EL CAJON COUNCIL TO HOLD WORKSHOP TODAY ON TEARING DOWN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
ECPAC Foundation, SAVE ECPAC groups plan rally to save theater at 1 pm; workshop at 2 p.m.; Council meeting at 3 p.m. May 22, 2012 (El Cajon ) – Today at 1:30 p.m., the El Cajon Council will hold a special workshop on the future of the East County Performing Arts Center. Council has given an exclusive 180-day agreement to a developer to propose plans for tearing down the theater and building a hotel. Today, developer E. Neal Arthur will present his plans at the workshop. Then at 3 p.m., Council will consider the workshop findings and may opt to take action. A group forming a new ECPAC Foundation has announced plans to hold a “Save ECPAC” rally at 1 p.m. outside Council Chambers in conjunction with other concerned citizens. Supporters of the arts are encouraged to bring signs to demonstrate support for keeping the theater open. The theater has been dark for two years, closed for a remodeling that never took place. The City estimated the building needed up to $4.5 in renovations, but that included a “wish list” of non-essential items such as moving the entrance onto Main Street and adding more restroom stalls. In a recent tour provided by City staff, a coalition of community leaders learned that the theater could be reopened for an investment of only about $250,000 to repair a leaking roof , fix a dangerous lighting situation, cleanup and other essential matters. While claiming it could not afford to reopen the theater, the City meanwhile has expended around $2.5 million on landscaping upgrades including revamping the duck pond outside the theater, as well as around $1.3 million on remodeling the Prescott Promenade. Given that the theater has long been positioned as the cultural heart of East County and a draw to boost business for downtown El Cajon as a cornerstone of economic revitalization, many now question the wisdom of expending such huge sums on largely cosmetic improvements to the detriment of the long-term future of the arts in East County. The City has in the past contended that in addition to repair costs, an operational deficit would need to be covered as well to continue theater operations. In other venues, however cities provide financial support for performing arts centers that are publicly owned. In addition, critics have contended that professional management, a better mix of performances, improved event marketing including internet and social media, and sale of alcoholic beverages could all boost revenues and help make the theater economically viable. Tearing it down may not come cheaply; estimates have indicated a $2 million demolition cost. But thus far, City Council members and the Mayor have publicly shown intent focused on destroying the theater, ignoring public sentiment from those who seek to save it.
BELLUS ACADEMY HOSTS INDUSTRY APPRECIATION PARTY
May 22, 2012 (Poway) — Internationally-acclaimed Bellus Academy will host its annual Industry Appreciation Party on Wednesday, May 30, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at its Poway campus. The evening features industry experts unveiling the latest innovations and trends as well as Bellus providing complimentary spa and salon services, exclusive raffle prizes, refreshments, hors d’oeuvres and gifts bags for attendees. The event serves as collaboration for industry trends and accomplishments, honor Bellus’ spa and salon partners and formally introduce the Academy’s alumni association and the Bellus Professional Program. Salons and spas will be recognized for sponsoring individuals with a $1,000 scholarship to enroll at Bellus Academy. Guest speakers are Charlene Florian, Vice President of Corporate Creative Development at Kerstin Florian International, and Dr. James Chao, Associate Professor of Surgery in the plastic surgery division at the University of California in San Diego. Florian is responsible for the international development of the skincare brand found in exclusive spas around the world. She also travels extensively as a consultant and educator in the fields of skincare treatment techniques, massage, aromatherapy and nutrition. Dr. Chao studied at Stanford University before earning his medical degree at New York University. He is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and has been recognized at the state and national levels for his contributions to medical research. “This is a once-a-year event where we bring the top spa and salon industry leaders to the academy to network with our students, alumni, staff and each other,” says Joanne Berry, Director of Education of Spa Programs at Bellus Academy. “It’s about bringing everyone together in one place to unite and support each other in our ever-growing industry.” Individuals interested in a career in beauty and wellness are invited to attend RSVP online at http://bit.ly/K8cFY5 About Bellus Academy Publishers of Modern Salon recognized Bellus Academy in 2010 and 2011 in their “Excellence in Education” awards for revolutionizing beauty and wellness education. Three of their campuses are located in San Diego County with the newest campus in Manhattan, Kansas. Offering quality advanced curriculum, it is no surprise that Intercoiffure ranked Bellus Academy as one of the top three beauty schools in the world in 2011. Bellus Academy continues to elevate the beauty and spa industry with breakthrough education and innovative business practices. For more information regarding the Industry Appreciation Party, please call Joanne Berry at 858-748-1490 or visit www.bellusacademy.edu.
