RESCUE TASK FORCE HEADS OVERSEAS TO AID IRAQI CHRISTIAN REFUGEES: $20,000 IN DONATIONS SOUGHT FOR RELIEF EFFORT
Photo: At a recent rally in El Cajon, thousands of local Iraqi Christians implored America to send help for their families in Iraq fleeing genocide By Miriam Raftery September 7, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)—Rescue Task Force, an international aid group that started in East County, announced today that it will send a multi-national team of veteran disaster responders to help refugees displaced in Kurdistan by ISIS or Islamic State terrorists. The RTF volunteers will bring medical and dental help along with humanitarian supplies. The group will meet up in California with leaders Gary Becks and Larry Cutting. They will travel to Erbil and then trek to northern Kurdistan. To date, 1.2 million people have survived the initial slaughter by ISIS forces and have fled to safe havens in Erbil and Kurdistan, faced with a stark choice of fleeing, converting to Islam, or being beheaded. Most fled with only the clothes on their backs. “Escorts and security are in place and local Christian leaders will meet the team to get us to areas in most need,” Becks told East County Magazine. “Imagine having an abscessed tooth while fleeing for your life.” The team’s dentist will bring a mobile dental drill and extraction tools, purchasing other supplies and anesthetics locally. Local Volunteers will connect the RTF team with local doctors who are overwhelmed. The team hopes to use donations to buy pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter medications and relief supplies for make-shift clinics set up in the refugee compounds. Tens of thousands of people are packed into churches and public parks in Erbill, where the weather is over 100 degrees, though winter will come soon, bringing new challenges. The team will be setting up distribution routes for overseas shipping containers of relief supplies and medicines that will follow from RTF and World Emergency Relief. The cargo is donated, but the freight bill must be paid. Becks told East County Magazine, “$12,000 can deliver $6 million worth of life saving medicine.” He also asked for prayers for his team of rescue workers, as well as for the persecuted Christians. “In RTF’s 26 years of responding to disasters of every sort we have never been called upon for such a task, and opportunity to serve, such as this,” Becks stated. “ Please… prayerfully give as special a donation as you can – we need a minimum of $20,000.” Donations may be made online at www.rescuetaskforce.org though checks are preferred and can be sent to: Rescue Task Force P.O. Box 25070 San Bernardino, CA 92406 (909) 804-8205
VOTERS TO WEIGH AN ARRAY OF LOCAL BALLOT MEASURES
By Miriam Raftery September 7, 2014 (San Diego) – Eighteen local initiatives will appear on ballots in San Diego County, on issues ranging from school bond for funding schools to measures that would legalize medical marijuana dispensaries. La Mesa voters will be asked whether the city should allow and regulate medical marijuana dispensaries, as well as whether to impose term limits for council members and the mayor, and whether ot make the city clerk an appointed position instead of elected by voters. Julian voters will be asked to approve a new benefit fee for emergency medical response and firefighting in the Julian Cuyamaca Fire District, which has opted to remain independent from the County Fire Authority. Escondido residents will vote on whether Escondido should become a charter city and on an initiative to adopt the Lakes Specific plan. National City wants voters to increase sales tax by a penny for 20 years to fund police, firefighting, graffiti removal, senior and youth services, road repairs and more. Chula Vista voters will vote on whether to require competitive bidding on major contracts. Another Chula Vista initiative would end run-off elections to fill council vacancies if a candidate receives over 50 percent of votes. Encinitas voters will consider whether to authorize and regulate medical marijuana dispensaries. Rincon Ranch Community Services District will vote on a tax for road repairs and resurfacing. Voters will weigh school bonds in several districts. Cajon Valley Union School District wants a $20 million bond to increase student access to computers and improve technology. Lakeside Union School District seeks a $31 million bond to modernize classroom, build science labs, and increase student access to computers. Lemon Grove School District is asking voters for $10 million to fix or replace leaking roofs, modernize facilities, build more classrooms, and increase student access to computers. Ramona Unified School District is asking for $40 million in bond funds for modernizing classrooms and restrooms, fixing or replacing roofs, electrical and plumbing systems, and more. Escondido Union School District seeks a whopping $182 million in bonds for repair or replacement of classrooms, improved security, and technology upgrades from classrooms to libraries and science labs. National School District wants $26.1 million to rebuild aging classrooms and facilities, meet access requirements for the disabled, improve technology and upgrade heating and air conditionoing. Vallecitos School District wants voters to fund $2 million in bonds for improving its educational facilities and technology, also making health and safety improvements.
