MENTAL PATIENT ARRESTED FOR HATE CRIME, ARSON IN BURNING OF GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH IN EL CAJON
By Miriam Raftery and Nadin Abbott January 27, 2013 (El Cajon)- San Diego Sheriff today announced the arrest of Darin Williams in connection to an early morning fire that caused an estimated $250,000 in damage to St. Gregory of Nyssa Greek Orthodox Christian Church in the unincorporated area of El Cajon. Williams s charged with arson, burglary and a hate crime, said Sergeant E. J. Dayitt. The suspect was released last week from a psychiatric institution and became upset when the church’s priest, Simeon Corona, told him he could no longer stay at a parishioner’s home if he woud not take his medications, U-T San Diego reports. The priest called Williams, 38, a “troubled man.” Cal Fire/San Miguel Fire District Firefighters responded to the blaze after a resident living near the church spotted the fire and called 9-1-1 just before 4:00 a.m. In addition to Cal/Fire/San Miguel Fire District Firefighters, crews from Heartland Fire and Lakeside helped battle the fire, which took about 45 minutes to knock down. No one was reported inside the St. Gregory of Nyssa Greek Orthodox Christian Church at the time of the fire and there were no injuries. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Bomb/Arson Unit was called to investigate, as is customary in such incidents. Williams as identified as a person of interest and arrested today. According to Mark Gliptis, a Church volunteer, this is a small congregation of 150 men, women and children. The fire could be “a blessing in disguise,” he said, adding, “We have wanted to build up the church for a long time and people may now donate, now that others know we are here.” Traffic was shut down temporarily while firefighters battled the blaze, said ECM photojournalist Paul Kruze, who lives in the area. Officials with the Church announced plans to move services to a garage since their worship hall is damaged.
SPRING 8 FOOTBALL REGISTRATIONS ON JAN. 30
January 27, 2013 (El Cajon) – Steele Canyon Youth Football & Cheer is now registering players for its Spring 8-Man Football League. Registration will take place at Round Table Pizza, 2650 Jamacha Road, El Cajon on January 30 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Practice will start and February. There are no try-outs and everyone plays. Open to grades 5 through 8. Competition lasts through May.
JACK SHU IS FEATURED SPEAKER AT LA MESA-FOOTHILLS DEMOCRATIC CLUB ON FEB. 6
January 27, 2013 (La Mesa) – Jack Shu, Board President of the Cleveland National Forest Foundation (CNFF), will be the featured speaker at the February 6 meeting of the La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club. The meeting will be held at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa at 6:30 p.m. CNFF, founded in 1994, advocates for wilderness conservation through improved regional planning and projects to save critical forest and ranch lands. Along with other conservation organizations, CNFF filed a suit against the Regional Transportation Plan proposed by the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). SANDAG’s proposal was for spending over $200 billion on transportation projects in the County over the next 40 years. Superior Court Judge Timothy Taylor ruled that SANDAG acted with “a prejudicial abuse of discretion” in developing the plan. Shu will make a presentation about CNFF’s lawsuit and their ongoing effort to protect wilderness tracts and urban environments through better transportation planning. Shu has 29 years of experience working as a superintendent for the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
FROM THE FLUME TO THE OZONE:NEXT IN THE HISTORICAL SPEAKER SERIES FEB. 7 IN EL CAJON
January 27, 2013 (El Cajon) — El Cajon’s Centennial Historical Speaker series continues for 2013. The next speaker is Ms. Kate Breece from Helix Water District, with a presentation titled “From the Flume to the Ozone.” This talk is scheduled for Thursday, February 7th, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Downtown El Cajon Library, located at 201 East Douglas Avenue. Talks are scheduled for the first and third Thursday of the month. Light refreshments will also be provided. The other scheduled speakers are as follows: February 21: Steve Varner, Old Highway 80 – “The Road to San Diego – U.S. 80 and the Early Auto Trails” March 7: Tom McGrath, Long Time Announcer, Cajon – “Saturday Night Lights – and it wasn’t a Football Game” March 21: Ed Jarrell, El Cajon Fire Department – “The El Cajon Fire Department – Then and Now” April 4: Peter Drinkwater, Gillespie Field – A Historical Look at Gillespie Field: “Ranches – Gooney Birds & Bonanzas” April 18: Karna Webster & Jonna Waite, El Cajon Historical Society – A Historical Photo Tour of 100 Year-Old Homes: “This Old House” For more information, please call (619) 588-3708 or visit www.cityofelcajon.us.
