SDSU FOOTBALL: FIVE AZTECS TO PLAY IN SENIOR BOWL GAMES
Source: goaztecs.com Photo: running back Donnel Pumphrey (left) and cornerback Damontae Kazee (right) will each play in the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Courtesy goaztecs.com January 18, 2017 (San Diego) – Five San Diego State football players are scheduled to play in senior bowl games over the next two weekends. Running back Donnel Pumphrey (Las Vegas), offensive guard Nico Siragusa (Chula Vista, Calif./Mater Dei Catholic HS) and cornerback Damontae Kazee (San Bernardino, Calif.) will play in the Reese’s Senior Bowl on Jan. 28, while linebacker Calvin Munson (St. Charles, Mo.) – East-West Shrine Bowl – and tight end Daniel Brunskill (Valley Center, Calif.) – NFLPA Collegiate Bowl – will each play in bowls this Saturday. Munson kicks things off for the former Aztecs when he will compete in the East-West Shrine Bowl this Saturday (Jan. 21) at 3 p.m. ET (noon PT) on the NFL Network in St. Petersburg, Fla. Munson will play on the West Team, which is coached by current Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator George Edwards. Munson led SDSU with 116 tackles on the season, 43 more than the next player. He also had a team-high 17 quarterback hurries, 11 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, three pass breakups and a 12-yard interception. Munson finished his career ranked sixth at San Diego State in tackles (301) and ninth in sacks (18.0). He was a three-time all-Mountain West pick, including a first-team selection each of the past two seasons. Brunskill, who has moved back to tight end after playing right tackle for the Aztecs last year, will play for Team American at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in Carson, Calif., this Saturday (Jan. 21) at 1:45 p.m. PT on FS1. Former NFL head coach Jim Zorn will lead the Team American squad. Brunskill, who played in 54 games over his career, tied with Pumphrey and Siragusa for the most in school history, earned second-team all-MW accolades at right tackle this year after being an honorable mention pick as a tight end in 2015. He had 15 catches for 143 yards and three touchdowns in his three seasons at tight end (2013-15) and was named the team’s offensive player of the year in 2016. Pumphrey, Siragusa and Kazee, meanwhile, will each represent the South Team at the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., on Jan. 28. The game is scheduled to start at 1:30 p.m. CT (11:30 a.m. PT) and will be broadcast on the NFL Network. The trio will be coached by current Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson (former Aztec and current Chicago Bear head coach John Fox will coach the North Team). Pumphrey rushed 349 times for 2,133 yards (6.1 avg.) (10th in NCAA FBS single-season history) with 17 touchdowns on the season, while adding a team-high-tying 27 catches for 231 yards. A Doak Walker finalist, two-time MW Offensive Player of the Year (2015-16) and three-time first-team all-MW selection (2014-16), Pumphrey set an NCAA FBS record with 6,405 rushing yards over his career. He also finished fifth in NCAA FBS history in all-purpose yards (7,515), tied for eighth in overall touchdowns (67) and ninth in rushing touchdowns (62). Siragusa helped SDSU set program records in rushing yards (3,680), rushing touchdowns (34), rushing yards per carry (5.8), points (493) and field goals (21). He was a two-time first-team all-MW selection (2015-16). Kazee finished his final year with 65 tackles (45 solo), seven interceptions for 156 yards, eight pass breakups, three tackles for loss and a quarterback hurry en route to being named the MW Defensive Player of the Year for a second straight season. Kazee, a three-time all-MW selection over his career (first team in 2015-16, second team in 2014), finished with a school-record 17 interceptions, 30 pass breakups (sixth at SDSU) and 214 interception yards (seventh at SDSU). San Diego State captured its second straight Mountain West title with a 27-24 win over Wyoming on Dec. 3 in Laramie, Wyoming and downed UH, 34-10, in the Las Vegas Bowl for its second consecutive bowl win. The Aztecs (11-3) tied a program record with 11 victories and finished the season ranked 25th in both the AP Top 25 poll and Amway Coaches Poll.
