THIRD GRADE ESSAY CONTEST AWARDS CEREMONY JUNE 4
May 12, 2012 (El Cajon) – Winners and participants of the Third Grade Essay Contest will be recognized June 4 in a ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, 195 E. Douglas Ave., El Cajon at 7:00 p.m. Local students learning about pioneers and settlers are invited to write an essay. The program, sponsored by the El Cajon Historical Society, bestows trophies and cash awards to the top three winners and trophies to special category winners. This year’s categories include a Centennial topic. Each child will receive a certificate of participation. The event is open to the public and historical characters of early El Cajon will be in attendance. For more information visit www.elcajonhistory.org.
READER’S EDITORIAL: APPROVAL RESCINDED ON WIND ZERO PARA-MILITARY TRAINING FACILITY
County gets zero benefits for putting residents at risk By Joe Asciutto The approval for the projected Coyote Wells / Wind Zero Para-Military training facility, in the Nomirage area of Ocotillo, CA, has now been rescinded. Along with that goes the false hope that this facility would create a large number of jobs for the residents of Imperial County. Some people are elated about the rescinding and some are not, but whichever side you are on, almost everyone lost in this ordeal. A condition of approval required the developer, Wind Zero, to hold Imperial County harmless for any and all litigation. Shortly after the approval, the Desert Protective Council and the Quechan Indian tribe filed law suits. Wind Zero then refused to meet their obligation, and after failing to receive payments for their legal expenses, Imperial County rescinded the approval and permits. However, the Wind Zero project should never have been approved in the first place. To approve a para-military training facility, allowing automatic weapons, simulated explosions, etc, to operate 365 days a year directly across the road from an established residential neighborhood was absurd. Not even the United States Military would allow gun ranges across the street from their domestic housing areas. Moreover, it directly violated Imperial County’s own community plan for that area. The Wind Zero people knew the land was zoned residential when they purchased it but they didn’t care. They were sure they could get Imperial County to ignore the best interests of the citizens in that area and grant them a construction permit. They were correct and through much deception they succeeded. Most of the Imperial County decision makers ignored the evidence that much of what the Wind Zero people were presenting was false. The primary motivation to approve the project was jobs for Imperial County. However anyone, taking the time to closely examine the evidence presented by the opponents of the project, could only conclude that those job numbers were highly exaggerated and therefore very questionable. It certainly appears, by the approval of the Wind Zero project and now the Ocotillo Express wind turbines, that all anyone needs to do is promise jobs and money, and from that point on any facts presented by the opposition will be ignored. The best formula to "sucker" Imperial County is to promise employment and revenue, then sprinkle a little seed money around, and almost any project can now get approved. The Imperial County Planning Commission and then the Board of Supervisors, by catering to those people whose mind set is "Imperial County needs jobs and therefore we don’t care what harm a project might do to others," obtained neither jobs nor increased revenue. Instead, Imperial County residents must now pay over a quarter of a million dollars of unreimbursed legal expenses. The Wind Zero Para-Military training facility, that would have been constructed adjacent to an established residential neighborhood, should never have been approved in the first place. Everyone lost in this ordeal, nobody won…..except maybe a few lawyers. View video of hearing May 8, 2012 at which approval was rescinded: http://www.copswiki.org/Common/M1260 View video of December 13, 2010 hearing at which project was previously approved: (http://www.copswiki.org/Common/M1122) The opinions voiced 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, contacteditor@eastcountymagazine.org
