HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
November 14, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news each week that could impact your health and our future. HEALTH No scientific consensus on GMO safety (European Network of Scientists for Social and Environmental Responsibility) Wind turbine syndrome blamed for mysterious symptoms in Cape Cod town (Good Morning America) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Cool Sci-Fi Future Is Nigh: Dad Builds Son 3-D Printed Prosthetic Hand for $10 New invisibility cloak type designed (BBC) Teenagers say goodbye to Facebook and hello to messenger apps (Guardian) For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down. HEALTH No scientific consensus on GMO safety (European Network of Scientists for Social and Environmental Responsibility) As scientists, physicians, academics, and experts from disciplines relevant to the scientific, legal, social and safety assessment aspects of genetically modified organisms (GMOs),[1] we strongly reject claims by GM seed developers and some scientists, commentators, and journalists that there is a “scientific consensus” on GMO safety[2] [3] [4] and that the debate on this topic is “over”.[5] Wind turbine syndrome blamed for mysterious symptoms in Cape Cod town (Good Morning America) Dozens of residents file lawsuits, claiming wind turbines cause illnesses. In 2011, a doctor at Harvard Medical School diagnosed a resident with wind turbine syndrome, which is not currently recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Cool Sci-Fi Future Is Nigh: Dad Builds Son 3-D Printed Prosthetic Hand for $10 Shirking $30,000 in medical fees for a traditional prosthetic hand, videographer Paul McCarthy built a multi-colored “Robohand” for his twelve-year-old son using a friend’s 3-D printer. McCarthy says he spent, “Five, maybe, ten bucks.” / The boy, 12-year-old Leon McCarthy, was born without fingers on his left hand. Once he turned ten, Paul started searching for an inexpensive and functional prosthetic alternative New invisibility cloak type designed (BBC) A new “broadband” invisibility cloak which hides objects over a much wider range of frequencies has been devised by US scientists. Teenagers say goodbye to Facebook and hello to messenger apps (Guardian) Gradual exodus of young people towards WhatsApp, WeChat and KakaoTalk is just as their mums and dads get the hang of social networking….
OUT OF THE ASHES: SPECIAL REPORT ON THE 10 -YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE CEDAR FIRE
East County Magazine’s special report on the Cedar Fire, originally aired on KNSJ, is now online. Listen here: https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/audio/2019/August/ECMShow11-1-13CedarFireSpecial-FINAL.mp3 Our editor, Miriam Raftery, covered the Cedar Fire back in 2003 for several publications and our own publisher, Mark Hanson, lost his home in Lakeside’s Wildcat Canyon. Thus we were able to reconnect with a broad network of contacts to create our special report, which includes some never before told stories and interviews with fire survivors, firefighters and elected officials including Cal Fire Captain Mike Mohler, Lakeside resident Mark Hanson, Lakeside Fire Chief Andy Parr, burn survivor Rudy Reyes, Supervisor Dianne Jacob, San Diego Councilman Mark Kersey, Santee Councilman Brian Jones, retired Cal Fire Battalion Chief Mark Ostrander, Kathy Kassell, cofounder of the Cedar Fire Rebuild Resource Group, and other eyewitness stories from California’s worst wildfire ever. We conclude with reflections on what’s changed since then, as well as a reading from The Fire Outside My Window by Lindra Millers Younger.
ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS
November 14, 2013 (San Diego’s East County ) –ECM World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include: U.S. Obama will allow insurance companies to extend current plans (Los Angeles Times) Home Ownership At Lowest Level In Nearly Two Decades (NPR) Custody battles rage over rape conceived kids (MSNBC) Invasion: 7,500 drones in U.S. airspace within 5 years, FAA warns (Washington Times) Welcome Back, Carter! Labor Participation Drops to 1978 Levels. (Reason) Philadelphians Elect First Whig Since 19th Century (NPR) Navy scandal spans globe, climbs ranks (UT San Diego) WORLD One of world’s strongest storms slams into Philippines (CBS) Philippine typhoon survivors beg for help as rescuers struggle (Reuters) Putin allies submit bill to punish separatism with prison (Reuters) Survey Finds Anti-Semitism ‘On The Rise’ In Europe (NPR) Mexico frees 61 kidnap victims held near U.S. border (Reuters) Pakistani private schools ban Malala’s book (UT San Diego) Public executions in North Korea? Report raises fear of new repression (+video) (CS Monitor) The Coming Betrayal of Israel (Jewish World View) Saudi rejects U.N. Security Council seat, opening way for Jordan (Reuters) China, Cuba, Russia, Saudi elected to top U.N. rights body (Reuters) For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down. U.S. Obama will allow insurance companies to extend current plans (Los Angeles Times) President Obama will allow insurance companies to continue offering individual health plans that do not meet the standards of the Affordable Care Act through next year, according to a Democratic source on Capitol Hill familiar with the plans. The plan, which the president will announce Thursday morning, is intended to placate millions of consumers who have received cancellation notices from insurers in recent weeks. Obama had repeatedly promised that consumers would be able to keep plans that they liked. Home Ownership At Lowest Level In Nearly Two Decades (NPR) The home ownership rate in the U.S. is at its lowest since 1995. That’s despite what was thought to be a rip-roaring recovery in real estate, and a long stretch of record low mortgages. Guest host Celeste Headlee learns more from Bloomberg Business Week contributor Roben Farzad. Custody battles rage over rape conceived kids (MSNBC) In some states rapists are demanding custody for children conceived from the rape. Angela Grogg and Kyle Karges discuss. Invasion: 7,500 drones in U.S. airspace within 5 years, FAA warns (Washington Times) The chief of the Federal Aviation Administration predicted Thursday that U.S. airspace could be crowded with as many as 7,500 commercial drones within the next five years, as he unveiled a long-awaited regulatory blueprint that seeks to protect Americans’ privacy while requiring testing for law enforcement and private companies seeking to operate unmanned aerial vehicles… Christopher Calabrese, American Civil Liberties Union legislative counsel, told The Washington Times that while the FAA’s requirement for public disclosure of data and retention policies are needed and welcome, the safeguards do not go far enough. Welcome Back, Carter! Labor Participation Drops to 1978 Levels. (Reason) The unemployment rate may have ticked back up to 7.3 percent, partially reflecting furloughed federal workers, but more concerning is that the share of the population actively looking for work dropped to Carter-era levels. That’s right, the labor participation rate in October was down to 62.8 percent, a rate that hasn’t been seen since March of 1978. Philadelphians Elect First Whig Since 19th Century (NPR) After winning an election on a platform of pragmatism and compromise, Robert “Heshy” Bucholz is set to become what many believe will be the first Whig to hold elected office in Philadelphia since before the Civil War. Navy scandal spans globe, climbs ranks (UT San Diego) The expanding probe could end up being the biggest scandal for the Navy since the Tailhook sexual harassment case in the early 1990s. WORLD One of world’s strongest storms slams into Philippines (CBS) Weather officials said Haiyan had sustained winds of 235 kph (147 mph) with gusts of 275 kph (170 mph) when it made landfall. Philippine typhoon survivors beg for help as rescuers struggle (Reuters) Dazed survivors begged for help and scavenged for food, water and medicine on Monday after a super typhoon killed an estimated 10,000 in the central Philippines. Putin allies submit bill to punish separatism with prison (Reuters) Russian lawmakers introduced legislation on Friday that would make spreading separatist views or expressing sympathy for separatist groups a criminal offence punishable by jail. Survey Finds Anti-Semitism ‘On The Rise’ In Europe (NPR) Nearly half of those surveyed in Hungary and France said they had considered emigrating over safety concerns. Mexico frees 61 kidnap victims held near U.S. border (Reuters) Mexican authorities freed 61 kidnapping victims in the northern border city of Reynosa, the government said on Friday, liberating a mix of foreign nationals that included at least nine minors and one American. Pakistani private schools ban Malala’s book (UT San Diego) Pakistani education officials said Sunday that they have banned teenage activist Malala Yousafzai’s book from private schools across the country, claiming it doesn’t show enough respect for Islam and calling her a tool of the West. Public executions in North Korea? Report raises fear of new repression (+video) (CS Monitor) A South Korean newspaper reports that dozens have been executed in North Korea; in at least one case, in front of 10,000. If true, it could signal a new wave of repression for the brutal regime. The Coming Betrayal of Israel (Jewish World View) While the negotiations between Secretary of State John Kerry andIran were taking place in Geneva, writes Ynetnews.com, “…the Iranian government sent a different message with a broadcast on state television of a simulated missile attack on Israel.” Saudi rejects U.N. Security
EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS
November 14, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) — East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include: LOCAL Water use triples at East County project (UT San Diego) Related video: Tapping the water (UT San Diego) No restrictions in San Diego yet, despite another dry year (KPBS) Supreme Court rules in favor of La Mesa Police officer (La Mesa Patch) In San Diego, taxpayers want more than what they pay for (SD Free Press) Housing for sexual predator Badger to be determined by judge (KPBS). Police use face scans in the field (UT San Diego) Man surfaces at San Diego church 34 years after abduction to Mexico (Reuters) La Mesa City Council: Oktoberfest report calls for major changes (La Mesa Today) El Centro solar mega-project operational (UT San Diego) STATE Homemade food vendors hail new law (UT San Diego) 20 top scientists urge CA gov. to stop fracking (SacBee) When Caregivers Are Abusers: Calif. Complaints Go Unanswered ( NPR) Calif.’s low community college fees face scrutiny (AP) For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down. LOCAL Water use triples at East County project (UT San Diego) A San Diego Gas & Electric substation being built in East County is using three times as much water as originally approved in environmental documents, a drain on groundwater supplies that concerns residents. Related video: Tapping the water (UT San Diego) No restrictions in San Diego yet, despite another dry year (KPBS) San Diego might get a trace of rain this weekend, according to the National Weather Service, but it’s not likely to change this being one of the driest years on record. Supreme Court rules in favor of La Mesa Police officer (La Mesa Patch) The high court rules that Officer Mike Stanton should not be held personally liable in a federal lawsuit filed against him by a La Mesa homeowner. In San Diego, taxpayers want more than what they pay for (SD Free Press) Last night I had the opportunity to represent the San Diego Free Press as a panelist in the KNSJ mayoral debate,…In the debates leading up to this one, in my opinion not nearly enough has been discussed regarding the philosophy behind economic growth and development by the candidates thus far. And the candidates have not been asked to address how they would fund all of the different services that city government is supposed to provide, and all of the so called “goodies” that San Diegans have come to expect from their local government. Housing for sexual predator Badger to be determined by judge (KPBS) County and state officials, along with concerned parents, voiced opposition Tuesday to the release of convicted sexual predator Douglas Badger. A court hearing to locate housing for 70-year-old Badger will be held Friday. Police use face scans in the field (U-T) — Facial recognition software common in the military is finding its way to local police departments, and agencies across San Diego County are at the forefront. Man surfaces at San Diego church 34 years after abduction to Mexico (Reuters) – A U.S.-born man who was abducted as a child, taken to Mexico and robbed of all his money in a harrowing trek back to the United States more than three decades later has found refuge at a San Diego church that is trying to reunite him with his mother in Wisconsin. La Mesa City Council (La Mesa Today) Oktoberfest Report Calls for Major Changes El Centro solar mega-project operational (UT San Diego) A solar mega-project near El Centro has begun delivering power to San Diego. STATE Homemade food vendors hail new law (UT San Diego) State ends restrictions to spur economy, promote eating locally made food 20 top scientists urge CA gov. to stop fracking (SacBee) Twenty of the nation’s top scientists have sent a letter to California’s governor urging him to place a moratorium on the controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.” / They say the practice increases pollution and runs counter to Gov. Jerry Brown’s efforts to cut the state’s emissions. / In the letter, the group argues that Brown can’t say he wants to reduce global warming while also expanding fossil fuel development in California. When Caregivers Are Abusers: Calif. Complaints Go Unanswered ( NPR) California public health officials have allowed abuse complaints against nurse assistants and home health aides to linger for years, even when they involve severe injuries or deaths. Calif.’s low community college fees face scrutiny (AP) The fees to attend California’s community colleges are by far the lowest in the United States — less than half the national average — yet at least 40 percent of the 2.4 million students in the largest U.S. system of higher education do not pay them….
