ASSEMBLYMAN BRIAN JONES TO HOST DROUGHT TOWN HALL AUG. 13
Participants include Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Helix Water District, the San Diego County Water Authority, Building Industry Association of San Diego, and the Water Reliability Coalition July 21, 2015 (El Cajon) — On Thursday, August 13th, 2015 Assemblyman Brian Jones (R-Santee) will be hosting a Drought Town Hall to educate constituents about the ongoing California drought, legislative solutions, and efforts to provide relief to the community. Jones states, “As the drought continues, I’ve been hearing more and more from constituents who are concerned about the impact of this drought and what state and local governments are doing to mitigate its effect. This event will give constituents an opportunity to hear firsthand from local agencies and stakeholders about how this drought is impacting our region.” Participating partners include Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Helix Water District, the San Diego County Water Authority, Building Industry Association of San Diego, and the Water Reliability Coalition. The event will be open to the public and guests will have an opportunity to ask questions of participants. Topics to be discussed include: Just how bad is the drought in California? What has the state done up to this point to help fight the drought? What other solutions are possible? How are local agencies handling the drought? How can citizens help manage the drought? The Drought Town Hall will be held Thursday, August 13th from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, located at 195 East Douglas Avenue in El Cajon. To RSVP, call 619-441-2322 (or register online.) Allen Carlisle – General Manager, Padre Dam Municipal Water District “The drought is front-and-center for water managers across the state. I look forward to opportunities like this forum will provide to engage the community in dialogue regarding California’s, and specifically our regions, response to water resource issues and challenges.” Carlos Lugo – General Manager, Helix Water District “It’s always good when representatives and constituents hear and discuss each other’s points of view. We appreciate Brian putting this meeting together.” Lani Lutar – Water Reliability Coalition “Sustainable, locally controlled water is critical to San Diego’s quality of life. The Water Reliability Coalition applauds Assemblymember Brian Jones for facilitating a town hall on water and this prolonged drought, and we look forward to being part of the dialogue.” Mike McSweeney – Sr. Public Policy Advisor, Building Industry Association of San Diego “We will show how new home technology will allow a family to cut their typical water use in half. New housing isn’t causing the water shortage, its part of the answer to achieving regional water savings.” Assemblyman Brian Jones represents the 71st Assembly District, which includes the communities of eastern San Diego County, including Alpine, Borrego Springs, Casa de Oro – Mount Helix, El Cajon, Lakeside, Jamul, Ramona, Rancho San Diego, Santee and Spring Valley; and southern Riverside County, including Anza, Aguanga, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, Lake Riverside and Mountain Center.
SANTEE BARNES & NOBLE TO HOST JAMES PATTERSON DAY, LOCAL AUTHOR EVENT
East County News Service July 21, 2015 (Santee)–On Sunday, July 26, Barnes & Noble in Santee welcomes five local authors for meet & greets as well as offers fifty percent off all of best-selling author James Patterson’s books for James Patterson Day. July is pop-cultured month, offering numerous pop-culture related giveaways for items such as posters, comics, pins, and more at San Diego locations. Scheduled to appear are authors William Barnard, Sherrie Miranda, Linda S. Rice, Linda Wallace, and Ask An Author columnist Sarka-Jonae Miller. William Barnard is the author of the science fiction novel, The Ancestors. He will be signing books between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. customers can meet Sarka-Jonae Miller, author of the Between Boyfriends series and the All for You series. Miller is a resident of Lakeside. Sherrie Miranda of Chula Vista will be signing copies of her coming-of-age adventure novel, Secrets and Lies in El Salvador, from 5 to 7 p.m. The historical novel reads like a memoir and is based, in part, on Miranda’s time in El Salvador during the Salvadoran Civil War. Linda S. Rice of Mt. Laguna and Linda Wallace will also appear from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. respectively. Rice is the author of the time-travel romance series, The Necklace. Wallace has authored the historical paranormal romance novel, Within Werewolves. Anyone unable to attend the event will still have the chance to get autographed copies of the local authors’ novels for a limited time at the Santee location.
