ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS
East County News Service December 13, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) — East County Magazine’s World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include: U.S. CIA reportedly concludes Russia interference aimed to elect Trump (NPR) The Russian Hacking Controversy: What We Do And Don’t Know (NPR) McConnell, warning of ‘dangerous’ debt, wants tax cut offsets (Bloomberg) Top U.S. spy agency has not embraced CIA assessment on Russia hacking (Reuters) Federal judge nixes Pennsylvania ballot recount. Why? (CS Monitor) Who’s to blame for fake news? (Los Angeles Times) Inspired by Trump, Ohio Legislature passes “heartbeat” bill that would ban most abortions (Washington Post) Trump picks Exxon-Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State (CBS) Trump Questionnaire Raises Concerns About Retaliation Against Energy Department Staff (NPR) DOE won’t provide names of climate change staffers to Trump team (Politico) Trump to name Scott Pruitt, Oklahoma Attorney General suing EPA on climate change, to head the EPA(Washington Post) Trump: Boeing should lose Air Force One contract over ‘out of control’ cost (Guardian) Trump nominates CKE’s Puzder for Labor Secretary (Pacific Business Times) WORLD Aleppo has fallen to Syrian regime control, Russia says (CNN) How a 7-year-old Aleppo girl on Twitter became our era’s Anne Frank (Wash. Post) Cease-fire has been reached to evacuate civilians from Aleppo: Syrian rebels (San Diego Union-Tribune) Palmyra: ‘Chemical gas attack’ hits IS-held Syria area (BBC) New Zealand policy makers in the dark after quake upends stats bureau (Reuters) Cairo church bombing kills 25, raises fears among Christians (Reuters) For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down. U.S. CIA reportedly concludes Russia interference aimed to elect Trump (NPR) U.S. intelligence officials have determined that Russia interfered with the 2016 election, specifically to help Donald Trump win the presidency, The Washington Post first reported on Friday. The Russian Hacking Controversy: What We Do And Don’t Know (NPR) The email hacking case seems to perfectly correspond with the state of politics: tense, paranoid, zero-sum and subjective. Here’s a look at where things stand. McConnell, warning of ‘dangerous’ debt, wants tax cut offsets (Bloomberg) President-elect Donald Trump’s race to enact the biggest tax cuts since the 1980s went under a caution flag Monday as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell warned he considers current levels of U.S. debt “dangerous” and said he wants any tax overhaul to avoid adding to the deficit. Exclusive: Top U.S. spy agency has not embraced CIA assessment on Russia hacking – sources (Reuters) The overseers of the U.S. intelligence community have not embraced a CIA assessment that Russian cyber attacks were aimed at helping Republican President-elect Donald Trump win the 2016 election, three American officials said on Monday. Federal judge nixes Pennsylvania ballot recount. Why? (CS Monitor) In a stinging rebuke, US District Judge Paul Diamond rejected the Green Party’s bid for a statewide recount in Pennsylvania of paper ballots and a review of some election systems for evidence of hacking. Who’s to blame for fake news? (Los Angeles Times) When the problem of fake news first started making headlines, I was traveling across Southeast Asia and the Middle East. That vantage point provided a striking contrast: While we in America waste the right to a free press, half a world away, the right is so precious that people routinely risk their lives to support it. Inspired by Trump, Ohio Legislature passes “heartbeat” bill that would ban most abortions (Washington Post) Ohio lawmakers passed a bill late Tuesday that would prohibit abortion as soon as a fetal heartbeat can be detected — at around six weeks, before many women realize they are pregnant. If Gov. John Kasich (R) signs the bill, it would pose a direct challenge to Supreme Court decisions that have found that women have a constitutional right to abortion until the point of viability, which is typically pegged around 24 weeks. Trump picks Exxon-Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State (CBS) … The confirmation process could prove highly contentious, with some leading lawmakers already voicing concern about Tillerson’s relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and in light of reports that U.S. intelligence agencies believe Moscow was working not only to interfere in the U.S. election, but to actively promote Mr. Trump… There is also the issue of Exxon and climate change. Tillerson himself is not a skeptic and has called the threat “real” and “serious.” But Exxon’s role in submerging scientific evidence about fossil fuel burning’s role in climate … could prove politically damaging. Trump Questionnaire Raises Concerns About Retaliation Against Energy Department Staff (NPR) Among the queries included in a questionnaire sent by President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team to workers at the Department of Energy is a request for an inventory of all agency employees or contractors who attended meetings or conferences on climate change..The 74-point questionnaire has raised fears among civil rights lawyers specializing in federal worker whistleblower protections, who say the incoming administration is at a minimum trying to influence or limit the research at the Department of Energy. And at worst, attempting to target