FDA PROPOSAL AIMS TO HELP REDUCE UNNECESSARY RADIATION EXPOSURE FOR CHILDREN
May 12, 2012 (Washington, D.C.) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it is seeking public comment on a proposal encouraging manufacturers to consider the safety of children in the design of new X-ray imaging devices. In the draft guidance, FDA is recommending that manufacturers design new X-ray imaging devices with protocols and instructions that address use on pediatric patients. It also proposes that manufacturers who do not adequately demonstrate that their new X-ray imaging devices are safe and effective in pediatric patients should include a label on their device that cautions against use in pediatric populations. To help health care providers more safely use their current equipment on pediatric patients, the FDA is collaborating with the Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging (ARSPI) and manufacturers, through the Medical Imaging and Technology Alliance (MITA), to develop pediatric imaging radiation safety training materials. The FDA has also launched a pediatric X-ray imaging website that provides information on the benefits and risks of imaging using ionizing radiation, recommendations for parents and health care providers to help reduce unnecessary radiation exposure, and information for manufacturers of X-ray imaging devices. The guidance, website, and ongoing collaborations with ARSPI and MITA are part of FDA’s Initiative to Reduce Unnecessary Radiation Exposure from Medical Imaging, launched in February 2010. When used appropriately, X-ray imaging, such as a CT, fluoroscopy, and conventional X-ray, can provide valuable information to help with diagnosis, treatment planning, and surgical intervention in adults and children. At the same time, these types of exams expose patients to ionizing radiation, which can be of particular concern in pediatric patients. The cancer risk per unit dose of ionizing radiation is generally higher for younger patients than adults, and younger patients have a longer lifetime for the effects of radiation exposure to manifest. Also, the use of X-ray equipment settings designed for adults can result in a larger radiation dose than necessary to produce a useful image for a smaller pediatric patient. “The risk from a medically necessary imaging exam is quite small when compared to the benefit of accurate diagnosis or intervention. There is no reason for patients who need these exams to avoid them,” said Jeffrey Shuren, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “Parents should engage in a discussion with their child’s physician about benefits and risks of X-ray, computed tomography (CT), and fluoroscopy exams.” A workshop scheduled for July 16, 2012, will bring together industry, X-ray imaging equipment users (e.g., physicians, radiologic technologists, and physicists), and patient advocates to discuss FDA’s draft guidance. For more information: Draft Guidance: Pediatric Information for X-ray Imaging Device Premarket Notifications Public Meeting: Device Improvements for Pediatric X-ray Imaging Pediatric X-Ray Imaging Initiative to Reduce Unnecessary Radiation Exposure from Medical Imaging Medical Devices Radiation-Emitting Products
EASTBOUND BAR & GRILL HOSTS RELAY FOR LIFE FUNDRAISER MAY 2O IN LAKESIDE
May 12, 2012 (Lakeside) — The Eastbound Bar & Grill in Lakeside, located at 10053 Maine Ave invites the public to a fundraiser Sunday, May 20 from 4-10 p.m. to raise money for Relay for Life of Lakeside, an American Cancer Society program that helps patients and families cope with a cancer diagnosis. "Come on out and support our community by helping us to help you," said , Susan Hildreth event co- chair. "Join us at Eastbound for food and drinks with a portion of cash raised being donated by Eastbound to the event. There will be raffle prizes and a 50/50 drawing–all for a great cause." This will be the 3rd annual Relay for Life of Lakeside held on June 9, 2012 and it’s not too late to start or join a team. For more information please see the website. www.relayforlife.org/lakesideca
