READER’S EDITORIAL: LABOR DAY STATEMENT FROM CALIFORNIA LABOR FEDERATION LEADER ART PULASKI
By Art Pulaski, California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer September 2, 2013 (San Diego) – “Fifty years ago this week, union workers joined with civil rights leaders and progressive activists to march on Washington for good jobs and equal rights for all. Dr. Martin Luther King’s call for America to “rise up” and demand equality — both economic and racial — was a seminal moment in our nation’s history. This Labor Day much has changed since 1963. But sadly, too much remains the same. “The American Dream is but a faint hope for many workers today. The path to the middle class is an increasingly uphill climb that’s littered with obstacles like low pay, declining retirement security and costly health care. For immigrant workers, the news is even bleaker. More than 2.6 million hard-working immigrants in California live in the shadows, never able to realize America’s promise. “Immigration reform holds the promise of delivering a pathway to citizenship for immigrant workers that would finally put the middle class within reach to those who do so much to help grow our economy. Comprehensive immigration reform isn’t just a policy imperative. It’s a moral imperative. This Congress will be judged on its ability to deliver a fair shot at the American Dream to all workers, including immigrants. “While the economic challenges facing our families are daunting this Labor Day, the good news is that the tide is turning. Our economy is emerging from a dark recession that hit Californians especially hard. Workers are beginning to rise up today just like we did in 1963. From fast food workers to taxi cab drivers to Walmart employees, low-wage workers are finding their voice to demand a decent wage for a hard day’s work. In California, union membership is on the uptick as more and more workers fight to stand together and bargain with their employers for fair wages and benefits. “A fair and equitable economy isn’t a pipe dream. It’s a reality that’s within our grasp. And it’s a reality that California’s unions are committed to fighting for, no matter how long it takes.” The opinions in this editorial reflect the views of this author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.
FIRE IN LA POSTA AREA; POWER OUTAGE ACROSS SOUTHEAST COUNTY
September 2, 2013 (La Posta) – A 20-acre brush fire is burning in the La Posta area that started off I-8 at the Kitchen Creek offramp. The fire is believed to be caused by lightning; multiple lightning strikes have occurred in the area. Air attack and choppers 10 and 12 are on scene and rain is falling, according to posts on the Brush Fire Partyline. Firefighting units are staging at Boulder Oaks Campground. In addition, a power outage has occurred that is impacting portions of Dulzura, Potrero, Campo, Japatul Valley, Buckman Springs, Morena Village,, Live Oak Springs, Boulevard, Jacumba. SDG&E is working to determine the cause. Sign up for free Viejas Wildfire and Emergency Alerts at the top right side of our homepage and also receive a free copy of East County Magazine via email. You can also follow ViejasAlerts on Twitter for brief alertso n your mobile phone. We recommmend all of the above since you don’t know what form of communications will work best in a major regional emergency.
SHOOTER WITH HIGH-POWERED RIFLE ON MT. HELIX ; AREA RESIDENTS TOLD TO STAY INDOORS, COVER WINDOWS
By Miriam Raftery Update 7:20 p.m. – Sheriff media rep advises Red Cross will be making arrangements for displaced residents overnight. Check back for details on where a shelter will be set up. Update 6 p.m. – The stand-off continues. We heard shots repeatedly at our home. Channel 8 reports more than 200 shots have been fired in all directions. September 2, 2013 (Mt. Helix) — A gunman armed with a high-powere rifle has fired shots inside a home in the 9900 block of Grandview on Mt. Helix. The Sheriff has made reverse 911 calls advising residents within a one mile radius to shelter in place with windows covered. Some homes have been evacuated but deputies are unable to go door to door for evacuations because they would be exposed to fire, according to a Sheriff’s notice to media. The fiancé of the 47-year-old man holed up inside the house told deputies they had an argument and the man threatened to hurt her and himself. The man had been drinking, authorities report. When deputies arrived on scene and tried to contact the suspect, the man threatened to kill the deputies. A few seconds later, shots were fired inside the house. Deputies immediately backed out of the house. Three other people inside the house got out safely and no one has been harmed as of 2:50 p.m.; deputies did not fire a shot, according to the Sheriff.. A SWAT team has been called in and a stand-off is occurring as negotiators try to get the suspect to surrender. A Sheriff dispatcher advised ECM editor Miriam Raftery, who lives within the perimeter established, that the gunman has a high powered rifle. A neighbor told 10 News that at least 10 or 15 shots were heard. California Highway Patrol is assisting Sheriff’s deputies. A helicopter is flying over the area to assist deputies from the Lemon Grove substation. Grandview Avenue is barricaded at Resmar. A new warning call made at 2:35 to residents advised that the suspect is “shooting indiscriminately.” Some residents have opted to evacuate and one reports that a refrigerator delivery had to be rescheduled because of the police activity, a neighbor of ECM’s editor said. A command post has been established at Murdock Elementary School on Conrad Drive. Citizens are warned to avoid this area until further notice. Sign up to receive free Viejas Emergency Alerts 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 for brief alerts on your mobile phone. We recommend all of the above since you don’t know what form of communications will work best in a major regional emergency.