employees with views that run counter to the president-elect. DOE won’t provide names of climate change staffers to Trump team (Politico) … We will be forthcoming with all publicly available information with the transition team. We will not be providing any individual names to the transition team,” DOE spokesman Eben Burnham-Snyder said in an email. Burnham-Snyder said questions from Trump’s team had “left many in our workforce unsettled.” “We are going to respect the professional and scientific integrity and independence of our employees at our labs and across our department,” he said. Trump to name Scott Pruitt, Oklahoma Attorney General suing EPA on climate change, to head the EPA (Washington Post) President-elect Donald Trump is expected to nominate Scott Pruitt, the attorney general of the oil and gas-intensive state of Oklahoma, to head
EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS
East County News Service December 13, 2016 (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 San Diego’s homeless senior population has more than doubled (Voice of San Diego) San Diego City Council offers Chargers lease deal in stadium saga (10 News) Casa de Oro working group to revitalize local community (San Diego Union-Tribune) La Mesa Live (La Mesa Today) How Jehovah’s Witnesses Leaders Hide Child Abuse Secrets at All Costs (KPBS) STATE A problem ‘too big to ignore’ — how years of congressional wrangling led to a water compromise (Los Angeles Times) California’s child vaccination law faces another legal challenge (East Bay Times) California to investigate Prudential insurance policies sold through Wells Fargo (Los Angeles Times) Oakland warehouse fire leads to crackdown on illegal artist spaces around the country (Yahoo News) For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down. LOCAL San Diego’s homeless senior population has more than doubled (Voice of San Diego) Teri Petersen never thought she’d end up living on the street. The petite 65-year-old worked for years. She’s a former PTA president. Yet there she was on a rainy day this September, confronting a reality she’d never imagined for the second time in a few years. San Diego City Council offers Chargers lease deal in stadium saga (10 News) Four members of the San Diego City Council are proposing that the Qualcomm Stadium site be leased to the Chargers for $1 in “one last concerted effort”‘ to keep the team in San Diego. Casa de Oro working group to revitalize local community (San Diego Union-Tribune) Businesses and residents in Casa de Oro are using a grassroots group effort to turn their pocket community in Spring Valley into a safer, more livable area. La Mesa Live (La Mesa Today) “Real Talk La Mesa” is a live on air show hosted by La Mesa resident Jack Rowell. Usually airing on Thursday mornings on ESPN 1700 AM from 11am to Noon, How Jehovah’s Witnesses Leaders Hide Child Abuse Secrets at All Costs (KPBS) One Jehovah’s Witness sexually abused at least seven children in San Diego congregations in the ’80s and ’90s. Leaders knew but did not report him to law enforcement, according to testimony by congregation elders. Instead, they promoted him. STATE A problem ‘too big to ignore’ — how years of congressional wrangling led to a water compromise (Los Angeles Times) Few people expected a California water fight in the final days of a lame-duck Congress, and fewer still expected landmark water legislation to pit the state’s U.S. senators against each other … It took years of negotiations, and the right political timing, to bring the first major water policy affecting California in decades through the House and Senate. Over frayed feelings and filibuster threats, both chambers overwhelmingly passed the bill, which changes how much water is pumped from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to San Joaquin Valley farmers and Southern California… Boxer…was apoplectic. The changes to the amount of water allowed to be pulled from the Delta were an unacceptable end run around the Endangered Species Act and would have dire consequences for salmon fishermen, she said. California’s child vaccination law faces another legal challenge (East Bay Times) Opponents of a new California state law requiring nearly all schoolchildren to be fully vaccinated have mounted another legal challenge — this time, setting the science of immunization aside and focusing on constitutional rights. California to investigate Prudential insurance policies sold through Wells Fargo (Los Angeles Times) California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones announced an investigation Monday into the sale of Prudential insurance policies by Wells Fargo & Co., marking the first time the bank unauthorized accounts scandal has widened to include another institution. The decision came the same day the Newark, N.J., insurer suspended the sale of policies through Wells Fargo branches as it reviews a lawsuit filed last week by a trio of former Prudential employees. The plaintiffs say they were fired for refusing to cover up evidence that Wells Fargo workers sold Prudential policies to customers who did not want them. Oakland warehouse fire leads to crackdown on illegal artist spaces around the country (Yahoo News) The massive fire that tore through a converted warehouse in Oakland, killing 36 people in the deadliest blaze in the United States in more than a decade, has officials examining similar illegal spaces — and the artists who create, perform and, in many cases, live in them bracing for a crackdown.