WHY OUR RIVER IS A MESS
River cleanup and monitoring events planned Nov. 17 and 18 By Jordan Schaffner November 13, 2013 (San Diego)–Living on the San Diego River can be amazing. For a while, it seemed to change every day. It could be dark green and deep, beautiful with a flowing current. Living here gives you a sense of being on a camping vacation every day, just by looking at it. Yet we are still in central San Diego. Since it is a nature preserve, many wild creatures come and go, making the river their home. Some permanent, some temporary. I remember when the river had a murder of crows that nested in a tree, just off our balcony. They would wake us up every morning and greet the sunset near our place every night. They sure did pester us, but it was a lively sign of nature. Then there was the time that a whole family of turtles appeared on the river bank, on the opposite side of the river, and before we knew it, we could see a bunch of baby turtles through our binoculars. With the next rain though, they were gone. Apparently, there are fish in the river too, and even a few hardy souls who kayak there that want to get away from their wives and kids for a few hours for some catch and release fishing, floated their torsos in the boat and their feet in the water when the level was higher. The water level is very low now and too much algae make the river look unpleasant. After researching the causes for this, by contacting the San Diego River Park Foundation, River Watch Division Coordinator, Shannon Quigley Raymond, I found out that basically, this is due to a lack of rain. Rainfall has been very low this autumn and the River Watch has decided to not introduce any chemicals or algae skimmers to reduce algae and just let nature take its course. Nutrient level aren’t particularly high and there aren’t any increased phosphate or nitrate levels either. However, there are high levels of conductivity which the River Watch is concerned about. It doesn’t look pretty, and if the housing market wasn’t so tight, it might affect property values. The River Watch hasn’t concluded that this is due to climate change or an inordinate amount of pollution from any unusual source as the current water quality chart below indicates. According to the National Weather Bureau, at, http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sgx/climate/san-pcpn.htm, 2013 did not have the lowest amount of rainfall in November. 1980 had 0 inches rainfall, while 2013 had .9999 inches. So it is still very low. The heat makes algae grow. The algae also increases the amount of mosquitoes that affect local residents. After being bitten, we had to install screen doors at every entrance of our condo facing the river. Mosquito Abatement flies helicopters with insecticide to combat West Nile Virus. River Watch Coordinator, Ms. Raymond claims the insecticide is not harmful to humans. After contacting, the County Water Department, http://www.sandiego.gov/water, the San Diego Environmental Health Department,http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/deh/about/ contact.html and Andrew Hughan of the Department of Fish and Wildlife, http://www.dfg.ca.gov/news/contact.html, River Watch Coordinator, MS. Raymond was the most helpful and knowledgeable. If anyone is concerned about the algae and the river’s water quality, and wants to volunteer, the San Diego River Foundation River Watch is having a river monitoring meeting, Sunday, Nov. 17 at 8AM at 4891 Pacific Highway #114, San Diego, 90210. River Clean Up is Wednesday, December 18th 9am-1pm. River Quality Monitoring, Sun Nov. 17th 8AM River Trash Clean-Up Wed, December 18, 9am – 12pm @ San Diego River Park Foundation 4891 Pacific Highway #114, San Diego, 90210 619.297.7380
AMERICAN TRIVIA: FASCINATING CIVIL WAR FACTS
By Richard Lederer and Caroline McCullagh November 13, 2013 (San Diego) – SDW/EG members Richard Lederer and Caroline McCullagh are the proud co-authors of American Trivia: What We All Should Know About U.S. History, Culture & Geography (Gibbs Smith Publisher, 2012). Over a span of three years, Rich and Caroline will share with you their journey through American history. Fascinating Facts About the Civil War, Part I Like the first American flag, the Confederate flag ultimately displayed 13 stars, represented the 13 Confederate states — Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. William H. Seward, Simon Cameron, Salmon P. Chase, and Edward Bates were all members of President Abraham Lincoln’s cabinet, even though they had run against him for the presidency. Confederacy President Jefferson Davis was son-in-law to Zachary Taylor, our twelfth president. In 1835, Davis married Sarah Knox Taylor, the daughter of his commanding officer, Zachary Taylor. On their honeymoon, they both contracted malaria, and Sarah died of the disease three months later. Abner Doubleday is erroneously credited with inventing baseball, but he did start a war. At approximately 7 am on April 12, 1861, in defense of Fort Sumter, Captain Abner Doubleday fired the first shot by the Union army in the Civil War. Virginia’s secession on April 17, 1861, gifted the Confederacy with many of the most able U.S. Army officers. The new Confederacy now included high-caliber commanders Robert E. Lee, Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, Pierre Beauregard, Ambrose Hill and Joseph Johnston. The Union army would have a lot of catching up to do. When the Civil War broke out, President Abraham Lincoln offered command of the Union Army to Virginian Robert E. Lee. Lee declined the Union generalship, resigned his U.S. military commission altogether and ultimately became a commander of the Confederate forces. The face of Union general Ambrose E. Burnside was adorned by luxuriant side-whiskers sweeping down from his ears to his clean-shaven chin. Reversing the two halves of Burnside’s surname, the style became known as sideburns. During the Civil War, poet Walt Whitman acted as an untrained male nurse and wrote prolifically about his experiences in the conflict. The word deadline, which entered the English language in 1864, began life as a line of demarcation, generally about 17 feet, around the inner stockade of a Civil War prison camp, such as Andersonville. Any prisoner crossing this line was shot on sight. San Diegans Richard Lederer and Caroline McCullagh are the proud parents of a bouncing baby book, American Trivia: What We All Should Know About U.S. History, Culture & Geography (Gibbs Smith Publisher, 2012). Over a span of a year, the co-authors will share with you their journey through American history. You can order inscribed and signed copies of the book by writing richard.lederer@pobox.com.
