READER’S EDITORIAL: CHURCH FLAUNTS RULE, SEEKS TO TRIPLE ENROLLMENT FOR CHARTER SCHOOL
Printer-friendly version By Yvonne Merrill October 6, 2011 (La Mesa) — The Church of Christ on Jackson Drive in La Mesa is renting its building to the Mountain Empire School District for a charter school. Last year the school started with 80 students. Their conditional use permit (CUP) with the City of La Mesa stated a limit of 100 students. This year it enrolled 180. The school requested a change in its CUP at the Planning Commission at the end of August, only a week before school started. The Planning Commission then passed it on to the La Mesa City Council. Apparently, the church decided that with or without permission from the City Council it would enroll as many students as it wanted and that it would not follow law as outlined in the CUP. At the City Council meeting, Pastor Troy Wagner asked, "What are we supposed to do? Send 80 students home, 60 of which are La Mesa residents?" He indicated that they want to enroll 259 students next year. Apparently, the church can do as it wishes and flaunt the rules of the City of La Mesa, but the rest of us are expected to follow the rules or face consequences. At the meeting, church supporters filled the City Council Chambers with parents and children to the extent that chairs had to be set outside. The neighbors who have been impacted by this influx of noise, people, and traffic were certainly out numbered. The parents and children of the school seem to think the neighbors want to close the school. We simply want the church to follow the rules as the rest of us are expected to do. Of course, the City Council allowed them to continue with the 180 students. And due to the City Council’s action I have no doubt that the increase to 259 will be granted. Aside from this increase in students issue I was appalled to learn that a charter school may operate in a building that does not meet the State requirements for earthquake safety. Imagine 259 students in a church basement when a large earthquake hits! 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. Printer-friendly version
OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
Printer-friendly version October 6, 2011 (San Diego) — October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Did you know that one in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime and most cases are not reported to law enforcement? A study also finds dating abuse is difficult for most students to identify and stop. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Violence against Women Survey and Knowledge Works). Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior perpetrated by an intimate partner against another. It affects individuals in every community regardless of age, economic status, race, religion, nationality or educational background. Domestic violence results in physical injury, psychological trauma and even death. Last year, the Sheriff’s Department handled 3,780 domestic violence cases. The Sheriff wants to spread the word: Break the Silence – Stop the Violence. Love is not abusive. Start a conversation now with someone you know if you suspect they are in a violent situation. Our stations and substations have deputies and detectives trained to investigate domestic violence. In an emergency, call 911. You can also call the county’s 24‐hour hotline 1‐888‐DVLINKS (385‐4657) to get help. You can also visit www.sdsheriff.net, scroll to the very bottom of the page, under Community Outreach, click on Domestic Violence or follow this link http://bit.ly/ns945K, to read about the warning signs of an abusive relationship and to see a video demonstration on how to get a restraining order. Printer-friendly version
FLU VACCINE AVAILABLE AT SEVERAL LOCATIONS
Printer-friendly version October 6, 2011 (San Diego and East County) — Sharp Healthcare announces a series of flu clinics in San Diego and East County. A $2 donation is suggested. Scroll down for details on locations. No appointments are necessary. These flu vaccination clinics are for seniors aged 60 and over, adults with chronic illness and family caregivers of older adults. Call 619-740-4214 for details. For Flu vaccines (see "read more" below) • Neighborhood House Senior Center Thursday, October 6, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., 795 S. Boundary, San Diego 92113 • Lemon Grove Senior Center Wednesday, October 12, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., 8235 Mount Vernon St., Lemon Grove 91945 • Spring Valley Community Center Thursday, October 13, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., 8735 Jamacha Blvd., Spring Valley 91977 • El Cajon Salvation Army Friday, October 14, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1011 E. Main St., El Cajon 92021 • Santee Senior Nutrition Tuesday, October 18, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., 9735 Halberns Blvd., Santee 92071 • Point Loma Presbyterian Church Wednesday, October 19, 9 a.m.