THE FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE “MINCES NO WORDS”
By Roy L Hales Reprinted with permission from: http://www.sandiegolovesgreen.com/articles/the-federal-advisory-committee-minces-no-words/ January 16, 2013 (San Diego)–Justin Gillis, of the New York Times Green Blog, titles his introduction to the recently released Federal Advisory Committee Draft Climate Assessment Report” as “An Alarm in the offing on Climate Change.” Personally, I find it reminiscent of a modern day Book of Revelation – only many of the predicted calamities are aimed directly at me and mine. The message is not new. Some scientists have been warning us about Climate change for decades. What is new, is that this is a Government report which, Gilllis writes, “minces no words”. He adds a note of caution, that “it is a draft, so we don’t know what final language will make it into the report.” I have not read the entire 1193 page document, and probably won’t, but instead focused on the specific chapters relating to two key questions: What do they foresee in the near future?, if the World keeps going on as it is, and is there anything we can do about it? According to the cover letter, “Long-term, independent records from weather stations, satellites, ocean buoys, tide gauges, and many other data sources all confirm the fact that our nation, like the rest of the world, is warming, precipitation patterns are changing, sea level is rising, and some types of extreme weather events are increasing. These and other observed climatic changes are having wide-ranging impacts in every region of our country and most sectors of our economy. Some of these changes can be beneficial, such as longer growing seasons in many regions and a longer shipping season on the Great Lakes. But many more have already proven to be detrimental, largely because society and its infrastructure were designed for the climate of the past, not for the rapidly changing climate of the present or the future.” The crux of the problem is that, “The current U.S. share of global CO2 emissions is about 20%. At the current rate of emissions growth, the world is on a track to exceed the 44 billion ton level within a decade. More aggressive greenhouse concentration targets, such as those associated with a frequently-discussed limit of a 2ºC (3.6ºF) temperature increase above pre-industrial levels would require an even more dramatic reduction in global emissions.” Global sea levels have risen about 8 inches, since 1880, and are expected to rise another 1-4 feet by 2100. “Flooding and erosion in coastal areas is already occurring and is damaging some areas of the California coast during storms and extreme high tides. Sea level rise is projected to increase, resulting in major damage as wind-driven waves ride upon higher seas and reach further inland.” The coastal highway, 12 bridges, and parts of several major cities are at risk. This salt water incursion also threatens to contaminate the water supply. Even without Climate Change, California is expected to cost $4.6 billion annually over the next 2-10 years. Add the impact of Climate Change and important decisions will have to be made. For example, how much water should be reserved for San Diego, when it means sacrificing the agricultural needs of the Imperial Valley? California’s farms will need that water as temperatures rise. “Drought and extreme weather affects the market value of fruit and vegetables more than other crops, because they have high water content and because sales depend on good visual appearance. The combination of a longer frost-free season, less frequent cold snaps, and more frequent heat waves accelerates crop ripening and maturity, reduces yields of corn, tree fruit, and wine grapes, stresses livestock, and increases agricultural water consumption. This combination of climate changes is projected to continue and intensify, possibly requiring a northward shift in crop production, displacing existing growers …” The number of fires will also increase. “Numerous fire models project more wildfire as climate change continues. Models project a doubling of 23 burned area in the southern Rockies, and up to 74% more fires in 24 California.” The document does point to a possible way out of this predicament. There are references to “a variety of policies and means at federal, state, and local levels are currently in place that lower emissions”, the most stellar example being California. However, “Over recent decades, the U.S. economy has emitted less carbon dioxide per dollar of gross domestic product (GDP) for many reasons. However, U.S. population and economic growth have outweighed these trends, and in the absence of additional public policies greenhouse gas emissions are expected to continue to rise.” There is a clearer reference to the lack of policy on page 955, “ … Even absent a comprehensive national greenhouse gas policy …” Image credit: radar image showing the smoke plume from the Southern California fires of 2007 It would seem America’s best hopes of emerging from these calamities with minimal damage rest with the same people who have brought the US to the edge of the fiscal cliff.