FROM THE CHIEF’S CORNER: ELECTRICAL SAFETY
November 14, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) –Electrical failures cause thousands of home fires every year, says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Those fires cause death and injuries and close to $1.5 billion dollars in property damage. One simple way homeowners can prevent costly electrical fires is with a home fire inspection. Many fire departments offer this service—often free of charge. Ask your local department about having an inspection for potential electrical issues and recommend steps for improving fire safety. An inspection should review all fire hazards in your home, from testing smoke detectors to making sure curtains and other flammables are a safe distance from heat sources. Electrical factors they might inspect include: A proper ground. Grounding diverts excess current that may result from an electrical surge and helps to keep electrical systems, devices and humans safer. Electrical panel. There should be air space around the main panel. Inside, there shouldn’t be evidence of overheating or corrosion, and the fuses and breakers should be the correct size. Appliances. If you have a device that’s going to cause a home fire, it’s most likely going to be one that draws a lot of current. Check the integrity of cords and plug-ins on fridges, stoves and other large appliances. General safety concerns. Look for electrical hazards such as receptacles and switches that aren’t functioning properly, light bulbs exceeding the maximum wattage, damaged cords, and overloaded power strips. Walk through your home to double-check that you’re using extension cords safely and to look for overheated switch plates, buzzing sounds coming from outlets, and other signs it’s time to rewire your home. How fire-safe is your home? Take this fire safety survey from the National Fire Protection Association: http://www.nfpa.org/~/media/Files/Safety%20information/Public%20educators/Surveys/nfpafiresafetysurvey2009.pdf Contact your local fire department for additional home safety tips and information! *Note: The information in this article was compiled from various sources. These suggestions are not a complete list of every preventative or loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace additional safety manuals or the advice of another qualified professional(s). We make no guarantee of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions made.
“NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN”: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RALLY IN EL CAJON
By Ariele Johannson November 13, 2013 (El Cajon) – In observance of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the crowd shouted, “No more violence! No more pain!” as they rounded the turn into Prescott Promenade off Main Street in El Cajon with signs and energetic chanting. The East County Domestic Violence Coalition “Not to be Forgotten” rally on Friday, October 18 was also a memorial for the 26 San Diego County victims, some from East County, who lost their lives in 2012 in domestic violence tragedies. Silhouette statue images in the park were covered with descriptions of just a few of the sad stories of these fatalities. They stood mutely, while in front of them people stopped marching and shouted, “What do we want? Justice! When do we want it? Now!” Last year, there were over 16,000 reported domestic violence incidents in San Diego County alone. It is estimated that 10 million children in the United States witness domestic violence every year. On September 30, 2012, Mary Shojai (66) was beaten to death in her home in Santee. Her boyfriend, Paul Tomasini (64) pled guilty to second degree murder and was sentenced to 16 years to life in prison. On June 2, 2012, Rueben Johnson (56) and her daughter, Aaliyah Johnson (14) were found shot to death in their San Carlos home. Regina Johnson (55) is the suspect in the case. On March 24, 2012, Shaima Dayem Alawadi (32) was beaten to death in her El Cajon home. Her husband, Kassim Alhimidi (48), is the suspect in the case. On July 11, 2012, Deazjnae Banks (19) was beaten to death in a home in Spring Valley. Her boyfriend, Roshawn Broadnax (20), is the suspect arrested in the case. Representatives from the Sheriff’s Department, Center for Community Solutions, Health & Human Services Agency, Senator Anderson’s office, and San Diego Domestic Violence Council joined The East County Domestic Violence Coalition for the observance rally on Friday. Along with community members, survivors, and families, the group came together to remember, hear a survivor’s story, and listen to a reading of the new Domestic Violence Proclamation from