PASSAGES: REMEMBERING THOSE LOST IN 2011
Printer-friendly version December 28, 2011 (San Diego’s East County)—At year’s end, we reflect on the loss of several prominent residents of San Diego’s inland regions, as well as some less prominent individuals whose tragic deaths tugged at our heartstrings or sparked controversies. Austin Taylor Bice: Disappearance of San Diego State University student Austin Taylor Bice in Madrid prompted a manhunt across the European continent. In Spain as a foreign exchange student, Bice disappeared after a night out with friends and was last seen near a Spanish night club. Students at SDSU held a candlelight vigil in hopes of his safe return. But when Spanish police drained a river, Bice’s body was found. “The San Diego State campus is saddened by this tragic news,” SDSU president Stephen Weber said. http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/5644 Anton Botter: Director of the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce from 2004 to 2010, Botter also served on Lakeside’splanning group. He owned and operated Anton’s Tree Service in Lakeside for over 30 years. A resident of San Diego County for nearly his entire life, he passed away on July 1 after a brief illness. http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/6609 Thomas Duffy: The Honorable Thomas Graham Duffy passed away May 23 at his home. “Known for his keen sense of wit, long time East County resident Thomas Duffy will be fondly remembered as an attorney, former El Cajon City Attorney, San Diego Municipal Court Judge, and later San Diego Superior Court Judge,” said Mark Raftery, former president of Foothills Bar Association. While on the bench, Duffy was elected by all judges in San Diego County to serve as the Presiding Judge instrumental in unifying the Municipal and Superior Courts. http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/6310 Dale Fetherling: Dale Fetherling, prominent journalist and author, died January 18 from complications after heart surgery. He helped establish the Los Angeles Times’ San Diego County edition in 1978, serving as editor until the publication folded in 1992. He covered some of our region’s top stories and also became one of the first full-time environmental reporters in the U.S. Fetherling wrote many books including Getting to Angel Island and Comrades In Ink. He collaborated on other books, notably Mother Jones, the Miners Angel, which won an Award of merit from the Illinois Historical Society, and The Buckets of Money Retirement Solution. A former naval officer, he served as a writing instructor at UCSD and other local institutions. Writers Ink, where he also taught, summed up the literary luminary’s talents this way: “Dale Fetherling could tell a fine story.” http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/5307 Sean Fuchs and Kyl Fuchs: The brothers, ages 15 and 13, were killed June 21 at their Bonita home. Their father Thomas Jose Fuchs, shot both teens in the head before setting fire to the home, then killing himself. The teens, described as good students in a 10 News report, attended High Tech High School and formerly attended Bonita Middle School. The father reportedly had undergone financial problems and faced potential loss of custody of his sons. The brutal crime prompted county officials to issue a plea for troubled parents to seek help instead of harming their children or other family members by calling 1-800-479-3339 or visiting www.up2SD.org. http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/6528 Rev. Michael Hendricks: Pastor at East Valley Christian Fellowship in El Cajon, Hendricks died in April at age 26 from a severe allergic reaction to a bee sting, leaving behind an infant daughter. Hendricks enjoyed relocating bee colonies as a hobby and was unaware that he had an allergy. He is remembered by parishioners for his dedicated leadership in teen and youth programs. Church member Dustin Rhodes praised Hendricks for connecting with others and having a “true heart.” http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/5980 Jeremy Henwood: San Diego Police Officer Jeremy Henwood was shot and killed in the line of duty on August 6 and died August 7. A captain in the Marine Reserves, he was a veteran of both the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars. Henwood was shot in his patrol car by a suspect who had already shot a civilian victim earlier in the day outside an In ‘N’ Out Burger in El Cajon. Officer Henwood was on patrol duty when the suspect pulled up beside him, fired a shotgun and drove off. “We are saddened by this senseless and cowardly act that has taken away a true hero,” Brian Marvel, president of the San Diego Police Officers Association, said. http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/6907 Shelly McClendon Hilliker: A long-time community leader and active volunteer, Hilliker passed away on March 10 at age 51. “Shelly was a beautiful, lighthearted person, who was loved by everyone she met as much as she loved them,” states an obituary submitted by the Lakeside River Park Conservancy, where Hilliker served as a Board member. “She has joined her late husband, Harold Hilliker, who passed on July 31, 2009. Their extensive volunteer work will be missed by the entire Lakeside community." Shelly Hilliker worked in the banking industry for many years and also in the accounting department for the 22nd District Agricultural Association. She