FLASH FLOODING IN EAST COUNTY
By Miriam Raftery August 2, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for mountains and deserts in East County. Flooding is already occurring this afternoon on portions of Highway 79, S-2 and S-22 due to thunderstorms. Impacted areas thus far include Borrego Springs, Banner Grade, Julian, Ocotillo Wells, Ranchita, Santa Ysabel, Shelter Valley and Warner Springs. Thunderstorms with heavy rain will continue through Sunday evening, producing runoff expected to cause more flooding especially along mountain streams, desert washes and recently burned areas. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles so never drive into areas where water covers the roadway, since flood waters are usually deeper than they appear. Just a foot of water is powerful enough to sweep a vehicle off the road. Also be aware that lightning can travel for 10 miles or more, even in clear skies. So if thunder roars, stay indoors.
VINES AND WINES: NEWS YOU CAN USE
By Donn Rutkoff August 4, 2014( San Diego’s East County)–If you are a grower or winemaker, or serious wine drinker, this report covers three recent news items of research going on in the wine world. 1. Research on tannins, which we feel as coarse roughness in the mouth, but we can’t taste. 2. Is Saccaromyces the best yeast? 3. Conserving water. What are tannins? They are the molecules in the skin that make skin waterproof. Why are tannins important? Because they are a preservative that are part of the ageing process, and some are necessary for the right texture in wine. Erika Syzmanski, writing a blog called Wine-o-Scope, looks into the research on the texture and feel of wine, a subject that is very subjective to say the least, and the words we use to describe tannin are not part of our regular vocabulary. What exactly are tannins and what behavior and life cycle do they have? Her article reports on research by scientists at the Aussie wine institute (AWRI), and Dr. Kennedy’s group at Fresno State. Kennedy is the enology chairman at Fresno State and he spoke at CSU San Marcos recently about growing high quality grapes. http://wineoscope.com/2014/07/13/measuring-not-just-tannin-concentration-but-tannin-behavior-kennedys-stickiness-assay/ The AWRI has a software package called The Wine Cloud,. “is a web-based application that allows users to store, analyse and benchmark grape and wine-related analytical data on-line. The WineCloud also provides an option to calculate tannin, colour and phenolics attributes in red grape, ferment and wine samples based on UV/Visible spectral readings.” It has 2 portals, one for grapes and the 2nd for wine. “The WineCloudTM provides the ability to measure tannins, phenolics and colour attributes in grapes, as well as wines.” For wine, it gives you 5 measures: 1. total phenolics; 2. total tannin; 3. total pigment; 4. free anthocyanins, and; 5. pigmented tannins. Their new cloud software measures these 5 molecules using standards set around 30 years ago, called the Adams-Harbertson assay. http://www.awri.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/measuring-wine-tannins.pdf But the next question and a bigger question, without a lot of answers, is the behavior of these molecules over time as the wine ages. Dr. Kennedy and his team have just published an article on the stickiness of tannins. (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry , June 2014. The article is titled “High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Determination of Red Wine Tannin Stickiness” http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf501666z?prevSearch=tannin%2Bstickiness&searchHistoryKey= Their research studies how much tannin exists, and how sticky it is, that is to say how much it adheres to other molecules without the tannin itself breaking down into lesser, non-binding, molecules. Or, in other words, how long it protects wine from bacteria, and how long your teeth will stay purple after a glass of high tannin Cabernet vs. a glass of low tannin Pinot noir. Whew. Heavy duty science. 