EL CAJON BEDROOM FIRE SENDS TWO PEOPLE TO UCSD BURN UNIT
September 7, 2014 (El Cajon)—Two people have been transported to the burn unit at the University of California San Diego Medical Center due to smoke inhalation and minor burns suffered in a bedroom fire early this morning. Heartland Fire & Rescue crews in El Cajon, along with the Santee Fire Department, responded the structure fire at 704 Hillsview Road El Cajon. As firefighters arrived on scene, they found that residents of the home had the fire almost out. Once inside fire crews found the fire in a bedroom area and had it fully extinguished in less than five minutes. The cause of the fire appears to be accidental. Fire damage to the bedroom was minimal.
BEST HAPPY HOURS IN EAST COUNTY!
Part 1 in a series By the very happy East County Eaters at East County Magazine Week 1: Terra American Bistro (San Diego/La Mesa area) and Viejas Resort & Casino (Alpine) September 4, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)—Our intrepid team of East County Eaters have been on the road in search of the best Happy Hours across our inland region. (It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it!) Each week, we’ll be featuring two locales offering diverse experiences. Whether your tastes run to sushi bars or cowboy bars, wine bistros or craft brew pubs, urban eateries or mountain taverns, you’ll find plenty to whet your appetite! To kick off our series, we start by featuring two of our favorites: Terra American Bistro, a bistro and bar that prides itself on farm-to-table fresh cuisine–right down to the fresh-squeeze passionfruits in our cocktails and the refreshingly tasty and affordable appetizers, plus we tried our luck at Viejas Casino and Resort — a four-star vacation destination hotel with some great specials sure to make you happy. Cheers! Terra American Bistro: Nirvana! 7091 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego (619)-293-7088 www.terrasd.com Happy hours are 4:30-6:30 nightly One word: Nirvana! That’s how I’d describe the Tangerine strawberry cosmo, which includes tangerine juice, strawberry-lavender vodka, lemon sour and fresh mint. This cocktail was a happy hour special on the day we stopped in at Terra American Bistro, known for its herb-infused, hand-made liqueurs. I thought it couldn’t get any better—until a regular customer, Harold Weber, bellied up to the bar with a bagful of home-grown passion fruits. The bartender obligingly blended up a heavenly rum-based “Passion Daiquiri” and shared samples. “I love doing it,” said Sam, the bartender. He’s not the only top talent here. Chef Jeff Rossman is the author of From Terra’s Table, a cookbook. He previously owned a popular San Diego restaurant and specializes in farm-to-table fresh cuisine feature mostly locally-sourced ingredients. The happy hour specials on drinks and food vary daily and range from ultra-affordable ($2 grilled fish tacos on Tuesdays; this week’s included yellowtail tuna and salmon, minimum of 2 tacos) to the indulgent $9 cocktail we savored. You can get decent California house wines (we sampled a Dark Rose cabernet) and several satisfying local craft beers (Ballast Point, Karl Strauss and Manzanita when we stopped in) for just $5. All appetizers are $2 off regular pricing during happy hour. We sampled roasted brussel sprouts with asiago cheese and pot stickers, each under $10. Other specials this particular week included mussels and wine