could often be found helping out the Boys and Girls Clubs of East County, the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce, East County Ag Boosters and Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy. http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/5864 Daniel Alphonse Ignosci: A retired San Diego Fire Department Captain and long-time resident of Deerhorn Valley,Ignosci died January 7 at age 70. All flags in the fire district flew at half-mast to honor his 35 years of firefighting service. A former Army K-9 handler in Korea, he was remembered as a “true neighbor” known for his “honesty and honor,” according to Deerhorn Valley Antler editor Kim Hamilton. http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/5332 S. Myron “Mike” Klarfeld: Remembered as a champion of justice, Klarfeld died February 23 at age 83 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. An attorney for 54 years, Klarfeld was the husband of San Diego Councilwoman Marti Emerald. They two met when Emerald, then a TV consumer affairs reporter, interviewed Klarfeld about his success suing retailers on behalf of consumers. A landmark suit filed by Klarfeld led to elimination of expiration dates on gift
STATE SCHOOLS CHIEF TOM TORLAKSON SPOTLIGHTS NEW YOUTH LAWS FOR 2012
Printer-friendly version December 29, 2011 (Sacramento)—As Californians close out 2011 and welcome in the New Year, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson highlights some of the new education and child safety laws that go into effect in 2012. “Our goal for the new year and every year is to make education accessible and effective for all children,” said Torlakson. “These new laws will help ensure children are safer, enter kindergarten at the appropriate age, learn what they need to know to succeed in life and careers, and fulfill the dream of a college education.” Assembly Bill AB 130 (Cedillo) is the California Dream Act of 2011. This measure exempts California nonresidents who qualify for the AB 540(Firebaugh, 2001)tuition waiver from paying nonresidential tuition at the University of California, California State University, and California Community College institutions of higher education. AB 131 (Cedillo) expands the state-administered student financial aid that is available for AB 540 waiver eligible students. For AB 540 waiver students, acquiring federally issued financial aid is prohibited, and opportunities for state-issued financial aid are limited. “Traditionally, nonresidents who qualify for AB 540 waivers are persons without lawful immigration status or U.S. citizenship, or are permanent residents of another state,” said Torlakson. “However, these persons also have demonstrated a strong commitment to and investment in California personally, economically, and intellectually. Because these students will undoubtedly reinvest their education into California, it is important that our institutions of higher education support their endeavors.” As part of Torlakson’s Blueprint for Great Schools Initiative to better prepare young students for kindergarten and beyond, he supported Senate Bill SB 1381 (Simitian, 2010), also known as the Kindergarten Readiness Act of 2010, which begins in the 2012-13 school year. This measure changes the required birthday for admission to kindergarten and first grade and establishes a transitional kindergarten program. Torlakson sponsored the following three measures to help implement the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). CCSS is a voluntary, state-led effort to develop a national set of standards for mathematics, English-language arts, and literacy in various content areas for students in kindergarten through grade twelve. The effort started in 2009 and is being coordinated by the Council of Chief State School Officers and the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices. Participants include 45 states, two territories, and the District of Columbia. AB 124 (Fuentes) establishes a process to update, revise, and align the English-Language Development Standards to the CCSS in English-language arts, and would require the State Superintendent and the State Board of Education to present lawmakers with a schedule and implementation plan for integrating the revised English-Language Development Standards into the education system. AB 250 (Brownley) establishes a structure for the implementation of the CCSS by developing and adopting curriculum frameworks and professional development opportunities that are aligned to the CCSS and are appropriate for all pupils. The bill also requires the State Superintendent, the State Board of Education, and others to develop criteria to guide the development of model professional development programs for teachers and administrators that deepen their understanding of the CCSS. SB 140 (Lowenthal) requires the California Department of Education to develop a list of supplemental instructional materials for use in kindergarten through seventh grade that are aligned with the CCSS in mathematics, and language arts for kindergarten through eighth grade. This bill also allows governing boards of school districts to approve supplemental instructional materials, other than those approved by the State Board of Education, if the materials are aligned with the CCSS. Under SB 929 (Evans), children under the age of eight must be properly buckled into a car seat or booster seat in the back seat. In addition, children aged eight or older who are not tall enough for the seat belt to fit properly must ride in a booster or car seat. The previous law required that children remain in a booster seat until the age of six or until they weighed 60 pounds. The fine for violating this law is significant. For each child under the age of 16 who is not properly secured, parents (if in the car) or the driver can be fined a minimum of $475 and get a point on their driving record. For more information about car seats, the new law, or help in determining if your child still needs a booster seat, call your local health department or go to the California Department of Public Health’s Web site at http://www.cdph.ca.gov/vosp. Printer-friendly version
