THE CAREGIVER’S JOURNEY: YOU NEED TO DRAW THE LINE
By Marsha Kay Seff January 16, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)–Take a deep breath and buckle your seatbelt. You’re a caregiver: Sure you feel overwhelmed. It goes with the job; there’s not a family caregiver around who doesn’t feel stressed to the max – a lot of the time. Caregiving is a rollercoaster. You go up and you go down, sometimes at virtually the same time. So buckle up and try to enjoy the best parts of the ride. An important way to prepare for this journey is to set boundaries. You might not want to; you might believe you can do it all, and you might feel guilty if you can’t. But trust me, you have to try, try real hard. Because if you don’t set limits, you’re going to reach yours before too long. And then, you won’t be any help to your loved ones. Though I didn’t always stick to my boundaries, I always made the attempt. I phoned my parents at their retirement home five days a week – not six or seven. I saw them for dinner and shopping on Wednesdays. I’d put out big fires as needed, but I tried to wait on the little ones that often died out by themselves by the following day. I didn’t phone my parents on weekends and asked them not to call me then “unless you’re dead, and, then, think twice before dialing.” When I went on vacation, I left my sister in charge and I did not leave a phone number. My parents knew about all the boundaries I set and respected them. In fact, they realized that if I became stressed and overwhelmed, they couldn’t count on me. When I shared my boundary rules with an older acquaintance, she told me I was too selfish to be a caregiver, that my parents should move in with my sister. This woman didn’t understand; obviously, she’d never been a caregiver. Family caregivers experience an internal tug of war daily over how much they can divvy up between kids, spouse and aging loved ones. It’s impossible to do justice to any of them without setting limits. It’s tough saying “no,” but you need to learn. You can’t be responsible for every aspect of your loved ones’ care and it’s not your responsibility or even in your power to make them happy. You need to realize that you can’t do it all no matter how hard you work at it. You need to ignore the relatives who don’t chip in, but still believe it’s their duty to tell you how thin you need to stretch yourself. And you need to get over rationalizing that no one else can care for your loved ones as well as you. Actually, that might be true, but it’s not worth losing yourself in the process. There’s no doubt that lacking clear boundaries leads to increased stress, depression, anger and burnout. To protect yourself, you have to identify your limits and give yourself permission to set them. Relinquish self-doubt and guilt; they won’t help you or your loved ones. You also need to make caring for yourself a priority. Putting yourself first gives you energy and peace of mind to be there for others. You need to seek support and ask for it. When your family or friends ask what they can do, don’t be shy. Tell them. Helping you is a gift they might enjoy giving. Caregivers live their daily lives very close to their boundaries. But if you recognize them and believe it’s OK to set them, life will be more manageable. As a caregiver, taking the time to renew yourself is imperative. Don’t be afraid to do it.
BEWARE OF PHONE SCAMMERS POSING AS SHERIFF’S REPRESENTATIVES
January 16, 2013 (San Diego) – The San Diego Sheriff is warning the public to beware of phone scammers posing as members of the Sheriff’s Department. There are at least two separate scams. One involves canceling arrest warrants or court appearances for a fee. The other scam entails notifying the victim that they have won a prize, then asking for payment for taxes. Scroll down for details. In the first scam, the victims are told they have outstanding warrants. Callers claim they will clear the arrest warrant or cancel a pending court appearance if the potential victim sends money within a certain time-frame. Victims are also told the Sheriff’s Department will have a local police officer come to their home and arrest them if they don’t send money. If you receive a solicitation for money based on this scenario, it’s a scam. On Wednesday, January 10, a caller claiming to be a Sergeant from the Sheriff’s Financial Crimes Unit informed a 69-year-old woman from Fashion Valley that she won $600,000, but she would have to send a check in order to pay the taxes on the prize. The woman in this case called the Sheriff’s Department and discovered the call was bogus. Impersonating a Sheriff’s Deputy is a violation of state law. No deputy or employee of the Sheriff’s Department will ever contact members of the public by telephone to demand money or any other form of payment. If someone tells you they need money for you to receive money, it’s a scam. If you get this type of call, hang up immediately. People with outstanding warrants are encouraged to turn themselves in Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at any one of the Sheriff’s Court Facilities. http://www.sdsheriff.net/csb_courtlocations.html For information on warrants and bail notices, visit http://apps.sdsheriff.net/warrant/waar.aspx.
