BOMB SUSPECT ARRESTED ATTENDED TRUMP RALLIES, TARGETED LIBERAL LEADERS AND MEDIA
By Miriam Raftery October 26, 2018 (Washington D.C.) – The FBI today announced the arrest of Cesar Altieri Sayoc, a 56-year-old Florida man suspected of sending at least 14 pipe bombs that targeted former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, as well as other prominent Democrats, a CNN commentator and critics of President Donald Trump. Sayoc, a Republican, attended rallies held by Trump at which Trump vilified Democrats and the media. Rally images show him wearing a red Make America Great hat. Sayoc has a criminal record that includes making a prior bomb threat in 2002, theft and sale of illegal steroids. Kicked out by his parents, he was living in his van plastered with pro-Trump, anti-liberal stickers and messages critical of CNN, the network reports. His social media accounts included posts vilifying Democrats including those targeted with bombs. His troubled past includes a bankruptcy and foreclosure, as well as a failed business record. FBI director Christopher Wray, in a press conference today, revealed how an FBI lab analysis uncovered a fingerprint from an envelope containing an IED that had been sent to Congresswoman Maxine Waters. “We have confirmed this fingerprint is that of Cesar Sayoc. There is also a possible DNA connection between samples collected from pieces of two different IEDs, mailed in separate envelopes, and a sample previously collected from Sayoc in connection with an earlier arrest in Florida,” said Wray. Others targeted with explosive packages include former Vice President Joe Biden, billionaire liberal activist Tom Steyer, who has called form impeachment of Trump, liberal funder George Soros, former Attorney General Eric Holder, and actor Robert DeNiro, a prominent Trump critic. Wray warned that other packages could still be in transit. Trump has denounced the bomber, but has continued to vilify Democrats, media and critics, leading to criticisms that Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric incited the bomber to violence. On Thursday, over 200 journalists condemned Trump’s “sustained pattern” of attacks describing his behavior as “un-American and utterly unlawful and unseemly for the President of the United States and leader of the free world.” The letter adds, “Trump’s condonining of political violence is part of a sustained attack on a free press–which includes labeling any reportage he doesn’t like as “fake news” and barring reporters and news organizations whom he wishes to punish from press briefs and events.”
ANIMAL SERVICES RESCUES UPSIDE-DOWN COYOTE
By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office October 26, 2018 (Ramona) – A coyote is right-side up again after County Animal Services rescued her from a predicament that left her hanging upside down from a fence in Ramona. The animal was apparently leaping the fence along a property on Royal Vista Drive Wednesday when her foot became caught. County Animal Services was called in after someone spotted the coyote hanging by one leg. An animal control officer found the animal’s left hind leg was caught in the wiring. The officer restrained the coyote, and the person who found the animal cut the top wire of the fence, freeing the animal’s foot. The coyote was taken to the Fund for Animals facility in Ramona, and a veterinarian found the animal had a wounded leg and a damaged paw. After treatment and recovery, the facility hopes to release the coyote back into the wild.
HEAR OUR INTERVIEW WITH MAYOR BILL WELLS ON HIS REELECTION CAMPAIGN
Listen to our interview by clicking this link East County News Service October 26, 2018 (El Cajon)—Mayor Bill Wells sat down for an in-depth interview with East County Magazine Show’s producer Miriam Raftery. You can hear the full interviewed aired on KNSJ Radio at the audio link, or scroll down for highlights as he discusses his achievements as Mayor and his goals for the city if reelected. Wells served on the El Cajon planning commission and City Council before being elected and reelected as Mayor. He holds a doctoral degree in clinical psychology and also owns a business. “A lot’s been happening in El Cajon,” says Wells, adding that one of a mayor’s most important functions is keeping the city fiscally sound. He takes pride in turning around the city’s finances without raising taxes. That includes started Valley of Cars, an organization to encourage car dealerships to stay or move to town. “We also wanted people to come in and build more houses now. A big part of having a nice community is having pride of ownerships,” so El Cajon eliminated building impact fees, the only local city to do so, also streamlining other issues. “We started running the city like a business and we took a lot of pride in focusing on good customer service,” he adds. The city has brought in a Marriott Courtyard hotel. “Everybody said that was impossible; people laughed and said who would come?” Now the hotel has 85% occupancy. Hilton is also building a hotel in what Wells calls a “cycle of building on success.” The city is required to have $13-14 million in reserves, that Wells and the Council has built up to $44 million. “We have a very healthy reserve” in case of a future recession and won’t have to lay