AFGHAN WAR ENDS
Photo Credit: Department of Defense December 28, 2014 (San Diego)–It’s official: the longest war in U.S. history is now over. On Sunday, the U.S. and NATO held a ceremony at their headquarters in Kabul to mark the end of combat in Afghanistan. U.S. Army General John Campbell, commander of the international Security Assistance Force, stated, “Today marks an end of an era, and the beginning of a new one.” He added that the 13-year combat mission was “filled with significant achievements and branded by tremendous sacrifice.” The war killed over 2,200 Americans and wounded nearly 20,000. At the peak of the war, the U..S. had 100,000 troops in Afghanistan. President Barack Obama says the past 13 years have “tested our nation and our military.” During his administration, 90 percent of the troops have come home so far. Roughly 10,600 troops will remain in Afganistan to train, advise and assist Afghan security forces in a new mission called “Resolute Support,” which also includes air support from any attacks by the Taliban. A portion of the troops remaining will be special forces. That number is predicted to be reduced another 50% next year and by the end of 2016, the goal is to have no U.S. forces left in Afghanistan except at the embassy in Kabul. Afghan troops also suffered high casualties in the war, which killed over 9,000 Afghan troops and policemen fighting the Taliban. In addition an estimated 10,000 civilians have been killed, according to the United Nations.
SNOW LEVEL DOWN TO 2,000 FEET, WIND CHILL BELOW ZERO IN MOUNTAINS
East County News Service December 28, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – A cold Alaskan storm is set to strike our region Tuesday night, continuing through New Year’s Eve on Wednesday night, the National Weather Service predicts. The storm is forecast to bring two to four inches of snow on mountain peaks, with snow also accumulating as low as 2,000 feet –including communities such as Alpine, Descanso, Julian and Jacumba. Bundle up – since wind chill values will fall below zero in higher mountain areas. Snow could impact travel on Interstate 8 at Sunrise Pass and on Interstate 15 at Cajon Pass. In western regions of the county, rain is forecast and thunderstorms are possible. The rain will top off a wetter than normal month. Since December 1st, San Diego’s Lindbergh Field has recorded 4.42” of rain, which is 3.14” above normal. Ramona has received 3.24” of rain, which is about 1.5” above normal. That’s good news for reducing the risk of wildfires and helping recharge some wells in rural areas, but is not yet enough to end the statewide drought, the worst in recorded state history.
MEXICO TRAVEL WARNING BROADENED TO INCLUDE BORDER REGIONS
East County News Service December 28, 2014 (San Diego)–The U.S. State Department has broadened its warning for U.S. citizens regarding risks of traveling to parts of Mexico due to criminal activity that has resulted in deaths of 85 American citizens this year, including some who were innocent bystanders. Kidnappings are also on the rise; 130 American citizens were kidnapped during the first 11 months of this year. For the first time, the warning now includes major cities and travel destinations in Baja California including Tijuana, Rosarito, Ensenada and Mexicali. Major concerns include criminal activity along highways, especially at night. Turf battles between criminal groups have resulted in numerous homicides, including shootings of innocent bystanders, even during daylight hours. Travelers are also advised to exercise caution in Baja California Sur in the state capital of La Paz, as well as Cabo San Lucas, major travel destinations that have experienced high rates of violence including homicides. Other Mexican states with travel advisories for U.S. citizens include Agauscalientes, Chihuaha, Coahuila, Colima, Durango, Estado de Mexico, Guerrero, Jalisco, Mexico City, Michoacán, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tamaulipas, Veracruz and Zacatecas. These states include many major resort and tourist destinations, such as Acapulco. While millions of American citizens safely visit Mexico each year and there is no evidence that Americans have been specifically targeted, U.S. citizens have fallen victim to criminal activity, including homicide, gun battles, kidnapping, carjacking, and highway robbery. Gun battles between rival criminal organizations or with Mexican authorities have taken place in towns and cities in many parts of Mexico. Gun battles have occurred in broad daylight on streets and in other public venues, such as restaurants and clubs. During some of these incidents, U.S. citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area. Criminal organizations have used stolen vehicles to create roadblocks on major thoroughfares, preventing the military and police from responding to criminal activity. According to statistics published by the Mexican Secretaria de Gobernacion (SEGOB), in 2013 kidnappings nationwide increased 20 percent over the previous year. The states with the highest numbers of kidnappings were Tamaulipas, Guerrero, Michoacán, Estado de Mexico, and Morelos. Additionally, according to a study by National Institute of Statistics and Geography, Mexico suffered an estimated 105,682 kidnappings in 2012, but only 1,317 were reported to the police. Police have been implicated in some of these incidents. Both local and expatriate communities have been victimized. U.S. citizens are encouraged to lower their personal profiles and to avoid displaying indicators of wealth such as expensive or