GRAND JURY PROPOSES CHANGES TO COMPENSATION OF CITY OF SAN DIEGO ELECTED OFFICIALS
February 3, 2015 (San Diego) – In the above titled report issued today, the 2014/15 San Diego County Grand Jury found that the process mandated by the San Diego City Charter for setting the salary for the Mayor and Councilmembers is fundamentally flawed. Once every two years, a citizens’ group, the Salary Setting Commission, recommends an appropriate salary for the Mayor and members of the City Council. Councilmembers must then vote to accept, reduce, or reject that recommendation. The Grand Jury suggests the process creates a conflict of interest, or at least the appearance of one, by requiring Councilmembers to vote for their own compensation. As a result, they are reluctant to vote themselves a salary increase. Since July 1, 2003, they have not had an increase, while the cost of living has increased by more than 25%. The Grand Jury recommends an amendment to the City Charter by which salaries of the Mayor and Councilmembers are determined by an external benchmark. The report does not recommend that a specific benchmark be adopted. It cites two examples: linkage to salaries of Superior Court Judges set by the State Legislature, and linkage to the Consumer Price Index published by the Federal Bureau of Labor Standards. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors and the City of Los Angeles use the former, while the City of Long Beach employs the latter method. The report recommends that the newly created Charter Review Committee fully vet a new process for setting Mayoral and Councilmember salaries, and place the required charter amendment on the ballot in June or November 2016. The new process would take effect on July 1, 2017 if approved by the voters. The complete report can be found on the Grand Jury’s website: www.sdcounty.ca.gov/grandjury or here.
SHERIFF’S COFFEE WITH COMMUNITY FEB. 17 IN RANCHO SAN DIEGO
February 3, 2015 (Rancho San Diego)–The Rancho San Diego Sheriff’s Station is holding a Coffee with the Community event on Tuesday, February 17th from 8-10 a.m. at Dolci Café Italia (2650 Jamacha Road, Suite 121) in Rancho San Diego. Coffee with the Community gives the public a chance to chat with the Station’s Captain, Deputies and Crime Prevention Specialist in a casual setting to exchange ideas and concerns over a free cup of coffee and pastries.
HARLEM GOSPEL CHOIR & VENICE BAROQUE ORCHESTRA TO PERFORM IN ESCONDIDO FEB. 15 AND 27
“(Venice Baroque Orchestra is) one of the world’s most adventurous and dramatic period-instrument ensembles.” -NPR “Harlem Gospel Choir are Angels in Harlem.” -Bono, U2 February 3, 2015 (Escondido) — The California Center for the Arts, Escondido (the Center) proudly presents two inspirational evenings from renowned groups the Harlem Gospel Choir and GRAMMY®-nominated Venice Baroque Orchestra with Avi Avital. The world-renowned performers will bring their brilliant performances to the Center’s Concert Hall and Center Theater on February 15, 2015 and February 27, 2015. The Harlem Gospel Choir will also offer a Master Class in the Concert Hall at 4 pm the afternoon of their performance. The Choir will teach the class a number from their show, and the class will perform that number onstage with the Choir during the performance. For additional information, please visit http://artcenter.org/education/master-classes Regularly performing contemporary gospel with a touch of jazz and blues, the world famous Harlem Gospel Choir has been America’s premier gospel choir for more than two decades. The Choir’s dynamic vocals, infectious enthusiasm, and glorious harmonies inspire audiences to tap their feet and clap their hands throughout a high-energy celebration of American gospel. Blues, soul and rock-and-roll all have origins in black gospel music, and the Choir joyfully presents modern gospel classics as performed in the black churches of Harlem today. Harlem Gospel Choir has performed alongside superstars such as Bono, Diana Ross, Lyle Lovett, Josh Groban, and Sinead O’Connor. They have performed for three Presidents (President Barack Obama, President Jimmy Carter, and President Nelson Mandela), two Popes (Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI) and have recorded with the likes of Sir Keith Richards, The Chieftains, and Trace Adkins. Together, the ensemble has toured the globe, thrilling audiences with the incredible power of black gospel music. Stone Brewing Co. is a proud presenting sponsor of the Harlem Gospel Choir performance at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. *The Harlem Gospel Choir performs at the Concert Hall on February 15, 2015. More information can be found on http://artcenter.org/event/harlem-gospel-choir/ Founded in 1997 by Baroque scholar and harpsichordist Andrea Marcon, the Venice Baroque Orchestra is one of the world’s premier ensembles devoted to period instrument performance, with a focus on bringing freshness, joviality, and experimentation to early music. Nominated for a GRAMMY® for “Best Classical Solo Vocal Album” for their recording of Porpora arias with Philloppe Jaroussky, the ensemble deftly interprets thrilling Italian Baroque concertos by Vivaldi, Marcello, and Geminiani. Highlights of Venice Baroque’s 2013-14 season include extensive tours of Europe, the United States and Asia, concerts with contralto Marie-Nicole Lemieux in France and Belgium, performances with cellist Gautier Capuçon, and tours with recorder player Maurice Steger and violinist Giuliano Carmignola. The orchestra’s virtuosity is highlighted by a selection of mandolin concertos featuring acclaimed Israeli soloist Avi Avital. Recognized by The New York Times for his “exquisitely sensitive playing” and “stunning agility”, Avital is one of the world’s most exciting musicians and is the first mandolin player to receive a GRAMMY® nomination in the category, “Best Instrumental Soloist” (2010), for his recording of Avner Dorman’s Mandolin Concerto. The musician has performed at renowned venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Wigmore Hall in London, and has appeared as a soloist with the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Freiburger Barockorchester, San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, and Berliner Symphoniker. *Venice Baroque Orchestra with Avi Avital performs at the Center Theater on February 27, 2015. More information can be found on http://artcenter.org/event/venice-baroque-orchestra/ About The California Center for the Arts, Escondido With a mission of bringing people together to discover, create and celebrate both the visual and performing arts, The California Center for the Arts, Escondido is the cultural center of North San Diego County. The Center’s unique campus includes a 1,523-seat concert hall, a 404-seat theater, a contemporary art museum, art and dance studios, and a full-service conference center with meeting and banquet facilities. The Center also runs an extensive education program and produces free community events, such as the Jazz Jam Sessions, Holiday Tree Lighting, Day of the Dead, 4th of July and WOW First Wednesdays performances. The Center is located at 340 N. Escondido Blvd. in Escondido. The Ticket Office can be reached at (800) 988-4253. Tickets can also be purchased online. To learn more, including performance dates, times and ticket information, visit http://www.artcenter.org .
HAWK WATCH WINERY SERVES UP VALENTINE DESSERT AND WINE PAIRING FEB. 14 – 15
February 4, 2015 (Warner Springs) – What could be more romantic than chocolate and wine? Hawk Watch Winery invites you to a special Valentine Dessert and Wine pairing on February 14 and 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.. The winery will be releasing its new 2012 Syrah paired with a dark chocolate raspberry syrah mousse. The winery’s press release promises, “The pairing is absolutely wonderful as the creamy, dark chocolate mousse pairs perfectly with the wine’s rich palate of vanilla and cocoa while the infusion of raspberry accentuates the deep, ripe berry elements of the Syrah fruit. YIKES!” Cost for the pairing is $5, while supplies last. Several other wineries in the North Mountain Wine Trail also plan to offer wine and dessert pairings on Valentine’s weekend, so you can plan on making a day of sumptuous tasting. Hawk Watch Winery is located at 27054 Chihuahua Valley Road in Warner Springs.
PEDESTRIAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN EL CAJON
February 3, 2015 (El Cajon)–El Cajon Police officers and Fire Department paramedics responded to reports of a pedestrian that had been struck by a vehicle in the intersection of Cuyamaca Street and Weld Boulevard in El Cajon at 5:28 a.m. Based on preliminary statements, an adult female pedestrian in her mid-50’s was crossing westbound at the intersection of Weld Boulevard and Cuyamaca Street when she was struck by an SUV travelling South on Cuyamaca in the #1 lane. The pedestrian was transported to a local trauma center with serious injuries, says Lieutenant Randy Soulard. He added, “The driver of the SUV, an adult male in his mid-60’s, immediately stopped after the collision and is cooperating with Traffic Investigators. Speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the collision at this time.”This investigation is ongoing and fault for this collision has not been determined. The pedestrian involved in this collision has been identified as San Diego resident Maria Romo, 55 It appears that Romo was walking to work from the nearby trolley stop when she was struck. Anyone with information regarding this collision is encouraged to contact the El Cajon Police Department Traffic Division at 619-441-1632. The El Cajon Police Department would like to remind pedestrians to wear bright or reflective clothing when walking in hours of darkness and to obey all traffic control devices and crosswalks. People driving during hours of darkness should use extra caution when approaching intersections where pedestrians may be crossing.
OPERA AND ART AT SALERNO WINERY
February 6, 2015 (Ramona) – Treat your sweetheart to an afternoon of opera, art and wine at Salerno Winery in Ramona. Each Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m., savor operatic performances by Jorge D’Soria, a gifted tenor who sings in six languages, and Salvador Padilla, a brilliant baritone who has performed around the world and won numerous awards for his vocal talent. You can also stroll through a sculpture garden that includes many sensual creations, enjoy authentic Italian-style pizza hot out of a brick oven, sample cheeses, Caprese trays, salad and fresh-baked bread to go with your favorite wine. For details, visit www.SalernoWinery.com.
CONTROLLED BURN WEDNESDAY
Update: Click here for a map of the burn area, provided by CAL FIRE, which is assistant state parks with the burn. February 3, 2015 (Cuyamaca) — A 100-acre controlled burn is scheduled for this Wednesday, February 4 in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park at Middle Peak. The burn has been cancelled several previous times, but could put out significant smoke visible across East County if it goes forward. Another burn is slated on Mt. Laguna, ECM has learned.
DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: TOP EVENTS FEB. 5 – 18
February 5, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)–This week’s Destination East County has events ranging from an art show to a pow-wow. Plus we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including a poetry campout and a salute to local heroes. Stay tuned for all of these events and much more, from East County Magazine. CIRCUS VARGAS FEB. 5-9 IN EL CAJON Circus Vargas wil bring its newest big-top tent circus performance, Arlequin, to the parking lot at Parkway Plaza shopping mall in El Cajon from February 5th through 9th. The circus features an array of dzzling performers including aerialists, acrobats, clowns and more. For tickets and details, visit www.circusvargas.com ISRAELI ARTIST AARON ZIGEL AT O’DUNN FINE ART, LA MESA FEB.6 Israeli artist Aaron Zigel will attend the opening of an exhibition of his paintings at O’Dunn Fine Art in La Mesa’s downtown village (8325 La Mesa Blvd.) on Friday, February 6th from 5 to 9 p.m. The son of Holocaust survivors, Ziegel creates exuberant and colorful oil paintings celebrating the landscapes and seascapes of Israel, as well as the beauty of flowers and other still life scenes in the tradition of 20th century expressionists. For more information visit www.ODunnFineArt.com. BLUES MUSIC AT WYNOLA PIZZA FEB. 6 Blues musicians Robin Henkel and Billy Watson will be performing live at Wynola Pizza on Friday night, February 6th from 6 to 9 p.m. Wynola Pizza is located on Highway 78, just outside of