REMEMBERING DAD: GRAVESIDE AND AT ROADSIDE MEMORIALS
By Rebecca J. Williamson June 15, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) — Buying a round of golf for dear old dad at Carlton Oaks Golf Course for Father’s Day is not an option for many in the East County. Not even buying a tie, cologne, or brunch at Barona or Viejas casinos. The stark reality for many, young and old alike, is that their father has already passed away. What remains are memories, photos, belongings, and a graveside. But your father’s grave can be a place to visit and reflect on good memories, to work toward coming to peace with family histories, and to lay flowers to honor him. Particularly on Father’s Day. Yes, families are not only remembering dad with flowers at the graveside on Father’s Day but even at the roadside memorials where he might have passed. Flowers, balloons, and candles can be used as witnessed by the tributes to Junior Seau, a father of four, at his oceanfront house. Max Levy, of Allen’s Flowers & Plants with three stores –two in East County, recommended “a bouquet of wrapped flowers with chrysanthemums, lilies, and roses as options to choose from.” The El Cajon Cemetery on Dehesa, founded in 1902 by local families, has an endowed section and non-endowed section in their cemetery, and posts a sign of “no artificial flowers”— instead allowing fresh flowers, plants, and other items on the graves. A hodge-podge of policies exist nationwide on roadside memorials, but California currently allows roadside memorials if alcohol was involved. Think in terms of days for the shelf life of roadside memorials. Max pointed out that a customer picks up flowers from his store on a regular basis for a roadside memorial on La Cresta Highway. Check with the cemetery keepers in Alpine, Jamul, Campo, and even Singing Hills Memorial Park (to name a few) and all have varying policies about graveside flowers and if an urn is required. Historically sprigs of amaranth and ivy –symbols of immortality and brotherly love- have been used at funerals or on graves. But to personalize what your father might have wanted, think and remember what symbolized his life and or what he would have liked. Another stark, cold reality is theft of the flowers from the graves. This can happen, but what will remain is your knowledge that you did honor your father on Father’s Day. This you can carry in your heart always.
LA MESA NEIGHBORS HELP APPREHEND BURGLARS
Trio of Santee Residents arrested June 14, 2012 (Santee) – Yesterday morning at 10:46 a.m., several neighbors in the 8700 block of Van Horn Street in La Mesa saw three people pull up in a car and park. One exited the car and rang the doorbell of a residence in an apparent attempt to see if someone was home. When no one answered, the male walked around to the rear of house. Several neighbors who witnessed this called the La Mesa Police Department. Shortly after, and as the subjects in the vehicle began to flee the area, La Mesa Police Officers arrived and detained all three in the car. During the officers’ investigation, they found the male tried to force entry into the residence by prying a window screen off. However, he never gained entry. All three subjects were arrested. Suspect #1, Gray Bush, 21 years old, White male, from Santee Charge: 182 PC – Conspiracy Suspect #2, Chelsea Hill, 20 years old, White female, from Santee Charge: 182 PC – Conspiracy Suspect #3, Juvenile,16 years old, White male, from Santee Charges: 182 PC – Conspiracy 459 PC – Burglary “The La Mesa Police Department appreciates these witnesses coming forward and calling the police after they noticed the subjects acting suspicious. This is a great example of neighbors watching out for each other and working in cooperation with the La Mesa Police Department,” Police Chief Ed Aceves said.
AMERICAN TRIVIA: LADY LIBERTY
June 15, 2012 (San Diego) –San Diegans Richard Lederer and Caroline McCullagh are the proud parents of a bouncing baby book, American Trivia: What We All Should Know About U.S. History, Culture & Geography (Gibbs Smith Publisher, 2012). Over a span of a year, the co-authors will share with you their journey through American history. You can order inscribed and signed copies of the book by writing to richard.lederer@pobox.com. Lady Liberty The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States commemorating the alliance between the two nations during the Revolutionary War. The statue arrived in the United States aboard the French freighter Isere as 350 individual pieces packed in 214 crates. Lady Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886, designated as a National Monument in 1924, and restored for her centennial on July 4, 1986. The Statue of Liberty is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. A bronze plaque inside the base of Liberty displays the Emma Lazarus poem "The New Colossus," written in 1883, with its eternally luminous line: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free": Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. "Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me. I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" Sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi had modeled Liberty’s face on his mother’s. The copper skin is 3/32 inch thick and is supported by an iron framework designed by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, the engineer who later designed the Eiffel Tower. In 1876, Liberty’s original torch was the first part constructed. In 1984, it was replaced by a new copper torch covered in twenty-four karat gold leaf, which is lit by floodlights. With a height of more than 151 feet and a waist 35 feet thick, she may be the most massive woman in America. With her pedestal, the entire Statue of Liberty reaches 305 feet, which made her the tallest structure in the United States when she arrived.
