READER’S EDITORIAL: WESTERN TOWING COMPANY NEEDS TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE
Photo Credits: H.K. and Chloe N. on Yelp By Liz Alper February 23, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – A great day of shopping with my mother turned into a nightmare. My mother brought me back to my apartment after our day together on Friday and parked in a fuel-efficient vehicle space. She has always parked there with no issue. She came into my apartment and within 45 minutes, the car was gone. We called the police and they informed us that the car had been towed. As if the fact that we weren’t informed that the car was towed–making us believe it was stolen–was bad enough, thepolice had to tell us where the car was. In comes Western Towing Company. We called them and were informed that we would be notified when my mother could go pick up her vehicle. This was at 9:45 p.m. on a Friday night. My father had to drive down from Ramona (30 minutes). Around 10:30 p.m., we called Western again and were informed that the whole ordeal would cost my parents $352.00 and that there was only one Western representative who travels around San Diego County to relinquish people’s vehicles. Not to mention that we were not told what lot it would be at, only that it “could be” at La Mesa. At 11:30 p.m., the call finally came. My parents did not get home until 12:30. I decided that this can’t be right. I decided to do a little research. After going on Yelp, I was shocked at some of the reviews people were leaving. “Western Towing (aka Sunbelt) removed my vehicle from a San Diego lot without posted signs at the entry or at parking spaces. They also damaged my vehicle in the process,” writes Yelp user H.K. That’s not all; these spaces where there are no signs or placards saying that your vehicle will be towed have “Tow Away” signs magically appear three days later. California Vehicle Code 22658 states that a parking lot must have signs posted at every entrance if a tow company is going to remove a vehicle. Dents, scratched paint and damaged car parts have been found. Long lines. Expensive charges. Unauthorized towing. The list goes on and on. “Western towing towed my car from my place of residence because a neighbor said I was parked in their spot. We don’t have assigned parking. This was totally illegal! They were rude on the phone and even worse when I went to pick up my car,” writes Sasha R. To make matters worse, Western is not Better Business Bureau-certified. Take that with a grain of salt. It looks like they’re thieves, too, according to one Yelp user who says they stole cash from her glove compartment. If I could post a few choice words from my mother’s rant on Friday night, I would, but I’ll just say this: Western Towing needs to be held accountable for their actions. People shouldn’t be being charged $352.00 for a measly tow job. The opinions in this editorial reflect the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org .
IS IT GERRYMANDERING? FINAL VOTE THURS. ON GROSSMONT REDISTRICTING: ALPINE AND CHALDEAN ADVOCATES OBJECT, ASK PUBLIC HELP
By Miriam Raftery February 23, 2016 (San Diego’s East County)—Grosssmont-Union High School District’s board is expected to cast a final vote Thursday at 4 p.m. on controversial redistricting maps. The board will also vote to seek a waiver from the state from a requirement that would ordinarily requiring putting the redistricting measure on the ballot, and waiver from a state requiring that new trustee area plans be in effect at least 120 days before the next election in November. (View meeting notice. The meeting will be at the East County Regional Education Center, 924 East Main Street, El Cajon.) The district contends it has acted appropriately in response to a threat of legal action over alleged voting rights violations. But critics say the plan would oust the board’s most outspoken dissenting member, Priscilla Schreiber, leave Alpine represented by an opponent of the Alpine High School, and divide Iraqi-Chaldean residents into multiple districts, diluting their power as a voting block. It also carves out a new district in the Lemon Grove/Spring Valley area with no trustee currently residing in that district, which does have a history of representing people of color. The trouble started when an attorney for Diego Valley Charter, a school serving predominantly Latino and Chaldean students, sent the district a letter threatening a lawsuit unless the district changed from at-large elections to district elections in which a minority community can constitute a majority in an individual district, having a stronger chance of electing a board member who will reflect their concerns. The move came after the district sued to try and shut down Diego Valley and certain other charters, as ECM previously reported. The District hired an outside consulting firm to draw up proposed maps. (View map 1, map 2, map 3). Priscilla has long been a dissident board member and its only strong advocate for building a high school in Alpine that was twice approved by voters in Props U and H. The district has refused to build the school, sparking a Grand Jury investigation. It