CIRCLE OF ART SHOW IN BORREGO SPRINGS MARCH 14-15
Printer-friendly version March 5, 2015 (Borrego Springs) – Desert artwork will be on display at the Circle of Art Show in Borrego Springs on March 14th and 15th. This juried art show will include paintings, sculptures, weavings, jewelry and photography. There will also be music and food available. The event takes place at Christmas Tree Circle in Borrego Springs from 9 to 5 on Saturday, March 14 and from 9 to 4 on Sunday, March 15th. For details visit http://circle-of-art.org/ Printer-friendly version
CUYAMACA COLLEGE PROFESSOR WINS STATEWIDE CIVIC EDUCATION AWARD
Printer-friendly version March 4, 2015 (El Cajon)-College economics professor Anthony “Tony” Zambelli has won the Roy L. Erickson Civic Education Award from the California Council for the Social Studies, an annual honor given to educators, community leaders or legislators for promoting civic education in California schools. Zambelli will receive the award March 7 in Oakland at the council’s annual conference. “This is truly an honor to be recognized for something I find so rewarding – to get young people to be more knowledgeable and engaged in civics in a way that’s fun and exciting,” Zambelli said. He has put on “We the People” competitions at Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges for the past 27 years to encourage middle- and high school students to learn about the Constitution and their government. Zambelli recruited teachers from every campus in the Grossmont Union High School District to join in the competition for the first 10 years, making the program in his district one of the most successful in the country. In the late ‘90s, Zambelli introduced “We the People” to the middle schools, launching an annual event that draws as many as 15 teams. One team representing Cajon Valley Middle School was entirely composed of young refugees from war-torn nations. The students, who all began at the middle school speaking little English, so impressed local judges that they were invited as keynote speakers at a national conference. Once he established “We the People” at the middle schools and high schools, Zambelli then turned his attention to the San Diego County Court and Community Schools. That pioneer effort resulted one year in incarcerated students from a juvenile ranch facility in Campo winning the competition. That model has since expanded to other districts. In addition to securing funding from service clubs, Zambelli has also gotten judges, legislators and other civic officials to judge the competitions. Another civic education program that Zambelli is involved in is Project Citizen, a curricular program for students, youth organizations and adult groups that promotes participation in local and state government by teaching the monitoring and influencing of public policy. Zambelli has also been influential in getting funding, recruiting judges, and arranging for venues for San Diego County History Day and Model United Nations competitions. Cuyamaca College President Mark Zacovic said Zambelli’s devotion to teaching and his genuine interest in his students is compelling to observe. “Tony has a way to connect with students of all ages, from grade-schoolers to veteran teachers he mentors,” he said. “We are very proud at Cuyamaca College to call him one of our own.” The award to be given next month to Zambelli is named after the late Roy Erickson, who served as the social studies specialist for the San Juan Unified School and whose professional career was devoted to improving history, social science and civic education. “In San Diego County, the name Tony Zambelli is synonymous with civic education and the importance of civic engagement,” said Janet Mulder, a civic activist and member of the Jamul-Dulzura Union School District board who nominated Zambelli for the award. “Roy himself mentored Tony and would be proud to give him this award.” Zambelli began teaching at Cuyamaca College in 1979, just a year after the community college in Rancho San Diego opened. In 2012, he was awarded the Adam’s Apple Award by the California Association of School Economics Teachers for his dedication to the teaching of economics. Zambelli officially retired from Cuyamaca College six years ago, but he still teaches part-time and is the director of the Center for Economic Education serving San Diego and Imperial counties. Cuyamaca College is the only community college designated by the state Council on Economic Education among the 11 centers located at colleges and universities around California. He also serves as a board member of the Foundation for Grossmont & Cuyamaca Colleges, which raises money for programs and scholarships at the two East County colleges. For more information about Cuyamaca and Grossmont colleges, go to www.gcccd.edu Printer-friendly version
JUDGE DENIES GUHSD REQUEST FOR STAY OF INJUNCTION
Printer-friendly version East County News Service March 4, 2015 (Alpine) – A panel of three appellate court justices have denied a request by the Grossmont Union High School District, which had asked the justices to issue a stay halting an injunction ordered by Superior Court Judge Joel Pressman. Judge Pressman had ordered the district to set aside $42 million of bond monies to be used for building a high school in Alpine. The Court of Appeals will ultimately hear Grossmont’s arguments against the injunction on spending those bond funds, but the district must set aside the money in the meantime. The ruling came after Alpine taxpayers filed suit to protect bond funds approved by taxpayers for projects including the Alpine High School, since some funds have been spent by the district on projects not listed in the bond. The district has argued that setting aside the funds would mean delays in improvements at other schools, including some safety-related issues. But Alpine parents have argued that building the high school is a safety issue for their community, since several Alpine students have died commuting long distances to attend school or extracurricular activities. Printer-friendly version