2. From July 8 news link in winebusiness.com, an article in the July 2014 issue of Wine & Vines, about native yeast and inoculating with the standard Saccharomyces yeast. “Role of non-Saccharomyces yeasts in wine production” by Neil P. Jolly, Cristian Varela, Glen Osmond, and Isak S. Pretorius This story is about whether the standard yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is truly the dominant yeast that exists naturally in the air and on the skins of grapes, and the different flavors and results if you allow some of the other natural yeasts to get a start in your fermentation. Most decisions you have as a new winemaker are about different strains within the Saccharo c. family, whereas this article is about those yeasts that are not in the Saccharo c. family. Even if decide not to inoculate, and you let the fermentation start just from the native yeasts that are on the skins naturally, they are mostly Saccharo anyway, but there are these other yeasts out there. Read more at: http://www.winesandvines.com/template.cfm?section=features&content=135080&ftitle=Role%20of%20non-Saccharomyces%20yeasts%20in%20wine%20production Copyright © Wines & Vines 3. Article in Wines and Vines magazine, reporting on a water use seminar, at the annual meeting of the ASEV (American Society of Enology and Viticulture). We all know that water is scarce. The ASEV seminar started with research from UC Riverside about watering during dormant season to lower the salt level, and again, in Australia, research on using reclaimed water. Australia has bigger and very permanent water shortages, worse than California, and they use a lot of reclaimed water. You have to watch our for high salt, high potassium, and high ph. And a Sonoma county consultant talked about waiting to irrigate as late as possible. “When water of marginal quality is used for irrigation, the level of soil salinity can increase, according to Donald L. Suarez, laboratory director at the USDA Agriculture Research Service Salinity Lab in Riverside, Calif. It may be necessary to alter water-management practices, possibly include leaching to control the level of salinity. Suarez presented a study which found that there was a “winter irrigation window” when the plants were dormant and the soil was wet, and leaching at that time had a “major impact on spring salinity levels, even in years of average to low rainfall.” Drip irrigation was more effective on heavier soils and sprinklers on sandy soils.” Read more at: http://www.winesandvines.com/template.cfm?section=news&content=134991 Copyright © Wines & Vines Next time, news on the foul tasting Brettanomyces yeast, some debate about terroir, and other heavy reading. Until then, DMRW.
TEEN HIKING VICTIM IDENTIFIED
By Miriam Raftery Photo from Yasmen Vidales’ Facebook page August 1, 2014 (Ramona) – An 18-year-old woman who died July 22 of heat exhaustion following a hike in the Three Sisters Falls area has been identified as Yasmen Vidales, the San Diego Medical Examiner’s office reports. A recent graduate of Chula Vista High School, she also played in the school’s orchestra. The report indicates that she and a friend ran out of water. After they returned to the car at the trailhead on Boulder Creek Road near Ramona, Vidales became unresponsive. Her female friend called 911. Julian deputies arrived at 4:13 p.m. and paramedics from the fire department also arrived to render immediate first aid. The victim was airlifted to Grossmont Hospital, where despite aggressive resuscitation efforts, she was pronounced dead at 6:36 p.m.
BODY OF SECOND BOATING ACCIDENT VICTIM FOUND
By Miriam Raftery Photos: Mendez, left, from his Facebook page; Ingram, right, courtesy ECM news partner 10 News August 3, 2014 (Lakeside) –A second body has been recovered from El Capitan Reservoir in Lakeside, following a boating collision Thursday. Russell Mendez, 20, and Jeffry Ingram, 21 were killed after a Nitro vessel struck the boat while they were fishing, ejecting both men into the water. Two men aboard the Nitro were treated for injuries and released. Mendez had been a linebacker on the football team at Patrick Henry High School, which Ingram had also attended. The two friends enjoyed fishing together on a regular basis. CBS News interviewed a witness who said the smaller boat was nearly cut in half by the collision. An investigation continues into the crash, which caused closure of the reservoir Friday. Authorities remind boaters to use caution and obey speed rules to protect the safety of themselves and others on local lakes and reservoirs.