ignored the Grand Jury recommendations and refused to turn over remaining bond funds to allow the neighbor Alpine Union School District to build the high school. The County Board of Education recommended that the state approve Alpine parents’ request to split off from the GUHSD and let the AUSD build the school. The AUSD and Alpine taxpayers sued the district. The lawsuit and unification decisions both remain pending, with taxpayers on the hook for over $2.9 million in legal fees approved by the board thus far. All three of the GUHSD’s proposed redistricting maps would leave Alpine represented not by Schreiber (who lives in Lakeside) but by Jim Kelly, a vocal opponent of the Alpine High School who has treated Alpine residents with disdain, many residents complain. Kelly’s new district snakes across a vast area, from Lakeside in the north, east to Alpine and south to encompass Jamul near the Mexican border, also raising questions over the lack of neighborhood cohesiveness. Moreover, since board members may remain in office after redistricting until the next election, there is a second concern. Schreiber would be in the same newly created district as board member Robert Shield, who lives a half mile away from her. Schreiber’s term is up two years before Shield’s—so she would be forced off the board, with no district in which to seek reelection for at least two more years. That leaves voters who support Schreiber effectively without their elected representative, or trustee, on the board. “I naively thought that each Trustee would be given a fair and equitable opportunity to either fulfill their term or be able to run for reelection in their respective Trustee areas, giving the voters a say n the process,” Schreiber told East County Magazine. “The super-majority is only supporting maps that would consequently legislate me out, giving me no trustee area by which to seek reelection this November.” She adds, “This current effort will be their final punitive act against me for any different viewpoints and positions on certain matters, as well as my efforts to bring to light their unethical and possible illegal use of taxpayer dollars. History has shown that the Board majority’s continual harassment toward me by limiting the opportunity for my questions, stifling public discourse and deliberative debate, attempting to silence me per a gag order and a blatant act of harassment by changing past practices for obvious and direct retribution against me.” Thus far, two prior hearings on redistrict drew only two public comments. Schreiber hopes once the public realizes what’s at stake, more people will turn out Thursday at 4 p.m. to speak out in what is likely the last opportunity for public testimony. Schreiber also questions why the board is holding such an important meeting at 4 p.m. when many residents are at work, instead of at the board’s customary meeting time of 6 p.m. Schreiber says that the board refuses to provide a “fair and equitable approach to this transition giving equal opportunity for all board members at the ballot box, then they will leave me no alternative but to file a legal complaint, CPRA, and take this discrimination and harassment against me where it should have gone years ago.” Nick Marinovich recently resigned in protest from the GUHSD’s Citizens Bond Oversight Committee. He has also accused the board of wrongdoing. Asked about the redistricting plans, he called the board’s action a move to “legislate out a Board Member who actually stands up for what’s right and asks real questions. The move lacked transparency. No map shows the location of trustee residences in relation to proposed boundaries. Meager discussions about the impact of the Chaldean community representation on the Board. There is a clear move to solidify the Tammany Hall-like style of this Board majority,” he said, adding that he has been threatened for speaking out against the board. He also objects to the Board’s recent move to restrict public testimony to only 3
REGISTER YOUR DRONES, OR FACE FINES AND CRIMINAL CHARGES
By Miriam Raftery February 23, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – If you own a drone, you must register it with the Federal Aviation Agency. Under a new law now in effect, flying an unregistered drone outdoors anywhere in the U.S. could land you in jail and facing hefty fines. Fines can be up to $27,500 in civil penalties and up to $250,000 for criminal violations, plus up to three years in prison. There is a $5 fee for registrations. As of February 19, the FAA reports that 368,472 drone registrations were received—more than the number of airplanes that are federally registered. Some have opposed even the minimal $5 registration fee, which they call a “drone tax.” Two lawsuits have been filed against the FAA over the new law, including cases brought by a technology group and a drone hobbyist. But the FAA contends the system is both legal and necessary to protect public safety, after numerous near-misses between drones and other aircraft, including planes and even firefighting helicopters. For more information visit the FAA site at https://www.faa.gov/uas/registration/faqs/.
