WEATHER SERVICE WARNS OF POSSIBLE TORNADO, FLOODING, STRONG WINDS AND LIGHTNING
By Miriam Raftery February 14, 2017 (San Diego) – It’s tough to top the extreme storms that hit our region in January. But this weekend, the National Weather Service warns that storm conditions starting Thursday night could be as severe as the January 20th downpour—with additional hazards including a tornado that could strike coastal or inland San Diego County on Saturday. The forecast includes lightning on beaches and coasts as well as valleys, with waterspouts and an isolated tornado possible on Saturday. Frequent lightning throughout the two days are forecast, along with small hail, damaging winds Friday and heavy rains. Flash flood and river flooding could occur with rainfall as heavy as three quarters of an inch in an hour. Debris flows and mudslides may occur from recently burned areas. Watch for toppled trees and power lines as rainfall saturates the grounds and heavy winds sweep in with gusts up to 65 mph. Heavy snow is forecast above 5,000 feet, with the snow level dropping to 4,500 feet by Saturday. Above 6,000 feet, up to two feet of new snow may fall—bringing good news for skiers at Southern California resorts. Mountain areas are also expected to have dense fog. Avoid travel if possible; if you are on the road, check traffic reports for road closures. There are also hazardous marine conditions with near-gale force winds and rough seas. Damaging surf up to 15 feet could cause coastal flooding.
LA MESA RESIDENTS WON TRIP TO SUPER BOWL IN UNION BANK CONTEST
East County News Service February 14, 2017 (La Mesa) — Donald and Marilyn Gustavson of La Mesa savored a trip to the Super Bowl in Houston, after Donald was named grand prize winner in the “From Sofa to Stadium” Visa Super Bowl LI Sweepstakes for Union Bank. A Union Bank customer for almost 40 years and a huge football fan, Gustavson was thrilled to win. “I can’t thank Union Bank enough. It was a dream come true for my wife and me to go to the Super Bowl,” said Gustavson, who played football in high school in New Jersey where his team attained championship status several times. “Football has always been a big part of my life,” he added. After watching the first half in the stands, Gustavson and his wife were escorted to the field for the half-time show. “The half-time show with Lady Gaga was spectacular. There’s nothing like the energy on that field,” said Gustavson. “What a great game of football by both teams. Thanks Union Bank and Visa for making this happen.” Gustavson received a four-day/three-night trip for two to Houston to watch the Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017. The prize included airfare, hotel accommodations, grand transportation, a prepaid Visa Gift card for $250, VIP passes for two to the NFL Experience, game day tickets for two to Super Bowl LI and Super Bowl LI merchandise. “Union Bank joined with Visa to bring our cardholders a truly once in a lifetime experience,” said Brian Milton, Head of Consumer Finance and Payments for Union Bank. “We were excited to offer this sweepstakes and give our clients a chance to win by using their Union Bank Visa Credit Card.” The sweepstakes started on August 28, 2016 and ended on November 15, 2016. There was one grand prize winner. To enter automatically, participants used their Union Bank Visa credit card or participants mailed in a hand-written entry form during the promotion period to be entered into the drawing. Winners were selected from a random drawing. The sweepstakes was open to legal U.S. residents who were at least 18 years of age.
NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR MICHAEL FLYNN RESIGNS AFTER RUSSIAN REMARKS REVEALED
Prominent Republicans and Democrats call for investigation into Trump administration’s Russia ties, but Intelligence Committee chair blocks effort By Miriam Raftery February 14, 2017 (Washington D.C.) — Resignation last night of President Donald Trump’s National Security Advisor Michael Flynn raises disturbing questions: Why did Flynn suggest to Russia’s ambassador that the Trump administration might lift sanctions over Russia’s incursion into the Ukraine, weeks before Trump office? Why did Flynn lie to Vice President Pence and claim he never discussed sanctions with the Russian representative? Why did Trump ignore a warning weeks ago from Acting Attorney General Sally Yates that Flynn could be subject to blackmail by Russia for his actions, which were reportedly confirmed in intercepted communications? Did Flynn violate the Logan Act, which prohibits private citizens from engaging in foreign policy, since his talks with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak occurred before Flynn was appointed National Security Advisor? Why did Trump appoint Flynn as National Security Advisor, knowing he might be compromised? Why has Trump repeatedly praised Russian dictator Vladimir Putin? Are British MI6 intelligence claims that the Russians have compromising information on Trump true? Flynn, in his resignation letter, said he “inadvertently” briefed Pence with incomplete information; Flynn said he apologized to the President and Vice President. He had repeatedly pushed for close ties with Russia, a departure from long-standing U.S. policy since the Cold War era. Trump, in characteristic fashion, responded to the controversy today on Twitter. He did not address the concerns over Flynn or Russian blackmail concerns. Instead, he tweeted, ”The real story here is why are there so many illegal leaks coming out of Washington? Will these leaks be happening as I deal on North Korea, etc.?” White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said the President asked for Flynn’s resignation due to an “evolving and eroding level of trust,” the BBC reports. Trump aide Kellyanne Conway remarked, “In the end, it was misleading the Vice President that made the situation unsustainable.” During his campaign, Trump’s campaign manager Paul Manafort resigned following revelations that when he previously worked for pro-Russian Ukrainian political party, he set up a slush fund with money from Russian oligarchs to loot Ukrainian assets and elect pro-Putin leader Viktor Yanukovych, the New York Times reported. An MI6 British intelligence officer prepared a dossier provided to key U.S. officials recently which alleged that Russia had compromising information on Trump ranging from business dealings in Russia to sexual escapades. Trump has flatly denied this. However, some of the non-salacious portions have been affirmed by some other intelligence sources, the Guardian reports. Now Senator Roy Blunt, a Republican member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and Texas Senator John Cornyn, second ranking Senate Republican leader, have broken with their party and called for a full investigation into any alleged connections between President Trump himself and Russian officials. But the Chair of that Senate Intelligence Committee, David Nunes, has thus far refused to investigate the Trump administration’s Russian ties. Instead, he has declared he intends to pursue an investigation against leakers in the White House. Democratic representatives John Conyers of Michigan and Elijah Cummings of Maryland say they have asked for a classified briefing from the Department of Justice and FBI. Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego), whose district includes part of East County, issued a statement calling for a full investigation into Russian influences on the Trump administration. ““The resignation of Michael Flynn underscores the increasing and disturbing potential of Russia’s grip on the White House. It’s another instance of someone in the Administration, the other being the President himself, who could potentially be subject to blackmail by the Russian government,” Davis states. “Congress has a responsibility to follow all the threads to reveal what this means to our national security and our democracy. There needs to be an outside, bipartisan, and independent investigation into Russian influence in the White House and the election. The FBI needs to step up its investigation into the financial and personal connections of the President to Russia. “ Senator Elizabeth Warren stated on Twitter, ““This isn’t a game. Reports say the Russians conducted a series of successful cyber-attacks on our elections to help elect Donald Trump. Reports say our own intelligence agencies have corroborated parts of a dossier alleging that Russia has compromising information about Donald Trump. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has close ties to Putin. Commerce Secretary nominee Wilbur Ross has close financial ties to Putin buddies. Donald Trump is still making money overseas and may have financial ties to Russia. Nobody knows since he STILL won’t release his taxes.” The Massachusetts Democrat added, “This. Is. Not. Normal. President Trump owes the American people a full account of his Administration’s dealings with Russia, both before and after the election. When did the White House know that Flynn lied? What other contacts with Russia occurred during the campaign? Who knew what? Who approved what? Congress must pull its head out of the sand and launch a real, bipartisan, transparetn inquiry into Russia. Our national security is at stake.” Flynn’s resignation leaves retired General Keith Kellogg, former Chief of Staff of the White House National Security Council, as acting national security advisor. Reuters reports that Trump is considering three potential appointees to permanently fill the vacancy including Kellogg. The others are retired General David Petraeus, who is also former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Robert Harward, former Deputy Commander of U.S. Central Command. Sources: http://themoderatevoice.com/trump-national-security-aid-flynn-resigns-russian-contacts/ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38974085 http://www.thehill.com/homenews/senate/319425-blunt-calls-for-exhaustive-investigation-into-trump-russia-connections https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/15/us/politics/paul-manafort-ukraine-donald-trump.html?_r=0 https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/jan/12/intelligence-sources-vouch-credibility-donald-trump-russia-dossier-author
AZTECS ATHLETICS PRESS CONFERENCE FEB. 14: ON THE ROAD AND ON THE FIELD
Story and photos by Liz Alper Photo: Brian Dutcher and Matt Shrigley February 14, 2017 (San Diego) – After a win on Sunday at home against Nevada, Aztecs men’s basketball heads out on the road tomorrow night to Logan, Utah to face Utah State. Assistant coach Brian Dutcher and senior forward Matt Shrigley sat down with the media at today’s press conference. Joining them were the boys of summer: baseball head coach Mark Martinez and senior starting pitcher Brett Seeburger. This year’s Aztecs feature four players from East County high schools–Hunter Stratton (junior catcher, Grossmont), Jordan Verdon (sophomore infielder, Granite Hills), Kenny LaPierre (another sophomore from Granite Hills and an Alpine native. Right-handed pitcher) and Avery Tuck, a freshman outfielder from Steele Canyon. The Aztecs open their season on Friday at Tony Gwynn Stadium. “We’re finally getting back to full strength.” Dutcher said. “Our fans have always been great to us. They support us like no other. When you’re struggling, there’s nothing better than being at home. It gives you that extra motivation.” “It’s more comfortable,” Shrigley said. “It’s nice and it’s definitely helpful, the support and the energy our fans bring.” The Aztecs have taken a positive turn after their 60-57 loss to Air Force on January 24th. Shrigley was asked if he thought so. “I’ve never lost to Air Force and that was something that I held onto, that I was proud of. That loss hurt for me and for everyone. To be in that game so close and to kind of lose at the end how we did, it just hurt. So, you know, refocus. Guys got it going back in the gym and preparing us for the next game.” “This is a good time for us to maybe build a little momentum,” Dutcher said. Aztecs basketball takes on the Aggies tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. You can watch the game on CBS Sports Network and listen in on The Mighty 1090. Coach Martinez (right, with Brett Seeburger) gave us the full scoop on 2017 Aztecs baseball. “Coming into this year, we have great leadership with Brett and all the seniors in our program have really done a great job creating that winning culture and we’re looking forward to opening weekend on Friday.” Martinez talked about the preparation the players have done leading into the spring. “Get stronger in the weight room. That was a huge point of emphasis for us this year.” Martinez talked about the difference in his optimism from last year to this year. “I think last year, there were a lot of unknowns. The difference is that we feel pretty good about where we are position by position with a lot of returners…this year we’re pretty set (in our starting pitching rotation). A lot more questions answered moving into this spring, where last year, I think we had a lot of unknowns. And so yeah, we feel a little bit better where we are because there’s a little more rock-solid roles going into this spring.” On whether pitching will be better than hitting: “I think we have upgraded our pitching staff definitely. We have some electric guys on the back end of the bullpen. CJ Saylor’s coming from behind the plate to close games. Jorge Fernandez is a transfer from San Jacinto that played in the Junior College World Series. It kind of keeps going. We’re a veteran staff and we definitely feel like we’ve upgraded.” On the Aztecs being ranked fourth in the preseason polls: “It’s just a number.” Seeburger chimed in: “It’s always good to have good pitching. Pitching and defense wins championships. I feel comfortable pitching to the sixth inning and letting the ball go to my bullpen. We have hitting too; the hitting’s huge, the hitting’s been helping the pitching get better. We’re all feeding off each other right now.” On if the weight room has helped: “I think I’m in the best shape I’ve been in in four years, honestly.” On starting Friday: “It’s a great opportunity to do that, get the season started the right way.” The Aztecs open their season this weekend with a Friday night game against Pacific, starting a three-game series with the Tigers. Seeburger will throw the first pitch at 6:00 p.m.