GIVING RAINBOW VISION TO COLOR BLIND PEOPLE
By Miriam Raftery July 21, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)—Over 300 million people worldwide are color-blind. But now, scientific advances have made it possible for the vast majority of those to see vibrant colors using special glasses—and a cure is also in the works for even the most severe forms or color blindness. Special glasses created by Enchroma Labs can enable 80% of people with color blindness to see a rainbow range of colors. The glasses are the result of a decade of testing funding by the National Institute of Health (NIH). You can choose from glasses that look like normal indoor glasses or sunglasses, available in a range of styles from chic to sporty, for adults and kids. Prices range from about $325 to $475. Some insurance policies will cover the cost, for those who need prescription lenses and have vision care coverage. The company has a money-back guarantee and an online vision test to help you find out if you have a form of color blindness that can be helped. http://enchroma.com/ Enchroma’s glasses won’t help people who are totally colorblind, seeing only shades of black, white and grey, or those with extreme cases. But for the vast majority who can see some colors but not others, the results can be dramatic. Many with red-green color blindness have reported that they can now distinguish between the hues, which formerly appeared as shades of yellow. New York Times columnist David Pogue, who has red-green color blindness, wrote, “The highlight came on Day 4 of my tests, when my kids discovered a rainbow arcing across the sky, pointing and exclaiming. I looked. With my own eyes, I could barely see it. Maybe there was a soft arc of yellow, but that was it. Then I put on the glasses. Unbelievable! Now I saw two entire additional color bands, above and below the yellow arc. It was suddenly a complete rainbow.” He added, “I don’t mind admitting, I felt a surge of emotion. It was like a peek into a world I knew existed, but had never been allowed to see.” The glasses work using special filters to enhance perception of reds, greens and blues, or to be technical, restoring the spectral separation between cones using a narrow-band notch filter. The discovery was actually a delightful accident, Smithsonian magazine reports. Don McPherson, a scientist with a PhD in glass science, had initially created eyewear for surgeons. The glasses contained a rare earth iron that enabled the doctors to distinguish more easily between blood and tissue, also providing protection. But surgeons started swiping the glasses to use outside the hospital, enjoying the enhanced vibrancy of the colors they could see. One day while playing Frisbee and wearing the special glasses, McPherson had a friend ask to try them on. The friend, who has been colorblind since birth, was stunned to discover he could see orange for the first time, where before orange tree hues had been indistinguishable from the color of green grass. McPherson spent a decade researching colorblindness and ways to help the condition, with funding from the NIH. He launched Enchroma, a Berkeley-based business, with two co-founders, Tony Dykes and Andy Schmeder in 2012. The first products were glass sunglasses. In 2014 they came out with a polycarbonate version. The latest addition, in March 2015, is indoor glass wear. The glasses are sold online and through a handful of retailers. Thus far, there are no retail outlets in San Diego, though there is a optometry retailer listed in Costa Mesa, CA where customers can try on glasses, by appointment. What about the 20% of color blind people who can’t be helped by Enchroma? There’s hope for them, too, thanks to gene therapy advances and recently, Journal of Nature reportsw the first successful cure in two squirrel monkeys. The technique replaces color-producing proteins that are missing in the eye cones of those who are color blind. Next up, researchers hope to win permission for human trials from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. The University of Washington researchers are teaming up with a California biotech company, Avalanche Biotechnologies, working to develop a shot delivered to the eye that if proven successful in human trials, could someday cure color blindness completely.
SEXUAL PREDATOR BACK IN CUSTODY
East County News Service July 20, 2015 (Jacumba Hot Springs) — Gary Gene Snavely, a sexually violent predator, has violated the terms of his release and has been removed from Jacumba Hot Springs. He is now in the Sheriff’s Department custody and may be returned to a state hospital. Supervisor Dianne Jacob issued this strong statement at the news. “This monster never belonged in the community in the first place,” Jacob says. “Word that he violated the terms of his release comes as no surprise and is the latest proof that sexually violent predators have no place in Jacumba Hot Springs or any other community. What makes this even more outrageous is that it’s not the first time Snavely has broken the rules of his placement,” adds Jacob, who calls for Snavely to be “locked up for good.” Snavely was released into Jacumba Hot Springs over strong community objections in January, after being released from a state mental hospital. Snavely served several years in prison for molesting young girls ages 8 to 12 years old back in the 1980s. After his release, he was required to wear a GPS ankle bracelet and was monitored by Liberty Health Care. East County Magazine has requested details from the Sheriff on Snavely’s parole violation and will publish the information once received. You can receive email alerts when a sex offender moves in and out of your neighborhood, by signing up at www.sandiegocountysexoffenders.com.
