READER’S EDITORIAL: DO NO SMOKING LAWS WORK?
Printer-friendly version By Robert Gehr March 2, 2015 (El Cajon)–In this writers’ opinion – No! The city where I live, El Cajon, adopted a ‘No Smoking policy’ effective since March of 2008. Since then, I have personally witnessed people blatantly smoking cigarettes, cigars, and vaping (e-cigarettes) in public, wherever they choose to do so. Specific areas such as; city parks, at public benches in the downtown area, in front of most stores, restaurants and businesses are common places for smokers to ‘enjoy’ their addictive habit, while at the same time ‘forcing’ non-smokers to inhale the toxic smoke or vapor. Complaints / concerns to city ‘officials’ seem to fall upon deaf ears. I’m told (and it’s written in the municipal code) that the law is designed to be ‘self enforcing’ – seriously? I’m sure there must be some smokers who grudgingly cooperate with no smoking laws. Even those who have rules ‘imposed’ on them in a no smoking apartment building. Yet the many cigarette butts tossed carelessly upon the ground seem to dictate the prevalent attitude that most smokers will do what they want and no one can tell them otherwise! What these inconsiderate folks fail to recognize is, what the affects of secondhand smoke can do to innocent victims who are inundated with the foul smelling odor and it’s by-products. The scientific data is quite clear. Maybe ignorance is bliss… Trying to ‘reason’ with some smokers is nearly impossible. They usually want to argue with a request like “please smoke somewhere else” with an attitude infused with anger that someone dare ask them to be polite and smoke in another location. Even after ‘reminding’ them about the no smoking law, some want to continue their diatribe. Seriously, what’s wrong with people? Respect goes a long way in creating civility. I’ve been in a number of near physical altercations with smokers who flat refuse to play nice and wish to assert their ‘right’ to smoke wherever they choose, even knowing another person is being subjected to it. No matter if the smoke affects someone with a bad smell or even a physical reaction such as an asthma attack which can result in a person being hospitalized after breathing in secondhand smoke. Could this be considered assault? All this drama despite the signs posted which indicate ‘No Smoking allowed within 25’ of this area’ as required by the municipal code. Some businesses have these, many do not. Then there’s the smoke damage caused to vehicles and building interiors. An apartment that a smoker has occupied requires a significant amount of dollars to rehabilitate before a new tenant can move in, typically thousands. New carpet and padding, 2 to 3 coats of paint, deep cleaning to remove the sticky, discoloring residue clinging to every surface, and so much more. The odor left behind can sometimes be smelled for months afterward. Additionally, there is the glaring pollution effects caused by the toxic cigarette butts carelessly flicked on the ground everywhere one looks. Doubt what I say? Pay attention to what type of trash is littering the earth we must live on. An eyesore to be sure, yet so much more than that! Cigarette butts by count, are the most contributed item which pollutes our environment. Literally millions are discarded every day, worldwide. Local beach clean ups report the same problem, again butts outnumber all other types of debris. This, despite a ban on smoking at the beach! Go figure… And don’t forget the fires caused by careless smoking – forest and homes alike. Why the lack of law enforcement? Citations issued would be a source of revenue and just may encourage smokers to adopt better habits and be polite to non smokers. According to the El Cajon municipal code, businesses are supposed to comply with proper signage and enforcement as well. Do they? Not so much. More smokers ‘outposts’ could help as well. These would allow smokers to puff away their health without bothering others and also help contain the many cigarette butts currently and carelessly tossed on the ground. Another suggestion, allow restaurants and bars to create smoking areas. If smokers would just use common sense, be self aware, polite, use an ashtray and smoke their product at a distance from others… Thank you. The opinions in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration, contact the editor at: editor@eastcountymagazine.org. Printer-friendly version
SAFETY NET PROGRAMS CURB CALIFORNIA’S HIGH CHILD POVERTY RATE
Printer-friendly version Lori Abbott, California News Service March 2, 2015 (Oakland, California)– One in four California children is living in poverty, but according to a new report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, those numbers would be much higher without federal safety net programs and tax subsidies. The report, Measuring Access to Opportunity in the United States, uses a new tool developed by the U.S. Census Bureau to measure the effects of poverty. Jessica Mindnich, director of research at Children Now, says the Golden State’s poverty rate improves when programs like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are factored in. SNAP is a newer name for the Food Stamps program. “If you look at the percentage using this method without government assistance, children in poverty jumps to 40 percent. That’s a huge number of kids, so it really shows the value of high-quality government programs,” says Mindnich. Mindnich