Award-winning nonprofit media in the public interest, serving San Diego's inland region

Award-winning nonprofit media in the public interest, serving San Diego's inland region

SDSU LACROSSE ANNOUNCES FALL 2016 SCHEDULE

  Five NCAA tournament squads await Aztecs in October Source: goaztecs.com press release Photo: Vickie Porter courtesy goaztecs.com September 30, 2016 (San Diego) – San Diego State lacrosse head coach Kylie White announced the team’s challenging 2016 fall schedule this week, with the Aztecs facing 11 different opponents in October, including five teams that qualified for the 2016 NCAA Tournament last May. SDSU opens its busy exhibition slate on Saturday, when it battles Mountain Pacific Sports Federation rival Fresno State, beginning at 6 p.m. PT in Fresno, Calif. On Sunday, SDSU will remain in the Central Valley to participate in the Fresno State Play Day, squaring off against three additional MPSF adversaries in Saint Mary’s (10 a.m. PT), UC Davis (11 a.m. PT) and Stanford (noon PT), which advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, followed by a rematch with the host Bulldogs (1 p.m. PT) in the finale. The Scarlet and Black will return to Montezuma Mesa the following weekend when it conducts its annual alumni game at Aztec Lacrosse Field. Match time is set for 10 a.m. PT. Later in the month, SDSU will hit the road for an East Coast excursion when it competes in play days at Navy and Maryland, respectively. On Oct. 15, the Aztecs will arrive at the U.S, Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., facing four schools in Towson (1:30 p.m. ET), Drexel (2:30 p.m. ET), Louisville (4:30 p.m. ET) and St. Joseph’s (6:30 p.m. ET). Towson and Louisville both appeared in the NCAA Tournament last spring as well. The next day, San Diego State will make a short trip back across the Old Line State to College Park, Md., where it will tangle with Elon (11 a.m. ET) and NCAA runner-up Maryland (12:15 p.m. ET). The Aztecs conclude their fall campaign with a short trip to Los Angeles for a matchup with defending MPSF tournament champion and NCAA participant Southern California, starting at 11 a.m. PT. SDSU Lacrosse Fall Schedule Oct. 1 – at Fresno State, Fresno, Calif. Noon – Fresno State Oct. 2 – at Fresno State, Fresno, Calif. 10 a.m. – Saint Mary’s 11 a.m. – UC Davis Noon – Stanford 1 p.m. – Fresno State Oct. 8 – at San Diego State, San Diego, Calif. 10 a.m. – Alumni Game Oct. 15 – at Navy, Annapolis, Md. 1:30 p.m. – Towson 2:30 p.m. – Drexel  4:30 p.m. – Louisville  6:30 p.m. – St. Joseph’s  Oct. 16 – at Maryland,  College Park, Md. 11 a.m. – Elon  12:15 p.m. – Maryland  Oct. 22 – at USC, Los Angeles, Calif. 11 a.m. – USC

