TROPICAL CYCLONE BLANCA TO BRING THUNDERSTORMS AND RAIN TUESDAY
East County News Service June 7, 2015 (San Diego) –Tropical Cyclone Blanca is making its way north from Baja, Mexico, bringing a threat of rain and thunderstorms to Southwestern California. The National Weather Service predicts rain is expected to begin Monday with heaviest rain in the San Diego area on Tuesday, potentially impacting the evening rush hour and also brining heavy rains over burned areas in our inland region. Mountain and high desert thunderstorms could continue into Wednesday afternoon. Isolated thunderstorms could produce strong, erratic winds. There is also a potential for heavy downpours to produce debris flows or flash floods from burn-scarred areas and minor flooding of urban areas and small streams, says Stephen Harrison with the National Weather Service.
DOUBLE-TIME PAY FOR HOLIDAY BILL FAILS
By Miriam Raftery June 7,2015 (Sacramento) – San Diego Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez served up pumpkin pies to legislators in an effort to win approval for her bill to require double-time pay for most employees forced to work on holidays such as Thanksgiving. The Democratic lawmaker asked colleagues to help workers receive a “piece of the pie,” but one Republican opponent denounced the effort as a “turkey of a bill.” The measure had support from labor but was opposed by the California Chamber of Commerce, despite an exemption for critical needs workers such as nurses. The Sacramento Bee reports that Assembly Bill 67 gained only 29 votes – failing short of the 42 needed for passage. While employers may be thankful, the defeat comes as a disappointment for workers away from their families on holidays for no extra pay.
READER’S EDITORIAL: PRESIDENT OBAMA, IF TPP IS GOOD FOR HARD WORKING MEN AND WOMEN, WHY CAN’T WE READ IT?
By Mickey Kasparian, President, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 135 Mickey Kasparian, President of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 135 released the following statement after President Obama’s local news interview regarding Fast Track Authority for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). June 7, 2015 (San Diego) –Instead of talking into a satellite camera, President Obama should listen to the hard-working families of California who overwhelmingly oppose fast track. He says that the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) is different than past trade agreements that failed a majority of Americans, but thanks to leaked drafts and a negotiation process that included 600 corporate lawyers, it’s apparent that this deal will be a disaster for everyone but the wealthiest corporations. The level of secrecy that surrounds TPP is deeply troubling. If this deal is truly good for hard-working men and women, then why can’t we read it? If the President believes this is a great deal, why can’t he prove it to us? American workers deserve to see the uncensored truth of this agreement. We hope that Congressman Scott Peters, Congresswoman Susan Davis, and every other member of the California Congressional Delegation will listen to their constituents and not corporations when it comes to Fast Track. UFCW is over 160,000 members strong across California and none of us plan to rest until this secret, job-killing trade deal is stopped cold. Background: TPP follows in the footsteps of other free trade agreements like NAFTA that have forced American workers to compete against low-wage labor from around the world. The result has been lost jobs<http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/18/business/a-decade-later-loss-of-maytag-factory-still-resonates.html> and ever-increasing income inequality<http://www.wsj.com/articles/oecd-sees-continued-rise-in-growth-harming-inequality-1432198801> in the U.S. TPP will offshore good-paying jobs to low-wage nations, undercutting working conditions globally and increasing unemployment. According to the Economic Policy Institute<http://www.huffingtonpost.com/heather-gautney/why-the-transpacific-part_1_b_6598604.html>, if the TPP is agreed to, the U.S. will lose more than 130,000 jobs to Vietnam and Japan alone. TPP will allow big pharmaceutical corporations to extend drug patents, effectively decreasing global access to affordable, life-saving medications. Doctors without Borders stated<http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/news-stories/briefing-document/trading-away-health-trans-pacific-partnership-agreement-tpp> that “the TPP agreement is on track to become the most harmful trade pact ever for access to medicines in developing countries.” TPP will increase the import of goods that often fail to meet U.S. safety standards. The FDA has already prevented hundreds of seafood imports from TPP countries<http://www.citizen.org/documents/fww-tpp-fish-imports-april-2014.pdf> because of salmonella, e-coli, methyl-mercury and drug residues. The opinions in this editorial reflect the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.
