STRONG EL NINO THIS WINTER COULD RIVAL HISTORIC WET WINTERS
East County News Service September 30, 2015 (San Diego)—The Federal government’s Western Regional Climate Center is predicting with 92% certainty a strong El Niño from December to February. Additionally, forecasters say there is a 50% chance that winter precipitation totals will be in the top 33% of historic values across Southern California, Arizona and New Mexico. “This El Niño is forecast to rival previous strong El Niño events, such as 1982/83 and 1997/98,” a report on El Niño impacts and outlook states. El Niño is a warming of the Pacific Ocean along the equator typically associated with wet weather conditions in southern California and inland southwestern areas. Conversely, the condition is also associated with drier than normal conditions in the inland Northwest and northern Rocky mountains. Because the El Niño does not usually extend to northern California, it is not known whether it will impact the Sierra snowpack or just what the impact of a single wet winter will have on the state’s four years of drought, since reservoir levels are at historic lows.
COURT ACTION CHALLENGES CPUC ON “HIJACKING” ELECTRIC BILLS
East County News Service September 30, 2015 (San Diego)—Utility ratepayer attorneys Mike Aguirre and Maria Severson have filed a federal appeal in the Ninth District court on behalf of Citizens Oversight. The suit challenges the power of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), which it accuses of “utility bill hijacking.” A press release issued by Aguirre and Severson states the Governor Jerry Brown has appointed “powerful utility lobbyists to run the Commission. Working together with utility executives, these appointees have hijacked the long-standing practice of holding public rate-setting hearings in favor of secret rate-setting meetings with top utility executives.”The appeal asks the court to compel CPUC to convene public hearings as required by law, and to rule that forcing ratepayers to endure a rate hike without due process is an unconstitutional taking without just compensation. In the case of San Onofre, the commission has approved what the suit contends is an unlawfully negotiated and publicly funded bailout of Southern California Edison that will cost the average rate-payer about $1,600 per electric meter, [source] plus, additional ongoing charges. “Our electric bills have been hijacked,” says Severson. She argues that Edison’s stockholders, not the ratepayers should be liable for the costs associated with San Onofre, which failed as the result of Edison’s reckless violations of Nuclear Regulatory Commission safety measures. Without corrective action by higher courts, the California Public Utilities Commission will continue to impose rate increases on utility customers that are forged in secret back-room deals, the attorneys contend. The appeal before a three-judge Federal Court argues that electric bill hijacking violates California law, the Bill of Rights, and most importantly, the Johnson Act, which was passed by Congress to protect the public from predatory monopoly utilities.
ENCHANTED GARDEN GALA OCT. 17
September 30, 2015 (Rancho San Diego) — On Saturday, October 17th, The Garden at Cuyamaca College will once again be transformed into “The Enchanted Garden.” Wander a magical path through illuminated gardens as you enjoy ethereal music, delicious, garden-inspired fare and captivating entertainment. Guests can also bid on unique silent auction items and enjoy an “exquisite seated dinner” and live program in the outdoor dining area, the invitation promises. Process will support the Garden’s award-winning Ms. Smarty-Plants™ youth education program, as well as programs and services educating residents of all ages about conserving our most precious natural resource – water. Tickets cost $200 per person and seating is limited. For more information, please visit www.TheGarden.org/gala.
SANTANA PRINCIPAL WARNS OF TRUCK FOLLOWING TEEN GIRLS
East County News Service September 29, 2015 (Santee)—Santana High School Principal Tim Schwuchow has notified parents in a letter about two incidents last week in which female students were reportedly followed by a white Chevrolet pickup truck. The students reportedly described the driver as clean-shaven, Latino or Indian with a dark complexion, in his late-20s. He wore a baseball hat and dark T-shirt and had a toolbox in the truck bed. The incidents occurred at Mast Blvd. and Magnolia Avenue in Santee on two separate occasions, according to the principal. If you see a vehicle and driver matching this description near the school to please call the Sheriff’s Department in Santee at (619) 956-4000, or the school’s resource officer at (619) 956-0274.