CONSUMER AFFAIRS JOURNALIST LAUNCHES PETITION DRIVE TO PROTECT RATEPAYERS AS SDG&E RATE HIKE TAKES EFFECT SEPT. 1
By Miriam Raftery August 31, 2013 (San Diego) – On September 1st, SDG&E customers will see rate hikes on their bills of up to 12% for higher energy users. Now John Mattes, a consumer watchdog journalist and attorney, has launched a petition drive calling on public officials to make SDG&E’s shareholders, not ratepayers, pay for the corporation’s mistakes at San Onofre. You can view and sign the petition here: http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/dont-make-us-pay-for/ The petition will be delivered to San Diego’s Mayor and City Attorney, as well as the Chairman of the San Diego Board of Supervisors. It asks officials to take action by intervening on behalf of ratepayers with state regulators at the Public Utilities Commission, which approved the rate hike. “Utilities companies want California homeowners to pick up the tab for their mistakes at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station,” the petition reads. “ With the plant now closed, these companies are trying to pass on to consumers hundreds of millions of dollars in costs for the ill-fated repairs. We are asking elected city and county officials to intervene with regulators on our behalf. These companies should be held accountable. Customers should not have to pay for corporate mistakes.” The petition currently has over 2,100 signatures and needs 3,000 to reach its goal. SDG&E currently has the highest electricity rates in the nation, notes Mattes, adding that calling for fairness to ratepayers should attract bipartisan support. According to a letter from SDG&E Chairman and CEO Jesse Knight to ratepayers, here’s what you can expect once rate hikes take effect: “Based on your historical energy use, you are likely to be affected by this increase. If your bill is typically around $100 a month, you will see an increase of about $15. If your bill is usually about $250 a month, you will see an increase of around $75,” Knight said. The petition has struck a nerve with ratepayers, judging by some of the heated comments posted. “A privately owned public utility is not the fiduciary responsibility of its customers,” David Fisher wrote. “One of the risks of investing is the assumption of the financial responsibilities of enterprise. State regulators are expected to shield utility customers from the mistakes of utility owners, not the other way around.” Laurie Ryan suggested inside knowledge of problems at the San Onofre nuclear facility, which has been shut down permanently by Southern California Edison. The plant supplied power to both Edison and SDG&E customers. “I knew a few of the guys who did the original construction—they often commented about how “off” they were from the blueprints, so I always looked at Onofre as a catastrophe waiting to happen. Good riddance.” Jessica Barr summed up the sentiments of many ratepayers. ‘Suck it up Edison and SDG&E,” she concluded. “Pay for your mistakes and don’t take it out on the consumers stuck with your monopoly.”
OPEN HOUSE AT JULIAN FIRE STATION SEPT. 28
August 17, 2013 (Julian) — Julian Cuyamaca Fire Protection District invites the public to an open house at the Julian Fire Station on Saturday, September 28 from 10-4 p.m. The station is located on Farmers Road (which becomes Main Street) just east of Julian’s historic downtown district. Guests can enjoy games, firefighters’ competitions, food, music in the park, demonstrations, as well as tours of the station, trucks, ambulance and helicopter. The event also offers home fire prevention supplies, injury simulation ocmplete with makeup and “treatment” by paramedics, and chance to win four raffle packages.
FLASH FLOOD WARNING IN EAST COUNTY
September 3, 2013 (Borrego) – The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning in effect through 5:30 p.m. for central San Diego County. At 3:54 p.m., Doppler radar estimated that heavy rainfall of up to two and a half inches had fallen northwest of Hot Springs Mountain in Cleveland National Forest. This area is drained by Coyote Creek, which empties just north of Borrego Springs. Rapid rises in the creek are possible. In addition residents in and below recently burned areas and those living along streams and creeks should move to high ground. Do not attempt to cross swiftly flowing waters by foot or in your vehicle.
LA MESA MOTORCYCLE OFFICER INJURED IN PURSUIT; 2 SUSPECTS IN CUSTODY
September 2, 2013 (La Mesa) — La Mesa Police Officer Tim Purdy suffered a concussion and sore neck after his motorcycle crashed into a curb during pursuit of a stolen vehicle tonight on Jackson Drive. The chase began at 6:33 p.m. last night, when Officer Purdy spotted a stolen vehicle at the intersection of Jackson Drive and Center Drive in La Mesa. He attempted to stop the blue 2013 Nissan rogue, but the driver fled north on Jackson Drive at speeds in excess of 60 miles per hour, according to police. In the 5700 block of Jackson Drive, the officer lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into the curb by Jackson Park. The pursuit was terminated and other officers responded to aid Officer Purdy, who was treated at a hospital and released. At 6:39 p.m., a resident in the 5700 block of Cowles Mountain Boulevard called police to report that two people had just parked and ran from a blue Nissan Rogue. Officers from La Mesa, San Diego Police and the San Diego Sheriff’s Department responded to assist in locating the outstanding suspects. One suspect, 33 year-old Michael Seymour Jr., was located near the intersection of Lake Murray Boulevard and Connecticut Avenue. He was arrested and booked on charges of possession of narcotics and placed on a parole hold. The second suspect was reported running into the canyon east of Anders Circle. Officers searched the canyon for hours but were unable to locate the outstanding suspect. Early this morning, however, police received a call reporting a suspicious person in the 5500 block of Jackson Drive. Officers determined that the individual matched the description of the suspect at large. James Francis Rachels, 27, a transient from El Cajon, was booked into San Diego County Jail on possesion of a stolen vehicle, reckless evading, and a felony warrant. Anyone with information on this crime is asked to call La Mesa Police at 619-667-1400.
SUNSET AFTER THE STORM
September 1, 2013 (Borrego Springs) – Bob Kutscher shot this stunning sunset photo in the Anza-Borrego desert after a recent storm. You can still see clouds nestled in the valleys, he observed.