LOCAL GOVERNMENT REPORT
By Miriam Raftery January 6, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) — What’s on the agenda this week for the County Supervisors, Councils in Lemon Grove and Santee, Lakeside’s Community Planing Group and Helix Water Board? Find out below. On January 8, Helix Water Board and its Lake Committee will hold a joint meeting at 2 p.m. Performance trends and the status of cabins, fishing and camping will be among the items open for discussion. The Helix Water Board recently voted to spare Lake Jennings from closing – but only for a year pending the committee’s further study. The meeting will be held at the district’s headquarters on Un iversity Avenue in La Mesa. New business before the Santee City Council on January 8 at City Hall wil linclude authorization of utlity undergrounding on the Prospect Corridor improvement project, changes to storm drain improvements, a shopping cart abandonment workshop apparently targeting the homeless. Lemon Grove’s Council will discuss its priorities for 2014 in a workshop open to the public during the Council’s meeting on January 7 at City Hall. The Lakeside Community Planning Group will hold an open house before its next meeting on January 14 for the public to view proposed projects in the Lakeside area. Plans will be on display for 30 minutes prior to the 6:30 meeting at the Lakeside Community Center. County Supervisors meet on the 7th and the 8th. On the 8th, the agenda includes consideration of appropriations to construct a Sweetwater Loop Trail in Bonita and Spring Valley, as well as sale of surplus property in Spring Valley, and help for local businesses to clean up contaminated properties. There are many more items on the Supervisors’ agenda that may be of interest, and you can find the full agendas at the County Supervisors’ website.
COLD FRONT ACROSS THE NATION GROUINDS PLANES
January 6, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) — If you’re traveling outside of our area, you may have a long wait. Over 3,000 flights have been cancelled nationwide due to an extreme cold front known as a polar vortex. The severe weather system is breaking all records, with temperatures dipping to a frosty 68 degrees below zero in the Midwest, also bringing icy cold weather to the northeast and the South. Atlanta Georgia was colder than Moscow today ad Memphis, Tennessee was chillier than Anchorage Alaska. Fortunately warm, balmy weather remains in the forecast here in sunny San Diego and East County, with highs expected to hover around 70 all week long.
SILENT FILMS TAKE THE SILVER SCREEN IN LA MESA ON JANUARY 11
January 2, 2014 (La Mesa) –The Flying A Studio once produced silent movies from its studio in La Mesa, filming on location across East County. On January 11, the La Mesa Historical Society in partnership with the Theatre Organ Society of San Diego presents an original, locally-produced 1911 Allan Dwan directed Flying A one-reeler silent movie, “The Ranchman’s Nerve” along with Douglas Fairbanks in his swashbuckling silent farewell from 1929 “The Iron Mask.” Showtime begins at 7 p.m. The films will be accompanied by noted organist Russ Peck at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3902 Kenwood Drive, Spring Valley. Pre-event tickets $12 adults, $8 for children 5-12. Day of tickets $15 adults, $10 for children The plot centers around a sheriff leading a posse to find an outlaw when the sheriff is wounded .The other men lose their nerve—with one courageous exception.