4 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS
By Jennifer McGregor February 23, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) — If you’re a caregiver for an elderly loved one, a spouse, or a friend, worries probably plague your mind every day. Preoccupied with the day-to-day concerns of caregiving, many caregivers don’t think about what steps and precautions they should have in place in case of a disaster. This guide will help you prepare for the worst with precautions and plans to keep your loved one safe in any situation. Create a Disaster Team If the person you care for resides alone, they could be on their own when disaster strikes without a disaster plan in place. Even if you live with your care recipient, assembling a disaster team of trusted people who can step in and help get your loved one to safety is one of the best ways to prepare for a disaster. Include family members, friends, neighbors, and even social services agencies. Make a list of your disaster team members and ensure that everyone has contact information for the entire group so that communication is as seamless as possible should disaster strike. https://pixabay.com/en/first-aid-kit-kits-medical-patch-59646/ Write a Disaster Plan A written disaster plan can be distributed to every member of your disaster team so that each team member understands their responsibilities as well as the responsibilities of other team members. Your written plan should also include: ● An out-of-town contact ● A meeting location, particularly for family members who may become separated ● The location of your emergency supply kit ● An emergency health card for your care recipient describing their health conditions, medications, and equipment ● A communications plan that outlines how to contact family, other team members, emergency services, health providers and pharmacies, and social services agencies ● Information on obtaining medical care and prescription drugs in disaster situations Build a Disaster Supply Kit Your disaster supply kit should contain, if possible, everything needed to sustain your care recipient and yourself or other caregivers for several days. Ideally, you should keep a several-day supply of medication in this kit – but make sure that you replace it annually to ensure that it’s not expired when disaster strikes. Your emergency supply kit or disaster supply kit should also contain water, non-perishable foods, first aid supplies, personal hygiene items, flashlights and batteries, and other essentials. Ready.gov offers a great list of emergency supplies to include in a disaster kit, including suggestions for special or unique needs. You’ll need to customize your disaster kit based on your care recipient’s individual needs such as incontinence supplies, an extra pair of eyeglasses or a spare hearing aid, and other specifics. Keep Copies of Insurance and Legal Documents in a Safe Place Make copies of important insurance and legal documents such as your care recipient’s healthcare power of attorney, advanced directive, and homeowner’s insurance, and keep them in a safe place that’s easily accessible in case you need to evacuate quickly. Storing these documents with your disaster kit is a good idea. Additionally, keep a few recent photos of your care recipient with these documents and make sure that they wear some type of identification, such as an ID bracelet. If you get separated, these precautions will make it easier for others to help them. No one wants to be caught in a disaster – natural or otherwise – especially if they are providing care for a loved one, spouse, or friend with special healthcare needs. Whatever the case, don’t forget to also take care of yourself when disaster strikes. You can’t properly care for another if your own health or safety is at risk. Prepare yourself and your loved ones for disaster, and find peace of mind that you’ll all be ready when the time comes. Jennifer McGregor has wanted to be a doctor since she was little. Now, as a pre-med student, she’s well on her way to achieving that dream. She helped create PublicHealthLibrary.org with a friend as part of a class project. With it, she hopes to provide access to trustworthy health and medical resources. When Jennifer isn’t working on the site, you can usually find her hitting the books in the campus library or spending some downtime with her dog at the local park. (Image via Pixabay)
