HOW TO BE REWARDED FOR BEING A WHISTLEBLOWER
Printer-friendly version The New Whistleblower’s Handbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Doing What’s Right and Protecting Yourself, by Stephen Martin Kohn, ESQ (Lyons Press, Guilford, Connecticut, 2017, 550 pages). Book Review by Dennis Moore “You can’t fix something if you don’t know it’s broken. That’s just common sense.” – Senator Charles Grassley, July 30th 2015 – Whistleblower Day Celebration August 29, 2017 (San Diego) – Stephen Martin Kohn, nationally acclaimed expert on whistleblower law, has written a provocative book on an issue that seems timely in this day and age; The New Whistleblower’s Handbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Doing What’s Right and Protecting Yourself. This book resonates with me for a number of reasons, most notably, as Kohn indicates that he dedicates the book to one of his “extraordinary teachers”, A. Leon Higginbotham Jr., whom I met many years ago at an event in my hometown of Chicago, and Mr. Higginbotham signed and autographed his book to me stating; “Keep fighting for justice!” Also, my earlier personal involvement in a whistleblower and retaliation case. What jumped out at me immediately about this well researched and documented book by Kohn, was the revelation that through his efforts, a Mr. Bradley Birkenfeld was awarded $104 million under the IRS’s whistleblower program. It was the single largest whistleblower reward paid in world history to a single individual. That should get everyone’s attention! This book by Kohn is timely, in that Senator Charles Grassley introduced recently in the Senate a resolution designating July 30, 2017, as “National Whistleblower Appreciation Day”. The newest edition of The New Whistleblower’s Handbook brings the most comprehensive and authoritative guide to exposing workplace wrongdoing up-to-date with new information on reward laws, compliance programs, and new rules covering wildlife, foreign bribery, auto safety, government, and ocean pollution whistleblowing. It also includes a new “Toolkit” for international whistleblowers. “Corruption is an insidious plague that has a wide range of corrosive effects on societies. It undermines democracy and the rule of law, leads to violations of human rights, distorts markets, erodes the quality of life and allows organized crime, terrorism, and other threats to human security to flourish.” So wrote the UN Secretary-General in the official introduction to the United Nations Convention against Corruption. Since the Convention’s approval by the UN General Assembly in 2002, it has been ratified by more than 140 countries, including the United States, South Africa, India, the United Kingdom, and Russia. The Convention not only mandates that each signatory take strong steps to combat corruption but also explicitly recognizes the importance of protecting whistleblowers as a tool in fighting corruption, so says Kohn in The New Whistleblower’s Handbook. A prime example of how the “Toolkit” for international whistleblowers can and should work, is exemplified in a recent case and story of Mexican newspaper reporter Candido Rios Vazquez. Rios was at least the ninth journalist killed in Mexico so far this year. The spate of killings, which have targeted some of the country’s most prominent and respected reporters, has prompted international outcry, with human rights advocates and American officials pressing President Enrique Pena Nieto to do more to protect journalists. Rios, a classic case of being a whistleblower, denounced a suspected corruption network in Hueyapan de Campo, accusing several officials of illegally using government money and cheating in past elections. Rios paid for that with his life! Possibly an incentive for other journalists in Mexico, who have been considered whistleblowers, is the fact that the Commission awarded a non-U.S. citizen $30 million for turning in a corporation that paid bribes to foreign government officials, as indicated by Kohn in his book. In a recent phone interview with Kohn, this writer questioned him as to how best to utilize the International “Toolkit” that he writes about, and what law might be appropriate in the case of Candido Rios Vazquez and other journalists in Mexico that have put themselves in the position of being whistleblowers. The author indicated to me that the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) might apply in this case. This essential guide by Kohn explains nearly all the federal and state laws regarding whistleblowing, and the step-by-step bulk of the book presents thirty must-follow rules for whistleblowers – from finding the best laws to the dangers of blindly trusting internal corporate “hotlines” to obtaining the proof you need to win the case. Stephen Martin Kohn, a partner in the law firm of Kohn, Kohn, and Colapinto, is one of the leading whistleblower attorneys in the United States and is the executive director of the National Whistleblower Center. Since 1984 he has successfully represented numerous nationally recognized whistleblowers and won the largest reward ever paid to an individual whistleblower by the US government ($104 million), which makes the author eminently situated and qualified to write this groundbreaking book. He is regularly consulted by Congressional leaders for help in drafting whistleblower laws. Kohn is also the author of several legal books on the subject. In The New Whistleblower’s Handbook, readers discover: · The power of