CHECK YOUR HOME FOR THESE RECALLED RECREATIONAL AND HOME PRODUCTS NOW THAT SPRING IS HERE
May 12, 2012 (Washington, D.C.) — Spring has sprung. Warm weather means kids are playing outside and families are firing up their grills and working on the lawn. Before you use spring-related products this season, the U.S. Consumer Protection Agency advises, check to see if they have been recalled. It could save your family’s lives. You can find out more about these recalls at www.cpsc.gov. Product | Recall Press Release | Hazard Adventure Playsets (240,000 units) | 11-262 |The wood in the posts of the fort sections on the swing sets can weaken due to rotting, posing a fall hazard. Pacific Cycle Dartmouth Swing Sets (5,500 units) | 11-313 | The sling-style swing seats can crack or split prematurely, posing a fall hazard to consumers. Slalom Glider (900 units) | 12-109 | The Slalom Glider is a playground slide that lacks a transition platform on the top and sides on the chute. Children can fall when moving from the ladder to the slide and when descending the chute. Uni-O Portable LP Gas Grills (4,530 units) | 12-077 | The regulator on the grill can leak gas, which can ignite, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers. Westinghouse Ceiling Fans (7,000 units) | 12-135 | The two 60-watt light bulbs included with the ceiling fans exceed the fan’s maximum wattage, which can cause the ceiling fans to overheat or fail. This poses fire and shock hazards to consumers. Pourable Gel Fuel (2.5 million bottles) | 11-255, 11-336, 11-337, 11-338, 11-339, 11-340, 11-344, 11-346, 12-002, 12-007, 12-020 | The pourable gel fuel can ignite unexpectedly and splatter onto people and objects nearby when it is poured into a firepot that is still burning. This hazard can occur if the consumer does not see the flame or is not aware that the firepot is still ignited. Gel fuel that splatters and ignites can pose fire and burn risks to consumers that can be fatal. Kiddieland Toys Fairies Plastic Racing Trikes (12,000 units) | 12-029 | The plastic fairy figures protrude from the top of the handle bar, posing a laceration hazard if a child falls on them. Build-A-Bear Swimwear Set With Inflatable Inner Tube (19,720 units) | 12-041 | The inner tube accessory can be pulled over a small child’s head, posing a strangulation hazard. American Honda Grass Trimmers (14,000 units) | 12-121 | The shaft can crack and cause the lower gear case and cutting attachment to detach, posing a laceration hazard to the operator and bystanders. To see this release on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12165.html
MORE THAN 1,300 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA YOUTH TO PLAY BASEBALL FOR CHELSEA KING
May 12, 2012 (San Diego) — On May 20, Chelsea’s Light Foundation will team up with AAU Baseball, San Diego Show Baseball, Southern California Little Leagues and Pony Baseball to orchestrate one of the sport’s largest, charity-focused youth baseball tournaments. Over 100 teams from San Diego and as far away as Los Angeles and Riverside will participate in “Homerun for Chelsea” to honor Chelsea King and benefit Chelsea’s Light. From 8am until 6pm on May 20, an estimated 1,300 student athletes ranging in age from 5 to 14 years will gather at 10 separate locations, on 38 fields with about 65 volunteer umpires. East County teams participating include the East County Rattlers Black (ages 8-14). This event demonstrates unprecedented collaboration between dozens of Little Leagues, PONY Leagues, Travel Ball Clubs and Umpire groups who will join together in solidarity to support Chelsea’s Light Foundation’s mission to protect children. What started in 2010 as a grass-roots outpouring of support for Chelsea has grown into a unique, charitable event that celebrates a common love for baseball and a shared commitment to creating positive change in the community. “Our community is of course passionate about the sport of baseball, but it’s also part of our culture to care about serving others. Each of these teams is choosing to honor the way Chelsea lived her life and do something that can have a meaningful impact.” said Bill Reh, volunteer Chairman of the Home Run for Chelsea