BREAST CANCER WALK AT LAKE MURRAY OCTOBER 28
October 18, 2012 (La Mesa) – The Debbie Berton Walk to end breast cancer will be October 28 from noon to 2:30 p.m. at Lake Murray, 5540 Kiowa Drive, La Mesa. The public is welcome to participate in this community event. The walk is a relaxed 1.5 miles starting from the baseball fields at Lake Murray. Admission is not required, but with a minimum $20 tax deductible advance donation a T-shirt is provided. Two additional registration levels are also available. Register online at www.TheDebbieBertonWalk.com by midnight October 25. Walk-in registrations and donations are welcome the day of the event. Attendees will be treated to free food, drinks, music and children’s activities. Many prizes will be available at an opportunity drawing. For just $1 enter to win a pink cruiser bike, pink guitar or emerald and sapphire pendants. Plus many more prizes. All Debbie Berton Walk donations go to Komen for the Cure San Diego which keeps 75 percent of every dollar raised in San Diego to help qualified uninsured women with mammograms, chemotherapy, biopsies, meal delivery, child care and more. The other 25 percent goes to international research.
PRACTICING THE PRESENT AT BIZ CENTER ART BEGINNING OCTOBER 20
October 18, 2012 (La Mesa) – Biz Center Art, located in the La Mesa Biz Center presents Practicing the Present October 20 through January 2. The opening receptions will be October 20 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. The show will look at all aspects of the present. Biz Center Art gallery manager Midge Hyde said, “This show runs from Fall 2012 into the new year. I just thought it was a good time to look at where we are as artists, people and members of this community.” The festivities will include music, food and a chance to speak with artists about their work. Visitors will also take part in choosing the Audience Choice Winner which will adorn the entrance to the La Mesa Biz Center. Biz Center Art is located at 7317 El Cajon Blvd., La Mesa.
BREW HA HA COMEDY PRESENTS FRIDAY NIGHTS AT MESA GRILL IN HOLIDAY INN, LA MESA
October 18, 2012 (La Mesa) – Brew Ha Ha announces comedy performances on Friday nights at the Mesa Grill, Holiday Inn La Mesa. The program debuts October 19 with comics from NBC’s Friday night, the Latino Laugh Festival and Comedy Central’s Danny Villalpando as well as the “Amazing” Al Gavi. Shows are described as “family friendly” though age 16 and up is preferred. There is a $10 cover charge, which is refunded back with purchase of menu item(s). The Mesa Grill, a restaurant with full bar, will feature a special $10 menu item for the show. Mesa Grill is located at the Holiday Inn, 8000 Parkway Drive in La Mesa. Showtime is 7 to 8:30 p.m. Arrive early for happy hour prices from 5-6:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Call 619-922-9057 or email brewhaha2010@hotmail.com. For more information, visit: www.brewhahaentertainment.com
TIJUANA INNOVADORA 2012 OPENS UP THE WORLD TO BAJA CALIFORNIA
By Dennis Moore Kyocera, TurboTec, and String Quartet photos by Eric Ragin October 18, 2012 (Tijuana)–As an American living in Tijuana, I have a unique perspective and vantage point on Tijuana Innovadora 2012, the 10-day showcase of business technology and culture in Tijuana, Mexico, that opened October 11, 2012 and ends on October 21, 2012. The eyes of the world will once more turn to Tijuana, truly a mosaic of Mexico, and discover what creativity and courage has led them to create. There’s no doubt, they are bound for greatness. A group of businessmen and citizens strongly committed to Tijuana began to plan an event three years ago that would eventually change the image of their city, which had been pummeled by several years of bad news. That is how Tijuana Innovadora was born, as an emphatic message of locals and foreigners alike that the city’s residents were skilled, creative and driven. And that their contributions in science, education, art and technology were benefitting people the world over. Former United States Vice President Al Gore was a keynote speaker at this inaugural event in 2010. Many major companies and corporations headquartered in other countries, such as Kyocera, Nissan, Toyota and Caterpillar (TurboTec), were on display in an exhibit area at Tijuana Innovadora 2012. Kyocera, having a plant in Mexico for many years, has stated as its Management Rationale: “To provide opportunities for the material and intellectual growth of all our employees, and through our joint efforts, contribute to the advancement of society and humankind.” In my interview with Jay Scovie, Director of Corporate Communications and Education for Kyocera, as well as Carmen Hernandez and Salvador Loera at this event, I got the impression that Kyocera stands behind that management rationale. I have gotten to see firsthand this transformation of Tijuana and its maligned citizens, that were often pummeled in the press, to this city now of technological innovation and promise. Tijuana Innovadora 2012 promises to make the world aware of the business and economic development of this sleeping giant. And, being situated just south of the border from San Diego, the entire region benefits. These are exciting times for Mexico, and particularly Tijuana. Of course, everyone should know by now that Mexico won the gold medal in soccer recently at the