SPLISH AND SPLASH YOUR WAY TO COOL ENERGY SAVINGS
East County News Service June 7, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) — Summertime is almost here–time to dive in and cool off. But maintaining a pool and air conditionoing can be costly. SDG&E has provided some tips for saving energy and money on your swimming pool and air conditioning systems. Make a Splash with New Pool Equipment Rebates As a pool owner, you enjoy a clean pool, but did you know that the energy needed to run a filtration pump and pool cleaner can be a significant part of your monthly energy bill? By replacing your single-speed or two speed pump and hydraulic cleaner with more efficient models, you can maintain a sparkling swimming pool while lowering your costs. Splash offers rebates for installing qualifying energy efficient variable-speed pool pumps, as well as a new rebate for robotic pool cleaners. Care for your Cool In San Diego, we use our air conditioner in the summer and heater in the winter. The AC Quality Care Program provides residents with specially trained and skilled contractors to perform year-round Quality Maintenance of your heating and cooling system to help ensure a reliable and energy-efficient operation. With a $250 initial rebate, SDG&E customers are eligible to receive a System Assessment & Improvement for $50, a service designed to increase indoor comfort, air quality and energy efficiency. How cool is that!? Summer Savings Tips Set your air conditioner to 78 degrees or higher. Changing the A/C thermostat from 72 to 78 degrees can save up to 12% of your cooling costs. Switch to fans when you can. Use a portable or ceiling fan instead of central A/C when you can comfortably do so. Freshen A/C filters regularly. Make sure the filter in your central A/C is clean so it runs more efficiently. Weatherstrip and caulk drafty doors and windows to keep conditioned air in and save up to 5% on cooling costs. Power down equipment. Use power strips or unplug electronics such as DVRs, game consoles and TVs that draw power even when switched off. Make the light choice. When you replace lights, choose energy-efficient products such as LEDs and CFLs. Use a pool or spa cover. Covers can reduce heat loss by up to 90%. Filter your swimming pool for less when you switch to an energy-efficient, variable-speed pool pump and get one of our rebates. Block direct sunlight. Close window coverings, or use solar shade screens, reflective films, awnings or trees to shade exposed windows. Target your top opportunities to save energy and money with the online energy management tools you’ll find in My Account. #espsdge
OUR MARCH RADIO SHOWS ARE NOW ONLINE
May 31, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – – -Our March 2015 radio shows are now online! You can listen online now (sound files may take a minute to load). For links to listen to the shows plus a full list of topics and interviews in March, click here and scroll down. Our newsmaker interviews included environmental designer Jim Bell on how to achieve sustainability for our region, local authors and musicians. Plus we covered hot topics locally and nationally, on issues ranging from sexual misconduct allegations in the El Cajon Police force to a new trail planned at Three Sisters Falls and fundraising efforts for the new library in Alpine, plus much more. You can hear the East County Magazine Show on KNSJ 89.1 FM on Mondays and Fridays from 5 to 6 p.m., on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m, and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Note: our show recently changed schedule; the archived shows below reflect the earlier schedule. Audio files to listen to shows are at the bottom of this page, below the index of shows. Monday, March 2, 2015 Intro ISIL captures Christians in Middle East Capitol Report: Homeland Security funds running out XL Pipeline vetoed Green Scene: EPA sued over Monarch butterflies San Miguel Fire Department opens Finance meetings to public after ECM probe Station ID CPUC corruption over smart meters alleged by La Mesa activist Whooping cough cases set county record Boy killed by car; pedestrian safety tips Station ID, ECM and Viejas Alerts public service announcements Newsmaker: David Eisenstein, defibrillator lawsuit Station ID Dogs and cats on menu (Public News Service) Bookshelf: Kirk Lee Adler, author of Child of the Storm on surfer Chris O’Rourke Ancient Treasures Closing credits Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Intro Green Scene: Soitec withdraws Tierra Del Sol project in Boulevard CA Supreme Court ruling on Jessica’s law impacts sexual predator housing Utility executives compensation review bill Appeals court denies Grossmont Union High School District stay over Alpine High School funds Station ID Storm soaks region, heavy snow Beach closures Capitol Report: Clinton e-mail controversy Search ends for missing hiker CrimeBeat: Suspect hits Sheriff’s car; I-8 shooting in El Cajon Remembering our fallen Wildflowers blooming in Anza Borrego desert Station ID, ECM public service announcement Vines and Wines: Ramona Valley Vineyard Whooping cough: record set Green Scene: Three Sisters Falls Fire extinguisher recall Station ID, Smart phone TuneIn app PSA, Viejas winter alerts PSA County property auction Destination East County: festivals and events Animal Tales: Cheetah conservation fund Ancient treasures Closing credits Friday, March 6, 2015 Intro El Cajon Police sex scandal and lawsuit Capitol Report: Homeland Security funded through September Ferguson: report findings CrimeBeat: Crooks pocket-dial 911 Arrest made in Lakeside school threat Body found in Lakeside apartment Calif. Public Utilities Commission hires criminal lawyers Orange County man indicted for helping ISIL Station ID Lexus lawsuit over Saylor family deaths in Santee settles Wildflowers blooming in Anza Borrego desert Tax ID thieves (Public News Service) ECM public service announcement, Station ID Newsmaker interview: Deborah Fairbanks Verfaille, Alpine Library Friends Association (on the new library coming to Alpine) Sounds of History: Garry McClintock on the history of vaqueros Closing credits Monday, March 9, 2015 Intro School lockdowns, arrest at Monte Vista High School Voter disenfranchisement: Greg Palast investigation findings Country proposes takeover of San Miguel Fire training center Aztecs win Mountain