SAN DIEGO WRITEWAY CALENDAR: NOV. 3-8, 2012
November 3, 2012 (San Diego) — For complete Calendar, go to www.SDWriteWay.org For Readers NOVEMBER November 5 (Monday, 7:30 pm) — Warwick’s will host Fellow of National Security at the Pacific Council on International Policy, Michael Keane, who will discuss and sign his book Patton: Blood, Guts, and Prayer. This event is free and open to the public. In order to be signed the author’s most current book must be purchased from Warwick’s. Background: In Patton: Blood, Guts and Prayer, author Michael Keane takes readers on a journey through Patton’s career in three parts: his military prowess, his inspirational bravery, and his faith. Known more for his profanity than his prayers, Patton is one of few books to shed light on a little-known facet of Patton’s personality: his deep faith and religious beliefs. Location Warwick’s 7812 Girard Avenue La Jolla, Ca 92037 Ph. (858) 454-0347 www.warwicks.com. November 7 (Wednesday, 7:30 pm) — Warwick’s will host award-winning writer and filmmaker Phil Cousineau, who will discuss and sign his book The Painted Word. This event is free and open to the public. In order to be signed, the author’s most current book must be purchased from Warwick’s. Background: Cousineau, linguistic detective and dictionary delver, is back with a priceless treasury of word stories and literary obscura that will enchant any lover of language. The words themselves range from the commonplace, such as “biscuit,” a twice-baked cake for Roman soldiers, to loanwords like “chaparral,” courtesy of Basque shepherds who came to the American West; from word-reversals such as “silly,” which evolved from “holy” to “goofy” in a mere thousand years, and to words well worthy of revival, such as “carrytale,” a wandering storyteller. Cousineau’s journey through the history and mystery of words will enlighten as it delights. Location Warwick’s 7812 Girard Avenue La Jolla, Ca 92037 Ph. (858) 454-0347 www.warwicks.com. Thursday, November 8 (6:30 pm) — Warwick’s will host representatives from Random House, Penguin, PGW, and Macmillan as they discuss new trends in reading and the best upcoming titles from their respective publishing houses. This event is free and open to the public. Background: Have you ever wondered how bookstores pick the books they carry? Or what upcoming books are must reads? Well, on Thursday, November 8th at 6:30pm you will get your chance, as representatives from Publishers PGW, Penguin, Macmillan, and Random House come to Warwick’s to give YOU the skinny on their favorite books of the season, what you MUST read, and the best upcoming titles. So stop on by for Warwick’s annual Publisher’s Rep Night, and get reading recommendations from our favorite book people in the world…our reps! Location Warwick’s 7812 Girard Avenue La Jolla, Ca 92037 Ph. (858) 454-0347 www.warwicks.com For Writers NEWS San Diego Public Library’s Local Authors Exhibit The Library is calling our resident authors for submissions. If your book was originally published in 2012, we would like to display it in the exhibit, which will run the entire month of February 2013 in the lobby of the Central Library. For information and to register for this event, please visit the San Diego Local Authors webpage (also accessible from the San Diego Public Library’s web site, www.sandiegolibrary.org under the PROGRAMS & EVENTS tab) then mail your book(s) to: SAN DIEGO PUBLIC LIBRARY, ATTN: Rachel Esguerra, 820 E Street, San Diego, CA 92101-6478. LAST DAY TO REGISTER AND SUBMIT BOOKS IS MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2012. All submissions to the Local Authors Exhibit become gifts to the San Diego Public Library for possible inclusion in the collection. After submitting your book, you will receive an acknowledgement and information regarding an exclusive exhibit preview and reception, a great networking opportunity. Please share this message with friends, family and fellow writers that may be interested in this event and in joining the San Diego Public Library’s Local Authors mailing list. Also, like the SDPL Central Library Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/SDPL-Central-Library/134245953252231). Be sure to add resguerra@sandiego.gov to your Contacts so that further San Diego Local Authors correspondence does not end up in your junk mail. If you have any additional questions or comments feel free to contact me at 619.236.5817 or resguerra@sandiego.gov/. Book Festivals The 2013 San Francisco Book Festival has issued a call for entries to its annual competition honoring the best books of the spring. Entry forms are available online at http://sanfranciscobookfestival.com. The 2013 Great Southwest Book Festival has issued a call for entries to its competition honoring the best books of the late winter/spring season. For more information, visit www.greatsouthwestbookfestival.com or email bruce@greatsouthwestbookfestival.com. THE DREAM QUEST ONE POETRY & WRITING CONTEST is open to anyone that loves expressing innermost thoughts and feelings into the beautiful art of poetry and/or writing a story that is worth telling everyone! Guidelines: (1) Write a poem, thirty lines or fewer on any subject, form or style. And/or (2) Write short story five pages maximum, single or double line spacing, on any subject or theme, fiction or non-fiction. Multiple entries are accepted. (http://www.dreamquestone.com) Postmark deadline: January 13, 2013. For additional information, visit http://www.dreamquestone.com for details on how to enter! NOVEMBER November 8 (Thursday, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm) — SDWI Writer’s Bootcamp Series is a new series of workshops with Marni Freedman packed with only the most potent, valuable information guaranteed to kick your writing practice up a notch. The Secrets of Pitching Your Novel or Screenplay – Part of the Writer’s Boot Camp Series. Come learn the essential secrets of pitching your novel or screenplay with Marni. http://www.sandiegowriters.org/?p=4738 or www.creativetips4writers.wordpress.com. Sam Warren is the publisher and editor of www.SDWriteWay.org. Visit the site for additional news and calendar events for both Readers and Writers.