BILLS WOULD LET FIREFIGHTERS HALT DRONES
By Miriam Raftery Photo, San Bernardino Fire Dept.: North Fire in its early stage July 20, 2015 (Sacramento) — After a series of serious incidents involving drones interfering with firefighting aircraft, state legislators have introduced bills that would allow firefighters and rescue personnel to damage or disable drones, also increasing penalties for drone operators who impede firefighting. The latest and most devastating incident occurred Friday, when five drones forced firefighting planes to delay air drops in order to avoid mid-air collisions. The North Fire quickly spread out of control, crossing Interstate 15 in San Bernadino County and destroyed 20 vehicles on the freeway. The blaze swelled to thousands of acres, also destroying homes and other property. The operators of the drones have yet been identified. The North Fire marked the fifth time in a month that firefighting aircraft have been hampered by drones in California, Cal Fire reports. Senate Bill 168, a bipartisan measure introduced by State Senators Ted Gaines and Mike Gatto, would give emergency responders immunity if they damage drones during firefighting or rescue operations. Another measure, SB 167, would raise fines and impose criminal penalties including jail time for operators of drones that impede firefighting. It is already illegal to fly drones in an active wildfire area or near firefighting aircraft, but that has failed thus far to stop hobbyist drones from putting the lives of pilots and others in the fire zones at risk. While some public safety advocates applaud the measure, not everyone agrees. Mark Burns’ company, Burnz Eye View in Encinitas, uses drones to film commercials and for real estate promotion. He told 10 News that some drones have lithium batteries that can explode if they are damaged, potentially causing fire and injury. He wants to see an alert system for drone operators instead, similar to Amber Alerts, asking them to ground drones during fires. Moreover, he concludes, “”Allowing first responders to be able to damage someone else’s private property is getting into a realm of law I don’t think we want to be in.” Senator Gatto has stated that although he wants first responders to worry about safety, not liability and believes they should have the authority to destroy a drone if necessary. But Unmanned Aerial Online reports that Gatto has said he also ultimately hopes to see jamming software developed that could prevent rogue drones from flying near firefighting aircraft.
BRIDGE COLLAPSE ON I-10 HIGHLIGHTS STATE’S CRUMBLING INRASTRUCTURE
By Miriam Raftery Cal Fire photo: Cal Fire workers rescue motorist who plunged into rushing waters when bridge collapsed July 20, 2015 (Riverside) – A bridge collapse Sunday that shut down Interstate 10 between Palm Springs and the Arizona border occurred during heavy rains. The cause of the failure, however, may well be outright neglect. Built in 1967, the bridge was listed as “functionally obsolete” in the 2014 National Bridge Inventory—one of hundreds of bridges across California in need of replacement or major repair. State Senator Jeff Stone (R-Riverside) has issued a press release stating that the incident “further illustrates the rapidly deteriorating state of California’s roads and highways and the urgent need to rebuild our state’s crumbling infrastructure.” The bridge on eastbound I-10 was completely washed away and the westbound bridge was severely undermined. A truck on the bridge when it collapsed plunged into the swiftly flowing water below. A passenger escaped but the driver had to be rescued by firefighters who risked their lives to pull the motorist to safety. Cal Trans has issued a commuter alert advising travelers to avoid travel on I-10 in the desert area, midway between Coachella and Arizona, until further notice. Recommended detours include Interstate 8 through San Diego’s East County. Interstate 10 is one of the largest roadways for hauling goods to regional ports, manufacturing facilities, warehouses and distribution centers. The route between Coachella and Arizona along I-10 averages about 27,000 vehicles every day, according to Cal Trans. Cal Trans reports that once damage assessments are complete, an emergency contract will be needed to make repairs to the interstate –repairs that will now be far more costly than if they had been done before the bridge collapsed. There is no estimate yet for when the highway may be repaired and reopened. Meanwhile, Cal Trans advises motorists traveling in desert areas to be prepared for storms, carry sturdy shoes, warm clothing, water, a charged cell phone, and assure that your gas tank is full. Many motorists found themselves stranded, forced to turn around with no place to take shelter after Sunday’s bridge collapse. Cal Trans also warns that if you do encounter running water while driving, turn around- don’t drown. Two feet of running water can lift a large vehicle such as a bus, and just six inches of running water can sweep a person away. Senator Stone says it’s time for California to take action to repair its crumbling infrastructure before the next tragedy occurs. Maintenance and repairs of California’s bridges and highways have been neglected far too long, he says, adding, “Millions of taxpayer dollars, approved by voters to build and maintain our bridges and highways, have been siphoned off to programs that have nothing to do with infrastructure, transportation or highway safety.” Stone says he is calling on the Governor and Legislative Democrats to join with Republicans in supporting legislation that will ensure transportation dollars collected from California taxpayers are spent where they are desperately needed.