HAWK WATCH: AN UP CLOSE LOOK AT RAPTORS
Event continues each Saturday in January and February By Miriam Raftery January 27, 2013 (Ramona ) – A Ferruginous hawk, the largest hawk found in San Diego County, hunkers down on a treetop at the Ramona Grasslands preserve. In a field nearby, volunteers with the Wildlife Research Institute give visitors an up-close look at another of these magnificent birds (left), which winter in our region after migrating south from the northern U.S. and Canada. Rainfall moved the event indoors, where a Peregrine Falcon and a Screech Owl were shown off next. “We’ve never cancelled a single time,” WRI executive director Dave Bittner notes. Later, as the weather cleared, Bittner displayed a golden eagle outdoors; a special report by the WRI warns that “our last remaining Golden Eagle territories in San Diego County are being threatened.” Since the 1950s, 43 Golden Eagle territories–nearly 50% of zones documented as eagle nesting areas– have been extirpated and never reoccupied. Only 9 active Golden Eagle breeding pairs remain in the entire county. The WRI report lists extensive trail systems in wildlife preserves as the worst threat to eagles. ECM has asked Bittner why wind turbines are not listed in his report as threats to local eagles. The WRI accepts money from wind developers to conduct research on eagle habitat at proposed wind energy sites, including three in East County. Wind turbines have had devastating effects on golden eagles elsewhere, notably at the Altamont Wind Farm, where thousands of golden eagles have been killed by the whirling blades. At the existing Kumeyaay wind facility in Campo, a witness has reporting seeing a car full of large, dead raptors, though no records are required to be disclosed to the public of bird kills at the facility on tribal lands. Three new projects proposed: Tule, Shu’luuk and Jewel Valley wind, are all in or near areas where residents have long reported eagles foraging or nesting. The federal government has recently begun issuing take permits allowing the inadvertent killing of eagles by wind developers. The WRI has recently established an Eagle Fund for the research, preservation and protection of eagles and other raptors. Recently an exciting discovery was made at the Ramona Grasslands preserve: a pair of bald eagles has built a nest at the site. The pair is one of just two nesting bald eagle pairs confirmed in San Diego County. The facility includes a visitors’ center with a variety of interesting exhibits and souvenirs. Guests learn many important facts about how to help protect raptors, or birds of prey. Rat poison and other pesticides wreak havoc on raptors, causing severe neurological damage or even death, a medical professional at the facility explained. Property owners are urged to use traps instead to control rodents such as ground squirrels and gophers. All birds on display have suffered injury or illness that prevents them from being released into the wild. A small screech owl is blind in one eye from being struck by a car. Outside, kids could enjoy additional activities, including handling snakes (favorite prey of raptors), viewing educational displays, and getting a close-up look at a barn owl (left) Hawk Watch events continue each Saturday in January and February at the Ramona Grasslands in Ramona, starting promptly at 9 a.m. For more information, visit http://www.wildlife-research.org/hawkwatch.html .
LILAC TRAIL 5K RUN/WALK AND FUN RUN FEBRUARY 2
January 27, 2013 (El Cajon) – The Earth Discovery Institute is holding the Lilac Trail 5k Run/Walk and Fun Run on February 2 at the Crestridge Ecologilcal Reserve, 1171 Horsemill Road, El Cajon. Registration begins at 7 a.m. with the runs beginning at 8 a.m. The Earth Discovery Institute works to build a corps of stewards who enjoy, understand, and support the environment. Its environmental service-learning program instills scientific curiosity and skills in children so important to the future of our society. Positive experiences outdoors create connections to nature that build the ethic of community and environmental stewardship in the coming generation. EDI relies on financial support from the community to bring this service to students and society. Please offer your support by participating in this fun and fulfilling event in a beautiful setting. $20 Crest Residents – $25 Early Registration (by Jan 31) $30 Day of Event – $10 Kids fun run; all kids get a ribbon All 5K participants get a T-shirt Plaques for top 3 in each age group (under 17, 18-39, 40+) Registration 7-8:30 Kids fun run begins at 8:00 a.m. 5K begins at 8:30 a.m. Register at http://www.earthdiscovery.org/index.php/lilac-5k-trail-run-fundraiser
CELEBRITY CHEF GEORGE DURAN’S SECRETS TO A PERFECT GUACAMOLE
January 27, 2013 (San Diego’s East County)–Celebrity chef George Duran (of Food Network and TLC Ultimate Cake Off fame) has shared this tasty tip for our readers. Of course everyone has their own opinion on what makes the “best guacamole,” but Duran’s recipe for Crunchy Herbed Guacamole stands out amongst the crowd for two very delicious reasons. What George’s version has is the magic crunch factor, stemming from a fresh medley of diced radishes and chives, taking texture to another level. Also, his recipe is prepared authentically, as it would be in a traditional Latin household by means of a Granite Molcajete (he uses one from IMUSA), to mince and mix ingredients. Not only does this method make a mean Guac, but it makes for a rich, festive presentation for parties, small get-together’s, or family dinner night. Get to Mixing and Mashing with: George Duran and IMUSA’s Recipe for Crunchy Herbed Guacamole: Ingredients: 2 Ripened avocados, halved and pitted 3 Small red radishes, diced ¼ Cup finely chopped cilantro ¼ Cup snipped fresh chives Kosher salt or table salt, to taste Juice of ½ lime Bottled Chipotle Hot Pepper Sauce (optional) Preparation: Scoop avocado flesh (for best results, inside an IMUSA Molcajete) and add the cilantro, chopped chives, lime juice, and chipotle hot pepper sauce. Gently mash with until the desired consistency is reached. Fold in diced radishes and season with salt to taste. The Molcajete can be purchased at Target or Target.com: http://www.target.com/p/imusa-granite-molcajete/-/A-12877001#?lnk=sc_qi_detaillink
DENSE FOG TO BLANKET COUNTY: RAIN, SNOW ALSO FORECAST
January 25, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for San Diego County, including mountains, valleys, deserts and coastal areas. Widespread dense fog with visibility near zero in places is expected tonight and tomorrow. Scattered rain showers are predicted Sunday and Monday along and west of the mountains. Snow levels should lower to 4500 feet by Monday.