THE REGISTRAR NEEDS BILINGUAL POLL WORKERS
November 3, 2012 (San Diego) – Poll workers are still in demand for the Nov. 6 Presidential General Election. The Registrar of Voters needs a variety of positions filled. A high demand remains for bilingual workers especially those who speak Chinese and Vietnamese. In addition, the Registrar needs standby workers to fill in for people who drop out at the last minute. The need is especially great in the neighborhoods listed below: English: Encinitas, Carlsbad Chinese: Del Dios, Mira Mesa, Rancho Peñasquitos, Linda Vista, Del Mar Heights, University North Filipino: Del Dios Vietnamese: Del Dios, Del Mar Heights, Mira Mesa, Rancho Peñasquitos, Poway, Linda Vista, El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Spring Valley, Chula Vista, University North Poll workers receive a stipend ranging from $75 to $175 depending on the assignment and those who are bilingual receive an additional $15 if they are assigned to provide language assistance to voters. Poll workers can be assigned to neighborhoods other than their own. Interested poll workers must be U.S. citizens, registered or eligible to be registered voters in the state of California and have transportation to their assigned polling location. Depending on the job assignment, they may need access to the Internet for online training and attend a two-hour class. It is easy to apply, just go online at SDVOTE.com. For more information, call (858) 565-5800 or email Pollworker@sdcounty.ca.gov.
READER’S EDITORIAL: EARTHQUAKES, FAULTS AND MIDGUIDED DEVELOPMENT IN SAN DIEGO
By Eleanora Robbins “This is where Doug Manchester has decided to build high rise buildings, right on liquefiable soils.” November 3, 2012 (San Diego)–Italy isn’t the only place making dumb decisions over earthquake prediction. Here in San Diego, never-ending broken utility lines and stinky sewers are occurring because our local and state government officials have suspended their responsibility for oversight of development on known and suspected faults downtown. Surprisingly, the City and Port of San Diego actually funded studies of downtown faults but refuse to release them. The reason? They probably don’t want to turn down potential development money and the resulting property taxes. Even non-geologists can see the cracks in the asphalt and cement adjacent to the Navy Broadway Complex and Tailgate Park. Geologists like myself see that the cracks have a distinctive pattern, thereby displaying the traces of some of these unmapped faults. The most important unmapped fault is the onshore extension of the Coronado fault that projects right into the Navy Broadway Complex. This is where Doug Manchester has decided to build high rise buildings, right on liquefiable soils. The Navy made the same decision for their new west coast headquarters. I want written acknowledgement from the developers, the City, the Port, and the Navy that they are not going to request taxpayer money to fix all the structural damage that is going to follow the small and large earthquakes that occur here. We are already being soaked for the never-ending breakage of downtown sewer and water lines that supposedly were built to last 100 years, but keep getting broken where they cross these unmapped faults. Any judges want to tackle this issue like they did in Italy? Eleanora Robbins of La Mesa is a local geologist, retired from the USGS in the Washington, DC area. The opinions in this editorial reflect the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.