Olympics. While giving a keynote speech at Tijuana Innovadora 2012, President Felipe Calderon announced that next year Tijuana will become the first city in Mexico to make the switch to digital television. It certainly helped in the selection process of Tijuana being the pilot city by its close proximity to the United States, said Calderon, with the rest of Mexico to follow suit for this ambitious technological program by the end of 2015. San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, who was an honored guest at the ribbon cutting and opening ceremony of Tijuana Innovadora 2012, had this to say about this prestigious event: “On behalf of the citizens of San Diego, it is with great pleasure that I welcome everyone in attendance at Tijuana Innovadora 2012. Over the past several years Tijuana has continued to grow to become the vibrant and exciting city that it is today. With the decline in crime and violence the City of Tijuana has been able to prosper like never before. Tijuana Innovadora provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate Tijuana’s exceptional growth and potential to the world. This year’s conference will feature leading thinkers from Mexico, the United States, and other countries, but most importantly it will showcase Tijuana as the center of technology and culture that it has become. Tijuana Innovadora will focus on the Tijuana- San Diego region as a hub to world-leading innovation. Although we are separated by a border, San Diego and Tijuana have also been able to expand our relationship in recent years to become what we refer to as ‘two cities, one region.’ We have every reason to believe that this economic region will continue to grow and become more economically competitive every day. Please accept my best wishes for a successful and memorable event.” Several years ago I wrote an article for the Baja Times Newspaper in Rosarito Beach, Mexico called Accentuate the Positive in defense of the negative portrayal of Baja California, and specifically Tijuana and Rosarito Beach. At a panel discussion during Tijuana Innovadora 2012, the editor of the U-T san Diego Newspaper, Jeff Light, acknowledged that Tijuana does indeed get an unfair portrayal in the media compared to other cities. Light and the other media panelists indicated that events like Tijuana Innovadora 2012 that highlight what the city has to offer, could go a long way towards removing those negative images. Prime examples of that were the String Quartet performance and the event put on by the local chefs, as was as the modeling event with 75 models on display from both sides of the border. “People’s perception of cities and places that they have never been to, these are all stereotypes,” Light said at this event. “What we are up against is changing these stereotypes,” further stated Light. It looks light Tijuana Innovadora 2012 has effectively done just that. I recall quite vividly the Tijuana of several years ago, when I was a resident here, and the incoming President at the time was faced with rampant violence and corruption. I also recall quite humorously walking across the border to San Diego, and seeing the many Mexican police officers with slingshots in their holsters, instead of their guns, as the new President at the time, Felipe Calderon, had the guns of the police officers confiscated to do ballistics tests on. I certainly realize now, that sometimes tough times and situations, requires tough measures. We, and I say we, because I was a part of that “we” in Tijuana, have come a long way from those turbulent times, and I am so proud to see this Renaissance in a city that truly deserves it. Tijuana is preparing its citizens to handle the challenges of
ECM WORLD WATCH: GLOBAL AND NATIONAL NEWS
October 18, 2012 — (San Diego’s East County) – ECM World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflecting all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include: U.S. Fresh signs of U.S. housing recovery (BBC) This is the biggest economic story in the world ( Business Insider) Man arrested after plotting federal reserve bomb, authorities say (CNN) Women’s issues move to forefront after debate (Washington Post) Romney’s missteps on Libya may hurt criticism of Obama foreign policy (Washington Post) Obama edges Romney in second debate: Poll (CBS) Conservatives assail debate moderator Crowley (CBS) WORLD Report: Syria using widely banned cluster bombs (Christian Science Monitor) Israel parliament to hold new election (UT San Diego) Russia moves to prosecute leader of protests (Reuters) Thousands of British troops to leave Afghanistan in 2013 (Reuters) Thousands march in Spain to protest austerity (UT San Diego) French president proposes banning homework (ABC News) Firefox 16: latest upgrade taken offline due to security (BBC) Read more for excerpts and links to full stories. U.S. Fresh signs of U.S. housing recovery (BBC) October 17, 2012 — New homes were started at the fastest rate since July 2008 in September, official figures show. The Commerce Department said single family homes and apartments were started at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 872,000 in September, which was up 15% from the previous month. But it is still well below the 1.5 million seen as healthy pre-recession. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19979440 This is the biggest economic story in the world ( Business Insider) October 17, 2012 — This is really the big story of the moment: The full-on comeback in everything related to consumers and households. Let’s just break it down really fast. http://www.businessinsider.com/consumer-comeback-2012-10#ixzz29aFWa69i Man arrested after plotting federal reserve bomb, authorities say (CNN) October 18, 2012 — Federal authorities running a sting operation arrested a 21-year-old Bangladeshi man, who came to the U.S. on a student visa and was allegedly planning to blow up the Federal Reserve Bank of New York with what he believed was a 1,000-pound bomb, officials said. Quazi Mohammad Rezwanul Ahsan Nafis was detained Wednesday after an alleged attempt to detonate the device, which was inert and part of an elaborate investigation by federal authorities and NYPD detectives. http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/17/justice/new-york-federal-reserve-terror-plot/index.html?hpt=hp_t1 Women’s issues move to forefront after debate (Washington Post) October 17, 2012 — Republican nominee Mitt Romney’s awkward comment during the second presidential debate that he had received “binders full of women” as Massachusetts governor when he requested more female job candidates went fully viral Wednesday, drawing snickers from voters but also fueling a broader fight between the two campaigns over the key support of women. Romney’s remark was just a sliver of the discussion Tuesday night about issues relevant to women, with the candidates tussling over subjects such as contraception and unequal pay. The battle escalated on Wednesday, as President Obama worked to reclaim his advantage among women — and as the Romney campaign returned to its core argument that the Republican is better suited to manage women’s top concern, the economy. http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/womens-issues-help-shape-presidential-debate/2012/10/17/8a66f738-184c-11e2-9855-71f2b202721b_story.html?hpid=z1 Romney’s missteps on Libya may hurt criticism of Obama foreign policy (Washington Post) October 17, 2012 — A series of missteps by Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney in criticizing President Obama’s account of the Sept. 11 attack on a U.S. diplomatic post in Benghazi, Libya, might make it harder for him to continue using the incident as the heart of his wider complaint about the incumbent’s foreign policy record. Romney has seized on the coordinated attack, which killed Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and three other Americans, to back his contention that Obama has weakened the United States’ presence in the world and overseen an intentional diminution of American influence abroad. http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/romney-missteps-on-libya-may-hurt-bid-to-bash-obama-on-foreign-policy/2012/10/17/83bb5b00-1869-11e2-a55c-39408fbe6a4b_story.html?hpid=z2 Obama edges Romney in second debate: Poll (CBS) October 16, 2012 — President Obama edged Mitt Romney for a win in the second presidential debate Tuesday night, 37 percent of uncommitted voters said in a CBS News instant poll. Moments following the debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y., 37 percent of voters polled said the president won, 30 percent awarded the victory to Romney, and 33 percent called it a tie. After some particularly animated exchanges between the two candidates, 55 percent of voters said Mr. Obama gave direct answers, but 49 percent also said that about Romney. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57533850/poll-obama-edges-romney-in-second-debate/?tag=fdleft;fdmodule Conservatives assail debate moderator Crowley (CBS) October 17, 2012 — Moderator Candy Crowley is facing criticism over her performance in the second presidential debate, with conservatives alleging that she sided with President Obama and one group even calling on her to be fired. “Crowley’s behavior goes beyond despicable as it was a blatant attempt to influence the presidential election,” Americans for Limited Government said in a statement Wednesday. “If CNN wants to maintain any shred of credibility as a ‘news’ organization, they should fire Crowley immediately for her gross violation of whatever remains of journalistic standards.” http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57534438/conservatives-assail-debate-moderator-candy-crowley/?tag=contentAux;mostPopular WORLD Report: Syria using widely banned cluster bombs (Christian Science Monitor) October 14, 2012 — An international human rights group said Sunday it has obtained new evidence that Syrian troops are using cluster bombs – widely banned munitions that pose a grave risk to civilians because they burst into bomblets over large areas and often linger on the ground, detonating only when touched. Steve Goose of US-based Human Right Watch said cluster bombs “have been comprehensively banned by most nations, and Syria should immediately stop all use of these indiscriminate weapons that continue to kill and maim for years.” HRW had previously reported cluster bomb remnants found in Homs and nearby Hama this summer. http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Latest-News-Wires/2012/1014/Report-Syria-using-widely-banned-cluster-bombs?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+feeds%2Fworld+%28Christian+Science+Monitor+|+World%29 Israel parliament to hold new election (UT San Diego) October 15, 2012 — Israel officially opened its election season on Monday as parliament prepared to dissolve itself and schedule a vote for January, plunging the country into a vicious, three-month political campaign. Israeli leaders launched harsh attacks on one another during a parliamentary debate that