RATTLESNAKE AVOIDANCE TRAINING FOR DOGS
Printer-friendly version March 5, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – The San Diego chapter of the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) is sponsoring a Rattlesnake Avoidance Training clinic for dogs March 28th at the Jamul Veterinary Hospital in Jamul. Please call Mark Miller (619) 384-5363 for information and directions. Every year dogs are bitten by Rattlesnakes in San Diego County requiring vet bills that range from $1,500 to $5,000. Avoidance training teaches your dog to identify the sight, smell, and sound and thus stay away from Rattlesnakes. If you live near one of our canyons, or take your dog on hikes in the canyons or back country your dog could encounter a Rattlesnake. Avoidance training could save your dog’s life. Printer-friendly version
U.S. JUSTICE DEPT. RELEASES CRIMINAL AND CIVIL RIGHTS REPORTS ON FERGUSON POLICE
Printer-friendly version Federal civil rights investigation finds blatant, systemic racism in Ferguson Police Dept., but criminal probe finds no grounds to prosecute officer who killed Michael Brown By Miriam Raftery March 4, 2015 (Washington D.C.) – U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder on Wednesday announced results of two federal probes into the Ferguson, Missouri police department which drew national attention following the shooting of an unarmed African-American teenager. A criminal investigation found no grounds to prosecute Officer Darren Wilson, who killed the teen, Michael Brown. However a separate civil rights investigation found systemic racism in the department and mandates changes. The Justice Department has ordered corrective action. Holder emphasized in a press statement, “Let me be clear: the United States Department of Justice reserves all its rights and abilities to force compliance and implement basic change.” Holder called findings of the civil rights report “searing”, adding, “this investigation found a community that was deeply polarized; a community where deep distrust and hostility often characterized interactions between police and area residents.” The investigation found that “local authorities consistently approached law enforcement not as a means for protecting public safety, but as a way to generate revenue” and further, that “both policing and municipal court practices were found to disproportionately harm African American residents.” The emphasis on revenue generation through policing has fostered “unconstitutional practices” at nearly every level of Ferguson’s law enforcement system, he added. Moreover, Holder said, “this harm frequently appears to stem, at least in part, from racial bias – both implicit and explicit. And a community where all of these conditions, unlawful practices, and constitutional violations have not only severely undermined the public trust, eroded police legitimacy, and made local residents less safe – but created an intensely charged atmosphere where people feel under assault and under siege by those charged to serve and protect them.” Police commonly charged people with multiple violations for the same conduct, with officers competing to see who could issue the most citations during a single stop. Fines and fees from these stops amount to the second largest revenue source for the county, after sales tax. The Justice Department found that 90% of use of force incidents by Ferguson Police were against African American people. From October 2012 to October 2014, African-Americans were twice as likely as white residents to be searched during a routine traffic stop, even though they were 26 percent less likely to be carrying contraband. Though 67 percent of the population is African-Americans, 94% of the police force is white. African-Americans accounted for over 85% of all traffic stops, 85% of all charges filed, and over 90% of those charged with a discretionary offense described as “manner of walking along roadway.” During the same period, 35 African-Americans received five or more citations simultaneously, while zero whites had this occur. Police dogs were deployed only against African-American suspects—even non-violent offenders and minors. Tasers were also used on nonviolent offenders. Ferguson police routinely violated the Fourth Amendment, stopping people without reasonable suspicion, arresting them without probably cause, and using unreasonable force, the investigation concluded. The department’s own records showed officers often infringed on residents’ First Amendment Rights, according to Holder, including the right to record police activities. A boy who videotaped his mother’s traffic stop was arrested for no legitimate reason, for example. Another man who recorded his traffic stop was arrested by an officer who told a jail official that the man was arrested because he “watches CNBC too much about his rights.” E-mails revealed numerous blatantly racist comments. After President Barack Obama’s 2008 election, one e-mail depicted the president as a chimpanzee and another stated he would not last long because “what black man holds a steady job for four years.” Others stereotyped racial minorities as shiftless welfare recipients, according