whistleblowing, which is statistically the number one source of all fraud detection and the highest form of citizen empowerment; · The difference between “whistleblowers” and “leakers”; · How federal employees can blow the whistle on the new administration – the options they have, and how they can be effective; · Why rewards for whistleblowers are the key to success, helping put the wrongdoers on trial; · How whistleblowing has changed because of ways to report anonymously – allowing whistleblowers to hide their identities, escape retaliation, and obtain rewards; · How the National Whistleblower Center is working to clarify the rights of wildlife whistleblowers, offering a special online confidential reporting process (located at www.whistleblowers.org/wildlife); · While international whistleblower laws are weak or non-existent, U.S. programs are the best resources available to citizens from around the globe – if we can figure out U.S. jurisdiction, we can help foreign whistleblowers as well. This comprehensive and well researched and documented book by Kohn is
LOCAL RESCUE PERSONNEL HEAD TO HOUSTON TO ASSIST IN EPIC FLOOD
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Photo: Texas National Guard, U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Zachary West August 29, 2017 (San Diego) – Rescue personnel from the San Diego region including East County are heading to Texas, where Hurricane Harvey, a category 4 hurricane since reclassified as a tropical storm, has dumped the heaviest rainfall ever recorded on the U.S. mainland—50 inches or more in places. Much of Houston, Texas is submerged beneath a swath of floodwaters 50 miles wide. so much rain fell that the National Weather Service had to add new color coding to its maps. At least eight people have died. An estimated 1.7 million have evacuated in Texas and Louisana as the storm continues its destructive path, according to the White House website, with many people still awaiting rescue, trapped amid rising waters. Now, a levee south of Houston in Brazoria County has broken and residents in its path are ordered to get out immediately. Heartland Fire and Rescue, which serves El Cajon, La Mesa and Lemon Grove, announced that several of its firefighters are en route to Texas as part of California Task Force 8. Rescue dog handlers from San Diego Fire and Chula Vista Fire departments are also dispatched to the area. Photo: Linda D’Orsi and search dog Haley from Chula Vista Fire Department (left); San Diego Fire Captain Brent Brainard and rescue dog Decker(right).. The National Guard has been deployed, but rescuers are so overwhelmed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is asking volunteers to assist in the desperate efforts to save people trapped in rising floodwaters, some running out of food and water, ABC news reports. Large churches, mosques, and other religious centers have opened their doors to evacuees. The Houston Astrodome has packed in nearly double its capacity, taking in over 9,000 people in need, according to CBS. President Donald Trump visited Texas today and has issued an emergency declaration. For information on how you can donate or volunteer to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey, visit http://abcnews.go.com/US/hurricane-harvey-victims/story?id=49451305. Printer-friendly version
WIEGHORST MUSEUM PRESENTS ART SHOW, RECEPTION TO BENEFIT PROMINENT WESTERN ARTIST JACK JORDAN
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery August 18, 2017 (El Cajon) – Works by Jack Jordan, a distinguished El Cajon artist, art teacher and former art director of the Evening Tribune, will be displaced at the Olaf Wieghorst Museum (131 Rea Ave.) in El Cajon from September 9-28, with a reception on September 9 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. This is a benefit event to honor Jordan and raise funds for the aging artist’s medical expenses. Jordan’s works have been featured in national magazines such as Southwest Arts and Arts West; he was also chosen for inclusion in the book Contemporary Western Artists. Many aspiring artists will recall learning to paint with help from How to Paint the Old West, written and illustrated by Jack Jordan and published by Walter Foster. Jordan also illustrated Brand Book Seven and Pathways to Freedom. His works have been shown in many galleries in the United States and Mexico. He has been featured in one-man shows held by the Scripps Institute of Oceanographic Society and by Heritage of the Americas Museum at Cuyamaca College in El Cajon. Several of his paintings have been made into limited edition prints. Jordan taught landscape, seascape and portraiture art classes for Grossmont College of Community Learning in San Diego for many years and has also taught private art classes. His life-like portraits have included famous historical figures, from Native American chiefs to frontiersmen and military heroes. His landscapes and seascapes bring to life scenes from nature in the American west. He is a member of the East County Art Association in El Cajon, the San Diego Museum of Art Artists Guild, and the San Diego Portrait Society. His artistic talent became evident at an early age. Jordan began his formal art training at age 12, when his father enrolled him in the government Works Project Administration (WPA) in Des Moines, Iowa. He was quickly taken under the wing of fine artist and teacher Paul Parker. Jordan was the only child in the class, alongside painters, lithographers and sculptors. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, he became staff artist for the Des Moines Register and Tribune newspapers. Later he moved to San Diego, becoming art director for the Evening Tribune, predecessor of today’s Union-Tribune. His formal art training included studies at the Coronado School of Art in Coronado, the Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles, and the Institute of the Arts in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Printer-friendly version