COUNTY ADDS MORE SANDBAG PICKUP SITES
East County News Service January 18, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – The heaviest rains of the winter—and maybe the heaviest in several years—set to soak our region over the next several days, bringing flash flooding and erosion problems. So the County Department of Public Works, along with Cal Fire and the County Fire Authority, has expanded the list of places where residents in unincorporated areas can get free sand and/or bags to help protect their properties. View the list here: http://readysandiego.org/flooding/flooding-sand-and-bags-unincorporated.pdf The expanded list includes 15 fire stations and other spots where residents can get free sand and bags — all you have to do is bring a shovel to fill them — and another 29 stations giving out free bags. Because different locations are offering sand and bags, just bags, or are asking people to bring shovels to put sand into bags themselves, you should call ahead to check on availability. Proper use of sandbags can help direct waters away from homes and properties. People who have slopes on their land can use mulch, or terrace their slopes and plant groundcovers and shrubs to keep them from eroding. For more information about how to be prepared for flooding go to the County Office of Emergency Services at www.ReadySanDiego.org/flooding.
DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: JANUARY 20-FEB. 22
East County News Service January 18, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) — This week’s Destination East County includes a presentation by historical author Roger Conlee in Alpine, a British farce onstage in La Mesa, and the San Diego State Writer’s Conference. Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including Laurel and Hardy night in Spring Valley, a California’ dream series on immigration and migration in Borrego Springs, a mountain bike ride in Mission Trails, a powwow at Cuyamaca College, Valentine’s Teas in Julian, and a Salute to La Mesa’s Local Heroes. So scroll down for all of these events and many more! WHAT THE BUTLER SAW: JAN. 20-FEB. 19 IN LA MESA Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa will present “What the Butler Saw,” a classic British farce opening January 20th and running through Feb. 19th. When a psychiatrist tries to seduce an aspiring secretary, his botched efforts lead to comic bedlam involving his insatiable wife, a randy bellhop, a befuddled police officer and Sir Winston Churchill. For tickets and details you can visit www.LamplightersLaMesa.com. SDSU WRITERS CONFERENCE JAN. 20-22 Each year, over 300 aspiring writers from around the world attend the San Diego State University Writers’ Conference. This year, the conference will be held January 20th through 22nd at the San Diego Marriott in Mission Valley. The conference was the first to pioneer one-on-one appointments for writers with editors, agents and other top-tier publishing professionals, who can provide direct feedback on your writing. This year’s keynote speakers include R.L. Stine, one of the best-selling children’s authors in history; J.A. Jance, a top-10 New York Times best-selling author, Jonathan Maberry, five-time winner of the Bram Stoker award, and Sherrilyn Kenyon, international and New York Times number one best-selling author of fantasy, horror and more. For information on fees and registration for the 33rd annual SDSU Writers Conference, visit NeverStopLearning.net/writers. AUTHOR ROGER CONLEE IN ALPINE JAN. 21 You can meet author Roger Conlee at the Alpine Library (1752 Alpine Blvd.) on Saturday January 21 at 10 a.m. He has written seven fact-based historical novels, including several that have won awards. The latest is Deep Water, set in the early days of the Cold War and the red-baiting hysteria of the McCarthyism era. NOW FOR A PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS… CABARET NIGHTS JAN. 27-28 IN SPRING VALLEY Young Actors Theater will host cabaret nights on Friday and Saturday, January 27th and 28th at the YAT theater in Spring Valley. The cabaret nights showcase talented YAT members performing musical, dance and acting performances to benefit the theatrical group. For tickets ($10) and details you can visit www.YATSanDiego.org. CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’: THE STORY OF MIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION JANUARY 28 The Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association will present a three-part program titled “California Dreamin’” on the story of migration and immigration. All three parts will be presented on Saturday, January 28th and will encompass the history of the early Californians, Western women, and the impacts of immigration on Native Americans. For reservations and details, visit the Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Society website at www.ABDNHA.org. LAUREL AND HARDY NIGHT IN SPRING VALLEY JAN. 28 Saps at Sea, the local Laurel & Hardy fan club, begins its 39th year with a meeting on Saturday, January 28 at Williams Halls at Trinity Church in Spring Valley. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:00 p.m. The evening includes showings of the cartoon “Screwball Squirrel,” followed by Laurel and Hardy causing mischief in “You’re Darn Tootin’” with live music by Russ Peck and comedian Charley Chase in “Snappy Sneezer.” After an intermission and treats, you’ll see “Them Thar Hills” and “Tit for Tat,” two more Laurel and Hardy short films, the latter nominated for an Academy Award. (Suggested donation: $7. View full flyer here.) ICE SKATING AT VIEJAS NOW THROUGH JAN. 29 The largest outdoor ice skating rink in Southern California is open at Viejas Outlets Center through January 29th. Feel the cool Pacific mountain air on your face while you bunny hop, camel spin, and swizzle your way around our ice rink in Alpine. For details, you can visit www.Viejas.com. COURTLY NOYSE CONCERT JAN. 29 AT MISSION TRAILS Mission Trails Regional Park will host a concert featuring Courtly Noyse on January 29th at 3 p.m. performing Renaissance music. The group began singing madrigals atop Mount Palomar and has since added instrumentalists. For details visit www.MTRP.org. CUYAMACA COLLEGE POW WOW FEB. 4 The Native American Student Alliance at Cuyamaca College will host its 3rd Annual Powwow on Saturday, February 4th from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. in front of the Communication Arts complex. The powwow aims to promote Native American heritage, with activities including Bird Singing, a native singing style of the Kumeyaay people honoring the culture and traditions of local tribes in our region. The powwow will also include arts and craft vendors, food vendors, drums, native dances and more. Admission and parking will be free. MOUNTAIN BIKE GUIDED RIDE FEB. 4 AT MISSION TRAILS Mission Trails Regional Park invites you to a guided Mountain Bike Nature ride with a park ranger on the first Saturday of the month now through June from 9 to 11 a.m. The next ride will be on Saturday, February 4th, starting at the West Sycamore portion of the park at the east end of Stonebridge Parkway in Scripps Ranch. You may see birds of prey rising on the winds from canyons below as you ride through Beeler Canyon. This 10-mile ride is for moderate to fit riders. If you arrive early, volunteers from San Diego Mountain Biking Association will help you make adjustments to your bike. Upcoming rides’ difficulty will increase a little so you can try new skills and get comfortable with your bike. Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen and snacks. Wet trails cancel rides. For more information, visit the Mission Trails Regional Park website at www.MTRP.org. HAWAIIAN AND CELTIC GUITARIST IN LA MESA FEB. 11 Acoustic guitarist, singer and songwriter Jim Earp will
STATE GRANT WILL FUND CUYAMACA COLLEGE VINEYARD AND GROW NEW VITICULTURE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
Source: Grossmont-Cuyamaca College District January 18, 2017 (El Cajon) – Cuyamaca College has secured a grant of nearly $260,000 to bolster its new viticulture apprenticeship program and cover the cost of a planned two-acre vineyard on the Rancho San Diego campus. The viticulture apprenticeship program, the only one of its kind in Southern California when it launched in the fall of 2016, is aimed at addressing a shortage of qualified workers knowledgeable in vine and pest diseases, irrigation practices and harvest operations that are critical in the growing viticulture industry. “Even though San Diego County has 115 wineries, we’re not recognized as a premium wine-growing area, and that has made finding skilled labor difficult,” said Izaac Villalobos, general manager at Fallbrook Winery. “The Cuyamaca College program will go a long way in helping to alleviate the challenge of finding skilled labor.” Although the viticulture apprenticeship program was launched in the fall, initial funding to support the effort was lacking and only three apprentices signed up. The grant from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office will help grow the program, pay for a two-acre vineyard near the Water Conservation Garden and cover operating costs. The California Community Colleges Board of Governors approved the grant at its Jan. 17 meeting in Sacramento. Graduates of the Viticulture Technician Apprentice program will leave Cuyamaca College understanding the basic principles of soil science, soil fertility and irrigation construction, in addition to having the skills needed to plant and maintain vineyards, cultivate and harvest wine grapes, process the product through the bottling process, and handle retail operations and support customer service. Besides taking 14.5 units of courses in the Ornamental Horticulture Department, students also are required to complete 3,000 hours as a paid apprentice. “We are thrilled about the opportunity to expand and strengthen our Viticulture Apprenticeship Program,” said Cuyamaca College President Julianna Barnes. “Our program will play a key leadership role in the region in training future professionals to take on needed roles in the wine industry.” San Diego County’s wine grape crop has risen in value from $378,000 to $6.5 million in a decade, the San Diego County Farm Bureau says. California’s wine industry, meanwhile, employs more than 41,000 people, excluding seasonal and temporary employees, and the state – which is the fourth largest leading wine producer in the world – crafts 85 percent of the wine consumed in the country. Applicants to the program, which falls under Cuyamaca College’s Career and Technical Education division, must be at least 21 years old. Anyone interested in applying for the new program should contact Donald Schultz in the Ornamental Horticulture Department at Cuyamaca College at either (619) 660-4023, or Donald.Schultz@gcccd.edu.