to an article on Salon which documents some of the most “horrifying revelations” of the investigation. A man sitting in his car after playing basketball at a park was approached by an officer who accused the man of being a pedophile. He was forced to undergo a pat-down search without probable cause and when the man cited his constitutional rights, the officer drew his gun, pointed it at the man’s head and arrested him on eight counts, causing the man to lose his job, Holder reported. “Unfortunately, this event appears to have been anything but an isolated incident,” he said, adding that such incidents have led to a deep and deserved mistrust of police by the community in Ferguson. Those policing practices harm African American residents and moreover, Holder concluded, “our review of the evidence found no alternative explanation for the disproportionate impact on African American residents other than implicit and explicit racial bias.” The Justice Department issued immediate and specific recommendations for the Ferguson Police Department and the Municipal Court. These include implementation of a robust system of true community policing; increased tracking, review and analysis of Ferguson Police Department stop, search, ticketing and arrest practices; increased civilian involvement in police decision-making; and the development of mechanisms to effectively respond to allegations of officer misconduct. They also involve changes to the municipal court system including modifications to bond amounts and detention procedures; an end to the use of arrest warrants as a means of collecting owed fines and fees; and compliance with due process requirements. In addition Holder noted, “Ensuring meaningful, sustainable and verifiable reform will require that these and other measures be part of a court-enforceable remedial process that includes involvement from community stakeholders as well as independent oversight in order to remedy the conduct we have identified, to address the underlying culture we have uncovered, and to restore and rebuild the trust that has been so badly eroded.” The Attorney General added that as the brother of a retired police officer, “I know that the overwhelming majority of America’s brave men and women in law enforcement do their jobs honorably, with integrity, and often at great personal risk” He concluded, “It is in great part
CALIFORNIA MAN CHARGED WITH SUPPORTING ISIL
Printer-friendly version East County News Service Photo: 2011 high school yearbook at El Modena High School March 4, 2015 (San Diego) – The. U.S. Attorney’s office announced today that an Orange County man who tried to travel to Syria last year has been indicted on federal offenses including attempting to provide material support to the terrorist group ISIL, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. The indictment against Adam Dandach, 21, was handed down today by a federal grand jury in Santa Ana. Dandach, a U.S. citizen, also known as “Fadi Fadi Dandach,” is charged in the indictment with one count of attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, two counts of making a false statement on a passport application that was obtained in order to facilitate international terrorism, and one count of obstruction of justice for attempting to destroy records after his arrest last July. Dandach was attempting to travel from Orange County’s John Wayne Airport to Istanbul with the intention of traveling to Syria. Dandach told FBI agents that he was traveling to Syria for the purpose of pledging his alliance and assistance to ISIL, and that he believed the killings of American soldiers are justified, according to court documents. On July 16, 2014, Dandach was indicted by a federal grand jury for making false statements on a passport application. He entered a plea of not guilty in July 2014 and has been held in federal custody without bond since that time. According to the indictment returned today, Dandach knowingly attempted to provide material support and resources, namely himself, to work under the direction and control of ISIL. The indictment further alleges that Dandach, in order to facilitate an act of international terrorism, lied when applying for a replacement passport and then presented the passport to an airline employee for the purpose of traveling to Istanbul. He was also indicted for allegedly attempting to obstruct the investigation by directing another person to instruct a website administrator to delete his post history on that website. Dandach is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on March 16, 2015. If convicted of all the charges in the indictment, Dandach would face a statutory maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison for the material support charge, up to 25 years for each of the two passport fraud charges, and a statutory maximum of 25 years for obstruction of justice offense. This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Orange County. Dandach is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, with the assistance of the Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division. Printer-friendly version
ARTWORK FROM SOPHIE’S GALLERY ON DISPLAY AT LA MESA HEALTH LIBRARY
