SAVE ECPAC LAUNCHES EXPANDED WEBSITE
June 13, 2012 (El Cajon) – In conjunction with launch of a Save ECPAC foundation that proposes to take over management of the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC) , an expanded website, www.SAVEECPAC.org, has been launched. In addition to news updates, history and photos of the theater, the site also includes a blog by the site’s creator, journalist and musician Paul Kruze, which begins, “I was let into the theater today to take pictures of the seats in our beloved theater. It brought back a lot of memories. “These were so striking to me today that I had to write about it on SaveECPAC’s "Latest News" blog which is now also available on SaveECPAC’s Facebook page. You can also access it on the www.SaveECPAC.org web page by clicking on "Latest News" on the left sidebar. Here’s a link to my heartfelt feelings today…. “ http://saveecpac.wordpress.com/2012/06/08/cleanup-of-the-theater/
FIRE OFFICIALS HALT “SKY LANTERN” SALES AT WALMART STORES
By Miriam Raftery June 12, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – A complaint by East County Magazine reader Mary Rajknecht has led Wal-Mart to agree to pull flammable “sky lanterns” off store shelves statewide. Rajknecth notified ECM and local fire officials that the product could be dangerous in our fire-prone area, prompting a warning from the state Fire Marshal’s office to be issued. ECM contacted Cal-Fire and the San Miguel Fire Department. Inquires from ECM and our reader eventually reached state fire officials in Sacramento. On May 29, Rajknecht contacted ECM to advise that she was surprised to find Celebration Sky Lanterns on the shelves of a Wal-Mart store on Los Coches Road. “They are a tissue paper balloon that has a fuel cell that you light on fire,” she wrote. “When the lantern heats up (like a mini-hot air balloon) you release it and watch it `slowly ascend into the sky.’” The State Fire Marshal’s office has issued a bulletin advising that althought he devices are not considered fireworks, several ordinances enable locall fire authorities to have them removed from sale and make clear that Sky Lanterns are dangerous. James Pine, fire marshall for San Diego County Fire Authority, said CFC Sec. 308 1.6 prohibits “open flame devices” in areas at risk for wildfire. Sky lanterns have traditionally been used in Asian celebrations. Locally, Wal-Mart stores have voluntarily agreed to pull the products from store shelves after being informed that the devices posed a risk of starting wildfires.
EAST COUNTY OBITUARIES, JUNE 13, 2012
June 13, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) — Scroll down to view a list of this week’s obituaries here, or visit www.EastCountyObits.com to read the full obituaries.
FROM THE CHIEF’S CORNER: CREATING DEFENSIBLE SPACE—WILDFIRE SEASON!
By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna, East County Magazine “In-House Fire Chief” June 13, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)–Summer is here and brush fires are already happening throughout San Diego, Southern California and historic fires currently burning in Colorado and New Mexico. Resources are being stripped from local areas and it’s important that homeowners do their part to mitigate the threat of wildfire protecting their property and to those that fight these fires with limited budgets due to our economy. Let’s discuss some defensible space measures you as a homeowner can take “now” as we step right into fire season! Wildfires are among the nation’s growing natural hazards. Though wildfires are natural and often beneficial in less populated areas, more and more homes and lives are being threatened. Many states are implementing and enforcing regulations for reducing wildfire fuel sources. Be sure to check with your state or county for regulations related to your property. All regulations for owners within or near canyons, brush-covered or grass-covered land, forest-covered or mountainous areas will include creating a defensible space. Regulations tend to be more stringent in areas with steeper terrain and denser vegetation. Creating a defensible space refers to reducing the fuel around a structure by separating, reshaping, trimming or removing the fuel sources. In California a defensible space clearing must be maintained around structures no less than 100 feet. A defensible perimeter allows firefighters an area to work in to protect structures. It also reduces the chance of spreading flames or burning ambers to nearby structures. In all cases, dead, dry and woody vegetation must be removed. Plant material near structures should be regularly irrigated and well maintained, ornamentals, low-growing fire retardant shrubs, low-growing turf and succulent ground cover. Most guidelines will encourage the use of native plant materials especially in non-irrigated areas. Avoid planting in large clusters. It’s best to create small planter beds or islands. Use decorative rock, flagstone, gravel or stepping stones to break up planter areas. Utilize mulch in planter areas, too. Mulch retains moisture, benefiting the nearby plant material, reduces weed growth and helps with erosion. There are many organic mulches, but avoid using confer or pine needles. These types of mulches catch fire quickly and will rapidly spread a fire. Owners should keep the surrounding areas near structures clean and free of debris, including fallen leaves and downed logs. These are just a few guidelines for creating a defensible space to help reduce the spread of wildfires. Again, be sure to check with your local and state authorities for specific regulations in your area. Other Fire Safety Tips: Remove dead and overhanging branches. Remove any branches within 10 feet of chimney vent. Clean all dead leaves and needles from roof and gutters. Install a roof that meets the fire resistance classification of Class C or better. Cover chimney outlet with a nonflammable screen of 1/4 inch or smaller mesh. Brand Guard Vents are a great alternative. Stack woodpiles at least 30 feet from all structures, fences, and other combustible material. Remove all stacks of construction materials, pine needles, leaves and other debris. Keep lawn chairs, umbrellas, and other canvas furniture a safe distance from structures Clear all vegetation and other combustible or flammable materials from beneath deck area. Enclose underside of elevated decks with resistant materials. Refrain from dumping lawn clippings in canyons. Identify at least two exit routes from your neighborhood. Make sure street names and house numbers are clearly visible. Designate an emergency meeting place outside your neighborhood. Immediately evacuate the area when ordered by police or fire personnel.