VIDEO OF THE WEEK: CATERPILLAR TO CHRYSALIS
July 20, 2015 (La Mesa) — Crystal Bowman of La Mesa planted milkweed to attract Monarch butterflies, then moved the larvae into a home-made butterfly house that she built using old screen doors and mesh. Behold the miraculous result, as a Monarch caterpillar transforms into a chrysalis in this video. Ultimately, that chrysalis will open to allow a beautiful butterfly to emerge.
CHRYSALIS TO MONARCH BUTTERFLY
East County News Service July 21, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) — After we published a reader’s video showing a Monarch butterfly caterpillar creating a chrysalis, we received a second video from Honor Wall of Lakeside showing Monarch butterflies emerging from chrysalises to spread their wings. Enjoy this miracle of nature video!
COUNTY TO CHALLENGE FOREST SERVICE’S REFUSAL TO LAND NEWEST AIR TANKERS IN RAMONA DURING A WILDFIRE
County News Service Photo: NIFC.gov Update July 21: Supervisors voted unanimously to ask the Obama administration to take action and allow USFS air tankers to land in Ramona. July 20, 2015 (Ramona)—The U.S. Forest Service is refusing to fly its newest air tankers in and out of Ramona Air Attack Base – and the Board of Supervisors may turn to the White House for help. On Tuesday, July 21 at 9 a.m. Supervisors will consider a proposal from Chairman Bill Horn and Supervisor Dianne Jacob to appeal the decision to the Obama Administration. With the high-risk fall fire season approaching, they say flying the next-gen tankers in and out of Ramona could help save lives and protect property. The Forest Service claims the rural base – the region’s aerial firefighting hub — can’t handle the tankers. County and state fire officials disagree. Cal Fire last week tested the same type of tanker in Ramona and reported no problems. (Photo, top of story) Air support from tankers is crucial to stop wind-fueled, fast-moving fires from spreading out of control, as the 2003 Cedar Fire and 2007 firestorms did that ravaged our region. Supervisors meet Tuesday at the County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway in San Diego, Room 310.
VOLCAN MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES JULIAN EVENTS IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER
East County News Service July 20, 2015 (Julian) – From a film festival to guided hikes to a dinner in the meadow benefit and more, the Volcan Mountain Foundation is hosting an array of fascinating events coming up in August and September. Below are details on these activities, which all benefit conservation efforts to preserve Volcan Mountain in the scenic and historic Julian area. Inspired by Nature-Conservation Art on Volcan Mountain, Saturday, August 15th, 10am-1pm Location VMF’s Volcan Mountain Nature Center 22850 Volcan Road -RSVP to Nicole McMillan at VMF Office (760)765-2300 or admin@volcanmt.org Julian, CA 92036 See map: Google Maps Date: Saturday, August 15, 2015 – 10:00am On Saturday, August 15th, come be Inspired by Nature through conservation art on Volcan Mountain. TheVolcan Mountain Foundation’s ‘Art on the Mountain’ events series continues with a nature-inspired sculpting workshop led by Brenda Swaim. After a short intro, participants will explore VMF’s Volcan Mountain Nature Center on a silent hike and then return to the interpretive station to sculpt what has inspired you out of air-dry clay. Finally, participants will have an opportunity for journal time and sharing. This free activity has limited space, and due to the gated entry, please RSVP to Nicole at VMF office by Friday, August 14th (760-765-2300 or admin@volcanmt.org). You can also reply via the Explore San Diego’s Backcountry Meetup page to receive any updates: 8/15/15 Inspired by Nature-Conservation Art on Volcan Mountain Link. Plan to arrive between 7:45 and 7:55, meeting at the entryway to VMF’s Volcan Mountain Nature Center (22850 Volcan Road)—located at the gate at the beginning of Volcan Road (very end of Farmer Road). Visit the Volcan Mountain Foundation’s website at www.VolcanMt.org for ongoing updates of events and activities on and around the Volcan Mountain Range. 