FREE EAST COUNTY PRODUCE EXCHANGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 26 IN JAMUL
By Blake Powers and John Chapman The East County Produce Exchange is kicking off the New Year with an event on Saturday, January 26th. It will be held in the Jamul Hardware parking lot from 3:30-5:00. The Exchange is a monthly event in Jamul, where people come from all over the county to exchange freshly grown fruits and vegetables. The produce exchange is like a farmer’s market, but it is a free event. There is no money involved! You set out your produce on a table, and then walk around and take what you want from others, while others will take from you. This month the exchange expects to have lots of oranges, lemons, chard, cabbage, broccoli, kale, onions, and herbs. “We are proud to say that our produce exchange has been continuing to grow even after two years,” a statement from the East County Produce Exchange Team indicates.“We will also have a master gardener present who will be able to exchange those gardening tips that you may be dying to know. If you are able please bring tables. If you do not have a table, we will provide one for you to share.” For more information, contact eastcountyproduceexhange@yahoo.com .
PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO REDUCE GUN VIOLENCE
Update: ECM has obtained the complete list of Executive Actions taken by the President from the White House press office. View them here. By Miriam Raftery January 17, 2013 (Washington D.C.) – Joined by families victimized by gun violence, President Barack Obama yesterday announced a comprehensive plan to reduce gun violence, including background check,s limits on ammunition purchases, improved mental healthcare, better resources for schools and law enforcement. The President has the backing of most Americans, according to several new polls which found strong support for key elements of the proposal. An ABC poll found that a whopping 89% would favor a law requiring background checks on people buying guns at gun shows, while 75% would require background checks on those buying ammunition. A full 71% would support creating a federal database to track guns sales. A slimmer majority favors banning semi-automatic handguns (51%), banning assault weapons (58%), and requirig armed guards in schools (56%) A new TIME/CNN/ORC released yesterday found that 55% of Americans approve of the job Obama is doing as President, compared to 43% who disapprove. That ratio mirrors the public’s support for tighter restrictions on guns, with 55% favoring stricter gun control laws and 44% opposed. The President’s plan includes the following specific actions: Require background checks for all gun sales Strengthen the background check system for gun sales Pass a new, stronger ban on assault weapons Limit ammunition magazines to 10 rounds Finish the job of getting armor-piercing bullets off the streets Give law enforcement additional tools to prevent and prosecute gun crime End the freeze on gun violence research Make our schools safer with new resource officers and counselors, better emergency response plans, and more nurturing school climates Ensure quality coverage of mental health treatment, particularly for young people Some gun owners have assailed the plan by claiming it violates the Second Amendment, which protects the right of the people to bear arms for a well-armed militia. Others note that the founding fathers lived in an era of single-shot muskets and likely never envisioned weapons of mass killing. Certain weapons are already prohibited for ownership by private individuals, such as shoulder-to-air missiles and tanks. The National Rifle Association (NRA) has attacked the plan and called for arm guards in schools instead. Now the NRA has gone farther, running an ad that takes aim at the President’s children. The ad criticizes President Obama as an “elitist hypocrite” for seeking to halt violence against children such as the Sandy Hook elementary school mass shooting while allowing protection of his own children by armed Secret Service guards. The NRA ad has sparked criticism even from some staunch conservatives. Joe Scarborough, conservative commentator on MSNBC, sharply condemned the NRA ad for attacking the President’s family and putting “targets on their backs.” Co-host Mike Brezinski called the NRA “out of step with the mainstream” and told his audience, “You should be embarrassed to be part of the NRA at this point.” The White House proposal is the result of recommendations made by a task force headed by Vice President Joe Biden. President Obama, in announcing his plan, stood flanked by family members of gun violence victims. He listed off a series of recent mass shootings including the Aurora, Colorado