RED FLAG WARNING EXPECTED SUNDAY: CAL FIRE OFFERS TIPS TO REDUCE FIRE RISK
SDG&E now offers critical weather page to look up conditions in your neighborhood January 11, 2014 (San Diego’s East County ) — A red flag warning for a moderate to strong Santa Ana Wind event along with low humidity is expected Sunday evening through Wednesday afternoon for San Diego County. Wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour are likely with some isolated gusts of 65 mph on some ridge tops and canyons. “Though Cal Fire has year round staffing in Southern California, these conditions warrant adding additional resources on for the duration of the red flag conditions that bring an elevated threat of wildfire,” said Chief Dale Hutchinson, Cal Fire’s Southern Region Chief. Cal Fire has placed additional firefighters on duty to staff extra equipment to augment normal staffing levels in the areas affected. Cal Fire is asking everyone to be extra cautious during the heightened fire danger period in order to prevent wildfires. One less spark means one less wildfire. Be aware of the following activity restrictions and tips: Cal Fire offers the following fire prevention tips: · Don’t mow or trim dry grass on windy days · Never pull your vehicle over in dry grass · Never burn landscape debris like leaves or branches on NO Burn Days or when it’s windy · Target shoot only in approved areas, use lead ammunition only, and never at metal targets · Ensure campfires are allowed, and if so, be sure to extinguish them completely · Make sure all portable gasoline-powered equipment have spark arresters · Report any suspicious activities to prevent arson For more fire prevention tips visit www.PreventWildfireCA.org and for evacuation tips visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org. SDG&E has set up a critical weather page where you can look up your address or zip code and get specific information on fire danger in your area: http://www.sdge.com/tools/windspeed-dashboard
GROUP MEDITATION: SATURDAYS IN JACUMBA HOT SPRINGS
January 11, 2014 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – Energy Works Rejuvenation is hosting group meditation on Saturdays from 4 to 5 p.m. at 44545 Old Highway 80 in Jacumba Hot Springs. The class offeres guided relaxation meditation and light refreshments. No experience is necessary; wear comfortable clothing. Cost is $10 per session or $8 for local residents with proof of residency. The course focuses on breathing meditation “to clear your mind and create a general feeling of wellbeing and clarity,” a flyer states, adding that benefits include releasing stress and tension, enhancing immune function, lowering blood pressure, enhancing energy and vitality. For more information/questions or to reserve your space contact: Greg A. Curran at (619) 459-3037or gregcurran@sbcglobal.net.
NFL DIVISIONAL ROUND PREVIEW: SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (10-7) AT DENVER BRONCOS (13-3)
By David Dickens December 11, 2014 (Denver) — This could very well be the matchup of two of the best teams in the American Football Conference. This will be the first time these two division rivals square up in the postseason. The Denver Broncos are 9-point favorites, more than likely due to the fact of three injured key players for San Diego. Veteran center NickHardwick left last weeks contest at Cincinnati in the first half with a concussion, and also a neck injury has yet to be cleared for Sunday’s game. This can create issues as far as communication on the field for quarterback Philip Rivers. Another key player on this high powered offense that may not play is right guard, Jeromey Clary who missed Wednesday and Thursday’s practice with a shoulder injury, and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. None will be missed as much as running back, Ryan Matthews who has not practiced at all. Matthews was a large reason why the Chargers won last week in Cincinnati. Matthews carried 13 times for 52 hard earned yards, and caught two balls for a minimal gain of 12 yards and had no trips to the endzone, however he did pick up quite a few blocks to assist quarterback Philip Rivers in continuing to stand upright. That being said, if all three, or if even two of these key individuals don’t start, it could prove to be a huge disadvantage on the offensive side of the ball. Anytime you have the emotion and heart that this squad is playing with, they can be tough to beat. Philip Rivers is having a Pro Bowl type year, and rookie wide receiver, Keenan Allen is having a breakout year with 73 receptions and 1,076 yards, and 8 touchdowns. He has been Philip Rivers’ go to man right behind veteran tight end Antonio Gates, who was only targeted 5 more times than Allen. On the defensive side of the ball, defensive Captain and veteran safety, Eric Weddle along with defensive coordinator, Chuck Pagono, has a much improved defense along with their 5 game winning streak. Safety Eric Weddle leads the revamped defense with 121 tackles and leads the team with two interceptions, which was one of the keys of defeat against the Cincinnati Bengals last week, winning the turnover battle, rattling Bengals quarterback, Andy Dalton to throw 2 interceptions and recovering an Andy Dalton fumble as he dove head first for the first down. Turnovers can kill you or, on the other hand, win you a ball game. The Denver Broncos are also on the mend and had a first-round bye to assist in healing some of their wounded soldiers. The injury report for the Denver Broncos is not exactly good news either. All-Pro, shut down corner, Champ Bailey is listed as probable with a shoulder ailment, which is new since most of the season has had a major foot issue, allowing him to play only one full game all season. As Denver plans to use Bailey as a fifth defensive back, he will also be a valuable commodity with his offensive reading expertise, and he knows Philip Rivers mechanics very well. Bailey will play in this one. Others on the somewhat disabled list include tight end. Joel Dreessen, safety, Duke Ithenacho, and most importantly, wide receiver, Wes Welker, who was out for the last four weeks with a concussion, and purposely saved for this divisional round. The key to winning this close one for the San Diego Chargers? Maintaining ball control, and owning the clock. This prevents quarterback Peyton Manning fromleading his high powered offense into the end zone repeatedly and beating you 42-28. Philip Rivers is also the key element in this offensive battle as long as he stays upright, which means Denver could be in for a long day. The key for the well rested Denver Broncos is a big dose of running back Knowshon Moreno, and Peyton Manning staying in rythym with his specialty, the no-huddle offense. This will keep San Diego confused and will include a major dose of slot receiver, Wes Welker . The Chargers didn’t have to worry about the slithery, sure-handed Welker last time the two teams met in Denver, and the Chargers prevailed 27-20 . Another key for Denver is if they can actually have their defense step up at the right time. It will be a tall order however, especially with the absence of former Pro-Bowler, Linebacker Vonn Miller, out for the season. The Broncos lost Miller the last game of the season atOakland suffering a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament. The Denver Broncos are favored by 9, but this game really comes down to who can win the turnover battle, and control the clock. My pick is the Denver Broncos 35-28 and advancing to the American Football Championship against the Indianapolis Colts next week in Denver. We must all take our hats off to this passionate group that call themselves the San Diego Chargers, but Denver’s talent defeats San Diego’s emotion.