BOUGHT MILK? PRICE-FIXING CLASS ACTION SUIT SETTLEMENT ANNOUNCED
East County News Service January 18, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – If you bought milk or other dairy products such as yogurt, half and half or cream anytime since 2003, you may be eligible for a refund through a class action suit that alleges price-fixing by the dairy industry. Claims must be submitted by January 31st. The suit, Matthew Edwards v. National Milk Producers Federation, applies to consumers in 15 states, including California, plus the District of Columbia, who bought milk from a grocery store or other retailer. The National Milk Producers Federation and others in the dairy products industry denied guilt, but have agreed to settle the case for $52 million. To be eligible for a share of the settlement, you must have purchased milk products for consumption, not for resale. No proof of purchase is required. The amount you could receive will be based on the number of products claimed as well as the number of valid claims submitted. For more information, you can call 877-417-4561, send an email to info@BoughtMilk.com, or visit http://www.classactionrebates.com/settlements/fresh-milk/ Click Here to complete your Fresh Milk Price-Fixing Claim Form Fresh Milk Price Fixing Class Action Settlement
CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’: THE STORY OF MIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION JANUARY 28
East County News Service January 18, 2017 (Borrego Springs) – The Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association will present a three-part program titled “California Dreamin’” on the story of migration and immigration. All three parts will be presented on Saturday, January 28th and will encompass the history of the early Californians, Western women, and the impacts of immigration on Native Americans. For reservations and details, visit the Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Society website at www.ABDNHA.org.
SIX LOCAL WOMEN WILL BE INDUCTED INTO THE WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME
Chosen from over 200 nominations, these women represent our community. Source: Women’s Museum of California January 18, 2017 (San Diego) – Nominations to honor women of accomplishment from our community have flooded the offices of the Women’s Hall of Fame since June. The Hall of Fame Selection Committee identified five women who have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of other women and to bring change to their communities. On March 5, 2017, the dedication of these women will be recognized when they are inducted into the 16th Annual San Diego County Women’s Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees and the Category in which they are being honored, are: Hon. Irma Gonzalez, TRAILBLAZER Lilia Velasquez, ACTIVIST Joyce Nower, EMPOWERER Carol Rowell-Council, EMPOWERER Dilkhwaz Ahmed, BRIDGE BUILDER Darlene Davies, HISTORIAN The honorees chosen represent and reflect the full depth of the diversity of San Diego County. “The inductees selflessly dedicated themselves to improving the lives of women, children, and families and created a powerful impact within San Diego communities,” says Event Chair Moriah Gonzalez-Meeks. Awards are granted on the basis of values, empowerment, activism, trailblazing, cultural competency, and historical preservation. The six selected for induction this year are: TRAILBLAZER Hon. Irma Gonzalez was the first Mexican American woman to be a federal judge. She was appointed to the United States District Court for the Southern District of California in 1992 and served as Chief Judge from 2005 to 2012. Prior to her appointment to the federal bench, Judge Gonzalez also worked as an assistant U.S. Attorney in the Criminal Prosecution division for the District of Arizona and in Los Angeles, as well as an attorney in private practice. She later served as a U.S. Magistrate judge and a San Diego County Superior Court judge. She retired in 2013 after an almost 30-year judicial career. ACTIVIST Lilia Velasquez is an attorney who assists immigrants, refugees, asylees, and in particular, undocumented women struggling with domestic violence, sexual abuse, and prostitution. As an attorney, she has been a tireless activist for the most vulnerable in our society. Velasquez moved to the United States at age nineteen, and received her degree in Social Work from San Diego State University. As a social worker, she witnessed the power of the law in helping people. Velasquez went back to school and received her law degree from California Western School of Law. Velasquez frequently makes appearances as an immigration expert on NPR, KPBS, and other media sources. EMPOWERER Joyce Nower (1932-2010) was a founding member of the Ad Hoc Committee for Women’s Studies at San Diego