LOCAL ARTIST TAKES AWARD AT SAN DIEGO WATERCOLOR SOCIETY’S JUNE SHOW, RUNNING CLEAR.
June 13, 2012 (San Diego) — La Mesa resident Chuck McPherson took the First Place Award at the San Diego Watercolor Society’s June Member Show with his painting Trickle Down Effect. The juror recognized Chuck’s painting for excellent design and how he captured the texture of the rounded rocks and depth in the stream. More of Chuck’s work can be seen at his website http://artthatsells.net. Chuck will be demonstrating at the San Diego Fair June 23, 11-6; June 24, 11-6; July 3, 12-4 and July 4 from 12–4. The Second Place Award was earned by Denise Tverdoch with Sunlight and Succulents, Third Place went to Vi Gassman for her painting The Album, and Best of Miniatures was awarded to Shuang Li for Nature’s Source. The exhibition, Running Clear, is San Diego Watercolor Society’s 9th collaboration with the City of San Diego’s Public Utilities Water Conservation Program. Also on display this month are the winner’s of the City of San Diego’s Water Conservation Poster Contest. The winning posters from first through sixth graders from throughout San Diego won awards for their compelling messages and designs. The show will continue at the San Diego Watercolor Society’s gallery through June 30th. The 4,000 square foot gallery is located in Point Loma’s Liberty Station at 2825 Dewey Road. The Gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday 10 am to 4 pm and is free to the public. ABOUT SAN DIEGO WATERCOLOR SOCIETY San Diego Watercolor Society is a 501(C)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to expanding the appreciation of and involvement in watermedia painting through education, exhibition and promotion. SDWS presents a new juried exhibition each month with an evening opening reception on the first Friday. Works on paper using watercolor, acrylic, gouache, casein and tempera as well as mixed media are accepted. More information can be found on the website http://www.sdws.org
COUNTY PLANNERS VOTE TO DENY TULE WIND INDUSTRIAL WIND TURBINES ON PRIVATE LANDS
By Miriam Raftery June 9, 2012 (San Diego) – By a unanimous vote, San Diego’s Planning Commission voted Friday to deny Iberdrola Renewables’ application for five 492-foot-tall wind turbines on private land under county jurisdiction. The proposed turbines were part of the Tule Wind project, which also includes 62 turbines on U.S. Bureau of Land Management property in McCain Valley, seven turbines on state property, and 18 on Ewiiaapaayp tribal lands. To date, only the federal portion of the project has been approved. “The Tule Wind decision was precedent setting in that turbines were denied on private land in the Boulevard area and the plan amendment was denied,” said Donna Tisdale, chair of the Boulevard Planning Group. “Today’s decision also bodes badly for Enel Green Power’s Jewel Valley wind that is proposed for about 7,000 acres both north and south of I-8." Staff recommended the denial, noting that the towering turbines were incompatible with existing community plans due to height. Planners also rejected a plan to modify Boulevard’s community plan. Several planners made clear that they have serious reservations about approving any industrial-scale wind projects on lands under county control—dealing a severe blow to wind industry aspirations. Commissioner Peder Norby voiced concern over “the equity of saying `too bad’ to two communities so that the other 26 can win,” adding, “It would be hard for me to ever approve large wind turbines on county land.” Norby said he lives near a high-voltage tower in Carlsbad. “I look at a 400 foot tall tower and wish it wasn’t there,” he noted, adding that it is visible from 40 to 50 miles away on a clear day. He suggested that the 12 megawatts of energy lost by denying five wind turbines could alternatively be produced with a small solar farm, with rooftop solar on existing buildings, or with small-scale personal wind turbines. “I don’t care about the economics. I care about what’s happening in the backcountry,” Commissioner Bryan Woods said of the precedent-setting proposal to put turbines taller than the tallest building in downtown San Diego into rural areas. “In the future, I will look at cumulative impacts,” he said, referring to more than 40 large-scale renewable energy projects proposed in East County. Commissioner John Riess voiced concern over noise generated by wind turbines. “An A-weighted scale simply doesn’t