EL CAJON ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER MOVING TO TEXAS
By Miriam Raftery February 5, 2017 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Assistant City Manager Majed Al-Ghafry has accepted a position as Assistant City Manager for Dallas, Texas. A Syrian immigrant who came to the U.S. as a child, Al-Ghafry previously worked in Texas and has over 28 years of experience in municipal government. “He’s been a real asset to this city,” El Cajon Councilman Gary Kendrick told ECM, adding that Al-Ghafry speaks Arabic and has been helpful in translating and explaining city ordinances to immigrants from the Middle East. “It’s great when someone can look up at the City Council meeting and see someone who is from their community and speaks their language,” Kendrick added. “Fortunately we have Ben Kalasho up there, who can also speak fluent Arabic.” Kalasho, the newly elected El Cajon Councilman, is an Iraqi immigrant. A registered civil engineer, Al-Ghafry worked as Director of Public Works for San Antonio, Texas, as Public Works Director in Lemon Grove and North Las Vegas, as well as an engineer for Chula Vista before joining El Cajon as Assistant City Manager in summer 2013. He served as director of both El Cajon’s Community Development and Public Works Department. The City Manager has not yet announced who will be hired to replace Al-Ghafry.
CAJON AIR CENTER COULD BE JOBS DRIVER SAYS EDC OFFICIAL
By Mike Allen February 4, 2017 (El Cajon) — While many residents near El Cajon’s Gillespie Field decry an increase in activity from flight schools, proponents of a long-planned airport expansion say the project could generate thousands of high-paying, high tech jobs, and be a boon to East County. Jo Marie Diamond, president and CEO of the East County Economic Development Council, said the 70-acre expansion that broke ground last year is expected to attract aviation and aerospace related industry, as well as provide added room for corporate jet activity. For more than seven years, the council, a nonprofit organization based in El Cajon, has championed the concept of an aerotropolis for Gillespie’s future. An aerotropolis is a planned business cluster in which the infrastructure and economy are tied closely to an airport. According to a report on the council’s website (www.eastcountyedc.org), “the EDC’s goal is to create a business hub where travelers and locals can conduct business, shop, and dine. This would benefit manufacturing and distribution facilities; hotels; retail stores; commercial offices; conference centers; and entertainment venues.” “The underlying premise of an aerotropolis is an economic accelerator,” Diamond (right) said in the report. The Cajon Air Center would be a first step toward realizing the aerotropolis vision, but the redevelopment project is confined to the 70 acres on airport property, and only aviation uses are permitted on the land. The first of six phases of the project began in October, and is planned to be completed in 2023. While Gillespie does have a few industrial parks nearby, these are nowhere near the level of aviation connected business centers that an aerotropolis concept involves. So far, about the only tangible accelerator at Gillespie in recent years has been the uptick in operations (take-offs and landings) related to flight schools just outside the airport. According to Robert Germann, founder of CAGE/LFA, Citizens Against Gilespie’s Expansion & Low Flying Aircraft, the stated plan for expanding Gillespie to become a high-tech, aviation business hub is really a smokescreen for turning the airport into an international pilot training center that caters to foreign students. Many of these students don’t speak English well, and are causing a danger to other pilots and folks on the ground because of their limited grasp of the language, Germann says. “It’s not only dangerous, it’s annoying (because of the noise and gasoline pollution from the planes), he said. “I speak to many local pilots who won’t use Gillespie anymore because it’s not safe,” Germann said. “They call the airport ‘the washing machine” because the planes just go around and around.” Operations at Gillespie last year totaled 214,758, down slightly from 2015 when they were 215,543, but far above 2014 when operations were 199,388. In 2007, operations reached a high of more than 300,000, according to the airport’s data. While the airport doesn’t break out how many of those operations are connected to flight schools, Germann said it’s clear that the great bulk of activity comes from the five flight schools, all of which are enjoying increased business. One of the schools, American Aviation, went from five planes in 2010 to 22 planes at the end of last year, he said. The schools are called “rating factories” because they claim to train a student to pass the test for a commercial pilot’s license in six months, Germann said. The bulk of the business is coming from China and the Middle East. Commercial carriers send the students over because they need pilots, and cannot provide the level of training being done here, Germann said. Besides the noise from the increased flights, there’s the problem of tracking the foreign students who come here to obtain a pilot’s license, Germann said. He cited a 2013 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office that found weakness in the vetting process of students and the potential for students entering the country illegally to get accepted into the Alien Flight Training Program operated through the U.S. Transportation Security Administration. Diamond said the EDC has been working with a number of potential companies, including Helinet Aviation, a Van Nuys, Calf. provider of helicopters to a range to public and private sectors. So far, there’s no agreement, she said. The EDC remains optimistic that Gillespie can attract aviation-related industries to the redeveloped site that was formerly leased to Cajon Speedway. “There’s no reason that we can’t have an R&D center for creating an electric aircraft there,” she said. Diamond rejected Germann’s oft-stated contention that the plan promoted by the FAA and county is to turn Gillespie into one large international flight training center, but wouldn’t disavow that alternative entirely. “The best jobs are what we want, and if the best jobs are flight schools, so be it,” she said.