SDSU FOOTBALL RELEASES 2016 TEAM AWARDS
Source: goaztecs.com Photo courtesy goaztecs.com December 13, 2016 (San Diego) – For the third straight season at the team’s annual banquet, San Diego State senior running back Donnel Pumphrey was honored with the John Simcox Memorial Trophy as the 2016 team’s Most Valuable Player and the Byron H. Chase Memorial Trophy as the offensive player-of-the-year, becoming the only player in program history to accomplish the feat. This season, Pumphrey picked up the seventh All-American accolade of his career, four of which came this year, after becoming the first San Diego State player to win two league offensive player-of-the-year awards in program history. A finalist for the Doak Walker Award (top running back), and semifinalist for the Maxwell Award (college Player-of-the-Year) and Walter Camp Player-of-the-Year award, he has compiled a school-record 2,018 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on 330 carries (6.1 avg.) this season, while adding a team-high 26 catches for 205 yards (7.9 avg.). One of four players in FBS to lead his team in rushing yards and catches, Pumphrey is ranked second in the country in rushing yards (2,018), rushing yards per game (155.2) and all-purpose yards (2,229), despite not playing in the fourth quarter in four of the past seven games. The Byron H. Chase Defensive Player-of-the-Year was bestowed upon senior cornerback Damontae Kazee. Kazee joined Kirk Morrison (2003-04) as the only multiple Aztec defensive player-of-the-year award winners in MW history. A three-time all-league pick over his career (also second team in 2014), Kazee has 60 tackles (41 solo), three tackles for loss, seven interceptions for 156 yards (22.3 avg.) and a touchdown, eight pass breakups and a quarterback hurry. He is first among all active FBS players with a school-record 17 interceptions and 47 passes defended, leading the MW in both interceptions per game (0.54, fourth nationally) and interception yards (156, seventh nationally). Seniors Alex Barrett, Kazee, Calvin Munson, Pumphrey and Siragusa took home the Dr. R. Hardy/C.E. Peterson Memorial Trophy, awarded to the team’s captains. Munson was also named the team’s Most Inspirational Player, while Barrett was honored as the team’s Defensive Lineman of the Year. Barrett, the first Aztec defensive lineman to earn first-team all-MW honors multiple times, has 49 tackles (26 solo), and team highs of 6.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss and 15 quarterback hurries, along with four pass breakups in 13 starts. Barrett, who also was an honorable-mention all-MW pick as a sophomore in 2014, is ranked seventh in the MW in sacks per game (0.50) and ninth in tackles for loss per game (0.85). Named a Pro Football Focus All-American, Munson earned first-team all-MW honors once again this year. He leads the San Diego State defense with 108 tackles (44 more than the next player) to go along with 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, a team-high 17 quarterback hurries and three pass breakups. Siragusa, meanwhile, was named a second-team Associated Press All-American and a USA Today first-team All-American, becoming the first Aztec to earn first-team All-American distinction since Kirk Morrison was a College Football News first-team All-American in 2003 and the first offensive lineman honored since Mike Malano was a Football Writers Association of America first-team All-American in 1999. He was also the first USA Today first-team honoree in program history. Named a Pro Football Focus All-American for his efforts this season, Siragusa graded out as the nation’s third-best guard and third-best run blocker. San Diego State’s first offensive lineman to be named a first-team all-Mountain West selection twice after his 2016 honor, Siragusa has not allowed a sack in 846 snaps, according to the ProFootballFocus.com. He has helped SDSU rush for a school-record 3,553 rushing yards and 16 100-yard games by three different backs. Daniel Brunskill and Arthur Flores shared the President’s Award for High Academic Achievement. Brunskill also picked up the Offensive Lineman of the Year award after switching from tight end to offensive lineman before the 2016 season. Brunskill earned second-team All-Mountain West honors at offensive right tackle after being named an honorable-mention pick as a tight end last year. Brunskill and Flores, who has started all 13 games at center, have blocked for a team that has produced 15 100-yard rushing games by three different backs this year and a school-record 3,553 yards with a game to go. Earning Most Valuable Special Teams Player of the Year honors were Rashaad Penny and Quest Truxton. The Mountain West Special Teams