HALLOWEEN WIRELESS SAFETY TIPS FOR EAST COUNTY PARENTS AND KIDS
By Anna Crowe October 13, 2011 (San Diego) — Over the years, Halloween observance has evolved into a light-hearted celebration associated with candy and fun-spirited pranks. With an estimated 41 million trick-or-treaters roaming the streets nationwide in 2010, it is important to have fun and stay safe. Fortunately, technology that can help families–and won’t get you spooked. Wireless calling is routinely up on Halloween. Families can enjoy apps, videos and features to have fun while staying connected with calling, locator services and text messaging. In 2010, AT&T saw had 647 billion text messages sent across the AT&T’s network. The 2011 projection is 854 billion, nearly twice as many as two years ago. AT&T has compiled a LIST OF SAFETY TIPS to keep for families to in mind before kids in East County hit the streets in search of goodies. 1. Go mobile and ensure accessibility: Make sure wireless phones are fully charged. Since costumes and carrying bags of candy can become cumbersome, consider using a belt clip or other accessory that keeps the phone within easy reach. 2. Secure the line of communication: Pre-program contact information of parents, neighbors and emergency services into your and your child’s speed dial, and be sure you know how to access these numbers with ease. 3. Establish boundaries: Families should have in place a familiarized route for children to follow while out on the town. Mobile navigation tools can assist parents and kids in creating routes, and goblins on the go can reference maps throughout the evening. Similarly, AT&T’s FamilyMap Viewer allows parents to easily and immediately locate a family member’s whereabouts from their mobile device or PC so they can keep a close watch. 4. Be in touch: Set up periodic alarms with Halloween-themed tones as a reminder for trick-or-treaters to text or call home between candy collecting stops. 5. Keep ears on the ready: As part of a continued effort to remain aware of surroundings and keep smooth the lines of communication, sweet seekers should turn up their phone volume and listen for incoming call and message alerts. 6. Don’t miss a thing: Phones also come with photo, video and audio recorders, allowing spur-of-the-moment happenings to be captured and shared among friends and family in real time. AT&T’s Video Share allows you to see live video on your handset while a voice call is taking place. 7. Be a wireless Samaritan: Any suspicious behavior must be immediately reported to the proper authority and shared among neighbors, whose numbers should be on hand and in reach.\ 8. Drive safely: With pedestrians filling streets and sidewalks, it is more important than ever for drivers to stay alert behind the wheel. If a call needs to be made or a message checked, pull over. Don’t text and drive. Check out AT&T DriveMode mobile application – it automatically sends a customizable reply to incoming texts – notifying the sender that the user is driving and unable to respond. Have a safe, fun and Happy Halloween!
ON THE SILVER SCREEN: THE “WEEKEND” OF THE AFFAIR
By Brian Lafferty October 14, 2011 (San Diego) – Weekend is not to be confused with the 1967 Jean-Luc Godard film by the same name. This Weekend, a British import, is in some ways like a Henry Jaglom film in that it’s high on the dialogue meter and all about relationships. What separates Weekend from Henry Jaglom’s films are that it isn’t self-indulgent, it’s an honest portrayal of relationships, and the characters and conversations are worthy of my time and yours. Weekend has the barest of plots, but writer and director Andrew Haigh manages to get a lot of mileage out of it. Tom Cullen is a gay man named Russell who meets Glen (Chris New) at a nightclub. The two have a one-night stand, after which Tom falls in love with him. He learns that Glen will be leaving for Portland, Oregon and will in all likelihood never see him again. The two spend the weekend before his trip to the States talking about life, sex, relationships, and gay issues. The movie’s format involves Haigh throwing lots of stuff at the screen and seeing what sticks. Most of the time his aim is accurate and a majority of what sticks provokes much thought. Sometimes my interest waned as the film sagged in spots. Whenever it did, however, the format offered an entry point for me to jump back in with ease. Cinematographer Urszula Pontikos’s lightly handheld camerawork doesn’t add realism. What it does provide is an opportunity to make one feel like a participant. Pontikos positions the camera just slightly higher than normal and uses a variety of smooth tilts and pans to reveal certain details. It’s