SCIENCE AND HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS
SCIENCE AND HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS September 25, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)– Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future. HEALTH Your medical record is worth more to hackers than your credit card (Reuters) Nurses to march on Vegas Strip about Ebola prep (SacBee) Sleeping pills ‘linked to dementia’ (BBC) Women Who Eat Fish Twice Weekly Cut Their Risk Of Hearing Loss (NPR) San Diego Neuroscientists Find Unexpected Pathway To Depression (KPBS) SCIENCE Ozone Levels Bounce Back, Showing First Increase In 35 Years (NPR) Mexico: Researcher raises alert about environmental dangers of wind farms (TruthOut) Internet Slowdown Day: Why websites feel sluggish today (+video) (CS Monitor) Cars that drive themselves starting to chat with each other (Reuters) Canada Says It Has Found Ship From Doomed 1845 Arctic Expedition (NPR) Mapping reveals Stonehenge secrets (BBC) For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down. HEALTH Your medical record is worth more to hackers than your credit card (Reuters) Your medical information is worth 10 times more than your credit card number on the black market. Nurses to march on Vegas Strip about Ebola prep (SacBee) Nurses who say U.S. hospitals aren’t ready for an Ebola outbreak are planning to stage a Las Vegas Strip protest to call for action. Sleeping pills ‘linked to dementia’ (BBC) Long-term use of pills for anxiety and sleep problems may be linked to Alzheimer’s, research suggests. A study of older Canadian adults found that past benzodiazepine use for three months or more was linked to an increased risk (up to 51%) of dementia…. Women Who Eat Fish Twice Weekly Cut Their Risk Of Hearing Loss (NPR) Women who ate two or more servings of fish per week had a 20 percent lower risk of hearing loss, according to Dr. Sharon Curhan, a researcher at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and co-author of the study. San Diego Neuroscientists Find Unexpected Pathway To Depression (KPBS) San Diego neuroscientists have discovered an unusual connection leading to a part of the brain associated with depression. SCIENCE Ozone Levels Bounce Back, Showing First Increase In 35 Years (NPR) NASA says that a ban on CFCs enacted in the 1980s has contributed to a 4 percent rebound since 2000 in atmospheric ozone in mid-northern latitudes. Mexico: Researcher raises alert about environmental dangers of wind farms …In summary, the only benefits have been for the transnational companies. There has been a high cost to the environment, which continues to be damaged by climate change Internet Slowdown Day: Why websites feel sluggish today (+video) (CS Monitor) Many popular websites Wednesday featured the “spinning wheel” that typically greets users with slow Internet connections. It was a symbolic statement to voice support for net neutrality. Cars that drive themselves starting to chat with each other (Reuters) An Acura RLX sedan demonstrated an unusual way to tow another car this week: the vehicles were not physically attached. The second car drove itself, following instructions beamed over by the first in a feat of technology that indicates a new stage in automation is happening faster than many expected Canada Says It Has Found Ship From Doomed 1845 Arctic Expedition (NPR) The fate of Capt. Sir John Franklin and crew has been a mystery for more than 160 years, but now Canadian archaeologists believe they’ve found one of the expedition’s two main vessels. Mapping reveals Stonehenge secrets (BBC) Archaeologists have unveiled the most detailed map ever produced of the earth beneath Stonehenge and its surrounds. Early results suggest that the iconic monument did not stand alone, but was accompanied by 17 neighboring shrines.
LA MESA HOSTS SENIOR EXPO OCT. 9
September 24, 2014 (La Mesa)–The City of La Mesa will host its fifth annual Senior Expo on Thursday, October 9, 2014. With a wide variety of speakers and exhibitors, Senior Expo will offer free “one-stop shopping” for all adults facing life changes that may affect their independence, or for those who would like great tips on safety and security. Senior Expo will be held at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa 91942, from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm, and is supported by funding from the San Diego Association of Governments. Guest speakers include: Paul Greenwood, San Diego County Deputy District Attorney and Lead Prosecutor of Elder Abuse Cases Mona Freels, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Disaster Preparedness SDG&E, Energy/Money Saving Tips, Information on Specialized Services In addition, a variety of exhibitors will be onsite including the La Mesa Police Department, Aging and Independence Services, Metropolitan Transit System, “211,” Sharp Senior Resource Center, Meals on Wheels, California Telephone Access Program, DMV Senior Ombudsman Program, AARP, The Burn Institute’s free smoke alarm program for seniors, and more. Sharp Grossmont Hospital will provide flu shots for seniors and high risk adults for a $2.00 donation from 8:30 am – Noon. Refreshments will be served, and free shuttles will be available from certain trolley stops and parking lots. Please call 619-667-1322 or email coordinator@rides4neighbors.com to RSVP by October 3.
