BILL WOULD LET ENERGY COMPANIES REMOVE NESTS AND EGGS, EXEMPT COMPANIES FROM PENALTIES FOR KILLING EAGLES, HAWKS AND OTHER RAPTORS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery March 9, 2013 (Sacramento)—Wildlife experts are reacting with outrage to AB 516, a bill in the California Legislature that would allow energy and utility companies to obtain “take” permits authorizing destruction of birds, eggs and nest that stand in the way of electrical transmission infrastructure. SDG&E was caught flying helicopters too close to protected eagle nests at least four times during construction of Sunrise Powerlink. Those incursions in three East County locations resulted in removal of one pilot and suspension of others, as well as grounding, GPS tracking and other regulatory enforcement actions. But if this bill goes through, such activities could occur without penalty in the future. Multiple new electrical transmission projects are planned in East County, including substations and industrial wind projects, each with new transmission lines. Some are planned in or very near to golden eagle habitat. The Riverside Press Enterprise reports that nests built by five pairs of red-tailed hawks on power poles near the Nevada border last year forced Southern California Edison crews to stop work within 400 feet of the nests. As this year’s nesting season approaches, Assemblywoman Cheryl Brown (D-Rialto) introduced AB 516 to allow energy companies to “take” birds. The Riverside newspaper indicates that could include nest removal, though the term “take” legally means a developer will face no penalties if a bird inadvertently dies as a result of the project. “Any work around these nests could easily be delayed until late June after the young have left their nests,” Jim Wiegand, a wildlife biologist, told East County Magazine. “This bill reeks with ulterior wind energy motives and should be killed.” He added that Southern California Edison wind turbines hat slaughtered countless numbers of raptors. Raptors, including hawks, owls, falcons and eagles, have long been protected under California law and killing endangered or threatened species also carries federal protections. In nearly all other cases (with the exception of motorists accidentally striking a bird), killing a raptor is a felony that is enforceable with severe penalties. But recently, the U.S. Department of the Interior has begun issuing take permits to give wind energy developers immunity from prosecution if they kill a limited number of raptors including eagles. Now the state may follow suit under the guise of pushing forward “renewable” energy that some environmentalists say are harming the balance of nature by enabling the destruction of raptors that not only fall victim to electrocution from power lines and death by striking wind turbine blades, but now also appear to be losing protection even for raising their young in their nesting sites. The Canadian government drew outrage when it authorized removal of an active bald eagle nest by Iberdrola Renewables during construction of a wind project, as ECM reported in January. Iberdrola is the developer of Tule Wind approved by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in McCain Valley, where eagle take permits may also be issued, much to the dismay of residents who have fought against the controversial project. San Diego’s golden eagle population has declined dramatically in recent years, falling at least 50%. Estimates on the number left range from a high of 48 nesting pairs to perhaps as few as 10 – with the higher estimates made by a consultant hired by the wind industry, San Diego Loves Green recently predicted that if the most dire figures are true and wind development is allowed in remaining eagle territories in East County, San Diego’s eagle population may soon become extinct. Printer-friendly version
SOUND AND ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD EXPERTS RAISE SERIOUS CONCERNS OVER IMPACTS OF PROPOSED WIND PROJECTS ON NEIGHBORS IN EAST COUNTY
Printer-friendly version High EMF levels found in tests at Campo, Manzanita and Ocotilllo among residences near turbines By Miriam Raftery March 12,2013 (Campo) – Acoustical experts warn that sound generated by proposed Shu’luuk, Tule and Manzanita wind projects will cause severe negative health impacts on neighbors – and further, new studies suggest that noise impact assessments created to justify these and other projects relied on errors in computer modeling that severely underestimate sound levels. New noise and infrasound findings At the Campo Shu’luuk Wind project, massive wind turbines and solar panels are proposed just 500 feet from private properties with homes and 1,320 feet from tribal homes (or less if owners sign a waiver). But a major new study commissioned by a public health department in Wisconsin involving five different acoustic experts found high levels of low-frequency noise at homes abandoned by residents as far as 7,000 feet from turbines. The Brown County Board of Health concuded that residents’ complaints of health problems at the Shirley Wind project are valid and related to long-term exposure to wind turbines. Richard R. James with E-Coustic Solutions has sent a letter to the Bureau of Indian Affairs Superintendent for Southern California Robert Eben on behalf of three interveners opposed to Tule