DESTINATION EAST COUNTY. SEPT. 17 TO OCT. 17
Listen to Destination East County, also airing on KNSJ, by clicking the audio link. September 16, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)–This week’s Destination East County features the Chaldean American Festival in El Cajon, a Music Festival with Apple Pie in Julian, a live musical theatre production and Supervisor Jacobs with an event for seniors. Plus we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including Julian Apple Days, Oktoberfest El Cajon hosted by the German American Society followed by a new event, Fallfest in La Mesa and a water issues forum in La Mesa. So scroll down tuned for all of these events and much, much more. THIS WEEK’S MAJOR EVENTS: HAIRSPRAY September 17th– 19th Visionary Community Theatre and Visionary Youth Theatre of east San Diego present Hairspray at the Performing Arts Center at Point Loma High School (2335 Chatsworth Blvd, San Diego, 92106) on September19 at 7 p.m. Enjoy as the diverse and talented Visionary cast and crew welcome you to the 60’s! This production features Matthew Anderson, a physics professor at San Diego State University, as Wilbur Turnblad and Visionary’s own Artistic Director Spencer John Powell as Edna Turnblad. Tickets are available at: Visionary Community Theater.com CHALDEAN AMERICAN FESTIVAL: A CULTURAL CELEBRATION SEPT. 19-20 IN EL CAJON The Chaldean American Festival will be this weekend Saturday September 19th and Sunday September 20th, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the El Cajon Centennial Plaza (where Rea Street meets Sulzfeld Street next to City Hall) in downtown El Cajon. The Chaldeans are Iraqi Christians many who have lived in East County for generations and many who recently have become refugees from the conflicts in the Middle East. “Chaldeans are one of the ancient cultures of Mesopotamia, and we welcome all our friends and neighbors to come learn more about us and where we come from,” said event organizer Dr. Noori Barka. This is a free family event and will feature authentic homemade Chaldean faire, traditional music and dancing, games for children, as well as local vendors for all to enjoy. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of East County and the “Adopt a Refugee Family” drive to support families fleeing the Middle East due to ISIS. Again that’s Saturday and Sunday September 19th and 20th in the middle of downtown El Cajon. JULIAN MUSIC FESTIVAL SEPT. 19 The 2015 Julian Music Festival will celebrate its 46th anniversary on September 19 with a diverse line-up of musical acts and a new event beneficiary, the California Wolf Center in Julian. The festival will take place from 1 to 6:30 p.m. on the grounds of the Menghini Winery (1150 Julian Orchards Dr.) in Julian. This year’s festival will feature a varied collection and blends of musical genres, including Latin jazz, adult contemporary, alternative folk, Celtic and more. For tickets and details, visit www.JulianMusicFestival.com. BLUE SKY RIDERS SEPT. 20 IN POWAY Poway on Stage, the foundation that supports the Poway Performing Arts Center, will present Blue Sky Riders in an acoustic concert to open the center’s Silver Anniversary season. The show will take stage on Sunday, September 20th at 7 p.m. Featuring Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins and Nashville songsmiths Gary Burr and Georgia Middleman, Blue Sky Riders combine harmonies with elements of country, pop, and Americana. For tickets and details on the full season lineup, you can go to www.PowayOnStage.org. “DARE THE DEVIL” AUTHOR SEPT. 23 IN LEMON GROVE Author Roger Conlee will be speaking at the Lemon Grove Library (3001 School Lane) on September 23rd at 6:30 p.m. about his new book, “Dare the Devil,” set in 1940s Los Angeles where gangs, cops and strange earthlings inhabit the mean streets. SUPERVISOR JACOB WILL LEAD THE “DON’T GET HOOKED” EVENT Sept. 23rd On Wednesday, September 23, starting at 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Community Center on Douglas Street in El Cajon Learn how to avoid getting reeled in by financial scammers and other crooks. The free presentation and lunch is geared toward seniors and caregivers and will be led by county Supervisor Dianne Jacob. Speakers will include scam victims, Sheriff’s Department Detective Maureen Perkins and Deputy District Attorney Paul Greenwood, an expert on elder abuse and financial crimes. “A lot of crooks see seniors as easy prey and try to rip them off over the phone or through email and snail mail,” said Supervisor Jacob. “This event will arm our elderly with important tips on how to avoid these swindlers.” Experts