CHIEF’S CORNER: FLU SAFETY TIPS
By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna Ignorance or Arrogance? February 23, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) — You probably don’t remember me, but I remember you. At the bank, the gym, the receptionist…you were the one disgustingly sneezing, coughing and hacking without covering your mouth. Like a driver texting, you’re placing everyone else at risk. Is it just ignorance or arrogance? Flu activity peaks between December and March resulting in more than 200,000 hospitalizations and thousands of deaths each year reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. What you could have done once symptoms came on. Stay at home and avoided contact with others. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or arm when coughing or sneezing. If you are really ill contact your doctor. Most importantly refrain from work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings until feeling better. Use some common sense! How to avoid getting sick? Avoid touching your eyes, nose, ears or mouth. Drink fluids even when you feel well. Wash your hands often and clean surfaces shared with others such as keyboards, telephones, exercise equipment, TV, remotes etc. Eat right and exercise. And to the food server, please don’t cough on my food when waiting on me. Your Tip: Stay home! For additional Flu Facts and Prevention visit: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/symptoms.htm
LATIN AMERICAN ART FESTIVAL SHOWCASES BEST FROM LATIN AMERICA
Event March 19-20 will feature variety of works from nearly 100 artists By Tatiana Martinez February 23, 2016 (San Diego) – At a simple glance, there appears to be nothing in common between a biologist from Ensenada and a woman who survived breast cancer. However, their work reveals a common thread – a passion for their individual causes. They are among the nearly 100 Latin American artists selected to present their works in the second edition of the Latin American Art Festival, March 19 and 20, at NTC Liberty Station in San Diego. Nina Luna, from Riverside, Calif., decided to become an artist and express on a woman’s torso her fight against breast cancer. She was declared cancer-free in February of 2014 and decided to reflect in her art that nothing is impossible and re-birth can come from a crisis. Alfredo Zavala, well-known biologist from Ensenada, decided to express through art his personal campaign to conserve the environment. He set aside his work in science, opting to use his art to raise awareness of the need to protect the planet. For her part, Verónica Villareal, who will travel Mexico City, aims to persuade the art collectors that it’s possible to improve the quality of life of many animals and to halt their extinction. These are just three individuals who are part of nearly 100 artists and artisans from Ecuador, Guatemala, Argentina, Colombia and from various points in Mexico and the United States who will be participating Latin American Art Festival. It’s the only event in Southern California to exclusively showcase works from Latin America. Admission is free to the festival, which brings together artists, collectors, gallery owners and museum staff, all interested in expanding their Latin American collections. The festival also will offer fine foods from Baja California, under the leadership of chef Javier Plascencia, owner of renowned restaurants in Tijuana and San Diego, as well as chefs Iker Castillo and Elsa Fernanda Flores de Dolce Salato, the fine dessert restaurant in Tijuana. The Latin American Art Festival will be held March 19 and 20, from 12 to 5 p.m. at NTC Liberty Station, 2730 Historic Decatur Road, Barracks 16, San Diego, CA 92106. Information is available at www.latinamericanartfestival.com and on Facebook: Latin American Art Festival.
