CONGRESSWOMAN SUSAN DAVIS INTRODUCES BILL TO END ABSENTEE BALLOT RESTRICTIONS
July 18, 2011 (Washington) — Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) has introduced legislation, the Universal Right to Vote by Mail Act (H.R. 2084), that would end restrictions many states impose on a person’s ability to vote by absentee ballot. Currently, 21 states restrict an eligible voter’s ability to vote by mail, also known as absentee. The other states offer no-excuse absentee voting. Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) re-introduced her bill to end such restrictions and allow all eligible voters nationwide to vote by mail for any reason in federal elections. “There’s really no excuse for the government to ask for the private details of a person’s life just so they can vote,” said Davis. “Voters should not have to put their life on display or jump through a series of hoops just to participate in one of the most hallowed acts of a democracy – voting. And no one should be denied the chance to vote because they don’t have the proper excuse. This is not only a matter of privacy but fairness. Voters in one state should not be denied a privilege that voters in other states have when voting.” If someone can’t make it to the polls and wants to vote absentee, some states require a doctor’s note, the details of a religious obligation, latest pregnancy status or details of a vacation destination. Attending to a sick loved one can sometimes be considered a valid reason, as long you provide the name of the person in need and the nature of their illness. Furthermore, this can all be part of the public record. Other states require a notary signature, even for students, which essentially amounts to a poll tax. Davis’s bill would eliminate these restrictions. Absentee voting also provides a secure alternative for voters who have concerns about other voting mechanisms. Mail ballots offer a clear, re-countable record of voters’ intentions and are not subject to computer hacking, electrical failures, and other malfunctions, Davis noted.
“KIDS LIVE WELL” INITIATIVE SHOWCASES HEALTHFUL MENU OPTIONS FOR CHILDREN
July 18, 2011 (Washington, D.C.) — The National Restaurant Association has unveiled a new nationwide initiative that provides parents and children with a growing selection of healthful menu options when dining out. "Kids Live Well," a program the Association launched today in collaboration with Healthy Dining, highlights how restaurants can create innovative solutions to provide better-for-you menu options. "’Kids Live Well’ underscores that restaurants can be part of the solution to ensuring a healthier generation and providing consumer choice in dining options," said Dawn Sweeney, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association. "More than 15,000 restaurant locations are participating in this initial launch and offering their young guests a selection of ‘Kids Live Well’ choices, and we look forward to announcing additional restaurants and menu options in the coming months." Kids Live Well" is a first-of-its-kind voluntary initiative that shows the restaurant industry’s commitment to offering healthful menu items for children, with a focus on increasing consumption of fruit and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and low-fat dairy, and limiting unhealthy fats, sugars and sodium. "Kids Live Well’ empowers parents to confidently make informed decisions about their children’s meals as part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle," said Anita Jones-Mueller, MPH, and founder of Healthy Dining. See www.restaurant.org/kidslivewell for more information. Inaugural "Kids Live Well" leaders include the following 19 brands: Au Bon Pain, Bonefish Grill, Burger King, Burgerville, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Chevys Fresh Mex, Chili’s Grill & Bar, Corner Bakery Cafe, Cracker Barrel, Denny’s, El Pollo Loco, Friendly’s, IHOP, Joe’s Crab Shack, Outback Steakhouse, Silver Diner, Sizzler, T-Bones Great American Eatery and zpizza. To join "Kids Live Well," restaurants agree to offer and promote a selection of items that meet qualifying criteria based on leading health organizations’ scientific recommendations, including the 2010 USDA Dietary Guidelines. Healthy Dining’s team of registered dietitians has worked with participating restaurants to identify and validate the menu choices that meet the "Kids Live Well" criteria. Over 15,000 restaurants nationwide are participating at this point. The criteria include the following components: Offer a children’s meal (an entree, side and beverage) with 600 calories or less; two servings of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and/or low-fat dairy; with limits on sodium, fats and sugar Offer at least one other individual item with 200 calories or less, with limits on fats, sugars and sodium, plus contain a serving of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein or low-fat dairy; Display or make available upon request the nutrition profile of the healthful menu options; and Promote/identify the healthful menu options.