on Sasturday night ($10 total) , smoked chicken liver pate, and a salmon nigiri sushi with peach-chipotle risotta, wasabi and sesame. The location is just one block west of La Mesa on El Cajon Boulevard; look for the tractor out front, symbolic of Chef Rossman’s commitment to support local farmers, too. The Happy Hour will be changing in mid-September, so watch for new specials coming soon. Viejas Casino & Resort: A sure bet 5000 Willows Road, Alpine (800) 847-6537 www.viejas.com Ah, paradise! Lounging beside (or in) the pool while sipping a mimosa or piña colada is just one of several enticing experiences at the Viejas Casino & Resort, ranked four diamonds by the American Automobile Association (AAA) as a hotel vacation destination. You’ll find great happy deals at the V-Club lounge inside, where you’ll find specials seven days a week. Mondays through Fridays, Viejas offers two happy hours. Early birds can imbibe $3 mimosas, $4 screwdrivers and $5 bloody Marys from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Later in the day, from 4 to 7 p.m., Viejas has a second happy hour featuring $4 well drinks, $3 domestic draft beers and $3 house wines. There’s even a bar area on the middle of the casino floor, for those who want to try their luck at slot machines embedded on the bar. Or soak up some sunshine poolside, beat the heat on reclining lounge chairs in the pool’s shallow end, or on cool winter evenings, cozy up beside fire pits with your special someone. Specials include Mixology Monday for $7 specialty cocktails, such as a Cucumber cilantro Martini in the V-Lounge, wine Wednesdays with premium wine discounts, low cost sangrias all day Saturdays and bloody Marys on Sundays. There are even some non-alcoholic drinks that are none-the-less indulgent, such as virgin pina coladas and pineapple punch, perfect for sipping poolside, where you can also get snacks such as $5 fruit and $7 turkey croissants, as well as drinks of the month, such as this month’s strawberry mojito. Need a designated driver? You can take the V-Club bus free to the Viejas Casino & Resort, located on the Viejas reservation in Alpine. The bus picks up at locations across our region, including El Cajon in East County. For a free return ride, join the V-Club (it’s free) and also gives you special discounts including the delicious Viejas buffet (normally $25.99). The array is lavish – with temptations ranging from king crab legs to elegant dessert pastries prepared by Viejas’ gourmet chefs—but that price includes unlimited beer, wine and champagne. The buffet also features a bloody Mary bar on Saturdays and Sundays.
AMBER ALERT: CHILD ABDUCTED FROM NATIONAL CITY
September 7, 2014 (National City) – The California Highway Patrol has activated an Amber Alert at the request of the National City Police Department. Five-year-old Johnnie Melendez was abducted from National City on September 6th. The boy is Hispanic, 4 feet tall and weighs 80 pounds. He has brown hair and eyes and he was last seen wearing a Batman T-shirt, striped boer shorts, and slippers with SD printed on them. The suspect is Gladys Suarez, a 27-year-old Hispanic woman. She is 4 feet 11 inches tall, weighing 190 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black tank top, blue Capri pants, and tan moccasin-type slippers. There is no vehicle information available at this time. If you see them, call 911 and contact National City Police at (619) 336-4411.
