CHURCH FROM RANCHO SAN DIEGO PACKAGES 3,200 MEALS FOR THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
August 21, 2012 (Rancho San Diego) — Church members from the Gathering @RSD packaged 3,200 meals to be sent to needy children and their families in the Dominican Republic. The church raised the money through collecting extra change. The effort was coordinated through the organization, Children of the Nations, which reach out to children in need in Africa and the Caribbean. These nutritionally balanced, ready-to-cook meals consist of protein-packed lentils, spices (dehydrated vegetables), chicken (vitamin-enriched chicken-flavored vegan protein powder), and rice. The meal packs, sealed in industrial-grade plastic bags, are waterproof and have a shelf life of seven years.
AFRICANIZED ‘KILLER’ BEES STILL ACTIVE IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY
By Derek Roach August 21, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)–The colonization of Africanized Honey Bees in San Diego County was confirmed in 1994 and has since caused multiple fatal attacks in Southern California. Feral honeybees in urban areas of San Diego County have been determined to be predominately Africanized by biologists who test the genetic makeup of local bees. Africanized “Killer” Bees are indistinguishable in appearance from their cousins, European honeybees. Where these two types of bees differ is in behavioral characteristics. The slightest motions or vibrations can provoke Africanized bees causing them to attack. AHBs are much more aggressive during attacks and will pursue victims in a larger group for further distances. While a European hive may only sting a person 10 times when disturbed, an Africanized hive may deliver up to 1000 stings. However, contrary to their infamous alias – “killer” bee – this insect’s venom potency is comparable to other bees. Beekeepers are taking precaution with their hives that demonstrate aggressive behavior by replacing the queen bee with a more docile queen. The process is called “requeening” and allows for the new offspring to be free from the Africanized gene and for the current aggressive worker bees to die off within a few weeks or months. Other beekeepers take zero risk of raising an Africanized colony and killing off the entire aggressive colony. Africanized bees are a hybrid mix of African & European bees that developed after a group of African Bees were accidentally released from an apiary in Brazil. Although killer bees are feared by most, it is the preferred type of bee for beekeepers in Central America and tropical areas in South America because of their enhanced productivity. The bees traveled north rapidly after their escape from Brazil in 1957, reaching Texas by approximately 1990. At one point Africanized bees were moving north at a rate of 100-300 miles per year and found as far north in California as Tulare County and Santa Barbara, but since 2005 northward migration has stopped. Biologists in San Diego County continue to find Africanized beehives each year. It is recommended to treat all bees as Africanized to prevent encountering an aggressive hive and have a bee control professional remove any unwanted hives from properties. Swarms or new hives that have invaded roof eaves or other enclosed area will not show signs of aggressive behavior for a few weeks. Once honeycomb has been established, the bees become more protective and easily agitated. Here is an informational graphic that illustrates the migration and behavior of Africanized bees. Derek Roach is a local bee control professional. He can be reached at derek@propacificbee.com or 760-480-4844 for questions or more information on Africanized Bees. His website is http://www.propacificbee.com/
VICTIMS IN FATAL ALPINE CRASH IDENTIFIED
August 21, 2012 (Alpine) – The San Diego Medical Examiner’s office has released the names of two men who died of injuries sustained in an accident on I-8 in Alpine on August 16. Michael Claude Roe, 45, was driving westbound when the pickup veered off the road and hit a tree, then overturned, pinning him inside. He resided in Lakeside with his son. His passenger was Steven Boyd Bossenbroek, 49, who has lived in La Mesa, Patch.com reported. Both were pronounced dead at the scene without resuscitation due to their serious injuries.