says California’s high child poverty rate means state officials should act quickly to support investments such as high-quality early childhood programs. “We know that when you intervene early in a child’s life, it makes a huge difference,” she says. “Children that have access to high-quality early learning enter school ready to learn and are really set up to succeed in school.” According to Mindnich, this also helps working parents. Full-time infant and child care can cost up to 71 percent of a minimum wage earner’s salary. Laura Speer, associate director for policy reform and advocacy at the Casey Foundation, says better measurement tools are important to make improvements. “Using the Supplemental Poverty Measure, we can really see the successes and the limitations of the safety net resources that we’ve put into place,” says Speer. “We can also see these resources don’t go far enough. We still see there are 13 million children below the poverty line.” The Casey Foundation estimates child poverty costs the country $500 billion annually in lost productivity and earnings, including costs related to health and crime. In addition to high-quality early education, Speer says other examples of what can be done to ensure children have a better chance of success as adults include changing tax credit policies to help families keep more of what they earn, and linking up programs for parents to programs for children. Printer-friendly version
CUYAMACA COLLEGE PRESIDENT MARK ZACOVIC TO RETIRE
Printer-friendly version March 1, 2015 (El Cajon )–After a career spanning three decades in the California community college system, Cuyamaca College President Mark J. Zacovic has announced his retirement, effective June 30. Zacovic has served as president of Cuyamaca College, with about 9,000 students in Rancho San Diego, since July 2011. He led the college through some of the toughest budgetary challenges in the institution’s 37-year history, ensuring that students continued to receive a quality education while dealing with dramatic spending cuts from Sacramento. “Cuyamaca College will always hold a very special place near and dear to my heart,” Zacovic said. “For 37 years, the college has done great work and that work will continue and thrive in the years to come.” An interim president will be chosen to lead the college during the 2015-16 academic year while an extensive national search is conducted for a permanent replacement. The new president is expected to begin in July 2016. As president of Cuyamaca College, Zacovic promoted a heightened focus on student success based on yearly themes such as “Learn Today-Lead Tomorrow” or “Graduation Starts Today.” Last June, the college awarded a record number of more than 900 degrees and certificates, the result of student success measures. The college has also been recognized as a leader in sustainable landscaping and green career training. In 2012, Cuyamaca College was selected as one of three community colleges in the state to be honored by the California Community Colleges Board of Governors for promoting sustainable landscaping on its campus. The college also created a sustainable urban landscape degree and certificate program, and hosts the annual Sustainable Turf and Landscape Seminar for water and landscaping professionals. Last year, the college received the welcome news that its accreditation had been reaffirmed for another six years by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.The accreditation evaluation team particularly praised Cuyamaca College’s student-centered focus and its high level of student engagement in the decision-making process. The team also lauded the college’s facilities, many of them made possible by the 2002 passage of Proposition R, a $207 million bond measure. Cindy L. Miles, chancellor of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District, thanked Zacovic for his service to Cuyamaca College. Through some of the most trying times in the history of the college, Dr. Zacovic has been an energetic ambassador for Cuyamaca and the college district,” Miles said. “Always a gracious host, he is recognized for his magnanimity and going above and beyond to assist a student or employee in need.” Before coming to Cuyamaca College, Zacovic had served as an administrator at eight community colleges and districts throughout California. He previously served as president of the board of directors of the Association for Chief Business Officials for California Community Colleges and was statewide recipient of the association’s 2006 Outstanding CBO Award. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and received a master’s in business administration from Whittier College. He received his doctorate in educational leadership in higher education from the University of Nevada, Reno. Printer-friendly version
HAVE A BALL FOR THE KIDS: BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF EAST COUNTY’S 49TH ANNUAL CHILDREN’S BALL MARCH 21