STATE SCHOOLS CHIEF TOM TORLAKSON ANNOUNCES BOARD APPROVAL OF SWEEPING UPDATES TO CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION STANDARDS
January 17, 2013 (Sacramento)—Sweeping updates to California’s career technical education (CTE) standards—designed to reflect the changing face of technology and set higher academic goals—received approval from the State Board of Education Wednesday, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced. The new standards are one of the cornerstone achievements of Torlakson’s Career Readiness Initiative. Building on the previous CTE standards, the revised standards were created with input from more than 300 representatives from business and industry, labor, and postsecondary and secondary education, ranging from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to mental health experts and environmental innovators. “This new framework sheds light on many new 21st century industry pathways, from game design and mental and behavioral health to green energy and international business,” Torlakson said. “They also tie in well with the rigorous academics and modern relevance demanded under the Common Core State Standards.” Some two million students across California are already pursuing career technical education in their middle or high schools. Students in these programs tend to graduate at a higher rate than their counterparts. The new standards, written for grades seven through twelve, lay out 59 pathways to graduating ready for careers and college within 15 industry sectors. Public hearings on the changes were held in Sacramento and Los Angeles in the fall, in addition to an open public comment period. The new standards reflect current business and industry practices, as well as the new expectations for skills and knowledge. Examples include: Arts, Media, and Entertainment (added Game Design and Integration pathway); Business and Finance (added an International Business pathway); Energy, Environment, and Utilities (rewritten to reflect use of new energy sources); Fashion and Interior Design (added a Personal Services pathway); Health Science and Medical Technology (rewritten with new pathways for Patient Care, Public and Community Health, and Mental and Behavioral Health); Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) (updated to include new ICT formats in communication and added a Games and Simulation pathway); Public Services (rewritten to include new Emergency Response and Legal Practices pathways); and Transportation (rewritten to include all new pathways to represent all phases and modes of transportation: Operations, Structural Repair and Refinishing, Systems Diagnostics and Service).
KENDRICK INTRODUCES MEASURE TO RESTRICT LIQUOR LICENSES IN EL CAJON
January 17, 2013 (El Cajon) – Councilman Gary Kendrick will introduce a measure on Tuesday, January 22 that would implement a “deemed approved” system to regulate liquor licenses n El Cajon. “It enables a city to put a whole host of new conditions on existing liquor establishments,” Kendrick told ECM. “It even covers those grandfathered in that don’t have a conditional use permit, so we could stop a liquor store from creating a nuisance in the city.” The measure would cover all off-site liquor stores, type 20 and 21 licenses, he added. The proposal would also allow the city to charge a fee to liquor stores to funds sting operations against alcohol sellers as asll as pay for a full-time alcohol enforcement officer. “Right now we have an officer who spends about 20% of his time on alcohol-related crimes,” Kendrick said. A similar ordinance enforcing tobacco sales restrictions funded stings that reduced sales of tobacco to minors from 43% to less than 1%. “It was a spectacular success,” Kendrick recalled. “If we could do that in El Cajon with serial inebriates and underage kids, that would substantially reduce the homeless problem in the city.” Homeless people with alcohol addiction would have a choice to enter treatment at the East County Transitional Living Center (which receives about $50,000 a year from the city in federal block grants) as an alternative to jail, said Kendrick, who calls it a “tough love” approach. “They can go to jail or get into a program, and I’d much rather see them get into a program.” He added that the program is multi-faceted and includes support services for those who need other help, such as job training and education as well as breaking their addiction. “There’s a couple of hundred people living there right now and the program has turned around their lives,” Kendrick noted. The ordinance is patterned after a deemed approved measure introduced in Oakland in 1994. “The alcohol industry immediately appealed,” said Kendrick, adding that the California Supreme Court refused to hear the case, so the law stands. Asked how store owners could be expected to identify serial inebriates, Kendrick said the Police Department compiles a list with photos of those who have had multiple citations for public drunkness. Stores caught selling to serial inebriates or minors could face revocation of licenses. “We tried voluntary compliance in past,” Kendrick said. “Take a walk through El Cajon and you can see it’s not working.” According to Kendrick, about 80 to 85 of the homeless in El Cajon have alcohol or drug dependency. The ordinance is likely to face opposition from retailers selling alcohol, as well as from the alcohol industry.
