SUPERVISOR JACOB HOSTS “COFFEE WITH CONSTITUENTS” APRIL 28 IN ALPINE
April 23, 2011 (Alpine) –Supervisor Dianne Jacob invites you to a a “Coffee with Constituents” on Thursday, April 28 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the Alpine Woman’s Club, 2156 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine. “I hope you will be able to attend and share any ideas, problems or concerns you have regarding County government,” Jacob says. “ If any of your friends, family or neighbors are interested in attending, please feel free to bring them along.”
READER’S EDITORIAL: A VIEW WORTH PRESERVING
By Billy Ortiz April 23, 2011 (Lakeside) – It’s a beautiful April day as I head down East Main Street in El Cajon towards my home near Tunnel Hill. I can’t help but notice Old Glory high above the El Cajon skyline and beyond, my favorite place towering in the background: El Cajon Mountain, also known as El Capitan. I have often wondered why it is called El Cajon Mountain, but after seeing this view I think I understand. I am a historian; the first thing I think of when I see a sight like this is what East County must have looked like say 100 years ago. The view today remains much as it did a century ago–but now this scenic and historic view is at risk. The road I am on may have been just a narrow dirt road cutting through the middle of citrus farms and ranches, a few houses here and there, windmills drawing up water from under the rich and fertile soil. That was then and this is now. Yet El Cajon today still has no tall power-lines obstructing the scenery on Old Highway 80, the historic route. The irony is that the beautiful mountain in the background, the most scenic view corridor in East County and certainly among the most scenic in all of San Diego, may soon be defaced by Sunrise Powerlink–built by the same utility company that sought fit to preserve the view here on East Main by putting utility lines underground. Isn’t the grandeur of El Cajon Mountain at least as worthy of preserving as a view of El Cajon’s streetscape? To me, this view not only symbolizes the freedom that we have, but also the responsibility that falls on each and every one of us—yes, even utility companies like Sempra and SDG&E–to preserve our environment. This is our home and we should cherish it. Billy Ortiz is a historcal writer and videographer based in El Cajon. The views expressed 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, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.
BEADS, BOURBON AND BEIGNETS: ROTARY HOSTS MARDI GRAS-THEMED CHARITY AUCTION APRIL 29
April 23, 2011 (El Cajon) — The Rotary Club of El Cajon will host its 20th Annual Charity Auction, which this year has a New Orleans Mardi Gras theme entitled "Beads, Bourbon & Beignets!" The event will feature live music by the San Diego Cajun Playboys and includes dinner. A silent and live auction will be held to benefit the Rotary Club of El Cajon and continue to help fund the organization’s community and civic endeavors throughout the City of El Cajon. The event will be held on Friday, April 29 from 6-9 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 1400 E. Washington Ave., El Cajon 92020. Cost is $75 per person or $550 for a table of eight. For more information, contact: lgmckim@cox.net or call 619-588-1985
QUILTS FOR JAPAN FROM LEMON GROVE SOROPTIMISTS
April 23, 2011 (Lemon Grove)—Soroptimist International of Lemon Grove recently created and shipped four handmade quilts to their sister club, Soroptimist International of Yamaguchi, which will auction the quilts on May 8 at a special bazaar. Proceeds will benefit displaced victims of the devastating earthquake, tsunami and nuclear radiation disaster in Japan which have left over a half million people homeless. Yamaguchi is southwest of the disaster zone and was relatively unaffected. The Lemon Grove club includes expert quilters whose beautiful creations have benefited a variety of charitable and emergency causes for more than 50 years. Working around the clock to complete the full-size bed quilts, the members drew upon such historical quilt patterns as "Grandmother’s Garden," "Crazy Quilt," "Morning Star," and "Hedgerows." "We wanted to make colorful, cheerful quilts to send to people struggling in horrendous circumstances to recoup their lives," said Tina Rainer, a past president of Soroptimist, who formerly ran Craft Depot in Lemon Grove. She has received international awards for her quilts. “The quilts are warm, washable, shrink proof and color fast," added Nancy O’Connor, also a past president of Soroptimist and Lemon Grove’s former director of Parks and Recreation. Her handmade "wearable art" is a feature of the club’s annual Holiday Bazaar. Among other activities, the Lemon Grove club has run the annual Holiday Food & Toy drive for 20 years, assisted in beautifying the community, works to end domestic violence and sex trafficking, and gives annual awards to meritorious high school girls and women for higher education and/or retraining. The club’s signature Chili Cook-off raises funds for these efforts, but club members frequently open their pocketbooks to aid projects benefiting those in need. To join the club, call 619-469-9785, or write to SILG, P.O. Box 518, Lemon Grove, CA 91946
WILL POWER REPORT: STOLEN SOCIAL SECURITY