Player-of-the-Year for the second straight season, Penny has returned 18 kicks for 575 yards (31.9 avg.), including two touchdowns (100 and 93 yards), while rushing 126 times for 995 yards (7.9 avg.) with 11 touchdowns, and adding 14 catches for 220 yards (15.7 avg.) and another three scores. Truxton was an All-MW honorable-mention pick in his first season at SDSU, returning 27 punt returns for 255 yards and a league-best 9.44 average (19th nationally). He also has 11 catches for 156 yards (14.2 avg.) with three touchdowns, two rushes for 44 yards (22.0 avg.) and four kick returns for 61 yards (15.3 avg.). Parker Houston and Juwan Washington were both given the team’s Outstanding Freshman Award. Houston has played in each of the last nine games with four starts, making four catches for 27 yards (6.8 avg.) and a touchdown with a long of 14 yards, while handling short snapping duties on PATs and field goals. Washington was named “SDSU’s Top Newcomer” by Lindy’s Sports, playing in the team’s 13 games with one start, rushing 52 times for 433 yards (8.3 avg.) and five touchdowns, adding three catches for 72 yards (24.0 avg.) and a touchdown, and returning 10 kicks for 293 yards (29.3 avg.) and another score. He is one of only five freshmen players in the country with at least five rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown, and one of two with a kick return, as well. Freshmen Elijah Preston, Dru Mathis and Brandon Fitzpatrick were named the respective Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Scout Players-of-the-Year. The Aztecs (10-3) will square off against Houston
PROPOSAL TO ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF SOME FOREST CONSERVATION INITIATIVE LANDS ON SUPERVISORS’ AGENDA WEDNESDAY
East County News Service December 13, 2016 (San Diego) – Tomorrow., San Diego Supervisors will consider a general plan amendment that would allow additional development on some Forest Conservation Initiative Lands. These properties were protected for 20 years by a vote of the people countywide, but the measure had a sunset provision. The issue pits environmentalists’ conservation goals against rights of private property owners. The hearing starts at 9 a.m. at the County Administration Center, Room 310, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego. Below are arguments on both sides of this contentious issue impacting inholding sites within or adjacent to the Cleveland National Forest. OPPOSED: Jack Shu, President, Cleveland National Forest Foundation Friends and Activists for our Environment and Forest Currently we are being flooded with national news that protections to our quality of life and environment may be taken away by the next administration. Meanwhile, in San Diego County, our Board of Supervisors may weaken or take away something we won 23 years ago, with nearly a 2/3s vote, the Forest Conservation Initiative. If you are not familiar with the FCI, I’ve attached several documents which explain why we should oppose anything but actions to strengthen or at least keep all the land use designations the measure has put into place for over 20 years. On behalf of the Cleveland National Forest Foundation, Shute Mihaly & Weinberer has submitted a lengthy letter explaining why the County cannot legally go ahead with the proposed amendment to its General Plan. The biological reasons why we need to hold this line for the forest were explained by Dr. Michael Soule in his Op Ed. A short video message is available at the web link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXBeSxuknzQ I ask that you take action now to help protect our local forest. We have to stop sprawl at its boarders. From a planning perspective, it’s the most minimal step we can take to reduce GHG emissions from vehicles, lower risk of wildfires, protect our watershed, keep open space and save wildlife habitat. Contact your Board of Supervisor before this Wednesday (December 14th) by phone or email and ask them to strengthen the FCI rather than allow what county planners have proposed. The contact information for the Supervisors can be found at the site below. http://www.sandiegocounty.gov/general/bos.html Please use the social networks you have available to spread this request. Our Supervisors need to hear from as many people in the county as possible, not just those who have a special interest in using a part of it for their own gain. If you can, come to the Board of Supervisors meeting on Wednesday, 9:00 A.M., (or a bit later) to express your opposition to proposed changes by submitting a letter, filling out a slip or speaking. Thank you Jack Shu President, Cleveland National Forest Foundation CNFF.org transitsandiego.org FOR: GEORGE BARNETT, ALPINE