POLICEWOMAN AND DAUGHTER KILLED IN RANCHO PENASQUITOS
July 18, 2011 (Rancho Penasquitos) – Donna Williams, a 32-year-veteran of the San Diego Police Department assigned to the child abuse unit, has been found stabbed to death along with her daughter, Breanna "Bree" Williams, at their home in Rancho Penasquitos. Donna Williams has worked on many high-profile cases involving children, including the Danielle Van Damm case. Brian Williams, 24, has been arrested for the crimes. He is the son of Donna and her late husband, Howard Williams, who was a retired sergeant with the Department. At 1:22 a.m., San Diego Police officers responded to a 911 call of a violent disturbance taking place and a female screaming for help at the home in the 98900 block of Paseo Montril. Officers arrived within minutes and discovered Breanna Williams, 18, suffering from knife wounds in front of the house, SDPD reports. The officers also discovered the victim’s older brother, Brian, in the front yard. He was arrested as the suspect in the attack. The officers called for paramedics, but they were unable to save the victim and she died at the scene. Upon checking the residence, the officers discovered a second deceased victim of the attack, Donna Williams, 52, the suspect’s mother. She had also suffered from knife wounds in the attack. The preliminary investigation has only revealed there was a disturbance between the son, mother and daughter. The motive for the attack is unknown at this time.
AMERICA’S FINEST BEER FESTIVAL JULY 22-24 PARTNERS TO BENEFIT SAN DIEGO USO
21 BANDS and 120 CRAFT BREWERIES "LIVE ON THE LAWN" AT QUALCOMM July 18, 2011 (San Diego) – America’s Finest Beer Festival is expected to be one of the largest craft brewery festivals in Southern California. With beer from more than 120 craft breweries on tap and 21 bands participating, this fun-filled event will benefit the San Diego USO and the Rancho San Diego − Jamul Chamber of Commerce. “We want to continue to recognize small businesses which is the spirit and backbone of America, recognition the emerging beer crafters industry is important to our economy locally and statewide , the industry (breweries) help to strengthen local economies as well as economies throughout California”, stated Valerie Harrison, President of the Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce. The three-day event will take place Friday, July 22 through Sunday, July 24, 2011 and features 21 bands ‘Live on the Lawn’ at the Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. General admission tickets are $49 which includes 12 beer tickets to be used at any of the 122 breweries on tap. Extra beer tickets may be purchased for only $2.00 each. These are full 4oz premium beers. Tickets are available through Ticketweb (www.ticketweb.com). Also, a limited number of VIP passes are available each day which include unlimited beer and food, preferred stage viewing, and executive restroom facilities which can be purchased on the Rancho San Diego – Jamul Chamber of Commerce website (www.rsdjchamber.com). A special non-alcoholic pass is also on sale through Ticketweb.com for only $35 that includes an all day pass to the festival. Festival-goers will enjoy top local and national non-stop music, HOOTERS games and contest, hoola-hoop contest, beer pong games, and San Diego County’s Premiere Laser Tag Company featuring state of the art Equinox Laser Tag from the Equinox Mobile Unit with challenging live competition, and live radio station broadcasts each day from 91X, ROCK 105 and 94/9, fabulous food, and did We mention beer! Going to Comic-Con? Use your Comic-Con badge at the gate for a $10 discount. See the website for all the featured brews on tap. www.americasfinestbeerfestival.com The festival features 21 bands and over 122 beers on tap and 21 bands (see list at bottom of this article). According to beer specialist Melani Gordon, owner and co-founder of TapHunter.com, “San Diego is really the cornerstone of brewing innovation and a trendsetter for craft beer culture, but it goes beyond that. If you spend enough time on a barstool you’ll realize that craft beer is woven into the fabric of the local community.” With beers from more than 120 different craft breweries from California and across the United States, attendees will not be disappointed with their sampling opportunities. Combine that with live music from 21 top bands, and people from all walks of life coming together. No wonder it is noted as “San Diego’s best summer value!” About America’s Finest Beer Festival: The festival will be held from July 22 – 24, 2011 on Qualcomm Stadium’s practice field in San Diego. General admission tickets are on sale for $49 which includes one day of general admission, PLUS 12 beer tickets and live music all day long. There are limited VIP passes ($175 each) for each day of the event which must be purchased in advance through the Rancho San Diego–Jamul Chamber of Commerce (www.rsdjchamber.com). VIP passes include unlimited food buffet and beer in a private VIP garden. Three-day passes are also available. This is a 21 and over event. Tickets may be purchased at the door. A portion of each ticket sold will benefit the USO San Diego. The USO is an important part of San Diego’s military culture, offering a number of services to provide a touch of home to military personnel and their families. This is a service that’s in great need, so what better way to help – combine