Nothing but the Truth! By Will Power April 21, 2011 (San Diego)–The Republican House majority, which has been spending trillions on worthless wars, has suddenly decided that the government is spending too much. But instead of declaring victory and bring the U.S. Army home to watch the Mexican border, the Republicans have decided to cut Medicare and Social Security. Social Security has been paid into since the 1930’s by nearly all American workers. But now Social Security is in trouble. Why? It’s because Republicans have raided the Social Security fund to pay for their foreign wars. Here’s a summary. The reason why Social Security is getting a bad rap by Republicans is that the surplus that has existed on the books has been borrowed against to pay for wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and to some extent, the Bush tax cuts of 2001 and 2003. During the past 10 years, Congress has borrowed against your retirement. As of January 4, 2011 the federal government owes $14,014,049,043,294.41 – or a “tad” over $14 trillion. Of that, approximately $4.63 trillion is money that was borrowed from trust funds such as Social Security. So nearly $5 trillion dollars of YOUR retirement money was raided by Republicans to pay for their foolish and expensive wars. Then the Republicans scream and yell about how inefficient Social Security is and how it will soon run out of money! As the battle over deficit financing gets uglier and uglier, remind yourself who it was that started this financial house of cards. It wasn’t Clinton, who created a budget surplus. it was the Reagan and Bushes that borrowed the five trillion bucks. Then they gave Tax Breaks to the rich, Take that, you retirees! But you won’t hear about the $5 trillion dollar robbery in the news. Fox News is mum on the subject. It’s pathetic! Workers, you have been robbed and you don’t have a clue! Will Power is a retired history teacher and creative writing instructor. The opinions expressed in this column reflect the views of its author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.
READER’S EDITORIAL: TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION IS ALIVE AND WELL
By David Smyle April 23, 2011 (La Mesa)–On Wednesday April 20th, the Helix Water Board on a 4-1 vote approved the two year MOU negotiated by the employees for the employees with no rate payer representation. That’s right! Mark Weston and Lisa Irvine, employees of Helix Water were appointed by the Board to represent the ratepayers’ interest in the negotiations with the employees. Ok, what did I miss? General Manager Weston ($200,000+ salary) and Administrative Services Director Lisa Irvine negotiated against themselves on our behalf. That is like the NFL owners sending in the NFL Players Association to negotiate against the NFL players. Who were the brilliant Board members who came up with this idea (again)? Yes, this is at least the third MOU in a row (over 12 years) the Helix Water rate payers have had no independent party represent them in negotiations with the non-union employee association. An employee association that still enjoys 100% of its members’ medical, dental, vision, and life insurance paid for 100% by the rate payers. In addition, the employees’ dependents health coverage is also covered 100% by ratepayers while active and in retirement and each employee gets a minimum of 192 hours of paid time off each year and 12 paid holiday days. This year with all the publicity of pension reform including second tiers and the desperate situation most cities find themselves in financially, the HWD is in great shape financially because there is no ability for the ratepayers to vote no against rate hikes like taxpayers have–rate hikes that not only go to improve our water infrastructure and pay for increasing water costs but also go to pay for the most generous employee salaries ($76,000 average salary) and benefit package found in any public agency. Board President Verbeke pontificated about how wonderful the employees are and the quality of service they provide, which has nothing to do with the benefit package they receive. Employees are paid a salary and in this case a very good salary to do the best they can in their job which is the same for any employer’s expectations of its employees. The 8% employee share of the pension paid by the HWD for many years is an employee’s share that should be paid in full by the employees–an amount that is not a pay cut if they were forced to pay it, but an investment in their own retirement. The rate payers already pay 11.4% (this year) for the employee salary in pension costs and another 6.3% for them into the social security system before the additional 6% they will pay in FYE 2012. Yes, the employees are paying 2% this next year towards the full 8% but don’t worry, the Board also approved the greater of 2% or the CPI as a cost of living wage increase so the employees are not out any money. The Board (except Kathleen Hedberg) made excuses why they didn’t get more for the rate payers in this MOU, stating they wanted to see what Governor Brown was going to recommend even though two cities they service, La Mesa and Lemon Grove, both have required employees to pay the full 8% share. The Board also could not negotiate a second tier pension formula for new hires or a significant change in employee pension and benefit costs for new hires. This is what we get from not having independent representation. Board Members Smith, Linden, Muse and Verbeke are part of a good old boys (and girls) network and it is time to vote them out in their next election or we, the rate payers get what we deserve. David Smyle is the cofounder of the East County Tax Hawks, a citizens’ watchdog group. The opinions expressed 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, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.
RENTER BACKS INTO LANDLORD, 90, NEAR SDSU
April 23, 2011 (San Diego) – A 90-year-old woman walking on a private driveway at 4847 Art Street in the east College was seriously injured yesterday when one of her tenants was backing up a vehicle and struck her. She fell to the ground and sustained a serious head injury. The woman was taken to a local hospital. Her injury is not considered life-threatening and no drugs or alcohol were involved, according to San Diego Police.