similar to how we look up, down, and sideways. The handheld camera brings immediacy to the picture and an intimate glimpse into the lives of Russell and Glen. Writer Haigh crafts a script loaded with fruitful conversations about sex, relationships, and gay issues, which he then peppers with sexually explicit dialogue. Some of it is superficial, particularly when they discuss the hypocrisy between the way heterosexual and homosexual relationships are viewed by the average person. The rest of it is thoughtful and intelligent. The only major issue that plagues Weekend doesn’t have anything to do with the actual film. The dialogue is English but the thick British accents and the actors’ tendencies to speak in soft, low voices make a portion of the dialogue hard to understand for American audiences. Maybe the distributor was afraid to put in subtitles, thinking that the mere notion would alienate people who have an aversion to them. Even so, it’s not essential to hear every line of dialogue. I didn’t feel deprived, although some people may be pickier despite the fact that Weekend doesn’t hinge on every line of dialogue. On its surface, it looks like a whole lot of nothing. But when you add everything up, you can see the entire picture. Still, it would have been nice to at least have a chance to hear everything. Weekend contains some sex, namely a handjob and oral sex, but it doesn’t seek to push the envelope or push any buttons. It doesn’t break any new ground in gay issues or gay relationships in cinema. It does make us view sex and interpersonal relationships from a perspective that either we never thought of before or rarely think of. By having the relationship be between a man and a man, he shows us that such relationships and the issues encountered are not any different than those between a man and a woman. Weekend is now playing at the Landmark Hillcrest Cinemas. An IFC Films release. Director: Andrew Haigh. Screenplay: Andrew Haigh. Cinematography: Urszula Pontikos. Original Music: James Edward Barker. Cast: Tom Cullen and Chris New. 97 minutes. Unrated. Brian Lafferty can be reached at brian@eastcountymagazine.org. You can also follow him on Twitter: @BrianLaff.
FREE TEXTING TIPS FOR NEW MOMS CATCHES ON IN SAN DIEGO
Text4Baby Provides Health Tips to Thousands of New Moms in San Diego October 13, 2011 (San Diego) — Today, text4baby announced that over 2,000 new San Diego parents have signed up for its free text messaging service that provides vital pre- and postnatal information. Text4baby’s remarkable success is evident nationwide, with over 200,000 new parents enrolled in the free program since its launch in February 2010. Text4baby provides timely and expert SMS text messages, which contain valuable health information and resources to parents throughout their pregnancy and the first year of their baby’s life. Research shows that while 90 percent of Americans have a mobile phone, fewer have access to the Internet, and texting is more prevalent among women of childbearing age. “This opportunity to reach women with important information using technology that they are already comfortable with, has tremendous potential to impact health outcomes,” said Barbara Mandel, Executive Director of text4Baby and the San Diego County Medical Society Foundation. Each year in the U.S., more than 500,000 babies are born prematurely and an estimated 28,000 children die before their first birthday—indicating a public health crisis. The infant mortality rate in the U.S. is one of the highest in the industrialized world; for the first time since the 1950s, that rate is on the rise. “Mobile health services around the world have demonstrated the ability to help change patient behavior and improve health outcomes. We believe that this program can have a significant impact on maternal and child health in San Diego, and across the country,” said Mandel. Women who sign up for the service by texting BABY to 511411 (or BEBE for Spanish) receive three free SMS text messages each week timed to their due date or baby’s date of birth. These messages focus on a variety of topics critical to maternal and child health, including birth defects prevention, immunization, nutrition, seasonal flu, mental health, oral health and safe sleep. Text4baby messages also connect women to prenatal and infant care services and other resources.