Wind: The Protect Our Communities Foundation, Backcountry Against Dumps, and Donna Tisdale. James contends that noise impact studies for Tule Wind, ECO Substation and a cross-border transmission line include errors leading to “severe underestimates of the sound that will be received at properties adjacent to and in the footprint of the Shu’luuk project.” Studies failed to consider infra and low frequency sound characteristics emitted by industrial-scale wind turbines “that has been identified as plausible cause of adverse health effects related to vestibular disturbances,” he said. The vestibular system in the inner ear contributes to balance in humans and animals. In Ocotillo, where 500-foot-tall wind turbines have recently been built, several residents have told ECM that they are experiencing problems with vertigo and that dogs have been observed to lose their balance and fall over since the turbines began operating in December. Since the Tule report was written, James observes, new papers and presentations including “many of them peer reviewed” are showing that “modern industrial scale upwind wind turbines of the site being considered for the project have the potential to cause adverse health effects if sited too close to residential or other occupied properties.” The wind industry has discounted concerns, ignoring mounting evidence, he adds . But the Shirley Wind study should be closely read by any elected officials considering wind siting decisions. To avoid bias, Brown County’s Health Department commissioned a special study of three homes vacated at 1200, 3300 and 7000 feet from the nearest wind turbine. The study was conducted by five acoustical experts from four firms—with special equipment for recording infra and very low frequency sound below the range of most equipment . Dr. Paul Schomer, Chair of the Acoustical Society of America’s Standards Committee, was chosen to act as an independent observer. One of the firms represented acousticians who work for the wind industry and another firm works for communities impacted by turbines. The study found peak sound pressure levels “were observed to routinely exceed 95 dB and periodically 100 dB.” The more accurate equipment “explains why other studies of wind turbine infrasound have failed to identify similar high levels.” Residences who abandoned their homes reported feelings of motion sickness and other health problems. It’s rare for wind industry experts and those representing people claiming illness from turbines to agree on much of anything. But the four investigating firms concluded that enough evidence was found to “classify LFN (low frequency noise) as a serious issue, possibly affecting the future of the industry. “ James concludes that given the findings of the Shirley Wind study, “it would be prudent to follow the Precautionary Principle and withhold approval of any projects where people are located within 1.25 miles of the boundary.” High electromagnetic fields, other abnormalities found at Kumeyaay and Ocotillo wind turbines A separate report reveals that the Kumeyaay Wind turbines are exposing Campo and Manzanita tribal members to high levels of electromagnetic fields (EMFs). The new study, by Sal La Duca, indoor environmental consultant with Environmental Assay Inc. was prepared for the Protect Our Communities Foundation. (Also view appendix A and B, C, D). Tests were done with permission of individual tribal homeowners. The study notes that due to the rushed scheduled, cooperation from SDG&E and Infigen Energy could not be obtained. Thus the testing was limited to weak wind days and “it was not possible to make EMF measurements during a fuller range of operational conditions.” Despite those constraints, measurements still found “inordinately high electric field strengths and substantial Electromaginetic Interference (EMI)” excacerbated or caused by the Kumeyaay wind turbines and other electic generators and their interconnections, as well as powerlines transmitting electricity from the wind facility. Residents experienced electrical interference that damaged equipment, such as a well pump replaced three times at one home, the report found. Other problems occurred with television reception. The findings coincide with residences already found to have stray voltage 1,000 times normal in prior measurements taken by Dr. Samuel Milham, as ECM previously reported. Milham has also sent a letter with his latest findings to the BIA. Moreover, a small health study of Manzanita residents found 68% of those living near turbines reported sleep disturbances consistent with Wind Turbine Syndrome. La Duca’s new study found the EMIs were most likely originating from the Kumeyaay Wind turbines and associated substation and power lines, with the most likely pathways through ground currents and through the air. In places, the electric fields found were “inordinately strong, even reaching extreme levels”; radiofrequency was also relatively high for a rural area. Building taller turbines, as proposed for the area, may make the problems even worse, the study suggests. “The nacelles being located high a lot places them at ideal position to convey EMI
CAMPO, THE FORGOTTEN GUNFIGHT TO BE REENACTED MARCH 23