PUBLIC INVITED TO ATTEND COMMUNITY COLLEGES’ BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS
Source: Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Photo: Musical artist and activist Jasiri X is a featured speaker at Grossmont College’s Black History Month commemoration. January 28, 2017 (El Cajon) — Music, art, a poetry slam, and a discussion on black activism at Grossmont College and a Martin Luther King Jr. tribute, a panel of young African-American professionals, and a presentation on institutional slavery at Cuyamaca College are among February’s Black History Month events. A rich selection of events are being offered at both colleges to honor the traditions, legacies and movements of African-Americans. Highlighting Grossmont College events are a trio of African-American notables who have made their marks in today’s world: musical artist and activist Jasiri X, animator Tony Washington, and Marlin Briscoe, the NFL’s first African-American starting quarterback. Cuyamaca College will feature a discussion on the incarceration of African-American males and a performance by the National Pan-Hellenic Step Show. “We are excited and looking forward to seeing each of these individuals who will be on campus for a presentation, discussion and Q and A session,” said Grossmont College counselor James Canady, one of the event coordinators. Grossmont College’s Black History Month events are: Tuesday and Wednesdays Feb. 7-Feb. 22: “Jazz Kitchen with Soul Food Specials” features Jazz Studies student performers led by Music Department chair Derek Cannon and all-day lunch specials at Griffin Grill in Griffin Center. Monday, Feb. 6, 1-2:30 p.m.: A 1-2:30 p.m. presentation in Griffin Gate, Building 60, by nationally acclaimed artist/animator Tony Washington. Thursday, Feb. 9, 3:30-5:30 p.m.: Musical artist and activist Jasiri X emerged on the national scene in 2007 with the powerful hit song “Free the Jena 6” and his critically acclaimed album Black Liberation Theology (2015) is recognized as a soundtrack for today’s civil rights movement. He will speak from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in Room 220, Building 26. Monday, Feb. 13, 1-3 p.m.: “Representations of Femininity and Spirituality in African and African-American Art” is an art exhibit hosted by Gwyneth Mapes and T Ford in Room 220, Building 26. Denise Rodgers, professor of Art History and manager of Mesa College Foundation African Art Collection, will present artwork produced by and for African and African-American women. Thursday, Feb. 16, 1-2:30 p.m.: Umoja and Puente program coordinators and students present “Voices of our Students” in Room 522, Building 55. Wednesday, Feb. 22, 12:30-2:30 p.m.: Marlin Briscoe, the first starting African-American NFL quarterback, and recent inductee into the College Hall of Fame, played for the Denver Broncos and after 11 games, was nominated and became the runner-up for Rookie of the Year. The event in Griffin Gate, Building 60 will be hosted by Jim Tolbert as Briscoe discusses his greatest lesson in life: persistence. Tuesday, Feb. 21, 7-9 p.m.: Join Sydney Brown and T Ford in Room 355, Building 36, for an African-American Read-In of literature by African-American writers. Thursday, Feb. 23, 5:30-8:30 p.m.: Directed by Roxanne Tuscany and James Canady, the Umoja Program will host the first poetry competition of Region 10 community colleges, including City, Southwestern, Mesa and MiraCosta colleges. The event will be held in Room 220, Building 26. Monday, Feb. 27, 10 a.m.-noon: A transfer workshop about Historically Black Colleges and Universities at Griffin Gate in Building 60 will give students an opportunity to ask questions and learn transfer requirements for HBCUs. Feb. 16, 27 and 28: “Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep South” features a Part 1 film screening and Part 2 guest speaker. Filmmaker Katrina Browne discovers that her New England ancestors were the largest slave-trading family in U.S. history. She and nine cousins, including Tom DeWolf, author of “Gather at the Table: The Healing Journey of a Daughter of Slavery and a Son of the Slave Trade,” retrace the transatlantic slave trade dubbed the Triangle Trade. The screenings are 3:30-5 p.m., Feb. 16, in Griffin Gate, Building 60, and 5:30-7 p.m. Feb. 27 in Room 220, Building 26. DeWolf will speak 2-4:30 p.m. Feb. 28 in Griffin Gate. Cuyamaca College’s Black History Month events are: Wednesday, Feb. 1, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: The Black Student Union will be participating in the Student Involvement Fair Feb. 1 in the Grand Lawn. There will be free food and music. Friday, Feb. 3, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: The legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. will be celebrated in Room I-207 in the Student Center with a luncheon, speaker and spoken-word performance. Wednesday, Feb. 8, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: “The Mass Incarceration of African-American Males: A Return to Institutionalized Slavery, Oppression and Disenfranchisement of Constitutional Rights” is a presentation by Tanis Stark in the Cross Cultural Center, Room I-128 in the Student Center. The focus will be on how the American justice system disenfranchises African-American males of their constitutional rights of liberty and equal justice, thus placing them in a system of de facto slavery. Thursday, Feb. 9, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: The College Hour Black Excellence Panel will be convening in Room I-207 in the Student Center and will feature young African American professionals from different career industries. They will share their experience in the workforce as young African-American professionals. Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2-3 p.m.: Moriah Gonzalez-Meeks and Alazar Tesfamariam will facilitate a history panel in Room I-207 in the Student Center. Friday, Feb. 24, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: San Diego State University’s National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) presents The NPHC Step Show in the quad area in front of the STEM Center. NPHC is home to the historically black fraternities and sororities. The step show will consist of step and strolling performances. Monday, Feb. 27, 3-6 p.m.: The Black Student Union hosts a viewing of “The Birth of a Nation” in the Digital Theater in B-101. This film is based on the story of Nat Turner, the enslaved man who led a slave rebellion in Southampton County, Virginia, in 1831. All events are open to the public. Grossmont College is at 8800 Grossmont College Drive. Cuyamaca College is at 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway in the community of Rancho San Diego.
COUNTY PROCLAIMS LOCAL EMERGENCY DUE TO RECENT STORMS
Photo: The winter storms caused damage throughout the County such as flooding and this rockslide on Wynola Road in Julian. Residents asked to report all storm damage: County has not reached level yet to get help for individuals or businesses By Michele Clock, County of San Diego Communications Photo: The winter storms caused damage throughout the County such as flooding and this rockslide on Wynola Road in Julian. February 5, 2017 (San Diego) –The County of San Diego proclaimed a local emergency Friday, due to damage caused by the severe winter storms that hit the region late last month. The proclamation will cover damage experienced by cities, special districts and the unincorporated area in the region, helping make the region eligible for potential federal and state resources. These resources could help repair roadways, public infrastructure and cover emergency response costs. Storm damage costs are being compiled. It is not believed that our region’s storm damage will meet state or federal thresholds to provide assistance to individuals or businesses. “Our recent storms took a big toll on some of our communities and we need to do all we can to tap into whatever federal assistance may be available,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Dianne Jacob. Among the effects of the storm were two resident fatalities and multiple first responder injuries, as well as school closures, and considerable damage to roads and other public infrastructure. That damage included the collapse of part of Alvarado Street in Fallbrook, and a partial roadway failure on Luneta Lane in the Fallbrook/Bonsall area, a sinkhole in Mission Trails Regional Park which exposed gas and water links, and the need for widespread debris removal. Four local cities have also proclaimed emergencies, including San Diego, Chula Vista, Poway and National City. Last week, the governor proclaimed a state of emergency for a number of counties, including San Diego. The state proclamation could allow for eventual financial aid from the state and/or federal government to help cover costs to repair roads and public infrastructure. The County continues to collect online damage surveys from homeowners, renters and business owners. However, it is important to note that the County hasn’t met the thresholds required to qualify for the lowest level of financial assistance available to property owners, which is a low-interest disaster loan program offered through the U.S. Small Business Administration. The County asks individuals with significant property damage to visit ReadySanDiego.org and complete the damage assessment survey.