West title in men’s basketball El Cajon City Council to move forward on ECPAC bids First San Diego cannabis dispensary set to open Local government report: This week’s top hearings Station ID, Tune-In app public service announcement Armed robbery suspects arrested Bishops urge help for Syrian refugees Fatal hit and run in Lemon Grove Tax ID thieves (Public News Service) Rescue of horse and rider ECM/Viejas Alerts public service announcements, Station ID Selma anniversary march: Miriam’s recollections of Martin Luther King birthday bill and the importance of Selma President Obama’s speech on Selma 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday Station ID, Tune In public service announcement Closing credits Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Intro El Cajon Council meeting: highlights from a lively session Capitol Report: Medical marijuana reforms proposed in Congress; Student aid help signed by President Crimebeat: Gun brandished on local freeway Border Agent charged as voyeur Station ID Newsmaker: Christina Tourin, harpist from Mt. Laguna, on upcoming harp concert (Music: Danny Boy, In the Garden, Irish Medley Firefighters’ boot drive a success Education report: Radios for classroom emergency kits and testing Caterpillars decimate desert wildflowers Green Scene: solar power growth nationally Station ID Destination East County: festivals and events Health: Sauna health benefits found n study Veterans’ memorial vandalized in La Mesa Dogs and cats on the menu (Public News Service) Sports: Aztecs win Mountain West title Voter disenfranchisement: Greg Palast investigation findings Friday, March 13, 2015 Intro Arrest in threat against El Cajon Valley High School Weather: Heat wave World Health Organization warns of hearing losses Tribal Beat: Flash mob protests Jamul casino Green Scene: European Union takes climate change change action, challenges U.S. Horses hit by vehicles in Alpine Station ID Newsmaker Interview: Alejandro Deorie, karate teacher, on anti’bullying Project Hero Station ID Blood donors sought CrimeBeat: Agents shoot felony suspect in Alpine East County Magazine public service announcement Green Scene: Ramona grasslands Destination East County Senator Feinstein asks FDA to investigate Beneful dogfood Station ID Newsmaker: Christina Tourin, harpist (rerun, same music as 3-11-15 show) Station ID Closing credits Monday, March 16, 2015 Intro DA gang crackdown: guilty by association Green Scene: Climate change censorship Water running out Hanging out to dry: clothesline bill Capitol Report: Republicans want Clinton e-mails NASA funding Station ID SDG&E warns of scams Women on 20s Hope the dog is recovering Rattlesnake bite—in Ocean Beach Station ID, East County Magazine and Tune-In App and Viejas Alerts public service announcements Newsmakers: San Diego Concert Band: Chuck Brown, president and Roy Anthony, conductor Station ID Blood drive Minimum wages – tipped workers Hearing loss: WHO report
CALIFORNIA’S STATE ASSEMBLY UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED AB 825
By Roy L Hales June 6, 2015 (Sacramento) – California’s State Assembly unanimously approved AB 825, which is meant to bring increased transparency and independent oversight to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). “Newspaper headlines on a near daily basis have exposed controversies within the CPUC and highlight the pressing need for transparency and oversight over the commission,” said the bill’s author, Assemblyman Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood). This undoubtedly reflects the controversies surrounding former CPUC President Michael Peevey’s dealings with Pacific Gas & Electric and Southern California Edison. Serious questions have been raised about the CPUC decision-making process and its relationships with the utilities it is regulating. These include the secret meeting Peevey had with Southern California Edison, in 2013, regarding closure of the failed San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. Though details of the $4.7 billion deal changed before it was officially “agreed upon,” the outcome of the CPUC hearings was determined in advance. The average ratepayer was expected to pay up to $1,400.00 to close the facility. Some question whether the CPUC is continuing its’ legacy of backroom dealings with the recent approval of a 500 MW Gas Fired Plant at Carlsbad, San Diego. AB 825 establishes a process for parties to challenge the confidentiality of documents submitted by public utility companies. The bill also calls for an Inspector General, with independent authority to investigate the CPUC, and a Public Advisor to enact transparency measures. “This proposal makes steps toward reforming the CPUC and restoring the commission’s trust with the public,” said Rendon. The Assemblyman has also authored AB 1023, which requires CPUC commissioners, staff, and chief administrative law judge to maintain a public log of all communications with outside parties in adjudicatory and rate-setting proceedings. Both bills await hearings in the California senate. Photo Credit: San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station by Bill Lenner via Flickr (CC BY SA, 2.0 License)
BODY NEAR OCEAN BEACH PIER IDENTIFIED AS EAST COUNTY WOMAN
East County News Service Photo courtesy ECM news partner 10 News June 6, 2015 (El Cajon)–An El Cajon mother is mourning the loss of her 20-year-old daughter, Victoria Zubkis, whose body was found in the ocean near the Ocean Beach Pier on May 28th. Zubkis’ mother had reported her daughter missing two days earlier, when she went to visit a friend in Ocean Beach. The Medical Examiner’s office used dental records to identify Zubkis, but the body was too decomposed to determine the cause of death. Toxicology tests have been ordered but results will take several weeks to complete. There was no sign of foul play, and the San Diego Police Department has indicated it is not investigating the death as a homicide. The Union-Tribune reports that Zubkis was an award-winning gymnast who also worked with an acrobatic troupe in Mexico, where her father, Steven Zubkis, resides. He has stated that he hired a private investigator to look into what happened to his daughter. Friends told 10 News that Zubkis was a strong swimmer, and the circumstances of her death remain a mystery. A memorial was held Friday in El Cajon.