READER’S EDITORIAL: WHY SMART METER OPT-OUTS SHOULD BE FREE
By Susan Brinchman June 15, 2012 (La Mesa)–It has been one month since the opt-out officially began for SDG&E customers. The beginning appeared "rocky", with misinformation and long waits on the phone reported by customers wishing to opt-out. People who decry smart meters are understandably upset with the costs, and this has led to many not wishing to opt-out. Those who don’t know why an opt-out might be desirable become very disinterested when they hear of the costs. It is important to know that an email has surfaced (through FOIA submitted by another party) from the CPUC to CA utility contacts that suggested fixing a penalty-type fee for opting out, in order to discourage people from opting out. PG&E reportedly conducted surveys to determine how many might opt-out if there was such a fee, at varying amounts. If free, 40% would opt-out. We do not have any numbers yet on how many SDG&E customers have opted out, though this info may be obtained shortly in the course of the upcoming CPUC opt-out proceedings or through media inquiry. I encourage you to call and ask. Informal inquiries would put the numbers in the many hundreds at the very least, and possibly in the thousands. The problem is that people don’t know that there is an opt-out, as SDG&E has not informed all customers, and the costs are prohibitive and outrageous, many feel. Lastly, most people don’t understand why an opt-out might be desirable, as there has not been any explanation from the company, and very little from local major media. Vermont’s state legislature just passed a law in the past month that allow all Vermont citizens to opt-out of smart meters for free (no cost, no fees). The state legislature circumvented the VT PUC, which was planning to charge fees. The wording of that bill and more about it is located at http://wakeupoptout.org/2012/05/s-214-text-as-passed-eliminates-opt-out-fee/. Meanwhile, on a personal note, I have opted out and pay my opt-out fees in a separate check, notated "paid under duress". Both gas and electric smart meters have been removed. One neighbor, next door, also opted out. The rest haven’t, but some are thinking about it. I have noticed improvements in being able to sleep better, less ringing in the ears, and reduction in headaches. I am able to be near the new analog meters outside without feeling ill. Inside, I am still unable to use the bedroom, though I can be in it (I still get much milder symptoms there, such as headache and tingling of scalp, as before, but far less) and testing is ongoing to determine why. One thing that has been measured is elevated "dirty electricity" (low frequency RF radiation) in that room, from an outside source (the wiring outside). Measurements of the RF surrounding the new meters have been somewhat inconclusive, but I can say that it appears no communications device is present, though one can be added "in the field" to the Elster meters, per the technical manual. I am still working on investigating this situation. SDG&E, in an email received May 29th, said, "In response to your recently sent letter, the electric meter set at your premise is an Elster AB1 analog Form 2S meter. This is the same analog meter type that was used for the majority of our residential meter population for many years. The meter installed at your premise is an analog meter without any kind of communication device or solid state electronics." The smart grid mesh network is still definitely present, which means exposure to second-hand RF radiation from neighboring smart meters and wireless infrastructure. SDG&E has not come out to check on the RF and dirty electricity I am measuring, though asked to do so. People have contacted me to measure their analogs. What I can say is that if they have a GE I70 or ABB electromechanical meter, these show no possibility of having a communications device, per my research. The Elster brands could, but you could see it, as I understand now, it would be a large white device in the lower portion, easily visible through the glass, with a black antenna along the right hand side. When I look through mine, all I see are electromechanical gears. I cannot measure the RF for people, there are many factors (and too many people to do this for), and my equipment is not sufficient. I also do not recommend hiring anyone to measure without a thorough licensing and background check, BTW. The Center for Electrosmog Prevention (CEP) is continuing to participate in the second phase of the CPUC opt-out proceedings which consider costs (fees, rates), and whether entire communities (like towns, cities, counties) or multi-family units (like apts, condos, etc) can opt-out as a whole. We are represented by an attorney and will continue to file comments and other advisements, and attend meetings, workshops, and hearings. There will be public participation meetings in four places (TBD) in CA re: these issues. We have demanded that health be considered and this has, thus far, been denied by the CPUC (see the transcript at http://www.electrosmogprevention.org/stop-ca-smart-meter-news/cpuc-holds-opt-out-prehearing-conference-51612/. We feel that legal suits