As you know, the community of Alpine seeks to residentially develop portions for former Forest Conservation Initiative lands falling within the eastern area of the Alpine township. The argument for “preserving Cleveland National Forest” lacks clarity as it may pertain to the Alpine township for two-fold reasons. One is, “Where exactly is there a forest, and is there a forest boundary?” The other is that the “save CNF” argument dismisses the matter of private property rights of people that owned their lands preceding the sporadic and haphazard creation of CNF. First below is a map of eastern Alpine with “private lands” shown ‘hashed’ and “forest lands” shown ‘clear’. There is no boundary between the two. There are forest lands completely surrounded by private lands; and nearly vice-versa. It’s incomprehensible! All four numbered Areas marked by the ovals have been in dispute one time or the other over the “save CNF” issue. Area #1 is now settled, and its provisionally approved primary land use designation is mostly semi-rural residential. Area #2 is fee-land north of Hwy I-8 owned by Viejas, and that land use is provisionally approved as mixed-use commercial/residential and semi-rural residential. Area #3 has been designated primarily as a mix of semi-rural residential. These land use designations have been approved by the Alpine Community Planning Group, and to a large extent by the Planning Commission. The Board of Supervisors requested a “Special Study” of Area #3 to determine the needs of infrastructure; notably for imported water and sewer. The BOS noted that there are 100s of families already in that area lacking the basics of infrastructure and safety the County is obligated to provide to its tax-paying residents. As a practical matter, given the tremendous elevation slope falling from Alpine Boulevard southerly down to the Sweetwater River, the only portions of Area #3 remotely developable is the top 2/5th that is along Alpine Boulevard. The “environmentally best” lands along the Sweetwater River are obviously prime candidates of mitigation conservation. The land between the two may not be developable due to extreme slope. For the most part, the potentially developable parts of Area #3 (indeed a lot of the entire area) has no trees; consists of small flattish areas on the tops of rocky bluffs (suggestive of residential clustering?), lands in some cases disturbed by nearly a century of grazing and farming. There are no known “environmental resources” to protect. It is otherwise rocky, barren granite bluffs falling away to the south. There is no forest, and with the exception of just a couple of ravines, there are no trees. The picture used on the SOFAR/CNFF website (see second below picture) is not in Area #3. For Area #4, the Alpine Community Planning Group approved 1 dwelling unit per 20 acres versus County Staff specified 1 per 40. The reason is simple. Many of the individual parcels range a shy less than 80 acres. Property owners wishing to build a 2nd home cannot at 1:40. The next designation “down” is 1:20. There’s zero impact of this designation on the forest. As to CNF, their best argument against this modest residential development of part of
LAKESIDE RIVER PARK CONSERVANCY HONORS VOLUNTEERS
Source: Lakeside River Park Conservancy Photo: Chris Manzella accepting her award from Volunteer Manager Cindy Collins December 13, 2016 (Lakeside) — Chris Manzella has been named Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy’s Volunteer Of The Year. The award given was the “The Joan Burnett Memorial Inspirational Award” named after founding volunteer Joan Burnett, who passed away in 2005. Now a retired teacher, Manzella volunteers at the River Park and at other organizations such as the San Diego Zoo. She is an outreach ambassador for the river Park Foundation, helping at booths at Earth Fairs, festivals, and community events around town. She teaches children about birds and helps them to build bird feeders while promoting the River Park. She also recruits and trains Mounted Monitors from her other family at the Wells Ranch. In addition, she is a volunteer Gate Keepers, helping to ensure the safety of the San Diego River trail and community. “Basically there isn’t an event the River Park hosts that Chris isn’t involved in. Chris is always willing to lend a hand and go beyond the call of duty, all with a smile! We are so fortunate to have her time, talent and energy,” a press release from the River Park Conservancy states. Other area residents received awards for their contributions as well: Prettiest Artwork–Cindea Metzler for beautiful woodworking pieces for the Once in A Blue Moon Gala Auction. Ambassador/Outreach–Christina Burnett for her many