WILLKOMMEN! LA MESA OKTOBERFEST ADDS NEW, AUTHENTIC ATTRACTIONS TO 3-DAY GERMAN CELEBRATION

  New Authentic Food, Beer, Games, Contests, Dance Parties and Entertainment Highlight Largest Oktoberfest West of the Mississippi East County News Service September 1, 2016 (La Mesa) – The Bob Stall Chevrolet La Mesa Oktoberfest Presented by Spaten opens Friday, September 30 with a 3-day weekend dedicated to family fun, authentic German food, beer and entertainment. The weekend’s festivities will kick off on Friday, September 30 when La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis is joined by the Oktoberfest Meister to officially tap the first keg. The two will toast to the official start of the event, celebrating with lights, music and confetti cannons, which will blanket partygoers in a sea of confetti.  “While La Mesa’s is obviously not as large as Munich’s, the 2016 Bob Stall Chevrolet La Mesa Oktoberfest will have more of a traditional and authentic Oktoberfest theme than in recent years,” said Mayor Mark Arapostathis, “We’re thrilled to introduce new beer, food, entertainment and décor. Put on your German Bavarian Alpine Hat and come explore the event!”  New features to this year’s event include:  · New traditional German beers, including Spaten, the world’s first Oktoberfest beer · New food vendors featuring traditional Oktoberfest favorites · A traditional Oktoberfest format with games, dances and competitions, based on the official Oktoberfest in Munich · A new entertainment line-up with German-themed bands · A 91X Twisted Pretzel Biergarten, featuring local beers, wine and a DJ spinning popular, contemporary mash-ups · A fully decorated and new Oktoberfest stage with tents for shade, additional tables, umbrellas and chairs  Food lovers and beer aficionados will enjoy eating and drinking their way through the event, which will include Oktoberfest beers and food favorites such as bratwurst, knockwurst, sauerkraut, German potatoes, pretzels, goulash, rotisserie chicken, pork chops marinated in beer, coleslaw and more. Vendors also will have a variety of American-style food for sale. A full schedule of contests, games, and dance parties is planned. Participants can compete in stein holding, sausage tossing and sauerkraut eating throughout the weekend. Partygoers will be entertained by new traditional Oktoberfest bands, including the Kalifornia Krauts, the Bavarian Beer Garden Band, and the Bluebirds. The official weekend schedule is as follows: Friday, September 30: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday, October 1: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday, October 2: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. La Mesa Oktoberfest is happening in the La Mesa Village on La Mesa Blvd., between Spring Street and 4th Street in La Mesa. Parking is limited. The use of public transportation, including the trolley, ride share services and taxis is strongly recommended. Admission is free. The first Oktoberfest was held in Munich, Germany in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. Held in front of the city gates, it was a great celebration attended by the citizens of Munich, in addition to the royal family. The city enjoyed the celebration so much that it was decided to repeat the event as an annual tradition. Over 200 years later, Munich’s Oktoberfest is now the largest festival in the world. For more information, and the complete entertainment line-up visit www.TheLaMesaOktoberfest.com  or https://www.facebook.com/MySanDiegoEvents.

SDSU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL PARTICIPATES IN WBCA DAY OF SERVICE

  Aztecs read to local children at Spring Valley Public Library Source: goaztecs.com press release Photos courtesy goaztecs.com September 30, 2016 (Spring Valley) – San Diego State women’s basketball took part in the Women’s Basketball Coaches’ Association (WBCA) Day of Service on Thurs., Sept. 29 by reading to San Diego-area children at Spring Valley Public Library. The inaugural year of the event, women’s basketball programs across the country participated in the association’s Day of Service. “Having the opportunity to give back to our community is so rewarding,” junior Khalia Lark said. “As student-athletes at SDSU, it’s refreshing to know that we are role models in the greater San Diego community. The illuminating smiles and playful laughter of the kids left each of us with full hearts and will stay with us as we progress throughout the year.” The reading event was just one example of how San Diego State women’s basketball stays active in the San Diego community throughout year. Earlier this semester, residents of Vi at La Jolla Village, a retirement community in La Jolla, visited the team and received a tour of the Jeff Jacobs JAM Center, watched the Aztecs scrimmage and had an opportunity to participate in basketball drills. Additionally, over the summer, Aztec women’s basketball staff members also volunteered at the California State Games held throughout San Diego County this summer. “Participating in events like this are incredibly beneficial for our program,” San Diego State women’s basketball director of operations Jon Silver said. “We are so lucky to be a part of such a wonderful community here in San Diego. To be able to give back to the community that has lent us so much is a privilege, and I know our student-athletes feel the same way.” The Aztecs will continue their community service throughout the school year. On Oct. 15, the team welcomes the Senior Women’s Basketball Association (SWBA) to campus for a basketball clinic. SWBA is a nonprofit organization based in San Diego with players of at least 50 years of age who play three-on-three, half-court, recreational and competitive basketball weekly at the Mission Valley YMCA.   

BODY FOUND IN HOME NEAR DOS PICOS PARK

  By Miriam Raftery Photo: Cal-Fire September 30, 2016 (Ramona) — Firefighters discovered a body inside a burned home near Dos Picos County Park in Ramona yesterday morning. The fire gutted the home at 18210 of Dos Picos Park Road and spread into nearby vegetation before crews extinguished it, Cal Fire reports. Cause of the blaze and identity of the victim are unknown at this time.