SAN DIEGO LIFEGUARDS COME TOGETHER TO ASSIST INJURED COWORKER
San Diego Lifesaving Association Raising Funds for Lifeguard Injured On Duty September 30, 2015 (San Diego)– After completing a routine rescue at Windansea beach in La Jolla on August 15th, San Diego Lifeguard Gareth “Chappy” Chapman was struck by a large wave in shallow water and driven headfirst into the ground. The resulting impact left Gareth with several broken vertebrae in his neck and back, but fortunately did not cause any permanent damage to his spinal cord or nervous system. Despite sustaining his injuries while on-duty in a rescue situation, Gareth is only receiving approximately $250 a week from the City of San Diego’s Workman’s Compensation program (less than half of what he would be able to earn if he were working full-time.) Due to the nature of his injuries, Gareth is unable to seek other types of work and is suffering a prolonged loss of earnings. “Obviously we’re very happy that Gareth didn’t sustain any permanent neurological damage from his injuries, but he still has a long way to go before he’s fully fit again” said Lifeguard Assoc. spokesperson Sgt. Ed Harris. “The types of injuries that Chappy sustained are physically debilitating, and will be for some time. That’s why the San Diego Lifesaving Association has decided to step up.” In order to support their injured teammate, the San Diego Lifesaving Association has started the SDLG Relief Fund and will be holding a fundraising event at 6pm on September 30, 2015 at Galaxy Taco located at 2259 Avenida de La Playa in La Jolla. Persons interested in supporting Gareth during his recovery are encouraged to visit http://www.sdlifesaving.org/apps/donations/ to donate, or attend the September 30th event at Galaxy Taco. Checks can be made to SD Lifesaving Association Relief fund and dropped off at any San Diego Main Lifeguard Tower. Prior to being injured, Gareth had been part of a team of lifeguards at Windansea beach that performed over 500 rescues in the month of July alone. Tasked with protecting thousands of beachgoers, the Windansea crew of five lifeguards routinely made double-digit rescues a day and surpassed 100 rescues a day on several occasions. For questions regarding the SDLG Relief Fund or the fundraising event on September 30th, please contact Lifeguard spokesperson Ed Harris by calling 619-733-1583 or by email at harrisoblp@yahoo.com.
JAZZERCISERS KICK OFF BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH WITH “DANCE FOR LIFE” EVENT ABOARD USS MIDWAY OCT. 3, 2015
El Cajon cancer survivor is organizer of “Dance for Life” event September 30, 2015 (San Diego)–Jazzercise instructors will bring San Diegans together to fight breast cancer and dance for a cure aboard the USS Midway on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 8:30-10 a.m. More than 1,000 Jazzercise instructors, customers, family and friends, including many who have been affected by breast cancer, are expected to participate in a huge group fitness class on the deck of the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier located at 910 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego. Proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®. At last year’s Jazzercise Dance for Life event, more than 1,100 people danced together and raised more than $93,000 to fight the disease. “Dance for Life is an amazing outpouring of positive energy,” said Susan Shofner, owner of Jazzercise El Cajon Fitness Center and co-organizer of the event. “We are excited and proud to be able to do what we love—dance—to fight this disease. As a two-time breast cancer survivor my fire is burning hotter than ever to raise awareness and funds to find a cure.” Shofner’s most recent battle with breast cancer was earlier this year and resulted in a double mastectomy. She has been a Jazzercise instructor for 35 years. The center she owns and runs in El Cajon is ranked among the top 10 in the nation. The cost for Jazzercise Dance for Life is $45 at the door with proceeds donated to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day. In addition to the epic group workout led by Jazzercise instructors from San Diego and surrounding communities, breast cancer survivors will be honored and dance together during the “Survivor Song.” Local sponsors supporting the event include Scripps Proton Therapy Center, which offers precise radiation therapy for cancerous tumors and certain non-cancerous conditions, Hoehn Motors of Carlsbad, and Singer Family Charitable Fund. In the last five years alone, since co-chairing the annual event with Pacific Beach/La Jolla Jazzercise instructor Andrea Singer, and including all of Southern California Jazzercise locations, they have raised nearly $234,000. Jazzercise is one of the world’s leading dance fitness companies with 8,300+ franchisees teaching 32,000+ classes per week in 32 countries around the world. Classes include Dance Mixx, Interval, Fusion, Strike, Strength and Core and can incinerate up to 800 calories in just 60 minutes. With constantly changing moves, new beats, a variety of workouts and calorie-crushing intensity, customers can expect to feel results after three classes and expect to stick with it. Stop working out and start working it…with Jazzercise.
