CA SUPREME COURT REJECTS UCAN APPEAL, SIDES WITH SDG&E ON POWERLINK
Printer-friendly version February 24, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – The California Supreme Court has denied without comment an appeal filed by Utility Consumers Action Network (UCAN), which sought to stop the Sunrise Powerlink project on the basis that it violated the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). “This is yet another significant legal victory for the Sunrise Powerlink,” said Ruben Barrales, co-chair of the Community Alliance for the Sunrise Powerlink and president of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. A press release issued by the Alliance said the ruling marks the end of opponents efforts to invalidate the project based on CEQA violations. UCAN executive director Michael Shames said he had not yet received the decision, but that UCAN is weighing other options. " We are going to review the potential for a Petition for Modification to the PUC (Public Utilities Commission)," he revealed, adding there is no timeline for such a petition. "In view of changed circumstances (for example, Stirling project being infeasible) and the issuance of the Tradeable Renewable Credits, there are sufficient material facts to justify a CPUC review by a new Commission," he stated in an e-mail response to ECM’s request for comments. "We’ll begin that process now but don’t know when we’ll make a decision." Several other lawsuits remain in state and federal courts. “Our grassroots coalition of Backcountry Against Dumps, The Protect Our communities Foundation, and the East County Community Action Coaltion have several petitions for review of PUC’s (California Public Utility Commission) Sunrise Powerlink approvals still pending in California Supreme Court,” said Donna Tisdale. “We have also filed a petition for reconsideration and request for stay over the State Water Resources Control Board’s certification of the Sunrise Powerlink project’s permits under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act.” On March 7th, U.S. District Court in San Diego will hold a hearing in the coalition’s motion for summary judgment in a lawsuit filed over the federal Bureau of Land Management’s approval of Powerlink and “their unlawful land use downgrades and amendments to the Eastern San Diego Resource Management Plan,” Tisdale stated. “Those BLM actions changed the McCain Valley zoning from scenic and proteted to an industrial zone in order to accommodate both the Tule Wind project proposed by Iberdola, a Spanish utility, and a brand new utility corridor for the Sunrise Powerlink through the McCain Valley Resource Conservation and Recreation Area.” The backcountry activist concluded, “We have a very strong case and a very good attorney. SDG&E and the BLM have not been able to get our case dismissed despite their numerous heavy-handed efforts to do so.” SDG&E has pushed forward with construction across East County despite cases still pending in the courts. On March 7th, opponents of the high-voltage line plan a rally outside SG&E headquarters, followed by a march to the federal courthouse steps in hopes of demonstrating strong community opposition to the project. Supervisor Dianne Jacob and UCAN’s Michael Shames are among the speakers scheduled to appear at the rally, which starts at 12:30 p.m. March 7 at 101 Ash Street in San Diego. Printer-friendly version
HOUSE VOTES TO SLASH ALL FUNDS FOR FAMILY PLANNING & HEALTH SCREENINGS AT PLANNED PARENTHOOD
Printer-friendly version Women’s rights supporters plan protest at Rep. Hunter’s office today at noon February 24, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) –Republicans in the House pushed through a 240-185 vote to strip all Title X funding from Planned Parenthood, sparking outrage among health advocates and women’s rights supporters, who have organized multiple protest rallies in San Diego this week including a rally today outside Congressman Duncan Hunter’s office in El Cajon. Rep. Mike Pence (R-Indiana) introduced the amendment to strip Planned Parenthood of all federal funds. “It is morally wrong to take the taxpayer dollars of millions of pro-life Americans and use them to fund organizations that provide and promote abortion,” he said. But Title X funds have never covered abortion care, so Pence’s statement is misleading, suggests Terry O’Nell, president of the National Organization for Women. Should the measure pass the Senate and become law, she said, “Millions of women, the vast majority of whom have incomes of less than $11,000 a year, will lose access to pap smears, testing for sexually transmitted infections, and contraception.” Calling the bill “dangerous and discriminatory,” she added, “There is little doubt that the WILL kill women.” In a press statement issued yesterday, the NOW leader accused House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) with conspiring with the U.S. Conference on Catholic Bishops to endanger women’s lives. She cited other pending Republican-backed bills as examples. HR 358 would encourage healthcare profivders ro refuse training, performance and even referrals for healthcare. “This bill gives our government `blessing’ to any emergency room that would let a pregnant woman die rather than perform an abortion procedure that could save her life,” she