NEED HEALTHCARE? OR RENEWAL OF YOUR COVERED CA PLAN? OPEN ENROLLMENT RUNS NOW THROUGH FEB. 15
East County News Service November 28, 2014 (San Diego)—If you need healthcare, the open enrollment period for Covered California, our state’s insurance exchanges under the Affordable Healthcare Act or Obamacare, runs from now through February 15. For the first time, people who fail to have any health insurance will be subject to financial penalties that will rise over time. Enrollment is off to a brisk beginning during the current sign-up period. Covered California and the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) announced that 69,245 consumers submitted applications for health coverage, including Medi-Cal, during the first four days of the 2015 open-enrollment period. “We had a strong start when we opened Saturday for Covered California, and we are continuing to see tremendous interest from people seeking security for themselves and their families in both Covered California plans and Medi-Cal coverage,” Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee said. Covered California anticipates a total enrollment of 1.7 million Californians — excluding Medi-Cal enrollees — by the end of the second open-enrollment period: 1.5 million in subsidized coverage and 230,000 in unsubsidized coverage. This forecast represents an increase of about 500,000 in total enrollment. “We’re throwing open the doors to health care for millions of Californians, many of whom have not been insured for years — and in some cases never,” Lee said A study commissioned by the Council of Community Clinics has found that Obamacare has cut the number of uninsured people in San Diego County from 500,000 to 275,000. The percentage of people with no health insurance countywide is now 14 percent, down from 22 percent before the Affordable Healthcare Act rolled out, Times of San Diego reports. Those without health insurance include undocumented immigrants who aren’t eligible, as well as others who may not be aware that subsidies are available on a sliding scale based on income and family size. You can apply online through Covered California, the online marketplace implementing Obamacare in California.
HEAR OUR INTERVIEW WITH PAULA MARGULIES, AUTHOR OF BOOKS WITH NATIVE AMERICAN THEMES
By Miriam Raftery November 20, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – As part of our coverage of Native American Heritage Month, East County Magazine Show’s Bookshelf host Reina Menasche interviewed local writer Paula Margulies. She is the author of Favorite Daughter, Part I, a story about Pocahontas told from a Native American point of view. She has also written a novel, Coyote Moon, set on the Pala Indian Reservation here in San Diego’s inland region. Listen to our interview with Paula Margulies, originally aired on KNSJ radio, now online here: https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/audio/2019/August/Bookshelf-MarguliesPaula-Final.mp3 Margulies is the owner of Paula Margulies Communications, a public relations firm for authors and artists. She has received numerous awards for her short stories and novels, and her essays have been published in a number of professional journals and magazines. She has been awarded artist residencies at Caldera, Red Cinder Artist Colony, Centrum, and the Vermont Studio Center. Margulies resides in San Diego with her husband and two teenagers. Read more about Paula Margulies here: http://www.paulamargulies.com/about.html Listen live to East County Magazine’s Radio Show at KNSJ 89.1 FM on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 5 p.m.
GOT LEFTOVERS? SAM THE COOKING GUY TEAMS UP WITH COUNTY TO OFFER RECIPES
East County News Service November 28, 2014 (San Diego)–Thanksgiving is all about tradition. And part of that tradition is food: turkey, potatoes, stuffing, cranberries. Sam the Cooking Guy gives a twist on some of the traditional Thanksgiving dishes in these original County News Center TV episodes—including ideas for using up those leftovers, such as turkey pie and stuffing omelet. You can watch videos of Sam whipping up these tasty recipes and try them out with your family this holiday season. View video at left for how to make a turkey pie and see the recipe below. For more videos and recipes, visit:http://www.countynewscenter.com/news/thanksgiving-recipes-sam-cooking-guy Turkey Pie Serves 6 My favorite – sage scented turkey with mushrooms, onions and bacon all under a golden crust, and all steamy and warm when you bust it open. Yahoooo. Ingredients 1 ready to bake refrigerated pie crust 2 cups diced cooked turkey 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced 8 slices cooked bacon, diced 1 small onion, diced 1 tablespoon sage 3 tablespoons flour 4 tablespoons butter 2 cups chicken broth 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Directions Preheat oven to 450 Saute onions, mushrooms, sage and bacon in 1 tablespoon of the butter until softened Add turkey to mixture and put into pie plate In same pan, melt remaining butter while stirring in flour – it will make a gritty paste Stir in broth slowly to make a thick sauce and add Worcestershire Pour over turkey mixture Top with crust and brush top with milk Bake until top is golden brown – about 20 minutes – and serve
