BRUSH FIRE IN BONITA
July 29, 2013 (Bonita) — A brush fire is burning at 7152 San Miguel Road in the vicinity of State Routes 125 and 54. Structures and power lines are at risk. The fire is now 10 acres, burning uphill on San Miguel Mountain. Fire is underneath high-voltage power lines, scanner traffic indicates. Sign up to receive free Viejas Wildfire and Emergency Alerts via email at the top right side of our homepage and also receive a free weekly copy of East County Magazine. You can also follow ViejasAlerts on Twitter to receive brief alerts on your mobile phone. We recommend all of the above since you don’t know what form of communcation will work best in a major regional emergency.
EARTHTALK®: SEA LEVEL RISES NOT LETTING UP ANYTIME SOON
July 29, 2013 (San Diego) — Dear EarthTalk: Hurricane Sandy brought more sea water onto shorelines than I’d ever witnessed before and many communities near where I live are now being required to raise their homes up. What is the prognosis for sea level rise in the years immediately ahead? — Scott P., Fairfield, CT Since sea level measurements were first recorded, in 1870, global averages have risen almost eight inches. The annual rate of rise has been 0.13 inches over the past 20 years, which is close to twice the average from the previous 80 years. Future estimates for sea levels vary according to region but most Earth scientists agree that sea levels are expected to rise at a greater pace than during the last 50 years. Predicting the amount of rise is an inexact science and depends on many factors including climate change and ice sheet flows. The U.S. National Research Council predicts a possible sea level rise of between 22 and 29 inches over the 21st century in the U.S. Sea levels are anticipated to continue rising for centuries. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), land elevation changes also have a large impact on the effects of rising water levels. Subsidence (sinking) or uplift (rising) of the land can help determine the relative sea level rise. The EPA’s relative sea level estimates, assuming a two foot global sea level rise by 2100, are 2.3 feet at New York City, 2.9 feet at Hampton Roads, Virginia, 3.5 feet at Galveston, Texas and one foot at Neah Bay in Washington state. The main factors contributing to sea level rise are thermal expansion (created by an increase in ocean water temperatures) and the melting of ice caps and glaciers. Human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, combined with natural activities, have contributed to the rise of the earth’s surface temperature over the past century. According to National Geographic, about 80 percent of this additional heat is absorbed by the oceans. The above factors are well studied, but more research is still being done on how climate change will impact large ice sheets in areas such as Greenland and the Antarctic. An extra foot of sea level rise could be a possibility depending on what happens with these larger ice sheets. Even small changes in sea levels can have adverse effects on coastal areas. Erosion, flooding of wetlands, aquifer and agricultural soil contamination and habitat loss for fish, birds and plants are all problems resulting from rising sea levels. Also, higher sea levels usually mean more destructive weather events as storm surges get bigger and more powerful and devastate everything in their way. Coastal communities will suffer the most, as flooding from rising water levels will force millions of people out of their homes. As for what can be done, reducing our collective carbon footprint is no doubt the first and most important step. Individuals should drive and fly less, walk and bicycle more and take advantage of public transit. But sweeping policy changes will have the most impact: A recent commitment by the Obama White House to require coal-burning power plants and other large industrial operations to minimize greenhouse gas emissions should finally help get the United States started on the right track, but many wonder if such moves represent too little too late. CONTACTS: U.S. National Research Council, www.nationalacademies.org/nrc; EPA Climate Change Future, www.epa.gov/climatechange/science/future.html; National Geographic Sea Level Rise, ocean.nationalgeographic.com/ocean/critical-issues-sea-level-rise/. EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E – The Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: earthtalk@emagazine.com. Subscribe: www.emagazine.com/subscribe. Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial.
