ECM WORLD WATCH: GLOBAL AND NATIONAL NEWS
Printer-friendly version December 8, 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. Obama sets campaign theme: middle class at stake (AP) Postal Service confirms cuts that will slow down mail (CBS) Republicans split on Democratic plan to extend payroll tax cuts (Washington Post) Obama: Congress ‘shouldn’t go home’ until payroll tax cut is extended (The Hill) Cain suspends campaign (The Hill) Tainted nectar? Consumer group warns of arsenic in fruit juice (NPR) WORLD Thousands protest against Putin over Russia vote (Reuters) Putin’s party barely hangs onto its majority (Yahoo! News) WHO issues European measles warning (BBC) 3-D printers help grow new bones (BBC) U.N.: Syria death toll exceeds 4,000 since March (San Diego Union-Tribune) Scroll down for excerpts and links to full stories. U.S. Obama sets campaign theme: middle class at stake (AP) December 6, 2011 — Declaring the American middle class in jeopardy, President Barack Obama on Tuesday outlined a populist economic vision that will drive his re-election bid, insisting the United States must reclaim its standing as a country in which everyone can prosper if provided "a fair shot and a fair share." http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_OBAMA?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2011-12-06-14-04-33 Postal Service confirms cuts that will slow down mail (CBS) December 5, 2011 — If you still mail a check to pay your bills, it’s going to take longer for them to get where they’re going starting in January. http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/12/05/postal-service-confirms-cuts-that-will-slow-mail-down/ Republicans split on Democratic plan to extend payroll tax cuts (Washington Post) December 7, 2011 — A Republican Party that has for decades benefited from a commitment to lower taxes is now finding itself on the defensive on the issue, as members face a deep split over a Democratic plan to extend a payroll tax reduction. What might normally be a no-brainer for most congressional Republicans is being resisted by many tea-party-conscious members who oppose what they consider a short-term gimmick that would worsen the federal deficit and siphon money from Social Security, which the payroll taxes fund. http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/republicans-split-on-democratic-plan-to-extend-payroll-tax-cut/2011/12/06/gIQAB0AsaO_story.html?hpid=z1 Obama: Congress ‘shouldn’t go home’ until payroll tax cut is extended (The Hill) December 3, 2011 — Congress needs to pass an extension to the payroll tax cut and shouldn’t adjourn until they do, President Obama said in his weekly address. "Both parties came together to cut payroll taxes for the typical middle-class family by about $1,000, but that tax cut is set to expire at the end of this month," Obama said. "We can’t let that happen." http://thehill.com/video/administration/196999-obama-congress-shouldnt-go-home-until-payroll-tax-is-extended Cain suspends campaign (The Hill) December 3, 2011 — A defiant Herman Cain maintained that various allegations of sexual impropriety plaguing him were untrue, but nonetheless suspended his presidential campaign Saturday. http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/gop-presidential-primary/197007-herman-cain-campaign-suspend-announcement-affairs-future Tainted nectar? Consumer group warns of arsenic in fruit juice (NPR) December 1, 2011 — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has said it will consider setting a standard for how much arsenic should be permitted in apple juice after a consumer group found high levels of the carcinogen in samples of apple juice it tested. http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2011/11/30/142961997/tainted-nectar-consumer-group-warns-of-arsenic-in-fruit-juice?ft=1&f=1053 WORLD Thousands protest against Putin over Russia vote (Reuters) December 5, 2011 — Several thousand people protested in central Moscow on Monday against what they said was a fraudulent parliamentary election, shouting "Revolution!" and calling for an end to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s rule. http://in.reuters.com/article/2011/12/05/russia-election-protest-idINDEE7B40KG20111205 Putin’s party barely hangs onto its majority (Yahoo! News) December 5, 2011 — Prime Minister Vladimir Putin‘s party saw its majority in Russia‘s parliament weaken sharply, according to preliminary election results released Monday, a humiliating setback for the man who has steadily tightened his grip on the nation for nearly 12 years. http://news.yahoo.com/putins-party-barely-hangs-onto-majority-092734694.html WHO issues European measles warning (BBC) December 2, 2011 — The WHO report says there were over 26,000 measles cases in 36 European countries from January to October 2011. Western European countries reported 83% of those cases, with 14,000 in France alone. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15999492 3-D printers help grow new bones (BBC) November 30, 2011 – A 3D printer is being used to create "bone-like" material which researchers claim can be used to repair injuries. The engineers say the substance can be added to damaged natural bone where it acts as a scaffold for new cells to grow. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15963467 U.N.: Syria death toll exceeds 4,000 since March (San Diego Union-Tribune) December 1, 2011 — The death toll from Syria’s crackdown on an 8-month-old revolt has exceeded 4,000 people and the country’s leaders should be prosecuted for crimes against humanity, the U.N.’s top human rights official said Thursday. www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/dec/01/un-syrian-death-toll-exceeds-4000-since-march/ Printer-friendly version
EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: TOP LOCAL AND STATE NEWS
Printer-friendly version December 8, 2011 (San Diego’s East County)–East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include: STATE Jerry Brown has plans to hike sales, income tax (Sacramento Bee) California fiscal conservatives file spending cap proposal (Sacramento Bee) LOCAL Sunrise Powerlink water use put in perspective (San Diego Union-Tribune) County improves healthcare for the very poor, but stops there (Voice of San Diego) Backcountry warrior keeps up the fight (San Diego Union-Tribune) Hunter casts protest vote against immigration reform (CityBeat) Water district directors meet, talk in secret (Voice of San Diego) Release of rare golden eagle a success at Safari Park (North County Times) Our Greater San Diego Vision launches interactive website (KPBS) La Mesa is in “great financial position” new auditors tell City Hall (La Mesa Patch) Reports reveal trends in drug use and gang involvement (SANDAG) Mistrial of Stanley Lloyd Jr. case; new trial may be held (Santee Patch) Barona murder “a puzzle”; casino and tribal security could have provided more pieces, prosecutor says (Ramona Patch) So what can schools cut? (Voice of San Diego) SDG&E defends solar rate hike to County Supervisors (San Diego Reader) Escondido: Tighten the rules (The Reader editorial by Don Bauder) Scroll down for excerpts and links to full stories. STATE Jerry Brown has plan to hike sales, income tax (Sacramento Bee) December 5, 2011 — Desperate to plug budget holes for the next five years, Gov. Jerry Brown will ask voters to raise $7 billion annually by taxing the rich and hiking the sales tax by half a cent. http://www.sacbee.com/2011/12/02/4094599/jerry-brown-has-plan-to-hike-sales.html California fiscal conservatives file spending cap proposal (Sacramento Bee) December 6, 2011 — A day after Gov. Jerry Brown asked voters for $7 billion in additional taxes, a trio of fiscal conservatives said Tuesday they filed a ballot initiative to cap state spending. The proposal would reconfigure the Gann Limit, a 1979 spending restriction established on the heels of tax-limiting Proposition 13. Voters later softened the limit, and the state is now $17 billion below the spending cap. http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2011/12/california-fiscal-conservatives-file-spending-cap-proposal-taxpayers-association-howard-jarvis-small-business-action-committee.html LOCAL Sunrise Powerlink water use put in perspective (San Diego Union-Tribune) December 5, 2011 — The Watchdog has done two stories on the Sunrise Powerlink’s use of city drinking water for tamping down dirt and other construction purposes. The 117-mile, $1.9 billion transmission line project is using 300,000 gallons of water a day, much of it drawn into tanker trucks from fire hydrants in San Carlos. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/dec/05/sunrise-powerlink-water-use-put-perspective/ County improves healthcare for the very poor, but stops there (Voice of San Diego) December 6, 2011 — This year, San Diego County accepted $50 million from the federal government to launch a new program to improve health care for the county’s poorest uninsured residents. Under the program the county started in July, poor singles and couples can now get health care benefits similar to Medi-Cal, the state’s safety net program that used to be only for poor, disabled people and families with children. http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/survival/article_e720e156-1fbd-11e1-b0c6-0019bb2963f4.html Backcountry warrior keeps up the fight (San Diego Union-Tribune) December 2, 2011– Donna Tisdale’s boundless backyard may not be God’s greenest acre, but look at it. Stand along a gravel road on her 310-acre Boulevard spread — the Morning Star Ranch, she and her husband call it — and turn east and you can see the In-Ko-Pah and Jacumba mountains, chocolate and orange in the late-afternoon sun. To the north sits McCain Valley and a row of giant wind turbines. To the south, a short hike away, are the knobby peaks of Baja California. And to the west, some 50 miles from the ranch, is metropolitan San Diego. You can’t see a lick of it from this spot and that’s probably just as well. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/dec/02/backcountry-warrior-donna-tisdale-keeps-up-the-f/ Hunter casts protest vote against immigration reform (CityBeat) November 30, 2011 — ith Congress as divided as it is, it’s kind of refreshing to see 90 percent of the U.S. House of Representatives all get behind a bill, particularly one related to immigration reform. Yesterday, the House voted 389 to 15 (29 not voting) to pass H.R. 3012, the "Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act." All of San Diego’s Congressional delegation voted for the bill, except one—Rep. Duncan D. Hunter, a Republican representing East County. http://www.sdcitybeat.com/sandiego/blog-627-hunter-casts-protest-vote-against-immigration-reform.html Water district directors meet, talk in secret (Voice of San Diego) December 6, 2011 — Good luck if you wanted to attend the Otay Water District committee meeting in late March 2010. Two directors were talking about legal issues. The district was facing lawsuits from Chula Vista business owners who’d been drinking treated sewage for months. The water district hadn’t noticed the wrong pipe was connected to the business park’s taps. But to know a meeting was happening that day, you would’ve needed a tip that the public agency was holding one. No announcement was made. http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/environment/muck/article_bd50bf8c-1c92-11e1-8835-001871e3ce6c.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+voice-of-san-diego-all-articles+%28All+articles+voiceofsandiego.org+–+full+feed%29 Release of rare golden eagle a success at Safari Park December 2, 2011 — A golden eagle found with grave injuries six weeks ago was released back to the wild Friday, high in the hills above the San Pasqual Valley. http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/ramona/region-release-of-golden-eagle-a-success-at-safari-park/article_516a7414-9116-5ec1-9d92-275f3fb638bd.html Our Greater San Diego Vision launches interactive website (KPBS) November 30, 2011 — A multi-million-dollar effort to get San Diegans involved in planning for the region’s future is unveiling a new tool. The project hopes an interactive web site will attract more people than public meetings. “Our Greater San Diego Vision” has invested $2.4 million to ask San Diegans how they’d like the region to look in 40 years. San Diego’s quality of life is at stake as the population is expected to grow 40 percet by 2050. http://www.kpbs.org/news/2011/nov/30/our-greater-san-diego-vision-launches-interactive-/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kpbs%2Flocal+%28KPBS+News%3A+Local+Headlines%29 La Mesa is in “great financial position” new auditors tell City Hall (La Mesa Patch) November 30, 2011 — Despite redevelopment and pension concerns, “You guys are in good shape,” CPA Terry Shea says. http://lamesa.patch.com/articles/two-thumbs-iup Reports reveal trends in drug use and gang involvement (SANDAG) November 11,
VIEJAS CASINO TEAM MEMBERS AND GUESTS DONATE OVER 3,000 TOYS FOR LOCAL SALVATION ARMY
Printer-friendly version Photos By Miriam Raftery December 8, 2011 (Alpine) – Viejas Casino Team Members and guests have donated more than 3,000 toys for the Salvation Army serving eastern San Diego and western Imperial Counties. Viejas Casino announced the grand total of 3,231 toys donated this holiday season by team members and guests at the annual Salvation Army Holiday Party and Auction, held last night at the DreamCatcher at Viejas Casino. As the total number was announced, the curtain was raised on the stage, revealing the thousands of new toys, destined for needy children and families in the two-county region. Viejas Casino team members donated the toys during the month of November and Viejas Casino Guests received $5 Free Play Cash in exchange for new, unwrapped toys they donated between November 21 and 26. In addition, shoppers at the Viejas Outlets received discounts at Viejas Bowl and the Viejas Ice Rink in exchange for new, unwrapped toys during November. Viejas Casino General Manager Chris Kelley said, “We are extremely proud of the tremendous support that we received from our Team Members and our casino guests. It demonstrates the spirit of community that we all share, and our commitment to helping those in need in San Diego and Imperial Counties.” Also at last night’s annual Salvation Holiday Party and Auction, Viejas Casino presented Salvation Army Captain Terry Masango with a check for $25,000 raised at a recent Celebrity Slot Tournament. For more information, visit www.viejas.com or call 1-800-847-6537. Printer-friendly version
COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUPS FUTURE AT RISK; COUNTY TO HEAR RECOMMENDATIONS WEDNESDAY TO GUT OR ELIMINATE RURAL BOARDS