LOCAL CHURCH LEADERS ORGANIZE “BLACK LIVES MATTER” CANDLELIGHT VIGIL AND BLACK FRIDAY BOYCOTT
East County News Service November 28, 2014 (San Diego’s East Coujnty)–Many are wondering how to best respond to the cries for justice coming from communities across the country in the wake of the situation in Ferguson. The San Diego Partnership of Churches is asking people in San Diego County to “prayerfully consider making this Black Friday a day of prayer and of participation in the nationwide boycott encouraging shoppers to not to spend one dime on Black Friday,” says Mary Domb Mikkelson with United Church of Christ in La Mesa. “This is a form of nonviolent protest in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.” Organizers plan a candlelight vigil at 5 p.m. on Friday, November 29 at 5:00 p.m. at Mission Hills United Church of Christ, 4070 Jackdaw Street, San Diego, CA 92108, (http://www.missionhillsucc.org/). “Bring candle, as we will be taking our prayers to the streets,” Mikkelson states The San Diego Partnership of Churches participants include: Christian Fellowship Congregational Church, UCC – Pastor: The Rev. J. Lee Hill, Jr. Mission Hills UCC – Pastor: The Rev. Dr. Scott Landis Kensington UCC – Pastor: The Rev. Darryl Kistler Pioneer Ocean View UCC – Pastor: The Rev. Mary Sue Brookshire The Table: United Church of Christ of La Mesa – Pastor: The Rev. Kaji Douša University City United Church – Pastor: The Rev. Jane Heckles
WALMART WORKERS STRIKE ON BLACK FRIDAY, ASK PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR FAIR WAGES FROM NATION’S RICHEST RETAIL OWNERS
East County News Service November 28, 2014 (San Diego)— “This Black Friday, there will be a different kind of crowd at Walmart stores around the country,” says Cynthia Murray, a Walmart worker seeking to make change at the nation’s biggest retailer. She explains, “Workers like me are going on strike, and we’re bringing our communities out to call for an end to Walmart’s unfair labor practices. As Walmart workers, we are sick of struggling to put food on the table while our hard work makes the country’s wealthiest family, the Waltons, even richer. But when we speak up for fairer treatment, we face threats and harassment from our managers. We’re striking to show Walmart and the Waltons that we can’t be silenced.” Members of the public who wish to show supporter for Walmart workers can call 1-855-626-6011, enter your zip code and be connected with a Walmart near you. You can then ask to speak with a manager and tell him or her that you’re calling to stand with Walmart workers who are on strike. “Walmart tracks these calls, and they make a major impact,” Murray says. “When thousands of us make calls to Walmart stores nationwide, it will go a long way to show the company that the public stands on the side of workers.” Walmart makes $16 billion a year in profits and the Walton family is worth over $150 billion, making them the richest family in America, according to Yahoo Finance. But Forbes reports that Walmart costs American taxpayers $6.2 billion a year in public assistance for Walmart workers, since many must rely on foodstamps and other public assistance due to Walmart’s low wages. Bloomberg News reports that Walmart pays the majority of its associates less than $25,000 a year.
A NEW TIGER IS COMING TO LIONS, TIGERS AND BEARS
By Miriam Raftery November 27, 2014 (Alpine) – Phevos will soon be the newest tiger to call Lions, Tigers and Bears home. The Alpine rescue facility has been approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for a permit to import the tiger, who was suffering in abusive conditions in a foreign zoo. Phevos and his sister, Athena, were part of an Italian traveling circus and later were moved to a zoo in Trikala, Greece. Athena cut her foot on a Christmas ornament in 2012 and developed an infection after receiving no treatment for six months. She died of neglect, but Phevos will have a better future thanks to the efforts of Bobbi Brink, founder of Lions, Tigers and Bears rescue facility in Alpine. Lions, Tigers and Bears provides spacious enclosures complete with a pond, waterfall, room to run and climbing equipment for its tigers. “We are excited to welcome the newest member of our sanctuary family and provide him with the compassionate care he rightly deserves,” says Brink. “ Be sure to follow Phevos’ rescue on our website (www.LionsTigersAndBears.org) as it unfolds.”