theater shooting, the shooting of former representative Gabrielle Gifford, a mall shooting in Oregon and numerous school shootings as evidence that action is needed – and wanted by most Americans. “Now is the time to do something about gun violence,” he said. “This is our first task as a society. This is how we will be judged. And their voices should compel us to change.” The President acknowledged that implementing some of these changes will be difficult, but vowed to make it a priority: “I intend to use whatever weight this office holds to make them a reality. Because while there is no law or set of laws that can prevent every senseless act of violence completely, if there is even one thing we can do to reduce this violence – if even one life can be saved – we have an obligation to try.” President Obama signed sign 23 Executive Actions yesterday aimed at keeping kids safe from gun violence. However, the most major changes will require Congressional action, including the elimination of all loopholes and require a universal background check on anyone trying to buy a gun, restoring the ban on military-style assault weapons and a 10-round limit for magazines, and creating tougher penalties on people who buy guns with the express purpose of reselling them to criminals. Those proposals are expected to face stiff opposition in the House, which is controlled by Republicans who in the past have opposed any gun restrictions. House Speaker John Boehner has not issued a statement yet on the president’s plan, though his spokesman Michael Steel stated that the “House committees of jurisdiction will review these recommendations,”adding, “If the Senate passes a bill, we will also take a look at that.” San Diego Republican Congressman Darrell Issa criticized the president’s executive orders as “imperial” and called it an “abuse of power.” Obama has issued fewer executive orders than any president in the past 100 years. The President affirmed his belief that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right to bear arms, and said he understands that most gun owners are responsible. But he added, “I also believe most gun owners agree that we can respect the Second Amendment while keeping an irresponsible, law-breaking few from inflicting harm on a massive scale. I believe most of them agree that if America worked harder to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people, there would be fewer atrocities like the one that occurred in Newtown,” the President concluded. “That’s what these reforms are designed to do. They’re common-sense measures. They have the support of the majority of the American people.” San Diego County has been the scene of at least five school shootings (Santana High, Granite Hills High, Cleveland Elementary, Carlsbad’s Kelly Elementary,
ECM WORLD WATCH: GLOBAL AND NATIONAL NEWS
January 16, 2013 (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 reflect 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. Obama to offer most comprehensive gun control in decades (Washington Post) Under Construction: The World’s Largest Thermal Solar Plant (NPR) Can police use your silence against you? Supreme Court to decide. (CS Monitor) Computer Users Should Disable Java 7 Owing To Security Flaw, Experts Say (NPR) From Corn Belt To Main Street: The Drought’s Far-Reaching Grasp (NPR) Widow sues psychiatrist in Colo. theater shootings (U-T San Diego) For energy solutions, ‘think small’ (+video)(Christian Science Monitor) ‘Python Challenge’ Asks Floridians To ‘Harvest’ Snakes (NPR) WORLD Northern Irish youths pelt Catholic church in latest “flag riots” (Reuters) U.S. Provided ‘Technical Assistance’ In Botched French Raid, Obama Says (NPR) Bad Even For Beijing: Smog Hits Extreme Levels (NPR) Shi’ite protests spread across Pakistan after killings (Reuters) Palestinian premier urges Arabs to pay pledged aid (U-T San Diego) Storm heightens crisis for Syrian refugees (Jerusalem Post) Preacher alarms many in Egypt with calls for Islamist vice police (Reuters) HEALTH Women With A Berry-Snacking Habit May Have Healthier Hearts (NPR) UCSD team invents brain cell breakthrough (U-T San Diego) Flu reaches epidemic level in U.S.: CDC says (Reuters) Pap Test May Detect More Than Just Cervical Cancer (NPR) FDA requires sleeping pill makers to lower dosage (KXII) Diet drinks ‘linked’ to depression (BBC) Does lead poisoning make you violent? (BBC) U.S. Ranks Below 16 Other Rich Countries In Health Report (NPR) UC San Diego Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center Listed among Nation’s Best Heart Hospitals (Scoop San Diego) Read more for excerpts and links to full stories. U.S. Obama to offer most comprehensive gun control in decades (Washington Post) January 