STATE SUED OVER FAILURE TO DISCLOSE RECORDS ON ENGLISH LEARNER STUDENTS
East County News Service August 17, 2015 (Sacramento)–California’s Department of Education is being sued for denying access to records on the number of students who are English language learners. The Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area and Public Counsel has filed a lawsuit in Sacramento County Superior Court to obtain the records pursuant to the California Public Records Act. “No state agency is above the law,” said Travis Silva with the lawyers’ group, the Sacramento Bee reports. The Department of Education told the Bee it had not reviewed the case yet and would reserve comments. Records on English learner students are crucial to monitor schools’ progress, among other things. The case could have ramifications locally, since San Diego and East County are home to many immigrant and refugee students from Iraq, Mexico and other places who are English as a second language students.
EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS
August 19, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) — East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include: LOCAL/REGIONAL Developer Won’t Take No for an Answer on Massive Lilac Hills Ranch Project (Voice of San Diego) Helix water board OKs notice of rate changes (San Diego Union-Tribune) Santee VFW post desperate to find new home (10 News) El Cajon wants to thank good businesses (San Diego Union-Tribune) Measles Vaccination Rates Low At Many San Diego Schools (KPBS) July Water Consumption Down 32 Percent In San Diego Region (KPBS) Consumers can carry clout over cellphone tower placement (San Diego Union-Tribune) City answers to utility-tax rebellion (AP) STATE Large counties could be required to increase number of Supervisors (Cal Watchdog) California bans secret hearings on most police shooting deaths (Reuters) California’s Drought Is So Bad That Thousands Are Living Without Running Water (Mother Jones) California Pays Off $14B In Costly Debt From 2004 (AP) Despite strong returns, California pension funds’ fiscal hole got deeper (Sac Bee) Fraud suit filed against Edison (SD Reader) California Rations Birth, Death Certificates Amid Security Paper Shortage (NPR) California will have more seniors living alone (U-T) For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down. LOCAL/REGIONAL Developer Won’t Take No for an Answer on Massive Lilac Hills Ranch Project (Voice of San Diego) Lilac Hills Ranch would put 1,700 homes, retail and other buildings on 600 acres of what’s now agricultural land. Deer Springs Fire District has said it can’t provide adequate emergency response to the development…Accretive Investments also donated thousands to support Supervisor Bill Horn, whose owns property near the development. Helix water board OKs notice of rate changes (San Diego Union-Tribune) Helix Water District customers will receive a notice in the mail this month about an October public hearing for a proposed increase in service fees. Santee VFW post desperate to find new home (10 News) Veterans say they can no longer afford rent. El Cajon wants to thank good businesses (San Diego Union-Tribune) Alcohol sales retailers caught following the city’s laws to be recognized by the city. Measles Vaccination Rates Low At Many San Diego Schools (KPBS) With the start of school approaching, health officials are asking parents to make sure their kids’vaccinations are up-to-date. July Water Consumption Down 32 Percent In San Diego Region (KPBS) The July decline followed drops of 26 percent in June and 30 percent in May. Consumers can carry clout over cellphone tower placement (San Diego Union-Tribune) Working on cellphone tower issues can be a challenge for community activists. City answers to utility-tax rebellion (AP) Tax rebellion case unfolds at California Supreme Court, with high stakes for San Diego. STATE Large counties could be required to increase number of Supervisors (Cal Watchdog) On the county level, Senator Tony Mendoza, D-Artesia, has proposed a constitutional amendment, SCA 8, that would increase the number of county supervisors from the constitutional minimum of five to seven in counties that have 2 million residents or more. California bans secret hearings on most police shooting deaths (Reuters) California will no longer assign grand juries to investigate most deaths of people killed by police under a law signed this week by Democratic Governor Jerry Brown. California’s Drought Is So Bad That Thousands Are Living Without Running Water (Mother Jones) “This is an ever-expanding, invisible disaster.” California Pays Off $14B In Costly Debt From 2004 (AP) California closed an ugly chapter in its financial history on Wednesday by making its final payment on $14.2 billion in costly borrowing that plugged a budget deficit 11 years ago but eventually cost taxpayers about $5 billion in interest and fees. Despite strong returns, California pension funds’ fiscal hole got deeper (Sac Bee) California’s total pension debt, $610.3 billion, is the largest in the nation. Fraud suit filed against Edison (SD Reader) A securities fraud lawsuit has been filed in federal court in San Diego against Edison International, parent of Southern California Edison. The suit alleges that Southern California Edison made false and misleading statements about the company’s business, operational, and compliance policies — thus endangering the utility-favoring settlement on dividing up the costs of the San Onofre nuclear plant decommissioning. California Rations Birth, Death Certificates Amid Security Paper Shortage (NPR) A shortage of special security paper used for birth and death certificates in California California will have more seniors living alone (U-T) Single, divorced or widowed seniors without children will more likely need outside support services.
