TROUBLE IN MIND: ON STAGE AT THE MOXIE THEATRE JAN. 31 – FEB. 22
January 27, 2015 (San Diego) – Trouble in Mind, a groundbreaking classic about a racially integrated cast rehearsing for what the actors hope will be the next big hit on Broadway, takes stage at the Moxie Theatre (6063 El Cajon Blvd.)in San Diego from January 31st through February 22nd. Plus on February 8th, you can join the director and actors for a post-show discussion to learn more about the play and enrich your theater-going experience. The playwright, Alice Childress, was first African-American woman to have a professional play produced in New York. For tickets and details, visit www.moxietheatre.com.
PROPOSED STATE LAW WOULD RESTRICT E-CIGARETTES
By Miriam Raftery January 27, 2015 (Sacramento) – E-cigarettes could soon be prohibited in restaurants, bars, workplaces and hospitals. State Senator Mark Leno has introduce a measure, Senate Bill 140, that would ban e-cigarettes everywhere that standard cigarettes are currently prohibited. Senator Leno says that these product manufacturers are really selling addiction. He adds,, “Like traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes deliver nicotine in a cloud of other toxic chemicals, and their use should be restricted equally under state law in order to protect health.” His measure would also strengthen enforcement against sales of electronic cigarettes and related products to minors. Locally, some jurisdictions have already moved to restrict e-cigarettes, including the city of El Cajon and County Supervisors. But other cities have declined to take action. The state measure aims to protect public health throughout California. The bill is supported by major health groups including the American Society Cancer Action Network, American Lung Association, and the American Heart Association. The Centers for Disease Control has reported an alarming rise in use of such devices among teenagers, and locally educators have testified to use of these types of products by even very young teens in classrooms, with products camouflaged to resemble marking pens and even asthma inhalers. Similar legislation in the past has met with fierce opposition from the tobacco industry, including makers of devices such as “hookah pens” and “vape pipes,” the Sacramento Bee reports. The measure could face substantial opposition in the Legislature due to the increasing influence of special interests in the state Capitol. In the past,prominent Republican legislators have frequently taken large contributions from tobacco companies to lobby against anti-tobacco bills. But last year, the Sacramento Bee reported that several anti-smoking bills were shelved after as an increasing number of Democratic legislators also accepted campaign cash from cigarette manufacturers. Whether legislators will enact reforms to protect teens and others from dangers posed by vaping and e-ciagarettes, or allow proposed reforms to go up in smoke, remains to be seen.
TEEN BITTEN BY RATTLESNAKE AT MISSION TRAILS
By Miriam Raftery January 26, 2015 (San Diego) – A 15-year-old boy hiking at Mission Trails Regional Park on Sunday was bitten by a rattlesnake. Rattlesnakes typically hibernate in the winter months, but in San Diego, warm weather even in January can lead to snakes being active, so hikers are advised to take precautions on local trails. The victim, Bradley Avey, was hiking with family members on Shepherd’s Trail when the snake struck him on the leg. His father told 10 News that the snake was at least three feet in length. The boy was air-lifted to Rady Children’s Hopsital, where he is reportedly in good condition despite a swollen leg. When hiking in brushy areas, always keep your eyes on the trail and scan from side to side as you walk. It’s a good idea to carry a walking stick. While in this case the snake struck within warning, rattlesnakes often do provide a tell-tale rattling sound before striking. If you hear or see a rattler, freeze, then slowly back away. Never reach into brush or onto rocks where you can’t see, since rattlesnakes often like to sun themselves on sunny, rocky ledges. Always carry a cell phone when hiking and if you are bitten, call 911 immediately, since rattlesnake bites are almost never fatal if prompt medical attention including anti-venom treatment is received.
HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
January 26, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)– Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future. HEALTH Hibernating animals might hold clues to fighting Alzheimer’s (Huffington Post) UN: At least 50 Ebola hotspots remain, but new cases falling(UT San Diego) Autism test nears market (U-T) One Scientist’s Race To Help Microbes Help You Mali announces end of its Ebola outbreak Global soil hunt for new drugs More Teens Getting Whooping Cough Since Vaccine Change SCIENCE TECH Ocean Life Faces Mass Extinction, Broad Study Says At 90, She’s Designing Tech For Aging Boomers For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down. HEALTH Hibernating animals might hold clues to fighting Alzheimer’s (Huffington Post) What does animal hibernation have to do with Alzheimer’s? More than you might think. According to new research, the way that critters wake up from a long winter’s rest could help scientists devise new treatments for dementia. Research from Leicester University have isolated a cold-activated protein, RBM3, which helps restore brain activity of animals that are coming out of long hibernation periods. Though the protein also exists in humans, it’s been found to be missing among Alzheimer’s patients, whose brains also commonly have a reduced number of synapses. UN: At least 50 Ebola hotspots remain, but new cases falling(UT San Diego) At least 50 Ebola hotspots remain in the three hardest-hit West African countries but new cases are declining and the deadly disease will be defeated, the U.N.’s Ebola chief said Thursday. Autism test nears market (U-T) The test from Pediatric Bioscience detects maternal antibodies linked to autism. / A blood test for one of the most common forms of autism is due to be launched in the third quarter of 2015, San Diego’s Pediatric Bioscience said Wednesday. One Scientist’s Race To Help Microbes Help You (NPR) — Moving the American Gut Project to a biotech hub like San Diego may speed the jump from basic research to real treatments. At least that’s microbe tracker Rob Knight’s plan. Mali announces end of its Ebola outbreak Mali’s health minister says the West African country is Ebola-free after recording no new cases for 42 days, the period required for the World Health Organization to declare an outbreak officially over. Global soil hunt for new drugs (BBC) — US scientists are asking the public to send in soil samples that can be screened for compounds that could be used to make vital new drugs to fight deadly infections and cancer. More Teens Getting Whooping Cough Since Vaccine Change A change in the whooping cough vaccine may be contributing to more teens getting the illness. SCIENCE TECH Ocean Life Faces Mass Extinction, Broad Study Says (NYTimes.com) — A team of scientists, in a groundbreaking analysis of data from hundreds of sources, has concluded that humans are on the verge of causing unprecedented damage to the oceans and the animals living in them. At 90, She’s Designing Tech For Aging Boomers (NPR) — Barbara Beskind stands out in youth-obsessed Silicon Valley. She inspires designers at the IDEO firm to think about the needs of older generations: What if your glasses could help you remember people?
FRIENDS OF THE DESCANSO LIBRARY GROUP IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS!
January 26, 2015 (Descanso)—Friends of the Descanso Library needs volunteers—including a new treasurer this month! The current treasurer will train you on Quick Books and treasurer’s duties. The group also seeks a chairperson for the ‘Everyone’s a Reader’ program at Descanso Elementary school. Training is available and last year’s volunteers are still interested in participating—they just need a chair. More volunteer opportunities are available! If interested, please visit www.friendsofdescansolibrary.org or call 619-445-8814. The Descanso Library is located at 9545 River Drive in Descanso.
BLIZZARD SOCKS IN EAST COAST
East County News Service January 26, 2015 (San Diego)–If you’re traveling to the Northeast, you may have a long wait. Over 7,700 flights have been grounded—and many may not take off for days. That’s because the worst blizzard in years is slamming the region. The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for a 250-mile-wide area where whiteout conditions may occur. The blizzard brings dangerous conditions, with potential hurricane force winds and up to three feet of snow forecast in New York. Other major cities impacted include Boston and Philadelphia. Altogether, over 50 million people are in the warning zone, which encompasses Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In New York, the subway has been shut down, along with schools and government offices—and on Broadway, the lights are dark. Governors and mayors across the Northeast have declared emergencies, ordering closure of highways and streets to all but emergency vehicles and snow plows. Coastal residents are warned that flooding and 75 mile an hour winds may occur. In New Jersey, people are urged to move inland and park cars in protected areas. In Washington D.C., the House of Representatives postponed votes due to some Congressional members unable to catch flights to the nation’s capitol from their districts, CBS news reports. Power outages are also likely to occur—and that may lead to a flurry of special activities. Following the great New York blizzard and blackout of 1965, a baby boom occurred nine months later. The same thing happened after Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast, when a 10 to 30 percent increase in birth rates ensued. According to Medical Daily, Dr. Jacques Moritz of St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York explained these sudden outbursts of passion this way. “There’s no Internet and no cable,” he said, adding, “What else is there to do?”