FALL DEEP PIT BBQ OCT. 10
September 30, 2015 (Alpine)—The Alpine VFW Bert Fuller Post 9578 will host a “Fall Deep Pit BBQ” on October 10 starting at 2 p.m. This event is open to the public and proceeds benefit veterans organizations. Beef, pork, and turkey with all the fixings are on the menu. The event includes live music entertainment by Good Mojo Band (3 p.m. – 7 p.m.) and a live auction. Tickets are on sale for $15 at the Post, 844 Tavern Rd., Alpine. Bring the kids. Children age 6 and younger are free.
YELLOW “HIT-AND-RUN” ALERTS APPROVED
East County News Service September 30, 2015 (Sacramento)—Governor Jerry Brown has signed Assembly Bill 8 into law. The measure will create “yellow alerts” to display descriptions of vehicles involved in hit-and-run collisions on digital freeway signs. The alerts, set to start January 1st, will be similar to Amber Alerts used for kidnapped children. The measure was authored by Assemblyman Mike Gatto of Los Angeles. In a press conference, Gato stated, “This will make our streets much more safe, will help a lot of grieving families get justice.” The alerts will be displayed only in accidents resulting in serious injury or death. They will be restricted to areas close to the incident. Los Angeles, where nearly half of all accidents are hit and run, established an alert system earlier this year. Governor Brown vetoed a similar statewide measure in the past, but signed the current measure after the author tailored it more narrowly to avoid interfering with Amber Alerts. Hit and run deaths nationwide rose 13.5% from 2000 to 2013. It is a felony to flee the scene of an accident, so the alert system stands to potentially dissuade drivers from leaving after being involved in a serious crash—and make it easier to catch them if they flee.
READERS & WRITERS CALENDAR: FROM SEPTEMBER 27, 2015
For complete Calendar including Authors Events, go to www.SDWriteWay.org September 27, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – This column is also published in the http://EastCountyMagazine.org. If you are from East County, I highly recommend that you check out the ECM for articles and the latest in what is happening in the East County. Readers September 27 (Sunday, 2:00 pm) — Debut young adult author Jen Klein’s other writing work is undoubtedly known to many readers – her writing for television includes work for “Totally Spies,” “Star Wars®: Clone Wars,” and “Gray’s Anatomy.” Guest reviewer Sandra Hale notes: “Jillian Cade is a marvelous main character. … This book, written with humor and cynicism, becomes darker as the story progresses. The first in a series, this is the story of a teenager with a real identity crisis.” Jillian Cade doesn’t believe in the paranormal, unlike her famous father, a professor and expert on the occult. Ever since he abandoned her to travel the world for research, she s milked his reputation and all the suckers who believe in the stuff by taking over his private investigation firm. After all, a high school junior has to take care of herself, especially when she s on her own. Ironically, it’s when she takes on a case that might involve a totally non-paranormal missing person that things get strange. Particularly when Sky Ramsey a new boy at school who insists on becoming her partner won’t shut up about succubi, of all things. As they investigate, Jillian is surprised by her feelings for Sky, which threaten to derail the investigation. But that surprise is no match for the shock of learning that there may be something to Sky s succubi obsession after all. Mysterious Galaxy, 5943 Balboa Ave, Suite 100, San Diego. For additional information, go to http://www.mystgalaxy.com/ or call (858) 268-4747. September 27 (Sunday, 12:00 pm) — The Locals Authors Program will be hosting Lia Mack author of Waiting for Paint to Dry. For more information regarding the event, please contact Warwick’s Books | 7812 Girard Avenue | La Jolla, Ca | 92037 | Ph. (858) 454-0347 | http://www.warwicks.com | September 28 (Monday, 7:30 pm) — Warwick’s is hosting award-winning authors of great acclaim Marilyn Yalom and Theresa Donovan Brown to talk about their new collaboration, The Social Sex. This event is free and open to the public. Only books purchased from Warwick’s will be signed. In today’s culture, the bonds of female friendship are taken as a given. Conventional wisdom tells us that women are more sociable, more empathetic, and more “friendly” than men. But only a few centuries ago, the idea of female friendship was completely unacknowledged, even pooh-poohed. Dating back to the Greeks and the Romans, women were long considered “weaker” than men and constitutionally unsuited for friendship at the highest level. Only men, the reasoning went, had the emotional and intellectual depth to develop and sustain these meaningful relationships. Given this history, how were women able to co-opt the public face of friendship? In The Social Sex: A History of Female Friendship Marilyn Yalom and Theresa Donovan Brown survey history, literature, philosophy, religion, and pop culture in search of the answer. Chronicling shifting attitudes toward friendship — both female and male — from the Bible and the Romans to the Enlightenment to the women’s rights movements of the ‘60s up to Sex and the City and Bridesmaids, Yalom and Brown reveal how the concept of female friendship has been inextricably linked to the larger social and cultural movements that have defined human history. With Yalom and Brown as our guides, The Social Sex delves into the fascinating historical episodes and trends that illuminate the story of friendship between women: the literary salon as the original book club, the emergence of female professions and the working girl, the phenomenon of gossip, the advent of women’s sports, and more. Lively, informative, and richly detailed, The Social Sex is a revelatory cultural history written in a voice that is at once entertaining and learned, authoritative and accessible. For more information regarding the event, please contact Warwick’s Books | 7812 Girard Avenue | La Jolla, Ca | 92037 | Ph. (858) 454-0347 | http://www.warwicks.com | September 29 (Tuesday, 7:30 pm) — Warwick’s is proud to be hosting debut novelist Edward Joyce to present his novel Small Mercies. Edward Joyce is a graduate of Harvard and quit his job as a lawyer to follow his dream of writing novels. This event is free and open to the public. Reserved Seating is available. An ingeniously layered narrative, told over the course of one week, Eddie Joyce’s debut novel masterfully depicts an Italian-Irish American family on Staten Island and their complicated emotional history. Ten years after the loss of Bobby—the Amendola family’s youngest son—everyone is still struggling to recover from the firefighter’s unexpected death. Bobby’s mother Gail; his widow Tina; his older brothers Peter, the corporate lawyer, and Franky, the misfit; and his father Michael have all dealt with their grief in different ways. But as the family gathers together for Bobby Jr.’s birthday party, they must each find a way to accept a new man in Tina’s life while reconciling their feelings for their lost loved one. Presented through multiple points of view, Small Mercies explores the conflicts and deep attachments that exist within families. Heart-wrenching and profoundly relatable, Joyce’s debut is a love letter to Staten Island and a deeply affecting portrait of an American family. For more information regarding the event, please contact Warwick’s Books | 7812 Girard Avenue | La Jolla, Ca | 92037 | Ph. (858) 454-0347 | http://www.warwicks.com | September 30 (Wednesday, 7:00 pm) — Warwick’s and the La Jolla Riford Library are hosting New York Times Bestselling author of The Paris Wife, Paula McLain, to present her newest book, Circling the Sun. Paula McLain received an MFA in poetry from the University of Michigan and has been a resident of Yaddo and the MacDowell
20 ARRESTED IN LAKESIDE SWEEP
East County News Service September 29, 2015 (Lakeside)—Twenty people were arrested Saturday morning during a probation compliance sweep conducted by Sheriff’s detectives, deputies and other staff. The objective was to verify that probationers were abiding by terms of their release from County jail. The probationers were identified through crime and intelligence analysis as individuals most likely to reoffend, said Sergeant David Hale. In addition, deputies from the Court Service Bureau Field Division sought out people with active warrants in the area. Of the 20 arrested, 13 were arrested on warrants and seven others were arrested for felony and misdemeanor charges. In addition, stolen property items, $260 in counterfeit currency and a large amount of marijuana was seized at one of the residences. Several others were confirmed to be in compliance with terms of their probations.