15, 2013–President Obama on Wednesday will formally announce the most aggressive and expansive national gun-control agenda in generations as he presses Congress to mandate background checks for all firearms buyers and prohibit assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition clips. The announcement will set off a fierce confrontation with Congress over an issue that has riven American society for decades. Obama’s far-reaching firearms agenda has at best tepid support from his party leaders and puts him at loggerheads with Democratic centrists. Under Construction: The World’s Largest Thermal Solar Plant (NPR) January 9, 2013–According to photographer Jamey Stillings, the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System (ISEGS) will be the “world’s largest concentrated solar thermal power plant” when complete at the end of this year. That’s if we want to get all technical. In plain terms: There’s a huge solar plant under construction in the middle of the Mojave Desert, and Stillings has been documenting the process since the very beginning. Did you know this was happening? I didn’t. Can police use your silence against you? Supreme Court to decide. (CS Monitor) January 11, 2013–The US Supreme Court agreed Friday to decide whether prosecutors can use an individual’s refusal to answer police questions as evidence of guilt at a subsequent trial if the silence came prior to being taken into police custody. While the high court has long held that criminal suspects who are in police custody have a Fifth Amendment right to remain silent, the court has never decided whether a similar right protects interactions with police prior to an arrest. Computer Users Should Disable Java 7 Owing To Security Flaw, Experts Say (NPR) January 11, 2013–Millions of computer users who run the most recent versions of Oracle’s Java software should disable the product owing to security flaws, says the cybersecurity section of the Department of Homeland Security. The agency says, “Web browsers using the Java 7 plug-in are at high risk.” For our Newscast desk, Steve Henn filed a report from Silicon Valley in which he says that “in the last few months security researchers have discovered a series of bugs that can allow bad actors to take over machines that are running Java in a Web browser and steal your identity.” From Corn Belt To Main Street: The Drought’s Far-Reaching Grasp (NPR) January 12, 2013–The U.S. had its hottest year on record last year. That heat, combined with the relatively dry winter that came before, has brought a historic drought. From forest fires and low crop yields, to infrastructure and recreation, the drought has been costly, with early estimates putting the cost at between $50 billion and $80 billion. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared a disaster area in more than 1,000 counties, and now the drought is hitting America’s most important waterway — the Mississippi River. Water levels are so low that the Army Corps of Engineers is taking emergency action to keep the river navigable. Widow sues psychiatrist in Colo. theater shootings (U-T San Diego) January 15, 2013–The widow of a man killed in the Colorado movie theater shootings has sued a psychiatrist who once saw suspect James Holmes as a patient, saying the doctor should have asked police to detain Holmes before the shootings. Chantel Blunk filed suit in Denver federal court Monday alleging psychiatrist Lynne Fenton was negligent in not asking police to place a 72-hour psychiatric hold on Holmes. The suit says Holmes told Fenton on June 11 that he fantasized about killing people. For energy solutions, ‘think small’ (+video)(Christian Science Monitor) January 13, 2013–As part of an ongoing series of conversations about building America‘s energy future, the Monitor hosted a roundtable discussion in Washington on Dec. 12, 2012, with several clean-energy experts. The video above is an excerpt from panelist Josh Freed, director of the Clean Energy Program at Thirdway, a moderate think tank based in Washington. Mr. Freed speaks about his vision for a bipartisan clean energy policy in America. The discussion was sponsored by Areva, a Paris-based energy company. ‘Python Challenge’ Asks Floridians To ‘Harvest’ Snakes (NPR) January 12, 2012–For the next month, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is asking residents to tangle with the Burmese python. They say it’s a “harvest,” but really they’re asking people to hunt as many pythons as possible. WORLD Northern Irish youths pelt Catholic church in latest “flag riots” (Reuters) January 14, 2013–Protestant youths
EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: TOP LOCAL AND STATE NEWS