from county Aging and Independence Services, Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk’s office and Treasurer-Tax Collector’s office will also be on hand to offer advice and answer questions. They will also provide take-home materials and talk about some of the most common swindles, including the “grandma scam” and the “IRS scam.” Supervisor Jacob and District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis recently teamed up to bring more attention to the issue of senior scams and to offer advice through a countywide public awareness campaign dubbed “Don’t Get Hooked.” LA MESA CONVERSATIONS HOLDS FIRST MEETING SEPT. 23 La Mesa Conservations, a new civic volunteer group, has announced a series of public programs to enrich La Mesa’s civic dialogue on issues of importance to city residents. The first program will be held September 23rd from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the San Pasqual Winery on La Mesa Blvd. The topic is “The Future of Water in La Mesa” with panelists from Helix Water District, the Water Conservation Garden, and the Water Reliability Coalition. NOW FOR A PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS JULIAN APPLE DAYS SEPTEMBER 26-27 As part of Julian’s Apple Days Celebration, a two-day Apple Days Festival will be held September 26 & 27 at Menghini Winery featuring apple displays, music and dancing, an antique tractor display, children’s games and activities, gold panning demonstrations, a beer and wine garden, food and merchandise vendors, contests, and, of course, apple pie. The event runs from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, both Saturday and Sunday. The coronation for Mr. and Mrs. Apple Days will
STORM BREAKS RECORDS
East County News Service The National Weather Service reports that Tuesday’s storm, remnants of Hurricane Linda that drenched our region, has broken rainfall records. Lindbergh Field got 1.21 inches of rain on Tuesday alone, breaking the previous record for September 14th set 109 years ago – and that old record was just over a tenth of an inch.Tuesday was also the second wettest day in September ever. The worst was back in 1939, when three tropical storms walloped our region. Sunny skies are returning, however, with high temperatures 5 to 10 degrees above normal forecast by Sunday.
FEINSTEIN URGES PASSAGE OF WILDFIRE DISASTER FUNDING ACT
September 16, 2015 (Washington D.C.) – Wildfires, unlike earthquakes or hurricanes, are not funded as natural disasters—and the money to fight devastating fires is running out. Now as wildfires ravage our state, Senator Dianne Feinstein, a California Democrat, has issued a statement urging Congress to pass the Wildfire Disaster Funding Act. Here is her statement in full: “California is suffering from one of the worst fire seasons in decades, intensified by the most severe drought conditions in 500 years. More than 7,000 fires have burned this year to date, consuming more than 740,000 acres of land. Fire chiefs say they’re seeing some of the most dangerous fires ever, fires that move faster and are more intense than past years. “Two firefighters have been killed, and four firefighters remain hospitalized. Today, there are more than 8,600 firefighters battling active fires using 1,500 fire trucks, 90 helicopters and 15 air tankers. “One civilian has been killed and tens of thousands of people have been forced to evacuate. According to the U.S. Forest Service, 756 homes have been destroyed by the Butte and Valley Fires alone, and thousands more homes and businesses are currently threatened. “Unfortunately, the way we pay for firefighting activities worsens the situation. The Forest Service this year will borrow $700 million to fight current fires—money that was intended to prevent future wildfires by removing brush and dead trees. This approach means California and other Western states will be even more vulnerable to devastating wildfires next year as vital prevention programs are delayed, sometimes indefinitely. “The Wildfire Disaster Funding Act, a bill introduced by Senator Wyden that I strongly support, would help solve this problem. Once fire spending exceeds a certain threshold, firefighting would be funded through a separate, disaster account. “The bill would fund wildfires the same way other natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes are handled—through disaster funding. No one should have to worry about getting an appropriation of additional funding to fight fires in the driest conditions in 500 years. “I applaud the administration for supporting this proposal and am hopeful the Senate will act on this bill as soon as possible.”
EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS
September 16, 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 Navy To Limit Some Training That Harms Whales In Pacific (KPBS) ‘Mitigation bankers’see profit in converting developed lands back into natural habitat (KPBS) New Rate Structure Will Show Up On SDG&E Bills This Month (KPBS) Uncorking San Diego’s wine potential (U-T) No receipts required for college bosses (U-T) A Look At How San Diego Resettles Refugees As Syrian Crisis Continues (KPBS) Split commission gives thumbs up to Lilac Hills (U-T) Natural gas pipe would pass through Escondido, Poway (U-T) Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against inewsource, San Diego State (KPBS) New publisher named for U-T and L.A. Times (U-T) Water Rates Have Soared and They’re Not Stalling (Voice of SD) Cancer risk study canceled at San Onofre (U-T) STATE The Learning Curve: ‘What the Hell Are We Doing?’ (Voice of San Diego) 30% of California’s forest firefighters are prisoners (Mother Jones) CPUC reform bills sent to governor (U-T) California Legislature Approves Assisted Suicide Bill (NPR) Feds, unlike PUC, won’t accommodate PG&E’s bad behavior (U-T) New California tests present sobering picture of student achievement (LA Times) California Court Rules Water Pricing Plan Violates Law (NYTimes) University of California sells $200 million holdings in coal, oil sands firms (Reuters) CPUC’s Picker impressed senators (U-T) For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down. LOCAL Navy To Limit Some Training That Harms Whales In Pacific (KPBS) The Navy agreed to limit its use of sonar and other training that inadvertently harms whales, dolphins and other marine mammals off Hawaii and California in a settlement with environmental groups approved Monday. ‘Mitigation bankers’ see profit in converting developed lands back into natural habitat (KPBS) Land in San Diego is becoming so valuable – and natural habitat so scarce – that it’s now profitable to recreate natural habit and sell it. Private companies called “Mitigation Bankers” find it can pay to turn developed land back into wetlands, and sell it to developers as mitigation for projects elsewhere. But KPBS north county editor Alison St John says not everyone buys into that idea. Supervisors want waste out of San Onofre (U-T) Supervisors want spent nuclear fuel out of San Onofre. The problem? There’s nowhere it can go. On Tuesday, Supervisors Ron Roberts and Dianne Jacob plan to introduce a measure that asks the Department of Energy to remove nuclear fuel away from the site as the plant is decommissioned, adding county government’s voice to a chorus to get radioactive waste out of the San Diego region. New Rate Structure Will Show Up On SDG&E Bills This Month (KPBS) The structure, approved by the California Public Utilities Commission in July, has three tiers instead of the previous four. Uncorking San Diego’s wine potential (U-T) Though there are as many wineries in the county as there are craft breweries — about 115 each — the wine business is only in its infancy, probably where beer was 20 years ago. But those involved in the industry, and those watching it closely, say San Diego could be poised to become California’s next notable wine region. No receipts required for college bosses (U-T) New presidents of Grossmont, Cuyamaca have documentation-free expense allowances A Look At How San Diego Resettles Refugees As Syrian Crisis Continues (KPBS) San Diego resettles 2,700 refugees annually. Midday Edition takes a look at the process and challenges families may face as they search for a new home. Split commission gives thumbs up to Lilac Hills (U-T) A sharply divided commission decided 4-3 to recommend approval of the project. Natural gas pipe would pass through Escondido, Poway (U-T) Natural gas pipe would stretch from Riverside County to Miramar, mostly under roadways. Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against inewsource, San Diego State (KPBS) A San Diego judge threw out a lawsuit yesterday challenging the legality of lease agreements between inewsource, KPBS and San Diego State University, concluding that it was prompted by inewsource’s investigative journalism. New publisher named for U-T and L.A. Times (U-T) San Diego Union-Tribune and Los Angeles Times publisher Austin Beutner was fired Tuesday and replaced by Timothy E. Ryan. Ryan had been publisher and CEO of The Baltimore Sun….Marshall Sonenshine, managing partner of New York investment bank Sonenshine Partners, said …he wouldn’t be surprised if Tribune Publishing ended up selling the Times and Union-Tribune. Water Rates Have Soared and They’re Not Stalling (Voice of SD) Over the past 25 years, water rates have more than doubled for most customers in San Diego County. And, even as we’re all using less water, rates will continue to climb for most county residents. A look at rates across the county since 1990 shows a relentless increase in water prices – much faster than overall inflation. Cancer risk study canceled at San Onofre (U-T) Federal nuclear safety regulators cancel study of cancer risks near San Onofre. STATE The Learning Curve: ‘What the Hell Are We Doing?’ (Voice of San Diego) Last May, during a state Assembly Education Committee meeting, Assemblywoman Shirley Weber implored her colleagues to approve a bill that would require evidence of student progress to be used in teacher evaluations 30% of California’s forest firefighters are prisoners (Mother Jones) Here’s a kind of crazy stat: Between 30 and 40 percent of California’s forest firefighters are state prison inmates. The state has become a tinderbox of sorts from a four-year drought, and roughly 4,000 low-level felons are on the front lines of the state’s active fires. Here’s what’s going on: CPUC reform bills sent to governor (U-T) Four bills aimed at reforming the California Public Utilities Commission passed the state Legislature on Friday and are headed to the Governor’s Office for consideration. California Legislature Approves Assisted Suicide Bill (NPR) The bill that would allow physicians to prescribe life-ending medication to patients now rests in the hands of Gov. Jerry Brown. Feds, unlike PUC, won’t accommodate PG&E’s bad behavior (U-T) One of the state’s giant utilities is facing criminal obstruction charges. Good. New California tests present sobering picture of student achievement (LA Times) Echoing a nationwide downward
GUHSD BOARD HEARS UPDATE ON PROPOSITION H AND U STATUS, APPROVES FEASIBILITY STUDY ON ASKING VOTERS FOR MORE MONEY
“This is fiscal irresponsibility…The bond oversight is a joke.” — Nick Marinovich, bond oversight committee member who recently resigned in protest (photo, left). “I don’t think the public is aware of the damage being done by a handful of special interests.” — Jim Kelly, board member, referring to Alpine parents and taxpayers who sued the district over its failure to build the Alpine high school By Janis Russell; Miriam Raftery also contributed to this report September 15, 2015 (El Cajon)- At the September 10th Grossmont Union High School District board meeting, president Robert Shield gave his report regarding a lawsuit the board is facing filed by citizens of Alpine. An update on Propositions H and U was presented to the board. The majority approved an agreement with CliffordMoss and John Hoy to study the likelihood that voters would re-authorize Prop U bonds or issuance of new bonds. That could be a tough sell to voters, since the district is being sued by Alpine taxpayers for failing to spend Prop H and U bonds on building an Alpine high school as spelled out in the bonds. The district has claimed enrollment triggers weren’t met, though multiple knowledgeable insiders have repeatedly reported that triggers were met. The board also approved to redesignate David Kvendru as Financial Executives International Representative to the Prop U Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC). Board Vice President, Dr. Gary Woods was watching from a teleconference. Shield first gave a report regarding what he views as a waste of taxpayers’ money as a direct result of the Alpine lawsuit over the district’s failure to build an Alpine High School despite two bond measures that authorized it as a top priority project. Shield said the suit has caused “both direct legal costs and indirect costs born by the district… The cost to date, which will continue to rise, has been approximately $3.4 million as a result of the efforts of the people in Alpine.” Board member Jim Kelly gave his opinion. “I don’t think the public is aware of the damage being done by a handful of special interests,” he said in a reference to parents and Alpine taxpayers while filed the suit. He accused Alpine residents of causing “so much obstruction, so much delay, [and] a waste of taxpayer money.” Though the district claims the suit is “frivolous,” the Alpine parents and taxpayers have won support, from the San Diego County Board of Education, which recommended that Alpine be removed from the Grossmont district and moved into the Alpine Union School District so that it can build the long-promised high school. A Superior Court Judge found ample merit in Alpine residents’ claims that he ordered the GUSD to put bond money into escrow to assure it is not spent