EAST COUNTY ARTISTS AT WEEKEND WILDLIFE ART FESTIVAL, FINAL SHOW FROM PSWA
East County News Service February 14, 2017 (San Diego) – The Pacific Southwest Wildlife Arts, Inc. (PSWA) will present its 44th annual California Open Wildlife Art Festival, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 18 and 19, at Liberty Station in San Diego’s Point Loma area. The festival, open to the public, will run from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both weekend days at Liberty Station’s Corky McMillin Event Center, NTC Promenade, 2875 Dewey Road, San Diego. Admission is $5 per person per day, and children under 12 years of age are free. For more information, visit www.PSWA.net. On display will be wildlife paintings and photography, along with sculptures of traditional wooden hunting decoys of wildfowl, fish and birds. This year’s exhibition will attract more than 100 top carvers, wildlife artists and art lovers from all over the U.S., Canada, Russia and Japan. Gary De Cew, PSWA president, has announced this festival will be the last one. Officials cite funding cuts and lower public interest in the art of carved hunting decoys. Several East County artists will participate, including painters Gloria Chadwick of El Cajon, Peggy Bradshaw Palm of Alpine, Scott Streit of La Mesa and Ron Dotson of Jamul, as well as Bob Berry of El Cajon, a six-time world champion carver. Other artists include Michael Crook, Pat Gilmore, Susan Mae Hull, Gary Johnson, Sue Kroll and Sandra Zelasko. This year’s featured artist is Jerry Vande Berg. The Pacific Southwest Wildlife Arts, Inc. is a non-profit organization that promotes wildlife art, including traditional hunting decoys, paintings and wildlife and bird photography.
READERS’ EDITORIAL: SANTEE-BASED GUNS POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE EXAMINES GUNS RIGHTS UNDER PRESIDENT TRUMP
By Michael Schwartz February 14, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – Second Amendment supporters in East County are looking forward to a Trump administration. Although the most problematic gun laws restricting our Second Amendment rights originate in Sacramento, there is optimism in the gunfight at the federal level. With Mr. Trump, we see an historic opportunity to install lasting protections for future and present gun owners. Mr. Trump ran the most assertively pro-Second Amendment campaign in memory. His campaign openly declared a dedication to protecting and defending the Second Amendment. Most often, his viewpoint was a pragmatic approach aimed at self-defense, rather than simply protecting a tradition for hunters. So, what should President Trump do when it comes to gun laws? We have a few suggestions. Support legislation ensuring national reciprocity to guarantee people with concealed-carry handgun permits from one state can carry while traveling to the other states. Currently, many permit holders must leave their firearm at home when traveling or risk violating other states’ laws. Most states already have reciprocity and it is time for the remaining states to modernize and evolve. It’s common sense to treat a carry permit in the same way we treat a driver’s license. When you drive across state lines, you don’t worry that your driver’s license isn’t honored, but you do respect the laws of the road in the host state. We need the same protection for concealed-carry permits. Concealed-carry permits should be recognized in all 50 states regardless of state of issue. Law-abiding citizens should be able to exercise their constitutional right regardless of what state they reside. The individual right to carry a firearm in defense of our life and our family should not end at any state line. Rescind a slew of executive actions issued by President Obama, including ordering the Centers for Disease Control to research gun violence, incentivizing doctors to ask their patients about gun ownership, and encouraging states to share medical information with a National Background Check system. Rather than focus on the law-abiding, prosecute the criminals. With the stroke of a pen, President Trump could erase Mr. Obama’s executive order and allow our military personnel to carry firearms while on duty at military facilities, including recruitment centers. Our domestic military bases and facilities have been the site of terror attacks and mass killings of our active duty military. With today’s increasing terrorism threat, it makes sense that soldiers should remain armed and on alert at our military bases. Getting rid of gun-free zones and making it easier for people to carry will deter criminals and