VOTER’S WATCHDOG: HUESO BILL TO BOOST VOTER TURNOUT GOES TO GOVERNOR’S DESK
By Miriam Raftery August 18, 2015 (San Diego)–State Senator Ben Hueso, a Democrat from the San Diego region, announced this week that Senate Bill 415, a measure that will dramatically increase voter turnout in local elections, passed the State Senate on a 26-12 vote and is now headed to the Governor’s desk for his signature. Local governments with voter turnout 25% less than the average turnout in that city will be required to consolidate their elections with state elections. Senator Hueso states, “We must protect our voices as voters and celebrate our most sacred right as Americans. Voter participation in any election gives us the opportunity to challenge the issues at stake and redefines our commitment to our state of California.” He adds, “This bill sends a clear message that elected officials support the effort to increase voter turnout and respect a democratic process.” The bill was introduced after some cities in California held elections with single digits, including a Los Angeles election with just 8% voter turnout. Studies have consistently shown that elections that are not consolidated with statewide and federal elections have significantly lower voter turnout. A 2001 study by the Public Policy Institute of California found that, on average, voter turnout in off cycle municipal elections was 25 to 36% lower than elections held during statewide races. In fact, the institute estimated that California could have drawn 1.7 million more voters in municipal elections, roughly a 31% increase in total voter participation. SB 415 applies to local governments with elections that had a 25% decrease in voter turnout in the last four statewide races. It requires local governments to consolidate the elections starting 2022. The measure passed by a 41 to 28 vote in the State Senate, with opposition primarily from Republicans. Opponents contend that cities and counties should be free to set their own election dates. The Los Angeles Daily News, which endorsed the bill as good for democracy by boosting turnout, but did cite potential concerns that candidates in down-ticket races could be overshadowed by those in more prominent races and that the cost of political advertising during a major election season could be prohibitive for some local candidates. Governor Jerry Brown has twelve days upon the date of transmittal, which was on August 18th, to sign or veto the bill.
