ECM WORLD WATCH: OCTOBER 13, 2011
October 13, 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 world and U.S. headlines include: U.S. · Senate GOP votes to kill jobs bill (Washington Post) · Obama’s $447 billion jobs plan blocked with 50-49 Senate vote (The Hill) · Iranians charged in U.S. over assassination plot (Reuters) · Editor admits to infiltrating DC protest to undermine Occupy movement (RawStory) · Cain’s 9-9-9 tax plan under fire from both left and right (The Hill) · Census: Housing bust worst since great depression (San Diego Union-Tribune) WORLD · Coptic Christians in Egyt battle state’s version of deadly protest (Christian Science Monitor) · Japan quake: Fukushima children undergo thyroid tests (BBC) · Palestinians win a vote on bid to join Unesco (New York Times) Click on "read more" to see links and stories. U.S. SENATE GOP VOTES TO KILL JOBS BILL October 11, 2011 (Washington Post) — President Obama’s $447 billion jobs plan foundered in the Senate on Tuesday night, as a unified Republican caucus and a pair of Democrats joined to deny the proposal the 60 votes needed to allow it to proceed to full consideration. http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obamas-jobs-bill-stalled-in-senate/2011/10/11/gIQAIoJmdL_story.html?hpid=z2 OBAMA’S $447 BILLION JOBS PLAN BLOCKED WITH 50-49 SENATE VOTE October 11, 2011 (The Hill) — President Obama received a slap from members of his own party Tuesday as the Senate voted 50-49 to block his $447 billion jobs package. The jobs plan, which the president has spent much of the last month touting on a cross-country tour, fell well short of the 60 votes it needed to proceed. http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/186877-senate-blocks-obamas-447-billion-jobs-plan IRANIANS CHARGED IN U.S. OVER ASSASSINATION PLOT October 11, 2011 (Reuters) – The United States accused Iran on Tuesday of backing a plot to kill the Saudi ambassador to Washington, escalating tensions with Tehran and stirring up a hornet’s nest in the Gulf, where Saudi Arabia and Iran have long jostled for power. http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/11/us-usa-security-iran-idUSTRE79A5E020111011 EDITOR ADMITS TO INFILTRATING DC PROTEST TO UNDERMINE OCCUPY MOVEMENT October 9, 2011 (Raw Story) — An assistant editor for the conservative magazine The American Spectator admitted in print Saturday to infiltrating an antiwar protest in Washington, D.C. in hopes of undermining the “Occupy” movement. http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/10/09/editor-admits-to-infiltrating-d-c-protest-to-undermine-occupy-movement/ CAIN’S 9-9-9 TAX PLAN UNDER FIRE FROM BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT October 9, 2011 (The Hill) — With Herman Cain surging up Republican presidential polls in recent weeks, his plan to dramatically overhaul the tax code is starting to attract questions – even from fellow conservatives. http://thehill.com/blogs/on-the-money/domestic-taxes/186409-cains-9-9-9-tax-reform-plan-comes-under-fire-from-left-and-right CENSUS: HOUSING BUST WORST SINCE GREAT DEPRESSION October 6, 2011 (The San Diego Union- Tribune) — The American dream of homeownership has felt its biggest drop since the Great Depression, according to new 2010 census figures released Thursday. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/oct/06/census-housing-bust-worst-since-great-depression/ WORLD COPTIC CHRISTIANS IN EGYT BATTLE STATE’S VERSION OF DEADLY PROTEST October, 2011 (Christian Science Monitor) — Coptic Christians in Egypt, already dealing with a massacre, are now contending with the state-run version of events, which has convinced many Egyptians that Christians were at least partially responsible for the violence. http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2011/1011/Coptic-Christians-in-Egypt-battle-state-s-version-of-deadly-protest?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+feeds%2Fworld+%28Christian+Science+Monitor+%7C+World%29 JAPAN QUAKE: FUKUSHIMA CHILDREN UNDERGO THYROID TESTS October 9, 2011 (BBC) — Japanese health workers have begun checking more than 300,000 children living near the Fukushima nuclear plant for thyroid abnormalities. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-15234787 PALESTINIANS WIN A VOTE ON BID TO JOIN UNESCO October 5, 2011 (New York Times)– Despite strong opposition from the United States, Germany and several other European states, the Palestinians gained initial approval on Wednesday of a bid for full membership in Unesco — the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization — as part of their broader campaign for recognition as a state by the United Nations Security Council. But full membership in Unesco could mean a legally mandated cutoff of all contributions from the United States, both dues and voluntary. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/06/world/middleeast/palestinians-win-initial-vote-on-unesco-bid.html?_r=2&ref=middleeast
EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: OCTOBER 13, 2011
October 13, 2011 (San Diego’s East County)–East County Roundup highlights articles on top regional and state issues of interest to East County and inland San Diego County, published in other media. This week’s top Roundup headlines include: STATE · Showdown on medical marijuana as feds crack down (Christian Science Monitor) · Brown signs California Dream Act (Los Angeles Times) LOCAL · Grossmont Hospital panel seeks new members (San Diego Union-Tribune) · Rincon to spend more gaming revenues locally (KPBS) · San Diego considers an openly gay GOP mayor (CNBC) · Carlton Oaks Golf Club Future in Doubt (San Diego Union-Tribune) · 600 club members praised for showing on state tests: 33 Lemon Grove students notch perfect math scores (San Diego Union-Tribune) Click "read more" to see links, and stories STATE SHOWDOWN ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA AS FEDS CRACK DOWN October 7, 2011 (Christian Science Monitor) — Reefer wars are reigniting in California, and the US Justice Department is leading the charge. Four US Attorneys based in California said Friday they will step up prosecution of marijuana growers and pot dispensaries suspected of drug trafficking outside the confines of the state’s medical marijuana law. http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2011/1007/Showdown-in-California-over-medical-marijuana-as-feds-crack-down?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+feeds%2Fusa+%28Christian+Science+Monitor+%7C+USA%29 BROWN SIGNS CALIFORNIA DREAM ACT October 9, 2011 ( Los Angeles Times) — Gov. Jerry Brownon Saturday granted illegal immigrants access to state financial aid at public universities and community colleges, putting California once again in the center of the nation’s immigration debate. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-brown-dream-act-20111009,0,2023563.story LOCAL GROSSMONT HOSPITAL PANEL SEEKS NEW MEMBERS October 6, 2011 (San Diego Union-Tribune)The watchdog group that is tracking $247 million worth of construction projects at Sharp Grossmont Hospital is looking to complete its ranks. The Independent Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee is seeking applications from East County residents willing to fill a vacancy on the 11-member panel. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/oct/06/grossmont-hospital-panel-seeks-new-member/ RINCON TO SPEND MORE GAMING REVENUES LOCALLY October 11, 2011 (KPBS) — For eight years, The Rincon Band has argued that money the state requires from tribes wanting to expand their casinos is an illegal tax. In June, it won the case: The Band will share some of its proceeds with the county instead of the state. http://www.kpbs.org/news/2011/oct/11/rincon-spend-more-gaming-revenues-locally/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kpbs%2Flocal+%28KPBS+News%3A+Local+Headlines%29 SAN DIEGO CONSIDERS AN OPENLY GAY GOP MAYOR October 8, 2011 (CNBC)Two leading Republican contenders for mayor of America’s eighth-largest city are openly gay, and voters have barely noticed. It doesn’t come up at campaign appearances or in local news coverage. District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and City Councilman Carl DeMaio haven’t made their marks as gay rights activists, which may help explain why their sexual orientation has been a non-issue even among social conservatives. Neither makes a secret of being gay, but they don’t draw attention to it, either. http://www.cnbc.com/id/44827653 CARLTON OAKS GOLF CLUB FUTURE IN DOUBT October 6, 2011 (San Diego) — The future of Carlton Oaks Golf Club remains in doubt after a San Diego City Council committee postponed a decision on whether to approve the sale of city land to the facility’s owners. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/oct/06/carlton-oaks-golf-course-future-doubt/ 600 CLUB MEMBERS PRAISED FOR SHOWING ON STATE TESTS: 33 LEMON GROVE STUDENTS NOTCH PERFECT MATH SCORES October 5, 2011 (Lemon Grove) — Before a standing-room only audience of parents and teachers armed with cameras, 33 students were recognized at a recent Lemon Grove School District board meeting for earning perfect math scores on state standardized tests. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/oct/05/600-club-members-gain-accolades-for-showing-on/