DEPUTIES CAPTURE MAN WHO ESCAPED FROM PATROL CAR
May 22, 2012 (Santee) – On May 16, Santee Patrol Deputies arrested Dylan Castle, 20, of Lakeside in the 9400 block of Carlton Oaks. He had escaped from a marked patrol unit the night before, after an arrest for possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia just one block from where he was later apprehended again. While taking Castle into custody initially, the arresting deputy suffered a minor injury and stopped by the Santee Fire Station to have his injury examined prior to transporting Castle to jail. “At this time, it is believed Castle, who was seated in the rear of the patrol vehicle, was somehow able to slip his handcuffs from behind his back to the front. He reached his arms through the rear window and opened the car door. Castle then ran from the vehicle,” said Sgt. Tom Poulin. After receiving treatment for his injury, the deputy returned to his vehicle. Believing Castle was lying in the backseat of his vehicle, the deputy drove to the San Diego County Jail. While en route downtown, the deputy realized Castle was no longer inside the car. Sheriff Deputies and San Diego Police Officers searched for Castle throughout the night. He was apprehended without incident.
CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE LORI SALDAÑA SHARES VIEWS ON JOBS, HEALTHCARE, ENERGY POLICIES, VETERANS AND SENIOR ISSUES, AND THE FIGHT FOR WOMEN’S RIGHTS
By Miriam Raftery In an exclusive interview with East County Magazine, 52nd Congressional District candidate Lori Saldaña offered in-depth perspectives on top national issues—including the impacts of federal policies being felt in San Diego and East County. May 21, 2012 (San Diego) – Lori Saldaña knows how to be a tough competitor. A field hockey athlete in college and outdoor enthusiast who led hikes through San Diego’s backcountry, she became our region’s Sierra Club President and sued to enforce environmental laws. As an educator, she created successful job training programs. In Sacramento, she chaired powerful committees and pushed through landmark legislation that she authored–including AB 32, California’s major measure to combat global warming and SB 1, the million solar roofs initiative. President Bill Clinton appointed her to co-chair a committee on water quality improvements for 10 U.S.-Mexico border states. Scrappy and determined, she’s earned her reputation as a fighter with a winning record. “I know what it takes to create jobs,” said Saldaña, a 20-year educator who taught business information technology and workforce development programs at the San Diego Community College District. She developed and managed educational and technical jobs skills programs, including a $1.5 million technology workforce development grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. “We created skilled jobs for hundreds of students and we helped get jobs for the poor.” The candidate sat down with ECM for an interview at a Peruvian restaurant near her campaign headquarters, where a legion of volunteers busily manned phone banks in hopes of providing Saldaña, a Democrat, with the job of representing voters in the redrawn 52nd Congressional District. She is one of ten candidates vying for the seat currently held by Republican Brian Bilbray – and she’s running on a proudly progressive track record. “Brian Bilbray voted for the Ryan budget. He voted to privatize Social Security and to turn Medicare into a voucher program. You tell me how much private insurance an 80-year-old can buy? He voted no on the Affordable Care Act,” said Saldaña, who by contrast voted for a healthcare-for-all bill in California that was vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger. “Bilbray voted no on the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act for women. And he voted to weaken the Clean Air Act.” She has been outspoken in her criticism of Bilbray, a former lobbyist who has long been accused by opponents of taking money from special interests and voting for legislation favoring the agendas of lobbyists and powerful corporations. Saldaña has served as Speaker Pro Tem in the Assembly and chaired committees on Veterans Affairs, Housing and Community Development, as well as the Legislative Women’s Caucus. Despite the Republican majority controlling Congress, she noted, “Bilbray has never chaired a committee. What we need is leadership. If after 14 years in Congress you haven’t achieved any degree of leadership, maybe it’s time to get a new job.” She pledges to “keep our promises” for seniors regarding Social Security and Medicare, as well as solvency of private pension funds. Saldaña believes healthcare should be a right for all, not a privilege for the wealthy. “Healthcare costs overall are increasing,” she said, citing the aging population. “Our greatest generation is getting older.” She faults Republicans such as Bilbray for “balancing the budget on the backs of the poor, working people, and seniors. I will not support that.” “Healthcare issues for Indian tribes are also very severe. My sister is a nurse, she goes to the Navajo reservation.” Saldaña believes her experience in dealing with tribal issues in the Legislature and with the Bureau of Indian Affairs has also prepared her for service in Congress. Daughter of a career Marine, Saldaña served on the Veterans Affairs committee for a decade. She authored AB 599, which assured California veterans access to mental health services—a critical issue for Iraq and Afghanistan vets suffering from traumatic brain injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder. She looks forward to working in Congress to help veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder and homelessness, as well as meeting the needs of women veterans and military families. “Returning veterans need jobs,” she told ECM. She wants to utilize her experience in workforce training to assure that vets get training in interviewing and transitioning to civilian life. She would also crack down on schools that abuse the GI bill by taking money from veterans without providing adequate training and career preparation. Asked about the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, Saldaña noted that the U.S. is winding down its presence in Iraq, but strategic and military concerns remain. In Afghanistan, she observed, “We need to empower locals to take over, or get out. We can’t continue to fund education and infrastructure in other parts of the world and continue to underfund it here.” Here in the U.S., she wants to restore Pell Grants and cap student loans at 3.8%. She denounces Republicans in Congress for tabling a bill that would have prevented student loan rates from nearly doubling to over 6%. On her website, Saldaña calls for investing in American health, safety and education to restore economic prosperity. “It was the public investments made after World War II that brought us interstate highway, an educated workforce, secure home ownership, electrification and safe drinking water,” she observes. “These things helped create the largest expansion of the Middle Class in American history. Today, our tax code is full of exemptions for special interests,” said Saldaña, who favors requiring the top 1 to 3 percent of income earners to pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes. She also pledges to fight against efforts to rollback workers rights, a situation that she believes has fueled rising poverty in some areas. “More and more Americans are living on the edge of poverty,” she said. “We need to turn this around, by investing in the things that will restore our economy, and people’s faith and confidence in America.” She supports investments
COOL! TUESDAY’S WEATHER WITH GARY KELLEY
May 22, 2012 (San Diego) — Watch for relief from sweltering temperatures, starting soon. Click for details on Your Online Weather with Gary Kelley.