expensive-looking jewelry, watches, or cameras. U.S. citizens are encouraged to maintain awareness of their surroundings and avoid situations in which they may be isolated or stand out as potential victims. Kidnappings in Mexico have included traditional, “express,” and “virtual” kidnappings. Victims of traditional kidnappings are physically abducted and held captive until a ransom is paid for release. “Express” kidnappings are those in which a victim is abducted for a short time and forced to withdraw money, usually from an ATM, then released. A “virtual” kidnapping is an extortion-by-deception scheme wherein a victim is contacted by phone and convinced to isolate themselves from family and friends until a ransom is paid. The victim’s family is then contacted and a ransom for the “kidnapped” extracted. Recently, some travelers to Mexico staying at hotels as guests have been targets of such “virtual” kidnapping schemes. Of particular safety concern are casinos or other gambling establishments and adult entertainment establishments, the State Department reports. Carjacking and highway robbery are serious problems in many parts of the border region, and U.S. citizens have been murdered in such incidents—though most victims who complied with carjackers’ demands were not physically harmed. Carjackers have shot at vehicles that have attempted to flee. Incidents have occurred during the day and at night, and carjackers have used a variety of techniques, including roadblocks, bumping/moving vehicles to force them to stop, and running vehicles off the road at high speeds. There are indications that criminals target newer and larger vehicles, especially dark-colored SUVs. However, even drivers of old sedans and buses coming from the United States have been targeted. Violent carjackings usually occur at night and on isolated roads, so traveling between cities only during daylight outs and avoiding isolated roads can reduce your risk. The Mexican government has deployed federal police and military personnel throughout the country as part of its efforts to combat organized criminal groups. U.S. citizens traveling on Mexican roads and highways by car or bus may encounter government checkpoints, staffed by military or law enforcement personnel. In some places, criminal organizations have erected their own unauthorized checkpoints, at times wearing police and military uniforms, and have killed or abducted motorists who have failed to stop at them. So you should cooperate at all checkpoints, the State Department advises Demonstrations are common but can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Protesters in Mexico may block traffic on roads or take control of toll booths on highways. U.S. citizens are urged to avoid areas of demonstrations. Travelers who encounter protestors demanding unofficial tolls are generally allowed to pass upon payment. U.S. Citizens should avoid participating in demonstrations and other activities that might be deemed political because the Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, so such actions may result in imprisonment or deportation. The Department since 2010 has imposed restrictions on U.S. government employees’ travel in Mexico, including banning night driving in some areas, which means U.S. government personnel will not be able to respond quickly to help Americans in an emergency situation. Further Information For more detailed information on staying safe in Mexico, including the latest alerts, visit www.Travel.State.gov. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States or for callers outside the United States, a toll line at 001-202-501-4444. U.S. citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to enroll with the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. For emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Mexico, contact the U.S. Embassy
SANDAG MAKES $15 MILLION IN GRANTS AVAILABLE TO FUND SMART GROWTH AND BIKE/PEDESTRIAN PROJECTS
Applications Due March 20 December 26, 2014 (San Diego)–To incentivize projects that promote smart growth, as well as increase walking, biking, and transit usage, SANDAG is calling on local jurisdictions to submit applications for $15 million in competitive grants available under its TransNet Smart Growth Incentive Program (SGIP) and TransNet Active Transportation Grant Program (ATGP). Approximately $12 million in smart growth funds and $3 million in active transportation funds are available. Grant applications for both programs are due by 4 p.m., Friday, March 20, 2015. SANDAG will hold a pre-proposal workshop 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Jan. 8 in the SANDAG Board Room at 401 B St., 7th floor. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to attend. The money for the grant programs comes from two sources: TransNet, the regional half-cent sales tax for transportation approved by San Diego County voters, which sets aside 2 percent of annual revenues for each grant program; and funds distributed by the state under the California Transportation Development Act. Only local cities and the County of San Diego can apply for the grant funds. Nonprofit and community-based organizations may collaborate to apply for funding in conjunction with the cities or the county, but cannot apply directly for the funds. For details about the evaluation criteria for the current funding cycle, visit sandag.org/cycle3grants.To take an interactive tour of completed grant-funded projects for ideas on what would make a successful grant application, check out the story map at KeepSanDiegoMoving.com/grants.