LAMPLIGHTERS COMMUNITY THEATRE ANNOUNCES PERFORMANCE OF THE TONY AWARD MUSICAL NOMINEE “MACK AND MABEL”
Source: Lamplighters Community Theatre press release February 23, 2016 (La Mesa) – Lamplighters Community Theatre (LCT) is proud to present performances of the Tony Award Nominee “Mack and Mabel” at the new Lamplighters Community Theatre located at 5915 Severin Drive, La Mesa, Ca running March 11 through April 10. Step back into yesteryear in this saga of the silent film era “when movies were movies.” Mack and Mabel deals with the complex relationship between legendary film director Mack Sennett, a temperamental, workaholic and the adorable Mabel Normand, a waitress who became one of his biggest stars. Told in flashback style, by Mack himself as narrator, a broken man, made obsolete by talkies, bankrupt and forced to sell his studio. He reminisces about the past, recalling his triumphs, his love affair with Mabel and her rise to stardom. “Mack and Mabel” was written by Michael Stewart and Leonard Spigelgass with Music and Lyrics by Tony Award Winner Jerry Herman. This show is produced by Mark Loveless and is directed Kirsten Giard and George Bailey. The show features an outstanding cast of performers: Kyle Casser, Andrew Davis, Daniel Deuprey, Brian P. Evans, Don Evans, Patty Fay, Lee Howeth, Karen Menin, Gabriela Nelson, Lindsey O’Connor, Michael Pierce, David Purcell, Kimberly Sellers, Mariel Shaw, Ashley Stewart, Tessa Theis, and Nathan Whitaker. Performances of “Mack and Mabel ” will run weekends March 11 through April 10 at the Lamplighters Community Theatre located in the Village Station Center – 5915 Severin Drive, La Mesa, Ca. Show times Friday and Saturdays at 8pm Sundays at 2pm and there is plenty of free parking. Advanced tickets are on sale for $23, $20 for seniors/students/military and can be purchased at our website: www.boxoffice@lamplightersLaMesa.com or call at (619) 303-5092. Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French. Pictured are Don Evans and Lindsey O’Connor. Serving the La Mesa and surrounding communities, Lamplighters Community Theatre is a qualified 501(c) (3) non-profit organization and produces six season productions a year Lamplighters Founded in June of 1937 as The La Mesa Little Theatre and incorporated as The Lamplighters Community Theatre on November 1, 1976, the theatre has had continuous productions in La Mesa for 78 years. Between the regular season productions, we also support special events, one-act shows, and our theater space is available for rent. The cast and production team are available for interviews, and additional still images of the show can be provided. For more information, please contact Rob Conway at Publicity@lamplighterslamesa.com or Larry E. Fox at Marketing@lamplighterslamesa.com.
18TH ANNUAL BORREGO DESERT GARDEN TOUR
East County News Service February 23, 2016 (Borrego Springs) – It’s Garden Tour time in the desert and the 18th Annual Borrego Springs Garden Tour invites visitors to experience private gardens and homes at their own pace from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 19. Attractions include “Happy Days,” the former home of James and Helen Copley, at La Casa del Zorro Resort, and five other gardens, several with open homes, located in beautiful Borrego Springs during the height of the spring bloom. For ticket sales and information, visit the Borrego Desert Nature Center located at 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, or online at www.abdnha.org or call 760-767-3098. The Borrego Garden Tour is a fundraising event in support of the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association, a 45-year-old nonprofit educational organization.
WARNER SPRINGS RANCH RESORT FORMS CONSERVANCY TO PRESERVE, SUSTAIN MORE THAN 1,000 ACRES OF HISTORIC LAND
East County News Service Warner Springs Ranch Habitat and Cultural Conservancy oversees protection of the resort currently under renovation February 22, 2016 (Warner Springs) – Warner Springs Ranch Resort has formed the nonprofit Warner Springs Ranch Habitat and Cultural Conservancy to protect and manage the property’s numerous historic, cultural and natural assets. The Warner Springs Ranch Habitat and Cultural Conservancy, led by a five-member board of directors, provides stewardship of land and cultural resources, conserve native species and their habitat, and promote and facilitate public use of the property. It also manages endowment funds and carries on any other charitable and educational activities on the property. “Our goal is to maintain a sustainable and conscientious property that locals and visitors can enjoy for years to come,” said Fred Grand, president of Pacific Hospitality Group, Inc., who acquired the property in 2013. “We believe in ‘designing with nature’ whenever possible and hope to restore some of the property’s natural habitats and re-establish its historic agricultural uses.” Warner Springs Ranch Resort – an iconic San