding seasons; Helix had a 9-0 record, while Steele Canyon was 8-1. The game began as a stalemate, but the Cougars blinked first, making costly mistakes that the Highlanders capitalized on en route to a 26-7 win and a Grossmont Hills league title. In the first quarter it was the defense of both teams that shined. The hard hitting play made it evident that both teams knew how important this game was. The Highlanders were unable to get much of a running game going with their star running back, Darrien Hancock because the Cougars’ defense keyed on him with good gap coverage and gang tackling. In a similar fashion, Steele Canyon could not get their running game going as their featured back, Jake Wragg could not find any openings. As a result both teams traded punts for most of the first quarter. When Wragg was finally able to find an opening and gain seven yards, he lost the ball on a fumble, which was recovered by Helix. The Highlanders made the Cougars play for the miscue a few plays later when Brandon Lewis connected with Cameron Lee on a 24 yard pass play that put Helix ahead 7-0. In spite of the deficit, the Cougars continued to play the hard-hitting style defense that they had played earlier. Brandon Watson made some big plays for Steele Canyon with a sack and an interception off a deflection. A 7-0 deficit was not impossible for them to overcome this early in the game. Helix finally broke through on a drive aided by a pass interference penalty against the Cougars. The penalty moved the ball to the Cougars’ 23-yard line and set up a 23 yard touchdown run by Hancock, giving Helix a 14-0 lead. The Cougars’ woes continued when a pass from Brad Boemke was intercepted by Romello Carbuccia. The Highlanders responded with a 27 yard field goal from Vann Sabin to extend the Helix lead to 17-0. The Highlanders ran a well executed hurry-up offense and added another field goal before halftime from Sabin, this one from 36 yards, to make the score 20-0. The drive came after the Cougars turned the ball over on downs when they failed to convert on a fourth-and-two play. In the third quarter, the Cougars got a huge break when a bad Helix punt gave them great field position. Boehmke later found James on a 24 yard pass play that made the score 20-7. There was still plenty of time for the Cougars to come back. The Cougars’ defense played aggressively the whole game, but faced a challenging situation in the third quarter when they had two consecutive pass interference penalties called against them. They stopped the Highlanders on a fourth-and-short play, giving their offense another chance to shrink the Highlanders’ lead. The Cougars’ offense was not able to take advantage of the opportunity. A pass from Boehmke to Chancellor James was picked off by 6’3" Helix defender Kenny Keys. Keys, who also plays on the Highlanders’ basketball team, used his jumping ability to grab the ball. "I just read the quarterback and I saw it opened up to their star receiver. Chancellor, he’s a good reciever, but I opened up and read the quarterback, jumped up and made a play," said Keys about the play. He finished the game with two interceptions. A couple of big runs by Raymont Nailon moved Helix down the field quickly. The Cougars’ aggressive defense had been on the field a long time and showed signs of fatigue as Nailon powered his way through the line. Lewis then connecte with Austin Gonzalez on a 20 yard pass that made the score 26-7. The Cougars were not able to generate much of a threat after that. Helix got the win and the Grossmont Hills league title, while preserving their undefeated season. Jim Arnaiz Field has proven inhospitable to opposing teams this season. With Friday’s game, the Highlanders have outscored their opponents 201-24 on their home field. Steele Canyon needed an almost perfect game to win, but the mistakes were too difficult to overcome. "It’s an amazing feeling, we’re league champs, it doesn’t get any better than that," Lewis said about the win. Helix improved to 10-0 with the win while Steele Canyon dropped to 8-2. Both teams wait to see who their next opponent will be when the CIF announces playoff pairings. Christopher Mohr is a freelance writer in the San Diego area and is an avid Chargers, Padres and Detroit Red Wings fan. Scoring Summary ___________________________________________________________ Steele Canyon 0 0 7 0 – 7 Helix 7 13 0 6 – 26 ___________________________________________________________ First Quarter H – Lee 24 pass from Lewis (Sabin kick) Second Quarter H – Hancock 23 run (Sabin kick) H – FG Sabin 27 H – FG Sabin 36 Third Quarter SC – James 14 pass from Boehmke (Uribe kick) Fourth Quarter H – Gonzalez 20 pass from Lewis (pass failed) Printer-friendly version
EL CAJON SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR CITY COMMISSIONS
Printer-friendly version November 13, 2010 (El Cajon)–If you’re an El Cajon resident seeking to be more involved in your community, the City of El Cajon is now accepting applications for commissioners on four boards: Planning Commission, Personnel Commission, Gillespie Field Development Council, and the Public Safety Facility Finance Oversight Committee. The filing period is November 10 through December 3, 2010, at 5:00 p.m. Interviews and appointment are scheduled for December 14, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, located at 200 Civic Center Way in El Cajon. Below are details: Gillespie Field Development Council One Commissioner One (1) Four-Year Term expiring 01/31/ 2015 Personnel Commission Two Commissioners One Vacancy for Term expiring 01/31/2015 – From Classified Service One Four-Year Term expiring 01/31/2015 – Council Appointed Planning Commission Two Commissioners Two (2) Four-Year Terms expiring 01/31/2015 Informational Meeting on 12/10/2010 Public Safety Facility Financing Oversight Committee Four Commissioners Four (4) Four-Year Terms expiring 01/31/2015 Applications are available at the City Clerk’s Office, first floor at City Hall, located at 200 Civic Center Way in El Cajon. To apply on line go to www.ci.el-cajon.ca.us and look under “What’s New” for City Commission Openings. For more information please call (619) 441-1764. Printer-friendly version
