ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR IN DESCANSO NOV. 23
November 14, 2013 (Descanso) – Looking for a place to do some early holiday shopping? Descanso is hosting an Arts and Crafts Fair, where you can enjoy free refreshments, listen to some wonderful live music, and purchase hand-crafted items, all while taking in the fresh mountain air along with a little backcountry hospitality. The 5th Annual Descanso Arts and Crafts Fair hosts a wide variety of award-winning local artists and craftspeople offering everything you need to tackle that holiday shopping list or perhaps just a treat for yourself. A few of the goods available include: the Artwork of Phoebe Burnham; bronze sculpture; custom jewelry; leatherwork; home-made specialty food items; home, ranch and garden decor; carved wood pieces and decorative gourds and so much more. Music will be provided by Paul Nichols and there will be a drawing benefiting the historic Descanso Town Hall where you just might win something from one of the talented artists in attendance. To join in the fun, take the Hwy 79/Descanso exit off the 8 and follow the signs. Saturday, November 23rd from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Descanso Town Hall, 24536 Viejas Grade Rd, Descanso, CA. 91916. For information, call Lisa 619-445-6812. On the day of the event, call the Town Hall at 619-445-9505.
LIBRARY CONTEST YIELDS BIG WIN FOR ALPINE 10-YEAR-OLD
November 14, 2013 (Alpine) – When Amy Gorence saw an email in her inbox from Scholarshare, she didn’t open it because she assumed it was advertising. It turns out she overlooked a notification that her daughter, Ryley, had won a scholarship for $529 through a contest, “Reading Makes Cent$,” at the Alpine Library. Luckily, the folks with California’s official 529 College Savings Plan didn’t give up too easily. A few weeks later, Amy got a phone call asking if Ryley was still interested. “Interested in what?” she asked. The answer was a big surprise: Ryley’s name was chosen, out of all the entries from the San Diego County Library system, to receive $529 in a tax-advantaged savings plan for her college education. As if this weren’t enough good news, there’s more: the Alpine Library will receive matching funds—another $529—to spend on materials. At age 10, Ryley doesn’t know yet what she wants to study in college, or which school she’d like to attend. In the meantime, the funds will earn interest until she’s older. The Alpine Library is located at 2130 Arnold Way, and online at www.sdcl.org.
STAR PARTY AT MISSION TRAILS NOVEMBER 16
November 14, 2013 (San Diego) — Join Mission Trails Regional Park’s resident stargazer, George Vargas, for a “star party” on Saturday November 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. Meet at the far end of the Kumeyaay Campground day use parking lot, where a telescope will be available to veiw the nighttime sky. The moon will be one day short of being Full so it will contribute to light pollution. The Andromeda Galaxy (M31) and its companion M32 are well in position for viewing. Light from these two objects takes about 2.5 – 2.9 million years to reach Earth. The Double Cluster in Perseus will also be visible be in the northeastern sky. In consideration of others, no lanterns or white-light flashlights near the telescope, please. For details, visit www.mtrp.org.
COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT NOW ONLINE–AND ON YOUR SMART PHONE
County News Service November 14, 2013 (San Diego) — The County’s latest annual report has been published and you can check it out at SDCountyAnnualReport.com from either your home computer or –wait for it – your smart phone. That’s right, this year for the first time ever, you’ll be able to read the County’s annual report on your smart phone. And no, despite its name or any fusty reputations about reports in general, it won’t take a year to read the annual report. It’s designed to be a snapshot: a very, very condensed version of the County’s Operational Plan along with some extra accomplishments and fun facts and figures. Just check out what interests you. Scan the headings and pick a topic. You can see the County’s accomplishments at a glance. If you want more detail, link to the County News Center story or video next to the various snippets of information. You may be surprised to see how varied County projects are. Since the County is involved in lives of our citizens from birth certificates to senior services, you may even learn a little more about a program that is very close to you.