the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. The original proclamation was presented by Supervisor Dianne Jacob earlier in October to the San Diego County Domestic Violence Coalition recognizing domestic violence as a critical public issue. The promenade area was filled with women and men from all of the recognizable ethnic communities in San Diego: African-American, Asian, Caucasian, East African, Latino, Middle Eastern, and Native American. A Native American survivor, who bravely told her story, stated that she “inherited” an unfortunate family dynamic: “I was born into abuse. Verbal abuse was normal. Every man I picked was physically abusive.” It took her nine years to get away from her last abuser, but she has to deal with him when there are issues with their child. She believes that fear robs victims of opportunities–opportunities to get out. She urged her listeners to read the signs, use the help that is available, and to become empowered. She credited Southern Indian Health Council in Alpine, the Sheriff’s Department, and Helen Fields for helping to get her and her daughter’s lives back. Jacqueline Manley of the East County Domestic Violence Coalition informed the crowd that there are currently 300 public and private domestic violence partners in California committed to end domestic violence. As people prepared to grab a brightly-colored feather to pin on a board with the words “I rise,” a nursing student from SDSU who was there with others to remember a friend who was killed, led the crowd in a recitation of the following poem: I rise to remember I rise to support I rise to prevent I rise because my actions matter I rise because I make a difference I rise I rise I rise.
2ND ANNUAL WADDLE AND TROT 5K AND FUN RUN IN SANTEE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28
November 13, 2013 (Santee) – Thanksgiving 5K road races, also known as Turkey Trots, have increased in popularity in recent years, as they provide participants an excellent opportunity to lace up their sneakers and get some much-needed exercise before the big holiday meal. Now, residents of Santee and surrounding areas can enjoy this fun holiday tradition right in their own backyard, while also helping two very special local charities. On Thursday, November 28 at 8:00 am, Pathways Community Church will be hosting the 2nd Annual Waddle and Trot 5K and Fun Run. This fun family event is intended for runners and walkers of every fitness level, and all proceeds will go to Santee Santas and the Santee Food Bank. “We were so overwhelmed by the response we received last year from the community and local businesses,” says Phil Herrington, Pastor at Pathways Community Church. “Last year was our inaugural event and we had over 650 participants and 20 vendors which allowed us to raise $12,000 for Santee Santas and Santee Food Bank. We look forward to making this event an annual Thanksgiving tradition and continuing our support of these two worthy charities.” The 2013 Waddle and Trot 5K will provide runners with the same scenic course as last year. Race participants will begin in the Pathways Center at the corner of Mast and Carlton Hills. The fast and flat course will proceed west on Mast Boulevard and enter Santee Lakes via Lake Canyon Road. After circling Lakes 4 and 5, the course will proceed back to Pathways Center and will be followed by a post-race celebration that includes refreshments and vendor booths. Prizes will be given to the Top 3 Male and Female finishers in seven different age categories and all registrants will receive a race T-Shirt. “We received very positive feedback from last year’s event, but we’ve also identified some areas where we feel we can make some great improvements,” says Kristine Quirk, Race Director. “We will be adding a water station at the entrance to Santee Lakes and all 5K and Fun Run participants will receive finisher medallions. We have some fun surprises planned for the Kid’s Fun Run plus we’ll be recognizing some of the best-dressed runners and teams so we hope the community will come out and join us for what promises to be a fun day.” The Fun Run is for kids age 10 and under and will kick-off at 9:00 am within the Pathways Parking Lot. Fun Run participants will be capped at the first 100 and 5K registrations will be capped at the first 1000. “The response last year was amazing,” said Danielle Jimenez, Assistant Race Director. “We want to ensure the best possible experience for all of our racers which is why we decided to cap the number of participants. We expect to sell-out so we are encouraging people to get those registrations in early.” To register for the 5K or Fun Run, visit www.pathways.cc/waddleandtrot or go to www.active.com and search “waddle.”