NEW LAWS IN 2012 MAY IMPACT YOU, YOUR FAMILY, OR YOUR BUSINESS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery December 27, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Starting January 1, new California laws take effect. Some give new protections to the public. Buying a used car? You now have a right to know its history. The government can’t snoop into your online reading habits. Your employer can’t peek at your credit report, in most cases. New laws also benefit pregnant employees, organ donors, renters, domestic partners, and bullied gay students. Other laws impose restrictions. Want to buy popular cough syrups? You’ll need a prescription. If you order items online, you’ll be charged state sales tax. Shark fin soup and beer spiked with caffeine are banned. Employers have new requirements for notifying employees about pay and more. Kids must ride in a booster seat until age 8. Openly carrying a handgun is illegal, even if it isn’t loaded. These are just a few of the new laws in 2012. Scroll down for details on these and more. Drivers and car dealers Police are no longer allowed to impound vehicles at DUI checkpoints if the driver’s only offense is not having a valid driver’s license. Officers must also make a reasonable effort to find the registered owner of a vehicle. AB 520 allows a person convicted of driving under the influence to apply for a restricted license early if the driver installs an ignition interlock device and complies with other requirements. AB 1215 requires new car dealers to register vehicles online with the DMV and recoup costs. In addition, used car dealers are prohibited from a selling a vehicle unless they first obtain a vehicle history report from the National Motor Vehicle Title Information Service and make the report available to buyers. The law, which takes effect July 1, does not apply to motorcycles, off-road vehicles, or recreational vehicles. Vehicle registration fees will rise from $31 to $43 a year effective July 1, raising $360 million for the state to fund DMV operations. Local fees may increase total registration cost. Education The California Dream Act allows students who have graduated from a California high school, attended at least three years, and can prove they are applying for legalized status to apply for grants and fee waivers at community colleges and universities. The law aims to assist children of undocumented immigrants. Public school employees must report anti-gay bullying and schools must establish procedures to handle gay bullying complaints. This measure takes effect July 1. Schools are also mandated to include gay history in textbooks and social studies courses. Students taking the SAT in California can provide alternative identification if they don’t have a driver’s license. Employment and business AB 469 requires employers to provide information in a single notice to new employees who are not exempt from overtime. Notice must include details on rate of pay and whether it is hourly, salary, commission, or some other compensation plan, along with other information. SB 459 cracks down on those who misrepresent themselves as independent contractors and makes other changes to independent contractor law. Costs of violations are steep — $5,000 to $25,000 per incident, so it’s advisable to read the law at http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/sen/sb_0451-0500/sb_459_bill_20111009_chaptered.html and discuss with an attorney if you have questions. Another new law bans employers from looking at credit reports for job-seekers, except for workers seeking jobs in financial institutions, law enforcement or the state Justice Department, or if the job would give an employee access to people’s banking and credit card information, trade secrets, or certain other information Companies must disclose efforts to eliminate human trafficking and slavery from their supply chains. Companies operating in multiple states must offer the same insurance coverage to domestic partners and same-sex couples that they do to married couples in California. Families Children under age 8, or weighing less than 60 pounds, must be secured in a booster seat in the backseat of a vehicle. An exception is allowed to let a child ride in the front seat if all rear seats are occupied by children under 12. A new law extends health benefits to domestic partners. Courts may now consider a relationship between a child and a non-biological parent when weighing child rights cases involving birth parents, adoptive parents, and gay or lesbian guardians. Gay couples who married in California but now seek a divorce in a state that doesn’t allow it may get a legal divorce through California courts if filed in the county where they