a good time with a good cause. Attendees can access the event via trolley, buses and taxis. Parking is available at the event for $15, but be aware that the parking is anticipated to be congested due to the overflow parking for ComicCon. For additional trolley and parking information, go to www.afbfest.com/getthere. To learn more, visit www.AmericasFinestBeerFestival.com. Bands Pinback~Blues Traveler~ The Greyboy Allstars~Buck-O-Nine~ Sprung Monkey Kid Tater, Josh Damigo, Stepping Feet, Mike Reilly Band, The Farmers, Locked Out Of Eden, Sunny Rude, Project: Out of Bounds, Shoreline Rootz, Psydecar, Christopher Dale, Mississippi Mudsharks, Michele Lundeen & Blue Streak, little monsters, Burnsville Band, Joey Harris and the Mentals, Christopher Dale, Stoney B Blues Band Brews on tap Abita Brewing Acme Brewing Airdale Brewing Co. Alaskan Brewing Co. Anchor Steam Anderson Valley Brewing Co. Angel City Brewing Ballast Point Brewing Co. Bay Bridge Brewing Co. Bayhawk Brewing Co. Bear Republic Brewing Co. Bear Valley Brewing Co. Big Sky Brewing Co. Bison Brewing Co. Black Diamond Brewing Co. Black Market Brewing Blue Frog Brewing Co. Blue Moon Brewing Co. Bockor Brewery Bootlegger’s Brewery Brasserie d’Achouffe Browuerj Brewery Buck Bean Brewing Co. Butcher Brewing Butte Creek Brewing Caldera Brewing Co. Cascade Brewing Co. Cismontane Brewing Co. Cold Boar Brewing Cold Springs Brewing Co. Coors Brewing Co. Coronado Brewing Co. Cosmic Brewing Co. Deschutes Brewing Co. Dogfish Head Brewing Drakes Brewing Co. Dundee Honey Brown Duvel Brewing Co. El Segundo Brewing Firestone Walker Brewing Co. Flying Dog Brewpub Full Sail Brewing Goose Island Brewing Grand Teton Brewing Co. Great Beer Co. Great Divide Green Flash Brewing Co. Hangar 24 Brewing Co. Hess Brewing Co. Hoppy Brewing Co. Huntington Beer Co. Iron City Brewing Co. Iron Fist Brewing Co. Jacob Lienenkugel’s Brewing Co. John Henry Brewing Co. Karl Strauss Brewing Co. Kern River Brewing Co. Keystone Killian’s Irish Red Kona Brewing Co. La Jolla Brewing Co. Lady Face Brewing Co. Lagunitas Brewing Co. Left Coast Brewing Co. Lightning Brewing Co. Lost Abbey Brewing Co. Lost Coast Brewing Co. Mad River Brewing Co. Magic Hat Brewing Co. Manzanita Brewing Co. Marin Brewing Co. MateVeza Brewing Co.
FIRE DISPLACES 7 IN LA MESA
July 17, 2011 (La Mesa) – A fire has displaced seven residents at a triplex located at 5055 Thorne Drive in La Mesa. Heartland Fire & Rescue in La Mesa responded to a call at 3 p.m. and found smoke pouring from one of the units. La Mesa firefighters, with assistance from San Diego Fire, had the fire knocked down in ten minutes. This quick response kept the fire from reaching nearby homes. The cause of the fire is now under investigation. Damage estimates have not yet been determined. There was one minor burn injury to one of the residents, but the individual chose not to be transported. The Red Cross is now assisting seven people displaced by the fire that affected all three units of the tri-plex.
READER’S EDITORIAL: GUHSD BOARD ‘S VOTE TO DELAY ALPINE HIGH SCHOOL IS FISCALLY SHORT-SIGHTED
Why are three swimming pools approved for construction, but not the new school approved by voters? Citizens Oversight Committee should demand accountability By Bill Weaver July 17, 2011 (Alpine)–The majority of Grossmont Union High School District‘s education facilities and campuses were in horrendous shape prior to the Prop H improvement bond. Decades of needed maintenance had been neglected. Now we have funds from Prop U as well. We should all be very proud of our support leading to our successfully passed 2004 Prop H and 2008 Prop U Bonds. That said, some members of the GUHSD Governing Board now boast of fiscally conservative policies, and how they are now protecting the districts’ financial future and its fiscal health. I am a fiscal conservative also, and I take issue. The recent GUHSD Governing Board vote, the one choosing not to build, but to delay the planned construction timetable for the HS12 campus was shortsighted. This Board of Trustees should be taking advantage of any opportunity to strengthen the bottom line and financials of the district and this recent HS12 decision is detrimental to this end. The GUHSD appointed Boundary Committee (BC) has now released its findings, and presented a report and its recommendations on Thursday, July 14, to the GUHSD Governing Board and Administration. That report that is the determining factor in making my case. The BC Chairman and the GUHSD professional demographer clearly presented conclusive data that the HS12 project would (If built ASAP) pay for its own operating costs and bring district-wide declining enrollment to a halt, several years in advance of district predictions. Because of the BC report, this realization of HS12’s projected benefit to the GUHSD is now a public record of fact. During the meeting, Board member Dick Hoy pointed out that there is a two-year or so district cash flow problem caused by the opening couple of years of operating costs of the HS12. Hoy mentioned obtaining a bridge loan. Why not obtain a bridge loan to enable a GREAT investment that will surely strengthen and speed up a recovery from temporary declining students enrollments, and operating budget shortfalls? An HS12 investment that is secured by a high statistical probability of supporting itself is a dream come true opportunity! Consider this: the GUHSD is moving forth with the