INSURANCE WON’T PAY TO REMOVE MASSIVE TREE THAT FELL IN LA MESA
By Miriam Raftery September 24, 2014 (La Mesa)—An enormous eucalyptus tree stood 80 to 100 feet tall in front of Korey Mulvey’s home in La Mesa. But during the recent storm, the goliath tree came crashing down into his backyard and onto his swimming pool. His insurance company, Liberty Mutual, has refused to pay the estimated $10,000 to $20,000 cost to chop up and remove the tree, which has a base two to three times wider than a man. His daughter was home when the tree crashed down, but thankfully no one was hurt. Liberty Mutual has said it would pay only $500 toward clean-up but may cover damage to the pool. Mulvey is dismayed at the insurance company’s attitude. He says Liberty told him that basically, “Trees are supposed to withstand wind and if they fall on your property, you’re supposed to deal with it.”
DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: TOP FESTIVALS AND EVENTS SEPT. 25-OCT. 11
September 24, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – This week’s Destination East County features some major events this weekend, including Oktoberfests, a major music festival and street fair, a fiesta, a parade, plus concerts by the Eagles and a Barbra Streisand tribute artist. Plus we’ll have previews of some delicious events coming up soon, including Julian Apple Days, the East County Vintners Harvest Days, a Pumpkin Festival, and Jacumba Hot Springs centennial celebration! Find all these events and more below. GERMAN AMERICAN CLUB OKTOBERFEST SEPT. 26-28 AND OCT. 3-5 IN EL CAJON You’re invited to come and enjoy authentic German food, such as bratwurst, ox-on-the-spit, potato pancakes, sauerkraut, red cabbage, pretzels, and Bavarian pastries—all at the German American Club’s annual Oktoberfest in El Cajon. The festivities take place on two weekends, September 26 through 28 and October 3rd through 5th. You’ll also find plenty of German beers, as well as entertainment by the Guggenbach-Buam, all the way from Baden-Württemberg, Germany. These talented musicians dress in traditional clothing, and play a variety of German music, just as you would hear in the beer gardens in Bavaria. Feel free to dance and sing along with the chicken dance, polkas and oom-pah-pah music. You can also watch traditional folk dancing performances, compete in games and contests, check out vendor and craft booths, and treat your kids to their own Kids’ Zone. For more information, visit the GermanClubSanDiego.org website (http://www.germanclubsandiego.org/events/oktoberfest ) ADAMS AVENUE STREET FAIR SEPT. 27-28 Over 100 different musical acts on eight stages are slated for this year’s Adams Avenue Street Fair on Saturday and Sunday, September 27 and 28. This event is one of the largest free music street fairs in California, with more than 100 musical acts slated. The Adams Avenue Street Fair helps spotlight local, regional, national and international talent. The event also includes carnival rides, food and craft vendors, and four beer gardens. For a full lineup of concerts, visit http://www.adamsavenuebusiness.com/ . SPRING VALLEY FIESTA SEPT. 27 Spring Valley will host its celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month on September 27th with the 9th annual Spring Valley Fiesta. The event is free and features entertainment, refreshments, inflatable children’s jumper, video game truck, face painting and community information booths. The lineup of entertainers includes Danza Azteca, Ballet Folklorica, La Prensa Middle School Jazz Band, DJ Low Rider Cars and much more. The Fiesta will be held at the Spring Valley Library. TRIBUTE TO BARBARA STREISAND SEPT. 27 From Vegas to Atlantic City, Barbra Streisand impersonator Sharon Owens has performed her “Tribute to Barbra Streisand.” The show takes stage locally on September 28 at 2 p.m. at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts. Also onstage will be the Coastal Cities Jazz Band, a 17-piece big band. Its members include Chris Klich, a well-known East County jazz musician and Grossmont College music professor. For tickets and details, visit www.powaycenter.com. VIEJAS DAYS PARADE SEPT. 28 September 28th is Viejas Days in Alpine – complete with a parade! The parade rolls out at 2 p.m. down Alpine Boulevard to the Alpine Creek Town Center, complete with floats, bands, and plenty of family fun. Now for a preview of coming attractions…. JACUMBA HOT SPRINGS CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OCT. 4 Jacumba Hot Springs will celebrate its centennial