PADRE DAM AWARDS CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR ADVANCED WATER PURIFICATION DEMONSTRATION PROJECT
Colorado company, Integrated Water Services, Inc. awarded contract Santee, CA – Padre Dam Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors approved a $1,547,000 contract to Integrated Water Services to construct a new Advanced Water Purification Demonstration Project on September 3. The contract, funded through a three million dollar state grant, includes the construction and installation of a pilot demonstration plant that will use Advanced Water Purification (AWP) technologies to provide a potential new source of water that is safe, reliable, locally controlled, drought-proof and environmentally sound. “Integrated Water Services, Inc. specializes in water treatment infrastructure, has the experience to understand the multiple technologies needed for this very important project and demonstrated the best value to our district,” said Allen Carlisle, CEO and general manager of Padre Dam. “Living in California, drought is a real and regular condition. It is imperative that Padre Dam works to diversify our water supply and reduce our reliance on imported water.” The Demonstration Project will take Padre Dam’s recycled water through four advanced water treatment steps – free chlorine disinfection, membrane filtration, reverse osmosis and ultra violet/advanced oxidation. The water produced will be tested daily to ensure it meets the public health objectives for the California Public Health Department and will not be used in the drinking water system. The Demonstration Project will produce water for one year and will not impact water rates. Construction work will begin in the fall of 2014 and is scheduled to be completed by February 2015. At completion of construction the demonstration treatment facility operations will begin and run at least 12-months. During this time, the Demonstration Project will produce approximately 100,000 gallons of AWT water per day for demonstration and testing purposes. If the Padre Dam’s Demonstration Project is deemed successful and the Advanced Water Purification Project moves forward, the water treatment process would continue with additional steps and be similar to the successful Groundwater Replenishment System in Orange County. After treatment, the water would be injected into the Santee groundwater basin where it would be naturally filtered and then withdrawn and treated again prior to distribution as drinking water. The project would have the potential to distribute up to three million gallons of water per day or enough to serve approximately 5,500 households and businesses in the Padre Dam’s service area each year. For more information on the Advanced Water Purification Project and all of Padre Dams’ projects and program, please see www.padredam.org or www.padredam.org/AWP. ### About Padre Dam Padre Dam provides water, sewer, recycled water and recreation services to approximately 100,000 residents in East San Diego County including Santee, El Cajon, Lakeside, Flinn Springs, Harbison Canyon, Blossom Valley, Alpine, Dehesa and Crest. The District is a public agency with policies and procedures directed by an elected five-member Board of Directors. Padre Dam’s infrastructure is worth $243 million and has an annual budget of $53 million. The District imports 100% of our treated water supply and treat two million gallons per day (MGD) of wastewater at our Water Recycling Facility. Please visit www.padredam.org for more information.
FLASH FLOOD WATCH
September 7, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)–The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for San Diego’s mountains and deserts this Sunday and Monday. A surge of deep monsoonal moisture around tropical cyclone Norbert off the Baja coast will bring a high threat of showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoons both days. There is potential for three inches of rain and flash flooding, with greatest risk below desert slopes and recently burned areas. Precautionary/preparedness actions: A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should a flash flood warnings be issued. The National Weather Service has activated San Diego County Skywarn system. Please report significant weather to the 800 number or click http://www.swskywarn.org/ReportWeather.php. Ham radio operators: use ECRA 147.030 or RACES Red.
PODCASTS OF OUR JUNE SHOWS ARE NOW ONLINE