GROSSMONT COLLEGE EMPLOYEE, 86, RECALLS WWII
November 14, 2013 (El Cajon)–The only employee on the Grossmont campus who can remember military service during World War II is Bob Yochum, a graphic artist, who at age 86 still works two days a week. He enlisted in the military at age 17, and World War II was almost over by the time he left the United States for the Pacific Theatre. His transport stopped at a few islands in the Pacific before the war ended, and he never had to face combat—later wondering if he had been extraordinarily lucky or if he had missed out on something so many of his generation had experienced. Yochum spent two years in the occupation forces in Japan, first working in maintenance, and later, in furtherance of his childhood dream to be an artist, “finagling a job as a photographer and cartoonist” for the 24th Infantry Division newspaper. For most of the time, Yochum was stationed in Kokura on the southern island of Kyushu. There was a rule that American GIs were not to travel alone in a country that so recently had been the enemy homeland, so when Yochum went to the offices of a Japanese newspaper in the evening, where the infantry division’s newspaper was printed, two soldiers would take him there in a jeep, then drop him off. Then they would travel in a required pairing back to the base, leaving Yochum all night with Japanese civilians who worked at the newspaper. “There was never any danger,” recalled Yochum. “They were very friendly.” What danger Yochum did experience came when he and members of his unit were off duty. “One time, we went into a bunker to explore, and we looked up and the ceiling was covered with scorpions,” he recalled. “We all turned around and walked out – we didn’t want any to drop on us.” On another occasion, he and friends decided to explore a nearby cave. “We found an unexploded bomb lying there,” he said. Having served in the military taught him a lot of discipline, Yochum said. “It was a growing experience, more than anything else.” After the war, he attended the Art Institute of Buffalo on the GI Bill and in 1950 went to work in the advertising department of J.W. Clement, Inc., a large printing company that had plants in Buffalo and on the West Coast. “Art work was done by hand without the aid of computers back then,” he said. He worked at a drawing board and also as the company photographer. Yochum said he did a lot of industrial photography and once walked the beams high in the air on a new plant the company was building. “I felt like an iron worker carrying a camera.” In the 1970s he was transferred to the composing room to train fellow workers in new typesetting procedures. He joined the union and was elected to the board of the local. “Being on the board was a growth experience, frightening at first, but it gave me the confidence to take a job managing apartments in Mira Mesa after I came to California.” In 1977, Bob Yochum came to San Diego as a tourist. A year later, he decided to move to California with his 16 year-old-son. Soon after he started working at Grossmont College part-time as a temporary employee. It was twenty years later when he obtained a permanent position. “I’m stubborn, huh?” he laughs. Yochum was 51 when he began working in the art department, now known as Creative Services, at Grossmont College. He is still going strong today working two days a week with some colleagues who date back with him to 35 years ago. On November 1, they celebrated his 86th birthday at lunch Others think of retirement at a much lesser age, but Yochum says “this is what I do and it keeps me going. I want to come up with new and creative solutions in my work. And we can all use a little extra money to enhance our life style.” The oldest employee on Grossmont College’s payroll, he kids that he hopes to be able to work until he is 100. He enjoys his work and the camaraderie of his fellow employees and “all the hugs I get from the women.” Recently he has worked on a number of pieces for the November “Breaking Boundaries” dance concert and helped design the cover and divider pages for a book produced by Grossmont College as part of its Accreditation process. He has also created badge designs for Grossmont College’s Academy of Justice. On days off he frequently goes to lunch with friends, whom he describes as “a bunch of old fogies.” He also spends “too much time” on his computer designing off-the-wall birthday cards for family and friends. He also designs his own Christmas cards and has finished and printed this year’s cards already. Yochum is a widower with a stepdaughter and three surviving sons, ten grandchildren and seven great grandchildren divided between the East Coast of the United States and Ontario, Canada. His oldest son is a computer programmer for a bank. His middle son put 20 years in the U.S. Coast Guard and now works for Homeland Security. His youngest has his own accounting business and does some property management Yochum lives in The San Carlos area of San Diego. It is a short commute to work and easy to get to shopping areas, eateries, hospitals and doctors. Over 50 years ago he came across a book on origami, the art of paper folding, written by the father of a co-worker. That was a start. He now enjoys folding various birds, animals and other objects to give to friends and others. He sometimes tells people his goal is to give every woman in San Diego County an origami bird or animal. He says “the best camera is the one you have with you” as he pulled a small Leica camera from a case on his belt. “A
LAKESIDE CHAMBER HOSTS HOLIDAY BUSINESS MIXER AND TOY DRIVE NOV. 21
November 14, 2013 (Lakeside) – The Lakeside Chamber is offering free admission to all who bring a new, unwrapped toy (with a $5 value or more) to its November 21 business mixer at the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds. The event takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Guests are invited to come for the networking and stay for the friends and food provided by Café 67. For more information, visit www.lakesidechamber.org or call 619-561-1031.