State University and thus co-founder of the first Women’s Studies program in the United States. Nower was also a co-founder of the community-based Center for Women’s Studies and Services, which was the first Women’s Center in Southern California. Today, The Center is the largest provider of prevention and intervention services in San Diego County for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Nower earned her B.A. from Middlebury College, her M.A. from Harvard University, and her Ph.D. from The Union Institute and University, Cincinnati. EMPOWERER Carol Rowell Council, at age 21, co-founded the Ad Hoc Committee for Women’s Studies at San Diego State University (1969) which then became the first Women’s Studies program in the United States. Her interest in feminism grew from her participation in antiwar and student rights movements. In 1972 she helped found the Center for Women’s Studies and Services (now the Center for Community Solutions), where she was the director for 20 years. Carol Rowell Council has a B.A. in Public Administration from San Diego State University, and an M.F.A. in Art History from Rosary College VIlla Schifanoia in Florence, Italy. BRIDGE BUILDER Dilkhwaz Ahmed is an immigrant women’s rights activist from the Kurdistan region of Iraq. She served as the Executive Director of the Nawa Center, a shelter for abused women in Sulaimanya, Iraq where she provided counseling and support to victims of domestic violence. She coordinated a program in the women’s jail, helping women transition to a life in prison and to gain the skills necessary to survive. In 2002, Ahmed was granted asylum in the United States, and settled in San Diego. Since 2003, Ahmed worked at License to Freedom, where she has helped more than 3,000 adult survivors and child victims of domestic violence. HISTORIAN Darlene Davies has been involved in recording the history of San Diego for many decades. She volunteers her time and skills as the Official Historian of the Old Globe in Balboa Park, volunteers and supports the San Diego History Center, and has written the history on the San Diego County Commission on the Status of Women. For Davies, researching and recording history is a responsibility and service she takes on with the utmost care. Davies earned her Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology and worked professionally as therapist and professor. More about the Hall of Fame: The San Diego County Women’s Hall of Fame was created in 2001 as a way to bring attention to women’s actions and accomplishments in San Diego. Currently, 83 women have taken their place in the San Diego County Women’s Hall of Fame. In 2001, the four Co-Hosts of the San Diego County Women’s Hall of Fame organized the first Hall of Fame event at UC San Diego to honor and acknowledge women who have significantly contributed to the quality of life and have made outstanding volunteer contributions in San Diego County. The Women’s Hall of Fame is acollaboration among the Women’s Museum of California, the Department of Women’s Studies at San Diego State University, The Women’s Center at UC San Diego, and the San Diego County Commission on the Status of Women. The ongoing goal of the Women’s Hall of Fame is to recognize and celebrate women’s authentic contributions. Many prominent local and regional guests will attend. Event producers are currently seeking underwriters for the event. The induction ceremony is open to the public and will be held on March 5, 2017, 2:30 – 6:00
MINTO, THE DEAL MAKER: NEW MAYOR SHARES HIS VISION FOR SANTEE
By Mike Allen January 17, 2017 (Santee) — Santee Mayor John Minto says he’s big on creating deals to share the costs his city must bear for essential services such as police and fire, as well as community meeting places. Speaking at a Jan. 17 meeting of the Santee Chamber of Commerce, Minto announced he’s working to get a new public safety center that would house both a Sheriff’s Department station and fire station near the Polo Barn, off Magnolia Avenue. “I think it’s a good idea to put those two things together,” Minto said. He noted Fire Station No. 4 is more than 50 years old, and in great need of repair. Instead of spending money for repairs, a better way to go is building a combined public safety center. He said San Diego County, which owns the land, is interested in being a partner on the arrangement. Minto also announced the city has purchased a seven-acre parcel just north of Trolley Square Town Center for a movie theater complex. “We’re buying it from San Diego County for $1,” Minto said. “We have at least two theater operators who are already interested in it, and we just have to decide which one to go with that will give us the most bang for our buck.” While the building will include a restaurant, it’s not as inclusive as city officials were