construction of the three new district swimming pool facilities that were "never listed in either the Prop U, or Prop H bonds". These three new pools and peripheral facilities will suck millions of needed operational dollars out of the GUHSD’s coffers as on-going maintenance costs! On July 14, Board President Robert Shield spoke and admonished the 15 public speakers that addressed the Board. They all favored not delaying HS12. He spoke of bond projects described in the bond language as, “plans vs. promises.” He said that HS12 was never promised; it was included as a plan supported by the Board, and that current fiscal uncertainty has mandated that the Board reconsider the HS12 project. He stopped short of applying this logic to a multitude of other existing “never listed, or planned, or promised bond projects. This is best exemplified by my cited example of the swimming pools projects. I realize that there may be other joint-use available funds, but who is spending the money to operate and provide the on-going maintenance? The GUHSD is putting at risk its solvency to build these facilities, which cannot pay for themselves or generate any operating revenues like the HS12 project is predicted to do. There are many other never-intended projects that will also suck many more millions in annual operational budget dollars away from needed programs that were planned for, and promised. This is just one example that points to poor fiscal management policy on the part of the GUHSD Board of Trustees. Recent Board-supported district practices are not the best-laid road to financial stability, or to a long-range recovery. HS12 is a strong bet to better the fiscal strength of the GUHSD, to bring in new CA ADA student funds to this district, and to burnish its educational credentials. This Board has ignored its fiduciary responsibility to us. Where is the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) in all of this fiscal poor decision making? We should be holding this Board of Trustees and Administration (and CBOC) accountable. We should ask for a full accounting, and listing of all the projects that bond money is being expended on. Any of the discovered Prop H and U bond projects that are creating unnecessary ongoing operating costs should be stopped, or delayed under the identical reasoning that HS12 was just delayed The GUHSD should be asked to justify their plans, and how they have decided which projects are completed, and in what order. Any continuations of expensive projects that will offer no chance of offsetting its own costs are wrong. These should be taken off of the high priority list. The GUHSD should be proceeding with the fiscally sound long-range planned projects first, like that of building HS12. This District Governing Board is not being a good steward of our money, as they claim. They are following through with Prop H and U bond projects that will be preventing other educationally needed and defendable projects, like HS12, from being built. If cash flow is the problem, the GUHSD should delay and de-prioritize construction on those three swimming pool projects, and identify and delay all other similar projects under the same rationality that was used to halt HS12! Perhaps HS12 should be hastened towards completion based on the findings and report of the GUHSD Boundary Committee. The GUHSD Boundary Committee was comprised of several GUHSD principals, an Assistant Superintendent, the CBOC Chairwoman, with several district teachers and parents. It was provided its data by a GUHSD hired professional data consultant and demographer, Mr. Vince O’Hara, and was Chaired by a Director of the San
LOOKING FOR FOREVER HOMES
By Cate Sacks July 17, 2011 (Blossom Valley)– This week we have several different kinds of animals here at Dream Dogs, all in need of forever homes. First there are several dachshund-mix puppies. We also have other dogs, kittens, a rabbit and a duck. Scroll down for photos and details of these wonderful pets rescued from a local shelter. Fred, a 9-month old America Bulldog Akita mix grew up in the shelter. He is happiest when with another dog or person. Fred does not have an aggressive bone in his body and would be great in any household who can handle a big heavy dog. Tiny Himalayan, is a very personable bunny still looking for a home. Timid, a young Dobie girl, doesn’t know what to do with her big bark! She needs a home with people who will love her. 3 month old neutered male buff kittens 11 month old fun, playful Pomeranian Sampson, a 11 month old Dachshund mix loves people and other pets. As you can see, he is very tolerant of children. 4 year old Vinnie lost his home due to the economy. He is looking for a quiet life with a quiet person. Vinnie loves to play with other dogs of all sizes. We also have a little brown duckling who needs a home. If you are interested in any of these animals, or would like to foster a puppy or two please email or call: Cate Sacks k9andk8@gmail.com www.shelterdogstodreamdogs.com Happy Cat Rescue ph 619-813-1252 fx 866-600-0547 Shelter Dogs to Dream Dogs trains dogs from animal shelters and helps them find adoptive homes. Cate Sacks runs this remarkable canine rehab facility from her home in the Blossom Valley area of El Cajon. Read East County Magazine’s article on her amazing accomplishments here: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/4980. Now her daughter runs Happy Cats, a cat rescue organization.