COUNTY TO HAND-SPRAY LEMON GROVE NEIGHBORHOOD DUE TO ZIKA

  Source: County News Service September 30, 2016 (Lemon Grove) — County Vector Control crews plan to hand-spray a neighborhood in Lemon Grove early next week to continue to prevent invasive Aedes mosquitoes from getting the chance to potentially spread the Zika virus. The Lemon Grove neighborhood’s approximate borders are San Miguel Avenue on the north, Corona Street on the west, midway between Tweed Street and Brunei Court on the south and midway between New Jersey Avenue and Buena Vista Avenue to the east. Vector Control has been hand-spraying to protect the public health in neighborhoods where invasive Aedes mosquitoes or their larvae have been found living close to people who have tested positive for the Zika virus. The Lemon Grove neighborhood will become the sixth neighborhood in the county since Aug. 19 that has met the spraying criteria and been sprayed. All of the people who have tested positive for Zika in San Diego County were related to travel outside the country.  No mosquitoes in San Diego County have tested positive for the Zika virus. Two invasive species of Aedes mosquitoes found in San Diego County can transmit Zika and other tropical diseases if they first bite an infected person. Aedes aegypti, the yellow fever mosquito, was found in San Diego in late 2014. Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito, was found in late 2015. The hand-spraying will kill adult mosquitoes that could carry and spread the virus. Vector Control expects to conduct the spraying Monday, weather permitting, and will continue to conduct trapping for invasive Aedes mosquitoes in the area and nearby locations for several weeks. Vector Control officials went door-to-door in the Lemon Grove spraying area Thursday, talking with residents, leaving door-hanger notifications and showing people how to keep mosquitoes from breeding in their homes and yards. The other neighborhoods where hand-spraying has been done include: South Park on Aug. 19, Mt. Hope on Sept. 6, Adams North on Sept. 9, Grant Hill on Sept. 12 and Skyline on Sept. 23. County environmental health officials again urged people to protect themselves by finding and dumping out any standing water inside and outside their homes to make sure mosquitoes have no place to breed. Unlike native San Diego County mosquitoes, invasive Aedes species prefer to live around people — inside and outside homes and in backyards — and can breed in as little as a thimble-full of water. A female mosquito lays 100 to 300 eggs at a time and can potentially lay 1,000 to 3,000 eggs in its lifetime. The invasive Aedes mosquitoes have a specific feature that makes them literally as different as night and day from native mosquitoes. That is, they bite people during daylight hours, in addition to at dusk and dawn. Native mosquitoes do not bite during the day, only at night, including dusk and dawn. Invasive Aedes mosquitoes are also smaller than native mosquitoes and have distinctive black and white markings. The National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that only about 20 percent of people who get infected with the Zika virus ever experience any illness. However, the Zika virus has been linked to a severe birth defect, microcephaly, a condition where babies’ heads and brains are smaller than normal. Trained County Vector Control technicians will use ultra-low-volume hand-sprayers to apply Pyrenone 25-5, a pesticide approved for use by the Environmental Protection Agency. Pyrenone 25-5 is derived from chrysanthemums, poses low risks to people and pets and dissipates in roughly 20 to 30 minutes. However, the County is instructing residents in the spray areas that they can avoid or minimize their exposure to the pesticide by taking simple steps: Stay inside and bring pets indoors if possible Close doors and windows, and turn off fans that bring outdoor air inside the home Cover ornamental fishponds to avoid direct exposure Rinse fruits and vegetables from your garden with water before cooking or eating Wipe down or cover outdoor items such as toys and cover barbecue grills Beekeepers and those with insects kept outdoors are encouraged to shelter hives and habitats during treatments. Beekeepers are required to register their apiaries with the County’s Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures to receive advance notice of when a pesticide that may affect bees is applied to blossoming plants in their areas. You may resume normal activities 30 minutes after the treatment County officials said people should follow the County’s “Prevent, Protect, Report” guidelines. Prevent mosquito breeding Dump out or remove any item inside or outside of homes that can hold water, such as plant saucers, rain gutters, buckets, garbage cans, toys, old tires, and wheelbarrows. Mosquito fish, available for free by contacting the Vector Control Program, may be used to control mosquito breeding in backyard water sources such as unused swimming pools, ponds, fountains and horse troughs. Protect yourself from mosquito bites Protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses by wearing long sleeves and pants or use repellent when outdoors. Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Make sure screens on windows and doors are in good condition and secured to keep insects out. Report possible mosquito activity Report if you are being bitten by mosquitoes during daylight hours, or if you find mosquitoes that match the description of Aedes mosquitoes by contacting the Vector Control Program at (858) 694-2888. Information about the Zika virus, chikungunya, and dengue and can be found on the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website. For more information about mosquito-borne illnesses virus, go to San Diego County’s “Fight the Bite” website. You can also get more information about how the County works to trap and test invasive Aedes mosquitoes, and hear how the public can help prevent mosquitoes from breeding in the following videos. County on Front Lines to Stop Zika Spread Mosquitoes, Mosquitoes, Protect Your Family