Printer-friendly version March 2, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) — The Boys & Girls Clubs of East County invites you to the 49th Annual Children’s Ball, Saturday, March 21 at 6:00pm at the Omni San Diego Hotel. Guests will enjoy the ambiance of our cocktail lounge complete with a combo, designer drinks, silent auction, grand drawing prizes and the ever famous seafood buffet. In addition admission includes; dinner, a live auction, dancing and an opportunity to meet some very special Club Members. This year, guests are invited to have a ball for the kids…with a fun and lively spring sports theme. The Children’s Ball is sponsored by long-time BGCEC supporters and friends Conrad Prebys and Debbie Turner and the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians. Along with 3 other annual events, the Ball enables the Clubs to meet the financial demands to provide programs and activities for the 3,000 plus children served annually at the organization’s five club sites. As a former Club member, San Diego business owner and BGCEC Board Member John Eppstein acknowledges and appreciates the impact the Clubs had on his life; “I grew up in each of the clubhouses in the East County. As a kid, the Clubs gave me a place to go where everyone that worked there was a positive role model and taught me many of the values I have today. As an adult I am so fortunate to give back to the Clubs, with my personal experience I can honestly say that the Boys & Girls Clubs of East County make’s a huge impact on the lives of the kids they serve.” To register for the 49th Annual Children’s Ball, please visit: www.BGCEC.org or call 619-440-1600. The Boys & Girls Clubs of East County Offer: The Boys & Girls Clubs of East County have been developing, implementing, and providing activities to disadvantaged youth for 43 years. Operating five clubhouses in the communities of El Cajon, Lakeside, La Mesa and Santee, we provide afterschool and summer activities to more than 2,900 children ages 5-18 for $45 per year. Children come to the Clubs to enjoy safe, fun and structured after school programs provided by trained, professional staff. Funds are raised through our four fundraising events as well as through the efforts of community organizations, and the efforts of our Board of Directors. Our Board is comprised of members of the East County community that have committed their volunteer efforts to meeting the $1.7 million dollar budget as well as raising awareness in the community about the Boys & Girls Clubs of East County. Programs in 5 Core Areas: Character & Leadership, emphasizing interpersonal relationship-building, self –image and contribution to the community Education and Career Development, teaching basic educational disciplines and technology Health and Life Skills, encouraging goal setting and self –sufficiency The Arts, nurturing creativity, cultural awareness and appreciation for the arts Sports, Fitness and Recreation, developing physical and social skills, stress management and appreciation for the environment. Additional benefits: Influence of positive role models Professional staff develops activities and interacts with children (20:1) Affordable to parents $45 per year (actual costs approximately $640 per year) No child is denied access for lack of ability to pay – scholarships are offered. Printer-friendly version
SHOOTING ON I-8 ONRAMP: MAN INJURED IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version March 2, 2015 (El Cajon) – A dark Toyota Tercel occupied by two Hispanic men in their 20s that left Sycuan Casino shortly after 3:30 a.m. The Toyota reportedly followed a couple in a pickup truck, then opened fire just before the vehicle entered eastbound I-8 from the West Main Street onramp. The driver of the pickup was struck by a bullet in his shoulder. According to the California Highway Patrol, the 50-year-old driver of the 1989 Ford F350 pickup truck and his passenger, a 45-year-old woman from Lemon Grove, were seen having a conversation with the men who followed them at Sycuan Casino on Dehesa Road prior to the shooting. It is unclear what the relationship is between the involved parties, according to the CHP. The Toyota Tercel followed the pickup truck on surface streets, then pulled up alongside its left side just before the pickup entered the freeway frm West Main Street. One round lodged in the left rear door of the pickup and another struck the driver. The Toyota sped off after the shooting, and the male victim drove his vehicle to Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa. The victim has since been transferred to Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego. The female passenger was not injured. The freeway was shut down for twenty minutes while looking for further evidence. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information please contact the CHP El Cajon Area Office at 619-401-2000. Printer-friendly version
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUSPECT HITS DEPUTY’S CAR HEAD-ON
Printer-friendly version East County News Service March 1, 2015 (Santee)—Eddie Martin, a 41-year-old man wanted for a domestic violence incident, is under arrest after fleeing, then crashing head-first into a responding deputy’s patrol car in Santee last night. Deputies from the Santee Sheriff’s substation responded to a domestic violence call at 10:40 yesterday morning in the 9700 block of Mast Boulevard. Martin’s wife told deputies that during a dispute in which he allegedly committed felony domestic violence, Martin told her that he was willing to engage in a gun battle with law enforcement if they contacted him. He fled before deputies arrived, but returned in the evening shortly after 7 pm. His spouse called and reported that he was banging on the front door, but he again left before deputies reached the scene, said Sergeant Tom Seiver. Deputies searched the area for Martin and at 7:42 p.m., they spotted him driving his Chevy Tahoe east on Mast Boulevard near Halberns Boulevard in Santee. When deputies tried to pull him over, he refused to yield and instead, drove in the wrong direction, heading westbound in the eastbound lanes on Mast Boulevard until he collided head-on with a responding deputy’s patrol car. The deputy was taken to a hospital and treated for minor injuries; his patrol car sustained major front-end damage. Martin was arrested and a stolen handgun was found in his vehicle. He was taken to a hospital, treated for minor injuries, then booked into Central Jail for felony domestic violence, evading arrest, possession of a stolen handgun, causing injury while driving under the influence, and other related charges. Printer-friendly version