years of inspiring her students to volunteer at the River Park. Safety & Tech Support –Frank & Joanna Drummond (husband and wife team) for their work and leadership roles setting up River Park event parking and signage. They are the first impression people get of the River Park when attending events and, along with Don & Lauren, always greet them with a big smile! Mounted Monitor Award–Pat Peterson–She has been one of the leaders of the Mounted Monitor Program. In addition, Pat volunteers at River Park special events and helps with many mailings. Security Awareness–Dan Chelius–For his valuable service to the River Park’s Gate Keeper program MVP/All Around Volunteer–Eric Webb–for his help removing trash from the San Diego Riverbed. If you would like to join them or learn about other volunteer opportunities at the River Park, contact Cindy Collins. Over 500 individuals volunteered at Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy in 2016 donating 8,000 hours. There were 75 people in attendance on December 3rd at the Volunteer Appreciation Awards Breakfast organized by Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy. The River Park thanks the event sponsors The Burnett Family Charitable Foundation and Boll Weevil Restaurant in Lakeside, who hosted this private event with a custom breakfast menu buffet. Contact Cindy Collins, Membership & Volunteer Manager to make volunteer interview arrangements. Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy is a non-profit organization founded in 2001 dedicated to preserving and restoring the biological integrity and beauty of the San Diego River while integrating recreational, educational and cultural opportunities to the community.
CHP SEEKS IDENTITY OF PEDESTRIAN STRUCK ON I-15 NEAR FRIARS ROAD SATURDAY NIGHT; MAN IS IN CRITICAL CONDITION
East County News Service December 13, 2016 (San Diego) — California Highway Patrol seeks public help to identify a pedestrian struck at 11:17 p.m. Saturday night while walking in lanes of Interstate northbound, south of Friars Road. The victim suffered major head and chest trauma after being struck by a maroon Subaru station wagon. The victim, who remains unidentified, was transported to Scripps Mercy Hospital where he is currently in critical condition, according to the CHP. The driver, Ian Manay, 31, from San Diego has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Officer J. Jimenez is the investigating Officer for California Highway Patrol. If there are any witnesses to this collision, please call the San Diego CHP area office.
PUBLIC SQUARE COFFEE HOUSE IN LA MESA: UNIQUE SCONES AND VEGAN FARE
By Robin Norris Kendall December 13, 2016 (La Mesa) — The Coffee House Revolution has come to East County. Move over Starbucks—we can now choose to drink global, but sip local. Take, for example, Public Square Coffee House in the Village of La Mesa. Downtown La Mesa has been going through lots of changes, including street repairs and new ownership of restaurants and coffee houses. In September, Public Square opened in the space last occupied by Cosmos Coffee at 8278 La Mesa Boulevard. For those who grew up in La Mesa in the 1970s, this is directly across the street from the much loved but long-gone Logan’s Bakery. Public Square has a different menu and vibe than Cosmos did. It reminds me of coffee houses in Portland, Oregon, with a minimalistic and industrial look in grays and bright yellow. One wall has a bright modern art mural of polygons in yellows, grays and blues. The other wall has paintings for sale or just to admire. There is one sofa and a couple of conversation chairs, but most patrons will sit at the simple tables with school chairs salvaged from a 1940s schoolhouse. This is a place to come and take your time, work on your laptop, or listen to the music. The unique and upscale menu offers coffees, teas, beverages and eats. Your coffee might be served in a small glass pot. The food is divided into sweets and savories. The emphasis is on quality and presentation, not speed; it’s a place to linger and savor. On my first visit I tried the scones and was very impressed. For those of you who have only tasted cakey, overly sweet scones, get ready for bliss. These scones are fluffy like a biscuit. The baker makes the scone unflavored and you may order a flavored butter. I tried several of the butters and pumpkin spice was my favorite. The scones and butters are the creation of Laura Henderson, the owner’s wife. Our vegan hummus plate was very tasty but a bit on the small side. The baked eggs and tomato dish was served very hot and spicy. It was loaded with Italian flavors and very filling. Aaron Henderson, a co-owner of Public Square, is from La Mesa. According to the manager, Kaleb Ede, the philosophy behind Public Square is to provide an amazing product but not to be pretentious. They want to be a part of the community and create a place that can be an incubator for the staff to create and learn. For example they buy coffee beans and teas through direct trade with the roasters and make their own syrups for the coffee drinks. More is in store for this La Mesa venue. Open mic nights are planned for Tuesdays. The hours are Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sunday, 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. Public Square Coffee, 8278 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, Ca 91942 http://www.publicsquare.coffee/