-11 a.m., 2128 Chatsworth Blvd. San Diego 92107 • La Mesa Community Center Thursday, October 20, 9 to 11 a.m., 4975 Memorial Dr., La Mesa 91942 • Lakeside Community Center Tuesday, October 25, 9 to 11: a.m., 9841 Vine St., Lakeside 92040 • The Orchards Apartments Wednesday, October 26, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., 4040 Hancock St., San Diego 92110 • Bayside Community Center Wednesday, October 26, 9 – 11 a.m., 2202 Comstock, San Diego 92111 • University City Older Adult Center Wednesday, October 26, 12 to 1:30 p.m. 9001 Town Center Dr., San Diego 92112 • Sharp Senior Health Center Friday November 4, 2-4 p.m., 4320 Genessee Ave #104., San Diego 92111 • College Avenue Older Adult Center Friday, October 28, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., 4855 College Ave., San Diego 92115 Printer-friendly version
EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: OCTOBER 6, 2011
Printer-friendly version September 30, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) — East County Roundup highlights top stories in our region and state, published in other media outlets. These week’s top Roundup headlines include: LOCAL Tribe attempts to evict private military contractor: Los Coyotes band in a legal standoff with Blackwater-tied company (San Diego CityBeat) Ballot effort to repeal fire fee falls short (Sacramento Bee) San Diego family of 3 needs $63,000 to be self-sufficient (KPBS) San Diego ATM fees second highest in nation (KPBS) Tankers for Sunrise Powerlink project upsets residents (10 News) Palomar Mountain State Park campgrounds close for good (signonsandiego.com) STATE California breaks from 50 state probe into mortgage lenders[will conduct own probe] (Los Angeles Times) Education lawsuit would impact future California budgets (Sacramento Bee) Advocates for disabled to sue over state budget cuts (Sacramento Bee) FPPC looks at easing candidate reporting requirements (KPBS) LOCAL TRIBE ATTEMPTS TO EVICT MILITARY CONTRACTOR: LOS COYOTES BAND IN A LEGAL STANDOFF WITH BLACKWATER-TIED COMPANY September 28, (City Beat) –An American Indian tribe in San Diego County has been engaged in a four-month standoff with a military contractor that refuses to leave its reservation, according to documents recently filed in U.S. District Court. http://www.sdcitybeat.com/sandiego/article-9584-tribe-attempts-to-evict-private-military-contractor-los-coyotes-band-in-a-legal-standoff-with-blackwater-tied-company.html BALLOT EFFORT TO REPEAL FIRE FEE FALLS SHORT September 28, 2011 (Sacrament Bee) — An effort to repeal a new fire charge on rural homeowners has fallen short, according to Sen. Ted Gaines, who was gathering signatures for a referendum. Gaines had to collect 504,760 signatures by Thursday to place a measure on the ballot that would ask voters to block the new fee. Gov. Jerry Brown and lawmakers enacted Assembly Bill X1 29 in June to raise an estimated $50 million from rural residents in an effort to balance the state budget. http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2011/10/by-kevin-yamamura-kyamamurasacbeecom-an.html SAN DIEGO FAMILY OF 3 NEEDS $63,000 TO BE SELF-SUFFICIENT October 5, 2011 (KPBS) –It costs a family of three nearly $63,000 to be self- sufficient in San Diego County, about $10,000 more than three years ago, according to a study released today by the Insight Center for Community Economic Development. The organization tallied the price of housing, food and health care, as well as transportation costs, child care and taxes, for a family with one adult, a school-age child and a preschooler. http://www.kpbs.org/news/2011/oct/04/san-diego-family-3-needs-63000-be-self-sufficient/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kpbs%2Flocal+%28KPBS+News%3A+Local+Headlines%29 SAN DIEGO ATM FEES SECOND HIGHEST IN THE NATION September 26, 2011 (KPBS) — San Diego banks charge the second highest average fee for automated teller machine (ATM) transactions in the nation. The average charge for an out-of-network transaction is $2.70. Bankrate.com says that’s 30 cents higher than the national average. The only city with a higher average fee is Denver. http://www.kpbs.org/news/2011/sep/26/san-diego-atm-fees-second-highest-nation/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kpbs%2Flocal+%28KPBS+News%3A+Local+Headlines%29 TANKERS FOR SUNRISE POWERLINK PROJECT UPSETS RESIDENTS September 29, 2011 (10 News) — A San Carlos resident is threatening to go to court to stop water tanker trucks from rolling through his neighborhood. John Pilch calls the number of trucks hauling water through the city streets "an assault on the community," and he has asked the city of San Diego to do something to stop it. Pilch showed 10News the damage he said the trucks caused on the Lake Murray Boulevard frontage road. Large potholes and deep cracks in the pavement were easy to spot. http://www.10news.com/news/29344857/detail.html PALOMAR MOUNTAIN STATE PARK CAMPGROUNDS CLOSE FOR GOOD October 3, 2011 (signonsandiego.com) — With