4th Annual Julian Film Festival, Friday, August 21st & Saturday, August 22nd Location Various Locations in Julian & Nearby Wynola 1656 Highway 78 ;Saturday-All Day event starts at 10:30am with 4 film sessions followed by a closing night party at 2129 Main Street Julian, CA 92036 See map: Google Maps Date: Saturday, August 22, 2015 – 10:30am Friday, August 21st & Saturday, August 22nd, the 4th Annual Julian Film Festival, benefitting and sponsored by the Volcan Mountain Foundation, is being held as a summer event for 2015. ‘All Events Access Pass’ and ‘Single Movie Session Pass’ Tickets are available now! The nature-focused, environmental film festival will tie-in with, and support, VMF’s theme of A Watershed Year. It will focus on important themes of water and connectivity like those of the 15-mile long Volcan Mountain Range and it’s adjacent watershed and wildlife corridors in the San Diego County and Southern/Baja California regions. Two exceptional, award-winning, feature-length films also provide a local connection. An Emmy-nominated documentary, ‘Breaking Point’ by award-winning documentary producer Bill Wisneski, spotlights a critical water issue and a potential crisis in Southern California with the Salton Sea and the Colorado River Basin. San Felipe Creek springs forth high on Volcan Mountain and flows east into the Anza-Borrego Watershed and onto the Salton Sea’s Colorado River Basin. California’s largest lake is disappearing and time is running out to make changes before an ecological breaking point is reached. Certainly protecting watersheds and water sources like the Volcan Mountain Range is one part of the solution to this weighty issue. Another highlight of the festival will be the film ‘OR7-The Journey’, by filmmaker Clemens Schenk, that depicts the importance of wildlife corridors in Northern California/Oregon and the plight of grey wolves, and clarifies myths and misconceptions that surround these magnificent animals. The film documents the journey of OR-7, a grey wolf which was collared in Oregon and eventually dispersed from his pack. A journey that tells the story not only of OR-7, but of the wolf as a species in America. It is a journey of survival. A journey of inspiration. Schenk shared that he lived in Julian about 40 years ago for several year in the house on Main Street that’s now the Julian Pie Company! He has fond memories of Julian, and looks forward to making the trek down for the festival. He’s making arrangements with supporters and colleagues from Julian’s own California Wolf Center and the Center for Biological Diversity to participate as well. Everywhere this film’s been shown it’s sold out, so don’t miss your opportunity to view this critically-acclaimed and fascinating documentary! The Julian Film Festival hopes to provide connectivity for those that love, and are hopeful for, nature and to serve as inspiration to inspire active stewardship for protection and care of vital natural resources like the Volcan Mountain Range. The film festival provides a fun, social opportunity to look at, share, and discuss important environmental issues as a community. It takes issues what may seem large and looming, and through spirited and social engagement gives hope that together we can (and must) tackle even the biggest issues that face society today. The historic apple-producing, ranching and gold-mining town of Julian, California in the mountains of northeast San Diego County, provides the perfect setting to get informed about, and inspired by, nature. Surrounded by the Cleveland National Forest, Julian also showcases natural attractions for recreating and camping like the nearby Cuyamaca Rancho, Palomar and Anza-Borrego State Parks, and several countyparks and preserves. The Festival will kick off with Friday night films at the Julian Station (4470 Highway 78/Julian Road, Julian, CA 92036), a popular local food and watering hole and historic apple packing facility and cider house. Filmgoers can enjoy local, organic food and beverages from Mr. Manitas Taco Bar & Fruteria, The Cooler,Golden Coast Mead, and Julian Hard Cider before enjoying the films on an outdoor screen and a filmmaker reception to follow. On Saturday, there will be four 90-minute film sessions with community/filmmaker discussions to follow atJulian High School (1656 Highway 78, Julian, CA 92036) on the east-end of Main Street. Just a couple blocks away, the historic townsite of Julian offers ample dining, shopping and lodging opportunities. A Saturday night awards party at the historic Julian Town Hall with live music and food provided by Granny’s Kitchen, beer from Tom Nickel and Julian’s Nickel Beer Co., and wine from Jim and Michael Hart of the new Volcan Mountain Winery, will close out the festival. On Sunday, attendees staying for the