on October 4th. The town’s festival will feature the Alpine Outlaws, recognized for their authentic western shoot-out skits, as well as craft and food vendors, children’s bounce houses, live music, raffles, a pumpkin patch, a swap meet, tour of the Chinese Castle and more. The Festival is also the ending point for the Passport Through Time classic car caravan sponsored by the Old Highway 80 Corporation, which will arrive in Jacumba around noon Saturday. The centennial celebration will be held in Jacumba’s community park on Old Highway 80 in the heart of historic Jacumba Hot Springs. Visit www.Jacumbahotspringscentennial.org and click the “fall festival” tab for details. EAGLES CONCERT OCT. 4 The Eagles, one of the world’s best-selling bands of all time, will be performing at the Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on October 4th. The band sold over 150 million records including such hit singles as Hotel California, Lyin’ Eyes, Take it to the Limit, Desperado and Tequila Sunrise. The band disbanded but has reunited for this “History of the Eagles” tour. The San Diego performance on Ocotober 4th will be held at 8 p.m. Tickets are still available at Viejas Arena or through Ticketmaster. LA MESA OKTOBERFEST OCT. 3-5 The La Mesa Oktoberfest is one of East County’s biggest street festivals, drawing 200,000 people every year. This year’s Oktoberfest will be held October 3rd through 5th in the heart of La Mesa’s downtown village on La Mesa Boulevard between 4th Avenue and Acadia. The event, sponsored by the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and the La Mesa Village Merchants Association, began as a small street fair over 35 years ago. Now the three-day bash features over 250 vendors, food including German bratwurst and a beer garden, kids’ activities and entertainment ranging from German music to classic rock and roll. For hours and details on each day’s activities, visit www.LaMesaChamber.net (http://www.lamesachamber.net/oktoberfest.php ) JULIAN APPLE DAYS OCT. 4-5 As part of Julian’s popular Apple Days Celebration, a two-day Apple Days Festival will be held October 4th and 5th at Menghini Winery in Julian featuring apple displays, music and dancing, an antique tractor display, children’s games and activities, gold panning demonstrations, a beer and wine garden, food and merchandise vendors, contests, and, of course, apple pie. The event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., both Saturday and Sunday. (Admission $5 adults, free for children 12 and under. For more details visit http://www.julianmerchants.org/#!apple-days/c1p0 ) PUMPKIN FESTIVAL OCT. 4-5 Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center is famed for its giant pumpkins, some weighing 100 pounds or more, though there are plenty of smaller jack-o-lanterns to be in their patch. On October 4th and 5th, Bates Nut Farm hosts a Pumpkin Festival from9 a.m. to 5
LA MESANS MEET CANDIDATES AT CHAMBER DEBATE
By Miriam Raftery Photo: Mayoral candidate Mark Arapostathis and Mayor Art Madrid (top); City Council candidates (left to right) Bill Baber, Patrick Dean, Mary England, Pete Gregorovic, Guy McWhirter September 25, 2014 (La Mesa)—Candidates for La Mesa’s mayoral and city council races made their cases to voters at a forum held by the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce last week, tackling issues ranging from future development to public safety, pensions, and homelessness. Art Madrid, who has served as La Mesa’s Mayor for over 24 years, faces a challenge from Councilmember/teacher Mark Arapostathis. Five candidates are vying for two open seats on the La Mesa Council. They are Bill Baber, an attorney and La Mesa-Spring Valley school board member; Patrick Dean, a chef and member of La Mesa’s Community Services Commission; Mary England, president of La Mesa Chamber of Commerce; Pete Gregorovic, a business attorney and youth sports leader; and Guy McWhirter, an insurance agent. For key points made by each candidate, as well as links to video opening statements and raw audio of the debate, click “read more” and scroll down. Each candidate started by providing opening statements. Arapostathis, a lifelong La Mesa resident, said the Council has collectively accomplished “great things” during his eight years in office, including building a new library, police station and fire station as well as the current downtown streetscape project. Noting that the city recently celebrated its centennial, he said he looks forward to the next 100 years. “There are a great many things that still need to get accomplished,” he said. Mayor Madrid said this election has “two candidates for Mayor who couldn’t be more different.” He emphasized his “qualifications, integrity, experience, ability and courage,” adding that he learned his values from “my parents, the nuns [at parochial school] and the Marines.” Madrid said it’s important for political leaders to “make sure we have the interests of individuals more than their own interests.” He then challenged his opponent, Arapostathis, to two two-hour debates in order to discuss issues in depth. (Note: ECM has asked Araposthatis if he will agree to debate Madrid, but we have not yet received a response.) Baber led off among the council candidates. He said he’s worked to make sure that “your schools are well run” and cited good test scores at La Mesa schools. He said his priorities will include an efficiently run government and public safety. “Those are the essentials.” Dean said he’s attending many Council meetings and is also a father whose priorities will be “safe streets, green spaces and smart development.” He said he understands the struggles of business owners, having owned a business himself, but added, “I’ve noticed if you’re not a business owner, you don’t have a big voice…I’m going to be there looking out for the little guy.” England notes that she is the only woman running and cited among her accomplishments her work for the community as well as the business community as Chamber president. “It’s fun, passionate and exciting,” she says of those experiences. She said her work has benefited all La Mesans, not just businesses, citing the Taste of La Mesa event she organized as an example. “That’s my baby.” Gregorovic, a father and grandfather, has lived in La Mesa for 33 years. “I came here to go to law school from New York, fell in love and never left,” he said. He helped broker a deal with the city for an athletic field and funds for capital improvements to benefit young athletes. He’s served as president of La Mesa Little League and held other positions with youth athletic groups. He wants to make protecting youths a priority, along with quality of life, public safety and economic responsibility. McWhirter, a 50-year La Mesa resident, touted his civic involvement with Boy Scouts, the food bank, local churches and other organizations. “We have a wonderful police and fire department,” he said, adding that’s important to assure continued funding to assure fast response times. The first question asked candidates to name their three top priorities if elected. McWhirter led off. He wants to be sure La Mesa is a safe, viable place for everyone with parks, fire and police funding as priorities. Noting that La Mesa has many retirees, he added that he wants to increase volunteer opportunities in the city. Gregorovic’s priorities include “sensible development and redevelopment.” That includes sensible mixed use to generate revenues, but he made clear he also aims to “preserve the character of the La Mesa that we’ve come to love.” Economic responsibility will also be a priority for Gregorovic, along with providing youth activities. “We have to consider what’s north of I-8,” he added. England would place priority on “public service and safety, number one,” which includes use of technology and Neighborhood Watch programs, as well as being sure police have tools and training to stay on the job. Her second priority will be fiscal responsibility to “keep the engine running” including making sure there are adequate sales tax revenues from retailers. She adds, “You need to be able to come to us when you have a problem.” Dean cites public safety and infrastructure, fiscal responsibility and “green” priorities including waling and biking trails as well as green spaces. Like England, he wants to be sure the city doesn’t lose police officers to other agencies. He noted that La Mesa is on track to add 21,000 more people by 2050. “We should invest in bike paths and better development, make sure we have a place for these people and have housing,” he said. Dean added that Council also needs to assure that the city will have adequate water supplies in the drought and that properties are kept free of weeds to lessen fire danger. Baber wants to make public safety a priority including adequate resources for firefighters and emergency medical technicians, as well as improving safety at trolley stops. “I agree we need to focus on more parks and they might be smaller parks,”
IS OBAMA’S DECISION TO BOMB ISIL TERRORISTS IN SYRIA LEGAL?
By Miriam Raftery Photo: U.S. Department of Defense September 23, 2014 (Washington D.C.)—The U.S. Constitution states that Congress has the power to declare war. Yet Congress has not provided such declaration to presidents for any war since World War II, back in the 1940s. That puts presidents in the hot seat when confronting threats including those from terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda and now, ISIL, or the Islamic State. President Obama has authorized air strikes against ISIL in Iraq and Syria. That action has drawn criticism from some legal scholars but others have contended the President’s unilateral actions are legal. So what are the arguments on both sides? Perhaps the strongest argument in favor has been put forth by Michael Ramsey at the University of San Diego School of Law. Ramsey contends that the President does not need Congressional approval to launch military strikes in self defense against an enemy such as ISIL that has effectively issued a declaration of war against the United States by threatening military hostilities; ISIL has also executed American hostages. But critics contend that the founding fathers only intended the clause to apply to an official nation state, not a terrorist group spread across international borders. Congress made efforts to reign in presidential powers after the Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon administrations committed the U.S. to a decade of full-scale war in Viet Nam without Congressional approval. In 1973, Congress passed the War Powers Resolution. It required the President to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing troops and to withdraw them after 60 days if Congress fails to grant an extension. The War Powers Resolution was intended to make it harder for a president to wage war. But after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on U.S. soil killed thousands of Americans, Congress passed the Use of Military Force Against Terrorists Resolution in 2001. John Yoo, who served as Deputy Assistant Attorney General under George W. Bush, defends the actions of both Bush and Obama. He has contended that the Constitution does not restrict a president’s ability to engage troops in fighting, only to officially declare war. If that logic seems convoluted, Yoo further argues that Obama already has Congressional authorization under the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force. But Ilya Somin, a law professor at George Mason University, points out that the 2001 Act only authorized force against those who plotted, supported or carried out the 911 attacks. ISIL was not in existence back then. Presidents have tried to claim emergency powers in the past and the Supreme Court has routinely struck them down. Among the presidential acts found unconstitutional by the high court were Franklin Roosevelt’s internment of Japanese Americans during World War II and Harry Truman’s seizure of steel mills during the Korean War, as well as Abraham Lincoln’s suspension of the writ of habeus corpus; the writ assures that those detained shall have the right to seek relief from unlawful imprisonment; the Constitution provides that it may not be suspended except when in cases of rebellion or invasion, public safety requires it. But the Chief Justice ruled that not even Civil War was sufficient cause to wave the rights of an American official detained. Thus it remains highly questionable whether the high court would find that unilateral military intervention without consent of Congress passes constitutional muster. Yet even some critics of the President’s executive actions have offered grudging approval of the need to wage war against ISIL. Somin concludes, “In this case, I think President Obama is right to target ISIS. But his actions are a dangerous precedent for the future,” the constitutional scholar adds. He concludes that in general, “It is best to have a broad consensus before embarking on war. The constitutional requirement of congressional authorization helps ensure that.”
READER’S EDITORIAL: A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD
The first in a series of essays from No Term Limits in La Mesa to examine the underlying assumptions and principles around term limits, whether they are “needed” or work as claimed, and just what side effects they may bring with them. By No Term Limits in La Mesa September 24, 2014 (La Mesa)–Proponents of term limits claim that term limits are needed because incumbent advantage makes it impossible for a challenger to win. But is this assumption really the case? It’s no secret that many refer to our hometown as Mayberry, usually with pride. Chances are you’ve run into members of our City Council at a grocery store, sporting event, service club or church, and may even have an idea what their hobbies are, who has a child or grandchildren, and what subjects will make them touchy. What one person admires are the same that annoy someone else. And here’s the thing – all this applies equally to anyone involved enough to be a viable challenger. In a city our size where we bump into one another on a regular basis, every candidate brings their reputation with them when they enter the field of competition. City election history bears this out. In 2000 and 2006 elections, popular challengers received the most votes in the race the very first time they threw their hats in the ring. If it hadn’t been “vote for two,” the incumbents would have been out. Any seasoned political observer will tell you election success is also partly based on the luck of the draw as to what your position will be on the ballot, and the number of other candidates that qualify for a race. Rather than incumbent strength, otherwise well-qualified challengers can also split the vote so neither prevails. Proponents claim incumbents have a fundraising advantage, but the largest, single donation in city history from a special interest ($27,000) went to a challenger, not an incumbent. That’s more than most entire council campaigns, and, as far as we’ve been able to determine, significant multiples larger than any other single donation. But La Mesa voters are discerning. A candidate must bring something to the table. Those who’ve won have had the most developed resumes in the race, demonstrating relevant skills by having managed large budgets, and served on city boards and commissions; almost everyone serving on Council over the last 20 years built their resume this way. Many unsuccessful candidates, however, were simply longer on hope than achievement, having lived in the city only a few months, attended almost no City Council meetings or had very limited civic engagement – and that can’t be blamed on incumbent advantage. Sometimes candidates run against themselves, with baggage that would make it difficult to prevail no matter whom they ran against. A succession of candidates had histories of bankruptcy, tax liens, and/or a string of other legal difficulties. One had a party at their home involving more than 100 youths, underage drinking and broken windows, followed by a misleading campaign photo that had been staged. Again, such problems cannot be attributed to a so-called incumbent advantage. Although term limit advocates portray that largest-ever campaign donation as proof that challengers can’t beat incumbents, that candidate placed dead last in a field of five, substantially outpaced by all other non-incumbents as well. Sometimes baggage is simply too much for any amount of money to overcome. So history shows not only that challengers can and have prevailed in La Mesa, but that a number of other factors also come into play that simply don’t support the theory of incumbent advantage. It’s just not true. It’s said the perfect is the enemy of the good, and this is, of course, the trouble with politics. But look at the other cities around us. We live in La Mesa…. take a moment to let that sink in. There’s simply no crisis that might justify limiting the voting rights of our citizenry. Just because one -or one’s favorite candidate- didn’t win doesn’t show a rigged system, it simply shows that most voters didn’t agree with you. And why should those votes not get to count? There’s nothing moral or community spirited about taking away a voting majority’s opportunity to retain someone if they wish, in order to gain a competitive advantage. Now that would be tilting the field. No Term Limits in La Mesa is a grassroots group that will not be fund raising, and relies of old fashioned community word of mouth. If you feel our thoughts are worth the time to consider, please share this article with others, like us on Facebook, and visit our website (we taught ourselves how to make one just for this campaign). If you would like to receive our e-mail series, just drop us a note. The views in this editorial reflect the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.
ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS
September 24, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)– East County Magazine’s 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. U.S. U.S. to alert retailers to bomb materials to counter home-grown threat (Reuters) Silent crisis: 1 in 5 American kids is poor (CNN) U.S. hospitals unprepared to handle ebola waste (Reuters) Government self-interest corrupted a crime-fighting tool into an evil (Washington Post) Record share of Americans are unmarried – even though most want to say ‘I do’ (CS Monitor) U.S. to pay Navajo tribe $554 million in landmark settlement (Reuters) Jury: Arab bank liable in terrorist attacks (AP) ACLU: TSA Now Using ‘Hypothetical Threats’ to Assign Passengers to Watchlists (Reason) WORLD Up to 1.4 million Africans could be infected with Ebola by 2015, US officials say (CS Monitor) U.S. hits Islamic State in Syria near Iraq border; fighters advance on Kurdish city (Reuters) It’s not a small world after all: world population will soar (Reuters) Dozens of Turkish ISIS hostages freed in ‘rescue effort’ (Time) Unease in Scotland following independence vote (CBS) French jets strike in Iraq against Islamic state (Reuters) ISIS’s Enemy List: 10 Reasons the Islamic State Is Doomed (Newsweek) China asserts paternal rights over Hong Kong in democracy clash (Reuters) Qatar expels Egypt Muslim Brotherhood leaders (UT San Diego) Czech president receives threatening letter (AP) For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down. U.S. U.S. to alert retailers to bomb materials to counter home-grown threat (Reuters) The government plans to give U.S. retailers a list of materials that can be used in explosives and ask them to look out for suspicious behavior as a way to combat domestic terrorism, the homeland security secretary said on Wednesday. Silent crisis: 1 in 5 American kids is poor (CNN) …I’m here to bombard you with another catastrophe that isn’t making headlines like Ebola and ISIS: the astounding rate of child poverty in the richest country in the worl …United States actually has the second-highest rate of child poverty in the rich world, according to a 2013 report from UNICEF. Only Romania fares worse. U.S. hospitals unprepared to handle ebola waste (Reuters) U.S. hospitals may be unprepared to safely dispose of the infectious waste generated by any Ebola virus disease patient to arrive unannounced in the country, potentially putting the wider community at risk, biosafety experts said. Government self-interest corrupted a crime-fighting tool into an evil (Washington Post) Two principal originators of the practice of civil asset forteitures, John Yoder and Brad Cates, argue that “The program began with good intentions but now, having failed in both purpose and execution, it should be abolished.” Record share of Americans are unmarried – even though most want to say ‘I do’ (CS Monitor) For Americans ages 25 to 34, the likelihood of being unmarried is four times greater today than it was in 1960 – a trend that is reshaping the economics of household life. U.S. to pay Navajo tribe $554 million in landmark settlement (Reuters) The Obama administration has agreed to pay the Navajo Nation a record $554 million to settle longstanding claims by America’s largest Indian tribe that its funds and natural resources were mishandled for decades by the U.S. government. Jury: Arab bank liable in terrorist attacks (AP) A U.S. jury found on Monday that a large Jordan-based bank should be held responsible for a wave of Hamas-sanctioned suicide bombings in the early 2000s that left several Americans dead or wounded. ACLU: TSA Now Using ‘Hypothetical Threats’ to Assign Passengers to Watchlists (Reason) The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has put out a new report intended to analyze the performance of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the operation of the watchlists that determine how much abuse passengers have to suffer before being allowed on a plane (assuming they’re allowed). The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) read through the report and was a bit disturbed at what they’ve discovered. …. WORLD Up to 1.4 million Africans could be infected with Ebola by 2015, US officials say (CS Monitor) US health officials announced their estimate after world organizations warned the deadly virus might become a permanent part of west African life. U.S. hits Islamic State in Syria near Iraq border; fighters advance on Kurdish city (Reuters) American warplanes pounded Islamic State positions in Syria for a second day at a strategic post on the Iraqi border, but the campaign did nothing to halt the fighters’ advance on a Kurdish town where refugees are fleeing It’s not a small world after all: world population will soar (Reuters) Contrary to some earlier projections, the world’s population will soar through the end of the 21st century thanks largely to sub-Saharan Africa’s higher-than-expected birth rates, United Nations and other population experts said on Thursday. Dozens of Turkish ISIS hostages freed in ‘rescue effort’ (Time) A late-night operation brought 46 Turkish citizens home. A late-night operation brought 46 Turkish citizens home. Unease in Scotland following independence vote (CBS) Voters in Scotland said no to a plan to end their 307-year union with England. So what happens now? French jets strike in Iraq against Islamic state (Reuters) French jets struck a suspected Islamic State target in Iraq for the first time on Friday, expanding a U.S.-led military campaign against militants who have seized a third of the country and also control large parts of neighboring Syria. ISIS’s Enemy List: 10 Reasons the Islamic State Is Doomed (Newsweek) The so-called Islamic State, better known as ISIS, is not just a collection of barbaric psychopaths willing to engage in the most brutal and sordid forms of violence without any hesitation born of normal human morality. They are also the most irreparably stupid jihadists ever to slaughter their way onto the international stage. China asserts
EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP
September 25, 2014 (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/REGIONAL Report: Poverty Rate In San Diego Increases (KPBS) Lawsuit against Hueso alleges numerous campaign violations (SD Rostra) Utility customers may underwrite car chargers (U-T) La Mesa man can’t remove massive fallen tree (CBS8) Loved ones mourn good Samaritan killed on SR-67 (NBC7) Nuke plant owners modify settlement (UT San Diego) Was pension fund leverage approved?(UT San Diego) San Diego County students score above average in high school exit exams (KUSI) County creates website with San Vicente road updates (Ramona Sentinel) STATE California to restrict groundwater pumping (Sacramento Bee) Retardant record set on massive California Fire (Times of San Diego) For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down. LOCAL/REGIONAL Report: Poverty Rate In San Diego Increases (KPBS) New census data highlights some disturbing trends, like how 1 in 5 children in San Diego are living in poverty. Lawsuit against Hueso alleges numerous campaign violations (SD Rostra) Filed under provisions of California Government Code Section §91004 by local activists Col. Richard Shigley and Ken Moser, the suit alleges numerous violations of the Political Reform Act (PRA) including perjury, failure to disclose in-kind contributions, misuse of campaign funds and failure to properly disclose expenditures. Utility customers may underwrite car chargers (U-T) Utility customers in San Diego are being asked to pay for thousands of electric-vehicle chargers at businesses and housing complexes — whether they own an electric car or not. / San Diego Gas & Electric is seeking authority to build and own a major share of the electric car charging network in southwestern California. La Mesa man can’t remove massive fallen tree (CBS8) While many San Diegans continue to clean up from this week’s freak storms, one East County man isn’t able to. That’s because an 80- to 100-foot tall eucalyptus tree fell into his backyard, and insurance won’t pay to have it removed. Korey Mulvey wasn’t home when the large 50-year-old tree crashed onto his yard, but his daughter was. Loved ones mourn good Samaritan killed on SR-67 (NBC7) Daniel Morales, 23, was killed trying to help victims of a crash on State Route 67 in Santee on Sept. 19. Nuke plant owners modify settlement (UT San Diego) Owners of the San Onofre nuclear plant agreed Friday to modify a proposed settlement agreement at the suggestion of state utility regulators to give a greater share of potential insurance and legal claims back to utility customers. Was pension fund leverage approved?(UT San Diego) Board of Supervisors chairwoman notes plan was accepted, not adopted. San Diego County students score above average in high school exit exams (KUSI) Of around 37,000 San Diego County 10th-graders who took the state high school exit examination during the last academic year, 88 percent passed the mathematics portion and 86 percent passed the English section, the state Department of Education announced Friday. County creates website with San Vicente road updates (Ramona Sentinel) Construction on the 18-month-long San Vicente Road Improvement Project began Monday and the county has set up a website for residents to check for periodic project updates and photos. STATE California to restrict groundwater pumping (Sacramento Bee) …California is the only state in America so completely lacking in groundwater regulation. The effects have been contentious in this drought year: Aquifers statewide are being rapidly depleted, according to available data, in some cases causing vast swaths of the overlying land to collapse and causing millions of dollars in damage to surface infrastructure, such as roads and canals. All this may swiftly change, pending the governor’s signature. Retardant record set on massive California Fire (Times of San Diego) State fire spokeswoman Lynne Tolmachoff says air tankers on Wednesday poured 203,375 gallons of the red slurry on an explosive Northern California wildfire that has now burned through nearly 120 square miles of timber and vegetation.
OPERA AND A SCULPTURE GARDEN: GROWING CULTURE ALONG WITH VINEYARDS AT SALERNO WINERY IN RAMONA
By Miriam Raftery Hear audio clip of Jorge D’Soria, a resident artist at Salerno (photo, right), performing his Pavarotti-style operatic rendition: http://k007.kiwi6.com/hotlink/36dl3ft21v/opera-jorge_D_soria.mp3 September 21, 2014 (Ramona) – Opera and fine art in East County? Bravo! Salerno Winery in Ramona has forged a partnership that’s music to the ears of those who love opera, sculptures and Italian-style wine. Herman Salerno, an opera singer from Italy, and his wife, Rose, founded the winery and began displaying sculptures from a friend’s collection. Now, they have now teamed up with Jaime Chaljon, a Mexican businessman, to unveil an expanded sculpture garden featuring works by over 20 world-renowned artists including Jorge and Javier Martin, Tan Da WU, Julian Bravo, and Pedro Cervantes. The winery is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, when guests can enjoy not only wine and pizza cooked up in an outdoor oven, but also performances by Salerno and well known Mexican operatic stars. At the grand opening celebration, guests dined on paella and savored wine, truffles and port while savoring sculptural works and operatic performances from “Figaro” to “Funniculi, Funnicula”, as well as some works in English such as “I Could Have Danced All Night” from My Fair Lady. Visitors to the winery can stroll along pathways with streams, a fountain, and a life-size chess board while admiring the sculptures, from Olympian athletes to entwined lovers. Wine tasting is offered at an outdoor tasting room and on a deck overhanging vineyards and the sculpture garden. Soon, an expansive new tasting room will be built, and rumor has it an indoor stage for opera performances on the property is also in the works. As for the wine, Salerno winery uses traditional hand-crafted Italian methods that have won more than 65 awards, including national and international honors. For more information, visit www.salernowinery.com.