Printer-friendly version March 4, 2015 (La Mesa) – The Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, a consumer health library at 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, is now hosting its Winter Art Exhibit featuring artwork from Sophie’s Art Gallery, an off-campus art program of St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center (SMSC), a non-profit, non-denominational organization serving adults with developmental disabilities. The exhibit, which runs through mid-March, features 15 abstract oil paintings by Corinne Latorre of Sophie’s Art Gallery and nine felt pieces featuring bird art by other Sophie’s artists. Latorre’s exhibit, titled “Ambient Visions,” is a collection of abstract paintings. According to officials with Sophie’s Art Gallery, Latorre’s physical gestures of horizontal brushwork and layers of dripped paint are wave-like and soothing to the eye. Latorre’s art work has been previously exhibited at Sophie’s Art Gallery, now celebrating its 15th year in operation. The innovative art curriculum at Sophie’s Art Gallery provides a creative outlet and promotes opportunities for self-expression for persons with developmental disabilities to express their rich inner lives through a variety of art media, said SMSC. It also builds students’ fine motor skills and provides a way for the students to earn a modest income through the sale of their artwork at various public art openings. Based in El Cajon, SMSC serves and empowers nearly 400 adults with developmental disabilities to discover, experience and realize their full potential as members of the greater community. Developmental disabilities include autism, Down syndrome, mental retardation, epilepsy, cerebral palsy and other cognitive disabilities. For more information about SMSC and Sophie’s Gallery, visit www.stmsc.org. Admission to the Herrick Community Health Care Library is free. The Winter Art Exhibit is open to the public during regular library hours, which are from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays through Fridays, and from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. For more information, phone (619) 825-5010 or visit www.herricklibrary.org. Printer-friendly version
SOCIALITES FASHION EVENT REVS UP CROWD AT NEW MERCEDES BENZ DEALER IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version East County News Service March 3, 2015 (El Cajon) – Over 200 guests turned out for the first annual Socialites Fashion Event hosted in partnership with the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce and Mercedes Benz of El Cajon on February 27th. Mercedes Benz of El Cajon wanted to let people know about their new location in a fun and sophisticated way. Ben Kalasho, Chamber President, applied his marketing expertise to come up with this novel idea. Guests enjoyed a fashion show by Fashtique, tours of the new dealership, complimentary sushi, drinks and dessert. Mercedes Benz created their first petrol-powered car in the year 1886, however the first Mercedes-Benz brand name vehicles were produced in 1926. Since then, millions of people all around the world have driven Mercedes Benz luxury vehicles, making the company one of the best known automotive brands in the world. The new location of Mercedes Benz of El Cajon is located at 875 El Cajon Blvd El Cajon CA 92020. Printer-friendly version
SAN PASQUAL WINERY & GALLERY ANNOUNCES MARCH EVENTS
Printer-friendly version March 2015 (La Mesa) – The San Pasqual Winery announces a series of events in March at its tasting room in La Mesa’s downtown Village. Events include concerts, painting classes, and a wine, women and wealth event. Below is a full schedule, provided by the winery. For details, visit http://www.sanpasqualwinery.com. Fridays with Frank & Friends When Every Friday, 12pm – 10pm Where 8364 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942 Description Come and join us as we play Frank Sinatra-era music. All sparkling drinks are just $5 a flute. Includes Brut, and our Passion Flutes, “Bubbly Blonde”, “Pretty in Pink”, & “Classy but Sassy”. Offer good all day long. Wine, Women & Wealth When Wed, March 4, 6pm – 8pm Where 8364 La Mesa Blvd,. La Mesa, CA 91942 Description Join the on-going East County “Wine, Women & Wealth” group. It is a community of women who desire to take charge of their financial future, by expanding knowledge, and supporting each other in business and their relationship to money. Amazing things happen when women team up – especially when you add fine wine to the mix. Come and join this fabulous group of ladies. This is a free event – now that is smart money. Live Music: The Waits When Sat, March 7, 2015, 7pm – 10pm Where 8364 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942 Description This acoustic duo (guitar & mandolin) has a unique blend of folk, bluegrass, country, classic rock & more, as they sing & play in great harmony. A nice way to unwind after a stressful week. No cover charge – wine by the glass, cheese & crackers and dessert available for sale. Seating is on a first come, first-served basis in our intimate back room. Paint-A-Holics Painting Class When Thu, March 12, 6pm – 9pm Where 8364 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942 Description Are you looking for a fun, artistic experience in a relaxed environment? Are you looking to release your creative side while sipping on a glass of wine? If you need help stepping out of your comfort zone and want to learn how you make a beautiful painting, then look no further. PAINT-A-HOLICS offers step-by-step instruction so you can take home your very own masterpiece! There is no painting experience necessary… in fact, we welcome beginners! The price of $35 includes a 20” x 16” canvas, use of all paint supplies, apron, easel, and painting instruction from a professional artist. Learn more about PAINT-A-HOLICS and sign up on our website at http://paint-a-holics.com Wine Club members may e-mail Brenda for a $10 coupon code. Tonight’s painting: “Bird Watching” http://paint-a-holics.com/event/bird-watching-san-pasqual-winery-tasting-room/ Live Music: samdiego Jazz Trio When Sat, March 14, 2015, 7pm – 10pm Where 8364 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942 Description samdiego is a smart sounding jazz trio that features a modern twist to both Latin and standard tunes. Their repertoire covers a broad spectrum of both familiar and original songs, in a bright and breezy style. No cover – wine by the glass, cheese & crackers and dessert available for sale. Seating is on a first come, first-served basis in our intimate back room. Paint & Palate When Wed, March 18, 6pm – 9pm Where 8364 La Mesa Blvd,. La Mesa, CA 91942 Description Paint, Sip and Enjoy. Find your inner Picasso as you paint, drink wine and have a ton of fun! We provide everything you need including 16″ x 20″ canvas , supplies, art apron and step by step instruction by a local artist…you just bring yourself – all for just $35 per person! Wine and food available for purchase. No art experience required! This is a unique and memorable event that allows you to tap into that artistic side to produce a masterpiece you’ll be proud to hang on the wall. For more information/to reserve your space: www.paintandpalate.com Wine Club members e-mail Brenda for $10 discount code. This week’s painting: “Monet’s Water Lilies” http://paintandpalate.com/events/san-pasqual-winery-la-mesa-36 Paint-A-Holics Painting Class When Sat, March 21, 12:30pm – 3:30pm Where 8364 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, CA 91942 Description Are you looking for a fun, artistic experience in a relaxed environment? Are you looking to release your creative side while sipping on a glass of wine? If you need help stepping out of your comfort zone and want to learn how you make a beautiful painting, then look no further. PAINT-A-HOLICS offers step-by-step instruction so you can take home your very own masterpiece! There is no painting experience necessary… in fact, we welcome beginners! The price of $35 includes a 20” x 16” canvas, use of all paint supplies, apron, easel, and painting instruction from a professional artist. Learn more about PAINT-A-HOLICS and sign up on our website at http://paint-a-holics.com Wine Club members may e-mail Brenda for a $10 coupon code. Tonight’s painting: “Monet’s Bridge” http://paint-a-holics.com/event/monets-bridge-san-pasqual-winery-tasting-room/ Live Music: Sock Monkeys When Sat, March 21, 2015, 7pm – 10pm Where 8364 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942 Description The Sock Monkeys play a variety of fun music from the past to the present, in addition to mixing in their own entertaining original music. Come join us for a fun Saturday night blending an evening full of wine, mingling, and music that will get you in a great spirit. No cover charge – wine by the glass, cheese & crackers and dessert available for sale. Seating is on a first come, first-served basis. Live Music: Christopher Mario Bianco When Sat, March 28, 7pm – 10pm Where 8364 La Mesa Boulevard, La Mesa, CA, 91942 Description Let’s welcome Christopher Bianco back to our tasting room. He considers himself “natural folk” music, through which he seeks to promote a wider awareness and appreciation of the value and beauty of the natural world.. No cover charge – wine by the glass, cheese & crackers and dessert available for sale. Seating is on a first come, first-served basis in our intimate back room. Party with the Press! East County Magazine
SAYLOR CASE AGAINST LEXUS DEALERSHIP SETTLES
Printer-friendly version Fiery crash in 2009 claimed life of CHP officer and family in Santee By Miriam Raftery March 4, 2015 (El Cajon) – Days before a trial was set to begin in the wrongful death case of CHP officer Mark Saylor and his family, a settlement has been reached with a former El Cajon Lexus dealership in El Cajon. Bob Baker sold the dealership several years ago, citing dissatisfaction with Toyota, maker of Lexus vehicles, over Toyota’s handling of safety complaints. Saylor was driving a loaner car from the dealership on State Route 125 in Santee August 28, 2009 with his wife, daughter and brother-in-law as passengers. In a panicked call to 911, his brother-in-law reported that the accelerator was stuck and the brakes didn’t work. The call ended abruptly – as the out of control Lexus struck a Ford Explorer, then burst into flames and plummeted over an embankment into the San Diego River. The case sparked recalls of 10 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles as well as lawsuits against Toyota, maker of Lexus. Toyota previously paid a $1.2 billion settlement following a Justice Department investigation that revealed a cover-up of safety problems. The pay-out included $10 billion to the parents of Saylor and his wife. Additional settlements for other wrongful death claims have also been paid. Investigations by the San Diego Sheriff found a sticking floor mat likely caused the accident; the U.S. Justice Department found Toyota knew since 2007 that improperly installed floor mats could cause accelerators to jam. The suit against the El Cajon Lexus dealership alleged that the dealership ignored warnings from Toyota and further, replaced factory mats with oversized rubber mats normally used in SUVs. UT San Diego reports that the dealerships’ legal team argued the car model was defective due to inadequate clearance between the pedal and the floor, lacked an override braking system and had confusing button designs for ignition and shifting, among other claims. Terms of the settlement deal in the Saylor family’s case against the Lexus dealership have not been disclosed. Printer-friendly version