READER’S EDITORIAL: DRONE MADNESS
By Connie Frankowiak, Julian July 29, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – The loonies in the U.S. Government now think it is a great idea to arm those drones patrolling the Mexican and Canadian borders and if these drones start slaughtering and maiming their citizens like other countries on the planet then America will end up at war with their two neighbors. Do the American people realize that they can buy their very own drone for about $300 and spy on the U.S. Government spying on them or even better America’s patriotic gun toten citizens could use these drones for target practice. The opinions in this editorial reflect the views of East County Magazine and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org
NEW ROUND OF REBATES OFFERED FOR HIGH-EFFICIENCY TOILETS
July 29, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – San Diego County homeowners can now get rebates of up to $50 and businesses can get rebates of up to $200 for purchasing highly efficient toilets as part of extensive regional efforts to promote wise use of water. While many homeowners and businesses have upgraded to more efficient toilets in recent years, manufacturers have continued to reduce the amount of water necessary for each flush as regulatory standards evolve. Compared to old toilets that use 3.5 or 5 gallons per flush, new WaterSense toilets certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency can save 63 to 74 percent per flush. Even homes and businesses with more modern toilets that use 1.6 gallons per flush can trim water use significantly by upgrading to WaterSense high-efficiency models that use 1.28 gallons per flush. Toilets are by far the primary source of water use inside homes nationwide, accounting for about 30 percent of indoor residential water consumption, according to the EPA. By replacing older, inefficient toilets with WaterSense models, the EPA estimates the potential savings of 13,000 gallons of water and more than $90 in water costs per home each year. The EPA also said that swapping out all the outdated toilets nationwide for WaterSense toilets could save more than 500 billion gallons of water per year – equivalent to about two weeks of flows over Niagara Falls. Earlier rounds of toilet-replacement rebate programs were extremely popular in San Diego County, accounting for the installation of more than 500,000 upgraded devices since 1991. To be eligible for a rebate, toilets must be on the list of approved WaterSense varieties that includes conventional and dual-flush models. Modification of existing valves or the use of valve kits does not qualify for a rebate, nor does the purchase of toilets that use 1.6 gallons per flush. Qualifying toilets for single-family and multi-family properties are eligible for up to $50 each. Toilet-replacement rebates at commercial properties are up to $100 each, and rebates for qualifying urinals at commercial properties are up to $200 each. Participants must reserve their rebates online before making a purchase. Addresses that have received toilet rebates in the past are not eligible for another rebate. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and its member agencies, including the Water Authority, fund the toilet rebates along with similar programs for other water-related devices. The current toilet rebate offer will continue until funding runs out or June 30, 2014, when California will require that only high-efficiency toilets be sold per legislation supported by the Water Authority. The Water Authority’s new conservation-related website, WaterSmartsd.org, offers information about a number of incentive programs – including the toilet rebates – and provides water-saving resources, such as a home water-use calculator and water-efficient landscaping workshops.
EL CAJON APPOINTS NEW ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
July 29, 2013 (El Cajon) – El Cajon City Manager Douglas Williford announced today that he has appointed Majed Al-Ghafry as the new Assistant City Manager. Al-Ghafry currently serves as the Director of Public Works for the City of San Antonio, Texas, the nation’s 7th largest city. Prior to that, Al-Ghafry served as the Director of Public Works for the City of North Las Vegas, Nevada. Al-Ghafry served in local government in the San Diego area prior to his out-of-state experience, having worked as an engineer for the City of Chula Vista for many years and as Director of Public Works for the City of Lemon Grove. He is a registered civil engineer and earned his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Northeastern University in Boston. Al-Ghafry replaces Doug Williford, who was promoted to City Manager, filling a vacancy left by Kathi Henry. City Manager Williford stated, “The City of El Cajon is extremely pleased to have added such a highly qualified and experienced individual to its staff. We look forward to his contributions in moving the City forward and working alongside the City Manager and City Council, in particular, with the business and development community, as well as all of our residents.” Al-Ghafry will serve as director of both the Community Development and the Public Works Departments. Williford stated, “Bringing Majed aboard represents a major move on this City’s part to coordinate all development operations of both major development departments into a single management team and a single voice, in direct concert with the City Manager’s Office and the City Council. I expect the next ten years in El Cajon to be a decade of growth, renewal, re-branding and new direction for this great City. Our new Assistant City Manager will play a critical role in this City’s future.” Al-Ghafry stated: “It is a privilege and an honor to be selected for this position, and I am excited to work alongside the City of El Cajon’s leadership in pursuit of excellence, while serving our community.” He is scheduled to begin working for the City in late August.
EARLY MORNING FIRE DESTROYS TATTOO BUSINESS ON BROADWAY
July 29, 2013 (El Cajon) – At 12:43 a.m. on July 25, Heartland Fire & Rescue crews in the City of El Cajon responded to reports of a structure fire in the 1-thousand block of Broadway in El Cajon. Upon arrival firefighters found smoke and flames coming from the Classic Tattoo business located at 1024 Broadway. Quick action by fire crews had the fire knocked down in less than 25 minutes. Two adjoining businesses of the one story structure sustained smoke and water damage. Heartland crews were assisted by fire units from Cal Fire and Santee fire departments. There were no injuries reported. Damage has been estimated at $250,000. The cause of the fire is now under investigation.
COUNTY LEAGUE DAY 2013 LUNCH ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 9
July 29, 2013 (San Diego) – The League of Women Voters of San Diego County presents the annual County League Day on Friday, August 9, 2013 at the new County Operations Center in Kearny Mesa at 5510 Overland Avenue, San Diego. The host is County Supervisor and League Member Dave Roberts. Lunch will be provided at the center and a tour of the art installations will be given. The cost for the lunch and the tour for nonmembers is $20 and begins at noon. For additional information, please go to http://sdcilo.ca.lwvnet.org/CountyLeagueDay.html.
GROSSMONT-CUYAMACA DISTRICT APPROVES CONTRACT WITH SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
July 29, 2013 (El Cajon) – A contract with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department to provide law enforcement for the Grossmont and Cuyamaca college campuses has been unanimously approved by the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Governing Board. The Governing Board ratified the $1.4 million contract with the Sheriff’s Department Tuesday night to take over the police functions now provided by the district’s Public Safety Department. Sheriff’s deputies will begin their duties at the two East County college campuses on Aug. 19. “The safety and security of our students, staff and visitors is our top priority,” said Bill Garrett, president of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Governing Board. “Other college campuses across the country have been the scene of horrific crimes, and we want to have the highest level of professional law enforcement possible.” The district is also creating a Campus and Parking Services department that will handle customer service issues such as room unlocks, safety escorts, or help with a vehicle. The CAPS specialists will also be issuing parking tickets and watching the campuses at nights and on weekends. The district will be ending a $220,000 annual contract with a security company that had been providing night and weekend coverage on the campuses. Current employees with the district’s Public Safety Department, which is staffed by a supervisor, six officers, one dispatcher, and two clerical assistants, will have jobs with the Sheriff’s Department if they meet minimum qualifications, or are within the college district. District officials decided to seek the Sheriff’s Department contract after three assessments of the Public Safety Department found that it does not have the capacity to provide the range of law enforcement and emergency preparedness services that the colleges need. The assessments – conducted by the districts’ risk management and insurance carrier, a former El Cajon police chief, and the Sheriff’s Department – found that the Public Safety Department has inadequate staffing and training; outdated policies and procedures; an improper records and reporting system; lacks procedures and the capacity for properly collecting and managing evidence; and has a backlog of incomplete police reports and unprocessed evidence. The district now budgets about $933,000 a year for its Public Safety Department, and the assessments demonstrated that the expense of bringing services up to needed law enforcement standards was more than the cost of contracting with the Sheriff’s Department. “We have gaps in our public safety that would years to rectify,” said Cindy L. Miles, district chancellor. “We’ve worked on many of these concerns for more than three years and now we’re turning our law enforcement over to the experts.” Under the agreement, a sheriff’s sergeant and seven deputies will be assigned to work solely at the Grossmont and Cuyamaca college campuses. Backup will be provided by other deputies from the Santee or the Lemon Grove sheriff’s substations as necessary. The district will also have access to Sheriff’s Department specialized units that investigate crimes such as illegal drug use and sales, domestic violence, auto theft or gang-related crime. District officials are participating in the selection of the sheriff’s sergeant and the deputies who will be assigned to the campus, and the officers will be regularly evaluated to ensure they are a good fit for the campuses. “This is a big change for the 30,000 students and 2,000 employees in our district, but I think it’s a necessary one we have to make to provide the best protection we can for our campuses,” Miles said. Although no other community colleges in San Diego County contract for their police services, several other community colleges in California have hired professional law enforcement agencies. They include Antelope Valley College in Lancaster; Long Beach City College; Los Angeles Community College District; Peralta Community College District in Oakland; and Sierra College in Rocklin.