CANINE COUNSELORS BRING HOPE TO CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE SURVIVORS
Printer-friendly version By Janice Arenofsky November 13, 2010 (San Diego’s East County)–As Lois Abrams drove to El Toro High School in Lake Forest, Calif., her car all but disappeared behind the heavy curtain of smoke and ash stemming from the October 2007 San Diego County wildfires. But it was pollution—not low visibility–that bothered Abrams. She had a face mask for herself, but how could she protect Duke and Romeo–her two Cavalier King George Spaniels–from inhaling toxins? This was not the first time Abrams and her therapy dogs had faced challenges while volunteering for Hope AACR (animal-assisted crisis therapy). The whole point of the nonprofit headquartered in Eugene, Oregon, was ministering to survivors of crisis and disaster. Through Hope’s national network, dog-handler teams provided comfort and compassion. Abrams remembered Duke’s first AACR call-out. It was at the Jesse Turner Evacuation Center in Fontana during the 2003 Grand Prix Fire in San Bernardino. "What stands out most," says Abrams, who explains that handlers and dogs always wear identifying vests, shirts or jackets, "are the countless times we heard ‘God bless you’ and ‘Thank you for being here with your dog.’" Although AACR handler-dog teams make the program look easy, formal training and certification are necessary. Founded by Cindy Ehlers in 1998 after a high-school shooting in Springfield, Oregon, AACR stipulates that dogs must pass therapy tests and work in the field for at least a year before they qualify to attend two-day crisis response workshops (four days for national certification). Workshop trainees use role playing to practice basic intervention and self-management skills, animal care and behavior techniques, and strategies for effectively working with agencies such as the Red Cross, FEMA and NOVA. Trainees also must show that their canine teammate can ride on planes or another form of transportation (apart from a car) and act appropriately at simulated traumatic events. Georgia Whitlock, AACR director for the Pacific Southwest, says 30 of AACR’s 100 teams reside in California. Dubbed "hopefuls" and comprised of diverse breeds–everything from chihuahuas, pharaoh hounds and poodles to golden retrievers, Newfoundlands and rottweilers–some have responded to huge national catastrophes, such as the 9/11World Trade Center explosion and Hurricane Katrina. "We screen for temperament," Whitlock says, pointing out this also applies to human volunteers. The idea is to weed out dogs–and people–who react negatively–for instance, to chaotic situations or scenarios in which you may have to walk long distances or remain standing for lengthy periods of time. CALL-OUTS THAT COUNT Dave Valantine, Hope’s national president, makes "reconnaissance" runs for California teams before teams are dispatched. Last October he and Bailey, his black Lab, visited evacuee centers like Golden Valley High School in Santa Clarita and Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. At one stop, Valantine met a young couple who had lost all their possessions in the fires. "They couldn’t stop petting Bailey," he says. Later, at a nearby base camp, Bailey connected with a weary firefighter, who insisted on keeping the dog on his lap. "Bailey is about 85 pounds," Valantine says, "so it was something to see how much this firefighter enjoyed the visit. "Comfort in times of crisis": This is AACR’s motto. The dogs instinctively tune in to people at risk, says Abrams, a psychotherapist and family/marriage counselor as well as an AACR volunteer. Dogs easily break down communication barriers and provide stress relief. "Handlers don’t do desensitization therapy and draw out the person’s (feelings) with questions," explains Abrams. "Rather, the dogs and handlers provide a diversion from the pressure of past events. For that moment, people do not dwell on the negative–so they relax their body and mind." At El Toro High School, Abrams cuts a wide swath through the cots and clusters of families until arriving at the children’s play area. She watches as about 20 youngsters, ages two to 15, line up in front of Duke, and later Romeo to see the canines perform tricks. The kids get kisses and dog trading-card photos; the dogs get treats, hugs and belly rubs. Some children walk the leashed dogs inside the gymnasium. "When the kids are wound up," Abrams says, "the dogs change their moods–they become more subdued." Families experience a sense of displacement in fires, according to Abrams. The women cope by talking, but the men usually retreat. This becomes apparent as a Hispanic man silently touches Duke and sheds tears. "I couldn’t take care of my family," he says, finally venting his frustration. Other men put their grief aside and poke fun at the dog. "It becomes an excellent excuse to laugh," Abrams says. "And if anyone witnessed his own animal die, that person often will cry and bury his head in the (therapy) dog," Abrams says. "That’s a normal response and a good thing." CALM COMPASSION Sandra Younger is an AACR volunteer who understands loss. She watched as the Cedar Fire obliterated her home in Lakeside in 2003. Four years later, the October fires seem like ugly reruns. Younger was online searching for information on the imminent threat of wildfires when Terra, her eight-year-old Newfoundland, morphed from companion animal to crisis responder. "She picked up on my frenzy and tension and knocked my hand off the computer," Younger says. "I thought it so poignant that my crisis response dog had broken my panic." Younger later responded to an AACR call-out to Steele High School Evacuation Center in Spring Valley. "One FEMA worker told me in a thick Georgia drawl that Newfs were her favorite breed, and we had made her day," Younger says. Back in 2006, when a less experienced Younger visited base camps at Castaic and Ventura, she wondered about AACR’s benefits. "It didn’t seem like much," Younger recalls, "just walking around and chatting, but for many weary and homesick people fighting a long and stubborn wildfire, the Hope dogs did make a difference." Another California evacuee-turned-responder, Katherine Gigandet of Crestline, says her AACR dog, Pilot, definitely had a positive