OSPREY NESTING TOWER TAKES WING AT LAKESIDE RIVER PARK
Story, photos and video by Billy Ortiz View video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9Y0hc267sA November 3, 2012 (Lakeside) — On a cool, cloudy autumn morning on October 20 in East County a group of teenage Boy Scouts from troop 801 in Coronado arrived at the Lakeside River Park. They brought heavy timbers and other materials to build what they hope will become a nest for the Ospreys that frequent a pond at the River Park. Ospreys, large raptors or birds of prey, come to the pond because of the abundance of fish. From high above they circle until they have a fish in their sights and then down they dive like arrows. Just before they hit the water they stretch out large talons and plunge completely into the water, grabbing hold of their prey. With their six-foot wingspans they lift themselves out of the water and take to flight, alighting on a nearby perch to have their meal. It is quite a sight to behold. Boy Scout Quinn Cartwright is is the young Scout who has come to earn his Eagle Scout badge by building and installing an Osprey platform here. It has taken him four months of preparation to get to this day. Quinn worked closely with Robin Rierdan, Executive Director of the Lakeside River Park Conservancy to make the Eagle Scout Project a reality. This project is only a step in a long process in becoming an Eagle Scout. Quinn did all the research, contacting the lead biologist from the San Diego Port regarding Osprey platforms. Quinn raised all the money needed for supplies for the project as well. He also contacted two Lakeside businesses that donated equipment and time to help out on the project. “Anderson Drilling” came and drilled a 18 inch diameter X 6 feet deep hole to bury the base of the platform. Bob Turner of “Bob’s Crane Service” donated and operated a five-ton crane to set the Osprey nest platform in place after it had been built on the ground. With the assistance a skilled carpenter, the scouts started the Osprey nest platform project at 9 a.m. Saturday morning and were finishing up by 2 p.m. the same day. Quinn was accompanied by other young members of Boy Scout troop 801. Quinn’s Mom and Grandmother were also on hand to view and assist on the project. The nest stands at the Northeast side of the pond 22 feet up in the air with a good view of the pond. It is viewable from the River Trail just to the north. As if on cue, while the Scouts were finishing the Osprey nest platform, an Osprey soared overhead then plunged into the pond to capture its prey. What a sight! This project was exciting for Quinn Cartwright and his Scout troop and the Lakeside River Park Conservancy, marking the first Scout project completed at the site. Hopefully it paves the way for more projects like this in the future at the Lakeside River Park Conservancy’s River Park.
KENSINGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH WELCOMES NEW SENIOR MINISTER DARRYL KISTLER
November 3, 2012 (San Diego)—Kensington Community Church welcomes the Rev. Darryl Kistler as its new senior minister. For the past five years, the Rev. Kistler, 37, served as pastor of Community Congregational Church in Kalispell, Montana, where he tripled average attendance, led the congregation through a vision process, prioritized the church’s online presence and use of technology in worship, and created and led a multi-faith youth group. “This is such an exciting new beginning for me and the church,” said Pastor Darryl. “I believe that KCC can be an inclusive, progressive community of faith that inspires people to live out a dynamic and grounded spirituality that helps us be kinder, loving people. And we can work to make the world a better place – which is really what all this church stuff is about.” “Pastor Darryl is an exuberant, down-to-earth spiritual leader,” said Jodi Cleesattle, KCC’s moderator. “Progressive, tech-savvy and fun, he is definitely not an old-school minister. His passion and energy are undeniable, his gift to communicate and relate to others is incredible, and he has a tremendous sense of humor. He will be a leading voice as we become a church for the next generation – and for every generation.” A Passion for Social Justice and Peace At his previous church, the Rev. Kistler worked with other spiritual leaders to create a Multi-Faith Coalition, bringing 14 different faiths together to meet monthly and share resources. His passion for social justice and peace led him to develop a group called “Love Lives Here,” which held anti-racism, pro-diversity rallies in response to Neo Nazi activity in the community. The Rev. Kistler has held a series of ministerial roles for the past 11 years, including four years at The United Christian Church in Miles City, Montana and three years as the chaplain and an instructor at Heidelberg University in Ohio, where he taught courses in political science, philosophy, ethics and religion and coordinated the Office of Campus Ministry. The Rev. Kistler earned his Masters of Divinity from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. Before entering the seminary, he graduated with degrees in political science and history from the University of Texas in San Antonio. A New Beginning for KCC KCC called the Rev. Kistler to serve as its new, settled minister after an extensive, 18-month search. His arrival marks a new beginning for the church, which has achieved progress and growth over the past three years. During that time, the church voted to become an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ, or welcoming to members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community as well as to people from all walks of life. It also established Safe Church policy to provide a safe environment and promote the wellbeing of all. After hiring a full-time Religious Education Director, the church has developed a vibrant Religious Education program, including Adult Education classes, a Youth Group, Sunday School, Confirmation classes and Vacation Bible School. In September 2011, the church rededicated its newly remodeled, eco-friendly sanctuary, featuring the restoration of its large, stained-glass Good Shepherd window overlooking Marlborough Drive. The church has made a host of technology upgrades in the sanctuary and Lander Hall. This year it launched a new website, which shows how Kensington Community Church is a vibrant and inspiring place to believe, belong, and become. Founded in 1929, KCC engages heavily in mission work around San Diego – for example, helping provide stockings and presents for more than 1,200 low-income children and families at the annual Copley YMCA Christmas Party. A hub for the neighborhood, the church hosts an annual pancake breakfast on Memorial Day weekend, a Halloween carnival and an Easter egg hunt and enables more than 30 self-help and community organizations to meet regularly in its facilities. For more information about the church, visit www.kensingtonucc.com or call (619) 284-1129.