on projects other than the Alpine School; the funds will be moved into the Alpine district if the state Department of Education approves the district split. That’s after the county grand jury found the board misappropriated bond monies on projects not listed in the bond in a scathing report titled “Fool me once, fool me twice.” The grand jury told the district to set a firm timetable to build the school or cooperate with efforts to unify the Alpine Union district and allow parents to leave. But the board did neither. But the Board failed to mention those facts in its presentation. Next, District Executive Director Katy Wright gave an update on the status of Proposition H/U. A PowerPoint was shown with construction updates of different high schools in the district. Starting with Monte Vista, she stated, “We were originally going to begin and end this project in the summer.” They instead started six weeks later because of this lawsuit, she said, adding that now, they’re only doing two projects and will be finished in October this year. Then, they will start on the third project. “What we got finished before school started is the entry way.” Wright then gave an update about Grossmont High. “We spent the summer getting new bus lanes in..and the ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] pathway.” This project is expected to last about a year. With Valhalla, there was also a delay until the next school year for completion. Chapparal had flooding and they hope to open the building next school year. “It’s been a busy summer for maintenance”, she added. There’s been painting, paving, and roof work done.” Wright also brought up the January 2015 bond review. There was a directive to evaluate new possibilities in lieu of a multi-purpose building at Mt. Miguel. The same thing happened with Santana. They are looking to re-designate space. The last item she brought up was reauthorization bonds. The board is looking at the 2030 agreement, not the 2019 now, she said. “We just got this money in 2015. The next batch of money will be charter money. Then the next batch won’t come in until 2019… We can’t do much with $12 million now,” Wright said. The charter money will hopefully come in the spring and a lot of it will be used for the construction at Helix. Board member Priscilla Schreiber wanted to know if they could reauthorize under the current interest bonds. Deputy Superintendent Scott Patterson confirmed that. She also asked about the state facilities bond for K-12 education. Wright explained that the board has to have some share to access the rest of the bonds. They’ve already been using some of that bond money. Board member Jim Stieringer asked if the roofing company will pay for the water damage at Chapparal. Patterson verified that is what they would ultimately do, but right now, they’re using their own insurance, JPA. Ultimately, the roofing company will reimburse for the damage. The next item on the agenda was approval of agreement for the feasibility study. Nick Marinovich, former GUHSD CBOC committee member and who has also served on Sweetwater’s CBOC, spoke. “The tax rate for Prop H is expected to rise to $44.88.
WET WEATHER CAUSES CRASHES ACROSS COUNTY
East County News Service September 15, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – It’s been a rough day for motorists across San Diego County, with rain-slicked highways contributing to multiple crashes and long delays for commuters. California Highway Patrol reports 385 collisions midnight to 9 p.m.—nearly triple the 140 accidents that occur on an average “good weather” day. Those stats includes freeways and streets in unincorporated areas only and do not include accidents on any city streets. By late morning, multiple crashes had clogged traffic on I-8 west in La Mesa and El Cajon. Later in the day, all lanes on I-15 were blocked due to a major traffic collision. A crash involving a big-rig and another vehicle on I-8 in Pine Valley sent both vehicles over the side, necessitating a rescue. An inch of floodwater standing on State Route 94 at the 125 junction caused additional problems, as did accidents that slowed traffic on highways 52, 67 and 78. Strong winds also caused concerns for residents in the region. Imperial County resident Alan Zingheim e-mailed East County Magazine stating that “storm wind activity outside my house here in Imperial County is actually bending my internet satellite dish so much my internet connectivity is going on and off and I’m barely able to send this message…the clouds look really nasty pretty much everywhere around.” More rain is forecast tomorrow, with clear skies expected later in the week.