“By putting key health information directly into the hands of pregnant women and new moms, text4baby demonstrates the tremendous reach of mobile health technology and the ability of mobile phones to inform and engage people to help them live healthier lives,” said Paul Meyer, Chairman and President of Voxiva, the mobile health platform provider. “These same tools can be applied to many of America’s big health care challenges.” Text4baby wireless carriers are voluntarily providing the vital communications link of the initiative, distributing text messages to recipients at no charge. Participating carriers include Alltel, AT&T, Cellular South, Cellcom, Centennial Cellular, Cincinnati Bell, Metro PCS, N-Telos, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Verizon and Virgin Mobile. “We believe programs like text4baby are critical to providing much-needed information and support to pregnant women and new moms, especially among underserved populations,” said Brian D. Perkins, Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Johnson & Johnson, text4baby’s founding sponsor. Text4baby is made possible through an unprecedented public-private partnership, which includes the White House Office on Science and Technology Policy, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Voxiva, CTIA-The Wireless Foundation, Grey Healthcare Group (a WPP company) and founding corporate sponsor Johnson & Johnson. Premier sponsors include First 5 San Diego, WellPoint, Pfizer and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield. Implementation partners include BabyCenter, Danya International, Syniverse Technologies, Keynote Systems and The George Washington University. About the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition The National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition (HMHB) is the only coalition of its kind, which acts as a catalyst for change by creating partnerships among community groups, nonprofit organizations, professional associations, businesses and government agencies. The Coalition promotes optimal health for mothers and babies, and works to strengthen families and build healthy communities.
WILD IN THE WILDERNESS
October 11, 2011 (San Diego) –Join Soroptimist International of San Diego for an evening of wine, cheese and chocolate. Enjoy an evening of live music sponsored by Gina and Charlie Kakos. The evening includes unique silent auction items plus a cork pull. Festivities are Friday, October 14 from 6-8:30 p.m. at Mission Trails Regional Park, One Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego CA 92119. Proceeds from this event will provide cash awards to women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families by giving them the resources they need to improve their education, skills, and employment prospects. Soroptimist International of San Diego is a service organization for professional women whose mission is to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world. It is a 501c (3) non-profit organization. Guests are invited to help build their personal pantry, a program helping at-risk women and girls with basic, every day personal care items. A donation of items such as soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, body lotion, etc., is a small gesture that makes a large difference in the life of an at-risk woman. A collection area will be available at the event. Ticket prices are as follows: ~ $35 per person ~ ~ $30 each for a group of 10 ~ For more information contact Paula Day, Soroptimist International of San Diego at619-475-5020 or phday@cox.net Mission Trails Regional Park encompasses nearly 5,800 acres of both natural and developed recreational acres. Its rugged hills, valleys and open areas represent a San Diego prior to the landing of Cabrillo in San Diego Bay in 1542. It is called the third Jewel in the City of San Diego Park System. The Park Visitor Center boasts a 94-seat theater. The gift shop located within the Visitor Center has a wonderful selection of items relating to nature and hiking. Shop comfortably in a quiet setting with a beautiful view overlooking the San Diego River. http://www.mtrp.org/visitor_center.asp
LA MESA STREET REOPENS AFTER BOMB SQUAD FINDS NO EXPLOSIVES IN ABANDONED TRUCK; DRIVER IS ARRESTED
October 13, 2011 (La Mesa) – University Avenue in La Mesa has been reopened after authorities found no explosives in an abandoned U-Haul truck. Damian Payne, a 35-year-old transient, has been arrested and charged with auto theft and possession of stolen property. The U-Haul had been stolen on October 8 in Santee, according to a press release issued by La Mesa Police. The street was shut down while the Sheriff’s Bomb and Arson Squad, as well as a drug-sniffing dog from Harbor Police, searched the vehicle for explosives as a precaution. Witnesses had reported seeing the driver flee the area, carrying black duffle bags. The driver of the truck was found and detained four blocks away in the 8400 block of University Ave. The street, was reopened early this afternoon.