ROBIN HOOD TAX GROUP AT COMICON CALLS FOR “HEROES FOR JUSTICE”: SEEKS TAX ON WALL STREET
By Nadin Abbott Photos by Tom Abbott July 31, 2014 (San Diego)–One of the myriad of groups at Comicon San Diego was Robin Hood Tax on Wall Street, which came fully armed with street theater. The group’s members contend that since the big banks and hedge funds caused the nation’s financial crisis, they should pay their fair share to clean it up. “Are you ready to be a hero for justice in the real world?” the group’s Facebook asks. ECM talked with Chris McKay, spokesperson for the group. They came to Comicon since this is one of the places where “the most apathetic people in this country come, every year because of Hollywood and superheroes.” He said that most people are not aware of what is going on in the country, or why, partly because the media refuses to go in to the real issues and educate people. He also said that people come to these massive popular culture events, “while their country and their communities are falling all around them.” Among other things, he said that the student debt is crushing people. It used to be the American dream to go to college and get a degree, and in exchange you had a good life. That promise has been broken. ECM asked McKay about the posters they had of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Dr. Martin Luther King, Cesar Chavez, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders. In his view the first three created social movements for change, the last two are just politicians. That was his personal opinion and did not speak for the group. In his mind these days money has bought off politics, even those politicians we might otherwise respect. He does believe that activists who were involved with Occupy San Diego should try to run for office. The ideas are there, and the system needs challenging, but money needs to get out of politics. The reception from Convention goers was anywhere from paying attention, it was one more piece of street theater, to just ignoring it. If you want more information go to http://www.Robinhoodtax.org
ALCOHOL A FACTOR IN FATAL SANTEE MOTORYCLE CRASH
July 30, 2014 (Santee) – On July 25, Santee sheriff deputies responded to a report of a possible drunk driver traveling on a motorcycle northbound on Carlton Hills Boulevard at a high speed. The victim struck a parked vehicle. He was ejected, striking a telephone pole and then landing in the roadway. Emergency Medical Services responded but the rider was pronounced dead at the scene. The riderless motorcycle continued onward, becoming wedged under a parked vehicle. Preliminary indications are that alcohol was a factor in the collision, a press release from the Sheriff’s office indicates. The investigation is being handled by the Santee Traffic Division and Sheriff’s Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team.
MEET THE NEW CAL FIRE LEADERS AUG. 7
July 29, 2014 (Boulevard) – The public is invited to meet new leaders of Cal Fire in rural East County. Free pizza will also be offered at the event at the Manzanita Diner in Boulevard on August 7, 2014 from 4 to 7 p.m. An RSVP is requested at 619-766-0073 so they know how much pizza to make.
CELEBRATE STONEY’S 89TH BIRTHDAY PARTY AUG. 21
August 1, 2014 (El Cajon) – You’re invited to celebrate Stoney’s Kids 23rd anniversary—and Stoney’s 89th birthday. Proceeds benefit children’s causes in East County. The event takes place Thursday, August 21 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Sycuan Resort at 3007 Dehesa Road in El Cajon. Cocktail hour, dinner, live and silent auction, raffles, and birthday cake are all part of the festivities. A minimum donation of $25 is requested. For tickets or to donate online, visit www.stoneyskids.org
READERS & WRITERS CALENDAR: FROM JULY 27, 2014