no advance warning and with as little fanfare, Palomar Mountain State Park’s two campgrounds were closed to the public Sunday and, according to the park’s superintendent, are not scheduled to reopen because of the state’s budget problems. A news release issued Monday said “due to severe budget restrictions, seasonal service reductions begin Oct. 2, 2011, at two California State Parks.” http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/oct/03/palomar-mountain-state-campgrounds-close-good/ STATE CALIFORNIA BREAKS FROM 50 STATE PROBE INTO MORTGAGE LENDERS (WILL CONDUCT OWN PROBE) September 30, 2011 (Los Angeles Times) — California Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris will no longer take part in a national foreclosure probe of some of the nation’s biggest banks, which are accused of pervasive misconduct in dealing with troubled homeowners. Harris removed herself from talks by a coalition of state attorneys general and federal agencies investigating abusive foreclosure practices because the nation’s five largest mortgage servicers were not offering California homeowners relief commensurate to what people in the state had suffered, Harris told The Times on Friday. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2011/09/california-atty-gen-kamala-harris-breaks-from-national-foreclosure-probe.html EDUCATION LAWSUIT WOULD IMPACT FUTURE CALIFORNIA BUDGETS September 28, 2011 (Sacramento Bee) –School board officials and administrators held a press conference on the 28th of Septemberto explain their lawsuit against California for the $2.1 billion in education. If the suit is filed in San Francisco Superior Court is successful, any remedy would likely impact future budgets. http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2011/09/education-lawsuit-would-impact-future-california-budgets.html ADVOCATES FOR DISABLED TO SUE OVER STATE BUDGET CUTS September 28, 2011 (Sacramento Bee) — California faces another budget-related lawsuit today, this time over cuts in services provided to 250,000 developmentally disabled residents. The Arc of California and the United Cerebral Palsy Association of San Diego want to block a 4.25 percent cut in state reimbursement for services to people with mental or physical disabilities. The groups also want the U.S. District Court in Sacramento to prevent the state from furloughing such services 14 days a year and introducing a half-day billing definition. http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2011/09/advocates-for-disabled-to-sue-california-over-budget-cuts.html FCCP LOOKS AT EASING CANDIDATE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS October 4, 2011 (KPBS) — California’s campaign finance watchdog is looking at removing some of the candidate reporting requirements for personal benefits like gifts, meals and travel. The Fair Political Practices Commission met to discuss the issue Tuesday in Sacramento. http://www.kpbs.org/news/2011/oct/04/fppc-looks-easing-candidate-reporting-requirements/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kpbs%2Flocal+%28KPBS+News%3A+Local+Headlines%29 Printer-friendly version
WEST HILLS HIGH TO COMMEMORATE 25 YEARS WITH GALA CELEBRATION NOV. 4
Printer-friendly version November 4, 2011 (Santee CA) – Teachers, parents, alumni and supporters from throughout the community are anticipated to attend the 25th Anniversary Celebration of West Hills High School. This event will be held Friday, November 4, 2011 at 7 p.m. at the Carlton Oaks Country Club, 9200 Inwood Drive, in Santee. A ribeye steak dinner will be served; entertainment will include live music from Ramshackle, along with dancing and a live auction. Reinstated in September 2010, the mission of the West Hills High School Foundation is to fund projects that modernize technology, enhance campus facilities, and advance the tradition of Academic, Athletic and Visual and Performing Arts excellence. The Foundation is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization comprised of parents, faculty, alumni and community leaders with a single objective – to generate alternative financial and in-kind resources that support vital school programs, provide materials and equipment, and help to sustain the school’s ability to meet student and community expectations of a superior and enriching educational environment. Last year, West Hills was recognized in Newsweek Magazine as one of “America’s Best High Schools 2010”. West Hills High School Foundation invites the Community, Alumni and Faculty to join in the Celebration of 25 years of Excellence at West Hills High School. The cost of the tickets is: $50/person or $375/table of 8 and are available by advanced purchase only at www.whhsfoundation.org. Ticket sales close October 28, 2011. Ages 21 and over only. For additional information, please contact Karen Fleck, President, WHHS Foundation, P.O. Box 712966, Santee, CA 92072 ▪ 619-956-0400 ▪ whhsfoundation@gmail.com ▪ www.whhsfoundation.org. Printer-friendly version
