NAUGHTY & NICE NEWSMAKERS OF 2010
By Miriam Raftery December 28, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Who’s been naughty and who’s been nice among this year’s headline makers? Our editorial staff has been making our list and checking it twice. Here are our nominees for the naughtiest—and nicest—newsmakers of the year in 2010. Note: We don’t include criminals in this list, as major crimes will be included in our "top news stories of 2010" that will be posted in a couple of days. Do you agree with our choices? Please post comments–and your own nominees–below! NAUGHTY NEWSMAKERS 1. SDG&E: The utility paid $14 million to settle claims that its lines caused the Rice and Witch Creek fires, then got regulators to approve a rate hike. SDG&E claimed it couldn’t afford to pay hiked up insurance premiums imposed due to the fires that it caused. Yet SDG&E had ample funds to wine and dine influential individuals at its posh resort in Mexico. The utility also ired many with plans to erect Sunrise Powerlink through scenic and high fire risk areas. Adding insult to injury, SDG&E now wants to shut off power in the backcountry to limit its liability the next time a wildfire seems likely to occur. Definitely NOT nice! 2. Reggie Bush: After revelations that he accepted improper gifts to benefit his family, the Helix High School graduate and USC football star made the record books for a most dubious accomplishment. He became the first player ever to give back a Heisman trophy—an action taken before the governing board could vote to revoke the award. 3. Drivers ignoring flood warnings: It happens every time the San Diego River overflows its banks—but some drivers just don’t seem to get the message. Our emergency personnel had to rescue several drivers who bypassed barricades or tried to cross obviously flooded roadways. Besides endangering their lives and voiding vehicle warranties, these clueless drivers also tie up emergency workers and cost taxpayers money. When in doubt, stay out! 4. Congressman Brian Bilbray: A cloud of controversy surrounded the 50th District Congressional representative who founded the Congressional Cigar Association, a club with three lobbyists on its board. Clearly a front for lobbyists to cozy up to Congressional members, the group landed Bilbray in the hotseat when his opponent sent out a mailer of Bilbray in a smoking jacket, puffing and partying with lobbyists. The hit piece didn’t hurt, however; Bilbray won reelection by a comfy margin in the same district once represented by jailed Congressman Randy “Duke” Cunningham. 5. San Diego City Council: Though a Democratic majority, the Council proved it’s not run by bleeding heart liberals. After numerous delays, the Council declared it would open Golden Hall to the homeless as a winter shelter—only to revoke its decision right after the November election. The homeless were out in the cold over Thanksgiving. An alternative shelter wasn’t ready until long after winter weather hit the region—and promptly ran out of beds. Across the County, many homeless people were left with no shelter during December’s storms, even as floodwaters washed out riverbeds where the homeless used to camp. 6. SDSU president Stephen Weber: He was the Grinch who stole a college education for many deserving local students. His “solution” for dealing with state budget cuts? Take away guaranteed admissions for local students who met all California State University requirements—so the campus could rake in money instead on dorm fees from non-local students. It took an act of the Legislature, led by Assemblyman Marty Block, to reverse the Weber doctrine, restoring college access for the best and brightest of our local students.. 7. Peter Cuthbert: La Mesa’s long-time resident funded a slate mailer for La Mesa council and mayoral candidates that cost more than is legally allowed under campaign finance laws, even adding ballot initiatives on as a finishing touch. “If I get in trouble for this, I’ll pay the fine,” the curmudgeonly Cuthbert said, showing no remorse. His efforts didn’t pay off, however: Cuthbert’s candidates were defeated at the ballot box. 8. Laura Lothian: Piling up trash on a vacant lot for a photo shoot (as a neighboring busniess owner alleged that she witnessed) backfired for La Mesa Mayoral candidate Laura Lothian, who later tidied up the mess after a property owner complained and multiple media outlets revealed allegations of the stunt. She stated on her website, ""This lot and its trash are what inspired me to run for mayor of La Mesa. "Only ¾ mile from city hall and surrounded by businesses and residences, this prominent eyesore is to me a symbol of local government apathy." 9. Meg Whitman: The Gubernatorial candidate called for tough action against employers who hire illegal immigrants—until media revealed that she hired one herself. She claimed she didn’t know that her maid was undocumented. But letters sent by Social Security warned that the maid’s immigration status was in question, casting doubt on Whitman’s integrity—and quite possibly cost her the Governor’s office in a state with a heavily Hispanic electorate. 10. Padre Dam Municipal Water Board: The circle of rocks should have been a clue. An archaeologist hired by Padre Dam tried to warn Board members that a proposed water project site in Lakeside likely served as an ancient ceremonial and burial site for Native Americans. But when remains were found and the state’s Native American Heritage Commission told Padre to halt construction, Padre kept digging. The Attorney General was not amused–and promptly filed a lawsuit. A judge issued an injunction, halting construction. 11. Supervisor Bill Horn: The County revoked a $20,000 grant that Horn illegally presented to a right-to-life group that provides pro-life literature to schools. In addition, Channel 8 news revealed that Horn failed to pull permits on a room addition–and wasn’t paying taxes. Horn has previously paid a settlement for alleged campaign finance violations and been embroiled in other controversies. But voters, unswayed by accusations of hornswaggling taxpayers, reelected Horn. NICE NEWSMAKERS 1. San Diego Sheriff’s Deputies Gary Kneeshaw and
CALM BETWEEN THE STORMS
This dramatic image of waning storm clouds reflected in Lindo Lake at sunset was captured on film by Dennis Richardson. Want to see your photos published in East County Magazine? Submit your best images taken in East County to editor@eastcountymagazine.org.
RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE: 16 DROP-OFF LOCATIONS COUNTY-WIDE
December 28, 2010 (San Diegoi)–The City of San Diego’s Environmental Services Department is hosting the 37th annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program through January 23, 2011. This year’s program offers 16 drop-off locations for City residents, as well as curbside pickup for customers with curbside yard waste collection. “This is a great program for everyone,” said Councilwoman Marti Emerald. “Easy recycling for residents, we keep greenery out of the landfill extending its life, and recycle the trees to provide free mulch for your yard. It’s a win-win all around.” The City of San Diego is required to manage the landfill even after it’s full. By recycling Christmas trees and other yard waste, we save up to 20-percent of landfill space annually and that can add years to the life of the landfill. Residents who currently receive curbside yard waste recycling can leave trees at the curb on regular yard waste recycling days. All tree stands, lights, ornaments and other tree decorations must be removed. If the tree is taller than 4 feet, it should be cut in half. Residents who prefer to drop their trees off can do so during daylight hours at any of 16 locations citywide. Both green and flocked (fake snow) trees are accepted. Remember to remove all tree stands, lights, ornaments and other decorations. No artificial trees. Please do not dump any other items at the drop-off locations. Trees from commercial tree lots or fundraising projects will not be accepted at the drop-off locations. Instead, these trees can be delivered free of charge at The Greenery, located in the Miramar Landfill. All trees will be recycled into high quality mulch and compost, which is available throughout the year to city residents at The Greenery. For more information, call the Environmental Services Department at 858-694-7000 or visit their web site at: http://www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services
MISSING SAN DIEGO WOMAN IN WHITE TOYOTA RAV 4 MAY HAVE GONE TO JULIAN
December 28, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – San Diego Police ask the public’s help to locate Diana Ellen Bielawski, who may have driven to Julian in East County’s mountains. She may also need medical attention. She was last seen Christmas day, December 25th at 1 p.m. in the 4100 block of Paseo Montanas in the Carmel Creek neighborhood of San Diego. View map. She was driving a white 2001 Toyota Rav4 with California license 4TJK342. She is white, 26 years old, 120 pounds, 5 feet 6 inches tall, with brown hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a tan/brown/white belted sweater and black pants. If you have any information on Diana Bielawski or if you see her, please call the San Diego Police Dept. at (619)531-2000 or Detective Mo Parga at (619)531-2277.
COUNTY SEEKS AID FOR STORM DAMAGE
Local municipalities report $6 million in damage to public property, including $1 million in unincorporated areas December 28, 2010 (San Diego)–County of San Diego Chief Administrative Officer Walt Ekard issued a proclamation of a local emergency today, clearing the way to ask for state help to address the several million dollars of damage inflicted by the storms Dec. 18- 22. Through today, cities and agencies countywide estimated they had suffered more than $6 million in damage, including more than $3 million in damage to North County Transit District railroad tracks. County of San Diego officials said the unincorporated areas suffered more than $1 million in damage to local roads, parks, preserves, and trails, sewage system infrastructure and watershed protection systems. The five-day rainstorms flooded streets, knocked down trees, clogged drainage culverts, created sewage spills that closed beaches, and damaged manholes, bridges and fences around the county. The County Board of Supervisors is expected to ratify the proclamation at its Jan. 4 meeting. County officials notified the state Dec. 23 that they intended to proclaim a local emergency but were still assessing the damage. Acting Gov. Abel Maldonado proclaimed a state of emergency for San Diego and Inyo counties Dec. 24, after previously proclaiming emergencies in several other counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino. As the regional authority, the County of San Diego Office of Emergency Services processes and submits all aid requests from local cities and agencies to the California Emergency Management Agency.