Printer-friendly version The 1875 Campo gunfight killed more people and lasted longer than the infamous shootout at the O.K. corral. But few people have heard about this long-lost true tale from East County’s colorful past. But on March 23 at 3 p.m., “Campo: The Forgotten Gunfight” will be reenacted outside at the Golden Acorn Casino. The show is free and open to all ages. Come learn how local marksmen and townspeople foiled bandits’ plans to rob the entire town. The event will take place rain or shine, and cover will be provided in the event of inclement weather. The Golden Acorn is located just off I-8 in Campo. For information and directions, visit http://www.goldenacorn.com/ Printer-friendly version
JACUMBA HOT SPRINGS: AN OASIS FOR TOURING CYCLISTS ON THE SOUTHERN TIER
Printer-friendly version March 11, 2013 (Jacumba Hot Springs)–Pinch Flat Fortune Productions has created a delightful video that provides a cyclist’s eye view of Jacumba Hot Springs, a town built around a natural mineral spring bubbling up from the ground near a pond that’s a birdwatcher’s haven. The filmmakers call Jacumba Hot Springs “magical,” adding that in addition to free camping and soothing soaks, the community has, “some of the kindest, quirkiest, most interesting people we have ever met, all in one place.” http://www.pinchflatfortune.com/from-the-road-bike-tour-journals/southwest-tour-california-arizona-2013/jacumba-hot-springs-an-oasis-for-touring-cyclists/ Printer-friendly version
THREE HOSPITALIZED AFTER FIGHT IN SANTEE: BEATEN WITH BATS, KNIFE LODGED IN VICTIM’S SKULL
Printer-friendly version March 13, 2013 (Santee) – Lakeside Sheriff’s patrol deputies responding to a report of a stabbing victim at 10:32 p.m. last night near 9660 Marilla Drive found a juvenile with a knife lodged in his skull. Witnesses told deputies that they had witnessed a large fight in the Ryder Road area in Santee involving around five males seen using baseball bats, brass knuckles asnd knives. Three victims were transported to hospitals with injuries. The victim who was struck by the baseball bats was taken to Grossmont Hospital and is listed as stable condition with multiple broken bones and internal injuries. The victim of the stabbing to the head was transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital where he was admitted for further observation after the knife had been removed. His injuries are non-life threatening. The third victim was taken to Grossmont Hospital and later transferred to UCSD Hospital where he was admitted. His stab wounds were also non-life threatening. One arrest has been made in this case and the investigation is continuing. For further information please contact Sgt. David Hale or the Santee Detective Unit at (619) 956-4000. Printer-friendly version
SUIT FILED TO STOP CLOSED-DOOR PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING WITH ENERGY COMPANIES IN SAN DIEGO
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery March 13, 2013 (San Diego)—The law firm of former City Attorney Mike Aguirre has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Masada Disenhouse seeking an injunction to halt the California Public Utilities Commission from holding a closed-door , invitation-only meeting with energy industry stakeholders at the Scripps Seaside Forum in San Diego on March 20. Disenhouse asked to attend, but her name was removed from the list. “California Government Code section 11123 requires that all meetings of a state body shall be open and public, and all persons shall be permitted to attend any meeting of a state body,” the lawsuit states. The suit further notes that Government Code section 11120 requires that “proceedings of public agencies be conducted openly so that the people may be informed.” The statute, known as the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act further states, “The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know.” The California Attorney General identifies the forum to be held at the Scripps Seaside Forum as a meeting that must be open to the public per the Bagley-Keene Open meeting law. The CPUC has come under increasing fire since Michael Peevey became president in 2002. A recent column in the San Diego Daily Transcript by sundicated columnist Thomas Elias titled “Are utility regulators creating a banana republic?” cites numerous examples where the commission “has taken care of big utilities and power producers at the expense of ordinary citizens, called `ratepayers’ in utility parlance.” For example, the CPUC forced customers to foot most of the bill to fix pipelines after the 2010 explosion that killed eight people in San Bruno, even though Pacific Gas & Electric Co. took responsibility for the blast. Now the CPUC is weighing approval of three gas-fired “peaker” power plants in San Diego County. Peevey asked the head of the California Energy Commission to send a letter supporting his claim that one of them, Pio Pico, is needed – even though it’s not. The CPUC’s own administrative law judge found there is no need for this new plant or any other until at least 2018. Moreover, even if San Onofre stays permanently shut down, by late this summer, Southern California will have ecess generating capacity of 30 percent and Northern California nearly 40 percent. Pio Pico would cost ratepayers $80-$90 million each year, or $1.5 billion over the next 20 years—with profits flowing to SDG&E. Printer-friendly version
ARE ENERGY PROJECTS CAUSING LOSS OF TOURISM DOLLARS ON PUBLIC LANDS?