CROWD PACKS JULIAN FORUM ON DRONE TESTING OVER EAST COUNTY
By Miriam Raftery Back Country Voices, a citizens group in East County, held a forum on November 11 regarding a proposal to test drones–unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs– over backcountry areas in San Diego and East County. Concerned citizens packed into Julian’s library to learn more about the implications of drone testing in our region. The first speaker was John Raifsnider, a local resident. “San Diego Military Advisory Council, the Economic Development [Council] and then the Chamber…What does that mean? “ he asked. “Money and military. What does that mix create? We want to know.” Raifsnider voiced concerned that county Supervisors and all five Congressional representatives have sent letters in support of this plan without input from rural residents. Supervisor Ron Roberts has said he backs the plan to bring more manufacturing jobs to our region. Supervisor Dianne Jacob envisions use of drones to spot brush fires. After the meeting, Raifsnider posted some intriguing questions. “One direction we have not developed is the question of possible constructive uses of this technology we all could embrace. One example: Our infrastructure is crumbling. Are there advances in robotic technology which will assist in its repair, just one case of inviting a wiser and more benevolent use of public funds and resources? What about the healing fields, education fields, gifts to science and the arts?” He added, “Could we facilitate our moving further from the prospect of a ‘police state-surveillance state’ and more in the direction of a more creative state, a compassionate state for the world, which by the will of its people becomes freer to act on its social conscience, exceeding the tired old model of endless economic growth? Residents’ concerns over drones focused on safety and privacy. They want to know where drones will take off and land, and what exactly they will be testing –surveillance, infrared technology, or even weaponry. They also voiced concern over impacts on the rural lifestyle for those who came to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. “We come because it’s pristine, because it’s open, because we feel alone, we like to feel the solitude. So the whole notion that there may be eyes upon us, eyes in the sky. Is that realistic? Is that true? Could that be happening, the answer is yes,” Raifsnider said. Dave Patterson, a Ramona resident with Veterans for Peace, said his group got involved over concerns over “alarm reports” that the majority of those killed overseas by drones were civilians, including many children. He is also concerned about drones being deployed on the international border. He brought a scale model of a weaponized Predator drone, along with a video screen where guests could view themselves in the crosshairs. A large sign asked, “10,000 drones surveilling America – is that okay?” Supporters of drones argue that the drone industry will bring many jobs to San Diego, a drone manufacturing headquarter, as well as jobs for those who remotely operate the drones. Veterans for Peace has demonstrated outside General Atomics in Poway, where Predator drones are made. Besides military applications, drones can be used domestically. Some applications have support even from the harshest critics, such as use in search and rescue after a disaster. But other uses are more troubling. For example, the technology exists for drones to fly silently, unseen at night, taking high resolution surveillance video of our region with the ability to catch speeders or show detailed images of residents’ activities. Infrared technology can even reveal images inside homes; one drone pilot recently stated in an article that he observed people having sex inside residences in Afghanistan and even listening in remotely. Some raised concerns over use of drones by law enforcement without warrants, potentially violating the 4th and 5th Amendments. Patterson said he is not opposed to the technology, but that “the way the technology is being used is alarming.” A film produced by the Al Jazeera news network raised concerns over killing via drone as trivializing the actions to be similar to video games. The military has indicated the drones are effective and can potentially save lives of U.S. military personnel. But civil liberties and the future of war are serious questions raised. The American Civil Liberties Union is suing the U.S. over “summary executions” carried out with drones. The ACLU contends this violates international law and notes that the U.S. would no doubt object if other nations were to claim the right to kill people inside U.S. boundaries. The film also revealed research with nanodrones, small robots that swarm like insects, crawling or flying into buildings. These miniature nanodrones are not even included among the numbers of drones that could fly over our skies in the future. Congress has mandated the FAA to open skies to drones by 2015. The FAA has said that could mean as many as 30,000 drones in the sky, Patterson said. He predicted that constitutional rights will “go up in a big cloud of drones” when that occurs. He wants to see rules and oversight, particularly regulation how law enforcement may use drones. Patterson indicated some police departments have already obtained weaponized drones – purchased with our tax dollars. Next to speak was Matthew Kellegrew a lawyer with the Bill of Rights Defense Committee out of the San Francisco area. The organization is suing the government over domestic use of drones here in the U.S. The groups seeks to find local issues and use “transpartisan community organizing” to fight back. He said this is an issue where people on the political right, such as Libertarians, and those on the left find common ground. “This is a strange moment in history,” he said of the alignments amid growing privacy concerns and both sides feel alienated by their leaders. He emphasized that those speaking out and demonstrating are making a difference. “The more demonstrations there are, the fewer drone killings abroad. This is a real thing.” “There’s not a town ordinance you can pass that will stop the