STRONG WINDS FORECAST FOR SUNDAY AND MONDAY

  East County News Service September 30, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – Windy conditions are forecast Sunday through Monday across the County, with strongest winds in the mountains, deserts, and over coastal waters. Gusts could reach 55 miles per hour in the mountain and desert areas, the National Weather Service predicts. Gusty crosswinds are expected to impact on local freeways and highways across Southern California, including Interstates 8, 15, and 78 in San Diego County.  Watch for blowing sands reducing visibility, as well as, downed tree branches and palm fronds.

PRAYER SERVICE FOR CITY OF EL CAJON: 10 AM FRIDAY

September 30,2016 (El Cajon)–A group of pastors from East County churches will meet at 10 a.m. at the Police Department Headquarters to pray for peace and unity over the City of El Cajon.  — Pastors from 30-40 churches are expected to attend. A diverse group of pastors are expected, including African-American pastors, Middle Eastern pastors, as well as churches representing many denominations.  A press release from organizers states,”This is a prayer meeting, not a rally. No political speeches are planned. People who are hoping to highjack the event and politicize it should not attend.”  

DEMONSTRATIONS CONTINUE OVERNIGHT IN EL CAJON: TEAR GAS DEPLOYED AS PROTEST TURNS VIOLENT

  2 men wanted for stealing photojournalist’s $15,000 camera Wednesday night By Miriam Raftery September 30, 2016 (El Cajon)–Demonstrations continued overnight in El Cajon over the killing of Alfred Olango Tuesday by police.   After receiving several 911 calls of 50-70 protesters blocking cars and breaking car windows, police declared an unlawful assembly. 10 News reports that tear gas and pepper balls were deployed by police. The station posted video of the incident and reported that protesters also knocked a motorcyclist off a motorcycle. Glass bottles were also thrown at officers. Two arrests were made, according to police.  “A large group of demonstrators marched through the streets throughout the evening and into the early morning hours,”said Lieutenant Rob Ransweiler. Police are also investigating theft of a $15,000 camera taken forcibly from a photojournalist.   A video viewed by 250,000 people on social media has led to identification one suspect, San Diego News Video reports.  Public help is requested to identify a second subject shown at the end of a video here: https://www.facebook.com/SDNVtv/videos/918156954956981/ Watch the attack/theft caught by 2 different cameras here: https://www.facebook.com/SDNVtv/videos/918550544917622/ In addition, police responded to a disturbance yesterday near the scene of the incident, when an individual was confronted by demonstrators. “While that person was visibly injured, he refused treatment and left the area,” Ransweiler stated. El Cajon Police urges all community members to remain calm during these trying times and allow the process of the investigation to continue while allowing the community to safely voice their concerns. “In general, the majority of the people gathered in our city have prayed and spoken their minds about the relationship between the community and law enforcement in general.  As we are able, we will continue to support the community’s right to safely voice their opinions in a peaceful manner,”  an ECPD press release states. ECPD has set up a Tip Line for citizens to be able to provide information to the police department about the officer involved shooting and about the planned and unplanned protests.  This Tip Line is not intended to be used in the event of a crime or action that requires immediate response by the police department.  Please use 911 for those cases.  Tip Line – 619-579-4218   Please provide your name and a number where you can be reached.