For complete Calendar including Authors Events, go to www.SDWriteWay.org DONATIONS: Although the labor for this ezine is free, the web host wants to be paid. If you enjoy receiving this weekly ezine, please send the price of a cup of coffee from Starbucks (or more) by PayPal (you can use your credit card on PayPal) to: editor@SDWriteWay.org. Anything to help out would be greatly appreciated. — Sam Warren, editor Readers July 27 — DC Comics is the creator of a pantheon of massively popular characters including Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman, Hawkman and The Green Arrow, as well as superhero teams the Justice League, The Watchmen and the Teen Titans. The DC Comics Spectacular from Wednesday, July 23, to Sunday, July 27, offers fans the opportunity to celebrate DC Comics with fun activities, special giveaways and a 5-day only offer on all DC Comics graphic novels. The DC Comics Spectacular kicks off with Batman Day on July 23, a celebration of the Caped Crusader’s huge influence on pop culture. Barnes & Noble, Oceanside, 2615 Vista Way, Oceanside: Lisa Kovach – Community Relations Manager, at 760-529-0270 or crm2153@bn.com for additional information. July 27 — Comic Convention Collectibles: Barnes & Noble has partnered with FUNKO, creator of POP!, the Legacy Collection and ReAction Figure Lines, to offer customers the opportunity to purchase never-before-seen exclusive collectibles that can only be found at this summer’s premier comic convention. Barnes & Noble is thrilled to be able to make convention exclusives more accessible to fans from Thursday, July 24, to Sunday, July 27 at Barnes & Noble Oceanside. In addition, 25 lucky customers per store will receive a FREE Funko POP! TV Collector’s poster with the purchase of any regularly priced POP! collectible. Barnes & Noble, Oceanside, 2615 Vista Way, Oceanside: Lisa Kovach – Community Relations Manager, at 760-529-0270 or crm2153@bn.com for additional information. July 27 (Sunday, 4:30 to 6:00 pm) — Black and White Poetry Reading. Number of sessions: 1 night only Members: $5 donation suggested Nonmembers: $5 donation suggested Location: The Ink Spot, NTC at Liberty Station 2730 Historic Decatur Rd. Barracks 16, Suite 202 San Diego, CA 92106 A poetry reading inspired by the current art show in the Ink Spot and Inspirations galleries. Open reading–participants may read for 2-3 minutes each. For more information, please contact programs@sandiegowriters.org. July 28 (Monday, 6:30 pm) — At the monthly meeting of the San Diego Writer/Editors Guild, the speaker will be Ingrid Croce and Jim Rock – Hear about the experience of writing as a couple. The venue will feature Ingrid Croce and her husband Jimmy Rogers, co- owners of Croce’s Restaurant & Jazz Bar in Bankers hill ( 5th Avenue) who will discuss co-authoring their book, I Got a Name, the biography of Ingrid’s former husband the famed late musician Jim Croce. Croce’s Restaurant recently moved from the San Diego Gaslamp uptown to Bankers hill in December 2013. For additional information, go to: www.SDWritersGuild.org. July 29 (Tuesday, 7:00 pm) — Best-selling SF author and futurist Tobias Buckell continues his tradition of thrilling and diverse stories, and his exploration of a world transformed by climate change with Hurricane Fever, the second in the Arctic Rising future-thriller series. Hurricane Fever earned praise from Kirkus — “Buckell has written a smart and well-constructed tale that’s filled with excitement and the flavor of the Caribbean isles,” and Publishers Weekly – “The scenes of sailing and spying action move quickly, and the climax, set on a supersized satellite-launching cannon, is one white cat shy of a Bond movie.” Keep your books dry and join us in-store. Mysterious Galaxy, 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite 302, San Diego. For additional information, go to http://www.mystgalaxy.com/ or call (858) 268-4747. July 30 (Wednesday, 7:30 pm) — Warwick’s will host award winning author Anthony Doerr, in conversation with “The Book Catapult’s Seth Marko,” to present and sign “All the Light We Cannot See.” This event is free and open to the public, however Reserved Seating is available. Only books purchased from Warwick’s will be signed. Please call the Warwick’s Book Dept. (858) 454-0347 for details. About the book: From Anthony Doerr, among America’s most highly-decorated short story writers-four O. Henry Prizes, three Pushcart Prizes, and the Story Prize, among others-a masterful novel ten years in the making about World War II, blindness, children, a mythical diamond, the power of radio, Hitler Youth and the Resistance, and the ways, against all odds, we try to be good to one another. Set during World War II, All The Light We Cannot See