FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: DRIVING IN THE RAIN-CAUTION, SLIPPERY WHEN WET!
By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna December 2, 2014 (San Diego)–The roads are slippery from much needed rain, which means you could slide more if you brake too quickly. Over time, engine oil and other substances build up on streets, and when rainwater gets added to the mix, a very slippery combination results. Always give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. There’s also a chance that you could get water in your brakes, which will cause them to lose their stopping power. Never rush when it’s raining heavily: accidents are even more likely when weather conditions are poor. Even if it’s only lightly sprinkling, your headlights will help you see the road better. Having your headlights on allows other drivers to see you. Allow extra following distance. Avoid braking suddenly to lessen the risk of locking up your brakes and going into a skid or spin. If you do find your car in a spin due to wet or icy conditions, turn your steering wheel into the direction of the skid. For instance if your rear wheels are spinning to the left, turn your steering wheel to the left to stop the spinning. Staying away from standing water (like large puddles) is the best-case scenario, but if you approach it on the roadway and must drive through it, be sure you slow down. If you don’t, you risk hydroplaning and losing control of your car. Passing through deep water could spell trouble for your car’s engine and brakes. If you can stay off the road, do so. There’s no sense risking an accident if you don’t have to. Have your mechanic check your windshield wipers, brakes and tires. Did I mention stay off the cell phone? Get off it and exercise good common sense at all times!
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HEALTHY FOR THE HOLIDAYS: GET YOUR FLU SHOT, COUNTY SAYS
East County News Service December 2, 2014 (San Diego) — The County is reminding residents that the best way to protect yourself and your family from influenza is to get your flu shot. You can visit sdiz.org for a list of local clinics that offer it and to learn the truth about five myths about the vaccine.
NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR EL CAJON CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
December 2, 2014 (El Cajon) – Nominations are now being accepted for El Cajon Citizen of the Year through December 19th. Do you know someone who has selflessly worked to better the El Cajon community? Nominees don’t have to live in El Cajon, but their efforts must benefit the city of El Cajon to qualify. Anyone who has served the city of El Cajon and its citizens can be nominated. That includes volunteer activities in the best interests of the El Cajon community. People currently seeking public office are not eligible. The nominations deadline is December 19th at 4 p.m. Nominations should be turned in to the East County Chamber of Commerce office at 201 South Magnolia Avenue in El Cajon. E-mailed nominations will not be accepted. The Selection Committee will meet on January 5, 2015 to vote for this year’s El Cajon Citizen of the Year. A luncheon will be held at the Ronald Reagan Community Center in El Cajon on February 3, 2015 to honor this year’s Recipient. Reservations may be made through the East County Chamber of Commerce at 619 440 6161. For more information or an application, please contact Drum Macomber at 619 442 5313.
SAN ONOFRE SETTLEMENT APPROVED, LOCAL GROUP PLEDGES COURT BATTLE
By Miriam Raftery December 2, 2014 (San Onofre) – By a unanimous vote, the California Public Utilities Commission has approved the $3.3 billion San Onofre settlement. No public comment was allowed at the hearing, which was held in San Francisco despite the fact that the ratepayers impacted all live in Southern California. Ray Lutz, founder of the Citizens Oversight nonprofit group based in El Cajon, said the decision is “not surprising” but adds that it is nevertheless astonishing to watch the how the Commission is totally beholden to the utilities.” An appeal of the settlement will be filed in state court, says Lutz, who states, “We are continuing to fight for the ratepayer, to get part of the $1000 per meter rip-off this settlement represents.” His group has argued that ratepayers should not have to pay for power than was never produced. A federal lawsuit has also been filed. Lutz believes this approach may be more successful because the utilities and the CPUC have to answer to the federal courts. Also at the hearing in San Francisco, the Public Utilities Commission fined PG&E $1 million for improper communications with commissioners regarding the deadly San Bruno pipeline explosion. But Lutz observes, “That’s like fining a person making $100K per year $5.” Commissioner Florio and Chairman Peevey both recused themselves from that vote.