INTERACTIVE MAP TRACKS CLIMATE INVESTMENTS IN CA
August 19, 2015 (Sacramento)– California leads the nation with its ambitious programs to combat climate change, from ramping up renewable energy to driving the development of cleaner cars and its cap-and-trade program. Now, an interactive online map is available to track where funds from these ground-breaking programs are being invested. The new website – www.ClimateInvestmentMap.CA.Gov – brings together information on a dozen different climate and energy programs into a single searchable application, allowing users to view the locations of individual projects and providing a summary of climate and energy investments for each of the state’s 120 legislative districts. The map was developed by the California Department of Technology working with the California Environmental Protection Agency, the Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, the California Public Utilities Commission, the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the California Natural Resources Agency and other state agencies and departments. “As we strengthen our efforts to fight climate change, it is important that we keep Californians and their elected representatives informed about how state funds are being invested,” said Secretary for Environmental Protection Matthew Rodriquez. “This website identifies where funds are being spent and how they are helping communities, including some of our most disadvantaged communities, across the state.” Currently, the site is tracking nearly $6 billion in climate-related investments, including programs in agriculture, energy, transportation, natural resources, sustainable communities and waste reduction. The site will continue to add data on additional programs. “This data will help local and state leaders as well as all Californians see where the state’s climate investments are located,” said California Energy Commission Chair Robert B. Weisenmiller. “The data will help us evaluate the effectiveness of our efforts as these investments are critical to meet California’s greenhouse gas reduction targets.” California’s pioneering 2006 climate law – AB 32 – set the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. California is on track to meeting its targets through a comprehensive set of programs that includes energy efficiency and renewable energy, cleaner vehicles and fuels, and putting a price on carbon through a cap-and-trade system. Earlier this year, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. issued an executive order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in California 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. The target, the most ambitious in North America, is consistent with California’s existing commitment to reduce emissions 80 percent under 1990 levels by 2050. The Climate Investment Map illustrates the growing investments from these programs at the local and regional level. Initially, the site is prioritizing for inclusion climate and energy programs with the largest budgets and readily accessible data. Among the programs included are the following: California Solar Initiative – Overseen by the California Public Utilities Commission, the initiative provides incentives for solar systems installations to customers of the state’s investor-owned utilities. The California Clean Energy Jobs Act (Proposition 39) – Administered by the California Energy Commission, Prop 39 provides funding to local schools to improve energy efficiency and create clean-energy jobs. Clean Vehicle Rebate Project – Administered by the Air Resources Board, the program is designed to promote the purchase of zero-emission vehicles. The website will be continually updated with new programs, with a particular focus on those recently funded with proceeds from California’s cap-and-trade program. The site will also incorporate other ways of viewing the data geographically – including by city and county, by census tracts and other boundaries. While the state’s climate programs are aimed at reducing carbon pollution, these investments also have a variety of other tangible benefits, including reducing air pollution and improving public health, creating green jobs and reducing energy costs. Future improvements to the site will focus on quantifying and tracking those benefits as well. To view the new website, go to www.ClimateInvestmentMap.CA.Gov.
GUNSHOT VICTIM’S BODY FOUND EAST OF OTAY
East County News Service August 17, 2015 (Otay) –An agent from the U.S. Border Patrol found the body of a Hispanic man alongside a roadway in unincorporated San Diego County at 6 a.m. on the morning of August 12, 2015. “The man had been shot multiple times in the upper body and died as a result of his injuries,” said Lieutenant John Maryon with the Sheriff’s homicide detail. The grisly discovery was made about four miles east of Enrico Fermi Drive and Via de la Amistad, east of Otay Mesa. The Medical Examiner will seek to confirm identity of the victim and cause of death. If you have information please call the Sheriff’s homicide detail at at (858) 974-2321/after hours at (858) 565-5200. You can remain anonymous and be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Call Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATES BRIAN JONES AND RANDY VOEPEL SPEAK OUT AT 2ND CHALDEAN CHAMBER’S “MEET YOUR CANDIDATE” EVENT