married. Food and beverages It is now illegal to sell or distribute shark fins, a Chinese delicacy, due to the rampant slaughter of sharks. Sale of caffeinated beer is now illegal. Guns New legislation prohibits state residents from openly carrying handguns, loaded or unloaded. Violators will be fined $1,000 and spend six months in jail. Permits for concealed weapons are still allowed, as is the open carry of rifles and shotguns. The measure was supported by law enforcment, since police officers could not tell when guns were loaded or not. Health Starting January 1, a prescription will be required in California to buy any drug containing destromethorphan, an ingredient in many popular over-the-counter cough medicines including Robitussin, NyQuil and Dimetapp. The law was passed due to a spike in cough syrup as a recreational drug. Eligible women employees may take up to four months pregnancy disability leave, under SB 299. If you donate an organ or bone marrow, you can take up to 30 business days off from your job under SB 272. Tanning beds may not be used by anyone under 18. Internet Government and third parties are prohibited from collecting information on what books you read or buy over the Internet, unless they obtain a court order, per the California Reader Privacy Law. Internet retailers must collect California sales tax on transactions if the retailer has a presence in the state, a measure that aims to protect local stores from unfair competition and increase revenues for cash-strapped California. Renters and landlords Apartment landlords must now provide recycling
CHARTER CITY VOTE TOPS BUSY COUNCIL AGENDA IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version By Meg Jensen December 28, 2011 (El Cajon) – After heated testimony, El Cajon’s Council unanimously approved a ballot measure to grant the City Council “supreme authority over state law by having El Cajon become a charter city. Council members also approved a management team for a new planned business improvement district (PBID)in its December 13 meeting. The agenda also included a wealth of other items – from banning card playing in public to approving the posting of a religious message in Council chambers. Playing cards? Better have a permit after a unanimous 5-0 vote. The law against public card games, a move apparently aimed at the city’s large Chaldean community following breakup of a crime ring at an Iraqi social club, will require a second reading before it can become law. Bridge playing is exempted thanks to Councilmember McClellan, who also voiced his support for condominium conversions because, he said, low income housing attracts renters who are “drug dealers and prostitutes.” The Council also voted unanimously to display “In God We Trust” in the Council Chambers and to make Jillian Hanson-Cox Vice-Mayor. It was a time for celebration as new Police Chief Jim Redman was sworn in and the East County Teen Coalition got a chance to meet the El Cajon City Council and Mayor. This year’s Teen Coalition is made up of 8 teens from across East County. Some are at high schools which require a major, and they are specializing in Government and/or Political Science. This year they will be visiting local governments and participating in community events. Karen Marie Otter, a military veteran, surprised the Council by asking that every monetary expenditure be pulled from the consent calendar. “I just don’t see how we can buy a $61,000 lawn mower when we’re selling fire trucks,” Otter testified at the packed Council meeting. All the items pulled by Otter, including the $61,413.47 lawn mower, $194,264.97 in radio equipment, $105,673.40 and $29,376.75 for traffic signal upgrades were passed unanimously by the Council. In another item pulled from the consent calendar, Jillian Hanson-Cox voted against a special permit allowing The Check Cashing Place on North Second Street to buy and sell gold, recommending that they instead expand into offering payday loans. “There are many people out there that need these kinds of services,” said Hanson-Cox. (Perhaps she was unaware that according to Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports, the average cost for such services is over 900% interest on a one week loan, 450% interest on a two week loan and 200% interest for a one month loan.) The City heard public testimony from both sides on its new Property and Business Improvement District (PBID), the successor to the recently disbanded El Cajon Redevelopment Corporation. The Council selected Downtown El Cajon Business Partners Inc. to manage the district and approved a management committee. Appointed to the PBID Board were business owners Gabe Marrujo (3 year term), Bobbie Pearson (3 years), Daryl Priest (2 years), Martin Sammo (1 year), Rick Sweeny (1 year), Mario Tilaro (2 year), Cathy Zeman (3 years). There will be three paid staff to coordinate day to day operations. Council also met behind closed doors on its draft Downtown Specific Plan. A consensus of Council agreed to direct staff to pursue Scenario #4, which would limit building heights to three stories with an option for “podium parking” for residential units. Staff is directed to return a report to the Planning Commission for consideration. The most controversial measure heard in the public meeting was the proposed charter city ballot initiative. El Cajon resident Jonathan Goetz thanked the Council for adding an anti-Bell amendment after he brought attention to the matter through his freelance story in the East County Magazine. The Bell amendment, which Council approved, would prevent the City Council from establishing hefty salaries for its elected members as happened in Bell, California after they became a Charter City. Heated debate ensued. Supporters contend that charter city status would save the city money on construction projects. Opponents argued that lowering wages for construction workers would have a negative impact on El Cajon, which already has the county’s highest poverty rate by far at over 29 percent. A contractor testifying in support of the proposal stated that “I never bid on prevailing wage government jobs, because once my men make $75 and hour, they think they’re worth that much and when they’re brought back down to reality they’ll never work the same again.” An opponent to the charter stated that “I doubt Jesus would want you to cut the wages of the least of these,” to which a later presenter chided, “I doubt Jesus had a union card.” A second reading of the Charter City Proposal is scheduled for Tuesday, January 24 at 7 p.m. at which point there will be additional time for public comment. A second reading of the card game ban has not been scheduled. Printer-friendly version
ACCIDENT CAUSES POWER OUTAGE IN POWAY
Printer-friendly version December 30, 2011 (Poway) – A traffic accident caused a power outage in the Poway area briefly yesterday morning, seriously injuring the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. Benjamin Fulton of Poway suffered severe facial injuries after the vehicle he was driving westbound on Stowe Drive crossed the center line and two eastbound lanes at Community Road. The vehicle collided with two power transformers, coming to rest a short distance away, said Sgt. Chad Boudreau with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department. The driver was taken to a hospital and has been cited for suspicion of driving under the influence. SDG&E responded to the scene and power was restored in 30 to 60 minutes. An investigation is ongoing. Printer-friendly version
SYCUAN CASINO SPONSORS CARY HART AND THE HART AND HUNTINGTON MOTOCROSS TEAM
Printer-friendly version December 29, 2011 (El Cajon) — Carey Hart, team owner of Hart and Huntington Racing, unveiled the new Supercross team riders and sponsors for the 2012 season during a press conference, Thursday, December 1 in San Diego at Sycuan Casino. The Dodge Motorsports/Sycuan Casino/Hart and Huntington/Bel-Ray Racing Team now include a brand new sponsorship with Sycuan Casino for the upcoming season and beyond, as well as, a continuing partnership with Dodge and Bel-Ray. Sycuan Casino is located at 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon, CA 92019, (619) 445-6002. Josh Hansen, Kyle Partridge and Josh Hill will join Hart and Huntington Racing veteran Ivan Tedesco on the four-man team for 2012. In addition, Hart announced that he will be donating the bike he used at the Gravity Games in 2000 to complete the first back flip in freestyle motocross history to GameDay Sports Bar & Grill at Sycuan Casino as a token of gratitude for their support. Fans were able to mingle with the motocross stars during a meet-and-greet cocktail hour, including appearances by Carey Hart and the FMX riders. Hart and Sycuan Casino hosted Liv Fast Moto Demo to provide a groundbreaking fan experience during the press announcement for the new team riders and sponsors. Lance Coury, Destin Cantrell and Drake McElroy participated in a freestyle demo for fans prior to the press conference. Hart greeted hundreds of guests at the event, which included a personal tour of the Hart and Huntington rig for young tribe members of The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. In addition, fans were able to meet the new team riders and get autographs during an exclusive meet-and-greet hour at the casino. “We know that motocross is a sport that resonates with our local community and are excited to partner with the most innovative team in the industry,” said Sheila Howe, General Manager of Sycuan Casino. “Our goal is to host more fun and entertaining events, like Liv Fast Moto Demo, for our guests. The Dodge Motorsports/Sycuan Casino/Hart and Huntington/Bel-Ray Racing Team will kick off the 2012 season in Anaheim on January 7, 2012. Hart is married to the pop star Pink and is co-owner of the Hart and Huntington tattoo shops. To stay up to date on all Dodge Motorsports/Sycuan Casino/Hart and Huntington/Bel-Ray Racing news, follow the team on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hartandhuntington; Twitter at @HandHOfficial; and their blog at www.hartandhuntington.com. CLICK TO VIEW VIDEO http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_syqodrb7aM Printer-friendly version
EAST COUNTY CHAMBER HOSTS FIRST FRIDAY BREAKFAST JAN. 6