WHAT IS DCA? THE REAL STORY BEHIND THIS ALTERNATIVE CANCER TREATMENT
By The Reno Dispatch Guest Blogger Martin C. Winer November 3, 2012 (San Diego) — One of the most devastating diagnoses a patient can receive is cancer, which can sometimes mean years of chemotherapy, radiation and/or surgery affecting the patient’s quality of life. As a result, patients often look to the Internet hoping to find an alternative that will restore their health with greater speed and fewer side effects. A simple Internet search produces a plethora of results with great promises but little backing research. Separating the silver from the dross often requires a graduate degree, so typically, the patient, in frustration, brings a ream of printouts to his or her oncologist, who usually hasn’t heard of half of the remedies or at best rolls his or her eyes at them. http://therenodispatch.blogspot.com/2012/10/what-is-dca-real-story-behind-this.html
STATE FIRE TAX NOTICES NOW HITTING LOCAL MAILBOXES
November 3, 2012 (Sacramento) – State officials have started mailing notices to tens of thousands of San Diego County property owners warning that they will soon be billed $150 annually to help shore up Cal Fire’s budget. Budget cuts have dropped the number of firefighters per engine, among other cutbacks in wildfire protection. Residents of Alpine, Dehesa and other communities in Jacob’s Second District report receiving the notices in recent days. They consider the new fire tax an unfair burden, noting they already pay state property taxes to help fund public safety and often community fees for additional fire protection. The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association recently filed a class-action lawsuit that argues the statewide tax is illegal and seeks to overturn it. The organization considers it a direct violation of Proposition 13. Lawmakers in Sacramento approved the tax last year over the strong objection of Supervisor Jacob and the rest of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. The brief notice, which is going out to those living in rural and semi-rural areas, reads in part: “You will soon receive a bill requiring you to pay up to $150 per habitable structure. After you receive your bill, you will have 30 days from the date on the bill to send a payment or appeal the amount of the bill in writing.” The notice directs those with questions to call 888-310-6447 or go to firepreventionfee.org. “The state’s decision to move ahead with the fire tax is wrongheaded and unjust,” Supervisor Dianne Jacob said. “As I’ve said before, the $150-a-year tax unfairly targets property owners who already pay state taxes to fund public safety and those who also pay special fees in their communities for additional fire protection. It amounts to triple taxation. The mailing of the notices is an unfortunate reminder that the state is failing to adequately fund Cal Fire and is turning to already-burdened property owners for a bailout. If the state can’t see the light on how wrong this is, hopefully the courts will.”
SDG&E TO DONATE MORE THAN $600,000 THROUGH “HELPING PEOPLE IN NEED” INITIATIVE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
November 3, 2012 (San Diego)– With the holiday season approaching, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) announced that it will provide more than $600,000 in charitable donations to non-profit organizations in San Diego and Orange counties as part of its continuing commitment to help local underserved communities in need. “SDG&E shares the goals of local non-profit organizations that work hard every day to feed our hungry, shelter our homeless, assist our disabled, help our veterans, aid seniors, and protect families from domestic abuse,” said Pedro Villegas, director of community relations for SDG&E. “We are proud to support the work of these non-profits that are serving the underserved this holiday season in our local communities.” As part of this initiative, SDG&E will provide grants to more than 60 organizations including: The San Diego Rescue Mission, The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, Feeding America San Diego, Crisis House, Hearts and Hands Working Together, Mama’s Kitchen, Promises2Kids, Salvation Army, Senior Community Centers of San Diego, Vietnam Veterans of San Diego, YMCA – Camp Pendleton and the Veterans Housing Initiative. “Each and every month, The Salvation Army in East County serves at least 1,000 families who would go to bed hungry without food assistance,” said Captain Terry Masango. “Over the last few years, we have seen an increase in the number of families seeking food assistance and are doing our best to meet those needs. The good news is that, thanks to the generosity of SDG&E, we are going to be able to provide holiday meals for 100 families at Thanksgiving, and hundreds more through our other food assistance programs.” “Funding from SDG&E during this tough economic time couldn’t have come at a better time for Project Liberty Call to help support enlisted families by providing temporary relief from financial or medical situations,” said George Brown III, executive director of the Camp Pendleton Armed Services YMCA. “With this grant, SDG&E will help support over 20 percent of the yearly cost dedicated to Project Liberty Call.”