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery March 9, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) –Industrial-scale energy projects on Bureau of Land Management lands are pushed through by energy companies touting jobs and economic booms to communities. Not mentioned is the potential loss of tourism revenues if people stop coming to recreational areas that are visually blighted. That’s been a fear voiced by residents near McCain Valley and Ocotillo, both scenic public recreation areas where wind projects are slated or recently completed. Now preliminary data from the Bureau of Land Management reveals a 12% drop in the number of visitors to the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreational Area over the past year. Sunrise Powerlink construction was completed in June 2012. Is the loss of 72,275 visitors due to the massive high voltage towers that dune buggies and other off-road enthusiasts now must dodge in the desert? The data is revealed in the BLM’s El Centro Field Office under Highlights of the California Desert District Advisory Council Meeting, dated February 9, 2013 and reflects the last fiscal year. Imperial San Dunes has high voltage towers and lines, but not wind turbines. The latter, some fear, could result in even greater negative impacts on tourism and recreation revenues and loss of public enjoyment on public lands. In Ocotillo (left) and McCain Valley, both also popular destinations for off-road enthusiasts, tourists have also long come for overnight camping and hiking. But with wind turbines towering approximately 500 feet tall, red lights flashing on and off all night, and whirling blades emitting infrasound and potentially stray voltage just hundreds of feet from camp sites, the loss of revenues could potentially be far greater. There are also concerns by recreational users that McCain Valley could be closed during winter weather – or that if left open, lives of visitors could be endangered. Both sides of the only access road will be lined with turbines, but in winter weather, turbine blades can hurl ice chunks off, posing serious risk of harm. At least one death has been documented from ice thrown off a turbine. McCain Valley, near Boulevard Califorrnia, has long been a popular winter destination (see photos, below) as well as an attraction for outdoor enthusiasts year-round. There are also safety concerns during fire season in a region prone to Santa Ana Winds and wildfires best described as infernos. Wildfires in 2003 and 2007 wiped out thousands of homes; the latter caused half a million evacuations in San Diego County. Last year, the Shockey Fire began on the site of a proposed wind farm here, burning 2500 acres and a dozen or more homes, also killing an elderly resident. That was in low wind conditions. Fire officials have warned that if a fire starts at a wind farm in this area during high winds, the volunteer firefighters in the region do not have the ability to put it out until it burns out of the wind farm and becomes a major wildfire. The tall turbines act as lightning rods and each contains hundreds of gallons of flammable lubricating oil, raising fears that campers could be trapped in McCain Valley, which has only one long, bumpy road in and out. What could the cost be in lives –and potentially, litigation–if a fire caused by a wind project kills tourists on public lands? Residents of nearby towns on historic Highways 80 and 94 have voiced concerns that tourism may dry up if Tule Wind, Shu’luuk Wind, Jewel Valley Wind and/or Manzanita Wind are built, all of which would lessen the visual and recreational appeal to visitors in an area known as the gateway todesignated wilderness areas and the Carrizo Gorge, which will no longer be accessible without driving beneath a gauntlet of whirling turbine blades. Printer-friendly version
HOMEOWNER’S GURU: MORTGAGE MODIFICATION SCAMS