Our June podcasts of the East County Magazine Show on KNSJ radio are now online, including many candidates who will be on your November ballot, as well as interviews on issues ranging from firefighting job opportunities to legal tips for surviving disasters. To listen to our June radio shows online now, plus see a complete list of interviewees and other content on each show in June, click here or click “read more” and scroll down. (Please be patient, sound files may take a minute to load) The East County Magazine Radio Show airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on KNSJ 89.1 FM. Audio links to listen to shows are at the bottom of this page, below the index of shows. Monday, June 2, 2014 Newsmakers: Interview with District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis Capitol Report: 53rd Congressional district race – Congresswoman Davis faces challengers East County Magazine public service announcement, station ID 50th Congressional district race: Hunter vs. Kimber vs. Benoit CrimeBeat: Wanted: Daniel Juarez Martinez, suspect who attacked wife and set fire to home Insurance Commissioner race pits consumer champion vs. insurance broker and a third-party candidate Green Scene: Charge Ahead California bill aims to put 1 million electric vehicles on roads Health Report: Child denied medical cannabis for seizures dies Public service announcement: Viejas Wildfire Alerts Proposal would fund grants for counties to help offenders with mental illness (Public News Service) Bookshelf: Diane Guest, psychotherapist and author of Where’s My Life, I Know I Put It Somewhere Night fishing at Santee Lakes kicks off Closing credits Wednesday, June 4, 2014 Election returns for statewide offices Incumbents win primaries in 5 local Congressional districts Top tier primary leaves some races with top two candidates in same party; results in local Assembly and State Senate races San Diego City Council results Dumanis wins reelection outright Supervisor races; Horn’s seat hangs in balance Dronenberg retains seat as Assessor/Recorder/Clerk Judicial race outcomes Station ID Democrats score strong wins in school board races Green Scene: EPA proposes cuts in coal plant carbon emissions International Refugee Month: Nile Sisters plans celebration Viejas Wildfire Alerts public service announcement East County Magazine public service announcement Health report: 2 San Diegans get rare infections from tattoos After the fires: County News Service report Better Business Bureau warms about scams Sheriff warns Borrego Springs residents of predator released in community Bookshelf: Diana Guest, psychotherapist, author of Where’s My Lif? I Know I Put It Somewhere Viejas Wildfire Alerts: public service announcement Agricultural Report: Farm Tour to include farms in Ramona, Escondido and Oceanside Sounds of History: Lemon Grove Historical Society to present “An Immigrant’s Journey” Air Show San Diego to take flight at Gillespie Field Green Scene: Bill aims to put 1 million electric vehicles on CA roadways (Public News Service) Ready, Set, Grow: Water-wise gardening Lions, Tigers and Bears rescues four bears Closing credits Friday, June 6, 2014 Top 10 days to delight Dad on Father’s Day Heartland Fire Chief warns sky lanterns are dangerous; they are also illegal—thanks to an ECM investigation Newsmaker: Supervisor Dianne Jacob discusses Alzheimer’s Project Station ID Green Scene: Forest Ethics group stages protest in San Diego against 3M, accuses company of greenwashing and deforestation El Cajon to honor NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson Sports: SDSU athletes advance to big leagues Congresswoman Davis and President Obama honor WWII veterans at D-Day sites in Normandy Station ID, East County Magazine public service announcement, Viejas Wildfire Alerts public service announcement Supervisor Jacob hosts coffee with constituents in Lakeside Destination East County: Top events this week range from an air show to a farm tour Firehouse Chili Cook-off in Alpine Santee Lakes celebrates 50 years of marriages with renewal ceremony for couples SDG&E hosts community tailgates to help with your energy needs; offer low-cost LED bulbs Health: Foods that help you stay hydrated Local events to honor International World Refugee Month First cases of rare tattoo-related infectionsfound in 2 San Diego patients Agricultural Report: Farm Tour to feature farms in Ramona, Escondido and Oceanside Prop 41, housing bond to help homeless veterans approved by voters (Public News Service) CrimeBeat: Wanted: Daniel Juarez Martinez, suspect who attacked wife and set fire to home Viejas Wildfire Alerts public service announcement Closing credits Monday, June 9, 2014 Borrego Springs is draining aquifer; meeting set on how to protect future water supplies People Power: Janis Mork interviews Star Bales, Iraqi Chaldean appointed to El Cajon City Council Station ID Anniversary of U.S. Supreme Court case Brown vs. Board of Education: Highlights of speech by Assemblywoman Shirley Weber on lingering inequality in education Low election turnout, Registrar reports Silicon Valley executive seeks to eliminate teacher tenure Viejas Wildfire Alerts public service announcement, East County Magazine public service announcement, station ID New Sheriff substation opens in Pine Valley (sound bytes from Sheriff Gore and Supervisor Jacob) Prop 41 helps homeless veterans (Public News Service) County’s first rapid bus transit service opens Green Scene: Bill aims to put million