SECOND WOMAN DIES AFTER BEING STRUCK BY VAN IN LA MESA
August 21, 2012 (La Mesa) – Two elderly women struck by a Chevrolet Express van while crossing Calle Verde in La Mesa on August 13 have died of their traumatic injuries. Jean Gastelum, 77, passed away on August 16 at Sharp Memorial Hospital. Her friend, Dorothy Stephens, 83, was pronounced dead at the scene before a medical helicopter arrived. Both women were residents of La Mesa. The driver has told authorities that he could not see the women, who were in a crosswalk, because the sun was in his eyes. California Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
BLOCK WILL LEAD ASSEMBLY WATCHDOG COMMITTEE
August 21, 2012 (Sacramento) –Assemblymember Marty Block (AD-78) issued the following statement on being named as Chair of the Assembly Accountability and Administrative Review Committee: “In the wake of the scandals involving state parks and other examples of waste, fraud and abuse, I take my new role as Chair of the Assembly Accountability and Administrative Review Committee very seriously. In the coming days, I will meet with Speaker John Perez to determine the scope of our investigations. I plan to hit the ground running. “During my tenure as Chair of the Higher Education Committee, we conducted 12 investigative hearings on issues critical to California students. We investigated diploma mills, the University of California, Davis pepper spray incident, bigotry on college campuses, gaps in campus support to our veterans and other areas of concern. In recognition of these efforts, the Speaker has now named me to lead the Assembly’s principal watchdog committee. “I look forward to my new role in ensuring that the Legislature conducts needed oversight of state government and acts as true stewards of the public trust.” Assemblymember Marty Block proudly represents the cities and communities of Bonita, Chula Vista, Lemon Grove, San Diego and Spring Valley. Web site: http://www.asmdc.org/block
EL CAJON CITY COUNCIL SUPPORTS WAR AGAINST “BATH SALTS” AND OTHER SYNTHETIC DRUGS
August 21, 2012 (El Cajon) –At last week’s El Cajon City Council meeting, the Council voted unanimously to support El Cajon Police Chief Jim Redman’s request for authorization to mail letters to local retailers asking them to voluntarily decline to sell psychoactive synthetic drugs, the most common of which are known as “bath salts,” which have intoxicating effects similar to cocaine and other stimulants, and “spice,” which have intoxicating effects similar to marijuana. Redman also asked the City Council to direct City staff to return as soon as reasonably possible with an ordinance finding that the distribution of synthetic drugs constitutes a public nuisance, and to provide for enforcement to abate such a public nuisance. Redman and the El Cajon City Manager Douglas Williford brought this request after Councilmembers Bill Wells and Gary Kendrick had previously expressed concerns with the increased availability of such synthetic drugs in the community. Both state and federal laws make it illegal to sell, distribute or possess synthetic drugs having chemical compositions similar to those found in these types of psychoactive cannabinoids and stimulants. However, the enforcement of these crimes against small distributors, such as convenience stores and locally-owned markets, is difficult where testing of the products could involve costly and time-consuming procedures. This difficulty in criminal enforcement led Redman and Williford to recommend civil enforcement against store owners and others who make the drugs available to the public, as a means of reducing accessibility in the City. Redman was joined by Mark Arabo, president and CEO of the Neighborhood Market Association, and Dana Stevens, a representative of Communities Against Substance Abuse (CASA), in support of the request. Ms. Stevens provided a Power Point presentation to the Council on the dangers of synthetic drugs. According to studies, in 2010, poison centers nationwide responded to about 3,200 calls related to "spice" and "bath salts.” In 2011, that figure jumped to more than 13,000. Effects of these drugs include impaired perception, reduced motor control, disorientation, extreme paranoia and violence. The long-term physical and psychological effects remain unknown. The City of El Cajon is working in partnership with CASA and the Neighborhood Market Association to address this important issue, with a goal of removing these dangerous substances from the community. It is expected that the City Attorney will bring a proposed ordinance to the City Council as early as September 25.
HAZARDOUS WEATHER FORECAST FOR MOUNTAINS AND DESERTS
August 21, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—Scattered thunderstorms and heavy rains are forecast for Tuesday through Sunday in San Diego County’s mountains and desert areas. Skywarn weather activation is requested for Tuesday. Flash flooding is also possible, with heaviest rainfall forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday. A drying trend is forecast to begin Thursday, with warming starting on Friday through Sunday.
FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN OUR MOUNTAINS UNTIL 8PM
FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FOR THE MOUNTAINS AND DESERTS OF SOUTHWEST CALIFORNIA FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING THROUGH 8 PM THIS EVENING… http://youronlineweather.com/coasts/ http://youronlineweather.com/valleys/ http://youronlineweather.com/mountains/ http://youronlineweather.com/deserts/