NEED MONEY? “GRANTWRITING FOR SUCCESS: SOURCES & STRATEGIES” WORKSHOP OFFERS NATIONAL EXPERT’S TIPS MAY 6 IN SAN DIEGO
Jan McAdams, national grantwriting expert with over $125 million in funded grants and sponsorships, will speak at event sponsored by Heartland Coalition/UnitedGREEN April 22, 2011 (San Diego) — In accordance with its extensive community outreach services, The Heartland Coalition/UnitedGREEN (publisher of East County Magazine) will host a workshop titled “Grantwriting for Success: Sources and Strategies" on Friday, May 6, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The featured speaker is Jan McAdams, a nationally-recognized grantwriting expert and creator of the book Grantwriting for Success. All nonprofit and for-profit firms that are currently seeking grant support for their services are encouraged to attend this exciting program. The seminar will be held San Diego Foundation’s Hoffman Room, 2508 Historic Decatur Rd., Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92106. The $175 registration fee includes lunch, a certificate of completion and a copy of the 100-page course manual. Discounts for groups of three or more are available. After 15 years of teaching the art of securing funds for green buildings, McAdams returns to her “grantwriting roots” with this step-by-step grantwriting skills seminar. Jan McAdams hails from UC Davis where 35 years ago she launched her fundraising career. She has experience in all aspects of grantwriting, fundraising and project management. Since 1975, she has provided consulting services to more than 200 nonprofit and 28 for-profit clients. She has secured more than $125 million in cash and non-cash resources through grants and sponsor development. During her career, McAdams has conducted more than 650 grantwriting and business development workshops throughout the U.S. to more than 4,800 aspiring grant writers. These events include presentations sponsored by major universities, such as UC Davis and the University of Nevada. For registration questions or workshop information, contact Jan McAdams, Workshop Instructor, 702-526-8833-tel, jan@fundinggreenbuildings.com, or Dr. Mark Hanson, Workshop Host, President, Heartland Coalition/UnitedGREEN, 619-261-7180, markhanson@unitedgreen.org. Online registration and a downloadable workshop registration flyer are available at: www.fundinggreenbuildings.com and click workshops.
SUSPECT SHOT BY EL CAJON POLICE OFFICER IDENTIFIED
4 juveniles arrested on drinking, drugs and graffiti charges April 22, 2011 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police have released new details regarding a shooting that occurred April 19 at 11 p.m. near Johnson Elementary School. Victor Charles Hernandez II, 28, was shot by Officer Jason Briley; the bullet passed through his wrist and lodged in his chest. Four juveniles have been arrested in relation to the incident, including a 16-year-old from La Mesa and three minor teens from Lakeside. According to El Cajon Police Lt. Mark Coit, officers responded to a radio call at Johnson Elementary School, 500 W. Madison. The reporting party told police dispatch they could hear people on the closed school campus drinking and causing a disturbance. Officers Ryan Briley, Jason Becker, and Adam Cunningham arrived at the school and began walking in from the northeast area of the campus. A second call was received by dispatch stating that there were two juveniles tagging in the area of the school. One of the juveniles was overheard making a statement about stabbing someone. This new information was broadcast and additional units responded to the area. As the officers approach two individuals on campus, the suspects ran in opposite directions. Officers Becker and Cunningham chased one of the suspects, while Officer Briley chased the second. The suspect ran around the corner of one of the buildings ahead of Officer Briley. Officer Briley continued his pursuit and rounded the corner of the building. The suspect, Victor Charles Hernandez II, jumped out from behind a planter at Officer Briley and extended his hand towards the officer as if he had a weapon. Officer Briley, fearing for his safety drew his service weapon and fired one round, striking Hernandez in his extended arm. The bullet traveled through his wrist and lodged in his chest cavity. Hernandez was taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries. El Cajon Police Detectives responded to the scene and began an investigation. It was determined Hernandez did not have a weapon, but it is unclear why he jumped out at Officer Briley and simulated one. Hernandez had a tested blood alcohol level of .374 an hour after the shooting. Evidence found at the school confirmed the suspects were drinking and inhaling aerosol from cans of electronic dusters, an act known as “huffing.” Hernandez is a local transient with prior arrests for being drunk in public, trespassing and vandalism. The investigation led detectives to four juveniles who were with Hernandez at the school. In addition to drinking and “huffing” they were found to be responsible for an excessive amount of tagging to the school property. The estimate of damage and cleanup is expected to exceed $10,000. Detectives used the Graffiti Tracker Program, which is a GPS based system used to combat graffiti, and connected the four suspects to at least seven other cases in the City of El Cajon. Detectives have located additional areas the juveniles are suspected of tagging and estimate the damage by this group could reach the tens of thousands of dollars. All of the juvenile suspects have prior contacts for loitering and vandalism. One has a prior arrest for robbery and one was a reported runaway.