Tournament. Brent and Kelly King, Chelsea’s parents, will attend the Home Run for Chelsea baseball tournament. “The game of baseball is near and dear to our family, for many reasons. We hope these players will keep score in a different way and measure their success by the pure joy that comes from being part of team and also a part of something even bigger than themselves,” said Brent King. The Home Run for Chelsea baseball tournament is sponsored by So Cal AAU Baseball, AAU Baseball, San Diego Padres, Wilson Sporting Goods, DeMarini, and Velocity Sports and presented by San Diego Show Baseball with support from individuals from Southern California Little Leagues & PONY Leagues. Home Run for Chelsea Baseball Tournament will take place in these locations: 1. 4S Ranch Community Park, hosted by 4S Ranch Little League 2. Cliffridge Park, hosted by La Jolla PONY 3. Del Norte High School, hosted by Show Baseball/Friends of Chelsea King 4. Desmond Jene Park, hosted by Escondido American Little League 5. Kit Carson Park, hosted by Escondido Youth PONY 6. Park Dale Lane Elementary School, hosted by Encinitas National Little League 7. Poway High School, hosted by PHS Baseball Boosters/friends of Chelsea King 8. Rancho Bernardo Community Park, hosted by Rancho Bernardo Little League 9. Well Field Park, hosted by Ramona PONY 10. Westview High School, hosted by California Lookouts Baseball/Westview HS Baseball
DEPUTIES SEEK PERSON OF INTEREST IN LEMON GROVE STABBING
May 12, 2012 (Lemon Grove) – Deputies from the Lemon Grove substation received a call at 12:10 a.m. reporting that an assault victim had been taken to Paradise Valley Hospital by a friend. Deputies responded and discovered the victim, Adel Salim Rammal, 47 years of age, had been stabbed three times in the chest and he was also tased with a Taser by the suspect(s). Deputies discovered the crime scene was located in the driveway of 3710 Hilltop Drive in Lemon Grove, in front of garage #8. Two or three blood trails were found from the garage to the street, down the sidewalk, into a neighboring parking lot and back into the street. There is also some blood leading to apartment #4. Sheriff’s officials are seeking a person of interest, Albert Prano 6/15/70 (resident of apartment #4), who also may be injured and an unknown Hispanic male adult (may be injured). Adel was transported to Paradise Valley Hospital by his friend and witness James Ross McIntyre, age 55. He was transferred to Mercy hospital, where doctors discovered the injuries were not life threatening. He is expected to fully recover. McIntyre claims Adel asked him to drive him to the apartment on Hilltop. Two Hispanic male adults reportedly started beating Adel for a period of time before MccIntyre stepped out of the car. The suspects ran southbound on Hilltop and Adel said he had been shot and he was having a hard time breathing. Adel stood up and got into McIntyre’s car. They drove to the hospital and he was contacted by SDPD. The investigation is continuing.
LA MESA COUNCIL TO WEIGH LEGALIZING CHICKEN OWNERSHIP
By Miriam Raftery May 12, 2012 (La Mesa) – A plucky group of La Mesa residents turned out at last week’s Council hearing to ask that smaller property owners be granted the right to raise chickens and savor fresh eggs. Councilwoman Ruth Sterling asked to add consideration of chicken ownership to this Tuesday’s agenda for a discussion by Council. Currently, chickens are illegal on lots under one-third of an acre. But a growing number of cities across the country are changing ordinances to allow backyard ownership of chickens (but not roosters). Recently, the cities of Santee and San Diego voted to legalize residential ownership of chickens. San Diego went farther, also allowing miniature goats and beekeeping. El Cajon, however, rejected a proposal to consider chicken ownership after the mayor cited concerns over Newcastle disease. Among the long-time advocates for legalizing chicken ownership in La Mesa is Patrick Dean, a chef and La Mesa resident who has declared his intention to run for the City Council.
BAJA LEGENDS, BY GREG NIEMANN (SUNBELT PUBLICATIONS, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, 2002, 260 PAGES.)
