SOCIAL ACTIVITIES SUSPENDED AT FRATERNITES ON SDSU FOLLOWING SEXUAL ASSAULTS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery November 25, 2014 (San Diego) — Today, San Diego State University has issued a statement indicating that fraternities on campus are suspending all activities indefinitely due to recent sexual assaults on campus, including a rape at a frat house over the weekend–the seventh sexual assault on campus since the fall semester began. Leaders of the Greek groups on campus pledged that they will “immediately take proactive steps toward addressing this extremely serious issue and the Greek community’s role in it.” Those steps will include sexual assault prevention and bystander training for all Greek community members, as well as participation by fraternity and sorority members in events and activities to promote an end to sexual violence. The action comes one day after a group of concerned students sent a letter to SDSU president Elliott Hirshman and elected officials demanding that fraternities be suspended and other actions taken. The group also alleged that during a Take Back the Night march Friday night, participants were subjected to sexually offensive remarks by fraternity members, who waved sex toys at the marchers. Some marchers also say they were struck by eggs. The fraternity and sorority leaders said that if those allegations are true, the “conduct is unacceptable and does not reflect the values of the Greek community at SDSU.” SDSU President Elliott Hirshman praised the groups actions, adding, “We must work as one community to create the substantive changes necessary to end sexual violence on our campus. “The steps outlined today are the beginning of what must be a sustained effort to change attitudes, culture and actions.” Printer-friendly version
NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH: 100+ NATIVE AMERICAN WOMEN WHO CHANGED THE WORLD
Printer-friendly version By KB Schaller November 25, 2014 (Plantation, Florida) – It is my pleasure to share this update on the presentation of my latest title, 100+ Native American Women Who Changed the World, which was given a stellar review by Dennis Moore for East County Magazine. The event took place on Saturday, November 15 at the Helen Hoffman Library in Plantation, Florida and was co-sponsored by the Plantation Historical Society. As the event fulfilled its mission to present Native American women as a united force across the generations in a common struggle for positive change, the near-capacity audience was quite impressed to learn of the accomplishments of Native American heroines of whom they’d had no prior knowledge. It was my great pleasure to watch expressions on the faces of several of the ladies who sat on the front row: they were obviously entranced by heroines who included Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee, an Aerospace pioneer, and Eula Pearl Carter Scott of the Chickasaw Nation, who was the youngest licensed pilot in the United States. Prima ballerina, Maria Tallchief of the Osage Tribe, the audience would learn, danced with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. Karen Louise Erdrich of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians was a Finalist for the 2009 Pulitzer Prize, and Dahteste, a Chiricahua Apache, fought fiercely with Geronimo’s resistance band in an attempt to save Apache ancestral lands from increasing encroachment by Euro-American settlers. The hour-long presentation ended with a spirited Q-A period in which members of the audience received clarification on many of the misconceptions they’d had about Native America in general. A book sale and signing of 100+ followed, and hand-made beaded book marks with the author website embedded within were given to each purchaser. The presentation ended with a drawing for door prizes, and a donation of a copy of 100+ to the Hoffman Library’s reference collection, and also to the Plantation Historical Society. The presentation was a great opportunity to spread the word about the Native American heroines profiled in 100+ Native American Women Who Changed the World. KB Schaller, Author 100+ Native American Women Who Changed the World Winner, International Book Award, Women’s Issues http://KBSchaller.com/ Printer-friendly version
LA MESA POLICE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES GRANT FOR SPECIAL TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT AND CRASH PREVENTION
Printer-friendly version November 24, 2014 (La Mesa)–The La Mesa Police Department has been awarded a $38,000.00 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a year-long program of special enforcements and public awareness efforts to prevent traffic related deaths and injuries. The La Mesa Police Department will use the funding as part of the city’s ongoing commitment to keep our roadways safe and improve the quality of life through both enforcement and education. After falling dramatically between 2006 and 2010, the number of persons killed and injured in traffic collisions saw slight increases in 2011 and 2012. Particularly worrisome are recent increases in pedestrian and motorcycle fatalities and the dangers of distracting technologies. This grant funding will provide opportunities to combat these and other devastating problems such as drunk and drugged driving and speeding. “California’s roadways are still among the safest in the nation,” said OTS Director Rhonda Craft. “But to meet future mobility, safety, and sustainability objectives, we must create safer roadways for all users. The La Mesa Police Department will be using these and other resources to reach the vision we all share – Toward zero deaths, every 1 counts.” Activities that the grant will fund include: · Educational presentations · DUI saturation patrols · Distracted driving enforcement · Seat belt and child safety seat enforcement · Speed, red light, and stop sign enforcement · Compilation of DUI “Hot Sheets,” identifying worst-of-the-worst DUI offenders · Specialized DUI and drugged driving training such as Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), and Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) Funding for this program is from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Printer-friendly version
VIOLENCE IN FERGUSON AFTER GRAND JURY DECISION: PROTESTS IN SAN DIEGO