noted. Another bill, HR 3, would revoke abortion rights even for rape victims. HR 217 would permanently eliminate Title X family planning services as well as screenings for cancer, HIV/AIDS, and sexually transmitted diseases. Testimony on the House floor became emotional after Rep. Christopher Smith (R-New Jersey) described a procedure commonly used not only for abortion but when a woman miscarries. His speech prompted California representative Jackie Spier to speak, revealing that she had the procedure herself in the 17th week of pregnancy, after the fetus slipped from the womb into the vagina and her doctor advised the procedure to prevent infection as her pregnancy was failing. “I lost a baby. But for you to stand on this floor and to suggest as you have that somehow this is a procedure that is either welcomed or done cavalierly or done without any thought is preposterous,” Speier said. San Diego Republicans Duncan Hunter, Darrell Issa and Brian Bilbray all voted in favor of eliminating Title X funds for birth control, cancer screenings and other non-abortion procedures for poor women. Local Democrats Susan Davis and Bob Filner voted against the measure. The House vote was praised by the National Right to Life Council, whose president, Douglas Johnson, said, “Now Senators, too, will go on record on whether to push the snout of this bloated abortion mega-marketer, Planned Parenthood, out of the U.S. Treasury feeding trough.” All abortion services provided by Planned Parenthood are legal under federal law, despite an inflammatory Internet video slamming the organization for providing abortion counseling to minor prostitutes. Nobody in Congress is trying to fund abortions at Planned Parenthood, however, making the issue a red herring. Instead, the Republican agenda is to starved Planned Parenthood of funding, a move that no one disputes will also deny access to affordable birth control, cancer screenings, and other services for women who may not be able to afford them elsewhere. Meanwhile at least one Republican in Congress has introduced a bill to fund birth control–for wild horses, not women: http://community.thenest.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/49393987.aspx Planned Parenthood has posted an email petition on its website urging that the mesaure to defund family planning and health screenings for women be defeated: http://www.plannedparenthood.org. Now local activists are fighting back as well. Yesterday, a rally was held outside the federal building in downtown San Diego to protect women’s reproductive rights. Today at noon, a coalition of groups including MoveOn, Democracy for America, local Democratic clubs and women’s organizations are urging people opposed to the funding cuts to rally outside Congressman Duncan Hunter’s office at 1870 Cordell Street in El Cajon , suite 206. If you wish to voice your views for or against this measure, you may contact Rep. Hunter’s El Cajon office at 619-448-5201 or his Washington D.C. office at 202-225-5672. To reach other members of San Diego’s Congressional delegation in the House, click here: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/0809soundoff Printer-friendly version
FUTURE HANGS IN THE BALANCE FOR EL CAJON’S DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery February 24, 2011 (El Cajon) –Should El Cajon renew its Community Development Corporation (CDC) and Planned Business Improvement District (PBID)? Downtown merchants will be asked that question starting in mid-March, when a petition for renewal will be circulated to bring the issue up for a vote. But a Blue Ribbon Commission chaired by developer Daryl Priest issued a report January 31st calling for the CDC/PBID to be suspected because of “ineffective management” by the CDC. The CDC in turn has issued a point-by-point rebuttal while mobilizing community support. The Blue Ribbon report concluded, “It is our opinion that the elimination of the CDC will allow better utilization of the approximately $600,000 received annually in grant funding (from the City of El Cajon) and will, additionally put approximately $500,000 per year (from elimination of the PBID Assessment to private property owners) back into the business community where it is needed most. The report also deemed the CDC "poor" in most categories, surprising given the CDC’s recent track record of attracting a flurry of new businesses to fill many vacant storefronts, but did give the CDC average marks for the events it hosts to bring visitors into downtown. In its point-by-point rebuttal, the CDC disputes many contentions raised and suggests some data was misinterpreted. The CDC response also criticizes some proposals made by the commission and hints at a potential ulterior motive by some commission members in the building industry. “There is no reason to abandon the grants program and other redevelopment activities in favor of an acquire, scrape and build program.” The CDC response states. The CDC also indicates that it has implemented some changes in response to criticisms raised by El Cajon Councilmembers last year, including instituting an anti-nepotism policy. The CDC is under new leadership in recent months, with Cindy Fargo, a professional with extensive redevelopment experience including the Gaslamp District in downtown San Diego, at the helm. “I was a