READER’S EDITORIALS: GOVERNOR’S REALIGNMENT PLAN PUTS OUR COMMUNITY AT RISK
By Assemblyman Brian Jones "In this realignment, which I strongly opposed, inmates convicted of certain crimes that would have sent them to state prison will instead be housed in county correctional facilities. What the Governor and those who voted for his plan failed to realize is the fact that many of the county facilities are already dangerously over-crowded, thus many of these “low-level” offenders will be receiving a “get out of jail free” card. " October 13, 2011 (Sacramento) — There are many reasons people enter into public service. For some, it is to gain power and influence. For others it is to make a profound difference for their community. As a lifelong resident of Santee, I put myself firmly into the second category. And since my early days on the Santee City Council, public safety has been a top priority. I ran for the State Assembly last year in order to bring some of our community’s common sense ideas back to Sacramento. While spending the last year on the Assembly floor I have realized one thing – common sense doesn’t seem to carry the day in the State Legislature. A prime example was this year’s battle over public safety “realignment,” which is the shifting of thousands of inmates from state prison to county jails. It is a historic and fundamental shift in our prison system proposed by Governor Jerry Brown and approved on a partisan vote earlier this year. The plan took effect on October 1. In this realignment, which I strongly opposed, inmates convicted of certain crimes that would have sent them to state prison will instead be housed in county correctional facilities. What the Governor and those who voted for his plan failed to realize is the fact that many of the county facilities are already dangerously over-crowded, thus many of these “low-level” offenders will be receiving a “get out of jail free” card. With no room to place these hardened convicted criminals and no proper oversight; many will be transferred to county facilities. With nowhere to house them, they will be released. This move will essentially flood our communities with inmates who have committed serious crimes and not paid their debt to society. The San Diego County Jail can house up to 944 prisoners. As of this morning there are currently 762 people in custody at that location. This means that as soon as 182 people are transferred or sentenced to county jail for previously prison worthy crimes, the next person will put the jail at above capacity. A new report from the California Department of Corrections shows that after realignment is implemented, we could be short as many as 4,473 cells in San Diego County to house the felons who will now serve their time in local communities. This means that to maintain a healthy and legal level of inmates, someone will be released early. This will eventually lead to our streets being less safe. By 2014, as many as 52,000 convicted criminals will be sent back to local communities rather than serving their time in state prison. While the Governor insists that these are “low-level” offenders, nothing could be further from the truth, the reality is that 500 crimes will be included in by realignment, including some very troubling crimes like child abandonment, vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and involuntary manslaughter. Now, I ask you, do the people who have committed those crimes seem like “low-level” offenders to you? Republicans did propose a number of bills that would have kept these dangerous criminals behind bars where they belong. Yet all of them were blocked by the Governor’s allies. Furthermore, this realignment program only has funding for this year, after that there is no guaranteed funding, and thus, any oversight of these felons will be lost. As East County’s representative in the State Assembly, I will continue to fight against these absurd measures. I hope you will continue to stay informed with the impact of the Governor’s realignment plan on our communities by visiting our new “California Crime Watch” website at http://arc.asm.ca.gov/CaCrimeWatch. Assemblyman Brian Jones, R-Santee, represents the 77th Assembly District in the California Legislature.The views expressed in this editorial reflect the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org