historic Julian. For details visit www.WynolaPizza.com. TROUT STOCKING AT SANTEE LAKES FEB. 6 Santee Lakes will be stocking lakes two and three with 1,000 pounds of trout on Friday, February 6th – bringing the total of Rainbow Trout planted in the lake since November to a whopping 10,500 pounds. For fishing information, you can visit www.SanteeLakes.com. 1ST ANNUAL POW-WOW AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE FEB. 7 Cuyamaca College will host its first annual pow-wow on February 7th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The public is invited to enjoy gourd dancing at 10 a.m. followed by a grand entry at 11 a.m. There will also be Native American arts and crafts, fry bread and Indian tacos. Admission is free. LIVE MUSIC AT BNS BREWERY FEB. 7 The BNS Brewery in Santee (10960 Wheatlands Avenue) is serving up live music on Saturday night, February 7th. Popular singer Dannie Marie will perform from 6 to 6:45 p.m., followed by Rick Eilliot and the Secondhand Smoke Band from 7 to 9:30 p.m. For more information visit www.bnsbrewinganddistilling.com/ CUPIDS AND CANINES FEB. 7 AT GROSSMONT CENTER Grossmont Center invites you to surround yourself with puppy love. The shopping mall in La Mesa will hold a “Cupids and Canines” pet adoption event on February 7th, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Over one hundred dogs and puppies from seventeen local rescue groups will be at Grossmont Center looking for a loving home. You will be able to meet, play and learn more about each canine. Plus, if you find your perfect match – you can adopt and take home a furry new member of the family—just in time for Valentine’s Day. BALLET FOLKLORICO DANCE SHOW FEB. 8 IN LEMON GROVE Floreo, a dance theatre musical production by the Ballet Folklorico en Aztlan , will be presented on February 8th at 2 p.m. in the Muevete Dance Studio, which is located in Lemon Grove. The show features the indigenous dancing and costumes of Mexico. For information visit http://muevetestudio.com/ Now for a preview of coming attractions…. LA MESA POLICE CHIEF SPEAKS AT CHAMBER EVENT FEB. 10 La Mesa Police Chief Ed Aceves will speak at a La Mesa Chamber of Commerce breakfast on Tuesday, February 10th at 7:30 a.m. at the Marie Callendar’s Restaurant (6950 Alvarado Road in La Mesa. Chief Aceves will share his thoughts and vision for La Mesa as he hands over the reins of our police department to his predecessor. For more information or reservations, visit www.LaMesaChamber.com. LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL FEB. 13-15 A Lunar New Year Festival will be celebrated at Qualcomm Stadium on Saturday, February 13ththrough 15th. You can savor Asian delicacies from Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, China, Taiwan and the Philippines as well as exotic desserts and beverages. The festival also features carnival rides, live music, firecracker and lion dancers, the Miss Asia San Diego Beauty Pageant, and a Cultural Village with replicas of famous landmarks and unique structures in Asia. For tickets and details, visit www.LunarNewYearFestival.org. VINO VALENTINO DINNER FEB. 14 Bernardo Winery invites you to its annual Vino Valentino Valentine’s Day dinner on Saturday February 14th at 6 p.m. This year’s evening of romance includes a carriage ride through the vineyard, buffet dinner and carving station by Café Merlot, crepes made to order in the Barrel Room, live music on the patio, wine by the glass, a chocolate pairing and espresso drinks. For reservations and details, visit www.bernardowinery.com. KUMEYAAY LAKES POETRY CAMPOUT FEB. 13-15 If you love writing poetry, the Kumeyaay Lakes Poetry Campout set for Valentine’s Weekend, February 13 through 15, may be your heart’s desire. The weekend at Mission Trails Regional Park will blend writing time for beginning to seasoned poets with four writing workshops. The weekend also includes star gazing with the San Diego Astronomy Association, a guided nature walk and a Saturday sunset open mike night for camping poets and the community – as well as Valentine-themed poetry events and readings of works by famous poets, and a Native American inspired session on catching your dreams. Advance reservations and a fee are required for this event, which is organized by Jim Morena, a regional editor of the San Diego Poetry Annual, host of Jihmye Poetry at the Café Caberet on Adams Avenue, and producer of the San Diego Poetry Café program on KNSJ. For more information, call (619)668-2748 (or visit https://activenet020.active.com/sdparkandrec/ COME TO THE CABARET: LA MESA CHAMBER’S SALUTE TO LOCAL HEROES FEB, 18 The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce announces its seventh annual Salute To Local Heroes, which this year features a “Come to the Cabaret”
HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
February 3, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future. HEALTH Rise In Measles Cases Marks A ‘Wake-Up Call’ For U.S. (NPR) To Protect His Son, A Father Asks School To Bar Unvaccinated Children (NPR) 3D printed heart saves girl’s life (BBC) SCIENCE AND TECH http://www.fromthegrapevine.com/innovation/solar-trees-taking-root-around-world (From the Grapevine) Obama seeks $14 billion to boost U.S. cybersecurity defenses (Reuters) For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down. HEALTH Rise In Measles Cases Marks A ‘Wake-Up Call’ For U.S. (NPR) The latest wave of measles cases and potential infections is in Arizona, where 1,000 people may have been exposed to measles from seven people confirmed to have been infected. To Protect His Son, A Father Asks School To Bar Unvaccinated Children (NPR) Carl Krawitt has watched his son, Rhett, now 6, fight leukemia for the past 4 1/2 years. For more than three of those years, Rhett has undergone round after round of chemotherapy. Last year he finished chemotherapy, and doctors say he is in remission. Now, there’s a new threat, one that the family should not have to worry about: measles. 3D printed heart saves girl’s life (BBC) A two-year-old girl who was born with a serious heart defect has had a life-saving operation thanks to a 3D printer. SCIENCE AND TECH http://www.fromthegrapevine.com/innovation/solar-trees-taking-root-around-world (From the Grapevine) Imagine hiking on a path knowing there’s a tree that will put you in touch with the world. The Sologic eTree is a public space made from 100 percent sustainable materials, that provides rest, shade, free WiFi and a place to cool your water. Obama seeks $14 billion to boost U.S. cybersecurity defenses (Reuters) President Barack Obama’s budget proposal for the 2016 fiscal year seeks $14 billion (9 billion pounds) for cybersecurity efforts across the U.S. government to better protect federal and private networks from hacking threats.
ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS
February 3, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)– East County Magazine’s World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include: U.S. U.S. Report On Spending In Afghanistan Classified For First Time (NPR) Immigrants see court dates cancelled as Justice Department is overwhelmed with cases (CS Monitor) Tossing Out Food In The Trash? In Seattle, You’ll Be Fined For That (NPR) Internal Emails Show Al Jazeera English Banning Use of Terms ‘Terrorist,’ ‘Militant,’ ‘Islamist’ (National Review) Homeownership rate dips to lowest level in 20 years (APM Marketplace) U.S. regulators recall 2.1 million vehicles in new air bag issue (Reuters) Critics Point Out Weakness Of Visa Waiver Program (NPR) WORLD Mexico tests DNA of babies who survived blast in search for parents (Reuters) Mexican opium farmers expand plots to supply US heroin boom (UT San Diego) Russian military to get 50 intercontinental missiles (UT San Diego) U.S. reports 27 more strikes against Islamic State (Reuters) A guide to the debt standoff between Greece and the eurozone (AP) In northern Iraq, Kurds struggle with IS booby traps (CS Monitor) Four Years After Revolution, Libya Slides Into Chaos (NPR) Rights group: Egypt covering up protester deaths (AP) Lavish freebies from Saudi king to buoy economy, markets (Reuters) Africa agrees to send 7,500 troops to fight Boko Haram (UT San Diego) For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down. U.S. U.S. Report On Spending In Afghanistan Classified For First Time (NPR) The latest quarterly report on U.S. spending in Afghanistan was released on Thursday. Conspicuously missing were figures on how more than $50 billion is being spent on training and equipping Afghan military and police forces. Those figures have been classified for the first time in years of such reporting and the general who ordered keeping them secret says