READERS & WRITERS CALENDAR: FROM NOVEMBER 23, 2014
For complete Calendar including Authors Events, go to www.SDWriteWay.org Readers Friday November 28, 10:30 am) — Children’s Event, Storytime. Perfect for ages 4 and under, our weekly Storytime features books, music, movement and sign language! Barnes & Noble, Mira Mesa MarketCenter, 10775 Westview Parkway, San Diego, CA 92126, 858-684-3166 Friday November 28, 7:30 pm) — Pajamarama Storytime. Join your faithful Storytime teller Beverley every Friday night for a fun-filled Storytime! Pajamas, giggles and loud voices are required for the event. Barnes & Noble, Grossmont Center, 5500 Grossmont Ctr Dr Suite 331, La Mesa, CA 91942, 619-667-287 November 29 (Saturday, 1:00 to 4:00 pm) — Kari Sherman and Carey Laubenberg will speak and sign their book, True Tales from the Dog Park, joined by canine co-authors Max and Luther. Barnes & Noble, Oceanside, 2615 Vista Way, Oceanside: Lisa Kovach – Community Relations Manager, at 760-529-0270 or crm2153@bn.com for additional information. November 29 (Saturday, 9:55 am) — Please join us on Small Business Saturday! On hand to welcome you will be authors Nancy Holder, Jonathan Maberry, Chris Marie Green, Nick Cole, Linda Thomas-Sundstrom, Greg van Eekhout, Shannon Messenger, S.J. Harper, Seanan McGuire, and Kathy Aarons. Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small, independent, local businesses. Please show your support for your local businesses by shopping with small independent stores on November 29th! Mysterious Galaxy, 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite 302, San Diego. For additional information, go to http://www.mystgalaxy.com/ or call (858) 268-4747. December 1 (Monday, 12:00 noon ) — Adventures by the Book is pleased to present a Culture and Cuisine of Afghanistan Lunch Edventure featuring award-winning Afghan-born author Atta Arghandiwal at Khyber Pass Restauarnt, 523 University Avenue, San Diego 92111). The event is ticketed and is open to all SDSU Osher members. About the Event: Afghan born Atta Arghandiwal was one of ten children born into a military family who fled Afghanistan during the tumultuous 1978 Soviet invasion. After a temporary relocation to Germany, Atta settled in the United States and became a successful banker and author. Join Atta at Khyber Pass Restaurant to taste some typical Afghani food while discussing Lost Decency, Atta’s memoir that explores his conflicting love and pride for his country of origin with his disdain of its political upheaval. How would you reconcile your love and pride in your country of origin if one day you were forced to flee? About the Author: Atta Arghandiwal is a banker, author, and devout humanitarian. His books include Lost Decency, which won the coveted Benjamin Franklin First Book Award, and his most recent, Immigrant Success Planning, a comprehensive immigrant success family resource guide. He lives in northern California where he stays engaged with his community through sports, leadership development, and coaching. For more information regarding the event, please contact Susan McBeth at (619) 300-2532 or at susan@adventuresbythebook.com. December 1 (Monday, 4:00 pm) — Grinch Day Storytime Children’s Event. Join us in celebration of Grinch! Special Storytime featuring the holiday classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Coloring and activities to follow. Barns & Noble, Grossmont Center, 5500 Grossmont Ctr Dr Suite 331, La Mesa, CA 91942, 619-667-287. December 2 (Tuesday, 1:00 pm) — Book Talk and Signing: Jack Innis will bring his stories of San Diego Legends to the Mission Valley Library. Join him and learn about the famous names, such as Wyatt Earp, and Tom Horton, and how they helped build San Diego from the beginning to now. Sunbelt Publications Inc, 1256 Fayette Street, El Cajon; (619) 258-4911; http://sunbeltbook.com. December 4 (Thursday, 2014, 5:00 pm) — Sunbelt Publications’ annual Holiday Party featuring authors Phil Pryde, Tom Hom, and Mark Jorgensen. This event is free and open to the public! Come and meet your favorite local authors. Sunbelt Publications Inc, 1256 Fayette Street, El Cajon; (619) 258-4911; http://sunbeltbook.com. December 5 (Friday, 7:00 pm) — Warwick’s will host a Launch Party with author Matthew Ward for his fantastic new book, War of the World Records. This is the sequel to The Fantastic Family Whipple. This event is free and open to the public. About the book: Discover who will be crowned the world’s most record-breaking family in the book that’s perfect for fans of The Guinness Book of World Records! The rivalry between the Whipples and the Goldwins escalates to an all-out war as the World Record World Championships draw near. When sinister clowns Overkill and Undercut cause a regulation game of hide-and-seek to go horrifically wrong, recordless Arthur Whipple and his unlikely ally, Ruby Goldwin, set out to catch the clowns’ mysterious boss, known only as “the Treasurer.” The young detectives follow the clues through darkened alleyways, dingy nightclubs, and the gothic halls of the World Record Archives, where they unravel the mystery of the Lyon’s Curse and the secrets of their fathers’ shared past. In the end, Arthur must fight to save his family as he struggles to earn his first world record and prove himself worthy of the Whipple name. For more information regarding the event, please contact Warwick’s Books | 7812 Girard Avenue | La Jolla, Ca | 92037 | Ph. (858) 454-0347 | http://www.warwicks.com | December 6 (Saturday, 3:00 pm) — Southern California author, Dublin Galyean will be signing his new book, Bougainvillea Blues. He will also be performing with his three piece band! About the Book: Bougainvillea Blues, set in San Diego in 1962, captures an America that had not yet begun to face the Vietnam anti-war movement in full force, before Camelot died with the assassination of John Kennedy, six years before Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King were shot down, and just months before the cold war reached its terrifying apex in the Cuban Missile Crisis. Then a sheltered white middle class boy could still believe that his most important job was to find a girl. Rock and roll told him what to expect from sexual love, and TV sitcoms showed him how mothers and fathers were supposed to act in happy families. Bougainvillea Blues is the heartfelt coming