work,” he said, recalling a pipe factory that generated complaints from neighbors despite efforts to sound-proof the building. “We need to deal with that and how we regulate these things for the future. Noting that the Campo Indians want to triple the number of turbines on its reservation from 25 to 75 not far from the Tule Wind site, Commissioner Michael Beck also voiced concern over cumulative impacts and opposition to amending the community plan. “We’re being asked to make findings we cannot make,” he concluded. Planners also voted to require Iberdrola to underground a power line needed for Tule Wind turbines on federal land. Placing the lines underground increases the cost, requiring blasting of boulders, while the project’s revenues will be decreased by removing the five turbines on county lands. Commissioner Leon Brooks suggested overhead lines might be better for this site, citing potential for cultural resource sites to be disturbed. “I’m certain that will be a problem.” But a staffer insisted that since the site is on bedrock, the chances of finding Native American burial sites is “highly unlikely.” Tisdale asked to speak prior to the vote, but was denied, since public testimony was taken at a prior meeting. “They’re certifying the EIR with this vote,” she told ECM. “The PUC already certified it without a public hearing in April. It says nothing about infrasound or low frequency noise.” Overall, however, the Commission’s actions sent a clear message to the wind industry: San Diego’s planners are not willing to allow the health of residents or the rural character of East County to be sacrificed in order to accommodate wind energy developers. The victory for rural residents may be short-lived, however, since the San Diego Board of Supervisors ultimately has the final say on whether industrial wind facilities will be allowed on county-controlled lands. The balance of power may shift when Supervisor Pam Slater-Price steps down in January after her replacement is chosen by voters in November. Candidate Dave Roberts has voiced concerns over wind energy impacts, while his opponent, Steve Danon, has championed streamlining procedures for wind testing towers and other development projects as a staffer for pro-development Supervisor Bill Horn. With federal subsidies for wind energy expiring at year’s end, however, time is running out to gain approval of wind projects before the subsidies end.
BLOWIN’ IN THE WIND: OCOTILLO RESIDENTS DECRY DUST RAISED BY WIND PROJECT
By: Miriam Raftery June 13, 2012 (Ocotillo) – Why hasn’t the Bureau of Land Management taken steps to protect Ocotillo area residents from clouds of dust in an area with high rates of childhood asthma and where soil reportedly contains potentially deadly Valley Fever spores? Despite numerous complaints including photos and videos of dust billowing up from construction activities at Pattern Energy’s Ocotillo Express wind energy site, the apparent health hazard continues. “This issue has been ongoing from the start of this project and someone needs to get control of it before there is serious health related issues,” said Jim Pelley, an Ocotillo resident, engineer and ECM award winning photographer. On June 10, Pelley informed ECM that he could see the dust cloud from his home. That’s over three weeks after he lodged his first complaint. “The dust was headed directly east toward the Ocotillo Community. “Why is this being overlooked and not taken seriously?” he asked, after filing various complaints that have gone unheeded by public health officials. “This is undisturbed land and I am really worried about the spores in the ground and the possibility of my family contracting Valley Fever, a deadly disease.” Pelley provided photos and video documenting the massive dust plumes on different dates at the project site. The first was shot on May 17, one day after he filed his first complaint with the Imperial Valley Air Pollution Control Board: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBRLNHRgBy8&feature=plcp Despite project mitigation requirements to control dust with water, Pelley wrote at the time, “No water trucks in sight; no water on the ground, dust can be seen for miles blowing right into homes and the County Park where kids play.” ECM has contacted the Imperial Valley Air Pollution Control Board for comment, but the agency has failed to respond. Pattern Energy has repeatedly refused to discuss its wind facility project despite multiple requests.