KAREN NEW YEAR CELEBRATION SHOWCASES ETHNIC COMMUNITIES FROM BURMA
By Janis Mork January 17, 2013 (San Diego) –Recently, the Karen [pronounced ‘care-en’] organization held its fourth annual Karen New Year at Crawford High. Karen New Year is a culture celebration for refugees from Burma. More than 1,200 refugees from Burma now call San Diego home, resettled here after living in refugee camps in Thailand. Many were forced to leave their homeland after the Burmese government began burning villages as part of a religious persecution. The Karen includes both Buddhists and Christians, who received a warm reception from civic leaders at the celebration. The Karen Organization was formed in 2009, after a “huge wave of population started to come in 2007-2008,” Nao Kabashima, co-founder and executive director of the Karen Organization of San Diego told ECM. ”Last year was a huge year for us; we got a grant from the U.S. Department of Human Services. “ The group aims to start a volunteer program in the near future. The New Year’s celebration started off with a youth doing one last dance rehearsal. Then, the festivities began with an opening speech by Yaw Lay Htoo, Chairperson, who spoke in the Burmese language. Hsit Hsa Paw, part of the Karen Organization’s San Diego staff, translated. Hilda Ro, part of the Karen New Year Committee, read off the program. The Burmese and American flags were then honored with the American National Anthem and the Karen National Song “Blessed Country.” The Karen Union Proclamation letter was also read. There were several honored guest speakers. The first was Sergeant Cynthia Hanna from the San Diego Police Department with Paw translating. “I’m part of the Multicultural Community relations office. The Karen arrived in San Diego only in 2007, and yet you’ve had such a wonderful, positive impact on our city. There are two reasons. One is because of the young people. As you saw in the dancing, they haven’t forgotten their culture or heritage. And that is a true gift to the city. I would like to congratulate the mothers and fathers who made the difficult transition to the U.S. I wish you peace, prosperity, and all you hope to accomplish in the new year.” Next up was a video presentation on the Karen New Year history and their flag. According to the video, “They originally lived in Babylon, traveled to Mongolia in 2234 BC, then moved to Tibet, and arrived in Burma through Mt Everest. In 1931, they got permission to celebrate Karen New Year on the Le (name of the month) 1st. On January 8, 1932, the first Karen New Year was celebrated. Then, it was celebrated again on December 27, 1932 in Pha-pun. This became a national holiday in 1937 after Burma separated from India.” Karen arrived in Burma in 739 BC. In 1939, all of the Karen people celebrated Karen New Year for the first time. In 1970, Congress in Burma decided that Pya Tho as the Le 1st (10th month of the Burmese calendar). The Karen flag contains the colors- red, white and blue as well as the rising sun with nine rays and a drum. The red stands for courage and bravery, the white symbolizes purity and simplicity of spirit, blue represents loyalty and patriotism, the rising sun is the development of Burma, the nine rays are the nine rivers the Karen people traveled by, and the drum stands for their civilization and cultural development. The next guest speaker was Crawford High School, Vice Principal, Diego Gutierrez, who greeted everyone with a shout. Ser Poh Phaw translated. “Good morning! On behalf of the school administration and the teachers, we welcome you to our facility. I am an immigrant myself; I know how hard it is to leave your home country. We’re grateful our new home country took us in and gave us great opportunities. The greatest gift you could give us is your children, to have a greater education and excel in the U.S. I was here for the first time last year, and it was absolutely wonderful! In Spanish, we say, ‘Feliz Karen Nuevo Año!’” Last up was San Diego City Councilmember, Marti Emerald. Paw translated for her. “In City Heights, more than sixty languages are spoken. And somehow, we all manage to understand one another and create a strong community. We do that every day of the year. But our new year is a special time. My heart is filled with hope and confidence that we’ll come together as a community and create better lives for all of us. I couldn’t help but notice you have the same colors