Printer-friendly version Photo courtesy Times of San Diego Update November 26, 2014: Two protests were held last night in San Diego. A downtown rally was peaceful, but protesters in City Heights engaged in civil disobedience blocking a bridge; some bottles were hurled at police officers, UT San Diego report. In Washington, President Obama called for calm after the jury verdict, but voiced concerns over the racial divide and mistrust of police, adding that despite strides made in civil rights, America still has a long way to go. By Miriam Raftery November 25, 2014 (San Diego)—A Grand Jury in Ferguson, Missouri announced Monday night that there will be no indictments against police officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown, an unarmed African American teenager. Jurors heard conflicting testimony from witnesses including some who said Wilson shot Brown when his hands were up as if to surrender, but others described Brown as confrontational and one witness claimed Brown charged at Officer Wilson, head down. The verdict has prompted protests in cities across the nation. California Campaign to End Police Terror has announced demonstrations statewide including a protest planned Monday night, November 25th at 6 p.m. at the City Heights library, located at 3795 Fairmount Avenue in San Diego. A statement on United Against Police Terror-San Diego’s Facebook page reads, “Ferguson is everywhere—and we are building a movement for justice for Mike Brown and an end to police violence nationwide. “ Noting that people in Ferguson have faced tanks, tear gas and militarized police forces, the post adds, “Just like people have done throughout American history, we are making our voices heard, taking to the streets and using our First Amendment rights to engage in strong actions of civil disobedience.” In Ferguson, the streets erupted into violence after the verdict, resulting in over 80 arrests, 10 News reports. Several police cars and other vehicles were burned. CNN reports sounds of gunshots were heard though police claim no shots were fired. Police did however shoot bean bags and tear gas into a crowd. Some in the crowd hurled bottles, including one that struck a CNN reporter in the head. The Brown family was reportedly “devastated” by the decision but urged supporters to channel their energies in ways to make “positive change” in the system and not to resort to violence. Wilson, who was married last month, issued a statement through his attorneys thanking those who “stood by his side.” Wilson could still face consequences, since the U.S. Justice Department is conducting two civil rights investigations (one into Wilson’s actions and a second into the police department’s treatment of minorities). A civil suit by Brown’s family also remains a possibility. Printer-friendly version
CROWD FLOCKS TO MOTHER GOOSE PARADE ALONG NEW ROUTE
Printer-friendly version Story and photos by Robert Gehr © 2014 November 24, 2014 (El Cajon)–Traditionally held on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, this year’s Mother Goose Parade in El Cajon was exciting. The day was lightly overcast with a slight breeze, providing a little relief from the warm midday sun. Thousands of spectators showed up to watch this well known parade, which had a major route change this year, crowding Main St. from Ballantyne to Johnson, ending at Parkway Plaza with a Carnival. Many participants made this year’s event a joy to watch – from eye-catching beauty queens including Miss California Cassandra Kunze riding in a white horse drawn carriage, to some rugged and honored veterans of foreign wars who served this country and fought for our freedom. There were marching bands from several local schools, local news station Fox 5’s Shally Zamorodi with Raoul Martinez & Chrissy Russo with Brad Wills. Included in the parade were gymnasts, low rider cars exhibiting tricks via hydraulic systems, a few antique cars, many floats, clowns, Al Bahr Shriners, St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, various girl & boy scout groups, a variety of equestrians including the Winchester Widows and the Sheriff‘s department Mounted Patrol, the iconic Mother Goose and of course the last float signaling the end: Santa Claus. It lasted about three hours, beginning at about 12:00 p.m. and ending around 3:00 p.m. Despite the NFL football game being played at the time, the parade was attended by many from San Diego and beyond. (The Chargers narrowly won 27-24 after a lightning strike interception by the Chargers at their own goal line, which prevented the Rams from a touchdown that would have cost the Chargers the game. Go Bolts!) Printer-friendly version
LAKESIDE CHURCH ANNOUNCES CONCERT SERIES
Printer-friendly version November 24, 2014 (Lakeside) – The Lakeside Community Presbyterian Church will host a series of free concerts open to the community. The church is located at 9908 Channel Road in Lakeside; doors open 30 minutes before the concerts begin. Below is a schedule of concert events: Friday, December 12, 2014, 7:00 PM—-Vivaldi’s “Gloria” presented by LCPC’s “Joyful Noise Choir” and San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts Choral Ensemble, Women’s Chorus, and Chamber Orchestra Sunday, February 22, 2015, 4:00 PM—Dennis Agajanian Sunday, April 19, 2015, 4:00 PM—-East County Youth Symphony Sunday, May 17, 2015, 4:00 PM—Praxum Brass All of these concerts are free and held at 9908 Channel Road, Lakeside, Ca. 92040. Our doors are open 30 minutes before the concerts. Printer-friendly version
WITNESSES SOUGHT TO ARSON FIRES IN CITY HEIGHTS
Printer-friendly version East County News Service November 24, 2014 (City Heights) — The San Diego Police is rounding up suspects in a wave of arson fires that have struck Mid-City neighborhoods in recent weeks. Investigators believe several arsonists may be responsible for at least 16 fires set mostly in neighborhoods in and near City Heights. Now, investigators are asking for the public’s help. Councilwoman Marti Emerald’s office received a briefing from the Metro Arson Strike Team (MAST). The Councilwoman, who represents City Heights, says, “We need witnesses to any of these fires or suspicious activity to come forward. So far, these arsonists have damaged cars and other property. But the next fire could harm or kill innocent people. These criminals must be stopped.” The fires began in September. The most recent was last week, November 12. The public is encouraged to call 911 if they see any suspicious behavior. If you have any photos or video in the areas where the fires were set showing suspects, please call MAST at 619-236-6815. The public is also asked to clear debris out of alleys near their homes or businesses so they do not become the next victim in this string of arson fires. Printer-friendly version