By Janis Russell August 17, 2015 (La Mesa)- The San Diego East County Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce hosted its second Meet Your Candidates event at Sammy’s Woodfire Pizza in La Mesa on August 5. The speakers were Assemblyman Brian Jones, who is running for Senator Joel Anderson’s seat, and 71st state Assembly district candidate Randy Voepel, who has been Mayor and served on Santee’s city council since 2000. Voepel is running against Mike Harrison, who currently serves on Duncan D. Hunter, and Tony Teora, an engineer. (Harrison spoke at a prior Chamber event and Teora is invited for the future.) Ben Kalasho, President of the Chamber, introduced Voepel as the first speaker. “Randy’s a great guy. He’s an honest, down to earth kind of guy… He’s easily reachable.” Voepel praised Jones, then stated, “We go to war for you, trying to represent what you stand for. With Brian and myself, you’ve got pro business, pro government… One thing I’ve got working for me is I’ve been doing the items I’ve listed for 20 years and they work… Santee city has a balanced budget. I’m also endorsed by most of the elected officials in the county.” Kalasho asked Voepel what he plans to do in Sacramento. Voepel replied, “The first year, I will keep my mouth shut and I’m going to observe. Brian has told me ‘Your best bet is to observe.’ After a year, then with Brian’s help and other people’s help, we’ll get moving.” He cited water as an issue he is passionate about, adding, “I have a game plan to work politics over the next six years.” Kalasho then introduced Jones, adding that he’s known the Assemblyman for a long time. Jones attended the first Chamber gala, and Kalasho has been to a couple of Brian’s roundtable discussions. Jones credit much of his success to Voepel, citing his success at building a business and retiring/selling it as well as with local government experience and recruiting others. He then went on to explain about himself. “The first two years in the State Assembly, I hated it.” He was used to working with colleagues, like he did in city council. “People disagree with you… The constituents have real issues. I’ve also learned how to get legislation passed.” Jones discussed his bill to allow non-motorized vehicles in parks. “We’re going to work on water issues next year… We might take a small bite out of a big elephant, CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act.” He added, “I will leave business for Randy to finish.” Jones leaves office due to term limits at the end of 2016 but aims to run for Senator Anderson’s seat—though just when remains unclear. If Anderson defeats Supervisor Jacob next year, it would trigger a special election to fill the State Senate seat. If Anderson loses, he would be termed out of his State Senate seat in 2018. Kalasho commented on how the Chamber had a drought mixer and there were a lot of attendees there. He then asked if Senator Anderson has filed or declared officially if he’s running against Supervisor Jacob. An aide to Voepel and Jones said that Anderson has turned in an intention statement, but there is no press release yet of an official declaration. Kalasho then asked what Jones’ number one thing would be that he would focus on in the Senate. Jones told him that he likes the constituents’ aspects of the job. He mentioned two things he’ll focus on. “I’ll be carrying on with pro small business legislation [and] going to work with Prop 64.” John Minto, VP of Santee city council, mentioned how he heard about a bill that would separate organic waste from trash. Jones commented, “I’m not sure where that bill is at.” Someone else brought up a bill on cellphone towers. Jones wasn’t sure about that bill. It was hard for him to remember the wording of that bill. “2300 bills were introduced this year. The governor, this year, will look at 1100 bills.” Michael Emerson with the Grossmont Healthcare District asked if there’s any Medi-Cal, Medicare, or medicine bill. Jones said there will be a special session this year. “The Governor is looking at sustained funding.” Emerson mentioned he’s been passionate about the Medi-cal reimbursement bill and he wants to see it move forward. Humbert Cabrera from Cabrera and Associates Inc. and the El Cajon Rotary Club asked Jones about Prop 13. Jones replied, “There’s a push for a split role, split commercial and residential property, and take residential property out of it.” Apartments, rental condos, rental houses and vacation rentals would become commercial under that plan. For information about Voepel, visit: http://www.randyvoepel.org/. To learn more about Jones, go to: http://www.electbrianjones.com/. For information on Tony Teora, the third candidate in the 71st Assembly district race, visit http://tonyteora.org/ and http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/teora-announces-assembly-run-seeks-%E2%80%9Crestore-local-control-bill%E2%80%9D-help-rural-residents-also-backs .