Printer-friendly version Proposals aim to sharply reduce communities’ input on major development projects By Jeremy Los Update Dec. 8, 2011 –After hearing a proposal yesterday to streamline the regulatory process for developers, Supervisors postponed a decision until Feb. 29, 2012. Dec. 6, 2011- Local elected planning groups fear that their days are numbered, as the San Diego County Board of Supervisors will hear recommendations from the Red Tape Reduction Task Force on Wednesday. Recommendations by the task force could greatly diminish community driven input on major developments in East County communities. Brought forth by board Chairman Supervisor Bill Horn (Dist. 5) and commissioned by the Board of Supervisors back on April 13, 2011, the task force was instructed to evaluate the land development permitting process and identify any areas of improvement that would reduce both the time and costs associated with obtaining a permit. "This is not about land use – it’s about the process," said Horn back in March. "We want to streamline the process, make it economical, and get through the process faster." However, not everyone is singing the praise of the task force. “This task force will eliminate or seriously diminish planning groups,” says Valle De Oro Planning Group Chairman Jack Phillips. “Every developer dreams of getting a project through with zero restrictions and resistance from local communities.” While she hasn’t made a decision on the recommendations as of yet, Supervisor Dianne Jacob recognizes the importance of strong community planning groups. “To me, planning groups are an integral part of the land use process and I take their recommendations seriously,” said Jacob. “Although the recommendations of planning groups are not binding on the County, I believe they are instructive and reflective of community sentiment… the planning group’s position is one of many factors I weigh in order to make a final determination on a project.” According to the recommendations that will be presented on Wednesday, the task force will provide the board with two options: Option one would be to modify the existing Planning Group structure by either removing community planning and sponsor groups from the County’s ‘umbrella’ and require applicants for projects to prepare a Public Participation Plan in order to inform the residents of the community of the proposed project. The public participation plan would include one publicly noticed community meeting to be held in the community. Option two would leave community planning groups under the County’s ‘umbrella’ but with a handful of changes. The big change would see the amount of input and review put in by the groups greatly diminished while also forcing each meeting to have a senior level planner and County counsel present. The planning groups would also no longer receive free appeals to the Board of Supervisors. “If this task force bears any fruit, you will see the county change dramatically, especially in the unincorporated areas,” says Phillips.” “Supervisor Horn wants nothing to do with strong elected community representatives in unincorporated areas.” Planning groups are already feeling the pinch to some degree when it comes to the county gutting the amount of power they have. Though only advisory boards to the county, planning groups offer community insights to project development in local communities, insight that is sometimes overlooked. “If we recommend something they want, they support it,” says Alpine Planning Group Member Louis Russo. “However, if we recommend something they don’t want they say that we are just an advisory board… they don’t have to follow the board.” Alpine has been the center of controversy recently over a variety of land use issues, most notably Sunrise Powerlink. Phillips contends that for the most part the county does take into account what these planning groups have to say. “70% to 80% of the time we have a strong influence on what the county does,” said Phillips, who has been on the Valle De Oro board for 30 years. That sentiment is shared by Boulevard Planning Group Chair Donna Tisdale who said, “In general, our comments are at least considered.” Phillips points to the job done by Supervisor Jacob in dealing with the planning groups. “Supervisor Jacob has done an adequate job at listening to the community,” said Phillips. “She is always for input.” Some are a bit tighter with their praise. “These boards were created because they didn’t want all these people to complain to the County,” concluded Russo. “We take the heat off of them.” Editor’s note: Ramona Patch has more on this, including formal opposition registered by two local planning groups: http://ramona.patch.com/articles/planning-group-opposes-recommended-streamlining-that-could-cut-local-input Printer-friendly version
FIFTH ANNUAL HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT SERIES FOR TROLLEY RIDERS