Printer-friendly version December 28, 2011 (East County) – The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce will host its first Friday “Power Breakfast” on Friday January 6, 2012 at 7:15 a.m. at the Hometown Buffet, 390 W. Main Street, El Cajon. The January First Friday POWER Breakfast will be led by new Chamber Chair, Becky Burgstiner and President and CEO, Scott Alevy; they will profile the vision for the year ahead and address all the exciting ways to connect with East County’s largest business organization in the New Year. Admission is $20 pre-registered member price, $25 non-member price, and $40 at the door. Doors Open at 7:00 a.m. and the program begins at 7:15 a.m. promptly. First Friday Breakfasts are intended for business people who are interested in networking, hearing updates from elected officials and participating in networking games start the day having breakfast with the Chamber; informational speakers help business people stay informed of business issues. First Friday Breakfast provides business people with direct access to local, state, and federal officials in an informal and friendly setting. San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce represents over 1,000 businesses in the East County. For more information, visit the Chamber at 201 S. Magnolia Ave., El Cajon, CA or call 619-440-6161. For reservations to the First Friday breakfast, click here: RSVP TODAY! send an email Printer-friendly version
ECM WORLD WATCH: GLOBAL AND NATIONAL NEWS
Printer-friendly version December 28, 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. GOP candidates heading to Iowa for final sprint before caucuses (The Hill) Iowa caucus: Republicans zig-zag state in pre-vote push (BBC) Obama’s approval numbers climb into positive territory (The Hill) Gingrich questions Ron Paul on racist newsletters (Reuters) Former staffer: Ron Paul `wishes the Israeli state did not exist’ (RawStory) Romney falsely claims Obama ‘has not created any new jobs’ (Think Progress) Looking up: The economy makes headway (London Economist) New powerful painkiller has drug abuse experts worried (Fox News) SEC ups its game to identify rogue firms (Wall Street Journal) WORLD Arab League mission arrives amid violence in Syria (CNN) Russians make historic demand for an election rerun (National Public Radio) Afghanistan sets ground rules for Taliban (Reuters) Czechs, world leaders remember irreplaceable Vaclav Havel at funeral (Christian Science Monitor) Scroll down for excerpts and links to full stories. U.S. GOP candidates heading to Iowa for final sprint before caucuses (The Hill) December 26, 2011 — With three candidates tangled at the top, and three dark horses looking to make a run, the Republican presidential field will return from the Christmas weekend at full speed for the final push to the Iowa caucuses. Just over a week before the first votes are cast in the Jan. 3 caucuses, the candidates are getting ready to make their closing arguments to voters in person and on the air. http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/gop-presidential-primary/201359-gop-candidates-head-to-iowa-for-a-sprint-to-the-caucuses Iowa caucus: Republicans zigzag state in pre-vote push (BBC) December 26, 2011 — Republican presidential candidates are preparing to make their final pitch to voters with just days left until the first nominating contest in Iowa. The rivals plan a flurry of television ads, phone calls and bus tours before the state holds its 3 January ballot. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, ex-Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and Texas Congressman Ron Paul are seen as the leading contenders there. But opinion polls suggest many voters remain undecided in the Hawkeye state. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-16335659 Obama’s approval numbers climb into positive territory (The Hill) December 27, 2011 — President Obama has seen his Gallup poll numbers jump into favorability for the first time since July. The rise in popularity arrives after a bruising defeat for Republicans over extending the payroll tax cut, a fight Democrats had hoped to use to their advantage. http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/201361-obamas-approval-numbers-climb-in-to-positive-territory Gingrich questions Ron Paul on racist newsletters (Reuters) December 23, 2011 — Republican presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich on Friday urged rival Ron Paul to explain his links to newsletters two decades ago that carried the Texas congressman’s name and contained racist, anti-homosexual and anti-Israel rants. "I think that Congressman Paul has to explain his own situation and how he could have had a decade of newsletters that had his name on it that he apparently wasn’t aware of," Gingrich said. http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/23/us-usa-campaign-gingrich-idUSTRE7BJ29720111223 Former staffer: Ron Paul `wishes the Israeli state did not exist’ (RawStory) December 26, 2011 — Former Ron Paul campaign and Congressional staffer Eric Dondero issued a statement to Right Wing News today denying that his former boss is racist, homophobic or anti-Semitic as part of a larger attack on what Dondero terms Paul’s “isolationism” and his position on the war in Afghanistan and the state of Israel. Though Dondero stresses that Paul isn’t an anti-Semite, referring to everything from his own Jewish ancestry to Paul’s political courtship of “a few Jews” in Paul’s Congressional district as evidence, Dondero does state unequivocally that Paul is opposed to the existence of the state of Israel. http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/12/26/former-staffer-ron-paul-wishes-the-israeli-state-did-not-exist/ Romney falsely claims Obama ‘has not created any new jobs’ (Think Progress) December 26, 2011 — Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) hasfaced scrutiny from his fellow Republican candidates over his career at Bain Capital, the venture capital firm that, despite