BROADWAY STAR TO PERFORM IN LES MISERABLES AT SDSU DEC. 4-7
December 1, 2014 (San Diego) – San Diego State University is producing an epic-scale concert version of Les Miserables, the classic tale of love and redemption set amid revolutionary times in 19th century France. The show stars Broadway veteran Ivan Rutherford as hero Jean Valjean, along with a cast of musical theater graduate students, members of the SDSU Symphony Orchestra, the SDSU Chamber and Concert Choirs, as well as “rock-concert quality lighting and projections,” according to the SDSU news center. The performance will take stage on December 4, 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m. and on December 7 at 2 p.m. in SDSU’s Don Powell Theatre. For tickets ($20 general admission, $15 students and seniors) visit the online box office at ttf.sdsu.edu. “Les Misérables” is a collaboration between the SDSU School of Theatre, Television, and Film and the SDSU School of Music and Dance, combining their talents to present the beloved musical creation based on the novel by Victor Hugo.
CAROLING ON MT. HELIX DEC. 14
December 1, 2014 (Mt. Helix) – The annual Mt. Helix Park Sing-Along Caroling event will be held Sunday, December 14 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the ampitheater atop Mt. Helix. Gina Seashore, and her talented group of musicians, will be leading the caroling at this free and festive event for the whole family. Santa will be on hand to visit, but bring your own camera for photos with Santa and your child. Free hot coffee and cocoa will be available, along with baked goods provided by SPRITES. A raffle will also be held to help cover costs. Parking and shuttles will be available at the San Miguel Fire Station located at 10105 Vivera Drive at Mt. Helix Drive. The first shuttle will run up the hill at 6:15 pm and shuttles will run continuously thereafter. Be sure to dress warmly and bring a flashlight.
FLASH FLOOD WATCH ISSUED COUNTYWIDE
December 1, 2014 (San Diego) – The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for Tuesday and early Wednesday in San Diego County’s mountain, valley and coastal areas. Mountains and recent burn areas will have the greatest threat pontetial with up to five inches of rain forecast; be prepared for flooding and debris flows. Moderate to heavy rain in coastal and valley areas will produce urban flooding in flood-prone low-lying areas and streets with poor drainage. A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued.
REALTOR CONVICTED OF PROSTITUTION WITH YOUNG GIRLS IN EL CAJON
East County News Service December 1, 2014 (San Diego) – San Diego realtor Michael E. Lustig, 77, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for prostitution-related crimes. Lustig admitted that he paid for sex with a 13-year old girl on several occasions after he was caught on surveillance video at an El Cajon motel. Lustig was arrested initially in 2012 during a Sheriff’s operation targeting johns in Encinitas. Deputies seized his cell phones, which revealed he had contacted two young girls to engage in prostitution – one 11 years old, the other 13. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) members coordinated with the Sheriff in the investigation. Investigators interviewed the girls, who confirmed that Lustig had paid them for sex on multiple occasions and that at least one of the girls had told him she was under-age. U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy says,Lustig victimized the most vulnerable population in our community – children, and has now been brought to justice. She adds, “We will do everything in our power to protect children from predators.”
EX-DIRECTOR CONVICTED OF STEALING FUNDS FROM INDIAN HUMAN RESOURCE CENTER
East County News Service December 1, 2014 (San Diego)–The Indian Human Resource Center’s former executive director, David Hedley from San Diego, has been convicted of stealing funds from the federal agency. Hedley was sentenced to spend five months in prison and to pay back $141,260 that he stole. According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, Hedley spent some of that money gambling at local casinos while serving as director in 2012. Hedley, who has a wife and infant daughter, also had a drinking problem, according to court papers filed by his attorney. The money he stole was intended to help fulfill the Indian Human Resource Center’s mission to provide job training and help for Native Americans seeking employment outside of tribal reservations.