SAN CARLOS WOMAN KILLS DISABLED HUSBAND AND SELF
East County News Service February 5, 2017 (San Diego) – Candace Smith, 69, has taken care of her disabled husband, James, 68, since he suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident a quarter century ago. But now San Diego Police detectives report that she fatally shot her husband, then killed herself. Officers found the bodies while conducting a welfare check at their home in the 6600 block of Bell Bluff Avenue Wednesday morning. A relative had asked police to check on the couple. Lt. Mike Holden told media that Mr. Smith’s condition had recently worsened. Anyone with information on this case can call the SDPD Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
ATKINS INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT, IMPROVE HEALTHCARE AND HELP PROSECUTE HUMAN TRAFFICKERS
East County News Service February 4, 2017 (Sacramento) – Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) this week introduced new bills that will strengthen the San Diego River Conservancy (SB 214), bolster language-assistance services in medical care (SB 223), and help prosecute human traffickers (SB 230). SB 214 builds the capacity of the San Diego River Conservancy to protect and enhance historic, cultural, and natural resources within the watershed along the 52-mile San Diego River. In 2015, Gov. Jerry Brown signed SB 392, legislation authored by Sen. Atkins that made the Conservancy a permanent entity. SB 214 strengthens the Conservancy by increasing its Board of Directors from 11 members to 15 and by giving it the same authority as the state’s other conservancies. The new board members would add representation from the Santee City Council, the Kumeyaay Diegeno Land Conservancy, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the state Department of Parks and Recreation. Among other things, SB 214 will create new opportunities for cooperation between the Conservancy and the tribal nations in the San Diego River watershed SB 223 will ensure that California medical patients benefit from the strong protections that are currently provided under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) when it comes to accessing language-assistance services. The bill represents a backstop in the event that the ACA is repealed. Specifically, SB 223 will codify in state law the stronger federal requirements for notices of consumer protections and language access, ensure that consumers are aware of their rights to language-assistance services in a timely manner, and align and strengthen standards for interpreter services across all sources of coverage in California. SB 223 builds on Sen. Atkins’ AB 635, which creates a pilot program for interpretation services for Medi-Cal patients and was signed into law in 2016. SB 230 will make it easier to convict sex traffickers by allowing prosecutors – with permission from the trial judge – to present evidence of a criminal defendant’s past crimes of sex trafficking at trial. This same rule of evidence already exists at trials for other sexual offenses, as well as for domestic violence. SB 230 allows us to treat victims of sex trafficking the same as victims of other sex crimes. Website of Senator Toni G. Atkins: www.senate.ca.gov/Atkins
SCRIPTS SOUGHT TO BRING LOCAL HISTORY TO LIFE AT TWAINFEST
By Victor Contreras February 4, 2017 (San Diego) — The Descendants of Early San Diego (Formerly known as the Old Town San Diego Descendants Group or Committee), announces that they are soliciting submissions of short monologues for presentation specifically for TwainFest to be held at Old Town San Diego State Park in August annually. TwainFest is an annual event celebrating the 1800s with a specific focus on literature from that period, which is sponsored by Write Out Loud. The Descendants Group has partnered with Write Out Loud in this event to present, among the other activities of the day, theatrical portrayals of people that actually lived in the San Diego Region during that period. Previously these organizations have worked cooperatively in creating enjoyable and educational portrayals of people who actually were here in the San Diego region during the 1800’s. Content, historical information, stories, etc. had been incorporated in performances by professional actors during the event that have grown to be extremely popular. In reviewing the events and preparing for the next TwainFest, the concept of dedicating one of the performance areas specifically to real people who lived in the region was adopted. Although the goal of having real people recreated from San Diego history may not be completed in one year we have decided to make an annual outreach for new scripts and stories. This effort will continue each year building a library of such pieces to be used for TwainFest or other events sponsored by these efforts to celebrate local history. This is part of the ongoing activities of the Descendants Group to celebrate the people who helped develop the area we know as the greater San Diego Region. Submissions of original monologues from 3 to 10 minutes in length are being solicited for possible inclusion in the activities of TwainFest, and possible other educational / entertainment presentations celebrating the targeted historical period. The monologues are to depict real people who actually lived in the Region, share with the audience their individual stories and to get a glimpse of life in the 1800s. Previous works have told the story of specific people and explored such topics as: Toys of the 1800s, Women Gambling acceptable in California, the Cattle Industry of Early California, the changing of the flag from Spain to Mexico, the real life people that the legion of Zorro is based on among others. Monologues are to be written in the first person as spoken by the actual person who lived in the period speaking to