BOMB SQUAD CALLED TO UNIVERSITY AVE. IN LA MESA AFTER DISCOVERY OF SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE
October 13, 2011 (La Mesa) – An investigation is underway into an abandoned U-Haul truck with a broken window in a no-parking zone near the new La Mesa Police Station at 8085 University Avenue. “We blocked off the 8000 block of University Avenue at Spring Street and Baltimore Drive,” Lt. Dan Willis at La Mesa Police told ECM. He added that witnesses reported seeing the driver jump from the vehicle carrying black duffel bags and run away. The man was dressed in a black shirt and black pants. Although no threats have been made and it’s possible the vehicle merely parked illegally or ran out of gas, as a precaution a bomb-sniffing dog from Harbor Police and the Sheriff’s bomb-arson squad have been called in, Lt. Willis confirmed. The trolley, which runs close to the scene, remains open during the investigation. The possibility remains that it could be shut down, however, if any suspicious device is found, he confirmed.
READER’S EDITORIAL: COUNCIL CHOOSES NOT TO ENDORSE PREFERENTIAL SALE OF SOME COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS OVER OTHERS
By Kristin Kjaero October 13, 2011 (La Mesa) — Re: "Reader’s Editorial: The Shame of La Mesa — Council Votes Against Fair Trade, Bows to Corporate Interests Over Helping People," in which Meg Jensen expressed her disappointment at their decision to decline a proposal by the Fair Trade Towns USA ("FTT"). Among other "Requirements for Fair Trade Town Status" in FTT’s Oct. 3rd letter as well as on their website, they wanted the City to pass “a resolution supporting Fair Trade and the local campaign and commits to serving Fair Trade products at its meeting." At Tuesday’s Council meeting, FTT advocates repeatedly emphasized the Council would not have to do anything other than pass the ordinance, as if that was a positive thing. FTT’s "Steering Committee,” made up of unspecified individuals in an unspecified location (they’re part of an international organization), would decide what products get the Council’s seal of approval based on standards having something to do with living wages, though what the specific criteria for this are they couldn’t answer and aren’t published on either website, except that for a manufacturer to get a product “licensed” as Fair Trade by them it “must buy from certified farms and organizations,” for which the criteria isn’t made available either. Don’t worry, they assured, the Council needn’t bother with the details, FTT will take care of them, including a “Where to Buy List and Map.” Huh? Government is required by law to be transparent; Sunshine laws were created exactly because information is necessary to hold elected representatives accountable in a democracy. But FTT is asking elected representatives to abrogate their responsibility of transparency to, um…. Who exactly? For what? There appeared to be uncertainty, even among the FTT. What is clear is FTT seeks government endorsements worldwide to encourage people to buy certain products over others, and despite speakers on Tuesday repeatedly stating it’s “not political,” their website writes about “endorsing an economic system.” What’s at play here is one of our most fundamental concepts of government as Americans. As the symbol blind justice serves to reminds us, the Founding Fathers expressed a fundamental belief that "all men are created equal" with no one above the law — and preferential arrangements were the powder keg that started it all. Ms. Jensen equates the City’s existing contracts for service with “actively promoting” and giving preferential treatment, but her examples don’t hold up under examination. Even if they had, however, institutional failures are a reason to make corrections, not more mistakes. Personally I try to buy local products from locally owned shops when possible because I believe it’s more environmentally responsible, and I look for American made goods now more than ever when friends and neighbors are struggling to keep jobs and homes. And that is precisely the point. If abstract principles like freedom and diversity are to be genuinely lived, we must be broad minded enough to embrace differences in opinion and priority. This is even more critical in our governmental institutions. Too often today, we witness polarized claims to an exclusive moral high ground of human dignity, while slinging accusations at those who reach a different conclusion. I hope for a future for our children where the pendulum swings back towards the middle ground of common interests. Meanwhile there’s no reason FTT can’t work now to market directly to consumers/vendors on its own and, as they already stated, there are enough vendors in La Mesa selling “Fair Trade” products for a designation of "Fair Trade City." The choice is theirs to make. And that, I believe, is the beauty and strength of America. Long may it so remain. The views in this editorial reflect views of its author and do not necessarily reflect views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.