and legislative action will likely be necessary to move the issue along, as the CPUC is clearly on the side of the utilities and appears to be doing everything possible to delay and not address the public health emergency related to smart meters that physicians, scientists, and health experts are directly warning about. This is not a surprise, given that the head CPUC commissioner, Michael Peevey, is a former Edison Vice President, and that many key CPUC staff and judges previously worked for the utilities. In Kaua’i, very recently, a federal lawsuit was settled re: smart meter opt-outs such that the utility, a co-op, agreed not to install smart meters without the owners’ permission, and that it would be free – thus, only as an opt-in. So yes, it is good that there is an opt-out, as a first step. That is progress of sorts – for those who know enough and can afford it. Making all opt-outs free, with free opt-outs for entire communities and multi-family housing is needed as
“BE A SPORT” WESTFIELD FAMILY FUN DAY JUNE 18
June 15, 2012 (Escondido) – Westfield North County hosts “Be A Sport” Family Fun Day on June 18 at 272 East Via Rancho Parkway, Escondido on Level 1 at Center Court. The event will include Little Kids and Big Kids activities. From 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. the Little Kids (age 2-5) will hear “Madlenka Soccer Star” by Peter Sis, a story about a cosmopolitan girl who gets everyone in the neighborhood wanting to play soccer and “Froggy Plays Soccer” by Jonathan London. Afterwards they will have the opportunity to decorate t-shirts with sporty designs and enjoy a snack. The Big Kids (age 6-12) will design useful gifts for their dad in which they will incorporate designs that go with the “Be A Sport” theme from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Abrakadoodle will be there showcasing and art project as well. Visit http://www.westfield.com/us/wfamily/fundays/ for more information.
AS SUMMER HEATS UP, SIGN UP FOR POWER GRID FLEX ALERTS
ISO asks media partners to promote electricity conservation, especially in Southern CA June 15, 2012 (Folsom) — The California Independent System Operator Corporation (ISO) is making it easier for media and the public to track power grid conditions and conserve electricity, if necessary. The real-time information is just a click away thanks to new web tools on the ISO homepage: http://www.caiso.com. Putting the information to use is important this summer as the grid operator enlists media to help urge electricity conservation should grid conditions arise that strain the system in Southern California. The region is at risk of local reliability issues as a result of the extended outage at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station—the area’s largest power supplier. Conservation may be critical in portions of the LA basin, southern Orange County and San Diego County. “Thanks to a collaborative effort to fast-track mitigation measures, the industry is in the best possible position to face the summer as long as customers do their part to conserve during high demand periods,” said ISO President and CEO Steve Berberich. “When the ISO issues a Flex Alert, it is essential that you reduce power to make sure that we can maintain reliable power for everyone. Listen to local newscasts and media will tell you when and where we need the targeted conservation efforts.” Media and the public can receive Flex Alerts and other ISO news by following us on Twitter or sign up for Flex Alert bulletins and other ISO news releases by using our RSS news feed or the new Notify Me sign up button. Funded by the investor-owned utilities and authorized by the California Public Utilities Commission, the Flex Alert educational and alert campaign includes on-air commercials as well as outreach to ethnic media outlets and community-based organizations. Radio ads are currently airing in Los Angeles and San Diego. Television ads begin broadcasting June 18. Go to the Flex Alert website or ISO grid status page for more information. In addition to reactivating Flex Alerts, the ISO outlined last March key elements of an urgent contingency plan to help offset the San Onofre outage. Nearly every piece of the action plan is now in place thanks to help from the Governor’s Office, local utilities and state and federal agencies. The plan included the restart of Huntington Beach units 3 and 4, which occurred on May 11. The units are now available to generate 440 MW of capacity for the LA Basin and enable 350 MW of additional imported power to transfer into San Diego. Another component included the now completed 230 kilovolt (kV) Barre-Ellis transmission project as well as the Sunrise Powerlink 500 kV project, which is expected to begin commercial operation soon. These important transmission upgrades will allow the ISO to move additional imported power into the region. Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric both launched new demand response programs for the summer. While participation is voluntary even up to the time it is called, the electricity reduction by both residential and business customers will also help maintain reliability during peak demand periods.