it’s to keep enemies from sharpening their attacks. Key senators disagree. Immigrants see court dates cancelled as Justice Department is overwhelmed with cases (CS Monitor) Immigrants fighting deportation or seeking green cards have had their court dates cancelled; they’ve been issued dates in 2019, but officials say those are placeholder dates as new cases take priority. Some immigration lawyers fear the delay will leave their clients at risk of deportation as evidence becomes dated, witnesses disappear, sponsoring relatives die and dependent children become adults. Tossing Out Food In The Trash? In Seattle, You’ll Be Fined For That (NPR) Seattle is the first city in the nation to fine people for not properly sorting their garbage. The law took effect on Jan. 1 as a bid to keep food out of landfills and encourage composting instead. Internal Emails Show Al Jazeera English Banning Use of Terms ‘Terrorist,’ ‘Militant,’ ‘Islamist’ (National Review) Shortly after news broke of a deadly January 27 attack by Islamic terrorists on a hotel in Libya’s capital, Al Jazeera English executive Carlos van Meek shot out an email to his employees… In an email obtained by National Review Online, van Meek warned the network’s journalists against the use of terms including “terrorist,” “militant,” “Islamist” and “jihad.” “One person’s terrorist is another person’s freedom fighter,” the Al Jazeera executive wrote. Homeownership rate dips to lowest level in 20 years (APM Marketplace) – New statistics from the Commerce Department show that the homeownership rate has fallen to its lowest level in 20 years. U.S. regulators recall 2.1 million vehicles in new air bag issue (Reuters) The auto industry’s airbag troubles deepened on Saturday, as federal regulators said three big automakers will recall about 2.1 million older vehicles to fix defects that could cause airbags to deploy when they are not supposed to. Critics Point Out Weakness Of Visa Waiver Program (NPR) Some worry that foreign fighters in Syria could attempt to enter the U.S. They cite the Visa Waiver Program which allows foreign visitors from Europe and elsewhere to enter the U.S. without visas. WORLD Mexico tests DNA of babies who survived blast in search for parents (Reuters) Plunged into chaos just hours after entering this world, nine babies found alive after a gas blast in a Mexican maternity hospital underwent DNA tests on Friday in a bid to reunite them with their parents. Mexican opium farmers expand plots to supply US heroin boom (UT San Diego) Red and purple blossoms with fat, opium-filled bulbs blanket the remote creek sides and gorges of the Filo Mayor mountains in the southern state of Guerrero. Russian military to get 50 intercontinental missiles (UT San Diego) The chief of Russia’s General Staff says the military will receive 50 intercontinental ballistic missiles this year, maintaining a high tempo of modernization despite the nation’s economic downturn. U.S. reports 27 more strikes against Islamic State (Reuters) The United States and its allies carried out 27 air strikes against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria since early Friday, the Combined Joint Task Force leading the operation reported on Saturday. /Ten of the 17 strikes in Iraq hit near the oil city of Kirkuk, it said. In Syria, Islamic State targets near the border town of Kobani were attacked in eight of the 10 raids, the statement said. A guide to the debt standoff between Greece and the eurozone (AP) Greece wants a break from the terms of its eurozone bailout loans, saying they’re suffocating its economy. In northern Iraq, Kurds struggle with IS booby traps (CS Monitor) Improved explosive devices, or IEDs, are proving a difficult weapon to overcome for Iraq’s Kurds, much as they were for US forces in the country after 2003. Four Years After Revolution, Libya Slides Into Chaos (NPR) Libya was hopeful after Moammar Gadhafi was overthrown, but today Libya is a country torn apart, with two competing governments in two different cities, each with its own parliament and military. Rights group: Egypt covering up protester deaths (AP) Rights group Amnesty International on Sunday accused Egyptian authorities of intimidating witnesses and whitewashing evidence to cover up the role of security forces in the killing of more than two dozen people during protests last week.. Lavish freebies