STORM FORECAST THURSDAY THROUGH SATURDAY
East County News Service December 13, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – A potentially potent storm will swing across Southern California late this week, which could bring heavy rain at high elevations, and gusty southwesterly winds in mountains, valleys, deserts and coastal areas. Dangerous conditions for small craft along coastal waters are also expected. The strongest winds and heaviest precipitation are expected Thursday night and Friday morning, impacting the Friday morning commute. Urban and small stream flooding are possible, as well as isolated flash flooding near recently burned areas. Snow is not forecast for San Diego County, though elsewhere in Southern California heavy snow is possible above 8,000 feet.
PURSUIT SUSPECT JUMPS OFF OVERPASS, BREAKS MULTIPLE BONES
East County News Service December 12, 2016 (Spring Valley) – A high speed pursuit that began in Spring Valley this morning ended in National City, where the suspect, Frank Rios, 36, jumped over a freeway overpass trying to evade officers and suffered injuries. Sheriff’s deputies spotted Rios, 36, driving a white Scion in Spring Valley at 11:40 a.m. The deputies knew Rios was wanted for an outstanding felony warrant related to a traffic pursuit involving the National City Police Department (NCPD). Below is the account of what happened next, according to Sergeant Matt Cook. Deputies got behind Rios’ vehicle at Jamacha Road and Elkelton Boulevard in Spring Valley. Rios turned eastbound onto Jamacha and deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Rios refused to stop and accelerated from the deputies at a high rate of speed driving onto southbound Hwy 125. Rios led deputies on a 15-mile pursuit, weaving in and out of highway traffic while traveling at speeds of about 100 miles per hour. Sheriff’s ASTREA helicopters, K-9s, officers from the San Diego Police Department and NCPD assisted during the pursuit. The pursuit ended when Rios rear-ended another vehicle while driving northbound on Interstate 5 near Civic Center Drive. The suspect exited his vehicle and tried to flee from deputies on foot. While attempting to flee, Rios jumped over the Interstate 5 overpass above 18th Street in National City. Rios suffered multiple broken bones to his arms, legs, knees and facial lacerations as a result of his jump from the 30-foot-high overpass. Deputies took Rios into custody and discovered he was armed with a loaded, stolen .40 caliber handgun. Rios was transported to a local hospital for treatment. There were no injuries to law enforcement officers. In addition to the felony warrant, Rios faces new charges for felony evading, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and carrying a stolen loaded firearm. The California Highway Patrol conducted the traffic collision investigation, and the case is being investigated by detectives from the Sheriff’s Rancho San Diego Station.
ALPINE MOM, 21, ARRESTED IN RELATION TO TOT’S DEATH
By Miriam Raftery December 12, 2016 (Alpine) — The Sheriff’s department today announced a second arrest related to the death of 18-month-old Leah Brown-Meza. Lilly Brown, 21, the tot’s mother, will be charged with three counts of willful cruelty to a child with great bodily injury and/or death, said Sheriff’s Homicide Lieutenant Kenneth Nelson. Detectives previously arrested Brown’s boyfriend, Wiliey Foster, on a murder charge. Deputies and paramedics responded to a 911 call on December 6th that reported the child had been found not breathing at the motorhome where the family resided at 302 Hunter Lane in Alpine. Paramedics performed CPR but could not revive the child. The Medical Examiner’s office found the cause of death was blunt force trauma. Brown was booked into the Las Colinas Women’s Detention facility in Santee. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call the Homicide Detail at (858) 974-2321/after hours at (858) 565-5200. You can also remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.