MOTORIST ARRESTED AFTER EL CAJON ACCIDENT
Printer-friendly version October 6, 2011 (El Cajon ) – A motorist involved in an accident at Bradley and Magnolia in El Cajon this morning was combative towards California Highway Patrol officers and medics, according to the CHP website. A nurse suffered bruising and the suspect was arrested in restraints on all four extremities, CHP reports. Printer-friendly version
ACCIDENT TOPPLES POWERLINES IN CREST; SIG ALERT ISSUED
Printer-friendly version October 6, 2011 (Crest) – La Cresta Road is closed in both directions after a van struck a power pole and knocked down electrical lines into the roadway. A SIG Alert has been issued. SDG&E has been called and power is out to a small number of residences (under 99) according to the SDG&E website. Sign up for free Viejas Wildfire & Emergency Alerts at the top right side of our homepage. You may also receive a free weekly copy of East County Magazine with top news and events from our region. You can also follow Viejas Alerts on Twitter.com for brief text messages on your mobile device. We recommend all of the above for home, work and cell phones, since you don’t know what communications will be working in a major regional emergency. Printer-friendly version
STARGAZING, POTTERY AND ANIMAL TRACKING CLASSES AMONG FALL OFFERINGS IN ANZA BORREGO
Printer-friendly version October 6, 2011 (Borrego) –If you plan to enjoy Anza-Borrego this fall, why not make your visit a learning adventure? Deepen your connection to nature, strengthen your understanding of the environment, and of course, have fun. The Anza-Borrego Foundation announces a variety of fall classes and tours in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. For the full list, visit their website at http://theabf.org/events and scroll down for highlights. Desert Stargazing October 15-16, Dennis Mammana Take advantage of the amazingly dark skies here in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park! In this two-day workshop designed for beginning stargazers, youll learn whats in the sky, how the heavens move, how to find our way around the maze of stars, and how to view some of its wonders through a telescope. Also offered on February 11-12, 2012 Cahuilla Style Pottery Oct 29 & Nov 5, Tony Soares Make your own pottery using Native American techniques in this 2-day workshop with instructor Tony Soares. Youll build and paint your own pot, learn how clay and paints are made, and experience native pit-firing techniques. Desert Night Sky Photography November 5-6, Dennis Mammana Learn how to create magnificent celestial portraits using even the simplest of cameras! This two-day hands-on workshop will be led by noted night sky photographer Dennis Mammana. Also offered on January 28-29, 2012 The Art of Photographic Seeing November 11-12, Paul Johnson Learn to find the elusive combination of light and subject by shooting in a variety of desert settings in hopes of perfecting your "photographic seeing." The class starts with a Friday evening lecture, followed by a full day of shooting in magnificent Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Beginning Desert Tracking November 18-19, Barry Martin and Anza-Borrego Tracking Team This class will bring new life and excitement to your hikes and outdoor adventures! Imagine knowing where a cougar has crossed a trail, or discovering where a bighorn sheep was bedded down for the night. Learn to read the tracks and sign of desert wildlife in this hands-on class with Western Tracking Institute founder, Barry Martin and trackers from the Anza-Borrego Tracking Team. Printer-friendly version
SDSU ALUM & PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAMER MARSHALL FAULT HOSTS AZTEC FOR LIFE HOMECOMING CELEBRATION OCT. 7
Printer-friendly version Event proceeds to benefit Aztec Club, the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA and other local San Diego organizations October 6, 2011 (San Diego)– The Marshall Faulk Foundation announces the fourth annual Aztec For Life Homecoming Celebration on Friday, October 7 from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center on the campus of San Diego State University. All proceeds from the event benefit the Marshall Faulk Foundation, a local nonprofit led by SDSU Aztec and NFL superstar Marshall Faulk. The Foundation provides funding for local San Diego inner city youth programs that focus on sports and education to keep kids off the streets. Specifically, the majority of funds procured from this event will go to the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA and to the SDSU Aztec Club to support SDSU Aztec Football Program scholarships. In 2010, the Aztec For Life Homecoming Celebration event raised more than $50,000 for SDSU’s Aztec Club and Jackie Robinson YMCA. This year the Foundation hopes to raise more than $75,000 to be given to these two great organizations, and expand giving to additional area community groups. Faulk, who will be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame, Class