his retirement, still pays him millions of dollars a year. Bain, and Romney, often raked in profits while companies were shedding jobs, as was the case in New Hampshire and South Carolina, among others. http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2011/12/26/395243/romney-falsely-claims-obama-has-not-created-any-new-jobs/ Looking up: The economy makes headway (London Economist) December 10, 2011 — Three months ago Barack Obama was firmly in the dock over news that no net jobs were created in August. Some gloomy people even saw a double-dip recession on the way. America, it turns out, was not on the verge of recession, and it still isn’t. Subsequent revisions show that 104,000 jobs were in fact created in August. Later months have also been revised upwards, and in November payrolls grew by 120,000, or 0.1%. On December 2nd the government also reported that the unemployment rate had declined sharply to 8.6%, the lowest figure for two-and-a-half years, down from 9%. http://www.economist.com/node/21541439 New powerful painkiller has drug abuse experts worried (Fox News) December 26, 2011 — Drug companies are working to develop a pure, more powerful version of a highly abused medicine, which has addiction experts worried that it could spur a new wave of abuse. The new pills contain the highly addictive painkiller hydrocodone, packing up to 10 times the amount of the drug as existing medications such as Vicodin. Four companies have begun patient testing, and one of them — Zogenix of San Diego — plans to apply early next year to begin marketing its product, Zohydro. http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/12/26/new-powerful-painkiller-has-drug-abuse-experts-worried/?test=latestnews SEC ups its game to identify rogue firms (Wall Street Journal) December 27, 2011 — It is the Securities and Exchange Commission’s new "most-wanted" list: a chart covered with handwritten notes, yellow highlighter and the names of about 100 hedge funds. The hedge funds have one thing in common: Their performance seems too good to be true, with some trouncing the overall market and others churning out modest results
$250,000 GOLDEN TICKET DRAWN AT BARONA: SAN DIEGO WOMAN TAKES HOME CASINO’S LARGEST GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY IN HISTORY
Printer-friendly version Dec. 28, 2011 (Lakeside) – One lucky San Diegan’s life was forever changed on Dec. 23 with the drawing of Barona Resort & Casino’s largest, guaranteed grand finale prize in its history: The Golden Ticket Giveaway. Ending 2011 on an exciting note, Mary T. of San Diego was thrilled to learn that her Golden Ticket was the winning ticket drawn out of 53 daily winners over the 53 day promotion. When Mary headed out to Barona last Friday, she didn’t have a Golden Ticket but she had high hopes her name would be drawn for the last Golden Ticket so she could be part of the historic $250,000 grand prize drawing. Mary’s wish came true. During the promotion which began on Nov. 1, one player’s name was randomly drawn every day to be the daily Golden Ticket winner. As the promotion neared the end, players excitedly followed the countdown to the very last Golden Ticket drawing on December 23 only moments before the grand finale ceremony at 9 p.m. "Since its launch, our Golden Ticket promotion has created so much fun and excitement, especially on December 23 as hundreds of Club Barona members were hoping to be selected as the last Golden Ticket holder to be entered into the grand prize drawing," said Rick Salinas, general manager of Barona Resort & Casino. "Mary T. was one of those hopeful players. Out for the evening with her son, she was hoping to hear her name announced when the final Golden Ticket was drawn and she did." While players didn’t have to be present to win any of the 53 Golden Tickets or the $250,000 grand prize drawing, most of the Golden Ticket holders were at Barona for the grand finale. Barona’s Casino Managers described the energy as "Mardi Gras-like" as the Golden Ticket winners paraded through the casino and the electricity on the casino floor was at an all-time high. "Mary was thrilled when her name was announced as the 53rd Golden Ticket holder but she was ecstatic when her name was announced a few minutes later as the grand prize winner," said Casino Manager Ray Juergens. "In a matter of 15 minutes, Mary T. went from not even having a Golden Ticket to winning a quarter million dollars. It was just so exciting." In the spirit of the holiday season and in typical Barona fashion, General Manager Rick Salinas surprised the 52 remaining Golden Ticket holders with a $1,000 bonus. One of the surprised Golden Ticket holders said, "Barona is the best. I thought I was the luckiest person imaginable to have a 1-in-53 chance to win a quarter of a million dollars. When I didn’t win the grand prize, Barona’s General Manager gave away another $52,000 as he surprised the rest of us with $1,000 each. Playing at Barona is like getting a free prize inside a box of cereal when I was a kid." The Golden Ticket Giveaway promotion ran Nov. 1 through Dec. 23, where Club Barona members entered daily to win one of 53 Golden Tickets for the grand prize drawing of $250,000; an additional 50 players who played during the promotion also were drawn for $1,000 in cash each. Guests didn’t have to be present to win the drawings because the selected winners were notified individually over the phone, sent a Golden Ticket button, and had their names posted throughout the casino and on www.barona.com. Barona Casino offers 2,000 slot and video poker machines,over 80 table, as well as the latest innovations in chipless gaming. Barona Resort & Casino, an AAA Four Diamond rated property, is also LEEDR Gold Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council, Barona is San Diego’s leading destination resort featuring 400 guest rooms and suites all with beautiful views of the Barona Valley, a variety of award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine. For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com , or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662). Printer-friendly version
EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: TOP LOCAL AND STATE NEWS
Printer-friendly version December 28, 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 California could lose 1,500 inmate firefighters (Sacramento Bee) Rural schools hit hard by transportation grant cuts (Sacramento Bee) LOCAL El Cajon SWAT standoff ends with arrest (10 News) 11% of city speeding tickets written in one spot (San Diego Union-Tribune) Sweetwater committee seeks contractor support (San Diego Union-Tribune) If they make me go back, I will be lost (espn.go.com) Scroll down for excerpts and links to full stories. STATE California could lose 1,500 inmate firefighters (Sacramento Bee) December 24, 2011 — An unforeseen result of the state’s prison realignment that moves prisoners from state to county facilities is that it may reduce the number of inmate firefighters in California. The Los Angeles Times reports ( http://lat.ms/rzNn1s) more than 1,500 inmate firefighters will be lost in the process. The state has relied on well-behaved, nonviolent offenders to help clear brush and cut fire lines since World War II. http://www.sacbee.com/2011/12/24/4144907/calif-could-lose-1500-inmate-firefighters.html#mi_rss=AP%20State%20News Rural schools hit hard by transportation grant cuts (Sacramento Bee) December 28, 2011 — Four of the six schools in the Eastern Sierra Unified School District are scattered along Highway 395, a two-lane road that meanders through scenic Mono County in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. Students often travel as far as 35 miles – each way – to school and back. The drive can be treacherous, especially in winter when rain and snow make the roadways slippery. Traffic near schools and a dearth of street- lights make travel hazardous for drivers pulling into school parking lots and students traveling on foot, said Stacey Adler, superintendent of Mono County schools. http://www.sacbee.com/2011/12/19/4132035/rural-school-districts-hard-hit.html LOCAL El Cajon SWAT standoff ends with arrest (10 News) December 27, 2011 — A 22-year-old man was in custody Tuesday on suspicion of firing the first shot in a shootout with a fellow resident at an El Cajon apartment complex. The shooting led to a standoff that lasted for more than four hours, according to authorities. Dennis Wallace Haggerty was arrested in connection with the shooting Monday night at Key Largo Apartments, 380 N. Mollison Ave., said El Cajon Police Lt. Tim Henton. He said Haggerty left his apartment at 8:10 p.m. Monday, went to another unit in the complex and fired a gun into it, Henton said. A man in the second unit fired back to scare Haggerty away, and Haggerty fired several more shots as he ran back to his apartment, Henton said. http://www.10news.com/news/30079837/detail.html 11% of city speeding tickets written in one spot (San Diego Union-Tribune) December 18, 2011 — Nearly 1,700 tickets — or 11 percent of all city speeding citations — were written in one well-patrolled zone: College Avenue between El Cajon Boulevard and Montezuma Road near San Diego State University. That’s more than twice as many tickets as those written in the No. 2 most-ticketed zone, Garnet Avenue between Ingraham Street and Balboa Avenue, according to a review by The Watchdog of nearly 15,000 citations issued on city streets during a one-year period ending in September. Sweetwater committee seeks contractor support (San Diego Union- Tribune) December 24, 2011 — One parent member has resigned and another has expressed concerns about a Sweetwater schools committee that is tasked with securing donations for the district from current and potential vendors and contractors. The Funds for Education committee started meeting in September with vendors and contractors, hoping for support with the district facing a $20 million shortfall in the coming school year. If they make me go back, I will be lost (espn.go.com) December 27, 2011 — Pacific Coast Conference cross-country champ Ayded Reyes is fighting to stay in the U.S., but a March court hearing will ultimately decide her fate. From the outside, Ayded Reyes seems like she’s living the American dream. The 20-year-old, who attends Southwestern College in Chula Vista near San Diego, is California’s top-ranked women’s junior college cross country athlete. She carries a 3.50 GPA and her goal is to become an obstetrician. She is also a community volunteer who has worked extensively with children and the elderly. She is a young woman many describe as sweet, effusive and energetic, the "All-American" type. There’s just one catch: She’s in the United States illegally. http://espn.go.com/espnw/college-sports/7370069/ayded-reyes-fighting-stay-only-place-knows-home Printer-friendly version