JULIAN APPLE TIME TEA SEPTEMBER 21-25
Printer-friendly version By Valerie Watts August 28, 2017 (Julian) – As the days start to shorten and the mountain air (finally) starts to get a little nippy, our thoughts drift to warm drinks and apples and then to Julian. What better way to indulge during the season than with an apple-themed tea at the lovely Julian Tea & Cottage Arts? From September 21 through Monday, September 25, they are offering an apple-themed menu highlighting that Julian specialty. Tucked away a block from the busy Main Street in a historical home at 2124 Third Street, their “special-tea” features Hungarian apple soup, apple themed finger sandwiches, scones with apple butter and an apple dessert, and, of course, fine teas. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available with advance notice. Seatings are at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Cost is $24.95 for adults and $8.95 for the children’s tea excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are highly recommended, so please call (866) 765-0832 or email info@juliantea.com to reserve a table. A full menu and more information can be found at http://juliantea.com. Printer-friendly version
MEMORIAL SERVICE SEPTEMBER 8TH FOR H. DAIL RANKIN
Printer-friendly version East County News Service Photo: H. Dail Rankin, January 24, 1944 – June 14, 2017 August 28, 2017 (San Diego) A memorial service will be held for H. Dail Rankin on Friday, September 8th at 2:30 p.m. at Mirror Lake in Greenwood Cemetery (4300 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92113). A casual celebration of life will be held afterwards at the Greenwood Administration Building rear facilities. (Look for the blue balloons.) If you have questions, please contact Dail’s sister, Susan Rankin, at srankin1@san.rr.com. Read full obituary for H. Dail Rankin here: https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/passages-h-dail-rankin-1944-2017-insurance-agent-and-lincoln-high-reunion-organizer Printer-friendly version
DANGEROUS HEAT WAVE TO EXTEND THROUGH LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Sources: National Weather Service and San Diego County News Center August 28, 2017 (San Diego) — A dangerous heat wave will continue the rest of this week across all of San Diego County, with isolated thunderstorms through Labor Day weekend also forecast, the National Weather Service advised today. The County of San Diego also issued an alert urging residents to take precautions during the extreme heat. How hot will it get? An excessive heat warning is in effect now through Friday for the inland communities of Escondido, El Cajon, San Marcos, La Mesa, Santee, Borrego Springs and Poway. A heat advisory is in effect for the rest of San Diego County. Temperatures could reach as high as 117 degrees in low desert communities, 109 in high deserts, 106 in valleys, 103 in mountain areas, 100 near coastal mesas, and 85 along the coast. Where to stay cool: The County has over 115 cool zones in air conditioned buildings. Find locations and hours of cool zones near you on a new interactive map on CoolZones.org, or by calling 2-1-1 San Diego (dial 2-1-1). You can also call 1-800-510-2020, ext. 6 Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The sites are identified by a light blue polar bear Cool Zone logo. The County is also extending Cool Zone hours at the Borrego Springs branch of the San Diego County Library, which will be open Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler. Do not rely on electric fans for cooling if temperatures exceed 90 degrees. More ways to cool down: To avoid heat-related problems, health officials recommend the following: Stay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day Wear light, loose-fitting clothing Drink plenty of water (avoid alcohol and sugary drinks) and don’t wait until you are thirsty Take cool showers Never leave a child, elderly person, or pet unattended in a car Keeping pets cool in hot weather Avoid unnecessary hard work or activities outside during the hottest part of the day If you’re going to hike, go early or late in the day and be prepared for the heat Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and wear a wide-brim hat if you need to be in the sun Avoid using the oven to cook Signs of heat stroke – and what to do: An extremely high body temperature (103 or higher), dizziness, nausea, confusion, and headache are signs of heat-stroke or exhaustion. If someone shows these signs, call 9-1-1 and begin cooling the person by: Moving them to a shaded area Spraying with cool water and fanning them Placing them in a cool shower if they are alert Monitoring the body temperature and continue cooling efforts Do not give the victim fluids to drink Check on elderly or ill neighbors and relatives: Elderly people (65 years and older), infants and children, and people with chronic medical conditions are more prone to heat stress. People with elderly neighbors should check on the well-being of the older persons. Look up air quality: The hot temperatures can also affect air quality. You can check the latest air quality index online. Don’t spark a wildfire: People should also be extremely cautious about activities that could spark a wildfire during these hot, dry conditions. People should not use lawn mowers or power equipment; make sure trailer chains are not dragging and never pull over in dry grass; and make sure cigarette butts are properly extinguished. You can find more reminders and safety tips on the CAL FIRE website. Printer-friendly version