as the American flag. The red represents the blood shed for freedom, the blue symbolizes the true patriotism we all share, and the white stands for purity. I was given this flower on my lapel when I came in. We know that after a long winter, flowers give way to new seeds, and new seeds, new beginnings. Happy New Year!” The entertainment was four music, six dances, and two fashion shows. There were kids as young as elementary school to high school youth to a few men performing and showcasing their talents. The different dances included the Karen Done Dance performed by many high school boys and girls, Karenni Kids dance, Karen Kids Dance, Karen Bamboo Dance, a Chin Dance, and a Karen Ladies Dance by BKG. There was a kid’s fashion show and a youth fashion show. In the middle of the entertainment, Nao Kabashima, co-founder and executive director of the Karen Organization of San Diego, was given two unexpected gifts- flowers and a plaque as a thank you for helping put all this together. This kind gesture caught her off guard. “I never expected this. This community means a lot to me. I want to say thank you.” After the entertainment, Kabashima and Htoo thanked everyone for coming and supporting the Karen community, and Htoo wished the Karen New Year would bring success. For more information, visit: http://karensandiego.org/home
LMSV BOARD MEMBER PENNY HALGREN RESIGNS, BOARD TO DECIDE ON REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE FEB. 5
January 17, 2013 (La Mesa) – La Mesa-Spring Valley School Board trustee Penny Halgren announced her immediate resignation at Tuesday’s meeting. Halgren said she is moving to Aracadia Los Angeles County to be with her boyfriend. Halgren has served on the board since 2002 and was reelected in 2010. Asked whether the opening will be filled by appointment or by special election, Barbara Martinez, executive assistant to Superintendent Brian Marshall, told ECM, “That will be up to the Board to decide at the February 5 meeting.” Jay Steiger, a former PTA president who twice ran for the Board and was endorsed by the La Mesa Spring-Valley Teachers’ Association, told La Mesa Patch that he plans to apply to fill the vacancy if the board chooses appointment instead of election. Halgren said she is going to “miss the challenges and working with people who are totally committed to the best education for children.” For more information see http://lamesa.patch.com/articles/lsmv-boardmember-penny-halgren-resigns-to-move-closer-to-her-boyfriend
MAYOR FILNER DELIVERS STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS
“We have an opportunity in San Diego to create a truly great international city; a city that respects and empowers its people; a city that protects and enhances their quality of life, and a city that promotes good-paying jobs and a healthy economy for all residents.” – Mayor Bob Filner By Miriam Raftery January 17, 2013 (San Diego)—In his State of the City address this week, newly elected Mayor Bob Filner discussed financial challenges as well as his vision for the future. He likened the city to a “patient who has overcome a serious illness,” citing a past cover-up of financial problems. “The budget surplus predicted by my predecessor last year could actually be a deficit as much as $40 million,” Filner said, noting that state funding issues and court cases remain to be resolved. “But if we learned anything from the mistakes of the past, it’s that it is better to be truthful about these problems than to cover them up,” he said. Despite challenges ahead, the Mayor laid out ambitious plans for revitalizing the region’s economy, making San Diego the nation’s solar capital, expanding redevelopment to neighborhoods city-wide, and improving communication systems for regional emergencies such as wildfires. On a positive note, the city has received $34 million in one-time revenues from the County and SDG&E which Filner predicts will help cushion the blow of the deficit. “It would be imprudent to spend these one-time revenues on recurring costs,” he added, then revealed that he intends to use a portion of those funds to upgrade the city’s antiquated public safety communications system for first-responders. “In regional emergencies, like the wildfires of 2003 and 2007, the public expects government officials to work together to protect their safety,” the Mayor added. Negotiations with city employee unions are underway; the Mayor aims to