Book Review by Dennis Moore May 12, 2012 (Baja)–Greg Niemann, author of Baja Fever, and life-long Baja Buff who has traveled all over the peninsula known as Baja California in Mexico, has written a well-researched and easy-to-read history of the people and resorts that make Baja what it is today. What is Baja anyway? “Baja,” which means “Lower” in Spanish, refers to an 800-mile long peninsula separated from Mexico’s mainland by the Gulf of California – or the Sea of Cortez, if you prefer. The peninsula is comprised of two Mexican states, Baja California (Norte), with Mexicali as capital, and Baja California Sur, whose capital city is La Paz. To make it easy Norte means “North” and Sur means “South.” The author points out in Baja Legends that one of the oldest and longest-enduring legends about the land called California is that (Baja) California was an island. Niemann states in his well documented and researched book that mostly it was a case of wishful thinking and people ignoring facts that ran counter to accepted beliefs. When you consider that the entire American continent was but a “speed bump” to those Europeans who wanted to sail to the Orient and back with ships laden with riches, you understand. For years mariners and explorers searched in vain for a “Northwest Passage” or the fabled “Strait of Anian” to bypass North America. California was actually believed to have been an island for over 200 years, according to the author. Baja Legends is chockfull of anecdotes, historical facts and tales of Hollywood actors and actresses vacationing in this legendary paradise – Clark Gable, Eva Gabor, Kirk Douglas and Marilyn Monroe come to mind. The fact that the Caesar Salad actually originated in Tijuana, adds a bit of mystique to Niemann’s book. It also helps that the movie Titanic, directed by James Cameron, was actually made at the Fox Studios Baja just south of Rosarito Beach. When Titanic Director Cameron accepted the Motion Picture Academy’s Oscar for best picture of the year he threw out his arms and proudly said, “I’m King of the World.” A lot of people in Baja shared his excitement. The legendary Rosarito Beach Hotel, owned by former Rosarito Beach mayor Hugo ores, is a centerpiece of Niemann’s book. The author refers to this hotel as “The Legendary Queen of the Coast, “ having welcomed more than 4,000,000 guests over the years – which includes the singing group “The Temptations,” movie stars Joan Bennett, Rita Hayworth, Vincent Price, Gregory Peck, Orson Welles and Lana Turner. The four million guests since 1926 have entered the curved portal above which is inscribed in Spanish, “Through These Doors Pass the Most Beautiful Women in the World,” alluding to the in-crowd that’s romped through the place for years. I can actually attest to that, for in a recent visit to the hotel and passing under this same curved portal, I too saw some of the most beautiful women in the world! In Baja Legends we’ve been introduced to many of the characters of Baja. There was naturalist Janos Xantus, who discovered 100 new species, but claimed thousands. There was William Walker, who with his band of outlaws tried to “take over” Baja California. There was Doc McKinnon, who traveled the countryside performing rudimentary dentistry. We’ve met the “Clam Man of San Felipe” and Francisco Munoz, the best bush pilot the peninsula has ever known, and we’ve been introduced to some of the writers like John Steinbeck and Erle Stanley Gardner, who have told about this wondrous land called Baja. This book is rich in legend and lore! The author sums up this fascinating book, by stating: “I’ve been fortunate to have traveled the world, yet I’ve found the friendliest, most gentle, most giving people right in my own backyard, right in the remote areas of Baja California. The people of Baja California are themselves the greatest legends of all.” I echo those sentiments, and highly recommend this book. Dennis Moore is the author of a book about Chicago politics; “The City That Works: Power, Politics and Corruption in Chicago.” He has been a freelance contributor to the San Diego Union-Tribune Newspaper, EURweb, the Baja Times and the Baja News. Mr. Moore can be contacted at contracts_agency@yahoo.com or you can follow him on Twitter at: @DennisMoore8.
EVENTS ABOUND AT THE COUNTY PARKS IN MAY
May 12, 2012 (San Diego) – San Diego County Parks and Recreation has a cornucopia of events happening around the region in May. There’s something for everyone – from guided hikes to campfires and stargazing. Following is a list of the highlights: AGUA CALIENTE REGIONAL PARK 39555 Great Southern Stage Rte of 1849, Anza Borrego Desert | (760) 765-1188 SATURDAYS IN THE PARK (Morning or Afternoon) Check at Ranger Station for time. Children of all ages join park staff and friends for an interactive, educational, fun program at the Agua Club House located across from site #55 in the campground. NOCTURNAL DESERT ADAPTATIONS Saturday, May 26, 7:00 p.m. Listen, learn, and observe the behavior and necessary adaptations of our local desert wildlife including short hikes to visit bat and frog habitats. The event is located at Agua Caliente Amphitheater