LAW ENFORCEMENT SEEKS HELP IDENTIFYING “BEER GUT BANDIT”
July 28, 2013 (San Diego’s East county) – The El Cajon Police Department, La Mesa Police Department, San Diego Police Department, and the FBI are seeking the public’s assistance to identify an unknown male believed to be responsible for several bank robberies this month. The latest of these robberies occurred at the Wells Fargo Bank located at 1235 Avocado Avenue on Saturday, July 20 at approximately 11:57 a.m. The robber entered the bank and stopped at an island counter in the bank lobby. The robber approached a teller and presented a note claiming he was armed with a bomb and demanded cash in specific denominations. After receiving a sum of money, the robber left the bank. No injuries were reported. The man, dubbed the “Beer Gut Bandit” is described as being in his mid-50s, approximately 5’7” to 6’0” tall, weighing approximately 200 to 230 lbs, with gray and black hair, a goatee. According to the F.B.I., the “Beer Gut Bandit” is believed to be responsible for bank robberies on July 5 at Wells Fargo Bank on Lake Murray Boulevard in La Mesa; on July 16 at US Bank on Fletcher Parkway in El Cajon; and on July 17 at Bank of America on Balboa Avenue in San Diego. Anyone with information concerning these robberies is asked to contact the FBI at (858) 320-1800 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 540-8477.
BRUSH FIRE DOUSED AFTER THREATENING HOMES IN LA MESA
Photo by Miriam Raftery July 28, 2013 (La Mesa)–A brush fire came dangerously close to homes in La Mesa today, forcing shut-down of lanes on State Route 125. The blaze started when a vehicle fire spread into the brush along the shoulder of southbound 125 near Lemon Avenue. Heartland Fire crews found a hillside had caught fire and was swiftly spreading toward homes, fueled by windy conditions. “Palm trees were exploding into flames and area residents were evacuated,” said ECM editor Miriam Raftery, who was at the scene. The evacuations were conducted by La Mesa Police and San Diego Sheriff’s officials. As a helicopter circled overhead alerting residents via loudspeaker, homeowners had only moments to grab family photo sand important documents before leaving. A second alarm was issued. Eleven fire engines, a brush rig, two medic units and a Sheriff’s helicopter all battled the blaze. California Highway Patrol shut down southbound 125 from I-8 to Spring Street as crews fought the fire from the freeway and on streets above the fire. Some surface streets were also shut down, causing traffic congestion as fleeing residents joined motorists detoured off of 125. The fire, which began at 2 p.m., was fully contained by approximately 3 p.m. Fire officials credit defensible space around the homes with preventing any residences from being damaged. Heartland Fire officials estimate that five acres were burned. Several fire crews stayed on scene to mop up and watch for any hot spots. One firefighter suffered a heat related injury and was transported to a local hospital, but is reportedly doing fine, according to Heartland Fire.