HELPING HANDS ANIMAL SANCTUARY LAUNCHES VOLUNTEER DRIVE
Animal rescue operation announces push for volunteers, interns and grant writers to help continue mission of compassion to save animals in need. Sanctuary serves neglected population of animals. November 3, 2012 (La Mesa) – The Helping Hands Animal Sanctuary of La Mesa announced on October 23 a unique holiday volunteer drive to help continue its mission of providing help to a neglected population of animals in need. The volunteer drive will seek individuals who are willing to assist with the rescue of dogs, cats, birds and other small animals in neighborhoods that may be overlooked by larger animal shelters. The drive will begin immediately and continue through the end of the year. “Due to the continued downturn in the economy we have received many calls from owners this year to take in animals who can no longer be cared for by their owners,” said Robyn Franklyn , Founder of Helping Hands Animal Sanctuary. “We rescue small animals, dogs, cats and others that would otherwise be given to a County shelter or picked up by Animal Control and possibly euthanized. Low adoption rates and overcrowding put all of these animals at risk. We are looking for help to continue our mission.” The volunteer drive will end on January 1, 2013. Lay volunteers, veterinary professionals, student interns, grant writers and professional animal care experts are welcomed. In addition, donated supplies and financial support will be put to immediate and effective use. Major corporations such as Kong Pet Supplies, Inc. have already contributed valuable surplus supplies. “We have already received great response from those who know of us and know our mission,” said Franklyn. “We are trying to expand our reach and get the word out that there is a place here for anyone who wants to show their compassion and love towards animals. Those creatures would be literally helpless without assistance. This volunteer drive is about kind and caring people who can help make a difference in the lives of rescued animals.” Those who wish to volunteer or those who can provide contacts for assistance through corporations or grants can reach Helping Hands at 619-460-6679 or by email at robyn2cats@yahoo.com. According to its press release, Helping Hands Animal Sanctuary is a unique rescue organization that takes in a wide variety of small animals. Dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs and rabbits are among the animals currently housed at Helping Hands Animal Sanctuary. The sanctuary provides food, shelter and companionship in clean, safe and uncrowded conditions. The organization has been in existence since 1985 and has saved hundreds of animals to date.
PORTABLE GENERATORS SOLD AT COSTCO RECALLED DUE TO FIRE DANGER
November 2, 2012 (Washington D.C.) – Portable generators made by Champion Power Equipment have been recalled by the company due to a fire hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced today. The generators were sold exclusively at Costco Stores nationwide from December 2011 to July 2012 for about $699. Fuel can leak from the generator’s carburetor, posing a fire hazard. There have been 11 reports of fuel leaking, including eight reports of generators catching fire and two of property damage. This recall involves two models of Champion Power Equipment portable generators. Both models have a black frame with black and yellow control panels, a bar handle and two wheels. Model number 41332 has an open frame. The words “Champion Power Equipment” are on the control panel and “8250 starting watts” and “6500 running watts” are on the side of the fuel tank. Model number 41532 has side panels that cover the long sides of the fuel tank. The words “Champion Power Equipment” are on the side panel above the control panel, and “9000 starting watts” and “7000 running watts” are on the control panel. The model number and serial number are located on the side of the generator with the handle, on a tag on the crossbar above the yellow generator end cap. Serial Number Range for Model Number 41332: 11NOV2600701 to 11NOV2601500 Serial Number Ranges for Model Number 41532: 11NOV1400151 to 11NOV1400360, 11DEC0700001 to 11DEC0700720, 11DEC1301077 to 11DEC1402602, 11DEC2201801 to 11DEC2203600, 11DEC2501531 to 11DEC2503330, 11DEC2801073 to 11DEC2801325 About 8,600 of the generators were manufactured in China for Champion Power Equipment in Santa Fe Springs, California. Consumers should stop using the recalled generators immediately and contact Champion Power Equipment for a free repair kit to be installed by an authorized dealer. The consumer may also return the unit to Costco for a full refund. Consumer Contact: Champion Power Equipment; toll-free at (855) 236-9424, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, e-mail support@cpeauto.com, or online at www.championpowerequipment.com, then click on the red “Important Product Recall Notice” link for more information. To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml13/13026.html For more information see http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml13/13026.html www.CPSC.gov Report an Unsafe Product: http://SaferProducts.gov Firm’s Recall Hotline: (855) 236-9424 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.