January 16, 2013–(San Diego’s East County)–East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include: STATE Calif desert aquifers contain high chemical levels (Sacramento Bee) California Poverty Rate Highest in Nation Based on New Census Department Figures(Huffington Post) Judge continues to block part of Calif. Initiative on human trafficking (Sacramento Bee) Calif. teachers fund moves to divest from firearms (Sacramento Bee) Pilfering plastic a booming industry in Calif. (Sacramento Bee) Can San Andreas Break At Once? Study Says Maybe (AP) LOCAL//REGIONAL Gillespie Field Expansion Brings Promise And Controversy(KPBS) Filner’s agenda for change tempered by finances (U-T San Diego) Murder rises second year in row U-T San Diego) DA: La Mesa doctor is a fake (U-T San Diego) Date set for power plant implosion (UT San Diego) Steps taken for possible restart at Cal nuke plant (Sacramento Bee) Ground rules set for Somali terrorism trial (U-T San Diego) How Will Junior Seau’s CTE Diagnosis Affect The Next Generation? (KPBS) Local college students turning to ‘sugar daddies?’ (U-T San Diego) FBI Says Crime Rates Increased Across San Diego Area In First Half Of 2012 (KPBS) San Diego Lawsuit Says Blue Cross Illegally Targeting HIV/AIDS Patients (KPBS) City Heights Stuck in the Middle of Filner-Gloria Spat (Voice of San Diego) San Diego Will Take A $40 Million Hit On Pension Costs (KPBS) San Diego Ordinance Would Require Businesses To Increase Recycling (KPBS) Shames sues UCAN for libel (U-T San Diego) Read more for excerpts and links to full stories. STATE Calif desert aquifers contain high chemical levels (Sacramento Bee) January 9, 2013–More aquifers in the SouthernCalifornia desert contained high levels of arsenic, boron, fluoride and other naturally occurring elements compared with the rest of the state, a study released Wednesday found. Federal scientists only looked at the presence of contaminants in raw, untreated groundwater and did not analyze tap water. Water agencies typically treat groundwater supplies to make drinking water and to comply with health standards. California Poverty Rate Highest in Nation Based on New Census Department Figures(Huffington Post) November 16, 2012–California has a poverty rate of 23.5 percent, the highest of any state in the country, according to figures released this week by the United States Census Bureau. The only other geographic region with an equivalent poverty rate is the District of Columbia, with 23.2 percent. The second most poverty-stricken state was Florida, at 19.5 percent. Judge continues to block part of Calif. Initiative on human trafficking (Sacramento Bee) January 11, 2013–A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction on Friday blocking part of a voter-approved ballot initiative related to human trafficking, ruling that the provision likely violates the free speech rights of sex offenders. U.S. District Judge Thelton Henderson’s decision keeps in place an existing injunction against a section of Proposition 35 that requires registered sex offenders to give authorities a list of their Internet providers and screen names. Calif. teachers fund moves to divest from firearms (Sacramento Bee) January 16, 2013–The nation’s largest teacher pension fund is taking the first step toward divesting from companies that manufacture guns and high-capacity magazines that are illegal in California. The investment committee of the California State Teachers’ Retirement System unanimously approved a motion by state Treasurer Bill Lockyer on Wednesday. Pilfering plastic a booming industry in Calif. (Sacramento Bee) January 13, 2013–A new breed of thieves is scoring big not with cash, jewels or cars, but empty milk crates. Southern California is seeing a boom in the theft of crates, pallets, and other easy-to-steal hunks of plastic that are chopped up and sold torecycling centers for totals that investigators estimate at some $5 million annually, theOrange County Register (http://bit.ly/Sp4oIy) reported Sunday. Can San Andreas Break At Once? Study Says Maybe (AP) January 10, 2013–Certain earthquake fault segments long thought to be stable may rupture and cause a mega-quake, suggests a new study. That’s what happened during the 2011 magnitude-9 quake in Japan that triggered a tsunami and during the 1999 magnitude-7.6 Chi Chi quake in Taiwan. In both cases, scientists assumed that “creeping” sections of a fault would serve as a buffer and prevent the entire fault from unzipping. But a new study published online Wednesday in the journal Nature suggests this may not always be the case. LOCAL//REGIONAL Gillespie Field Expansion Brings Promise And Controversy(KPBS) January 14, 2013–It used to be a racetrack. Now, the ghosts of shouting fans and noisy stock cars going 100 