WILL CONGRESS LET VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT DIE?
Hunter among those voted against extending protections to all women By Miriam Raftery January 26, 2013 (San Diego’s East County ) – One in four women has been a victim of domestic violence and nearly one in five has been raped during their lifetime, the Center for Disease Control reports. Yet last year, House Republicans blocked reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), allowing it to expire rather than approve a Democratic proposal to expand protections from domestic violence for Native American women, immigrant women and gay women. Now, programs funded by VAWA for all women are in danger of disappearing, unless Congress takes action. Nationwide, VAWA supporters are organizing efforts to persuade Congress to pass a newly introduced VAWA bill before funds for all VAWA programs run out. Advocates of last session’s VAWA measure hoped to end discrimination that has prevented many women from getting help after violent assaults. Native American women are 2.5 times more likely to be sexually assaulted than any other racial group; one in three has been raped. Undocumented immigrant women are often afraid to report domestic violence for fear of deportation. Battered women in same-sex relationships have been discriminated against when seeking shelter 45% of the time. VAWA expired in late 2011, but funds remained short-term due to the budgeting timetable. Soon, however, VAWA programs will cease unless Congress opts to reauthorize them. A compromise measure recently introduce drops a key protection for undocumented immigration women victimized by domestic violence, however Democrats hope to include the provision in a comprehensive immigration bill later on. VAWA, first enacted in 1994 and reauthorized twice since then, has been effective at dramatically reducing domestic violence. From 1993 to 2010, the rate of intimate partner violence dropped 67% nationwide. Homicides due to domestic violence also fell sharply. The National Domestic Violence Hotline, funded by VAWA, has answered over 3 million calls – 22,000 each month. The National Congress of American Indians has urged Congress to support reauthorization of VAWA including a provision to allow Native American tribal courts to prosecute on on-native perpetrators, since many Native American women are assaulted by non-Native men, including assaults on tribal lands. Republicans have claimed the provision would be unconstitutional. Deborah Parker, a Native American leader from the Tulalip Tribes in Washington state, has said that perpetrators “have raped and abused and then fallen through the cracks” because in her region, the local sheriff has said “Sorry, we don’t have jurisdiction.” The American Bar Association has also called on Congress to strengthen tribal jurisdiction to address crimes of gender-based violence on tribal lands in the VAWA reauthorization. Last year, the Senate passed VAWA but it was killed in the House; East County Congressman Duncan Hunter (R) was among those who voted against reauthorizing VAWA. San Diego County has more Native American tribes (19) than any other county in America, as well as a large population of immigrant women. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) and Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) this week introduced a new version of VAWA that protects Native American women, but drops an earlier proposal that would have increased “U visas” for undocumented immigrants who are domestic violence victims. U-victims are tools that help law enforcement to prosecute rapists and domestic abusers, enabling victims to come forward without fear of deportation. “This reauthorization will allow us to make real progress in addressing the horrifying epidemic of domestic violence in tribal communities, where one recent study found that almost three in five Native women have been assaulted by their spouses or intimate partners,” Senator Leahy said upon introducing the measure, S. 47. Read full text here. Congresswoman Gwen Moore, who has been a victim of domestic violence, introduced a House version of the same bill , H.R. 11. NCAI president Jefferson Keel called the provisions “vital to the safety of our Native women and to the Native and non-Native communities where violent offenders are left unchecked if they commit specific crimes of domestic or sexual violence on tribal land.” Supporters of reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act have banded together to create a website a t http://4vawa.org/. The site includes sample letters that can be sent to members of the House and Senate, as well as links to the group’s Facebook page and Twitter site.