SAN CARLOS UNDER BOIL-WATER ORDER
View Map of Affected Area (PDF) Street List (PDF) October 12, 2011 (San Carlos)–Due to a water pump station failure, the California Department of Public Health and the City of San Diego Public Utilities Department are advising residents of San Carlos, east of Cowles Mountain and north of Navajo Road, to use boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes as a safety precaution. To confirm if your address is affected, please check the list of streets (PDF). DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one (1) minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking and food preparation until further notice. This is the preferred method to assure that the water is safe to drink. An alternative method of disinfection for residents that are not able to boil their water is to use fresh, unscented, liquid household bleach. To do so, add 8 drops (or 1/8 teaspoon) of bleach per gallon of clear water or 16 drops (or 1/4 teaspoon) per gallon of cloudy water, mix thoroughly, and allow it to stand for 30 minutes before using. A chlorine-like taste and odor will result from this disinfection procedure and is an indication that adequate disinfection has taken place. Water disinfection tablets may also be used by following the manufacturer’s instructions. County officials anticipate resolving the problem by October 13, 2011.
BOIL WATER ORDER AND PUBLIC NOTIFICATION FOR WYNOLA FARMS WATER DISTRICT
The County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health (DEH) has issued a Boil Water Order and Public Notification for Wynola Farms Water District located at 4470 Highway 78, Julian, CA 92036 effective immediately. The drinking water system has tested present for E.Coli and total coliform bacteria. The presence of E.Coli bacteria indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Health effects can include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms. E.Coli may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. Total coliform bacteria can come from soils and other sources in the environment and can indicate a problem with the water supply system. The Boil Water Order was issued to ensure all water used is free from contamination. The Boil Water Order will remain in effect until the distribution system has been disinfected and additional samples confirm the absence of bacteria in the water supply. For more information on the Boil Water Order, please contact Harry Seifert, at (760)791-048
CHICKENS CAN COME HOME TO ROOST IN SANTEE
By Miriam Raftery October 12, 2011 (Santee)—Without a squawk of opposition from the audience, the Santee City Council voted 3-2 to let city residents keep chickens. Roosters, however, are still banned, since only hens for egg production are allowed. Chickens cannot be slaughtered for meat and staff still needs to peck out details such as limits on how many birds may be kept. The birds will only be allowed in single-family residential zones. Mayor Randy Voepel, Councilmen Jack Dale and John Minto voted for the measure, with the Mayor crowing about his childhood memories of raising chickens on a Missouri farm. Councilmen Rob McNelis and John Ryan apparently had feathers ruffled, however, and voted voted against the proposal. Five speakers testified for the measure, including Alan Stuart, 20, who has been keeping three egg-laying hens. Stuart said rising food prices are leaving people with “no other choice” but to take up farming. No one testified against the chicken-keeping proposal, however McNelis said he feared code compliance problems could result and thus voted to oppose urban farming in Santee.
TARGET FIRE BLAMED FOR OTAY-AREA FIRE
October 12, 2011 (Otay) – A three-acre fire off Highway 94 near the Otay Lakes area Border Patrol checkpoint was caused by target shooting, Cakl Fire reports. The fire was held to three acres, with no injuries or property damage.