a group of people who have come to San Diego. The piece should assume the character knows nothing of today’s events or evolution. The life of the character must be historically accurate and the slice of life must also be accurate. Topics of inclusion may include historical events of the day, foods, clothing, politics, customs, lifestyles, daily chores, transportation, social interactions, etc. The selected pieces will be performed by compensated actors during the activities of TwainFest and performed several times during the course of the day’s activities. Set up of piece should be introducing themselves to a group by identifying themselves then telling their story. Within the context of their speaking they will share something about life in California during the 1800’s. Previous works have welcomed guests to San Diego and asked if they are looking for cattle or if they might be interested in gambling, then proceeded to expand on themselves and their slice of life. A committee from Write Out Loud, Playwrights Project, and the Descendants of Early San Diego will review submitted material to select pieces which will be compensated at $100 each script. We look to find 2 – 3 new scripts a year. Depending on the quality of submissions there is no specific limitation on awarded scripts. The committee may refer a script for assistance with the Playwrights Project, not be included at this time or compensated for submission. Compensated scripts and authors will be announced at the annual Descendants Reunion weekend which is held the last weekend of June yearly. Submissions will be accepted from anyone but must meet the criteria for the project. Selected pieces will be compensated $100 each Time-line for project January 2017 project to be announced and publicized. Descendants Research Workshops, Web site, and Park resources can be accessed and are open to the public for historical research. Dates of Workshops for 2017 to be announced on the Descendants of Early San Diego web site http://descendantsearlysandiego.weebly.com or Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Descendants-of-Early-San-Diego-474183452627096 May 31 Deadline for submissions to be considered for compensation June reading and evaluation of submissions with possible rewrites if required Last weekend in June at the annual Descendants of Early San Diego Annual Reunion—Announcement of compensated scripts and their authors July casting of pieces and preparation for performance August (dates to be announced and may be expanded to more than one day) performances of pieces at TwainFest activities Criteria for submitted pieces/monologues Depict a person who actually lived in the San Diego Region during the 1800’s with factual information about them. Length of piece should be between 3 and 10 minutes of actual performance time. The piece should be written in the first person from the perspective of the historical person identified. The piece must also include something about the times, either: events, culture, music, foods, clothing, customs, social interactions of the times, weapons, tools, transportation, etc. within the context of what the character says. It should be informative but remain primarily as entertainment. This is not meant to be a lecture or lesson but will gently inform the audience about the target period of history while also entertaining them. Submissions must be received by email or by mail to Project Manager, Victor C. Contreras at viccroscon@yahoo.com or 110 N. 2nd Ave. #65, Chula Vista, Ca. 91910. Deadline for accepted submissions is May 31. (Mailed items will not be returned) Authors of submitted material selected for compensation agree to authorize The Descendants of Early San Diego and Write
MORE RAIN ON THE WAY, WITH STRONG WINDS
By Miriam Raftery February 4, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – Wet weather is returning Sunday through Tuesday, but showers are expected to be light, with no significant flooding or winter weather expected, according to the National Weather Services. There will also be gusty winds up to 55 mph along mountain ridges with isolated gusts up to 80 mph possible on desert slopes. Windy conditions will begin Sunday night and continue into Tuesday. Wet roadways may impact commutes, so allow extra time to reach your destinations. Monday will have the most rain, though some precipitation is expected through Tuesday west of the mountains. Mountains could receive between a half inch and two inches. Valleys may receive .up to a half inch. Deserts are expected to get a tenth of an inch or less, while coastal areas could receive .1 to .5 inches. There will be no snow below 6,500 feet.
GRAND OPENING WITH LIVE MUSIC IN LA MESA FEB. 9
East County News Service February 4, 2017 (La Mesa) – Melania Mirzakhanian announces the Grand Opening of Tomea Real Estate at 5575 Baltimore Drive #105 in La Mesa. The community is invited to the office warming complete with appetizers, raffle prizes, and live music by the acclaimed singer-songwriter and recording artist, Mr. Gregory Page. The event runs on February 9 from 4-8, with live music from 5:30 to 7:30. Please visit www.tomeare.com to rsvp to this free event.
WINE WORKS HOSTS SUPER BOWL PARTY IN LA MESA
East County News Service February 4, 2017 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Wine Works invites football fans to a Super Bowl Party this Sunday from 12 noon to 8 p.m. You can enjoy the game on Wine Works’ big screen TV, while savoring your favorite wine, complimentary snacks, and halftime pizza. Prizes will be given out each quarter. Pick your team and you can also toast each score with half-price wine specials. Wine Works is a cooperative tasting room featuring premium wines from San Diego County wineries. Wine Works is located at 8167 Center Street in La Mesa. For more information, visit https://lamesawineworks.com/.