at the park entrance. Bring a blanket or pillow for comfort. Free of charge for campers, or $5 day use fee. ROCK AND MINERAL HOUNDS Saturday, May 26, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Join the Rangers to learn about the rocks and minerals that surround the land. This program is part of the Jr. Science Program for children ages 7-13. All project materials will be provided. Free of charge, for campers, or $5 day use fee. NATURE HIKE Sunday, May 27, 9:00 a.m. Join the Park Ranger for an interpretive hike along the Agua Caliente slopes and washes. View wildflowers in bloom with hopes of catching a glimpse of desert wildlife. The hike is open to all ages. Meet at the front entrance station. Free of charge for campers, or $5 day use fee. DOS PICOS REGIONAL PARK 17953 Dos Picos Park Rd, Ramona | (760) 789-2220 EVERY SATURDAY Free Saturday programs meet at the Amphitheater at the scheduled time. Programs may change or cancel without notice depending upon the weather and Ranger availability. The Ranger needs to have at least 10 people for each program to begin. SNAKES ‘N SKINS WITH RANGER RON 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. See and feel creatures living and non-living. Ranger Ron will break out his animal skin collection and introduce some of the office critters too. Free of charge and fun for the whole family. JR. RANGERS 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. The Jr. Rangers outdoor education program is based on California Science Standards. They will investigate and explore the rocks, plants, and critters of the park. Don’t forget to bring a Jr. Rangers log book to get credit for participation! CRAFT TIME 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Remember how fun it was to sit down and make a cool craft? It still is! Come make a project you can keep. $1 donation per crafter. EARTH BALL 4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Can you imagine a bunch of ants fighting over a grape? Well that’s what it looks like when playing with the giant Earth Ball. Get exercise and enjoy the game. TEXTURE SCAVENGER HUNT 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. This is a Dos Picos favorite that combines crayon rubbings with a no-holds-barred scavenger hunt! Get a group together and try to find as many of the listed texture objects as you can before time runs out. EVENING PROGRAMS May 5 – May 26, 8:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. After sunset at the Plymax Theater watch the evening come to life with a cool computer slide show, music, and check out a live bug cam. Free fun for all ages. NIGHT STAR HIKES WITH RANGER RON Friday, May 11, 18, 25. 9:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Meet at the Ranger’s office, and dress warmly. Bring a flashlight and an adult. Star Hikes will be cancelled during cloudy weather. SELF-GUIDED HIKES AT DOS PICOS At convenience of hiker 9:00 a.m. – sunset Pick up a self-guided hiking sheet or try out our Audio Trail Guide on park provided iPods located at the Ranger’s Office free of charge! You can also borrow an Exploration Pack to help you in your nature investigations. CABINET OF CURIOSITIES At convenience of patron, 9:00 a.m. – sunset Are you fascinated by the form and function of nature? Check out and touch all the cool, creepy things we have preserved at the Ranger’s office. LAKE MORENA 2550 Lake Morena Dr., Campo | (619) 579-4101 NATURE HIKE Saturday May 19, 2:30 p.m. Take a relaxing and easy hike at Lake Morena Regional County Park. During the hike you will learn about native plants in the area, and how the Kumeyaay Indians utilized the natural vegetation in their daily lives. You will also learn the history of Lake Morena. The hike lasts about an hour. Free of charge for the public. Parking is $3 for those not camping at Lake Morena. Call in advance to confirm the hike start time. LINDO LAKE COUNTY PARK 12660 Lindo Ln, Lakeside | (619) 709-2454 DISCOVERY TABLE Sunday, May 20, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Join the Ranger at the Touch Table to check out the animal skins, live snakes, and other cool items that you will be able to touch. This is a great learning opportunity for children and families. VOLCAN MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS PRESERVE 1209 Farmer Rd, Julian | (760) 765-4098 TRAIL RESTORATION Saturday, May 19, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Join County Park Rangers and other volunteers as they prepare the Five-Oaks Trail for another great hiking season. Meet at the Volcan Mountain trailhead located on Farmer Road. There will be a ½ mile hike to the work site. Please wear a long sleeve shirt and hiking shoes. Bring water, snacks, a wide-brim hat, sunscreen, work gloves, sunglasses, and a light jacket. Tools will be provided. If you’re coming with a large group, please call ahead. GUIDED HIKES Saturday, May 12, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Enjoy the beautiful views of the Julian area and the desert from atop Volcan Mountain. Take a step back in time and learn the history of the area from the Rangers and Docents. Try and learn the names of the many flowers