Printer-friendly version By E. Vernon Small March 12, 2013 (San Diego) – If you are a struggling homeowner, you have undoubtedly been approached by companies that claim they will reduce your mortgage payments and/or your mortgage balance by negotiating a ‘loan modification’ with your current mortgage lender. All of these companies claim to be reputable and licensed, and many even operate as attorneys. They typically charge $1500 or more to handle this process, and most offer payment plans. The good news is that reports say that 750k-850k loan modifications were performed in 2012… The bad news is that 8-10 million families applied for mortgage loan modifications. It is widely accepted that only 10% percent of loan modification applications are approved by lenders. This gives you a 1 in 10 chance of losing your money. The authorities are overwhelmed with thousand of loan modification complaints, so if you encounter a problem with a company, it is unlikely that any action will be taken for months if not years. The San Diego Division of the FBI indicted an attorney that was running a modification company, along with a dozen accomplices in October of 2012. First American Loan Center in Oceanside, California allegedly defrauded 11 million dollars from unsuspecting homeowners through a loan modification scam. http://www.fbi.gov/sandiego/press-releases/2012/oceanside-attorney-indicted-for-operating-11-million-loan-modification-scam I have worked for…well, mostly against numerous loan modification companies over the past three years, and I have concluded that loan modification companies that use telemarketers and/or direct mail to get your business are rarely able to accomplish what they claim. And the ‘100% Money Back Guarantee’ does not matter when they shut down the company after they already have your money. I have found that it is better to deal with a single licensed individual rather than a large company. There are a handful of reputable attorneys that will effectively handle the process from start to finish. However, you should always contact your lender directly to modify your mortgage loan. But if you insist on hiring a third-party, email me and I will assist you in finding a reputable professional. For questions or comments about this article, or if you would like advice on your particular situation- Please email info@smallworldms.com or call 888-938-5453. FREE RESOURCES Please review the information below BEFORE paying thousands of dollars to a loan modification company. The following is from HUD.GOV – You can find access to FREE counseling and assistance. Avoiding Foreclosure: When a Lender Won’t Work with You You’ve done all your homework, explored workout options, talked to a housing counselor and tried to talk to your lender. But, the lender won’t work with you. What do you do now? For an FHA-insured loan Your lender has to follow FHA servicing guidelines and regulations for FHA-insured loans. If your lender is not cooperative, contact FHA’s National Servicing Center toll free at (877) 622-8525, or via email. Whether by phone or email, be prepared to provide the full name(s) of all persons listed on the mortgage loan and the full address of the property including city, state and zip. We may be able to help you more quickly if you can also provide your 13-digit FHA case number from the loan settlement statement. For a VA-insured loan First, visit the VA Foreclosure Alternatives page. If you need assistance or have additional questions, talk to a Loan Service Representative. For conventional loans If you have a conventional loan, first talk to a HUD-approved housing counselor at (800) 569-4287. They may be able to help you with your lender. You can also contact HOPE NOW or call the Homeowners Hope Hotline at (888) 995-HOPE to ask for assistance in working with your lender. http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/topics/avoiding_foreclosure/workingwithlenders Printer-friendly version
TOURNAMENT TIME! SDSU TEAMS QUALIFY FOR MOUNTAIN WEST; WOMEN WIN LEAGUE TITLE
Printer-friendly versionSDSU News Center March 13, 2013 (San Diego)– San Diego State University men’s and women’s basketball teams head to Las Vegas this week for the Mountain West Tournament before what they hope are deep runs in the NCAA Tournament. The women’s basketball team has won its second consecutive league title. The San Diego State women’s basketball team captured the outright league title for the second year in a row, matching the program’s second-longest winning streak at 15 games and tied for the second-best conference record ever in MW history. They enter this week’s Reese’s Mountain West Basketball Championship as the No. 1 seed and will square off against either Air Force or Nevada in the quarterfinal round on Thursday, March 14, beginning at noon inside the Thomas & Mack Center. The men’s team earned the No. 4 seed in the MW tournament. The Aztecs will face the fifth seed, Boise State, for a second straight season. SDSU and BSU will hit the hardwood on Wednesday in the final quarterfinal game of the day. Tip time is set for 9 p.m. PT inside Thomas & Mack Center on the campus on UNLV and will be televised on CBS Sports Network. The winner will advance to Friday’s semifinal, which is set for 6 p.m. PT, and will be against the winner of top-seeded New Mexico and the winner of the 8-9 game between eighth-seeded Wyoming and the nine-seed, Nevada. Tournament brackets and information can be found here. Printer-friendly version