APPEALS COURT TO HEAR STATE BUDGET CASE OVER THREAT TO THOUSANDS OF DISABLED CALIFORNIANS
By Miriam Raftery October 13, 2011 (San Diego’s East County)–The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments yesterday in Pasadena in a lawsuit that has sweeping implications for the state budget and thousands of low-income, disabled Californians and their families. The Developmental Services Network and other nonprofit associations filed suit to challenge a 2009 freeze in Medi-Cal funding that will harm California’s most vulnerable residents – the developmentally disabled with medical needs who live in intermediate care facilities. A federal judge enjoined the State from implementing the freeze in May but a government appeal has permitted the State to ignore the judge’s order and has forced treatment facilities in several California cities to consider closing their doors, advocates for the disabled indicate. “The shuttering of these small health licensed facilities that are uniquely equipped to treat the developmentally and physically disabled will force patients and their families to travel great distances for treatment, will result in lost jobs in local communities and will increase costs to taxpayers in other areas,” a press release issued by the DSN states. Among those facilities being impacted is the Home of the Guiding Hands (HGH), which serves disabled individuals in El Cajon under provisions of the Nursing Home Reform Act, a Medi-Cal program. “In 2009, the state, without any input on cost to provide quality services, decided to freeze those rates,” Mark Klaus, executive director at HGH, told East County Magazine. In the past, facilities would submit costs, undergo an audit and the state would determine allowable rates, he added. Over the past three years, Klaus said, “We have not received over a million dollars that we would have been entitled to if those rates were not frozen. The quality of services and the access to community continue to diminish at our facilities based on the state’s devaluing of services to people with disabilities.” The hearing took place yesterday in Courtroom 2 at the U.S. Court of Appeals in Pasadena. According to California Healthline, Craig Cannizzo, who argued the case on behalf of disabled people, the case has far-reaching implications because the state did not get permission from CMS for the rate freeze. Cannizzo said justices on the three-judge panel accused the state of end-running the system. A decision could take months, however, if judges believe there may be irreparable harm from the rate freeze, then they have a duty to rule more quickly, Cannizzo observed. Listen to the hearing: http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/media/view_subpage.php?pk_id=0000008161 Read more: http://www.californiahealthline.org/capitol-desk/2011/10/federal-appeals-court-hears-disability-case.aspx#ixzz1agDzOkKq http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/calendaring/2011/09/30/pa10_11.pdf
ARSON SUSPECT IN CUSTODY FOLLOWING LAKESIDE FIRE
October 13, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – The California Highway Patrol website indicates a brush fire that began at 7:50 a.m. on Old Highway 80 (I-8 business route) at Aurora in Lakeside was arson.A subject is in custody. A SIG ALERT issued earlier for lane closures has been canceled. Sign up for free Viejas Wildfire and Emergency Alerts via e-mail at the top right side of our homepage. You may also receive a free weekly copy of East County Magazine with wildfire update stories, other top news and events in our region. In addition, for brief text alerts on your mobile device, follow ViejasAlerts on Twitter. We recommend all of the above to stay safe and informed wherever you are, since you don’ t know which form of communication will work in an emergency.
TODDLER DROWNS IN SPRING VALLEY POOL
October 13, 2011 (Spring Valley) –A 16-month-old child apparently drowned in a backyard pool in the 1200 block of El Kelton Boulevard in Spring Valley. ECM news partner 10 News reports that the child, who was found unresponsive in the water about 6 p.m. last night, was taken to Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa but was pronounced dead a short time later.