interweaves the lives of a young, blind French girl, Marie-Laure, and an orphaned German boy, Werner, whose paths collide as they try to survive the physical and emotional destruction of the war. When the book opens, Marie-Laure lives with her father, the lockmaster at the Museum of Natural History, in an apartment in Paris. As the German occupation begins, they flee to Saint-Malo on the Brittany coast-carrying with them what might be the museum’s most fabled and valuable diamond-and live with Marie-Laure’s great-uncle in a tall, narrow house by the sea wall. In German, Werner grows up an orphan with his beloved sister Jutta. A fascination with radios turns into a mastery of building and fixing the instruments, a talent that wins him a place at an elite and heinously brutal military academy for Hitler Youth, and then a special assignment to track the Resistance through their radios. Werner travels through the heart of Nazi Germany, to Russia, and finally to France, where his story converges with Marie-Laure’s. Throughout the novel Doerr returns to the themes of light and time, nature and war, the courage and frailties of the human heart, to brilliant effect. All The Light We Cannot See is a sweeping, stunningly ambitious and lushly-written novel that will catapult its author’s name onto the short-lists of America’s greatest novelists. For more information regarding the event, please contact Warwick’s Books | 7812 Girard Avenue | La Jolla,
VINES AND WINES: LOCAL VINTNERS WIN BIG AT COUNTY FAIR
By Donn Rutkoff Man About Wine July 28, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)–At the just-concluded San Diego County Fair, the homemade wine competition as usual was crowded with entries. East County and North County entrants scored 44 gold medal wines, while those from zip codes inside the city scored about 15 more. From the East and North County, here are the golds, with some familiar names to those of you who have been in the wine world or are now licensed wineries Stay tuned for an interview soon with quadruple-gold winner Luis Mayor, he placed 11 medal winners. David Didier 2 golds; Erick Lundy 2 golds; the hard charging Luis Mayor 4 golds (11 wines placing gold, silver, or bronze); Ric Bonnoront 1 gold, a Best of Division Syrah; James Ney a gold; Gary Dorrance a gold; Tracey Ferguson a gold; Pete Anderson of Carlsbad and well known to many winemakers anywhere in the county 3 golds; Denis Hansen a gold; Marget Lane a gold; John and Bonnie Manion of Encinitas 2 golds; Lance Gillet a gold; Brian Riley a gold and the coveted Lum Eisenman award; Erik Zedelmayer a gold; Tom Haase 2 golds; Paul Varesio a gold; Karen Grangetto a gold; Ronald Bas a gold; Bret Bookhamer 2 golds; Marylee Kopesky a gold; Saana Aldridge a gold; Becky Johnson a gold; Martin Todd a gold; Inna Saccoman a gold; David Penic 2 golds; Doug Hopkins a gold; Sam & Larry Montini a gold and Best of Division for Bordeaux reds; William Guevara a gold. And the winner overall for the whole category of home winemaking, with 5 golds, and winemaker of the year, Eric Brooking of Vista with 5 dessert wines all winning gold medals. WineMaker magazine also just concluded its annual international amateur wine tasting. They tasted over 3,100 wines, from all 50 states, 6 Canadian provinces, and 5 other countries. The Grand Champion was an orange blossom honey wine from Battle Creek Michigan. But only 1 Best of Show went to a California entry, the Sacramento Home Winemakers club. I didn’t see any local or SOCAL golds. If you entered and won a silver or bronze let me know. Entering these competitions is a good way to evaluate your efforts. And if you are skeptical about the large percentage of wines that win awards, it means there are a lot of good wines. This is a great time to be a wine consumer. Quality is high across the board and you don’t have to worry about buying a poorly made wine. Stay tuned for more wine news from your new man on the wine beat, Donn Rutkoff. Contact me via East County Magazine, directly at Donnrut@gmail.com, or tag me on Facebook. Donn Rutkoff has been a wine steward at Vons since 2008 and attended wine school four years at Napa Valley College after earning an MBA at San Francisco State University. He is also an instructor at Cuyamaca College.