“BOLTMAN” TO NFL: MOVING CHARGERS TO L.A. WOULD VIOLATE ANTI-TRUST ACT
By Miriam Raftery Photo: Boltman’s Facebook page for fans August 19, 2015 (San Diego)—Striking a blow for Chargers’ fans, Dan Jauregui, a loyal fan known as the “Boltman” fired off a letter yesterday to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFL Chief legal officer Anastasia Danias. The letter contends that moving the Chargers to Carson is a violation of both the NFL constitution’s bylaws and the federal Sherman Antitrust Act. “Me and other loyal Chargers fans are prepared to spearhead an initiative to force the City to file a lawsuit against the NFL unless the League and the Chargers enter into serious talks to keep the team in San Degio,” Jauregui’s letter states. The Chargers pitched a plan for a shared $1.7 stadium with the Raiders in Carson near Los Angeles on Monday at the Los Angeles Sports Council’s luncheon, after making the same presentation last week to NFL owners and commissioner Goodell. But Jauregui notes in a notice sent to media, “NFL policy requires a team to negotiate in good faith before a franchise can relocate. The league and the Chargers have failed to do that and have rejected every effort to keep the team in San Diego.” San Diego’s Mayor, City Council, Board of Supervisors and City Attorney have worked hard to produce a plan to approve and construct a new stadium on a short timetable, as the Chargers demanded, only to have the team continue moving forward on its Los Angeles plans, the Boltman observes. Moving a team isn’t only a blow to fans; it also means lost revenues and jobs for the San Diego region. So the Boltman concludes, “Unless the NFL and the Chargers come to the table for meaningful, good-faith negotiations on staying in San Diego County, we will launch an initiative to have the City retain a team of experienced sports antitrust lawyers starting with the law office of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP to stop the move.” In his notice to media sent on behalf of “loyal Charger fans,” Jauregui concludes, “We fans stand ready to act if the illegal behavior is not stopped. Rest assured, we will not give up the Chargers without a fight!”
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN EL CAJON
By Monica Zech, Public Information Officer for the City of El Cajon Whether you’re looking for some hot events, a free pet, disaster response training, or tips to stay cool, the City of El Cajon has news you can use. EVENTS August 18, 2015 (El Cajon) – A Special Day of Free Concerts On August 29 In Downtown El Cajon. On Saturday, August 29, it will be a day of music at the Prescott Promenade. Starting at 12 noon, three groups will take the stage as to “make-up” concerts for those that were rained out in May during the Dinner & a Concert series. Concert Schedule: Soul Persuaders (soul) – 12:00 p.m. Laguna – 2:30 p.m. (rock) Liz Grace & the Swing Thing (swing) – 5:00 p.m. The Prescott Promenade is located at 201 E. Main Street. These free concerts are hosted by the Downtown El Cajon Business Partners. For more information please visit www.downtownec.com, or call (619) 334-3000. Listen To Rockbilly Music This Friday At The Next Dinner & a Concert Playing at the next Dinner & a Concert in Downtown El Cajon is the Neil Morrow Band playing rockabilly music this Friday, August 14. Don’t miss a moment of the 2015 season of “Dinner & a Concert” at the Prescott Promenade! Enjoy great music and dancing on Friday nights, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., now through September 25. Arrive early to dine at one of many great restaurants downtown or bring your picnic and lawn chairs. There are also some local vendors to visit. These free concerts are located at 201 E. Main Street and are brought to you by the Downtown El Cajon Business Partners. See the full line-up of bands at www.downtownelcajon.com or call (619) 334-3000. This Coming Saturday Is A Great Day To Find Your New Pet! Thinking about getting a pet? Mark this coming Saturday, August 15 on your calendar! County Animal Services is among more than a dozen local organizations taking part in “Clear the Shelters,” a one-day, all-out push in cities around the country aimed at getting every shelter animal into homes. For that day only, County Animal Services is waiving all adoption fees on its pets for qualified applicants, and that includes a spay or neuter. Some of the shelters are waiving vaccinations, microchip and a free veterinary exam. The El Cajon Animal Shelter is one of several shelters involved in this special event! The El Cajon shelter is located at 1275 N. Marshall Avenue. If you qualify, there is “no” adoption fee, but there is a $10 charge for a microchip and a fee for licensing – if you live in El Cajon. For more information please call (619) 441-1580. Tickets Still Available For Haute With Heart Fashion Show The 38th Annual St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center’s Haute with Heart Fashion Show “I