electric vehicles on roads (Public News Service) Radical Reptiles: Coming to the Crest Library FDA issues guidelines, safety tips on medication for older adults Viejas Wildfire Alerts public service announcement, Station ID Interview with musician Raelee Nichole Crimebeat: Daniel Juarez Martinez wanted for attacking wife, setting fire to home Health: child dies after being denied medical cannabis for seizures Shooting rampage near UCSB triggers bill to increase spending to help offenders with mental illnesses after release from prison Closing credits Wednesday, June 11, 2014 Bill to require medical interpreters on Governor’s desk; Councilwoman Marti Emerald holds press conference to urge signature Lawsuit alleges abuse, overcrowding at immigration facilities 92% increase in children crossing border; resolution introduced to provide legal representation Green Scene: Calif. grants endangered status to grey wolves Helix Water hikes rates Top 10 ways to delight Dad on Father’s Day Talk to Dad about his health this Father’s Day (Public News Service) Crimebeat: Reward offered in vandalism case at Ramona High School Federal disaster loans available to
HELIX WATER BOARD MAJORITY OPTS TO KEEP LAKE JENNINGS CAMPGROUND OPEN…FOR NOW
By Miriam Raftery September 5, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)—In light of improved revenues and reduced losses at Lake Jennings, the majority of Helix Water District board members on Wednesday opted to support keeping the lake and its campground open for another year in hopes that it will become financially sustainable. Board members Kathleen Coates-Hedberg, Joel Scalziti, and Chuck Muse supported the extension. However, two board members, DeAna Verbeke and John Linden, want the staff to explore options and costs on shutting it down Coates-Hedberg told ECM, “The staff will be bringing back a board report with these suggestions for a vote.” She adds, “When it gets on the agenda, then we need to get everyone there – spending money and staff time to consider shutting it down is ludicrous!” But Linden took the opposing view. “We are in the water business, not in the camping or entertainment business,” he stated at the meeting, UT San Diego reports. “I’m strongly against water rates going up for something not water-related.” Scalzitti, who pushed successfully for formation of a special committee to seek ways to make the lake financially viable in order to keep it open to the public, noted that the campground supports the fishing program and that if the campground were closed, revenues from fishing would be negatively impacted. As ECM reported last week, losses for recreational activities such as fishing at the lake have dropped 88%, though losses for running the campground fell only 30%. The improvement is due largely to increased revenues from fishing and camping, as well as some cost cutting measures. Overall, losses from operating the lake fell 56% from fiscal year 2013 to 2014. A special committee has been exploring options to save public access to Lake Jennings after some board members last year called for the lake to be closed and the campground decommissioned. The lake is also a popular destination for hikers and picnickers, as well as fishermen and campers. Three members of the public spoke on Wednesday, all in support of keeping the lake open, Hedberg advised ECM. These included two individuals who come to the lake regularly with children in a 4-H club and another who regularly visits the campground. Another speaker, Bob Reed of La Mesa, suggested that having the campground run by a camp host system could save enough money to make it financially sustainable.
SEXUAL ASSAULT AT SDSU
By Miriam Raftery September 6, 2014 (San Diego) – San Diego State University campus police have issued an alert warning students that a sexual assault occurred early this morning at 1:39 a.m. at the Granada Apartment complex on Hardy Avenue. A stranger reportedly followed the victim, a student at SDSU, to her apartment and tried to befriend her, then followed her into her bedroom and assaulted her. The suspect fled when the victim’s roommate arrived. The suspect is described as either a tanned white male or possibly Hispanic in his early 20s. He is 5 feet 8 to 5 feet 10 inches tall with an average build, chocolate brown hair, a short haircut and brown eyes. He wore a baggie shirt with a gray center and multi-colored sleeves. Anyone with information or questions should contact: The SDSU Police Department at 619-594-1991, or call Detective Cruz at 619-594-1987. You can remain anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers at 619-235-8477 You can provide information by sending an e-mail to police@mail.sdsu.edu The SDSU Police Department is investigating the incident and offers the following safety precautions: Be aware of your surroundings, avoid dimly lit locations, avoid alcohol consumption to the point of impairment, and immediately report suspicious activity to the police department.