consultant 15 years ago who helped put together the Property Improvement District here back then,” says Brad Segal, principal of Puma Progressive Urban Management Associates in Denver. Segal has been brought on board by the CDC because of his local experience. “I was really struck at how the community has changed in 15 years,” he said, recalling that the town “was in hard times” back then. “There are really a lot of changes in downtown El Cajon—streetscape, restaurants, a new public safety center, the plaza in front of the first Baptist church, and it just seems cleaner and safer.” He credits the CDC and PBID for a leading role in those changes, aided by the City, local property owners, developers and others. “Observation number one is job well done—this place really has improved over 15 years,” he concluded. The CDC has documented many of its recent changes in its 2010 annual report, which lists numerous new businesses that the CDC takes credit for helping bring to downtown, ranging from a bridal boutique to a brewery and steakhouse. CDC leaders also spoke with East County Magazine about their goals, challenges and accomplishments in a January 14th story titled "Vitality Returning to Downtown." Segal and the CDC have been meeting with local property owners since a contentious meeting last week at which the Blue Ribbon commission presented its findings and the CDC presented its responses. He said many businesses are supportive of retaining the CDC/PBID, which he believes is “gaining traction to move forward.” The CDC has proposed changes in response to some issues raised. Instead of three redevelopment zones, CDC proposes two zones for simplification purposes. CDC also proposes changing the method of assessing property owners and a 10% budget reduction for PBID. “Under our proposed formula, property owners will see a reduction in their assessment on 88% of parcels,” Segal said. In addition, the CDC recommends creation of a property owners’ oversight board. “Starting in the middle of March, property owners will be asked to sign petitions to move this forward and require a vote, which will take place in early summer,” said Kristin Lowell, principal of KLI finance in Sacramento contracted to lead the recertification process. Aside from the Blue Ribbon report, the CDC faces uncertainties as a result of Governor Jerry Brown proposing to eliminate redevelopment agencies as a budget-cutting means. That plan has faced stiff opposition from the League of California Cities and redevelopment organizations. “The Governor had to roll out ideas about redevelopment cuts…he couldn’t have redevelopment as a sacred cow,” Fargo noted. But she added that potential litigation over a constitutional issue may ultimately block the Governor’s plan even if the Legislature approves it. She expressed confidence that the CDC and PBID will win renewal. Asked about the Blue Ribbon report, Fargo noted that the commission had only a short time to examine complex issues. “that’s a lot of work if you don’t have a baseline of information when you get started.” She added “Mayor Pro Tem Kendrick asked me to prepare a point-by-point response to the report and I did; I think I should let the answers stand for themselves.” Printer-friendly version
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SPARKLE IN GOLDEN ARTISTRY JEWELRY DESIGN COMPETITION
Printer-friendly version By Kristin Hobbs Kjaero February 25, 2011 (La Mesa) — Golden Artistry Jewelry Design of La Mesa is hosting their third annual jewelry design contest for high school students in the Grossmont Union High School District. The theme this year is water. The competition is the creation of jeweler Terry Whyte, who hopes to inspire artistic students to consider careers in jewelry making, the same way he was inspired when he saw one of his professors solder a ring. “I was kind of channeled into math and science in high school, but that’s not where my heart is. In college a light went on and I saw my destiny…. I’m happy and being creative. I’m making things that are cherished by people, and will be cherished for generations. It’s an awesome privilege,” he said. In addition to the Grand Prize winner receiving their design made into a real piece of jewelry, Whyte offers all the finalists an internship, and currently has three students learning from him. He says it is a joy to share their enthusiasm, and sees it both as an investment in the community, and a window to the larger world. “You look at archeology, and what do see? The arts. That’s what’s left,” Whyte said. In addition to the competition, a May 5th, 5:00 -9:00 p.m. awards ceremony and auction at the La Mesa Community Center will fundraise for the Friends of East County Arts, which puts all proceeds back into local school theater, music and arts programs. Whyte is looking for sponsors to donate cash, auction items or prizes to support the fundraiser and competition. Those interested can contact him at 619 589-7454. He would like to see a jewelry program at every school in the District some day, saying that the more choices and experiences a student has in school, the better. “Without our help, a lot of students might not find their niche in community and society. We need to start supporting creativity and the arts locally.” Competition details and entry forms are available on-line here at the competition website; the entry deadline in March 7, 2011. Designs will be judged on the basis of reproducibility, creativity, wearability, visual appeal and design inspiration. Printer-friendly version
EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: FEBRUARY 25, 2011
Printer-friendly version February 25, 2011 (San Diego’s East County)–East County Roundup highlights top news stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s eastern region, published in other media. Latest Roundup stories include: • School district public records access graded (10 News) • Newsmakers reflect on media glow (San Diego Union-Tribune) • Karate instructor pleads guilty to molestation (San Diego Union-Tribune) • San Diego could be hurt by New Zealand-style quake (San Diego Union-Tribune) • Grossmont Healthcare CEO gets salary boost, will top $200,000 (La Mesa Patch) • Water agencies look to power industry for lessons (North County Times) • Planners say aging population to lessen water demand (North County Times) SCHOOL DISTRICT PUBLIC RECORDS ACCESS GRADED February 25, 2011 (10 News) — A nonprofit group tested California school districts on their willingness to release public records and found not all districts were compliant. Californians Aware tested K-12 school districts across the state to find out if they would be willing to make their records public http://www.10news.com/news/26989447/detail.html NEWSMAKERS REFLECT ON MEDIA GLOW Lawmaker, school shooting hero among four on panel commenting on today’s journalism February 25, 2011 (San Diego Union-Tribune)— How fair and accurate were the media last year? Depends on whom you ask. Thursday night, four locals who made news in 2010 reflected on their experience in the media spotlight. While they hold different jobs and different overall impressions of the Fourth Estate, the quartet seemed united on several points: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/feb/25/newsmakers-reflect-on-media-glow/ KARATE INSTRUCTOR PLEADS GUILTY TO MOLESTATION February 23, 2011 (San Diego Union-Tribune)–The owner of a popular Allied Gardens martial arts school pleaded guilty Wednesday to molesting a teenage boy over a period of several months. Eric Protas, 38, of La Mesa, faces a maximum of 48 years in prison when sentenced in El Cajon Superior Court on April 15. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/feb/23/karate-instructor-pleads-guilty-molestation/ SAN DIEGO COULD BE HURT BY NEW ZEALAND TYPE OF QUAKE February 22, 2011 (San Diego Union-Tribune)– Seismologists aren’t sure exactly what would happen. But they say that the sort of magnitude 6.3 earthquake that hit Christchurch, New Zealand, killing more than 75 people, could cause significant damage in the San Diego area. The greatest risk would be to unreinforced masonry buildings that have not undergone earthquake retrofitting. "The lesson here is we still have unreinforced structures and that they could be destroyed if we had this kind of earthquake," said Tom Rockwell, a geologist at San Diego State University. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/feb/22/san-diego-could-be-hurt-type-quake-hit-new-zealand/?sciquest GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE CEO GETS SALARY BOOST, WILL TOP $200,000 February 18, 2011 (La Mesa Patch) – By a 5-0 vote, board gives former La Mesa Councilman Barry Jantz a series of 4% raises. He earns praise for expanded district roles, dealing with Prop. J bond projects. http://lamesa.patch.com/articles/grossmont-healthcare-ceo-gets-salary-boost-will-top-200000-in-2012 WATER: AGENCY LOOKS TO POWER INDUSTRY FOR LESSONS February 13, 2011 (North County Times)–Water agencies must cut use by 20 percent in less than a decade under a state mandate. To meet that ambitious goal, Southern California’s biggest water supplier, Metropolitan Water District, is looking at lessons from the power industry. The strategy, called "market transformation," is intended to permanently alter consumer habits and purchases. It was described in a report for the Tuesday meeting in Los Angeles of the Metropolitan Water District, Southern California’s largest water wholesaler. http://www.nctimes.com/business/article_11be1cde-a35d-5d77-a4f9-609dd756a795.html PLANNERS SAY AGING POPULATION TO LESSEN WATER DEMAND Move to apartments would lower water strain February 11, 2011 (North County Times)–Quenching San Diego County’s thirst for water will remain a challenge in the decades to come. Prices are expected to remain high, supplies low and always subject to drought. Still, there are signs that the demand consumers place on the critical resource will lessen due to the way and pace the region is projected to grow, according to officials who gathered in Kearny Mesa on Friday. http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/sdcounty/article_6e3f1ba8-8628-51e5-a47e-c12ceb88ca69.html Printer-friendly version
PEEPING TOM IN ALPINE
Printer-friendly version February 24, 2011 (Alpine)—The Alpine Sheriff’s substation seeks information on a peeping tom reported in the 8900 block of Hunter Pass in Alpineo n February 21st at 5:30 a.m. The suspect wore a dark blue hooded sweatshirt and dark blue sweat pants, according to a news release issued by the Sheriff. Printer-friendly version
THE DOG BLOG: DO YOU HAVE A WILL FOR YOUR DOG?