BURGERS FROM DOWN UNDER: STEERS OPENS DOORS IN LAKESIDE
9927 Maine Avenue Lakeside, CA 92040 www.steersburgersfries.com (619)390-9063 By Sierra Robinson June 12, 2012 (Lakeside)—Savoring flame-broiled, 100% Angus beef burgers at Steers, an Australian-based eatery that opened its first American restaurant in Lakeside last weekend, I predict that Steers will soon be rounding up a herd of loyal new customers. After opening outlets in Australia and South Africa, the owners moved to La Jolla and scouted out an ideal location for their first U.S. venture. The site of the former Lakeside Steak House has been fully remodeled, serving up juicy burgers, espetadas (a shish-kabob like creation) and coming soon, steaks sizzling on the barbie. Although we visited on the third day it was open, the restaurant was already serving several families, attracting people off the sidewalk with its cheery music and staff, who greeted every customer with a welcoming smile. Espetadas, the house specialties, resemble shish-kabobs served with red peppers and either chicken or beef, both with the special house marinade. It’s also served on the side with the burgers—along with a variety of custom-made sauces, from BBQ to bleu cheese. When we asked what was in the secret sauce, an employee told us the owner hadn’t even told the servers. “If he told us, he’d have to kill us,” she joked, so the marinade remains a delicious mystery. My companion and I both sampled burgers, one a bacon and cheese, and the other an Aussie burger which came with beets, an interesting and tasty addition, plus bleu cheese. All the burgers are made of 100% Angus beef, and flame-broiled to perfection. (Note: burgers came grilled to a juicy medium; be sure to ask if youprefer yours well done.) Every burger is served with a side of either regular or sweet potato fries, and although we were told they were delicious, the restaurant ran out of the latter just before we arrived. We will be sure to arrive earlier next time to be able to try them for ourselves. The decor mixes contemporary with western elements. A corrugated metal bar, modern metal tables and chairs and bright rust-hued paint melds with horseshoes on the walls and country-style music in the background. Yes, there is a free lunch—or dinner! Just fill out a card to receive a free meal on your birthday, up to a $10 value. Steers has applied for a liquor license to serve beer and wine. They also plan to expand their menu in the near future, adding steaks to the list of options. Based on the tasty burgers with portions ample enough for Crocodile Dundee, we look forward to returning to try out some more beefy menu items soon.
JACOB WINS SIXTH TERM ON SAN DIEGO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
June 13, 2012 (San Diego)– Long-time County Supervisor Dianne Jacob spent Election Day in her East County District meeting with constituents and hoping for a win at the ballot box for a record sixth time. No other Second District supervisor has served over two terms. Jacob won re-election outright in the primary with over 50% of the vote, defeating challenger Rudy Reyes, an archaeologist and Cedar Fire victim who championed fire safety issues. Jacob received 78%, while Reyes received 22%. Reyes has criticized Jacob for the County’s opposition to medical marijuana, including a lawsuit brought by Supervisors aimed at blocking sale of medical marijuana in San Diego. The worst burned victim in the Cedar Fire, named a hero by the Smithsonian Institute for his efforts to save his parents during the blaze, Reyes has also argued that the County needs stronger wildfire protection measures. Jacob, who was first elected in 1992, is known for spearheading the creation of the County Fire Authority after the 2003 wildfires. Over the last decade, the County has invested more than $230 million in better fire protection and now partners with CAL FIRE to keep 50 rural stations open 24/7, according to Jacob’s office. During Jacob’s tenure, the once cash-strapped County overhauled its budget and invited the private sector to compete with public employees to provide County services. While some have criticized the outsourcing of jobs, the County subsequently received a AAA credit rating and was named among the three top-managed counties in the nation by Governing magazine. Jacob has been a vocal critic of San Diego Gas and Electric and is fighting the utility’s proposal to charge ratepayers for the costs of the 2007 wildfires, which were caused by SDG&E infrastructure. For her efforts to expose corruption at the San Diego/Imperial Counties chapter of the American Red Cross, she was interview by the late CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace and appeared on television’s “60 Minutes” in 2002. In 2008, Jacob was sued by a company owned by billionaire real estate investor Sam Zell, the largest mobile home landlord in the United States, for statements she made that were critical of Zell’s business practices. Courts have repeatedly dismissed the suit. Jacob is a former elementary school teacher. She spent 17 years as a board member of the Jamul-Dulzura Union School District, ten years on the board of the California School Boards Association and four years as a member of the San Diego County Planning Commission.
WEDNESDAY’S WEATHER
June 13, 2012 (San Diego) – Looking for relief from coastal June gloom? Sunny skies are forecast inland, says Your Online Weather forecaster Gary Kelley.