HELP NEEDED FOR SHOCKEY FIRE VICTIMS AS WINTER APPROACHES
Fundraiser a success, but more help is needed: “wish list” provided for families who lost homes By Miriam Raftery October 17, 2012 (Jacumba/Boulevard)—Ray Ritter, 2, and his parents are among nine families who lost everything in the Shockey Fire last month. The home they were renting burned to the ground and they had no insurance. But that’s just the latest in a string of tragedies for the Ritters. “Dad died September 14,” Monica Ritter told ECM. “His memorial service was Sept. 20 and on the 21st, our house burned down.” ECM met the Ritter family at a fundraiser for Shockey Fire victims held last Friday at the Jacumba community center, where firefighters and community members turned out to raise $1,378.59. The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation had already given over $3500 to the families during recovery after the fire—but now fire victims need additional help to rebuild their lives as the cold season draws near. Ritter, who is disabled, was able to get her family and their dogs to safety, along with her most important possession: her mother’s ashes. Everything else was destroyed. The family learned from a reporter that their home had burned after evacuating to Golden Acorn Casino, where Ritter’s husband works. “We need to have money. We bought a fifth wheeler, but it needs a lot of work to be ready for winter up here,” Ritter told ECM. “We need dto get power to our property and get the fifth wheel fixed up so we can move in.” Still, she is grateful her family is safe. “We’ve practiced evacuating, so he knew what to do,” she says of her young son, Ray. He misses his toys and most of all, one special item. “I want to get my dirt bike back,” Ray told ECM. His Kazuma quad was lost to the flames. The family also lost their rooster, but saved some hens. Lorrie Ostrander organized the fundraiser and has been lending a hand to her neighbors in need. “There were three families with children who lost everything, and knowing that Christmas is around the corner I am in hopes that others who want to still donate will help bring happiness to the families,” she wrote in an e-amil to ECM. She provided a wish list written by one mother and her son: The fire took everything and I am needing a shower curtain with a rod, towels, sheets, pillows, window curtains, photo album, alarm clock, hangers, and bubble bath. My son, Michael, lost all of his sports equipment, football, baseball bat, glove and ball, and a basketball. I am trying to put our life back together and a smile on his face. Other families include a mother and her 10-year-old daughter. A total of 9 families lost everything. “I am sure that they, too, are in the need of household items and toys,” said Ostrander, adding that blankets, kitchen and bath items and other necessities are needed by those who lost homes. (Clothes are not needed at this time.) One elderly resident, over age 80, is now living in a 20 to 30 foot trailer after losing a home, Ostrander said. Some survivors had nothing but tents after the blaze roared through their quiet rural community. “We will be there for these families, now and in six months or a year,” assured Peggy Joh, a volunteer with the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation. The Foundation got involved as part of the National Voluntary Organization Active in Disasters’ San Diego chapter. The Buddhist group has helped survivors during the 2003 and 2007 wildfires. At first they provide emergency funds and later, help families to relocate and start over. “If someone can’t pay for deposits for a rental home, a lot of times we can pay for that,” Joh said. At the fundraiser, volunteers from Buddhist Tzu Chi led the crowd in songs. People came from across East County and beyond. “We still have food for them at the Campo Community Center,” Julie Atherton told ECM. “We’ll take furniture,” she added, for any who have furnishings to donate. Ostrander expressed gratitude to all who have helped. “It was a wonderful turnout,” she said. “Our thanks go out to Peggy John and her volunteers a the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation. She cited numerous organizations that assisted. Those include Kiwanis clubs in Campo, Crest and Alpine, CERT members and instructors, California Border Patrol, Jacumba/Boulevard Fire Stations, the Real Estate County Fire Safe Council, Jacumba Seniors, Jacumba Methodist Church, Jacumba Women’s Club, and others. Robert Ring of Albertson’s in Alpine cooked up a tri-tip and chicken dinner. Others who helped with the event include Jacumba Womens Club, Jacumba Lounge, Manzanita Diner, Descanso Junction Restaurant, and many volunteers. Donations can be sent to Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, San Diego Service Center, 6727 Flanders Dr. Suite 102, San Diego, CA. 92121 (write Shockey Fire on the bottom of the check); (858) 546-0578. For questions or to offer additional assistance, contact Lorrie Ostrander at marko159@att.net.