Printer-friendly version By Dawn Celapino This week has been one of those eye-opening weeks for my family. We had one of our Leash Your Fitness family members die VERY unexpectedly in a freak accident and then my sister was in a car accident–all in the same day! It made me think–what would happen to my dog if I died? There are so many questions to answer and we wanted you to think about this too, since NOBODY can say what is going to happen to us each day. You may think that your sibling or friend would take care of your dog–but do they know all about your dog? These are a few things that are important: 1. Exercise routine: you wouldn’t want to give a dog who is used to exercising a lot to a couch potato 2. Food intake and types of food that your dog tolerates and likes 3. Medicine: flea treatment, heartworm, or any special medications your dog is on 4. Vet, boarding and grooming information 5. Allergies, injuries and any special “quirks” your dog has. Example: likes to chase bunnies, doesn’t like men, etc….. Many people have a trust made up for their pet(s) that include financing for future vet bills and “cost of living” expenses. This can be done through an attorney or there are services that you can pay for that are strictly for pets. One that I found is Its My Pets Life. I have everything written out and keep it with my other important documents in her safe. It includes financing for Jack, my Cairn terrier, and all of the “stuff” that will be destroyed if he don’t get the proper exercise. I think it may take a “team” to take care of him. He isvery spoiled because he gets to go to Leash Your Fitness classes and be in the park while I am training every day. So PLEASE TAKE ACTION! Don’t put this off another day. You do not want your beloved pet to end up at the pound. And don’t forget to leave extra money for treats! Dawn Celapino is a personal trainer and group fitness instructor with over 15 years in fitness experience. She owns Leash Your Fitness, the only workout class in San Diego where your dog is your workout partner. Printer-friendly version
PASSAGES: ESCONDIDO FAMILY GRIEVES DEATHS OF SOMALI PIRATE VICTIMS
Printer-friendly version February 23, 2011 (Escondido) – Jean and Scott Adam, a Southern California couple, have been killed by Somali pirates after being taken hostage last week off the coast of Oman. Phyllis Mackay and Robert Riggle of Seattle also died during an exchange of gunfire between their captors and the U.S. Navy. “Our loved ones were tragically taken from us and our hearts are broken,” said a statement issued by the Sem family of Escondido, relatives of Scott Adam. “While we wish to grieve in private," the family’s statement continued, "we would like to express our deepest gratitude to the brave men and women of the Navy and other military branches who risked their lives trying to save them. We would also like to thank the FBI and State Department for their swift and kind treatment of this matter.” The family also extended sympathies to relatives of the other victims. Scott Adams and his wife, Jean, lived part of the year in Marina del Rey and spent the rest of their time sailing around the world. According to the couple’s website, which has now been taken off the Internet, they set sail aboard their boat, the Quest, to embark on “friendship evangelism – that is, finding homes for thousands of Bibles, which have been donated through grants and gifts, as we travel from place to place." U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton has condemned the hijacking and killings as “deplorable.” Printer-friendly version
ECM WORLD WATCH: GLOBAL AND NATIONAL NEWS
Printer-friendly version February 23, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) –ECM World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflecting all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top International news: Over 1,000 are reported dead as Libya cracks down on protesters; President Obama calls for an international response. More uprisings occur across the Middle East. A major quake rocks New Zealand. Somali pirates kill four Americans, one with San Diego ties. Top U.S. news: House Republicans move forward with their agenda, voting to defund public TV and radio, eliminate all funds for Planned Parenthood including birth control, and threaten a government shut-down to block spending, a move that could halt Social Security checks and more. Over 75,000 protest in Wisconsin after the Governor seeks to break public employee unions to close a budget gap; Democrats leave the state to block a vote as labor protests spread to other states. Top headlines, include these stories and more (scroll down for links and summaries): WORLD NEWS • Obama condemns Libyan violence, calls for international response (CNN) • Libya: More than 1,000 dead (London Telegraph) • Emergency responders overwhelmed by New Zealand quake (Voice of America) • 4 Americans, including Southern California couple, killed by Somali pirates (Los Angeles Times) • Mideast protests spread to Morocco (NPR) • Kabul seeks control of women’s shelters (NPR) • Unrest in the Middle East and North Africa (CNN) • Unemployment, youth populace create explosive mix (NPR) • As Mideast seethes, 3 dead in Bahrain bloodshed (Reuters) • Digging into Egypt’s culture of harassment (NPR) US NEWS • It’s crunch time for organized labor (Wall Street Journal) • Rahm Emmanuel elected Chicago Mayor (CBS News) • Workers protests swell in Midwest as budget battles continue (CNN) • Veteran Republicans fear Tea Party, liberals will unite to cut defense (The Hill) • Cell phone activity alters brain activity, study shows (NBC News) • Government shutdown looming: what does it mean to you? (ABC News) • Government shut-down looms over budget fight (Reuters) • Republican funding threats threaten rural TV and radio stations (Democracy Now) • Planned Parenthood defunding: Family planning’s not a GOP family value? (AOL/Politics Today) WORLD NEWS OBAMA CONDEMNS LIBYAN VIOLENCE, CALLS FOR INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE February 23, 2011 (CNN–President Barack Obama said Wednesday that the United States strongly condemns the use of violence on protesters in Libya and said a unified international response was forming. "The suffering and bloodshed is outrageous and it is unacceptable," Obama said in his strongest and most direct statements to date on the unrest in Libya. "So are threats and orders to shoot peaceful protesters and further punish the people of Libya. These actions violate international norms and every standard of common decency. This violence must stop." http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/02/23/obama.libya/index.html?hpt=T1 LIBYA: ‘MORE THAN 1,000 DEAD’ February 23, 2011 (London Telegraph)–More, than 1,000 people are thought to have died in violence in Libya as government forces continue to crackdown on protesters demanding an end to Col Gaddafi’s regime. …The updated death toll came as French President Nicolas Sarkozy called for Europe to suspend all economic ties with Libya following the suppression of opposition protests there and to adopt sanctions against the country. The UN Human Rights Council will hold a special session on Friday to discuss the crisis in Libya. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8342543/Libya-more-than-1000-dead.html EMERGENCY RESPONDERS OVERWHELMED BY NEW ZEALAND QUAKE February 22, 2011 (Voice of America)–A massive earthquake has devastated the New Zealand city of Christchurch, toppling tall office buildings at the height of the workday and killing at least 65 people. http://www.voanews.com/english/news/New-Zealand-Earthquake-Kills-65.html 4 AMERICANS, INCLUDING SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COUPLE, ARE KILLED BY SOMALI PIRATES, U.S. OFFICIALS SAY February 22, 2011 (Los Angeles Times)– Jean and Scott Adam were on a voyage with two friends from Seattle when pirates boarded their yacht on Friday. Naval officials negotiated without success for their release. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0223-somali-pirates-20110223,0,2606523,full.story MIDEAST PROTESTS SPREAD TO MOROCCO February 20, 2011 (NPR) — The Arab revolt spread to Morocco on Sunday and demonstrators gathered in the capital, Rabat, demanding political and economic reforms. http://www.npr.org/2011/02/20/133920697/Mideast-Protests-Spread-To-Morocco KABUL SEEKS CONTROL OF WOMEN’S SHELTERS February 20, 2011 (NPR) — When she was 13 years old, Khatira’s stepmother gave her the bad news: It was too expensive to keep her, so she would have to marry a cousin living in Kabul. "They treated me well for the first month, but then they started beating me all the time," she says of her new in-laws. http://www.npr.org/2011/02/21/133865996/kabul-seeks-control-of-womens-shelters?ft=1&f=3 UNREST IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA: COUNTRY BY COUNTRY February 19, 2011 (CNN) — Two months ago, a Tunisian fruit vendor struck a match that started a fire that has spread throughout the much of North Africa and the Middle East. Muhammad Bouazizi’s self-immolation prompted anti-government protests that toppled regimes in Tunisia and Egypt. Here are the latest developments, including the roots of the unrest, as well as a look at previous events in affected countries. http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/02/18/mideast.africa.unrest/index.html UNEMPLOYMENT, YOUTH POPULACE CREATE EXPLOSIVE MIX February 18, 2011 (NPR) — In nearly all the countries in the Middle East and North Africa, about 30 percent of the population is between the ages of 15 and 29. Compare that to the U.S., where just 20 percent fall into that age group. Add the population numbers in Arab countries to the high unemployment among young people, and you have a combustible mix. Ragui Assaad, a professor at the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, studies that "youth bulge." He speaks to host Michele Norris. http://www.npr.org/2011/02/18/133875463/Combustible-Mix-Young-Populace-High-Unemployment?ft=1&f=2&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NprProgramsATC+%28NPR+Programs%3A+All+Things+Considered%29 AS MIDEAST SEETHES, 3 DEAD IN BAHRAIN BLOODSHED February 17, 2011 (Reuters) — Police in Bahrain attack demonstrators camped out in the capital, killing three, in a move to stifle pro-democracy protests inspired