LA MESA COUNCIL OPTS AGAINST “FAIR TRADE” CITY DESIGNATION
October 12, 2011 (La Mesa) –“We’re astounded,” Nancy Ryan, a La Mesa resident who asked the Council to adopt a resolution that would have declared the community a free-trade city, upon hearing that Council voted down the resolution 3-2 last night. Mayor Art Madrid and Council member David Allan voted for the measure, while Council members Ruth Sterling, Mark Arapostathis and Ernest Ewin voted against it. Passage of a resolution was one of five steps needed for La Mesa to join a growing list of fair trade cities nationwide. The resolution required no spending by the city and merely asked council members to support the concept of informing consumers where free trade products are sold. Free trade items are certified to assure consumers that goods such as bananas, coffee or craft items are not produced using child labor or slavery, that farmers and producers of good are paid a living wage for their region, and that sustainable and environmentally safe farming practices are utilized. “It’s not really a good deal if we purchase something at the lowest price if workers were enslaved or children forced to work,” said Janet Castanos, club director at La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club. Her organization recently became a “fair trade club”, serving fair trade coffee at its meetings. Fourteen retailers in La Mesa already carry at least two fair trade products, meeting another of the national requirements. Fair Trade La Mesa organizers Nancy Ryan and Ann Pacheco, both long-time La Mesa residents, have made presentations at numerous local groups including the Interfaith Council. A fair trade gift fair will be held October 16 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in La Mesa. “There are no political or religious implications,” Ryan said, adding that the free trade movement is worldwide and now includes cities such as Milwaukee, Boston and Chicago as well as California communities such as San Francisco, Chico, Berkeley and fair trade campuses including the University of California, San Diego. David Smith with Fair Trade San Diego told of traveling to third world countries and seeing children born with deformities caused by pesticides, workers intimidated by “thugs and goons,” and other horrors. He also spoke of lives changed for the better due to fair trade programs which enabled people to reinvest in their own communities, also allowing workers to stay at their homes in Mexico and Central America instead of migrating north in search of work. Fair trade has also helped clean up polluted air and water in some communities, another Fair Trade speaker said. “I’ve been looking or fair trade products for a long time,” said La Mesa resident Patrick Dean, a chef. “I’m bringing my family up to live an ethical life.” But others spoke against having the city provide information for consumers on fair trade products or ideals. “It’s not your responsibility to tell us where to shop or what to buy,” said Russell Buckley. “That decision should be left to each individual instead of Big Brother.” The city’s website, however, already steers consumers toward some merchants and products over others, promoting for instance a Sustain La Mesa Festival favoring green products and various festivals in the downtown village including Oktoberfest, which benefits the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and downtown merchants. La Mesa Chamber did not voice an opinion on the measure. Scott Alevy, chairman of the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce, however, spoke against the resolution. He indicated his group includes many members with businesses or interests in La Mesa, although his Chamber also includes a majority of business owners outside La Mesa. Alevy conceded that he had not polled his full membership but did consult a committee. “We believe the government should not be telling businesses what to sell, how to sell or what to charge,” he said. Mayor Madrid later said the implication that the city would be telling people where to shop or what to buy was “asinine.” Councilman Allan agreed. “I have not heard anything that will preclude anyone from buying anything.” Alevy pointed out that many of his member businesses have gone out of business in the recession, to which the Mayor fired back, “Do you know if they went out of business because someone was selling a fair trade banana or cup of coffee?” Alevy said he did not. Kristin Kjaero, a member of La Mesa’s sustainability commission, said she does read labels when she shops, but tries to buy American-made goods. Councilman Ewin asked questions about details involved in certification and how livable wage levels were determined. Councilwoman Sterling and Councilman Arapostathis indicated they felt the free market should determine what products people buy. After the meeting, fair trade supporters expressed shock and disappointment at the vote. Several felt that council members had misunderstood the resolution’s impact—as well as the strength of the fair trade movement. “The free trade market is one of the fastest growing niche markets in the U.S. right now,” Smith observed. Supporters vowed to reach out and seek support directly from La Mesa residents, perhaps with a petition drive. In addition to providing consumers with information and choices, supporters say becoming a fair trade town would give La Mesa national publicity and could bring tourism and sales tax dollars to the community. “This is not going to go away,” Smith vowed, adding, “We will be back.” For more information on the Fair Trade La Mesa effort, visit http://lamesafairtrade.blogspot.com.