MAJORITY OF SUPERVISORS VOTE TO SETTLE CLAIMS FILED BY DAVE ROBERTS’ STAFFERS
Roberts issues response to settlement decision East County News Service File photo by Nadin Abbott September 15, 2015 (San Diego) – Today, the majority of County Supervisors voted to pay $310,000 to settle claims filed by three ex-staff members against Supervisor Dave Roberts. In a prepared statement, Supervisors indicated they determined the settlement to be “in the best interest of taxpayers” and said Roberts “at a minimum, showed poor judgment.” The statement added that “although not conclusive, the investigative material surrounding the inappropriate use of County funds, promoting a hostile work environment, an alleged bribe, campaigning on County time, improper use of a County vehicle and retaliation against District 3 staff members is significant and a matter of concern for the Board of Supervisors.” Asked his response, Roberts, who has consistently denied the staffers’ allegations, provided East County Magazine with the following statement: “When my Chief of Staff retired after 22 years in that position, the transition to a new Chief did not go as well as I expected and I take full responsibility for that. Now that the settlement has taken place, we are moving forward,” Roberts said. “While I strongly oppose the action taken today by a majority of the Board of Supervisors, I respect my colleagues’ right to make such a decision. I have said consistently that no taxpayer funds should be used to resolve these issues.” He added, “It is unfortunate that they occurred, but they are now behind us. My staff and I will continue to work hard delivering results for the people of the Third District as I have strived to do since my first day in office.” The statement issued by the majority of Supervisors went on to cite detailed reasons for the decision to settle: Inconsistent statements made by Supervisor Dave Roberts during the investigation, in closed session and in media interviews have made the investigation difficult and certainly challenges his credibility as a witness during a potential trial. Although Supervisor Dave Roberts admitted to mistakes in judgment at the onset of the allegations and implied his willingness to settle allegations with these former staff members without using County funds, he has since reversed his statements. He now states that he has done nothing wrong. Emails, text messages and other documentation that have surfaced over the last several months appear to contradict his most recent position. The Board previously rejected severance payments to two of the three former staff members based on Supervisor Dave Roberts commitment to settle the matter without County funds. Subsequently, the three former staff members all filed claims against the County and were ultimately seeking a total of $1.075 million in compensation. If lawsuits were to be filed by the three former staff members and Supervisor Dave Roberts is named as a defendant, the County would be required to retain outside counsel for him at County expense. According to County Counsel, the litigation cost to defend Supervisor Dave Roberts through trial in the three cases, win or lose, could exceed $1 million. In addition, we believe it is unlikely we would prevail on all three claims. Former Chief of Staff Glynnis Vaughan appears to have identified numerous areas where county policy was not being followed in Supervisor Dave Roberts’ office. She acted in good faith to work with Supervisor Dave Roberts to correct identified problems and establish professional standards within the District 3 offices. Her actions were met with resistance from Supervisor Dave Roberts resulting in a hostile relationship. Analysis of documented evidence indicates that former employee Diane Porter participated in activities in her role in Supervisor Dave Roberts’ office that violated County policy. Whether she did so knowingly or not is uncertain. However, she was doing so with the full knowledge of Supervisor Dave Roberts and arguably at his direction. Lindsey Masukawa had a positive two year working relationship with Supervisor Dave Roberts. She is a credible witness who made it clear