hoping,” Minto said. As to the Karl Strauss Brewery complex slated for a nearby parcel off Cuyamaca Street, Minto said that project has all its permits and just needs to resolve an environmental issue before construction can begin. The Santee City Council approved the project more than a year ago, and Karl Strauss purchased the property last year. The brewery plans to build its headquarters offices, along with production facilities, a restaurant/ tasting room, and warehouse on a 10-acre parcel. Next to the hoped for public safety center near the Polo Barn, Minto said he’s working on a concept for a combined community center and library building. Minto said he’s been in discussions with a private company to build a community center that would serve a number of clients, including the county library, seniors, teens, and service organizations such as the Chamber, Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs. Later, he said the private party that city officials have been talking with on this project was San Diego Christian College, which has a campus north of Trolley Square Town Center. The talks are in the very early stages, but the concept is to create a building that would entail both public and private investment, Minto said. The Friends of a New Santee Library, a local nonprofit, has been advocating to get a new library here since 2014. The group says the current facility on Carlton Hills Boulevard with about 9,000 square feet is woefully inadequate to serve a city of about 58,000 people. Santee’s horrendous traffic problems, especially during commute times, is also something Minto said he’s working on. He said he’s been talking with Congressman Duncan Hunter about getting funds to expand Highway 52 between Cuyamaca and Mast Boulevard. Another idea Minto said he’s trying to push is widening SR 52 on the bridge going west past Mast Boulevard to accommodate trucks, and thereby increase traffic speeds by 25 percent. That solution wouldn’t make friends with bicyclists who would lose the dedicated bike lane, but Minto said that’s too bad. “I’d rather see thousands of cars going over the hill than a few bicycles,” he said. Minto said the city will soon be rolling out a new improved web site that will be more user-friendly and informative. It will also allow residents and businesses to obtain licenses more easily, and file for permits and other documents that go to the correct city official. “It will speed up the process and make it a whole lot cheaper,” he said. To fund all these ideas and more, Santee is in relatively good financial shape, Minto said. While many California cities have been struggling to meet their budgets because of excess payments to their pension funds, Santee got out in front of the issue by making accelerated payments to its pension fund, Minto said. “That’s given us a much healthier bank account so we can afford the things we’re paying for,” he said. To a question on Fanita Ranch, a residential project of about 1,400 houses north of Santee Lakes, Minto said there wasn’t any news. However, in a 2015 public workshop, a HomeFed Corp. official told the City Council it was moving ahead with the project. HomeFed purchased the 2,600 acres in a foreclosure sale in 2011, paying $11 million for the land. According to Santee planner John O’Donnell HomeFed has been talking with both the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife concerning mitigation measures in advance of submitting plans to the city, but he wasn’t aware when such submittals would occur. Having served on the Santee Council since 2002, Minto projects an affable, easy-going demeanor, but he insists just because he’s now mayor, it’s changed how he’s approaching the job. “I’m going to do just what I’ve done all along, and that’s keep working,” he said.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY BONNIE DUMANIS ANNOUNCES SHE WON’T SEEK REELECTION
Photo: Bonnie Dumanis, after winning reelection in 2014 By Miriam Raftery January 17, 2017 (San Diego) — Bonnie Dumanis has served as San Diego’s District Attorney for the past 14 years. Today, she announced that she will not seek reelection in 2018, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. Diagnosed with breast cancer last year, Dumanis underwent surgery and radiation and is now cancer free. But after much soul-searching, consulting with family and colleagues, she concluded, “I have other things to do. I’ve been in public service now for 42 years and, you know, I just thought the timing was right.” Dumanis, 65, added that she has not decided whether to step down before her term ends, in which case Supervisors would appoint an interim replacement. She has previously said she would support Summer Stephan, a chief deputy, for the post. Stephan has headed up divisions handling sex crimes and human