TWITTER PULLS PLUG ON LOCAL REPUBLICAN ACCOUNTS
San Diego GOP Linked to Attempt to Impersonate Democrats October 12, 2011 (San Diego)–Days after a formal complaint from the San Diego County Democratic Party, Twitter has suspended several accounts impersonating San Diego Democrats–along with the official page of the County Republican Party (@sdrepublicans) and that of its chair, Tony Krvaric (@TonyKrvaric). On October 6, the general counsel for the County Democratic Party contacted Twitter to protest four accounts that purported to represent candidates for the San Diego City Council — @SherriLightner, @ToddPhilips, @MatKostrinsky, and @MartiEmerald — in addition to one impersonating the County Democratic Party, @sddemocrats, and its chair, @JessDurfee. The Democrats’ letter cited Twitter’s policy on this practice, which defines impersonation as “pretending to be another person or entity in order to deceive.” The policy continues: “Impersonation is a violation of the Twitter Rules and may result in permanent account suspension.” Though Krvaric’s and the Republican Party’s accounts were not mentioned in the Democratic complaint, both were suspended today along with the fraudulent accounts — indicating that Twitter has pinpointed the Republicans in impersonating Democrats and trying to trick their followers. “I applaud Twitter for acting quickly to shut the deceptive profiles down,” said Democratic Party Chair Jess Durfee. “Childish and unethical conduct online is nothing new, but I am disappointed to see that my Republican counterpart and his party may have been behind it. The idea of Tony Krvaric posting as @JessDurfee is just creepy. “From hiring a spy to shadow a Redistricting Commissioner to pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars into failed signature-gathering efforts, this has been a busy year for San Diego Republicans,” Durfee added. “Now apparently they can add Internet fraud to the list. In the meantime, Democrats have out-registered them countywide, and we’re looking forward to out-campaigning them in 2012.” Krvaric told the San Diego Union-Tribune that his favored Twitter handle had been suspended, but said he had not yet been told the reason. He admitted to creating the bogus accounts but denied using them. “I never tweeted as any of the council candidates,” Krvaric said, the Union-Tribune reported. “But we have a political campaign going on and they weren’t taken. If I register it; then they can’t register it. It’s a campaign. For Marti Emerald to not register @MartiEmerald when she’s been on the council for how long? I just tried it one day and they were all available so I registered them. So what?" Twitter has a policy against username squatting, however, that specifically bans “creating accounts for the purpose of preventing others from using those account names.” Interestingly, Krvaric once claimed to have been the victim of identity theft himself when an e-mail account that appeared to be from him sent out messages trashing a local GOP candidate, as ECM previously reported: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/2820 In that instance, ECM investigated and found the IPN invalid, returning a message indicating the account had likely been spoofed. Krvaric’s ethical standards have come into question in the past, as ECM’s editor reported in an investigative report revealing his past as cofounder of Fairlight, a computer game-hacking ring that grew into what Interpol described as the largest intellectual property piracy ring on the planet: Kravric’s own ethics and tactics have been called into question in the past on other issues (http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/mutiny_at_the_gop; http://www.rawstory.com/news/2008/San_Diego_GOP_chairman_cofounded_inter… http://www.rawstory.com/news/2008/San_Diego_GOP_chairman_Part_2_0430.html). Campaigns and organizations across the political spectrum have increased their presence on Twitter in recent years, using the social networking tool to communicate with supporters, raise funds, and promote stories in the news media. The authentic Twitter handles for the impersonated Democrats in San Diego include @Kostrinsky, @MartiEmeraldD7, @SanDiegoDems, and @ChairJessDurfee.
FIRE DOUSED IN SAN PASQUAL
October 12, 2011 (San Pasqual) – A fire that began near the San Diego Zoo Safari Park has been doused, Cal-Fire reports. The grass fire charred approximately two to three acres this afternoon off Highway 78 near Clevenger Canyon. No structures were threatened; cause of the blaze remains under investigation.