TWO PACE COMPANIES DOMINATE CALIFORNIA’S HEADLINES
Originally Published in the ECOreport By Roy L Hales November 26, 2014 (San Diego)–It has been nine months since California approved a $10 million reserve fund, to reimburse mortgage holders if homeowners with Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) default. (The residential program has been moving in slow motion since 2010, when, concerned about the priority PACE loans had over mortgages, the Federal Housing Finance Agency ordered the government-sponsored enterprises to not underwrite mortgages for homes with PACE loans.) In September, Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 2597 and AB 1883 into law. For “California First,” these actions opened the door for their residential program to return to California. It was probably less of a breakthrough for the HERO PACE program which was already either adopted, or in the process of being adopted, by 100 cities as of February. Never-the-less, California legislation furthered PACE’s expansion through-out the state. There are at least four active programs and rumor has it that a fifth may soon be launching, yet two PACE programs dominate California headlines. HERO, California’s leading residential PACE provider, was founded in Riverside county in December 2011. It spread throughout Southern California, up the central valley and into the North. Another 42 cities and counties recently adopted this program. That brings the current total to 213 cities and unincorporated areas, or 44% of the total households in California. HERO PACE has helped fund more than 20,000 residential efficiency projects, totaling more than $375 million in financing. Homeowners use this money to install solar panels, HVAC systems and more efficient windows. As a result of the California drought, approximately 4% of HERO’s projects are now water related. These include outdoor landscaping options, weather based irrigation systems, rainwater catchment systems and thousands of other high-efficiency water saving devices. One of their better known jobs was replacing San Diego County Supervisor Dave Roberts’ 6,000 square foot lawn with artificial turf (photo at top of page). Artificial turf can reduce water usage by 44 gallons per square foot. Roberts decided to make the switch when he realized that could mean 264,000 gallons a year! Roberts calculated that he would recoup the $45,000 loan, through savings on water and lawn care, in nine years. Of course, like all PACE loans, the payments would be added to his property taxes. “Up until now, I’ve been doing my part by following recommended watering schedules,” he said in a press release. “But I realized that I could, and should, do more to permanently reduce my home’s water footprint.” The second largest residential provider is California First. It is run by Renewable Funding, whose CEO Cisco De Vries started America’s first PACE program in Berkely six years ago. Since then, Renewable Funding has operated a commercial PACE program in California and offers consumer loans throughout the US. They helped draft AB 2597 and AB 1883. This may explains the phenomenal growth California First has had since it re-entered the residential market last August. They have already signed up 168 cities and unincorporated areas. Ninety-four projects have been completed and California First has applications for another $24.4 million in work. “California continues to lead the way in providing PACE financing options and we are pleased that a growing number of California homeowners have taken advantage of our innovative program. The success of PACE in California bodes well for its adoption in other states that are closely watching our efforts,” said De Vries. HERO PACE is also looking outside California, though at this point speculatively. The only PACE program to expand into other states is Ygrene Energy Fund. They have been operating in Miami Bay, Florida, for nearly two years. Ygrene expects to open an office in Georgia early 2015. “Historically we have focused on partnering directly with local cities and counties, which has had an appeal to some jurisdictions,” said Michael Lemyre, Ygrene’s Vice President of District Development. “We will also being offering a statewide program in the near future that cities and counties can opt into, as well as offering to form a local district with them. Either way we design, develop and operate the PACE programs with local jurisdictions – an option that they really like having.” Ygrene’s first Californian residential program started up in Sacramento during 2011. Since that time they have expanded throughout Sacramento County, neighbouring Yolo County and into the City of Chula Vista as well as Eastern Riverside county, in partnership with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG). There is at least one other residential PACE program, which operates within Sonoma County. Rumor has it that San Diego based Figtree PACE is contemplating the launch of a residential program. Images: “Going Green” from News of the Week from Dave’s Desk) Spread of PACE programs. Symbol placings are not all county-specific. CF = California First; H = Hero PACE; S = Sonoma; Y= Ygrene Cisco DeVries, Father of P.A.C.E. and CEO of Renewable Funding Sacramento Sunrise – Courtesy Robert Couse-Baker, CC BY SA, 2.0