present proposed five-year agreements to Council in April. He is asking for a five-year freeze on pensionable pay to all City workers to reduce underfunded pension obligations nearly $1 billion over 30 years and lower annual contributions. He believes the plan would be a “huge step forward in stabilizing City finances” but pledged to do so without “scape-goating our employees or using strong-arm tactics.” Filner praised the success of downtown revitalization, but said the city has failed to invest similar resources or imagination in making older urban neighborhoods as safe, attractive and healthy as they can be. He called it “unacceptable for a city that calls itself `America’s Finest City’ to tolerate neighborhoods without paved streets and street lights.” He wants to rename Civic San Diego “Neighborhood San Diego” and expand the public-private model of redevelopment pioneered downtown to improve other neighborhoods. He also calls for transportation improvements such as bike paths and pedestrian=friendly designs such as Bird Rock’s roundabouts.The Mayor said the city’s land use and development review functions will be reorganized into a Department of Healthy, Safe and Livable Neighborhoods. A Neighborhood Infrastructure Financing Team is expected to present Council with proposals by fall, starting implementation next year. Mayor Filner also called for San Diego to consider responses to climate change. “Rising sea levels demand that we plan now to protect vital coastal infrastructure and neighborhoods,” he said. “We’re not going to save our beaches by putting our heads in the sand.” He repeated his campaign promises to create jobs by improving the Port of San Diego Infrastructure and said he expects to break ground soon on expansion of the Convention Center. He announced he has leased office space in Tijuana to open February 1, focused on international investment in our region. The third component of his economic and jobs growth plan is based on making San Diego the capital of an emerging “aqua” economy with opportunities in both green tech and “blue” maritime industries. He also pledge to expand the market for solar with “the most ambitious solar initiative by any local government in the U.S….I will soon mandate that all municipal public buildings be equipped with solar power and urge all government agencies and businesses to do the same.” He also called for creation of an urban forestry program to both beautify communities and moderate effects of rising temperatures in the region. The city will work swiftly to complete a Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Plan, he added. He also aims to ask SANDAG to reprioritize transit funds to fast-track alternative and public transportation options. Filner revealed that the Chargers have advised him they will not terminate their stadium lease or seek to relocate this year. “I will work to make sure that our Bolts don’t Bolt,” he said. He pledged to make solving homelessness a priority, calling the plight of thousands of men, women and children who are homeless in San Diego “disturbing.” He noted that many are veterans, adding, “we have a moral obligation to do more to help people help themselves.” Citing threats to San Diego’s water supply, the Mayor announced he is calling on the state to support local water supply development. Working toward more open government, the mayor said he will meet with the public on the first Saturday of each month from 9:30 to noon starting February 2 He also pledged to build a “cultdure of participation in all of our neighborhoods.” He ended on an upbeat assessment, noting that many cities in the U.S. are only now confronting realities of past fiscal shortfalls, while San Diego has directly confronted challenges of the recent past and “created a national model for overcoming them.” He said San Diegans have an opportunity to create a “truly great international city” that will respect and empower people while enhancing quality of life with good-paying jobs and a healthy economy. “Over the next year,” the Mayor concluded, “I invite you to join me in working to make that city a reality.” Read full text of speech: http://www.sandiego.gov/mayor/pdf/2013/sotc2013.pdf View video: http://www.sandiego.gov/mayor/
ALPINE PLANNING GROUP AGENDA FOR JANUARY 24 ANNOUNCED