BLOCK’S BILL TO REDUCE CAMPUS TENSIONS DURING STUDENT DEMONSTRATIONS PASSES SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE
June 15, 2012 (Sacramento)—A measure requiring California State University (CSU) Trustees to designate a senior administrator as a liaison between protesting students and campus officials to improve safety and communication Wednesday won Senate Education Committee approval on a six to zero vote. AB 1955, authored by local Assemblyman Marty Block (AD 78)) also requests the University of California (UC) to name a liaison when protests occur on those campuses. The UC system is constitutionally exempt from the same legislative oversight authority as the CSU system. “AB 1955 recognizes the delicate balance between the exercise of the First Amendment rights of students and the obligation of campus police to maintain a safe and orderly environment,” Block said. “During campus protests when tensions escalate between student demonstrators and campus police, a designated faculty or staff liaison can help to facilitate communication and mediate points of contention thereby reducing the likelihood of violent confrontation.” Block noted that AB 1955 was drafted in response to recommendations made in reports that included: Reynoso Task Force Report conducted at the request of UC President Mark Yudof and charged with reviewing the UC Davis pepper spray incident which occurred on Nov. 16, 2011. Robinson-Edley Report initiated by Yudof to review campus administrative and police policies across the UC system and look at practices on other campuses nationwide. An Independent Review of an Unusual Occurrence at the California State University Board of Trustees Meeting, November 16, 2011 conducted at the request of CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed following disruption at a Board of Trustees meeting in Long Beach. Links to responses to the reports and additional background information may be found on the Assembly Higher Education Committee web site (May 15, 2012 agenda) at http://ahed.assembly.ca.gov/committeehearingschedule. Assemblymember Marty Block represents the cities and communities of Bonita, Chula Vista, Lemon Grove, San Diego and Spring Valley. Web site: www.asmdc.org/block
LDS HONOR EAST COUNTY TEACHER
By Troy Hartpence June 15, 2012 (Santee) — A West Hills High School math teacher has been honored with a “Crystal Apple Award” from the seminary students of the Santee Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. John Berray, who has been teaching mathematics at West Hills for 17 years was chosen by LDS students in Santee and Lakeside that attend “seminary,” (bible study) at 6:00 a.m. everyday prior to their high school classes. Nominated are teachers that exemplify dedication to quality teaching and whom uphold and encourage students’ moral values and high ethical standards. Mr. Berray who was honored Sunday, June 10 at seminary graduation attended with his wife. Michael Hagues, a student in Mr. Berray’s class, shared a few words he wrote in his nomination. Hagues noted how Berray patiently teaches, doesn’t ever get upset, teaches life lessons, and even greets and welcomes students at the door to his classroom. Mr. Berray said, “I feel honored to be chosen for this award. I’m glad to know that many students find my class rewarding. I have the rich opportunity everyday to be the catalyst for learning in a group of talented young people. Getting recognition for such an already gratifying position is sublime” Santee Stake President Richard Larson presented a clear apple-shaped trophy and certificate on behalf of the seminary students.
JUNE BLOOM SEASON AT KEYS CREEK LAVENDER FARM
June 15, 2012 (Valley Center) – The lavender is still blooming at Keys Creek Lavender Farm, 12460 Keys Creek Road, Valley Center. The farm is offering free walking tours every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through the end of June. The tours start at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The Tea House is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for a casual lavender tea and scone on the Tea House verandah. The farm and farm store are open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Visit https://www.keyscreeklavenderfarm.com/ for more information.
BASKET WEAVING AT MISSION TRAILS PARK JUNE 23
June 15, 2012 (San Diego) – A Kumeyaay instructor from Baja California will teach how to make an authentic willow basket at the Kumeyaay Lake Campground, 2 Father Junipero Serra Trail San Diego on June 23. The baskets will be smaller copies of the large willow granaries that were historically woven to store each family’s annual crop of acorns. The class will run from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and the cost is $25. To pre-register for the class (required) email hgutknecht@mtrp.org.