COLUMN: POLITICAL REFLECTIONS: 2013 – THE YEAR OF CRASH AND BURN
By Mark Gabrish Conlan January 5, 2014 (San Diego) — If nothing else, 2013 will go down in history as a year that showed up just how silly the whole notion of punditry is. People read columns like this in hopes that the people writing them have some special wisdom that will not only explain to them what’s happening in politics now but what’s likely to happen in the future. Often we’re as clueless as anyone else. As Doyle McManus recently admitted in the Los Angeles Times, at this time last year he was expecting President Obama to be able to take full advantage of his resounding re-election victory and the Republicans in Congress to moderate their opposition and maybe even work with him to get things done. Instead, the big news of 2013 is the systematic frustration of virtually all Obama’s ambitions by a Republican Party dominated by a highly ideological Right wing bent on making a revolution. Don’t believe what you sometimes read about “divisions” in the Republican Party between a supposedly moderate old-line business wing and the zealots of the Tea Party. The GOP is firmly united in its determination to return America to the robber-baron age of the 1880’s, when American politics was frankly aimed at making the rich richer and ignoring the effect of that on everyone else. The Republicans in Congress want ultimately to eliminate Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, unemployment insurance and the rest of America’s meager attempt at building a social welfare state. They also want to abolish all taxes on corporations, all regulations on business and all laws protecting labor and the environment. The so-called “business Republican” and “Tea Party” factions differ only on how fast they want to do all that. That’s the reason for the unified Republican opposition to the Affordable Care Act, a.k.a. “Obamacare” — even though it’s based on ideas first cooked up by the Right-wing Heritage Foundation and first put into practice by Obama’s 2012 opponent, Mitt Romney, as governor of Massachusetts. It’s not that they’re upset over any particular aspect of Obamacare, or that they give a damn whether it’s working or not — though snafus like the botched launch of the healthcare.gov Web site and Obama’s inability to keep his promise that if you liked your current health insurance, you’d get to keep it are godsends to the Republicans in their never-ending quest to make the law look bad. No, the reason they hate it so much and have voted to repeal it — what is it now, 46 times? — is that Obamacare promises a major expansion of the social welfare state at a time when the Republican Party is committed to abolishing the welfare state altogether. No issue in 2013 showed off the perils of punditry better than Obamacare. When the Republicans in Congress managed to get the government shut down through most of October, the move was so wildly unpopular that the punditry en masse proclaimed that the GOP had rendered itself irrelevant and the Democrats would be able to keep their Senate majority and win back the House of Representatives just by showing up. Then the Obamacare Web site had its disastrous launch — and the same so-called “experts” were declaring it the doom of the Obama presidency and telling us it was now a lead-pipe cinch that Republicans will hold on to the House in 2014, grab control of the Senate and make the last two years of the Obama administration a living hell for him. If anything, the successive failures from both parties have sent both the President’s and Congress’s poll ratings down — the President’s to the worst levels of Obama’s term and Congress’s to the worst levels ever. In other countries where the two major parties have so disgraced themselves, from Germany in the early 1930’s to Venezuela in the 1980’s, the result has often been the emergence of a charismatic leader outside the major parties winning popular support and setting himself up as a dictator. As much as political activists in general and progressive activists in particular like to bemoan the entrenched nature of the Republican and Democratic parties — including the ways they’ve written U.S. elections law to make organizing any other party a colossal waste of time — and the general apathy and political cluelessness of much of the American population, those may be the only things saving us from a Right or Left dictatorship in the near future. Locally, 2013 will be remembered as the year of Bob Filner’s spectacular crash and burn as mayor of San Diego. It’s hard to imagine what’s most bizarre about that story: that Filner, a hero to progressive San Diegans for over 30 years, should have been laid low by a character flaw that, as described by woman after woman who appeared in the local media, approaches an insane compulsion; or that the lead in attacking him was taken, not by his political opposition, but by activists in his own