MAN RESCUED FROM WELL IN POTRERO
Printer-friendly version By Nadin Abbott, photos Tom Abbott March 11, 2013 (Potrero)— Gerry Fowler, 43, and his father were working on the well they rely on for water yesterday when planks of wood used for support gave way. Fowler’s father was able to keep himself from falling, but Fowler fell 35 feet to the bottom of the well. An emergency call was placed to 911, which led to mobilization of multiple fire agencies, as well as Mercy Air and American Medical Response. The patient lapsed into unconsciousness during the ordeal and was listed in critical condition as of 11 p.m. “I could not believe it when I found out he was in the well,” said the victim’s wife, Jessica, who awaited word through the ordeal along with the couple’s 12-year-old son and the victim’s father. According to Battalion Chief Jeff Lannon, the first Engine on scene, a Cal-Fire unit, improvised with a one inch hose and air bottles to get air down to the patient and made first contact. A firefighter could not be lowered immediately while they evaluated the situation, so they could not see how the victim was doing. But contact was made by shouting down into the well. When more specialized rescue units arrived they could assess the air down below. The improvisation was successful and the air quality was acceptable. The second step was to set up a hoist system, which is essentially a tripod, using a mechanical advantage system. This system uses pulleys and ropes. This system allows the firefighters to use their brawn, but effectively lower or raise less dead weight with each pull. This allowed a firefighter paramedic and another rescuer specialized in confined space rescue to go down and make physical contact with Fowler and do a basic medical assessment. The patient was under a slab of concrete and water rose at eight inches an hour, so they had to pump water out to keep Fowler’s head above water. Emergency responders also had to contend throughout with the air quality inside the well, which fire agencies handled with an air manifold system to pump air down to the personnel and the patient. They also had to face the possibility of the patient getting very cold, known as hypothermia. This system also allowed them to monitor the quality of air in the well throughout the incident. Air in a confined space can be unsafe for breathing and become such very fast, why this is critical. The balance in a rescue of this type is the safety of the personnel versus the need to get the patient out and ultimately to a trauma center. If you move too fast you can add injure rescuers , adding patients and complicating the rescue. This is why there are specialized teams that respond to these emergencies. In this case the Confined Space Rescue Team from Chula Vista Fire Department and Santee were dispatched to the scene as well as other units from around the county. While many firefighters are trained in the basics of confined space rescue, these teams have the specialized equipment for it, and train to do this on a regular basis. Coordination of an incident of this type is paramount, and the fire service used effectively the Incident Command System (ICS), where people are assigned different responsibilities. This allows for people to concentrate on a single job, and prevents chaos at an emergency scene. This system is standard in the United States. According to Chief Lennon these types of highly technical rescues are thankfully rare. This is the only second incident in his career, and the most complex he has ever faced. Once they were able to get a harness down to the rescuers, who put it on the patient, the team lifted Fowler to the surface. The harness used has a half board to keep his back in line. Once outside, the patient was packaged by Mercy Air personnel, as well as American Medical Response medics and Firefighters. Then he has moved by ground ambulance to the Potrero Fire Station, where Mercy Air flew him to the Trauma Center. “I thank the firefighters for getting him out,” Jessica Fowler said. “I could not bear to watch when the pulled him out.” It took multiple agencies, ranging from Chula Vista and Santee, to Lakeside and Cal Fire, as well as others, two and a half hours from the time of the report to the ultimate extraction. Printer-friendly version