ALPINE TURNS PINK TO SUPPORT TODDLER WITH NEUROBLASTOMA
Block party fundraiser planned Saturday, January 11; more events planned “I couldn’t hold back the tears…It’s amazing to think you have an entire community supporting us and loving us so deeply.” –Bree Rowand By Janis Mork, Sharon A. Penny, and Miriam Raftery January 10, 2014 (Alpine) — Anyone who has been to Alpine in the last week has noticed the many pink ribbons dotting the community, with signs supporting a special young girl named Kylie Rowand battling cancer. The day after Christmas, Kylie’s parents, Luke and Bree, took her to the doctor for what they thought was an infection in a swollen eye. Soon after, the young couple got the most devastating news any parent could receive: their beautiful,19-month old girl has cancerous tumors in her head and face, on her spleen, more on her liver, pelvic bone, spine, and bones in both legs. Though the details are frightening, there is hope. This week the family learned that another local child diagnosed in April with stage 4 neuroblastoma is now cancer free. A community campaign began to help this family in need. On January 4, Stephani Dennis of Stephani Dennis Photography organized “Paint the Town Pink for Kylie”, a ribbon pinning to help raise awareness and funds for Kylie’s treatment. As of January 10, almost $42,000 has been raised to help with Kylie’s medical costs. The community of Alpine has rallied around this family, organizing a series of fundraising events ranging from a block party to a golf tournament. A prayer vigil was also held on Mt. Helix. A block party fundraiser will be held this Saturday, January 11 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 1510 River Dance Court in Alpine, where raffle tickets will be sold to help the family. To learn how you can help with this event, visit www.alpinecommunitycenter.net. More upcoming events are listed at the end of this article. “The community has been overwhelmingly supportive,” Kylie’s mother, Bree, told ECM. She expressed gratitude for the many businesses pitching in to help. “We are beyond blessed to call Alpine our home.” She was at the hospital when the Paint the Town Pink event occurred. On the next day, when she saw so many pink ribbons, she recalls, “I couldn’t hold back the tears. It’s amazing to think you have an entire community supporting us and loving us so deeply.” Even strangers have helped out, she added. Neuroblastoma affects 8 million children a year under the age of 15, Bree said, adding that the cause is unknown. “Neuroblastoma is a very aggressive form of pediatric cancer and almost 70% of patients have advanced stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis.” The family is hinging its hopes on an immunotherapy treatment now in a trial stage. “They are finding kids responding very well to this,” Bree explained. “Kylie will be going through this therapy when her chemo is finished.” Kylie finished her first cycle of chemo on January 3, with five more to go. The family has “great hope” for her future despite the long ordeal ahead. For the next few weeks, the Alpine Farmers Market, held each Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm, will show its support by painting the market pink and set up a site for donations. Some of its vendors will provide proceeds to help Kylie and her family. Starting February 1, a booth at Alpine Farmer’s Market will sell angel pins, pink bracelets and raffle tickets ; donations of pink raffle prizes are also welcome; contact Cheri Taylor at taylorhealethcenterofsandiego@gmail.com or call (619)813-5205. A golf tournament has been set up on Kylie’s name. Starting at noon on Sunday, February 16, a fundraising golf tournament will take place at Cottonwood Golf Club. The cost is $100 per person, or $400 for a foursome. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/Prayersforkyliegolftournament. Donations can be made at http://www.gofundme.com/Prayers-for-Kylie, where you can see pictures from Paint the Town Pink. You can also donate at California Bank and Trust, 2250 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine, where a special account has been set up for the family. The Alpine Community Network was first to alert the community to this young family’s need; view the story at http://www.alpinecommunitynetwork.com/2014/01/19-month-old-kylie-diagnosed-with-stage-4-high-risk-neuroblastoma-lets-show-our-support-for-this-young-alpine-family/. For updates on Kylie, visit:https://www.facebook.com/prayersforkylie1 and http://www.prayersforkylie.com/blog.html
READER’S EDITORIAL: FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT
By Grey Feathers January 8, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) — Three years ago today, Gabriele Gifford was shot in the head. She was rushed to the hospital where we thought she would surely die. The same hospital where I would be treated after my heart attack a few month later in the hot summer of 2011. There was a Lunar Eclipse that summer that plunged Tucson into the deepest darkness conceivable and it seemed the chill of the legendary Shadow Wolf of Native American lore had been unleashed upon my world. This morning Gabby wrote in the New York Times that for the first time she can will her right arm to move and it obeys. After years of persistent physical therapy she is making steady progress. The news brought me to weeping for joy. I too have made progress with a rebuilt heart and renewed hopes for a brighter world. The Dark Wolf has been consigned to the deepest cave in some remote desert in a far away land and Gabby Gifford and her husband are making progress curbing gun violence in America. The winds of change seem to be blowing our way. The dominance of greed and cruelty seems to have had their day. A new Pope in Rome is speaking out for the poor and infirm just as Jesus did when he walked the earth. (Imagine that.) Much has changed. A black man was elected President – twice. Most of the big Cities in America have progressive Mayors now including the two largest, Los Angeles and New York. Newt Gingrich, a well known disciple of the Shadow Wolf, said it was time for conservatives to ask the Pope inspired question: Would I want to live in a world where “billionaires and people with no food” live side by side? To me a statement from Newt that I actually agreed with is just about as cosmic as that Lunar Eclipse from that long hot summer. And the prospects of Barack Obama defeating the obstructionists and fulfilling the unspeakably wonderful expectations we have for him – may yet become reality. So this morning I’m wiping away the sniffles of happiness for Gabby and feeling my reconditioned heart rev with hope and optimism inside my chest. Pope Frances intimated that people are either Kind or Cruel – his words casting a light across the world, sending the Dark Wolves scurrying to their deep caves. With the wind to our backs 2014 will be the beginning of a new era, one that reflects the promise of a humankind created in the image of a loving God. The views in this editorial reflect the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.
SEMPRA ENERGY TRUCK SEIZED IN HIT AND RUN FATALITY
By Miriam Raftery Victim identified as Robert Fisher, 54 January 10, 2014 (El Cajon) — El Cajon Police today announced that investigators have recovered a work truck owned by SDG&E/Sempra Energy that police believe fled the scene after striking a pedestrian on January 6th shortly after 10 p.nm. at Main Street and Jamacha Road. The pedestrian, Robert Fisher, 54, was later struck by a second vehicle and died at the scene. “The vehicle seized is a white 2008 Ford 550 work truck owned by SDGE/Sempra Energy. Current evidence indicates the vehicle was not operating in an official, on-duty capacity at the time of the collision,” said Lt. R. Soulard with El Cajon Police. “SDG&E/Sempra Energy has been fully cooperative in this investigation,” Lt. Soulard added. The pedestrian was crossing the roadway between controlled intersections when struck by the truck, which fled the scene, leaving the victim lying in the roadway. The driver of a second vehicle that struck the downed pedestrian remained on scene; the driver and passenger of the second vehicle were not injured. It has not yet been announced what charges the driver of the SDG&E truck will face and the investigation is continuing. Sempra issued the following statement: “This a terrible tragedy. SDG&E is cooperating fully with authorities. Our employee is suspended pending an investigation.” Anyone with information regarding this collision or persons involved is encouraged to contact the El Cajon Police Department Traffic Division at 619-441-1632.
DROUGHT DECLARATION EXPECTED FOR CALIFORNIA
By Mark Gavit As dry winter conditions continue, Gov. Jerry Brown can be expecting the California Department of Water Resources to present him with an emergency drought declaration draft. Director of the DWR, Mark Cowin, told the California Board of Food and Agriculture that his agency is in the midst of deciding wether or not to present the governor with a drought declaration. Nancy Foley, spokeswoman for the DWR agency said that the declaration may appear “within a couple weeks.” California has been affected by a persistent high-pressure ridge looming over the Pacific Ocean that has blocked storms from entering the state. Long-range forecasts suggest the dry trend will continue for the balance of January., causing the next two months that are normally among the wettest for the state will produce barely anything in terms of precipitation. tThe first regular snow survey of the winter season, conducted by the DWR on Jan. 3 at locations throughout the Sierra Nevada, found the snowpack at 19 percent of average on that date. Five days later, the snowpack shrunk to 17 percent. The San Juan Water District in Northern California will consider asking customers to stop all outdoor watering and begin efforts to cut indoor water use in half. If dry conditions continue, the so-called “Stage 5” drought restrictions, the most severe category, likely would become mandatory in February. Whether San Diego will ask its customers to restrict water use remains to be seen.