IMMIGRANTS LINE UP TO APPLY FOR DRIVER’S LICENSES
East County News Service January 2, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)–Starting January 1st, California has begun issuing special driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants. Across San Diego, lines formed as immigrants stepped up to apply for the new licenses, which are valid only for driving and are not valid for use as a federal ID, such as applying for a passport. A total of 10 states now allow licenses for undocumented immigrants. Under the new law, Assembly Bill 60, immigrants need only provide proof of identification, a thumbprint, and California residence, such as a rental lease or utility bill. They must also past a written test on driving rules which is available in several languages, however the driving test will be given only in English. Advocates argue that undocumented immigrants were already driving to go to work, take children to school or for other activities, though at risk of fines if found driving without a license. By requiring licenses, the state can assure that drivers have insurance and know the rules of the road. That helps protect public safety and also allows the state to collect fees for the new licenses. The Department of Motor Vehicles has hired hundreds of new employees to meet demand, since as many as 1.4 million applications are expected. The DMV is also opening on Saturdays to handle drivers license applications.
FIRE DAMAGES HOME IN EL CAJON ON NEW YEAR’S NIGHT
January 2, 2015 (El Cajon)– Heartland Fire Dispatch received reports at 6:21 p.m. on January 1st of a structure fire at 1753 Woodburn Street in El Cajon. As fire crews arrived on scene they found the attic area of the home in flames. Heartland Fire & Rescue crews from El Cajon, with assistance from the Santee Fire Department, quickly had the fire out in ten minutes. No one was home at the time of the fire. Neighbors heard the sound of the smoke alarm coming from inside the home and called 9-1-1. There were no injuries reported. Damage to home has been estimated at $125,000. The cause of the fire is now under investigation.
SNOW JAM!
By Miriam Raftery Photo: courtesy 10 News January 2, 2015 (Julian)–This week’s snowstorm transformed much of East County into a winter wonderland. Nine inches of snow fell in Julian and a full foot blanketed the top of Mount Laguna, with several inches all the way down to Descanso, KNSJ’s home town. The road to Julian has been ploughed and cleared for travel – but over this holiday weekend, that’s led to traffic jams as snow-loving San Diegans headed to the mountains. On Thursday afternoon, even Interstate 8 ground to a halt near the Sunrise Highway turnoff and the historic mountain town of Julian became completely gridlocked, 10 News reports. By mid-afternoon, access to some mountain towns was closed off completely with traffic backed up 25 miles or more. Those fortunate enough to make it into town in Julian scrambled for parking and waiting in lines of up to an hour outside the Julian Pie Company for one of those famous apple pies. But the tourism is good news for Julian merchants, who have been hard-hit by multiple wildfires, including one that shut down the town’s Fourth of July parade and festivities last summer. In North County, Palomar Mountain received a full foot of snow—and CHP had to shut down Highway 76 east due to traffic, also shutting down North Grade and East Grade Roads to everyone who wasn’t a resident. In counties to the north of San Diego, similar issues were encountered. An ECM reader visiting Lake Arrowhead reported seeing numerous cars that skidded off the road or into snow embankments. So if you do travel to the mountains, be patient – and carry chains, which may still be required at the higher elevations on Mt. Palomar and Mt. Laguna.
CACTUS AND CANYONS PHOTO TOUR JAN. 17
January 1, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – Nature and landscape photographers Ernie and Kati Cowan will lead a Cactus and Canyons photo tour to explore some of the most scenic and secret places of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park on Saturday, January 17th. This all day-hike runs from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The tour is designed for photographers to enhance your techniques and transform landscape photography into works of art, not just snapshops. You’ll visit narrow and winding slot canyons to learn proper exposure, lens selection, and composition in the morning, then visit other part locations in the afternoon, with a lunch stop at a local restaurant in Borrego Springs. The tour is open to all skill levels. For more details and tickets ($120) visit www.TheABF.org.
SAN DIEGO WEATHER EVENTS: YEAR IN REVIEW
East County News Service January 1, 2014 (San Diego) – “The end of 2014 has come and despite the cold air and low snow levels, the year will end up being the warmest on record,” Alex Tardy, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego says.. “2014 also featured the worse 3 year drought for the state of California. The drought continues, but the year was also full of interesting and impacting weather events across southern California.” Tardy has provided a 2014 Weather Events Year Review with many dramatic photos and fascinating facts about our local weather last year—including a few shot by East County Magazine and our readers. For more information you can visit weather.gov/SanDiego
NEED WORK? SHERIFF IS RECRUITING IN JANUARY
January 1, 2014 (San Diego)—The San Diego Sheriff’s office is hiring. Recruitment for sworn positions will open for ten days in January. It means you can apply on-line for the position and register to take the written exam. The application process is often suspended to process all those that have come in. Open recruitment begins Friday, January 2nd through Monday, January 12th. Just go to www.joinsdsheriff.net to apply. For questions about the application process, call (858) 974-2000 or email recruit@sdsheriff.org. The Sheriff’s Department also has job opportunities for professional staff. Detention facilities are looking for nurses (LVN http://goo.gl/ikJwdX and RN http://goo.gl/hNxEAy). For questions about the application process or qualifications, call (858) 974-2687. Open recruitment for nurses will close on January 13th. We are always looking for Emergency Dispatchers or 9-1-1 Operators. To apply, visit http://goo.gl/qQdRUY. Applicants will be required to complete a comprehensive background investigation.