GOV. BROWN NAMES MICHAEL PICKER, EX-AIDE, TO CHAIR CPUC
By Miriam Raftery Photo: Michael Picker during a visit to the University of San Diego December 25, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – Following the resignation of disgraced California Public Utilities President Michael Peevey, Governor Jerry Brown has appointed his former renewable energy advisor, Michael Picker, to head up the CPUC as president of the board. Picker also served in the same capacity for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s administration. The Governor also appointed Liane Randolph, former chairwoman of the California Fair Political Practices Commission and past deputy secretary and general counsel of the California Natural Resources Agency, to serve on the CPUC. Both appointments require confirmation by the state Senate and are expected to take effect January 1st. Peevey, former chief executive officer of Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) was exposed for having secret communications with his former employer, PG&E, to minimize the company’s liability for a fatal 2010 gas pipeline explosion in San Bruno. Peevey had long been accused of overly cozy relations with the companies he was supposed to regulate, including San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). In a prepared statement, Brown praised Picker’s experience and “sound judgment.” Both Picker and Randolph share a “commitment to seeing California achieve its ambitious renewable energy goals,” he added. A San Diego Reader article by Don Bauder indicates CPUC staffers stacked front rows in the audience on Peevey’s last day with pro-utility individuals who lavished praise on Peevey while failing to mention his role in limiting PG&E’s responsibility for deaths caused by its pipeline explosion that leveled an entire neighborhood. Citizens Oversight founder Ray Lutz of El Cajon spoke, criticizing the CPUC for failing to adequately regulate rates. San Diegans pay among the highest utility rates in the nation and a Reader investigation has found that Peevey “fixated on profits and stock prices” of for-profit utilities rather than the interests of ratepayers, Bauder wrote in the Reader. So might Picker offer any improvements over Peevey in terms of willingness to look out for ratepayers and residents over utility profits? Donna Tisdale, Chair of the Boulevard Planning Commission, told the Reader about her efforts to get help from Picker to protect residents from negative impacts of wind energy projects proposed across her rural region in San Diego’s East County. The visit included a visit to a wind project in Campo, where stray voltage a thousand times higher than normal has been measured inside homes nearby, where residents have cancer. A Reader reporter took the same tour with Tisdale and wrote, “#Back in Tisdale’s Explorer, we now head toward the wind turbines on the Campo Reservation, and the closer we get, the louder the sound from the blades becomes. It’s as if someone has turned on a vacuum cleaner in the backseat. Along the way, Tisdale points out various pieces of land that will soon be swallowed up by green energy. “Everyone seems shocked when I bring them out here. I even took out Governor Brown’s energy guy, Michael Picker. I gave him the tour, and he was overwhelmed and pretty aghast. And yet, when I said, ‘Nothing is going to change, is it?,’ he said, ‘The governor wants them everywhere.’ But he did tell me to send him more [information] on the health impacts.” During a visit by Picker to San Diego, East County Magazine’s news editor also attempted to talk with Picker regarding serious negative environmental and health impacts of several projects built and others proposed. At that time, back in 2012, I wrote, “…his attitude was a shock—he seemed to have zero interest in hearing about negative environmental or health impacts of these projects…and was not interested in hearing about viable alternatives, only those `solutions’ proposed by big energy companies.”