READER’S EDITORIAL: TULE WIND PROJECT WILL KILL CONDORS
In April 2007, the first condor spotted in San Diego County in over 100 years soared into East County across the Mexican border. It may be the last, if the wind industry has its way. By Jim Wiegand December 28, 2010 (San Diego’s East County)–When is the media going to put an honest spotlight on the wind industry? When is the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service going to wake up? I am an expert on birds of prey and have seen many environmental impact reports and studies generated for the wind industry. I have yet to see an honest one. All that read this should find this statement shocking. There is a new Draft Environmental Impact Report that has been released for the Tule Wind project in Eastern San Diego County. It will have an impact on the California condor. The Tule Wind Project is being presented to California by Iberdrola Renewables, which is 80% owned by IBERDROLA, S.A., a foreign company. Together, they represent 9.6 billion shares of stock. Section D.1.2.3 of the EIR states “ This EIR/EIS analyzes the potential direct, indirect, and cumulative environmental impacts of the Proposed PROJECT and alternatives.” Is this really true? I looked over the Draft EIR report for the Tule Wind Project and found that there are many problems. I will bring attention to just a few of the misleading paragraphs and omissions. I could not find in the report any discussion about blade tip speed and the extreme danger these spinning blades pose to birds and bats. IBERDROLA knows very well what these turbines do birds and bats. In Spain where they are based, between 1000-2000 Griffon Vultures are killed each year. They are a species similar to condors in size and feeding habits. I happen to know the huge turbines planned for the Tule Wind Project will have blade tip speeds that will exceed 200 mph. Tucked into the EIR is the following: “ECO-BIO-06 No harm, harassment, or collection of plant and wildlife species will be allowed. Feeding of wildlife will be prohibited.” In other words no evidence can be collected. So when condors are killed you will most likely never hear about it. An easy and fair remedy for this problem is for San Diego County and Fish and Wildlife officials to impose a mandatory 5 million dollar fine for the death of every California condor killed from this project, grandfathered in for perpetuity. In addition, to stimulate transparency, a $1 million reward should go to the party that reports it. Readers should pay close attention to this carefully worded assessment written in the EIR concerning the condor: "The California condor is a federally and state-listed endangered species and is also Fully Protected. This species has been reintroduced to a number of locations within North America as described in Section D.2.1. Although the closest area used by the Baja-released condors is approximately 50 miles south of the Tule Wind Project, a female condor did fly from Baja over the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park area. The bird did not remain in the United States for more than a couple of days. However, this indicates that these birds could fly the distance to the project area. Although the habitat in the project area is suitable for a condor to forage within, there are no roosting or nesting opportunities, and nesting locations within the Sierra San Pedro de Martir National Park are approximately 100 miles south of the project area.” There are many things wrong with this statement. (1) Condors can very easily fly, glide, and soar on wind currents over 100 miles in a day. (2) Many other condors could have flown to the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park area, but only one has been reported. (3) The area has suitable foraging habitat so the truth is, condors will always be drawn to the area. (4) It is claimed there are no roosting locations for the condor in the project area. The condors can use the same perches and rim rocks used by the 10 pairs of Golden Eagles reported living in the area. (5) Once the project is built there will be hundreds of new perches and roosting sites for condors and all birds of prey. These will be provided by the 60-200 foot towers and poles used for the project. Here is another carefully worded and misleading statement from the EIR: "Within the Proposed PROJECT area, suitable foraging habitat includes agriculture, disturbed habitat, field/pasture, and non-native grassland, but this species is not likely to occur within San Diego County since the closest potential breeding population is located in Baja California, Mexico, as noted previously. The species could occasionally wander north from Baja, but breeding of the species in San Diego County has not been recorded since the 1880s (Unitt 2004)." Will this species try to breed in San Diego County in the future? Where were the historical condor nesting sites? Were they located in the rims rocks of Eastern San Diego County that were declared by Iberdrola Renewables as having no roosting or nesting opportunities for the condor? The USFWS, entrusted to protect the nation’s wildlife, has repeatedly looked the other way while wind farms were constructed in California condor habitat near Tejon Ranch. Because of the turbines built for the Enron boys, the condor can never really fly free in this area. The historical habitat and flyway that intersects the Sierras Nevada Mountains and the Costal ranges is riddled with thousands of spinning wind turbines. How will they handle the Tule Wind Project wind farm? San Diego County needs to think about what has happened the last 30 years. Why did you think the condor population plummeted in the 1980’s and the last ones had to be trapped? It was not lead poisoning. At the time, all the media attention was on the Golden Eagles being slaughtered at Altamont pass, but the thousands