Love Fashion” is scheduled for this weekend, Saturday, August 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Hilton San Diego Bay Front Hotel, located at 1 Park Boulevard in San Diego. The Haute with Heart Fashion Show highlights professional models, members of the community and St. Madeleine’s, dressed in the latest fashions on the runway. This event also features fabulous boutique shopping, live and silent auctions, opportunity drawings, and a heartwarming performance from the Center’s performing arts students. Proceeds raised benefit the unique programs St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center offers to over 400 adults with developmental disabilities (e.g. autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy). To contribute to the success of our 38th Annual Fashion Show, please consider becoming a Table Captain or Underwriter. Your commitment and support is greatly appreciated! Registration, silent auction and boutique shopping open at 10:00 a.m. For more information or tickets, please visit www.stmsc.org, or call (619) 442-5129, ext. 115. Cajon Speedway Family Night At The Next Cajon Classic Cruise At the next Classic Cruise Car Show on August 19, it’s Cajon Speedway Family Night! See an array of classic vehicles, and motorcycles during the 2015 season of “Cajon Classic Cruise Car Shows.” Car shows are every Wednesday night through October 28 on East Main Street, between Magnolia and Claydelle Avenues, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This popular car show is held in the area of the Prescott Promenade, and is hosted by the Downtown El Cajon Business Partners. For more information, please visit www.cajonclassiccruise.org or call (619) 334-3000. The Chamber Is Still Accepting Leadership East County Applications San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting applications for the San Diego Leadership East County Program 2015 – 2016 class. The cost is $800, the time commitment: (1) 8-hour day, per month, for 11 months, the program starts August 21, 2015. The learning experience is priceless! The mission of the Leadership program is to utilize the unique perspective, experience and talent of its participants to identify, mentor and prepare the East County leaders of tomorrow. A goal is to acquaint participants with East County’s assets, needs and challenges. For more information visit: www.eastcountychamber.org or call (619) 440-6161. Emergency Resource Fair At Parkway Plaza An Emergency and Resource Fair will be held at Parkway Plaza on Saturday, August 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. inside the Sears Court area of the mall. You will find the latest information on earthquake safety, fire safety and how to create safety plans to better prepare you, your family, and your community in the event of an emergency! Talk to representatives of the American Red Cross, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Heartland Fire & Rescue, San Diego Gas & Electric and more! This event is hosted by Senator Joel Anderson at Parkway Plaza. For more information, please call (619) 596-3136. Free Community Workshop On Lowering Your Energy Bills If you are looking for ways to lower your energy bills and make your home more energy-efficient, you may be interested in attending a “Home Energy Upgrade Workshop” at the Renette Park Community Center on Wednesday, August 26, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Renette Center is
TORNADO TEARS THROUGH TOWN NEAR SALTON SEA
East County News Service August 16, 2015 (Salton Sea) – The National Weather Service confirmed yesterday that a severe storm that tore through Mecca on the north shore of the Salton Sea on August 6 was a tornado that caused over $10 million in damages. The storm downed or snapped steel and wooden utility poles along a two to three mile stretch, said Alex Tardy with the National Weather Service. “Eyewitness reports consisted of a funnel shape cloud and tornado,” added Tardy, who said golf-ball sized hailstones and heavy rain were also reported. The National Weather Service has concluded that a tornado did in fact occur, with peak wind speeds reached 90 to 105 miles per hour. The tornado flipped over a vehicle and also damaged structures. A tornado previously struck the Salton Sea beach area in 1978, causing six injuries and $2.5 million in property damages.
SENATOR ANDERSON HOSTS EMERGENCY RESOURCE FAIR AT PARKWAY PLAZA AUG. 22
August 17, 2015 (El Cajon) – The public is invited to an Emergency Resource Fair at Parkway Plaza mall in El Cajon on Saturday, August 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. organized by Senator Joel Anderson. You can learn about earthquake safety, fire safety and how to prepare for emergencies. Organizations participating include American Medical Response, Community Emergency Response Team, SDG&E, American Red Cross, Heartland Fire & Rescue, and FEMA. The event is inside the Sears Court at Parkway Plaza, 415 Parkway Plaza in El Cajon.