of 2011 on Aug. 6, played for the Indianapolis Colts and the St. Louis Rams. He enjoyed success as a leading NFL running back and earned numerous titles and honors for his talent, including Rookie of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year. Off the field, Faulk focuses his energy on charitable organizations in San Diego, and on developing opportunities for at-risk youth. "I am so grateful to this community and to SDSU for helping me excel in my career, and hosting the Aztec For Life Homecoming Celebration is my way to give back and support local youth, the way this school and community supported me," says Faulk, founder and president, Marshall Faulk Foundation. "As someone who spent a lot of time in the YMCA as a child, Marshall understands the needs of the Y and the crucial role it plays in youths’ lives," says Michael Brunker, executive director, Jackie Robinson YMCA. "Marshall is an inspiration to many for his tremendous talent on the field, and the fruits of his generosity will surely be a game-changer for many San Diego youths." The Aztec For Life Homecoming Celebration will be a commemoration of SDSU football both past and present. The event will help kick-off the school’s homecoming festivities by supporting the Aztecs as they prepare to battle Texas Christian University in Qualcomm Stadium the following night. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. for VIPs and sponsors with a private reception and autograph signing in the "Hall of Fame Club" VIP reception. Guests will also receive the once in a lifetime opportunity to see the bust of Faulk created by famed sculptor Bill Walsh, who creates the busts that are enshrined in perpetuity at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Guests of this event will also enjoy complimentary bar and signature dish tastings from some of San Diego’s best restaurants including Bully’s East, J Six, Fleming’s, Pamplemousse Grill and more. Guests also have the opportunity to bid on fabulous auction packages including priceless sports memorabilia, great vacation getaways and much more. Ticket prices start at $100 per person for general admission and can be purchased online at www.marshallfaulk.com. Additional sponsorship and ticket opportunities are available, and include program and website recognition, admission into the "Hall of Fame Club" VIP reception and more. For tickets or more information about the event and sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Marshall Faulk Foundation at 858-277-2828 or info@marshallfaulk.com. The fourth annual Aztec For Life Homecoming Celebration committee members include: Event Chair Carlos Gutierrez (board member) Committee Members include: Rick Ahumada (board member); Michael Brunker; Jennifer Cardenas (board member); Kevin Carlson; Frank Cuenca; Stephanie Dathe; Mike Lopez; Mike McNeill (board member); Jim Miller Jr.; Bob Moosbrugger; Frederick W. Pierce, IV; Elizabeth Ruch (board member); and Steve Schnall. The Marshall Faulk Foundation was founded in 1994 by Marshall Faulk, a leading NFL running back. Faulk will be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame, Class of 2011. The Foundation provides funding for local San Diego organizations’ inner city youth programs, focusing on sports and education to keep kids off the streets. Through its partnerships and contributions to well-established charitable organizations, The Foundation has given away more than $1 million to positively impact the lives of thousands of children. For more information, please visit www.marshallfaulk.com, Facebook or Twitter. Members of the Marshall Faulk Foundation Board of Directors include Rick Ahumada; Carlos H. Becerra; Jennifer Cardenas; Marc Chase; Melissa DeVita; Carlos Gutierrez; Terry Gilmore; Mike McNeill; Chad Moore; Frederick W. Pierce, IV; and Elizabeth Ruch. Printer-friendly version
AN OASIS IN EAST COUNTY’S “FOOD DESERT?” BACKCOUNTRY COMMUNITY GARDEN CLUB MEETS OCTOBER 6
Printer-friendly version Come get your hands dirty and show off your green thumb October 6, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) — Rural areas in East County are considered a "food desert" by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, meaning low income residents have to travel long distances to access fresh foods. But that may soon change–since residents are cooking up plans to create a community garden. At the first meeting of the Backcountry Garden Club, 24 interested neighbors showed up. Julie Atherton with the Mountain Empire Community Center, said she expects to see at least double that number at the next meeting on Thursday, October 6 at 7:00 p.m. . The meeting will be held at the Mountain Empire Community Center, 976 Sheridan Road in Campo. Interested community members will share ideas as to the best way to start the garden. Atherton said they have a very large parcel in front of the Campo Library. They will also have land and funding for start-up costs available. Printer-friendly version