mph in the straightaway haunt these 70 acres of flat, open field in El Cajon. What will become of the place that used to be the El Cajon Speedway? One person suggested we could build the new Chargers’ stadium here. Peter Drinkwater laughs when he hears that. “Well… the FAA would have a lot to say about that!” he said, referring to the Federal Aviation Administration. “I don’t think they would allow another 50-year interim use, like the racetrack, for a Chargers’ stadium.” Filner’s agenda for change tempered by finances (U-T San Diego) January 15, 2013–With the city facing a $40 million budget deficit, San Diego Mayor Bob Filner tempered expectations for his first year in office while simultaneously promising to bring about fundamental change to how City Hall operates and interacts with the public during his first State of the City address Tuesday. Filner didn’t reveal many new details during the 37-minute speech, preferring instead to emphasize the pledges he made during the campaign, such as a renewed focus on neighborhood needs, the installation of solar panels on all city buildings and a more open government. Murder rises second year in row U-T San Diego) January 12, 2013–Murder is on the rise for the second straight year in San Diego County, a trend that has left law enforcement officials grappling to find solutions to everything from gang warfare and domestic violence to budget cuts that they say have reduced crime-fighting capabilities. The county logged 110 murders in 2012, according to data compiled by U-T San Diego. That is a 34 percent increase over the previous year, and a 59 percent rise over 2010, when a decades-low tally of 69 slayings was recorded. DA: La Mesa doctor is a fake (U-T San Diego)
HEART-TO-HEART FUNDRAISER JANUARY 19
January 16, 2013 (Spring Valley) – On January 19 the community is invited to a special fundraiser at Steele Canyon High School, 12440 Campo Road, Spring Valley from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to benefit the family of Don Mott. Mott is recovering from a seven hour open-heart surgery after suffering three heart attacks in the month of December. Don Mott served on the Steele Canyon Board, supported his three daughters as a band dad, theater dad and cheer dad. He was laid off in October of 2012 and was unable to find another position prior to his illness. Now at home, his is healing well but the struggle to pay for continuous nursing care, hospital bill and is unable to work. The family has asked for help from the community. The fundraising event will include a pancake breakfast, raffles, activities and entertainment. The cost is $5 per person and $3 per child 5 and under. Go to www.facebook.com/HearttoheartDonMott to find out how to pre-pay your tickets, or email Hearttoheartmott@gmail.com. Donations can also be mailed to 3902 Stevemark Lane, Spring Valley, CA 91977 Attn: H2H.
$100,000 IN COX CARES SCHOLARSHIPS UP FOR GRABS – DEADLINE IS FEB. 6
January 16, 2013 (San Diego) – Graduating high school seniors can earn up to $10,000 towards a college education through to Cox Cares scholarship program. Cox Communications has been awarding college scholarships for 13 years and this year will be awarding $100,000 state-wide. The Scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors who are residents of a Southern California Cox service area, those enrolling full-time at an accredited two-year college or four-year university in California with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants should have a history of active involvement in activities and community service. For more information and to apply for the scholarship click here. The deadline for applications is February 6.
EAST COUNTY CASH MOB TO HIT SILVER CREEK GALLERY ON JANUARY 19
January 16, 2013 (El Cajon) – The East SD County cash mob is headed to Silver Creek Gallery, 120 E. Main St. in El Cajon on January 19 at 12 p.m. A Cash Mob is a large number of people organized via social media to draw customers to support a local small business during tough economic times. Previous cash mob events have brought thousands of dollars into local retailers. It’s all about supporting your local economy. Silver Creek Gallery is a quaint little store that is known for its fine art and custom framing. It also features vintage/antique collectibles. The event will meet at the corner of Magnolia and Main St. at 11:55 a.m. sharp and proceed from there to the gallery. Come prepared to spend $20 to boost the store. Invite a friend or two to share in the fun. After shopping mob members can head to Downtown Café, 182 Main St. for Mob Specials. If you aren’t able to make it at noon, the store will be open until 5 p.m. Visit http://silvercreekgallery.com/ for a preview.