BISTRO 60 OFFERS THANKSGIVING FEASTS TO GO
November 14, 2013 (San Diego) – “We’ll take all of the stress out of your Thanksgiving Dinner this year,” Bistro 60/San Diego Dessert’s website promises. The restaurant, located at 5987 El Cajon Boulevard in the SDSU College area is taking orders for Thanksgiving dinners with all the trimmings for $165 – or less than $15 per person. Orders must be placed and payment received by November 19. The menu includes oven roasted turkey (serves 10-12, additional turkeys available for $50), all of the following side dishes: cranberry relish, homemade stuffing, corn bread, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and glazed carrots. Dessert includes choice of pumpkin, pecan or apple pie. Extra pies available for $15. Click here to download a PDF Order Form. You can fax in the order but call (619) 287-8186 to make your payment. Orders must be picked up NO LATER than Noon on Thanksgiving Day. For more information, visit: http://bistrosixtysd.com/thanksgiving/
SDSU ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR BASKETBALL PERFORMANCE CENTER
Aztecs announce plans for a 23,500-square-foot facility for men’s and women’s basketball. Story by SDSU Athletics November 14, 2013 (San Diego) — San Diego State University President Elliot Hirshman and Athletic Director Jim Sterk announced Tuesday that plans for a 23,500-square-foot Basketball Performance Center are in design, with a plan to break ground on the project in late spring 2014. The $14.5-million facility, which will be located just south of the Fowler Athletics Center and east of the football practice fields, will include two full-length courts, eight baskets, locker rooms, film rooms, team lounges, athletic training room and coaches locker rooms to help support the Aztec men’s and women’s championship basketball programs. Although a majority of the funds have been pledged, fundraising continues for the project, which is tentatively scheduled to be completed in 2015. “This is an exciting day to be able to announce this project is moving forward,” Sterk said. “It is a project that will greatly benefit our already successful men’s and women’s basketball programs. It is also an important day because we are going public with our drive to raise funds for the project and hope that the community that has enjoyed SDSU basketball will get behind this project.” Go Aztecs The seven-time Mountain West champion men’s basketball program has been to the NCAA tournament a school-record four consecutive seasons. The Aztecs have posted eight straight seasons with 20 or more victories, advancing to postseason play in each of those campaigns. SDSU is one of 10 schools in the country that has gone to the last four NCAA tournaments and won at least 23 games in each of those seasons. “We have received tremendous support from President Elliot Hirshman and Jim Sterk on making this dream a reality,” Aztec men’s basketball head coach Steve Fisher said. “This has been a priority for the basketball programs for some time and will help both basketball programs immensely. This will be another showcase facility for the athletic department as well as the university as a whole.” The women’s basketball team has won five Mountain West championships and advanced to postseason play in four of the past five seasons. Last year, San Diego State won a program-record 27 games, compiling a 17-game winning streak during the season en route to claiming the league’s regular-season championship for the second straight year. “The basketball performance center is more than just a building, it is our classroom,” SDSU women’s basketball head coach Stacie Terry said. “The facility will provide an opportunity for our student-athletes to enhance their individual games, which will in turn benefit our program. It also keeps San Diego State competing at the highest level, not only in basketball, but in recruiting as well.” More information For more information on the Basketball Performance Center, contact the Aztec Club at (619) 594-6444.
HIGH WIND WARNING ISSUED
November 14, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for mountain and desert areas in East County from 10 p.m. tonight through 7 a.m. Sunday morning. Winds of 35 miles per hour are expected with potentially stronger gusts. Use caution when driving, particularly with high profile vehicles. Blowing dust could cause reduced visibility in desert areas.
EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE’S OCTOBER RADIO SHOWS ARE NOW ONLINE: LISTEN NOW!
November 14, 2013 (San Diego’s East County)–Our October shows are now online—including special reports on East County issues, interviews with top newsmakers, local musicians, authors, colorful characters and people making a positive difference in our community. Click here for a list of October shows and guests with links to listen online now. You can also hear our show live when it airs on KNSJ 89.1 FM on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 5 p.m. and reruns Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 9 a.m. Or listen live online during those hours at www.KNSJ.org. Audio links to listen to shows are at the bottom of this page, below the index of shows. Monday, October 28, 2013 Interview with Wind, Spirit, Drum award-winning Native American group Station ID ECM announcement: volunteer as a citizen journalist or send news tips Public service announcement: Viejas Wildfire and Emergency Alerts Local Government Report Bookshelf: Reina Menasche interviews Lynn Morgan Spreen, author of Dakota Blues (rerun) Ready, Set, Grow: Connie Beck offers fall planting tips Closing Credits Friday, October 25, 2013 Special report: Mayor Mark Lewis of El Cajon resigns Public News Service: CA schools to undergo change in allocating funding resources Missing Person Alert: Sharon Chipman seen in East County and San Diego People Power: Janis Mork interviews Rocking Horse Ranch founder Kathy Plaisted on efforts to save the ranch and its equine therapy program Destination East County: Ariele Johannsen shares festivals and events this week Station ID East County Magazine announcement: be a citizen journalist and send in news tips Interview: Debbie Hornsby, Jamul resident, on highway hazards in Jamul along Highway 94 Public service announcement: Viejas Wildfire and Emergency Alerts Bookshelf: Reina Menasche interviews Marnie Freedman, award-winning writer Health Alert: DFA seeks help from veterinarians and pet owners to track down source of pet jerky contamination that has sickened thousands of pets Ready, Set, Grow: Connie Beck offers tips on gardening tools Closing credits Wednesday, October 23, 2013 News update: Supervisors voted to authorize feasibility study to bring veterans’ services to county libraries in response to an ECM investigation News report: El Cajon Council votes to enter into exclusive negotiation agreement for a Marriott Hotel Agriculture Report: Judge in Mexico bans sale of GMO corn: reporter Nadin Abbott discusses ruling Destination East County: Ariele Johannsen shares this week’s Halloween and harvest fun events and more Missing Person AlerT: Chula Vista Police seeks help to find Venetia Ortiz, missing juvenile – Jerrie Dean reports Station ID ECM announcement: be a community volunteer and send in news tips Missing: Jerrie Dean interviews private investigator Victoria from ISC investigations Bookshelf: Reina Menasche interviews Lynn Morgan Spreen, author of Dakota Blues Closing credits Monday, October 21, 2013 Local government report, Ed Barrena and Miriam Raftery reporting Newsmaker: Mark Ostrander, retired Cal Fire Battalion Chief, speaks on fire protection concerns Public service announcement: Viejas Wildfire and Emergency Alerts Agriculture Report: Fascinating facts about our local agriculture Green Scene: SDG&E proposal inside Cleveland National Forest Health report: Ed Barrena reports on whooping cough cases, including one at Helix High in La Mesa ECM announcement: Be a citizen journalist and send your news tips Station ID Interview: So Cal Parrot wild parrot rescue society (rerun) Scam alert: County Water Aauthority warns of imposters posing as water agency employees Wildfire preparedness tips Reel to Reel: Look Up Here band interview (songs Seven and Today) Public service announcement: Viejas Wildfire and Emergency Alerts Closing credits Friday, October 18, 2013 Capitol Report: Government shut down ends Wildest jobs: SoCal Parrots – wild parrot rescue society Public service announcement: Viejas Wildfire and Emergency Alerts Green Scene: Living Coast Nature Preserve may close its doors—Jake Christie reports KNSJ donation message and station ID ECM wins 11 new journalism awards Destination East County: Ariele Johannsen reports on festivals and events this week Newsmaker: Larry Poole, professional horseman, actor, stuntman, movie wrangler and trail boss with Hole in the Wall Gang speaks on movies filmed in East County (rerun) Public service announcement: Viejas Wildfire and Emergency Alerts Bookshelf: Reina Menasche interviews Terry Ambrose, mystery and suspense author Closing credits Wednesday, October 16, 2013 Debt default tomorrow looms Health alert: San Diegans among salmonella victims News alert: Mayor Bob Filner pleads guilty to felony and misdemeanor charges after resignation Newsmaker: Rudy Reyes, worst burned victim of Cedar Fire KNSJ Station ID ECM announcement: become a citizen journalist and send in news tips Destination East County: Ariele Johannsen reports on top festivals and events this week Newsmaker: Interview with Larry Poole,, professional horseman, actor, stuntman, movie wrangler and trail boss with Hole in the Wall Gang speaks on movies filmed in East County Closing credits Monday October 14, 2013 Capital Report: Debt default looms Local Government Report: Leon Thompson and Miriam Raftery review agenda items coming up in Lemon Grove and Santee Tribal Beat: Jamul Casino plans clear key hurdle, but residents raise concerns over closed door hearings with Governor’s staffer Newsmaker: Larry Poole, professional horseman, actor, stuntman, movie wrangler and trail boss with Hole in the Wall Gang speaks on movies filmed on location in East County Public service announcement; Viejas Wildfire & Emergency Alerts Bookshelf: Reina Menasche interviews Nancy Holder, New York Times best selling horror and fantasy author KNSJ station ID ECM announcement: be a citizen journalist and send in news tips Newsmaker: Kathy Kassell, Cedar Fire survivor and co-founder of Cedar Fire Rebuild Resource Group Ready, Set, Grow: Connie Beck offers advice on gardening tools Public service announcement: Viejas Wildfire and Emergency Alerts Closing credits Friday, October 11, 2013 ECM special report: Fire stations closed, Jacumba resident dies after long response time Public Service Announcement: Viejas Wildfire & Emergency Alerts Health Alert: Salmonella outbreak Green Living: Pine Valley Planning Group reject solar project in Buckman Springs News report: Pilot and passenger found dead at crash site on Volcan Mountain Destination East County: Ariele Johannsen shares top festivals and events this week KNSJ station ID ECM announcement: