RECYCLE YOUR HOLIDAY WASTE
Printer-friendly version Source: I Love a Clean San Diego November 26, 2014 (San Diego)–The holiday season is full of celebrations, comfort food and gifts. Along with the holiday spirit comes increased waste. Household waste increases by more than 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Knowing how to reduce waste can save money and conserve natural resources and landfill space. This holiday season, challenge yourself and your family to make simple changes to reduce your waste. Recycle more. The list of what goes in your recycling is always expanding. Recent additions include rigid plastics (including clamshell food packages, plastic toys, and food tubs), aseptic cartons (including milk, juice and soup cartons) and large blocks of polystyrene (Styrofoam packaging). Cooking oil. Cooking for large groups can result in large amounts of cooking oils. While most residents know that oils, fats and grease can’t go down drains (indoor or outdoor) they’re not sure what to do with them. Several drop-off recycling locations now accept cooking oil. Find your nearest collection spot on www.WasteFreeSD.org Reuse and repair. Think twice before setting aside an unwanted or broken item in the donation pile. Making old t-shirts into new designs or reusable shopping bags or even a nostalgic quilt gives our once loved shirts a new life. Turn old cards, magazines and packaging into new gift wrap and decorations. Many appliances and clothing items can be repaired as well, from shoes to lawn mowers. Residents can visit www.RepairSD.org to find a local repair business. Reduce waste. Minimize disposable gift wrapping to reduce waste, and remember to always take a reusable shopping bag with you. Reusable bags can be used when shopping for gifts at retail stores; they aren’t just for the grocery store. Reduce food waste. Another large component of the holiday waste is leftover food. Reduce food waste by cooking the right amounts, not over filling plates, and keeping leftovers in easily visible locations in your refrigerator. Consider home composting. Composting options exist to suit apartment dwellers as well as those with outdoor space. Visit www.SolanaCenter.org to learn more about home composting. To find the closest drop off location for cooking oil, polystyrene (Styrofoam packaging), and other recyclables or to get recycling questions answered, unincorporated County residents can visit the County’s Recycling and Household Hazardous Waste database at www.WasteFreeSD.org or call 1-877-R-1-EARTH (1-877-713-2784). About I Love A Clean San Diego: Celebrating its 60th anniversary, I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) is the go-to organization for programs that enhance and conserve San Diego County’s environment. Through recycling, education and cleanups of the region’s most beloved areas, ILACSD provides pollution prevention programs that pave the way for a cleaner and healthier San Diego right now, and for future generations. In 2013, ILACSD with the support of 30,505 volunteers, removed 220 tons of debris from San Diego communities, conducted 219 cleanups and gave 600 education presentations reaching 31,000 people. ILACSD is an award-winning, environmental program innovator, with recent recognition from Keep America Beautiful. The organization’s innovative programs and initiatives prove ILACSD is a leader in the environmental movement. For more information, visit www.cleansd.org. Printer-friendly version
ASSEMBLYWOMAN GONZALEZ ANNOUNCES ‘DOUBLE-PAY ON THE HOLIDAY’ BILL FOR THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS DAY WORKERS
Printer-friendly version East County News Service November 25, 2014 (San Diego)–In recent years, ‘Black Friday’ shopping deals have increasingly spread into the Thanksgiving holiday, forcing workers to miss out on celebrating the holiday and spending time with their families in order to keep their jobs. In some cases, this work has become mandatory, forcing workers to give up their Thanksgiving holiday or risk losing their jobs. Many of these business practices have also been carried over to Christmas as well. The increasing commercialization of the holiday season has created significant public backlash, including petitions, media criticism, and worker protests. On the day before the Thanksgiving holiday, San Diego Assemblywoman Gonzalez announced that she is introducing legislation to require that employees in California receive double pay for giving up time with their families during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays in order to work. Gonzalez made the announcement in front of a Wal-Mart Store at Stonecrest Plaza in San Diego, where she was joined by Mickey Kasparian, President of the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council and by a Wal-mart employee. Assemblywoman Gonzalez’s proposed legislation would ensure that those workers who sacrifice their holiday receive double pay for their work on Thanksgiving. Gonzalez, a Democrat, states, “Thanksgiving and Christmas have traditionally been celebrated every year as times that all of us can connect with our families and reflect on the blessings in our lives, but each year it seems like we lose more and more of these family holidays to the demands of work.” Gonzalez concludes that workers who lose out on their Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays to boost their boss’s profits should be paid fairly for that sacrifice. Printer-friendly version
READER’S EDITORIAL: REST OF THE STORY, ONE OF MANY
Printer-friendly version By Sylvia Sullivan, Santee November 26, 2014 (Santee) — An explosion shook the country when Obama unconstitutionally decreed amnesty for millions of illegals. Untold millions more await to join the invasion since Obama refuses to secure the borders. Obama also claims our immigration system is broken. It is now. He has broken it by his lawlessness in refusing to enforce the immigration laws. As generations of legal immigrants can attest the system did work. It still could within the legal process of securing the borders and updating the regulations where needed. It is well known that Obama is fond of telling stories. Our family story in not unlike millions of other stories of legal immigration, the American way. The path is one of assimilation through commitment and hard work to become a successful and productive addition to the country. It begins with my father coming to America from Cuba, legally to work. Then World War II broke out and he joined the Army to fight for the country he had grown to love. Fighting valiantly, he earned his citizenship. He married my Mom, also from Cuba and they were stationed in the Panama Canal Zone base. My Mom slowly learned English by listening to Country music radio stations. Dad received orders to return to the States. It was essential that Mom study hard the history and government of the United States to pass her exam in English for citizenship. The pride and joy were overwhelming as she, too became a citizen. However, a dark cloud loomed when her X-Ray showed a spot on her lung, since being disease free was also a requirement. Anxiety was high because if a second test also showed a problem, she would not be allowed to go with Dad. Tears of joy and relief flowed as the second test showed clear lungs! Assimilation does not equate obliteration of original roots and heritage. My parents made sure we would not forget Spanish. It was strictly enforced that no English was spoken in the home only Spanish. In fact, if we were caught speaking English inside, the punishment was to write it all in Spanish. Although is was a real pain, today my siblings and I are so very grateful to be bi-lingual. We learned English by playing with friends in the neighborhood and at school by total immersion. Children’s brains are made to learn and absorb language and we did. As with most kids, were we teased and made fun of in the beginning, sure. We got over it and excelled becoming honor roll students. Our story is not unique but a real tribute to the exceptionalism of America ! It is said that Benjamin Franklin was asked “Well, Doctor, what have we got- a Republic or a Monarchy?” He replied, ” A Republic, if you can keep it.” Memo to Obama: by God’s grace, we have not yet begun to fight to keep it! The opinions are those of the author and not necessarily those of the East County Magazine. Comments for consideration should be submitted to the editor at editor@eastcountymagazine.org. Printer-friendly version
DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: TOP FESTIVALS & EVENTS NOV. 27–DEC. 8
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery November 26, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)–This week’s Destination East County includes some wild Thanksgiving happenings—form a swinging holiday party at Sycuan to a Thanksgiving feast for the beasts at Lions, Tigers and Bears in Alpine. Plus we’ll have previews of coming attractions, including several holiday home tours, community holiday festivals, Santa at Santee Lakes, and a Feliz Navidad celebration with mariachis and more at Jacumba Hot Springs! So stay tuned for all of these events and much, much more, from East County Magazine. WADDLE AND TROT 5 K NOV. 27 Get ready for the 3rd annual Waddle and Trot 5 K run held on Thanksgiving Day, November 27 at 8:00 a.m. Pathways Community Church will host the Waddle and Trot, which benefits the Santee Santas and the Santee Food Bank. What better way to work off some calories before savoring your Thanksgiving feast? To register for the 5K or Fun Run, visit www.pathways.cc/waddleandtrot. BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY’S WILD & SWINGING HOLIDAY PARTY NOV. 28 The swing revival band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will hold a wild and swinging holiday party on Friday, November 28th at Sycuan’s Live and Up Close Theater in Dehesa starting at 8 p.m. For tickets and details, visit www.Sycuan.com. JULIAN COUNTRY CHRISTMAS & TREE LIGHTING NOV. 29 The historic gold rush town of Julian hosts its annual Country Christmas Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 29th from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The festivities include music, crafts booths and performances throughout the day followed by the tree lighting at dark, after which children can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. After the tree lighting, you can also stroll down Main Street to the Julian Cider Mill for a living nativity – a long-time Julian. THANKSGIVING FEAST AT LIONS, TIGERS AND BEARS NOV. 29 The Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 29th, is a special day at the Lions Tigers and Bears ranch in Alpine. It is the day the animals celebrate with their version of a traditional Thanksgiving meal. You’re invited to join in a special feeding visit at 10:30 a.m. to watch big cats and bears enjoy their feast. Turkey and fish donations are greatly appreciated. You can also donate a turkey for the cats or fish for the bears in advance. For reservations or to donate food for the feast, call 619-659-8078 or visit www.lionstigersandbears.org. Now for a preview of coming attractions… LIGHT UP THE GROVE BONFIRE DEC. 5 Lemon Grove hosts is annual “Light up the Grove” bonfire on December 5th in Civic Center Park from 5 to 9 p.m. You can also visit the Lemon Grove Historical Society’s Christmas open house at the Parsonage and Lee House, where you can meet Santa and peruse the Elves’ gift shop. The night also includes horse-drawn wagon rides, games, face painting and crafts to provide spirited good cheer for people of all ages. ALPINE CHRISTMAS PARADE OF LIGHTS & SNOW FESTIVAL DEC. 5 The 19th annual Alpine Village Christmas Parade of Lights & Snow Festival will be held on December 5th from 6:30 to 10 p.m. The parade rolls out at 6:30 p.m. from West Victoria and ends at the Alpine Creek Town Center at 1347 Tavern Road in Alpine, where a snow festival complete with real snow starts at 7 p.m. Festivities include a visit from Santa Claus, carnival rides, food, and vendors. MARIACHIS AND MORE: JACUMBA HOT SPRINGS CENTENNIAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION DEC. 6 Jacumba Hot Springs closes out its centennial year on Saturday, December 6th with a Feliz Navidad celebration. The event takes place at the Highland Center, 44681 Old Highway 80 from 2-5 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Feliz Navidad showcases the festive mariachi music of the world-renowned Mariachi Garibaldi performing ensemble from Southwestern College, the first college in the world to offer a degree in mariachi music. Visitors and town residents will join a luminaire procession to the Community Park for the lighting of the Christmas tree and to sing carols. Jacumba- grown tumbleweed trees, snowmen and other ‘snow creations’ will be on display throughout the community. Jacumba was once known for tumbleweed snowmen and the tradition is being revived. Festivities also include a piñata for the children, craft vendors, baked goods for sale, and raffle items including bountiful gift baskets, bicycles and a Christmas quilt. Complimentary refreshments will be served. For more information visit www.jacumbahotspringscentennial.org. LIONS, TIGERS AND BEARS CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL DEC. 6 You’re invited to an afternoon of yuletide fun watching animals open their Christmas presents at Lions, Tigers and Bears. The animal rescue facility hosts is annual Christmas Festival Fundraiser on Saturday, December 6th from 1-4 p.m. You can also do holiday shopping at more than 40 vendor booths, enjoy food from Descanso Junction and visit Santa Claus. In addition, a new bear habitat will be unveiled during the December 6th event featuring rescued bears Albert, Cherry Bomb, Teddy and Baloo. To buy tickets, or to donate a Christmas tree to give to the animals for play on this special day, visit www.lionstigersandbears.org. SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS ON MAINE STREET IN LAKESIDE DEC. 6 The Lakeside Chamber of Commerce will host the 16th Annual Spirit of Christmas on Saturday, December 6th, 4pm to 9pm on Maine Avenue (between Parkside and Laurel) in Lakeside. This free, fun-filled family event will include a community tree lighting, visits with Santa, vendor booths, kids’ activities, food, music and entertainment by local bands & schools. The evening will kick-off with the arrival of Santa and the lighting of the community Christmas tree at 5 p.m. by the Lakeside Fire Department. Then guests can saunter up and down Maine Street to experience visits with Santa, vendor booths, crafting tables, delicious eateries, kids’ zone and holiday music. Children are encouraged to bring letters to Santa and drop them off in the special mailbox with delivery just to the North Pole. Remember to enclose a self-addressed stamped return envelope so Santa can send a letter back. The special North Pole mailbox
ECM WORLD WATCH: GLOBAL AND NATIONAL NEWS
Printer-friendly version November 26, 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. headlines include: U.S. Ferguson Grand Jury evidence reveals mistakes, holes in investigation (Huffington Post) In Ferguson grand jury probe, credible evidence supported cop, prosecutor says (+video) (CS Monitor) Honda Says It Failed To Report Over 1,700 Deaths And Injuries Counting up votes for NSA reform (APM Marketplace) Inside the Ring: Ransom paid for Bergdahl (Washington Times) U.S. introduces menu calorie labeling to fight obesity (Reuters) INTERNATIONAL Yazidi families reclaim girls seized by Islamic State – for a price (CS Monitor) Does Russia have an orbiting space weapon? (CS Monitor) Damage getting worse in Japan earthquake (CS Monitor) Israel charges cop with manslaughter in Palestinian youth’s death (Reuters) Egypt could send troops to a Palestinian state to help out: paper (Reuters) 25,000 Gazans to get access to construction materials to rebuild homes (Post) Highway Bandits Steal Blood Believed To Contain Ebola Virus (NPR) Plague Outbreak In Madagascar Spreads To Its Capital (NPR) For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down. NATIONAL Ferguson Grand Jury evidence reveals mistakes, holes in investigation (Huffington Post) Soon after Officer Darren Wilson shot and killed Michael Brown, an unarmed 18-year-old, law enforcement’s handling of the case was already being criticized as callous and sloppy. Residents of Ferguson, Missouri, looked on in horror as police officials failed to cover and later to remove Brown’s body from the street for hours. Now that the grand jury evidence, including forensic records and testimony from Wilson and those investigating the fatal shooting, has been released, it’s clear that other mistakes were made in attempting to figure out what happened on that August afternoon. The best physical evidence and testimony might not have been as ironclad in Wilson’s favor as prosecutor Robert McCulloch characterized it on Monday night. In Ferguson grand jury probe, credible evidence supported cop, prosecutor says (+video) (CS Monitor) A grand jury decided not to indict a white Ferguson, Mo., police officer for killing unarmed black teen Michael Brown in August. The prosecutor involved pointed to inconsistencies in the testimony supporting the claim that Mr. Brown had surrendered Honda Says It Failed To Report Over 1,700 Deaths And Injuries (NPR) Honda Motor Co. said today that for years, it failed to tell U.S. regulators about more than 1,700 injuries and deaths involving its cars. ..Honda is blaming the failure on an error in its databases that caused reports entered without a date to be omitted. Counting up votes for NSA reform (APM Marketplace) 58-42. That was Tuesday’s final vote in the Senate striking down broad reform of the National Security Administration by two votes. Inside the Ring: Ransom paid for Bergdahl (Washington Times) The Pentagon is under fire for making a ransom payment to an Afghan earlier this year as part of a failed bid to win the release of Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, according to U.S. officials. U.S. introduces menu calorie labeling to fight obesity (Reuters) The U.S. government will publish sweeping new rules on Tuesday requiring chain restaurants and large vending machine operators to disclose calorie counts on menus to make people more aware of the risks of obesity posed by fatty, sugary foods. INTERNATIONAL Urban farming helps feed the world (BBC) — Urban agriculture plays a much more extensive role in global food security than previously estimated, a study using satellite data suggests. Researchers, using satellite data, found that agricultural activities within 20km of urban areas occupy an area equivalent to the 28-nation EU. Yazidi families reclaim girls seized by Islamic State – for a price (CS Monitor) In interviews, girls who escaped or were bought back by their families tell of their brutal treatment at the hands of IS militants. Almost 150 girls have returned to Kurdish-controlled areas in recent weeks, according to activists, with families paying as much as a year’s income to get them back. Does Russia have an orbiting space weapon? (CS Monitor) Satellite buffs have watched a Russian spacecraft perform a series of maneuvers, prompting concerns that Russia has deployed a ‘satellite killer.’ Damage getting worse in Japan earthquake (CS Monitor) — The magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck after nightfall; now, by the light of day, reports are coming in suggesting the damage is greater than previously thought. / A daylight assessment Sunday found at least 50 homes destroyed in two villages, and 41 people injured across the region, including seven seriously, mostly with broken bones, officials said. Israel charges cop with manslaughter in Palestinian youth’s death (Reuters) Israel charged a policeman on Sunday in the fatal shooting of a teenage Palestinian protester, accusing him of deliberately switching his rubber bullets for the live round that killed the youth. Egypt could send troops to a Palestinian state to help out: paper (Reuters) ….Sisi, who is visiting Italy and France this week, told Italian daily Corriere della Sera the creation of a Palestinian state was the best way to protect Israeli security while restoring hope for the Palestinian people. “We are prepared to send military forces inside a Palestinian state. They would help the local police and reassure Israelis in their role as guarantors,” he said. 25,000 Gazans to get access to construction materials to rebuild homes (Post) — UN and PA say coastal enclave to receive second round of building supplies along lines of trilateral mechanism also agreed upon with Israel…. Highway Bandits Steal Blood Believed To Contain Ebola Virus (NPR) A roadway robbery in Guinea resulted in an alarming haul this week, as thieves made off with cash, personal items — and a batch of Red Cross blood samples. Plague Outbreak In Madagascar Spreads To Its Capital (NPR) An outbreak of the plague has sickened at least 119 people and
EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS
Printer-friendly version November 26, 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 Freeways blocked, bottles thrown at police (UT San Diego) Arapostathis’ vision for La Mesa (East County Californian) East County brewers showcased during San Diego beer week (East County Californian) The San Diego Housing Commission’s bold move on homelessness (CityBeat) Deputy airlifted from backcountry ATV crash (UT San Diego) Rescue crews search for lost hiker (UT San Diego) STATE Cal State funding talks include scenario of turning away freshmen (Los Angeles Times) Rallies across UC system protest tuition hikes (Los Angeles Times)New California Law May Prolong Vote Counts (KPBS) Solar farm proposal in Mojave desert rejected (UT San Diego) For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down. LOCAL Freeways blocked, bottles thrown at police (UT San Diego) Hundreds of demonstrators marching in response to a grand jury decision not to indict a police officer in the fatal shooting of Missouri teenager Michael Brown twice blocked a freeway in City Heights Tuesday night, later moving to nearby streets, where some threw bottles at a line of San Diego police officers. Arapostathis’ vision for La Mesa (East County Californian) Dr. Mark Arapostathis has always been a part of La Mesa. He grew up in La Mesa, his mother taught for 30 years in La Mesa, he attended La Mesa schools and San Diego universities. With a doctorate in education, he thrives in his element in the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District. He is invested in future generations. It seems that’s where his path was always leading. East County brewers showcased during San Diego beer week (East County Californian) What do you call people who compete with each other in business but spend most time alternately praising their professional counterparts’ camaraderie and extolling the family atmosphere of enterprises in their craft? You call them East County brewers. The San Diego Housing Commission’s bold move on homelessness (CityBeat) If supportive services follow close behind shelter, it could transform the landscape Deputy airlifted from backcountry ATV crash (UT San Diego) A sheriff’s deputy was injured when his all-terrain four-wheeler overturned while he was on patrol near Buckman Springs Saturday, authorities said. Rescue crews search for lost hiker (UT San Diego) Cal Fire and San Diego County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue were looking for a lost hiker with an injured ankle Sunday night near the Three Sisters trailhead southwest of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. STATE Cal State funding talks include scenario of turning away freshmen (Los Angeles Times) The University of California’s decision to raise tuition generated much controversy. But the California State system could consider what by some measures is an even more radical plan as it struggles with budget constraints and increasing demand from freshmen and community college transfers. Rather than increasing tuition, Cal State has reduced enrollment targets for this fall. And trustees recently discussed the dark scenario of having to stop accepting freshmen. Rallies across UC system protest tuition hikes (Los Angeles Times) Hundreds of students rallied at campuses across the UC system Monday, staging walkouts, marches and sit-ins in protest of tuition increases. New California Law May Prolong Vote Counts (KPBS) Election Day was two weeks ago, but workers are still counting votes in some California counties. Next year, tallying the votes could take even longer. Solar farm proposal in Mojave desert rejected (UT San Diego) The U.S. Interior Department rejected a proposal to build a 200-megawatt solar farm in Southern California. It’s the first time the agency’s Bureau of Land Management has denied a permit for a solar plant outside certain zones that have been designated as preferred locations for solar power. Printer-friendly version
SDG&E PULLS OUT OF NATIONAL UTILITY RATE SURVEY
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery November 25, 2014 (San Diego) – For years, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has ranked highest in the nation—or nearly so–for the most expensive utility rates in America. The annual survey is conducted by Jacksonville Electric Authority. But now SDG&E has stopped providing its data to Jacksonville in 2013, after the company received bad publicity for its high rates. So San Diegans no longer know where our city ranks in utility rates. East County Magazine asked SDG&E why it stopped participating in the survey. Stephanie Donovan, senior communications manager for SDG&E, sent this response: “While we believe these types of surveys can provide valuable information, the methodology the JEA survey uses, i.e. ranking utilities’ rates based on bills of 1,250 kWh per month, does not accurately reflect SDG&E customers’ actual usage pattern, resulting in an “apples to oranges” comparison with other utilities.” Donavan added, “The reality is that fewer than 5 percent of SDG&E residential customers saw utility bills with energy use as high as 1,250 kWh in 2012. In that same year, SDG&E’s average residential usage was about 500 kWh per month – far less than half the JEA survey’s benchmark usage. SDG&E’s customers’ energy use is far lower than the JEA benchmark for a number of reasons, including their diligent energy-efficiency efforts and SDG&E’s ongoing outreach to help them manage their usage and their bills to save energy and money.” Donavan called the JEA survey “counterproductive in our efforts to educate our customers and stakeholders about their energy consumption, rates and bills. For that reason, we’ve chosen to discontinue our participation in this survey.” Currently the survey lists Southern California Edison rates at $250 per 1000 kilowatt hours as highest in the nation. An article in the San Diego Reader by Don Bauder (California electricity rates top nation’s — by far ) states that Richard Rider, chairman of San Diego Tax Fighters, asked San Diego Gas & Electric to reveal its rates for certain inland customers, representing the bulk of the City of San Diego. The local utility charges a whopping $336 per 1000 kilowatt hours, he states. “That’s 29 percent higher than the highest utility on the [Jacksonville] list — [Southern California Edison],” says Rider. Bauder states, “I asked San Diego Gas if it wanted to dispute Rider’s number and never heard back.” Printer-friendly version
INDUSTRIAL SOLAR PROPOSAL IN EL MONTE VALLEY OUTRAGES RESIDENTS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery A proposed industrial solar farm in Lakeside’s scenic El Monte Valley is stirring up controversy. Property owner David Pressman/OCI Solar Lakeside has proposed to build a 40-acre solar photovoltaic project with approximately 8,500 solar panels on El Monte Road. OCI is a Korean company with holdings in the U.S. A hearing on the plan is set for December 3rd at 6:30 p.m. before the Lakeside Community Planning Group at the Lakeside Community Center. “Everyone I have talked to too is against it for many reasons.” says photographer Billy Ortiz. “My reason is El Monte Valley is and should always be a scenic corridor, period.” He posted photos of the proposed site and drew some strong responses. Susan Flynn, granddaughter of famed environmentalist John Muir, wrote, “They have already ruined the valley below the San Vicente Dam.” Her remark refers to Sunrise Powerlink, which built over the objections of many residents. San Diego Gas & Electric paid a large fine for failing to notify Lakeside residents about a route change that ran the high voltage power line through El Monte Valley, a designed county scenic view corridor. The solar project, if built, could tie into the Powerlink that many here feel was built without residents even having an opportunity to provide input. Flynn is adamant: “El Monte Valley is beautiful and unique and it IS a historic part of Lakeside and should concern us all.” Angeloa Magdoleno-Eylander voiced sadness at the news. “Why does man have to ruin everything!?!” she asked. “It is so beautiful and peaceful looking.” La Mesa resident and outdoor enthusiast Craig Maxwell called the valley “one of the most beautiful places in the near East County. This cannot happen. Please tell us how we can help.” Dorothy Toston Combs reflects, “It is just so sad that this place is going to be changed.” To which long-time Lakeside resident Tricia Diegenan counters, “Not a done deal. Come fight for it.” She noted that various “bad” plans have been proposed for the valley through the years ; many such as recent proposed sand-mining project have been unsuccessful due to the vocal efforts of residents. “Let’s not give up!” she said, urging residents to “speak your mind” at the Lakeside Planning Group meeting. “I am not against solar,” she made clear, but added that in El Monte Valley, it should only be on roof tops or roadways, not open land. Some voiced frustration with the system and with their elected officials. Torrie Ann Needham wrote simply “As pretty as anywhere else on earth…Government doesn’t listen to the people anymore. To which Digenan pointed out, “Freedom is not a guarantee. It’s fought for.” Others voiced outright anguish. Thomas Butch Hayes wrote, “My Lord Billy, why can’t they just leave it alone for God’s sakes!” Several residents faulted the landowner. Ortiz states, “The land owners are looking for a way to make money without working the land as their father did before he died.” He added that the father used to let agricultural students from El Cap High School plant oat and hay on this plot of land to earn money from their school. He criticized the son for taking away from our Lakeside kids.” Linda Christopher Watson summed up her view of the problem in a single word: “Greed.” Solar is touted as a solution needed to help California meet its mandate for renewable power and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. But increasingly, residents in rural areas are asking that solar be put on rooftops and parking lots — closer to urban areas where the demand for power is highest — instead of despoiling some of the last and most pristine views left in San Diego’s inland region. Printer-friendly version
PLASTIC INDUSTRY TRIES TO BAG THE BAN, PUT PETITION ON BALLOT TO REVERSE BAN ON PLASTIC BAGS
Printer-friendly version East County News Service November 25, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – California’s Legislature recently passed a bill signed by Governor Jerry Brown to ban plastic grocery bags starting next year. But now out-of-state plastic manufacturing companies are trying to block that ban with a ballot initiative. Sierra Club Director Kathryn Phillips warns consumers, “This holiday season, you’ll probably see paid signature gatherers at malls and other public places, urging people to sign. The big plastic makers will spend as much as $3 million to pay an army of signature gatherers.” The environmental leader adds, “Some of the signature gatherers may not be forthcoming about what signing the petition would do. They may lead you to believe that signing will help support the bag ban.In fact, the only ballot petitions circulating now would place on the 2016 ballot a referendum designed to overturn the statewide bag ban.” The Sierra Club has set up a webpage here you can report your experience with the petitioner here. The ban was established by Senate Bill 270, signed into law by Governor Brown in September. The bill emerged after more than 120 local governments around California imposed local laws to ban or restrict the use of single-use plastic bags by grocery stores. The bill was supported by a broad coalition, including the Sierra Club and many businesses after a compromise was drafted to provide job-training for displaced manufacturing workers. Single-use plastic shopping bags are environmentally damaging at nearly every stage of use. They pollute waterways and the ocean, present hazards to wildlife, and create huge quantities of greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution during their manufacture. Printer-friendly version
WOMAN DIES AFTER ALLEGED ASSAULT IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version East County News Service November 24, 2014 (El Cajon ) – Homicide detectives are investigating the death of Linda Sue Irwin, 53. Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call from Sharp Grossmont Hospital at 7:37 p.m. on November 19 to investigate an alleged assault on Ms. Irwin believed to have occurred in the El Cajon area between November 17th and 19th. Shortly after deputies arrived, the victim was transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital, where she died this morning. According to Lieutenant John Maryon, the victim had visible signs of injury, though it is not yet known if those injuries contributed to her death. Due to the injuries, the Sheriff’s Homicide Detail is handling the investigation. The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Detail at (858) 974-2321/after hours at (858) 565-5200. You can remain anonymous and be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Call Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. Printer-friendly version