SDSU MEN’S SOCCER TIES OREGON STATE IN PAC-12 OPENER 1-1

  Aztecs to face Washington at home on Sunday Source: goaztecs.com press release Photo:  Mac Clarke courtesy goaztecs.com September 29, 2016 (San Diego) – The No. 22/19 San Diego State men’s soccer team played Oregon State to a 1-1 draw Thursday in the Pac-12 opener for both teams at SDSU Sports Deck. With the result, the Aztecs move to 5-1-3 on the season, while the Beavers stand at 4-3-2 overall. The closely contested match was scoreless until the 67th minute when Matt Callahan’s header from five yards out found the back of the net, putting SDSU in front, 1-0. The Aztec goal was set up by Michael Sauers, who deposited the ball into the far right wing where Dallin Cutler gathered the pass and directed it back to an awaiting Callahan, who fought through traffic in the center of the box. However, OSU got the equalizer late in regulation when Hassani Dotson struck from 14 yards away on a pass from Eric Diaz in the 83rd minute. “I thought our team came out very strong in the second half after an average first half,” said SDSU head coach Lev Kirshner. “We really did a good job to get up a goal. It was a very difficult game for both teams and 1-1 might be the right result, but I am very proud of the effort and what we did to make adjustments in the second half. We just have to get ourselves back ready for Sunday.” The Aztecs played the final 18 minutes a man down after Debray Hollimon was given a red card near midfield with 80 seconds elapsed the first overtime period. The Scarlet and Black still managed to keep the Beavers off the scoreboard the rest of the way, with goalkeeper Adam Allmaras making the last of six saves on the night on David Norman Jr.’s attempt in the fifth minute of the first extra session. The only shot of the second overtime belonged to SDSU, but Travis Nicklaw’s try was blocked by the OSU defense. The Aztec redshirt senior led the team with four shots, including one on goal in the 76th minute that was saved by Beaver goalkeeper Nolan Wirth. For the contest, SDSU maintained a 5-1 edge in corner kicks, including two in the second overtime, but was unable to capitalize. San Diego State returns to the pitch on Sunday, Oct. 2, when it faces Washington at SDSU Sports Deck, beginning at noon PT. Admission is free. Box score  

SDSU VOLLEYBALL: AZTECS FALL AT BOISE STATE IN THREE SETS

  Volleyball drops 3-0 decision at BSU Source: goaztecs.com press release Photo: Dani Bolden had 10 digs, four kills and three service aces at Boise State Thursday evening.  Courtesy goaztecs.com September 29, 2016 (Boise) – San Diego State struggled offensively Thursday evening as it dropped a three-set decision (25-19, 25-23, 25-16) to Boise State in Bronco Gym. With the loss, the Aztecs fell to 9-7 (1-1 Mountain West) on the season while the Broncos improved to 11-5 (2-1 MW). Sophomore outside hitter Alexandra Psoma led San Diego state with 10 kills and also notched five digs. Teammate Alexis Cage had seven kills for the Aztecs along with eight digs and block.   Senior defensive specialist Danielle Bolden led SDSU with 10 digs and also recorded three service aces. Over SDSU’s last two matches she is averaging one service ace per set.   SDSU finished the night with a .049 hitting percentage compared to a .271 mark for Boise State. The Aztecs committed a total of 32 errors in the match while the home side had just 12 on the night.   The opening set was a fairly even affair to begin with as the teams were tied 10-10 over the opening third of the contest. From there, however, Boise state scored 12 of the next 14 points to take control en route to the six-point win. Psoma ad Deja Harris had three kills apiece to lead the Aztecs, but as a team the visitors had a .000 hitting percentage.   Set number two saw San Diego State with a 15-12 lead at the mid-point, but the Aztecs were unable to sustain any momentum as BSU score three straight to tie it up at 15-all. The teams went back and forth over the remainder of the contest until, with the score knotted at 23-23, a pair of SDSU hitting errors allowed the Broncos to claim the set victory. Cage and Ashlynn Dunbar had four kills each for the Aztecs, who hit .095 compared to a .367 attack mark for Boise State.   In the third set, the score was tied at 5-5 before Boise State won a pair of points to take the lead for good. The Aztecs trailed 13-10 when the Broncos scored three straight and eight of the next 10 points before going on to win the set by nine points and the match, 3-0. Psoma’s four kills were the most by an Aztec in the set, but the team hit just .045 while the Broncos compiled a .303 hitting mark.   San Diego State will now move over to Colorado Springs where it will continue Mountain West action with a match against Air Force on Saturday, Oct. 1, at 7:00 p.m. (MT) in Clune Arena.