TRAVEL WARNING ISSUED DUE TO PROTESTS, CIVIL UNREST IN MEXICO INCLUDING ACAPULCO AND HIGHWAY TO MEXICO CITY
By Miriam Raftery November 27, 2014 (Washington D.C.) – The U.S. State Department has issued a travel warning due to the continued threat of protests and violent incidents in Mexico. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid road travel within all areas of Guerrero including along the main toll road 95D to and from Mexico City and Acapulco. U.S. citizens are also warned not to participate in protests in Mexico, since the Mexican constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners. Americans are urged to avoid areas of demonstrations, which could result in detention, deportation, or worse. The region has been rocked by protests over the disappearance of 43 student protesters in Iguala. Burned bodies found in a mass grave may be those of the missing students. There are allegations that they were abducted by police on orders of a mayor and turned over to a gang that murdered them. Mexico’s President Enrique Peña Nieto has called for constitutional reforms to allow the federal government to takeover local police departments, CNN reports. The Mayor of Iguala and dozens more have been arrested by federal police. Yesterday, 11 more mutilated and decapitated bodies were found, as the violence continues. 14 U.S. Senators including California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer have sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry voicing concerns over the situation in Mexico, according to Reporting San Diego. The letter reveals that 22,000 Mexican people have gone missing over the past ten years. The Senators ask Secretary Kerry to have the U.S. offer investigative and forensic resources to the Mexican government and to see that the perpetrators are ultimately brought to justice. A poster (right) was issued by the Guerrero goverment showing faces of the missing 43 students and asking help to find them. Major protests have been occurring in the region. Demonstrators could block roadways and take over toll booths, the State Department warns, adding that even peaceful protests could turn violent. Travelers already in the region are advised to follow the same restrictions ordered for U.S. government personnel. Avoid going out after dark. During the day, remain in the hotel zone; the popular tourist area of Diamante has been less affected by violence. Avoid non-essential travel to areas further than two blocks inland from Costera Miguel Aleman Boulevard which runs parallel to the major beach areas. Be vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase your personal security; be aware of your surroundings and monitor local news stations for updates. The State Department strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Mexico enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at www.travel.state.gov. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, you can enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. You can also monitor the State Department’s website to find current travel warnings and read country specific information for Mexico. In addition, you can check the Mexico City Embassy homepage and messages for U.S. citizens for the latest emergency, security, and routine messages. You can also get updates by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City is located at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, Mexico, D.F. and is open 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday, switchboard phone number (dialing from the United States) 011-52-555-080-2000, http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/eacs_hours.html. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, dial the main switchboard number and ask to speak to an American Citizen Services staff member for assistance. Follow the State Department on Twitter and Facebook, and download its free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.
SDSU STUDY FINDS DANGEROUS BENZENE LEVELS IN HOOKAH SMOKE
By Chris Jennewein Reprinted with permission form Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association (SDONA) Photo: Water pipes at a Hookah lounge. Courtesy SDSU November 26, 2014 (San Diego) – Hookah smokers, as well as nonsmokers exposed to the smoke in hookah lounges, show a significant increase in uptake of benzene, a chemical associated with an increased risk for leukemia, according to a new study by San Diego State University. “In contrast to what is believed, hookah tobacco smoking is not a safe alternative to smoking other forms of tobacco,” aid Nada Kassem, associate director at the Center for Behavioral Epidemiology and Community Health at SDSU. “Because there is no safe level of exposure to benzene, our results call for interventions to reduce or prevent hookah tobacco use, regulatory actions to limit hookah-related exposure to toxicants including benzene, and include hookah smoking in clean indoor air legislation.” The study tested the urine of 105 hookah smokers and 103 nonsmokers. Researchers found the levels of S-phenylmercapturic acid, a metabolite on benzene, were four times higher in hookah smokers and two times higher in nonsmokers after attending a hookah lounge event. The study was supported by the American Cancer Society and published in the published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.