to multiple County employees that she was resigning due to inappropriate pressure from the Supervisor to influence the investigation, but sent a positive resignation letter to him out of fear of retaliation and detriment to her professional career. The Board of Supervisors’ decision to settle the claims is not intended as statement that we believe all the claims by the three former staff members are true. But, we do believe there is substantial risk that a jury would find elements of several of the claims valid and would render an adverse verdict at trial. To minimize the significant financial exposure to County taxpayers, the Board considers it‘s in the best interest of taxpayers to settle the claims immediately. At the direction of the Board of Supervisors, more detailed information has been compiled and is available. The San Diego Union-Tribune has examined documents provided by the County and has additional details here: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/sep/15/dave-roberts-settlement-county-accusations/all/?print
“HAIRSPRAY” SHINES IN PERFORMANCE OF “EPIC PROPORTIONS”
Musical continues Sept. 17-19 in Visionary production at Pt.. Loma High Review by Kathy Carpenter Associate and Youth Reviewer www.sdtheatrereviews.com September 14, 2015 (La Mesa) – Visionary Community Theatre and Visionary Youth Theatre join together for an outreach program of epic proportions to present “Hairspray.” What do you get when you mash up several high schools and a professional choreographer? Great dancing, singing, and acting. When I arrived at Point Loma Performing Arts Center at 2335 Chatsworth Blvd. for opening night of Hairspray, I did not know what to expect. All I knew was a little dance studio located on El Cajon Blvd. in La Mesa was doing another play. Attending Visionary plays in the past has always been a pleasant surprise, but nothing compared to the caliber of this production. Joining together with Point Loma High School for in 2014 – 2015 for an outreach program, brought together the best of several high schools: Helix Charter, Chula Vista, and Olympian. Foothills. Add a few recent graduates from Helix, and Point Loma, plus a few students from the dance studio, and you have a night of fun-filled entertainment. Helix High is a past outreach school of Visionary. Visionary is making a huge impact in the community by bringing professionalism to high schools’ theatre.As I watched, it did not take long for me to realize this was not an ordinary high school play. The quality of the show definitely compared with the professional youth productions in San Diego County I’ve been attending over the past few years. Hairspray takes place in the turbulent sixties. When big, bold and beautiful teenager Tracy Turnblad gets a featured role on The Corny Collins show (the Baltimore equivalent of American Bandstand) she wants to integrate the show. She believes everyone is equal and wants to make every day negro day. Carly Stacey, a recent graduate from Point Loma High, had the chops and high spiritedness to carry off the leading role. Daniel Castro, who I have been a fan of for several shows, played Tracy’s love interest, Link Larkin, what a sweetie! Spencer John Powell as Edna Turnblad, (also the choreographer and director), almost stole the show. He was fabulous. Powell is also the cofounder of Visionary Dance Theatre as well as Visionary’s community and youth theatre programs based in East County. Penny Pingleton, played by Calliope Marin, from Chula Vista High, was extremely likable. Motormouth Mabel, played by Dovie Braxton, may have flubbed some lines but nailed the vocals. Jarel Lewis played the talented Seaweed. Little Inez was played by the remarkable Zayda Estrada. Lenelle Wylie made an excellent Velma Von Tussle. Nicole Isabelle from Olympian High School, rocked Amber Von Tussle, and Kerri Schulman nailed the Matron/Gym teacher. Overall this is an amazing cast including many I have not mentioned. Support community and high school theatre by coming out to one of the remaining shows this weekend. You will walk away with a smile on your face! For tickets, visit http://visionarydancetheatre.org/Visionary/hairspray.