reduce crime. Appoint a Second Amendment friendly Supreme Court justice to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia, who was the court’s most avid supporter of the Second Amendment. It was Scalia who wrote the 2008 landmark District of Columbia v. Heller ruling recognizing the Second Amendment as a civil right. Neil Gorsuch, President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, appears to be a solid choice in protecting our Second Amendment rights to self-defense and to keep and bear arms, although he does not have a record of previous court decisions nor statements directly relating to the Second Amendment. Upholding the Second Amendment is not a conservative or a liberal issue. It applies to all citizens. Protecting and restoring Second Amendment rights remains an ongoing process, but we see with Judge Gorsuch the possibility to install lasting protections for future and present gun owners. The Trump administration also has the opportunity to affect future legislation. Congress should revive a number of bills designed to loosen gun laws that have been lingering on the back burner. Overall, we’re hoping that Mr. Trump’s election victory will embolden people in various ways to want to promote pro-Second Amendment legislation that will support law-abiding citizens while keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals and the mentally unstable. This election presents a change in tone and an opportunity for everyday citizens to become engaged to a degree that they haven’t before. Protecting and restoring Second Amendment rights remains an ongoing process. Will Trump follow through with a Second Amendment friendly agenda? We certainly hope so. Michael Schwartz is executive director of the San Diego County Gun Owners (SDCGO), a Santee-based, registered political action committee and advocating organization focused on organizing the gun industry and community and protecting the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment right to bear arms. For more information, visit www.sandiegocountygunowners.com. The opinions in this editorial reflect the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.
STUDENT FLIGHT OUT OF GILLESPIE CRASHES NEAR RAMONA, KILLING WOMAN
Crash raises concerns from flight school neighbors By Miriam Raftery February 14, 2017 (Ramona) – A Cessna registered to the American Aviation Academy and flying out of Gillespie Field as an instructor/student flight on Sunday crashed onto a mountainside in Ramona, killing Shaira Noor, 21, of Bangladesh. She had been training at the academy for nine months. Noor was in the backseat of the Cessna and was impaled by a tree on impact, which killed her instantly. Two other occupants survived, climbing to an elevated area and using cell phones to call for help, the Sheriff’s department reports. The Sheriff’s ASTREA helicopter and deputies from the Ramona substation found the crash and helped rescue the two survivors, who were transported to a local hospital. They had minor injuries and are expected to survive, according to Sergeant Andrew Mowins. The deceased woman’s remains were recovered the next day. Cause of the crash will be determined by an investigation conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This is not the first time a flight from a Gillespie flight school has crashed. At least two have fallen into nearby neighborhoods in the past couple of years. “We are only one and a half months into 2017 and Gillespie already has a fatality by a flight school,” says Robert Germann with Citizens Against Gillespie Expansion (CAGE), a vocal critic of flight schools at Gillespie. “Gillespie wants to increase the schools” and train air traffic controllers, he noted, adding, “Gillespie wants to be an instrumented rated airport which means aircraft/pilot training will be taking off/landing at all times of the day/night in bad weather. Is this smart for an airport surrounded by mountains/hills? These mountains are heavily populated.” Germann also raised concerns over the flight school owner telling a group of citizens worried about low flying aircraft that “Flying is dangerous so live with us flying over your house; if you don’t like it, move.” He fires back, “I then have a problem with his judgment on how he operates his flight school. Does he put his students in unsafe situations in unsafe aircraft? Germann said he wants to know how many hours of instruction time the instructor had and whether maneuvers were appropriate in the situation given the altitude, terrain, age and power of the aircraft, and weight of the aircraft with three people aboard.
GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT SUPPORTING NEW CAMPO HEALTH CLINIC
East County News Service February 14, 2017 (Campo) – A new backcountry healthcare clinic currently under construction in Campo will have $1 million for new medical equipment thanks to the Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD), an East County regional public agency that supports various health-related community programs and services in San Diego’s East County region. GHD’s board of directors recently approved a $1 million grant to Mountain Health & Community Services, Inc. for its new health center in Campo to be called Mountain Health Family Medicine. The award, the largest single community grant in GHD’s history, is planned to cover the purchase of equipment for primary care exams, surgical procedures, dental examinations, X-rays and on-site lab testing, along with other patient care support functions. “When we hope to start seeing patients in June 2017, our new clinic in Campo will provide comprehensive primary care services to the most medically vulnerable population in rural East County,” said Judith Shaplin, president and CEO of Mountain Health. “This grant from the Grossmont Healthcare District will greatly help us serve low-income and medically underserved residents in the 950-square-mile Mountain Empire region.” Founded in 1975, Mountain Health operates six federally qualified health centers in Campo, Alpine, Escondido, Santee and San Diego. It also provides health services at several public schools in rural East County communities. In 2016, Mountain Health said it served more than 8,000 patients, many who live at, or below, the federal poverty level, it said. Mountain Health officials said the new 23,500-square-foot clinic at 1388 Buckman Springs Road in Campo will replace Mountain Health’s existing Campo clinic a mile and a half away on Highway 94. The current 2,800-square-foot clinic has long served as the town’s main healthcare facility for decades, but over time has become insufficient in meeting the healthcare needs of the community, according to Shaplin. The new clinic will have 12 primary care exam rooms, two medical procedure rooms and telemedicine technology allowing patients increased access to specialists outside the area. Also available will be dental, pharmacy and X-ray facilities, as well as behavioral health treatment services. Construction began in February 2016. “Our support of Mountain Health aligns with our mission and purpose to address the unmet healthcare needs in the East County,” said Michael Emerson, GHD 2017 board president. “We are proud of Mountain Health and their staff’s dedication and passion to improving and maintaining the health and well-being of the whole person by providing access to high quality healthcare and community services.” Since GHD began its community grants program in 1996, it has awarded nearly $50 million in grants and sponsorships to community-based non-profit organizations, government agencies and Grossmont Hospital. Formed in 1952 to build Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa, GHD serves as landlord for the hospital property and buildings on behalf of East County taxpayers. The District is governed by a five-member board of directors, each elected to four-year terms, who represent more than 500,000 people residing within the District’s 750 square miles in San Diego’s East County. For more information, visit www.grossmonthealthcare.org.
SMOOCH A POOCH AT COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES THIS VALENTINE’S DAY
By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office Photo: Steve Gardner and his son with their newly adopted dog. February 13, 2017 (San Diego) – Love is in the air at County Animal Services. Adopt any dog through Valentine’s Day and get half off the adoption fees. Then pucker up for the Valentine’s Day kissing booth! A student from Pacific Ridge High School created three “Kissing Booth” photo frames for people and their newly adopted pets. The frames were made for each of the County’s three animal care facilities and quickly put to use at the Carlsbad location when a dog was adopted later that day. Your sweetheart of a pooch could be waiting for you, too, at a County shelter near you. And what better way to show your love, than a visit to the kissing booth? All of you cat and rabbit lovers, don’t despair. Those cuddly animals are also available at half price through Valentine’s Day. Be nice to Fido and see if you can’t sneak a kiss inside the booth with your new sweetheart too! If you do find yourself smitten and snap a photo, share it on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram with #SmoochYourPoochSD. We just might share it!
MORE EXTREME WEATHER TO HIT REGION FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY
East County News Service February 13, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – More wet weather will drench Southern California starting Friday, as the jet stream moves south across the Pacific, tapping into a rich moisture supply. The National Weather Service predicts heavy precipitation with flooding potential, as well as strong and potentially damage winds blowing south to southwest, starting late Friday. Strong winds could case falling trees and power outages. Mountains could receive 3 to 7 inches of precipitation, while coastal and valley areas are expected to get 2 to 4 inches, with 1 to 2 inches in deserts from Friday through Sunday. Heavy snow above 5,500 feet could create hazardous travel conditions, with several feet at resorts over 6500 feet. In coastal areas, conditions for small crafts will be hazardous due to strong south winds and combined seas of ten feet or more.