trafficking. Voters will choose a new D.A. in the 2018 election. Dumanis put an emphasis on cracking down on elder abuse and cyber crimes, also helping released offenders to get job training and life skills to succeed in life and avoid committing new offenses. She handled high-profile cases, notably obtaining a plea bargain from the murderer of abducted teenagers Chelsea King and Amber DuBois. The killer agreed to lead investigators to where he had buried Amber’s body, in order to avoid the death penalty. Dumanis also prosecuted public officials accused of criminal actions, including members of the Sweetwater Union School Board on corruption charges. Mountain Empire School District’s former Superintendent Steve Van Zant, known as the “Charter School King,” pled guilty of felony violation of the Political Reform Act and agreed to repay stipends he had pocketed for each school chartered by the district. Sheriff Bill Gore praised Dumanis for her handling of criminal justice matters at a time when California has transferred much of the responsibility from the state to local law enforcement for handling low-level criminals. “Collaboration is critical, and she’s done a great job of that,” Sheriff Gore said. Stephen Walter, president of the San Diego Deputy District Attorneys Association, issued a statement calling Dumanis “tremendously supportive of every member of this team.” He praised her for providing support to fulfill her motto of “doing the right thing.” But Rev. Shane Harris with the National Action Network said he is “overjoyed” to hear that Dumanis won’t seek reelection. He has criticized her for not prosecution police officers in high profile cases including the shooting of Alfred Olango in El Cajon and the choking unconscious of Robert Branch by San Diego Police. Harris states, “Now as communities of color, we will commit ourselves to seeking out a candidate to be the next District Attorney of San Diego County…We see this as an opportunity to really be a part of the shifting of an office that we in the civil rights community believe can truly represent the justice we are fighting for. “ Dumanis served as prosecutor and superior Court Judge before being elected District Attorney. She ran for Mayor in 2012 but lost that election to Bob Filner. She drew controversy over contributions funneled into her campaign from a Mexican business mogul, Jose Susumo Azano Matsura, but has denied any wrongdoing. “It’s a big, big decision,” Dumanis, 65, said of her decision not to seek reelection, adding that she feels both “profound sadness and profound pride.”
FLOODS FORECAST: STRONGEST STORMS IN 7 YEARS TO BRING HAZARDS THURSDAY TO TUESDAY
By Miriam Raftery January 17, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service warns that a series of strong Pacific storms will pack a wallop across Southern California from Thursday, January 19th through Tuesday, January 24th—bringing flooding of rivers, possible mudslides and tree damage from saturated grounds. The San Diego River may reach 7.5 feet by 6 p.m. this Friday, causing flooding and road closures at crossings in Mission Valley. (For updates, see WATER.WEATHER.GOV/AHPS2/INDEX.PHP?WFO=SGX) The San Luis Rey, Santa Margarita and Tijuana Rivers may also reach flood levels; residents are advised to prepare and move equipment and animals to higher ground if necessary. According to the forecast, this will be the first time since 2010 that the developing weather pattern will have potential to create an extended period of enhanced runoff into area streams and rivers. Soils are expected to become saturated, with most rain later in the storm series becoming runoff. Mountain areas may get 5 to 10 inches of precipitation with snow levels down to 4500 or 5000 feet over the six-day storm period. Valleys could get 3 to 5 inches, coastal areas 2 to 4 inches, and deserts 1 to 3 inches. Camp Pendleton, Vandergrift and Stuart Mesa Roads may have road closures due to flooding. Along the San Luis Rey River, dense overgrowth could cause channel blockages; local flooding is possible upstream from Bonsall to Pauma Valley. Road closures are possible including Shearer crossing, Couser Canyon and Lilac Road. Very hazardous road conditions are expected in mountain areas across Southern California, with several feet of snow expected above 6,000 feet. Delay travel if possible until after the storm series has passed. Rough seas are forecast along coastal waters, with winds up to 35 knots and swells from 12 to 18 feet, peaking on Saturday. Avoid boating and other water activities. The good news is the wet weather will bring significant relief from the drought, which has already been declared over in more than 40% of California. Southern California officials remains in drought conditions—though the end may be in sight, after the coming drenching.