ECM PADRES REPORT: GIANTS SILENTLY DEFEAT PADRES IN GAME ONE
Printer-friendly version Like our sports coverage? Donate to help support ECM’s sports section! Follow @ECMagSports on Twitter for live sports coverage and stories! Story by Liz Alper Photo: Jeff Samardzija pitched a scoreless game. Via @SFGiants on Twitter August 28, 2017 (San Diego) – After an embarrassing sweep by the Marlins in a series the Padres should have won, they came back home to face the equally dismal Giants in a series they should definitely win. Jeff Samardzija started for the Giants against Jhoulys Chacin in tonight’s game one. Two bottom-of-the-barrel teams facing each other is like Dumb & Dumber facing each other, but ironically, the Giants, who are last in the division, got the upper hand in the fourth with Brandon Crawford’s solo homer that gave San Fran a 1-0 lead. It stayed like that for a while until Joe Panik added on in the eighth with a two-run homer and the Giants beat down the Padres with three runs to win game one 3-0. Game two is tomorrow at 7:10 p.m. Matt Moore starts for the Giants against Luis Perdomo. Printer-friendly version
TWILIGHT TASTING AT THE TRAILS: THREE EAST COUNTY KIWANIS CLUBS IN BEER AND WINE TASTING FUNDRAISER SEPT. 9
Printer-friendly version East County News Service August 28, 2017 (San Diego) — Kiwanians in East County are hitting the trail come September – at least the trails at Mission Trails Regional Park. Members of the Kiwanis Clubs of Lake Murray, La Mesa and Fletcher Hills are combining their efforts to raise funds for their youth scholarships and community sponsorships by presenting “Twilight Tasting at the Trails” from 6 pm to 9 pm on Saturday, September 9. The event, which will feature craft beers and wines from local breweries and wineries as well as a variety of tasty foods from local restaurants, will be in the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center. Entrance to the center is located off Mission Gorge Road and east of Jackson Drive. Breweries participating in the event will be Burning Beard Brewing Company of El Cajon, Citizen Brewers of San Diego, and Helix Brew Company of La Mesa. Vista-based Mother Earth Brew Company will be sponsored by Pete’s Place Bar on La Mesa Boulevard. A selection of wines will be provided by PRP Wines International of San Diego. Founded in 1989 and based in San Diego, PRP is considered the pioneer in wine samplings to entertain and educate the public about the world of fine wines. Food offerings will be served by BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse in Grossmont Center, Flour Power Bakery in El Cajon, Hooley’s Irish Pub in Grossmont Center, Nonno’s Italian Restaurant in La Mesa, Rita’s Italian Ice in Santee, and Brew Spot Coffee in La Mesa. Others food providers are pending. Other sponsors are Daniel Denhart and Medina Horning & Krause LLP. An opportunity drawing will feature two tickets to tour the Midway Aircraft Carrier in San Diego Bay, and two wine-tasting events for up to 15 people each — each event valued at $300. Other prizes include a Barbeque Accessories Basket, a Jamul Beer Company basket, a gift basket from The Hills Local Pub, a picnic basket with wine, and golf club tickets for four. Plus an Emergency Car Kit with three Body Beautiful Car Washes. And more. Heading the triad team are Cathy Saur and Ginger Aldrich of Lake Murray Kiwanis, Glenna Bloeman and Bob Shultz of La Mesa Kiwanis, and Dave Liss and Chuck Fleming of Fletcher Hills Kiwanis. Tickets for “Twilight Tasting” are $40 per person. Call the Kiwanis Club phone (619) 212-9132 for reservations, or contact any Kiwanian in Fletcher Hills, La Mesa, or Lake Murray. Printer-friendly version
LIONS CLUB SALSA SEPT. 16 FOR LEMON GROVE LITTLE LEAGUE
Printer-friendly version By Jonathan Goetz August 28, 2017 (Lemon Grove) – The Lemon Grove Lions Club is hosting a Salsa y Salsa Fiesta to raise money to buy new bleachers for Lemon Grove Little League. Lemon Grove Mayor Pro-Tem Jennifer Mendoza cited safety concerns with the current bleachers . “Lemon Grove is one of the poorest communities in San Diego,” she said. “Our Little League has been here for some fifty years and is showing its age, so our Lions Club adopted it as our project.” The two sets of new bleachers will have four rows of seating, a wraparound safety enclosure so people can’t fall out of them, and are less likely to cause injury from someone walking into them. The benefit is Saturday, September 16 from 6-9 p.m. at Monte Vista Village Auditorium at 2211 Massachusetts Ave. in Lemon Grove 91945. The cost is $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Contact jennifermendozalg@gmail.com for tickets or to enter the salsa tasting contest. There will be salsa tasting and salsa dancing, as well as a taco cart, drinks, raffle and silent auction prizes. Parking is available on Massachusetts Ave. or behind the complex on McKnight Drive. Printer-friendly version