VICTIM IDENTIFIED IN FATAL JULIAN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
May 21, 2012 (Julian) – Julie Faith Fortier, 39, of Irvine, lost her life in a motorcycle accident that occurred May 19 on State Route 78 at the Banner Grade near Julian. According to the Medical Examiner’s office, Fortier was a passenger on a motorcycle driven by her husband when he lost control on a curve at a high rate of speed. The vehicle crossed the center line and side-swiped another motorcyclist traveling in the opposite direction. All riders were ejected onto the roadway. Despite efforts by bystanders to revive her, Fortier was pronounced dead at the scene. The California Highway Patrol’s El Cajon office is investigating the crash.
CAMPO MAN, 46, KILLED IN I-8 CRASH INVOLVING ALPINE TEEN DRIVER
May 21, 2012 (McCain Valley) – A rollover accident that occurred on I-8 west near McCain Valley Road this morning at 10:45 a.m. has claimed the life of a Campo man, 46. The vehicle, a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado truck, was driven by Alexus Ramirez, 19, of Alpine. Although traveling 55-60 mph, within the speed limit, for unknown reasons she lost control of the vehicle. It traveled off the south shoulder down an embankment separating east and westbound lanes, rolling over several times before coming to rest on the driver’s side. Ramirez and her 18-year-old female passenger in the right front seat were both wearing seatbelts and were transported by ambulance to a hospital with minor to moderate injuries. However a Campo man, 46, who was sleeping on the backseat was unrestrained. The force of the collision ejected him and he sustained fatal injuries. “They had broken down in Ocotillo,” Officer Brian Pennings with the California Highway Patrol told ECM. “They’d been there all night.” After filling up at a gas station, the travelers headed up the hill, when the crash occurred. Cause of the collision remains under investigation. However at this time, there is no evidence that drugs or alcohol were a factor, Penning said. The identity of the victim has not yet been disclosed by authorities or the Medical Examiner.
CALIFORNIA ISO BOARD GREEN LIGHTS GRID UPGRADES
May 21, 2012 (San Diego) – Five San Diego County transmission projects are among 30 identified transmission projects needed to maintain grid reliability that were approved by the California Independent System Operator Corporation Board of Governors in the 2011/2012 Transmission Plan. The local projects are: · Reconductor TL631, El Cajon – Los Coches · Replace Talega 138/69 kV Bank 50 · TL633, Bernardo – Rancho Carmel 69 kV Reconductor · TL642B, Sweetwater – Montgomery Tap – Terminal equipment · TL695B, Talega Tap – Japanese Mesa Recondutor The Plan also affirms, for a second year, that previously approved major transmission projects remain sufficient to meet California’s goal of using renewable resources to supply 33 percent of power use by 2020. ISO analysis shows approving additional green transmission at this point could potentially lead to overbuilding and stranded investments. While remaining prudent, the ISO is committed in evolving its planning processes to identify and approve the least cost options that enhance grid reliability. This effort is made possible by collaborating closely with the California Energy Commission and California Public Utilities Commission. The energy agencies conducted research and analysis that identified renewable-rich, remote areas of California where new transmission upgrades would likely occur. This aided the grid planning analysis. The ISO 2011/2012 Transmission Plan is the result of a 15-month process in which the ISO and its stakeholders undertook a comprehensive study of California’s grid and generation needs. The Plan assesses whether additional transmission is needed to: 1) maintain power grid reliability; 2) enable policy-driven resources (i.e., clean energy delivery); and 3) relieve transmission bottlenecks to reduce costs. Project investments approved total $691 million. Flexible capacity requirements Development of next year’s plan is already underway and will ascertain the level of flexible generation capacity to meet the changing operational needs of the grid as more and more renewable power is added to the system. Traditional natural gas plants provide flexible capacity which is essential in balancing fluctuations of wind and solar power as well as supporting and maintaining local area demand. “The needs of our grid are becoming more complex as California strives to reach important clean energy goals. ISO operators need the right mix of resources going forward to reliably manage the power system and that includes conventional generation that can quickly ramp up or down to complement the variable flow of renewable power,” said Neil Millar, Executive Director, Transmission Planning. “Looking forward, the ISO is concerned this unique operational tool may diminish over the next five years as a result of a once-through cooling regulation that may prompt retirements of some gas-fired power plants.”