COUNTY OVERHAULS JUVENILE JUSTICE PROGRAM: SUPERVISORS VOTE TO EXPAND SUCCESSFUL EFFORTS
As arrests and incarcerations decline, county will put greater emphasis on prevention, intervention East County News Service September 15, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)–A major decrease in juvenile arrests and detentions has caused significant savings for the county, and now government officials are looking to transfer money into services that help keep young people out of serious trouble. In 2009, 5,000 juveniles were under supervision, but now there are approximately 2,100. Detention rates have had a similar decline, down from 842 to 438, said Ron Lane, deputy chief administrative officer. On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 to transfer this savings to training for law enforcement officers dealing with young offenders, increased mental health services, and a program that helps stop juvenile family violence. “We’re moving money from the back end of the system in juvenile hall, which is the least effective end of the system,” Lane said. The hope is that the shift in spending will result in even fewer young people in jail, he said. “It’s not just about money, it’s about what’s best for kids,” he said. The exact amount that will be reallocated is unclear, but a combination of grant and county funds will bolster existing juvenile services. A total of $500,000 will go into diversion programs, Lane said. These are services where youths who are caught skipping school, vandalizing property or committing another low-level offense sign a contract where they agree to complete certain steps in exchange for not being charged with a crime. Their families are involved, and often the contract requires juveniles to undergo counseling, anger management, and drug and alcohol treatment. Another $15,000 will go to train law enforcement on the various diversion programs available. This will help make law enforcement officers aware that they don’t always have to take young offenders to juvenile hall but rather can start diversion programs. There will also be a $1.2 million contract with South Bay Community Services to expand its Alternatives to Detention program countywide. Just over $1 million will be funded by a Justice Department grant, while the county will pay the remaining $200,000. Kathy Lembo, SBSC’s chief executive officer, said this service helps with youths who have committed an offense, but are better served outside of juvenile hall. Some might stay with their families to receive intensive intervention, others, particularly juveniles in a family violence situation, might be moved to a “cool bed” in temporary foster care. Alternative to Detention served 295 young clients in south and central San Diego County since it launched three years ago. Now, with funding from a grant and county, it will serve approximately 500 youths across the county per year, Lembo said. Of the 295 cases, 220 were closed successfully, and 85 percent of youths had not committed an additional offense six months after their case closed, Lembo said. Money will also provide additional mental healthcare services and clinicians. Over 70 percent of the offenders they survey have a mental health or substance abuse problem, and most have seen significant violence, including a crime with a weapon or a homicide. “We want to make sure we have as many of the correct behavioral health services for our youth” as possible, Lane said. Research shows that it is better for the young offender and for the county to avoid sending people to juvenile hall, said Sandy McBrayer, chief executive officer of Children’s Initiative, an organization that helps determine the most effective social programs. “The studies say that if you enter the hall, even if you didn’t commit the crime, you’re five to eight times more likely to come back,” she said. Incarceration interrupts education, strains families, destroys social networks and carries hefty legal and governmental costs. It’s usually not the best option, McBrayer said. “We know that disruption is very significant to a person’s trajectory,” she said. Officials say the decline in juvenile incarceration is driven by a drop in the number of juvenile arrests. What’s prompting the drop in arrests, however, hasn’t been completely identified, and theories vary. A January report from the the San Diego Association of Governments said a survey of law enforcement said that the decrease in juvenile arrests dropped in part from a greater emphasis on adult offenders as well as intervention programs. The decline spanned felonies, misdemeanors and status offenses like curfew violations, skipping school and running away, the report said. The ongoing decrease in juvenile arrests and incarcerations caused the county to close the Juvenile Ranch Facility in Campo earlier this summer and to transfer residents to Camp Barrett in Alpine. The consolidation was expected to save $700,000 per year. The county had spent $800,000 upgrading the facility over the past five years. The possible changes to juvenile services are the result of a push from Supervisors Greg Cox and Ron Roberts this spring. “As County staff contemplates related adjustments to juvenile probation facilities, it is incumbent upon this board to set policy to direct cost savings back into the juvenile justice system,” they wrote in an April memo. For more information, Reporting San Diego covered today’s Supervisor hearing. You can read their story at http://reportingsandiego.com/2015/09/15/youth-diversion-pilot-expanded-by-county-to-all-county/ which also has a link to prior coverage of this successful program.