Equine ordinance and Ewiiaapaayp rezoning request among agenda items January 17, 2013 (Alpine) – The Alpine Community Planning Group will meet on Thursday, January 24 at 6 p.m. in the Alpine Community Center. A County representative will be on hand to discuss the County’s proposed Equine Ordinance for horse owners. The Ewiiaapaayp band of Kumeyaay Indians will send a representative to request rezoning of a parcel to “rural commercial” designation. The agenda also includes cell phone site modification requests from Sprint and AT&T, and more. For the full Agenda, read more. Agenda Alpine Community Planning Group P.O. Box 819 Alpine, CA 91903‐0819 NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING Thursday, January 24th, 2013 6:00 P.M. Alpine Community Center 1830 Alpine Boulevard, Alpine, CA 91901 I. Call to Order II. Invocation / Pledge of Allegiance III. Roll Call of Members Jim Archer Travis Lyon Lou Russo George Barnett Nicole McDonagh Richard Saldano Aaron Dabbs Mike Milligan Sharmin Self Jim Easterling Tom Myers Kippy Thomas Roger Garay Leslie Perricone John Whalen IV. Approval of Minutes / Correspondence / Announcements 1. Minutes: Dec 6th, 2012 B. APG Statement: The Alpine Community Planning Group was formed for the purpose of advising and assisting the Director of Planning, the Zoning Administrator, the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors in the preparation, amendment and implementation of community and sub regional plans. The Alpine Community Planning Group is only an advisory body. V. Open Discussion Any member of the public may address the group on topics pertaining to planning, zoning and land use which does not appear elsewhere on this agenda. Upon recognition by the Chairman, each speaker will be allowed up to three minutes to speak (organized/special presentations up to fifteen minutes). There can be limited discussion with no vote on any issue (s) so presented until such time as proper public notice is given prior to such discussion and vote. VI. Prioritization of this Meetings Agenda Items VII. Group Business 1. Oath of Office for new Planning Group Members 2. Election of Planning Group Officers 3. Election of Subcommittee Chairs 4. Appointment of Parliamentarian by Chairman 5. Appointment of Coordinating Subcommittee to review Standing Rules by the Chairman. 6. Election of (2) seats for the Alpine Design Review Board VIII. Organized / Special Presentations: 1. A representative for the Ewiiaapaayp Band of Kumeyaay Indians is asking the Planning Group to recommend the desires of the Tribe regarding parcel number 404-080-26-00 be considered for the proposed land use designation of “rural commercial” in the update to the General Plan as proposed by the San Diego County, Department of Planning and Land Use. Presentation, Discussion and Action. 2. Sharon Haven is coming to discuss and request a change in re-classification for land that was previously in the former Forest Conservation Initiative area and that has previously been addressed by the Alpine Planning Group. The land in question is for APN 406-210-04. Presentation, Discussion and Action. 3. A representative for AT&T Mobility will be coming to discuss a modification to the cell site at 4737 Calle Nada, Alpine. APN 406-052-12 – Minor Use Permit Modification # ZAP03-042W1. Presentation, Discussion and Action. 4. A representative from Sprint will be coming to discuss a modification to the cell site near 2522 Tavern Rd and South Grade Rd. Minor Use Permit # ZAP02-047W1; APN: 520-280-24-00. Presentation, Discussion and Action. 5. A representative or owner will be coming to discuss a 2nd Dwelling at 1557 Viejas Creek Trail, Administrative Permit # 3000-12-033 (AD12-033). Presentation, Discussion and Action. 6. A representative for Sprint will be coming to discuss a modification to the cell site near Via Dieguenos and Calle Colina Roca (Old Ranch), Permit # ZAP02-004W1; APN 520-170-35. Presentation, Discussion and Action. 