SAN MIGUEL FIRE DISTRICT BOARD ANNEXES PEPPER DRIVE AREA
Printer-friendly version By Paul Kruze March 1, 2015 (Spring Valley)–After a couple of months getting familiar with their responsibilities and getting used to a trio of newly-elected colleagues, the San Miguel Fire District Board began to get down to business at its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on February 11 at the district headquarters in Spring Valley. The main order of business was a resolution which would have the District annex the area bordered by Pepper Drive in El Cajon, which passed unanimously. The annexation is a part of continuing wrangling involving a combined plan which would annex and reorganize the San Miguel Fire District and the Lakeside Fire Department within one designated County Service Area governed by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. The deal is being managed under the auspices of San Diego Local Agency Formation Committee – or LAFCO – whose main objective is to effectively streamline government services. San Diego LAFCO is governed by eight regular members: two members from the Board of Supervisors, two city representatives, one City of San Diego representative, two special district representatives, and one public member, who is appointed by the other members of the Commission. Further discussion took place dealing with the district’s CalPERS (California Public Employee Retirement System) unfunded liability payment, the possibility of returning to a local control of the District from being an agency of CALFIRE, and preliminary discussion about the acquisition of a new firefighting truck. The Board also voted to open up its Finance Committee meetings to the press and public, as East County Magazine requested, by making it a standing committee instead of an ad-hoc committee. Longtime San Miguel Fire District Recording Secretary, Nancy Roos, was recognized by the board for fifteen years of service to the district. Printer-friendly version
BIRD TALK: TURKEY VULTURES
Printer-friendly version By Greg Dunne Photos by Greg Dunne and Norman Banks February 28, 2015 (Lake Murray)–The Turkey Vulture is one of the largest birds in San Diego’s East County. With their bald red head and a wingspan of up to six feet, these birds stand out in many ways. You can usually see them soaring at low levels looking for food, using the thermals for gliding effortlessly. You can also see their slivery-colored wings contrasting with the dark colors of the bird’s feathers. The Turkey Vulture is one of the most remarkable animals in nature. It is a scavenger and feeds almost exclusively on carrion. The Turkey Vulture can indentify if the carcass is too far gone to eat and not suitable for consumption. Having said that, at the same time, vultures have an immune system that allows them to eat almost anything – while feeding on old, smelly, rotting carcasses, they do so without contracting botulism, anthrax, cholera, or salmonella. To prevent contracting any parasites while feeding, their heads contain no feathers. Turkey Vultures have incredible eyesight, but their ability to smell rotting carcasses from far away is even more incredible. Said to able to smell carrion for over a mile away, Turkey Vultures have the largest olfactory (smelling) system of the entire bird kingdom. I don’t think there is a Bloodhound dog on the planet that can match that. Although I find these birds majestic, smart, and an evolutionary marvel, they can be disgusting as well. The Turkey Vulture will regurgitate on another animal or bird if threatened or just annoyed at its presence. It will also regurgitate, not on, but around its young to protect them from predators. This vomit is too vile a smell for animals to approach and the Vulture’s young can feel safe. Another fun tidbit if you’re into the “gross out” of the Vulture: during the hot summer months they will often defecate on their feet to help cool themselves off. In the same family as the California Condor, the Turkey Vulture is sort of my Condor of today. I really enjoy watching these giant birds group together. Although they can be seen throughout the county, my favorite place to observe these giants is Lake Murray. They are usually found in a group of five or six, but I have seen as many as 15 plus at times. In the morning hours, you can see them in the trees with their wings open wide to absorb the warmth of the morning sun. In the later parts of the day, you can see them by the water’s edge – maybe picking at scraps of dead fish. And, of course, just watching them sore overhead is an enjoyable site. Groups of vultures spiraling upward to gain altitude are called “kettles”. As vultures catch thermal updrafts, they take on the appearance of water boiling in a pot – hence the name kettle. Turkey vultures have been reported by aircraft pilots to rise to as high as 20,000 feet and soar for hours without flapping their wings. I believe we all connect with others and ourselves better if we connect with nature and the outdoors. Birds are a wonderful way of doing this. Connecting with nature can be as simple as observing a bird in flight or perched on a branch singing. Nature’s gift, enjoy it! As you can see from my close-up photos, they sure are handsome fellows. Printer-friendly version