party who declared war on him in a press conference with the fury of medieval witchhunters. It was a story that hit me particularly hard because I ended up permanently disillusioned about two people who had been longtime heroes of mine. Bob Filner, whom I’d thought of as a fearless progressive crusader whose arrogance at least came with the territory of fighting for the right causes, was revealed as at worst a sexual compulsive with a warped view of women and at best an insensitive boor. And his principal accuser, Donna Frye, came off as Cotton Mather in drag, out not merely to drive him from office but consign him to the worst circle in hell without a trace of compassion for what clearly, if the allegations against Filner are true, is a mental illness. Whether 2013 was a good year for Queer rights depends on where you live. If you’re in the U.S. or
H1N1 CAUSING SEVERE FLU CASES LOCALLY
January 5, 2014 (San Diego) — Flu activity is increasing across the nation and San Diego is no exception. While flu activity in San Diego has not reached the high levels being seen in some parts of the country, more cases are being reported here compared to the same time last year. To date, 357 lab-confirmed influenza cases have been reported in San Diego. This is over 1.5 times higher than the 216 cases reported at the same time last year. The number of lab-confirmed cases reported this past week is 154, double the number reported this same week last year. The flu reports this year are still within the expected range. No flu-related deaths have been reported this season, although eight of 10 San Diegans who required intensive care for influenza-related illness were under 65 years old. Last season, 65 flu-related deaths were reported in the county. “While influenza can be unpredictable, our analysis of local data indicates influenza activity is rising faster and may peak sooner than it did last year,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. Last season, flu activity peaked in early February, but influenza cases continued to be reported through April. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health alert last week reporting severe respiratory illness in several states during the past two months. especially among young and middle-aged adults. Many of them were determined to be infected with Pandemic H1N1, with cases resulting in hospitalization, intensive care, or in some instances, death. Although it is not known which influenza viruses will predominate during the entire 2013-14 influenza season, the predominant virus circulating nationally so far is Pandemic H1N1. Locally, about 96 percent of the reported cases have been Influenza A. When the specific subtype was tested, eight out of ten were found to be Pandemic H1N1. The good news is that the current flu vaccines offer protection against Pandemic H1N1, as well as Influenza A H3N2 and Influenza B strains. The CDC has determined that the vaccines are well matched for the currently circulating viruses. The CDC recommends that everyone six months or older get a flu vaccine every year. The vaccine is safe, effective, and available at many locations in the county. It takes about two weeks for immunity to develop after getting vaccinated. “The flu season typically lasts through April. If you haven’t gotten your shot this season, you should get vaccinated now to protect yourself and your family,” Wooten added. The vaccine is available throughout San Diego County at doctors’ offices and retail pharmacies. County public health centers have flu vaccine available for children and adults with no medical insurance. For a list of locations, visit www.sdiz.org or call 2-1-1.
BOOK PUBLISHING 1-2-3: FROM THE WRITER’S FINGERS TO THE READERS’ HANDS
January 5, 2014 (San Diego) — Sprinkled with stories and tips (such as how to connect with literary agents), this February 22 program is designed to inspire and empower writers of all levels and genres. Start with a glimpse at today’s dynamic book business including traditional, electronic, and self-publishing. Then share ideas to help refine the writing craft, followed by suggestions for getting published and tips for promoting books. Also on the afternoon’s menu are imagination workouts, writing prompts, self-assessments, and Q&A throughout. The workshop will be presented by Laurie Gibson, the La Mesa resident who’s edited the work of more than 150 first-time authors. She’s also edited or proofread well over 250 books for numerous publishers, including recent editions of novels such as “The Color Purple” and the writing of business guru Brian Tracy. For several years, Laurie taught at the Extension programs of both UCSD and UCLA. When: Sat., Feb. 22, 2–5 p.m. Where: The Ink Spot, Liberty Station, Barracks 16, # 202, Point Loma (across from Ace Hardware). Cost: $54; to register, visit www.sandiegowriters.org. Questions? Call the presenter at (858) 635-1233 or email eaglet5223@mypacks.net.