AHOY! ADMIRALS PRO ICE HOCKEY TEAM SET TO MOVE TO SAN DIEGO
East County News Service January 27, 2015 (San Diego) –Here’s some news that’s just “ducky” for San Diego ice hockey fans. It’s been years since San Diego lost its pro hockey team, the Gulls. But now San Diego is poised to once again have a professional hockey team for fans to cheer on. The American Hockey League Board of Governors voted last weekend to approve formation of a new Pacific Division, the Virginian Pilot reports. The new division will reportedly include five teams – including one in San Diego. The Norfolk, Virginia Admirals are being purchased by the Anaheim Ducks, which plans to move the team to San Diego for the 2015-2016 season slated to start this fall, UT san Diego reports. The Ducks were originally founded by the Walt Disney Company, named after the Mighty Ducks Disney movie. The Ducks finished 1st in the Pacific division last season. The Norfolk Admirals, soon to be San Diego’s team, finished 3rd in the AHL’s eastern division last season with 40 wins and 26 losses. In the 2011-2012 season, the Admirals won 28 consecutive games, setting a professional hockey record. The Admirals are expected to play at the Valley View Casino Center, formerly known as the San Diego Sports Arena.
SHERIFF ANNOUNCES DUI PATROLS ON SUPER BOWL SUNDAY
January 26, 2015 (San Diego) — The Sheriff’s Department is teaming up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to keep impaired drivers off San Diego’s roadways on Super Bowl Sunday. Watch for increased DUI patrols by Sheriff’s Deputies across the county beginning on Sunday, February 1 at 3:00 p.m. and lasting through 5:00 a.m. the following day. In 2014, more than 1,400 people were arrested for DUI by the Sheriff’s Department. In 2013, deputies arrested 1,888 people for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. “There’s no reason anyone should be drinking and driving,” said Sheriff Bill Gore. “It’s completely avoidable. Never get behind the wheel after drinking. Remember: FANS DON’T LET FANS DRIVE DRUNK!” The Sheriff’s Department has these tips for a safe Super Bowl Sunday: • Plan a safe way home before the game begins • Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home • If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member or use public transportation • If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 9-1-1 immediately Here are some sober rider options: • Be My Designated Driver – http://goo.gl/9JBt9g • Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) – http://goo.gl/kFy8Xd • North County Transit District (NCTD) – http://goo.gl/WHHUO If you are caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you will go to jail. To watch a public safety video on the high price of drinking and driving, follow the Sheriff’s Department on VIMEO: http://goo.gl/7bhwnJ. Funding for this DUI enforcement program is from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
FLIGHTS THREATENED, INCLUDING SOUTHWEST PLANE FROM SAN DIEGO
By Miriam Raftery January 26, 2015 (San Diego) – Multiple flights have received threats posted on Twitter in recent days, including a threat against a Southwest flight from San Diego to Dallas. All of the threats proved false – but not before causing added screenings and concerns. The threat against the Southwest flight out of Lindbergh Field were among six flights threatened on Monday. The locally-originated flight was threatened by an account called @ISISgangCP. The threat claimed that flight 4200 had a “massive semi-nuclear explosive on board.” The tweet claimed that if the bomb failed, “I will shoot the plane,” 10 News reports. FBI special agent Darrell Foxworth assured that the plane landed safely in Dallas and that all passengers were rescreened before the flight continued to its next destination. Southwest has issued a statement indicating it takes all threats seriously and that the airline is working with authorities to assure the safety of all flights. The company policy is not to comment further on security matters. Military fighter jets were dispatched to escort two flights by Delta and Southwest into Atlanta over the weekend, according to the North American Defense Command. Additional threats were made Monday against flights by Jet Blue, U.S. Airways and Delta. The Twitter accounts operated by those who made the threats have been suspended, NBC News in Dallas reports. Those headaches for air travelers came on the heels of 4,500 flights grounded nationwide due to a blizzard that hit the East Coast, including eight flights cancelled out of San Diego.