Printer-friendly version December 8, 2011 (San Diego)–The Orange Line’s fifth annual Holiday Entertainment Series starts Monday morning December 12 at the 62nd Street/Encanto Trolley Station. Jazz vocalist Rodney Hutsona kicks off the series which will also include performers from the Southeastern San Diego area. The holiday music tradition is spearheaded by San Diego Council President and MTS Board Member Anthony Young, with support from the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation, Coca-Cola, and MTS. This is Council President Young’s fifth year to offer the holiday music series. “I hope this music will make this holiday season more enjoyable for the community.” Council President Young said, “Last year the music put smiles on the faces of many bus and trolley riders as they arrived to go to work or when they returned home.” The funding from Councilman Young was made possible through the City of San Diego’s Commission for Arts and Culture. “The music is a holiday treat for riders and will make their morning or afternoon commute that more enjoyable,” said MTS CEO Paul Jablonski. The schedule alternates between morning and afternoon performances at either the Euclid Avenue and 62nd Street Trolley Stations: Date Performer Location & Time Mon 12/12 Rodney Hutsona 6:30-8:30 a.m. 62nd Street Station Lanee Battle 4:30-6:30 p.m. Euclid Avenue Tue 12/13 Shelly Minafee 6:30-8:30 a.m. 62nd Street Station Diamond District Youth Orchestra-directed by Andre Beller 4:30-6:30 p.m. Euclid Avenue Wed 12/14 Lanee Battle 6:30-8:30 a.m. 62nd Street Station PASACAT 4:30-6:30 p.m. Euclid Avenue Thurs 12/15 Rodney Hutsona 6:30-8:30 a.m. Euclid Avenue Diamond District Youth Orchestra-directed by Andre Beller 4:30-6:30 p.m. Euclid Avenue Sat 12/17 Reggie Smith 10 a.m.-Noon Euclid Avenue Mon 12/19 Lenny Rankins 6:30-8:30 a.m. 62nd Street Station Sandra Foster-King and Dancers 4:30-6:30 p.m. Euclid Avenue Wed 12/21 Lenny Rankins 6:30-8:30 a.m. 62nd Street Station Sandra Foster-King and Dancers 4:30-6:30 p.m. Euclid Avenue Sat 12/24 Reggie Smith 10 a.m.-Noon Euclid Avenue The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System transports more than 80 million riders a year on over 80 bus routes and 53 miles of rail. For information on fares, routes, and schedules, or to plan a trip, visit www.sdmts.com or call 511. Printer-friendly version
ELDERLY DRIVER CRASHES INTO SANTEE POST OFFICE
Printer-friendly versionDecember 8, 2011 (Santee) – The Santee Post Office shut down briefly yesterday after an 83-year-old driver hit the gas pedal instead of the brakes while pulling into a handicapped parking space. He jumped the curb, striking a pillar supporting an overhang on the building with his SUV. According to Santee Patch, the man narrowly missed hitting a woman and child. The driver, who was not injured, was issued a notice of re-examination for his license through the DMV. Printer-friendly version
EAT, DRINK AND BE LITERARY! SUNBELT PUBLICATIONS HOLIDAY PARTY DEC. 8 IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version November 21, 2011 (El Cajon) – While the book industry abounds with change and uncertainty, one local publisher continues its holiday tradition that has spanned over a quarter of a century. Sunbelt Publications invites the public to its warehouse for a celebration of literature in the holiday season. On Thursday, December 8 from 4:30 to 8:30, Sunbelt Publications will host its annual holiday party with the 2011 theme: Eat, Drink, and be Literary. Typically held in the Sunbelt offices at 1256 Fayette Street in El CAjon with access to the regular warehouse, this year’s event is shifting to unoccupied space in the building’s west wing—a space that is currently available for rent. This will allow for a more festive setup and space for guests to browse the book selection, enjoy refreshments, and mingle with many authors and readers. Three author presentations are scheduled throughout the evening. At 5:30, former San Diego mayor Judge Dick Murphy takes the stage to share his memoir, San Diego’s Judge Mayor. The book reflects on his life including his time on city council and as mayor and concludes with ten proposals to brighten San Diego’s future. At 6:30 Tom Kirkbride will talk about Gazz, the fourth release in the Gamadin sci-fi series for young adults, in which “the fate of the galaxy now rests with a couple of California surfers!” The final presentation at 7:30 will come from the president of Sunbelt Publications, Diana Lindsay. Her latest book Ricardo Breceda: Accidental Artist reveals the unlikely story of sculptor Ricardo Breceda, best known for the impressive collection of his “Sky Art” sculptures in Borrego. Guests will also enjoy several raffles with the chance to win gift baskets themed around the books presented. In addition to the presenters, many other authors will be present and available for signings—the complete list to be announced soon. Some of the refreshments will highlight recipes from available cookbooks, and a Toys for Tots drop-off box for new, unwrapped toys will be available for those wishing to spread the joy to children in need. It is requested that anyone interested in attending the celebration RSVP to marketing@sunbeltpub.com by Tuesday, December 6. Printer-friendly version