CITY OF LA MESA WINS APPEAL OF LAWSUIT OVER USE OF CITY PROPERTY NEAR BRIERCREST PARK
January 5, 2014 (La Mesa)–The Fourth Appellate District Court of Appeals on December 16th ruled in favor of the City of La Mesa in an appeal of a lawsuit centered on a series of lease agreements to develop and operate housing facilities for older adults in La Mesa. The ruling in Briercrest Development, L.P. v. City of La Mesa will allow the City to recoup attorney fees. City Manager, David E. Witt said of the ruling, “It is a great relief to finally regain control of the City’s property. The concept of this development area was to create a park (Briercrest Park) that promoted healing and surround the park with compatible uses. This decision will allow the City to move forward to put this property to a productive use for the community.” In 2004, the City and Health Care Group (later Briercrest Development L.P.) entered into a ground lease for City of La Mesa property located west of Briercrest Park on Wakarusa Drive in La Mesa. Over the course of the next six years, Briercrest Development L.P. attempted to acquire funding to develop varied senior housing facilities. First the developer sought financing for senior residential rental units, then requested a modification to the ground lease to allow the development of senior condominiums, and finally unsuccessfully tried to secure funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for an assisted living residential care and a skilled nursing facility. In 2009, La Mesa became concerned with the lack of progress on the City’s property and a new amendment to the ground lease was negotiated. The amended agreement outlined that the developer needed to satisfy conditions (financing, begin construction, and receive governmental entitlements and permits) within a set performance schedule with agreed upon extensions, or the City would contractually terminate the agreement. When the conditions of the agreement were not met, the City terminated the agreement. Briercrest Development L.P. sued the City in March 2010 for breach of contract. The bench trial court issued a final statement of decision in November 2011 supporting the City’s case and awarding attorney fees to the City. Briercrest Development L.P. appealed the decision and in December 2013 the appellate decision was handed down in the City’s favor. The City will seek City Council direction on the future use of this property in 2014, a press release issued by the City indicates.
RAMONA MAN ARRESTED IN ROAD RAGE INCIDENT IN POWAY
January 5, 2014 (Ramona) – Yesterday, El Cajon Police Department arrested Ramona resident Douglas Lane, 50, for a road rage incident on State Route 67 back on October 26 that resulted in injury to a bicyclist. On October 26, 2013 at 9:48 a.m., Poway Sheriff’s deputies responded to a vehicle collision on State Route 67 north of Poway Road. Drivers of two vehicles were involved n a dispute over right of way as the highway merged from two lanes to one lane, said Deputy A. Meleen. As the vehicles merged, the passenger side of a Volvo S 60 collided with the driver’s side of a Dodge Ram 3500. After the collision, the Dodge veered right, into the marked bicycle lane, and struck a bicyclist traveling northward. The bicyclist was transported to Palomar Medical Center with severe injuries. Poway Sheriff’s traffic investigators determined that Lane was the driver of the Dodge truck that struck the bicyclist. A felon warrant for reckless driving with injury was issued on November 19 and on January 4, 2014, Lane was arrested by El Cajon Police and booked into San Diego County jail. His bail has been set at $50,000.
CHIEF’S CORNER: NO FLU FOR YOU!
By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna January 5, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) — The flu season is here and like a wildfire, it seems to be spreading rapidly. Symptoms may include: A 100 oF or higher fever or feeling feverish (not everyone with the flu has a fever), a cough and/or sore throat, runny or stuffy nose. headaches and/or body aches, chills. fatigue. nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (most common in children). “The flu and the common cold have similar symptoms says Chief DiGiovanna. It can be difficult to tell the difference between them.” Your health care provider can give you a test within the first few days of your illness to determine whether or not you have the flu. However, the flu is worse than the common cold. Symptoms such as fever, body aches, tiredness, and cough are more common and intense with the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. When should you seek emergency medical attention? Seek medical attention immediately! What are some ways to protect yourself? Avoid close contact with sick people. Stay at home when you are sick. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Washing your hands will help protect you from catching germs. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Drink fluids even when you feel well. Wash surfaces that are shared with others such as keyboards, telephones, exercise equipment, TV remotes. Exercise regularly. For additional flu facts and prevention tips, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/symptoms.htm or http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm
CREST RESIDENT, SDSU STUDENT CROWNED MISS CALIFORNIA USA
January 5, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – Cassandra Kunze, a resident of Crest and a student at San Diego State University, has been crowned winner of the 2014 Miss California USA competition. Kunze, 20, is working to complete a double major at SDSU in international security and conflict resolution and television/film media. She represented Beverly Hills at the time of her pageant entry and will next compete at the Miss USA pageant, representing California. The Miss California USA competition was held January 4 at the Terrance Theater in Long Beach.