Diego County destination long known for its therapeutic natural hot springs – is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation and redevelopment of facilities. Today, the Warner Springs Ranch Golf Club was the first part of the resort to re-open. The property, which was founded as a working ranch in the mid-1800s and opened as a resort in the 1920s, includes a 27,000-square-foot main lodge, 250 casita units, a 144-acre golf course and clubhouse, tennis courts, equestrian facilities, restaurants, a spa, campgrounds, three swimming pools, a private airport and meeting facilities. Beyond the resort, the property also includes a 240-acre public trust Cultural Preserve. About Pacific Hospitality Group, Inc. Founded in 1986 by William H. McWethy, Jr., Pacific Hospitality Group, Inc. (PHG) has been developing and managing hotel and resort properties in San Diego County and beyond for more than two decades. Projects include the Hacienda Hotel in Old Town, a 200-room property overlooking San Diego’s historic district. In Palm Springs, PHG has owned and operated the Palm Mountain Resort & Spa, a World Hotel, in the heart of the downtown village since 1992 and is an integral member of the business and resort community. PHG’s principals have been associated with world renowned golf resorts and have assembled a team of experts with vast experience building and operating PGA rated courses, both public and private, in resort destinations such as San Diego, Palm Springs, Scottsdale and Los Cabos, Mexico. In south San Diego County, PHG’s principals, through Highlands Links Golf Group, recently acquired and renovated the highly acclaimed Salt Creek Golf Club. Pacific Hospitality Group works successfully alongside municipalities and municipal agencies. In 2000, PHG constructed 28 hotel suites and other improvements on San Diego County park land and most recently, entered into a partnership with the County of San Diego that included a $4 million investment in renovations in the County owned Victorian buildings in Heritage Park. PHG and its executives are actively involved in the community wherever they do business, and have worked together with non-profits and other community organizations to improve the quality of life and promote business and commerce. For more information, visit http://www.phgcorp.com.
CHILDREN’S DENTAL CLINIC AIMS TO BRIGHTEN SMILES
County News Service February 22, 2016 (San Diego) — Hundreds of San Diego County children should be smiling brighter by this time next week thanks to the volunteer efforts of local dental health professionals. The County’s Dental Health Initiative/Share the Care program, the San Diego Dental Health Foundation and six community dental clinics will be providing free dental sealants and fluoride varnish to low-income children ages 1 to 18 years that have no dental resources on Saturday, Feb. 27, from 9 a.m. to noon. There are six locations countywide, including Spring Valley here in East County, as well as clinics in San Diego, National City, Chula Vista, Escondido and Vista. Kym Hodge, Dental Health Initiative/Share the Care Program manager, says, “The cost of sealants and fluoride varnish is sometimes prohibitive for some families, but it’s such a huge preventative measure in reducing cavities and protecting their teeth.” All public school children are required to have an oral health screening upon entering kindergarten and this event satisfies that requirement and participants will receive a completed oral health assessment form for school. Depending on their age, children will also receive fluoride varnish, a special fluoride coating painted on all teeth; or dental sealants, a special coating painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Both dental sealants and fluoride varnish are safe and painless ways to protect teeth and help prevent cavities. Many children do not have a regular dentist and do not receive routine dental care and prevention services. “Both dental sealants and fluoride varnish are safe and painless ways to protect teeth and help prevent cavities,” said Hodge. “It’s also our hope that this event will introduce families to local professionals who can provide regular dental exams and treatments for their children.” Families can call 619-692-8858 to schedule an appointment for the location nearest them. Children with appointments will be given priority, but walk-ins are welcome. The six locations for the event are: Vista Community Clinic: Vale Terrace 1000 Vale Terrace Dr. Vista, CA 92084 2. Neighborhood Healthcare Ray M. Dickinson Wellness Center 425 N Date St., Ste 129 Escondido, CA 92025 3. San Ysidro Chula Vista Medical Plaza 678 Third Ave. Chula Vista, CA 91910 4. Operation Samahan Mira Mesa Clinic 10737 Camino Ruiz Suite 138 San Diego, CA 92126 5. Operation Samahan Community Health Center 2835 Highland Ave. Suite A National City, CA 91950 6. Grossmont/Spring Valley Family Health Center 8788 Jamacha Rd. Spring Valley, CA 91977