CHALDEAN ELECTIONS: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY
October 18, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The editor of the Chaldean Times in Detroit, Michigan has asked that we provide a link to their recent articles on elections in which Chaldean candidates were running for office. El Cajon has the second highest population of Iraqi Chaldean Christians in the U.S., after Detroit. With local Chaldean candidates on the ballot in El Cajon, the experiences of Chaldeans seeking public office in Michigan has relevance to many local readers. To view “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” as well as a story on how racism may have played a role in a prominent Chaldean candidate’s race, click here.
NEW SEMINAR SERIES OFFERS MARKETING ASSISTANCE TO SAN DIEGO BUSINESS OWNERS
October 18, 2012(San Diego) — A six-part marketing seminar series directed at micro, small and mid-size business owners/managers. The first class was a sell-out, prompting the opening of a second session on developing a marketing plan on October 25th. “This is the time of year when business owners and managers should be reviewing the successes and challenges of the past year and putting together a marketing plan for 2013 so they can hit the ground running come January 2nd,” says Rama Beerfas, Chief Solutions Specialist at Lev Promotions and seminar presenter. Rama Beerfas, Lev Promotions’ Chief Solutions Specialist and Seminar Presenter The six classes in the series were developed based on input from small business owners and sales people looking for marketing assistance. Each class focuses on a specific aspect of marketing and will give attendees the tools they need to implement solutions to those challenges on their own or to better understand what is involved if they are seeking to outsource their needs. “We adapted workshops and seminars that we normally present to businesses and groups so that we could offer them to San Diego’s small business community at an affordable cost.” Early bird registration is $79/class and ($99 one week prior and at the door) with multiple class discounts available. The seminar series, presented by Lev Promotions, will be held on the premises of National University Spectrum Center in the Kearny Mesa area. For more information on dates, classes and registration go to http://tinyurl.com/lpmarketingseminar or call (619) 697-2045 or e-mail info@levpromotions.com. Lev Promotions is a marketing solutions company that creates effective, targeted promotional programs; offers marketing consulting services and marketing presentations, seminars and workshops. For more information please call (619) 697-2045, e-mail info@levpromotions.com, or visit www.levpromotions.com.
ARMED SUSPECT APPREHENDED IN SPRING VALLEY
October 18, 2012 (Spring Valley) – A suspect is in custody after a violent incident at 8866 Lamar in Spring Valley yesterday morning. IPN reports that an armed man in a vehicle rammed another vehicle, sparking an incident in which medics were requested. Heartland Fire also responded; a Heartland dispatcher confirms that “there was not an actual fire, just smoke from an apparatus that he had.”
FIRE WEATHER WARNING
October 18, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather service has issued a hazardous weather statement for our region. Elevated fire weather conditions are forecast for the next week due to hot, dry conditions in the mountains and gusty northeast to east winds in deserts and foothills. The most severe conditions are expected Thursday. Yesterday, record high temperatures were set in El Cajon (102), Ramona (98) and Escondido (100).