CONSTRUCTION CLOSES 905 SOUTH INTO MEXICO FOR TWO NIGHTS, MARCH 11-12
Printer-friendly versionConstruction underway from Feb. 22 through March 27 February 26, 2015 (San Diego)–U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials are notifying travelers of closures due to construction that may affect border crossers planning to use the Otay Mesa border crossing into Mexico during the month of March. CBP began construction last week to install a new truss system above the southbound vehicles lanes at the Otay Mesa border crossing that will support signage and technology at the border crossing. The truss system will be located along State Route 905 south, past the last exit in the U.S. and before the international border with Mexico. Beginning this week, construction will be taking place only during the overnight hours, from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m., beginning each week at 9 p.m. on Sunday evening, and finishing 6 a.m. Friday morning. For northbound traffic entering the United States at the Otay Mesa border crossing, there will be no impact to travelers. Construction will be limited near the northbound vehicle lanes to the first weeks of the project, and will take place in lanes that would normally be closed anyway during overnight hours due to low traffic volumes. For southbound travelers crossing in vehicles into Mexico along the SR905 south at the Otay Mesa border crossing, although construction may require partial lane closures southbound some evenings, those partial closures should not impede southbound traffic. There will be no full closures of the southbound vehicle lanes, with the exception of March 11 through March 13. From 9 p.m. March 11 until 6 a.m. March 12 and again from 9 p.m. March 12 until 6 a.m. March 13, all vehicle lanes will be closed to southbound traffic heading into Mexico at the Otay Mesa border crossing at the southbound SR905. On those evenings, travelers into Mexico will need to use the San Ysidro or Tecate border crossings. The last U.S. exit along the SR905 south will not be impacted and will remain open. Pedestrians should not be impacted by the construction. Construction will not take place in any areas near northbound pedestrians. For southbound pedestrians, although construction will take place along the sidewalk adjacent to SR905 South that leads to the pedestrian turnstile into Mexico, there will be no closure of the sidewalk. The pedestrian bridge that crosses the SR905 south from the east side of the border crossing to the turnstiles into Mexico on the west side of the border crossing will not be impacted by construction. CBP has been working with CALTRANS to place electronic signs notifying travelers of the full vehicle lane closure, and has worked with the companies completing construction to try and minimize the impact to travelers however possible. CBP officials are working closely with the construction team to ensure that the construction does not impact northbound vehicle traffic and processing at the port of entry. All construction is expected to be completed by March 27. Main dates and times: Overnight construction takes place on the southbound SR905 at the Otay Mesa border crossing each evening from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m., beginning on Sunday, February 22 and ending at 6 a.m. on Friday, March 27. (There is no construction over the weekend; construction stops each week at 6 a.m. on Friday and resumes at 9 p.m. on Sunday.) Possible partial vehicle lane closures should not impact traffic. There will be no impact to northbound traffic. Full lanes closures take place on the southbound SR905 at the Otay Mesa border crossing from 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 11 until 6 a.m. Thursday, March 12 and again from 9 p.m. Thursday, March 12 until 6 a.m. Wednesday, March 13. Travelers heading into Mexico should use the San Ysidro or Tecate border crossings. There will be no impact to northbound traffic. Printer-friendly version
POWAY CHAMBER HOSTS MORNING BUZZ MARCH 11
Printer-friendly version March 3, 2015 (Poway)–The Poway Chamber of Commerce presents a new networking event, Morning Buzz, held on Wednesday, March 11 at 7:30am at the Hamburger Factory, 14122 Midland Road, Poway. Morning Buzz breakfast meetings will take place on the second Wednesday of every month. There is a $10.00 registration fee that includes breakfast. Breakfast selections must be made when guests register. Morning Buzz gives attendees the opportunity to network while participating in a group activity, discussion or presentation. The meetings are open to Poway Chamber members and businesses interested in joining the chamber. For more details or to RSVP, please contact the Poway Chamber office at (858)748-0016 or visit our website www.poway.com to register online. Printer-friendly version