7. Carl Stiehl, County of San Diego, Equine Ordinance will be coming to receive Community input on the proposed Equine Ordinance that is now open for Public Review. Presentation, Discussion and Action 8. Application for addition to guest house at 1922 Balentine Dr by Applicant Gordon Trust for Owner Gordon Family Trust, Project Case Number AD-12-037, Planner Emmet Aquino-858-694-8845, Contact Allyson Kermath-619-992-4858 IX Consent Calendar A. Circulation 1. Discussion and Vote: None B. Communications 1. Discussion and Vote: None C. Private Actions 1. Discussion and Vote: None. D. Public Facilities, Services & Major Public Policy 1. Discussion and Recommendations (Vote): None E. Trails & Conservation 1. Discussion and Vote: None F. Parks & Recreation 1. Discussion and Vote: None G. ADHOC Sub‐Committees 1. Discussion and Recommendations (Vote): None X Subcommittee Reports (Including Alpine Design Review Board) H. Private Actions I. Trails & Conservation J. Parks & Recreation K. Public Facilities & Services & L. Major Public Policy M. Circulation N. Communication O. Alpine Design Review Board XI Officers Reports P. Chairman Q. Vice Chairman R. Secretary S. Immediate Past Chair XII Open Discussion 2 (Only if Necessary) Any member of the public may address the group on topics pertaining to planning, zoning and land use which does not appear elsewhere on this agenda. Upon recognition by the Chairman, each speaker will be allowed up to three minutes to speak (organized/special presentations up to fifteen minutes). There can be limited discussion with no vote on any issue (s) so presented until such time as proper public notice is given prior to such discussion and vote. XIII Request for Agenda Items for Upcoming Agendas (All requested Agenda Items MUST be to APG Chair by the 2nd Thursday of each month to be included in the Preliminary Agenda.) XIV Approval of Expenses / Expenditures XV Announcement of Sub‐Committee Meetings XVI Announcement of Next Meeting: Feb 28, 2013 at 6:00 PM XVII Adjournment of Meeting
READER’S EDITORIAL: TIME TO REDEFINE THE SECOND AMENDMENT
By Alfred Waddell January 17, 2013 (San Diego’s East County)–The second amendment needs to be re-defined for the modern times. It is my notion that the right to bear arms is very similar to the right to smoke; they both have a cancerous effect that contributes to the decay in modern society. We as a society can continue to ignore and look the other way with temporary fixes that give the appearance of seriousness; however, the reality is: there are too many guns in the US; and our too-many-guns are being turned on us. I believe all the suggested legislation on the table as of now might make it difficult to sell certain weapons; yet, it does not address the ability to steal weapons and really determine what type of individual will snap and commit violence. In my opinion, unless the second amendment is re-defined for the modern times, all legislative attempts to reduce violence may be futile. The views in this editorial reflect the views of its author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.
BODY FOUND AT SANTEE LAKES
By Miriam Raftery January 17, 2013 (Santee)—A man’s body was found floating in the water at Santee Lakes this morning. ECM news partner 10 News reports that workers opening a locked gate at 8:30 spotted a blue cap floating in the water. A parked vehicle with keys on the dashboard was also found nearby, Santee Patch reports. The body was partially submerged at the edge of Lake One. The body has been taken to the Medical Examiner’s office to determine cause of death. An investigation by Sheriff’s officials is underway. No other details have been released at this time.
PUBLIC INPUT SOUGHT ON PARK STATION, 18-STORY HIGHRISE PROPOSED IN LA MESA
January 17, 2013 (La Mesa) –The City of La Mesa is nearing completion of a draft environmental impact report on Park Station, a proposed 18-story high-rise project that would be 10 stories taller than any existing structure in the city. Before planners and council members weigh in, Urban Housing Partners, marketers of the project have issued a survey, which you can take here: http://fluidsurveys.com/surveys/UrbanHousingPartners/la-mesa-community-survey The proposed project would include an office building tower, hotel, residential, retail and restaurant components. The 6.5 acre site is bordered by Cajon Boulevard, University Avenue, Baltimore Drive and Spring Street. The project would require a waiver of current height restrictions from the City Council. The land for Park Station is owned by the Kitzman family. Supporters of the project have emphasized the need for a hotel, office and conference space in East County, among other things. Opponents have voiced concerns about preserving community character, noting the project would be visible from La Mesa’s historic downtown village. A prior poll by La Mesa Patch found 73% opposed the project because “the proposed height proposed height is way out of line with La Mesa standards and atmosphere.”