off police or park employees, Wells says. Two years ago, El cajon was the only city in California to actually lower taxes, he adds. A key challenge in El Cajon is homelessness. “Homelessness is the most pressing problem that our city and frankly most cities are dealing with right now,” says Wells. “El Cajon has about 35% more homeless on the streets than we saw two years ago,” he adds, noting that the rate has jumped even more in swanky neighborhoods such as Del Mar and La Jolla. The city has focused on treatment options including East County Transitional Living Center, which he says is both effective and cost efficient. The city supports a non-faith based short-term emergency shelter component at the center, but long-term programs are faith-based (without city dollars). Asked about how to serve homeless of all faiths, he says, ‘There should be different kinds of programs for different kinds of people…My goal is to help people get better and get off the streets.” That said, as someone who has spent 20 years working in emergency rooms doing psychiatric evaluation, he states, “The said reality is…there are a lot of people who are homeless because they want that lifestyle” and refuse help. He says he’s had many times where he offered help to get people off the street but they refused for reasons ranging from drug use to concern over a dog. El Cajon has a program for homeless to check a dog into the new animal shelter while seeking services. “It would be really hard for me to go get help for myself and leave my dog on the street.” The city also hire da homeless navigator to help navigate people into proper home settings, as well as a reunification specialist to help reunite those with family willing to take them in. “All of those things are important.” On the other hand he also supports the city’s ban on tents on city streets, or “shantytowns.” He justifies this because the city does offer alternatives for people to get off the streets. A success in his administration has been saving the East County Performing Arts Center, which will reopen in the next few months under management by Live Nation, the world’s largest concert promoter in the nation. “It’s kind of like trying to get Donald Trump to come and run your Motel 6,” he quips, praising former city manager Doug Williford for having a vision and going to visit the company in New York. “The arts have always been a big part of my life; I really kind of credit the arts for saving my life to some degree…It’s really going to change the culture and feeling of El Cajon,” he says, adding the revamped theater will have not only headline acts from around the world including some to appeal to the city’s local immigrant population, but also neighborhood entertainment groups. “One of the things that I’m very proud of is we did negotiate time for the community,” such as dance recitals and community Christmas shows. The mayor drew praise and criticism from both sides for his handling of the Alfred Olanga police shooting. More recently, some have criticized El Cajon Police for not taking action against Councilman Ben Kalasho after multiple complaints alleging he threatened people with an attack dog (including or reporter Paul Kruze) as well as allegedly harassing his opponent’s son on the campaign trail. Mayor Wells says while the decision to prosecute comes from the District Attorney after a police report is sent to the D.A. “Let’s not dance around it Ben Kalasho should resign. He is a disgrace. He is an embarrassment. He does not have the best interests of the citizens of El Cajon,” he said, adding that it is difficult for the city to get business done. “There is so much smoke…we’ve already seen what the judges have been saying in the civil trial,” referring to findings of sexual harassment. “I would be very shocked if I didn’t see a recall effort early in the next year,” he adds. “This is a unified front…we may be one of the few cities in all of America right now where Democrats and Republicans
HEAR OUR INTERVIEW: CHARDÁ FONTENOT, LMSV SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE ON RESTORING RESPECT AND CLOSING ACHIEVEMENT GAP
Reform candidates’ slate reveals opponents used deceptive tactics, including fake photo, misleading claim on backing by teachers, and scare tactic over theater program Listen to our interview aired on KNSJ East County News Service October 26, 2018 (La Mesa) – Chardá Fontenot is representing a slate of three candidates running to bring changes to the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District board. She says she wants to increase transparency, bridge the achievement gap between minority and white students, bring back sixth grade camp, increase revenue sources and restore respect by board members to students, teachers and parents. She’s also criticized an opposing slate for deceptive tactics used in their campaign, including running a fake candidate photo and misleading voters on which slate has backing from the LMSV Teacher’s Association. Fontenot has served as a district advisory council representative, parent volunteer, and currently chairs the school site council. A mother who once attended schools in the district herself, she’s also a certified lactation counselor who owns a lactation business. Hear her full interview on KNSJ 89.1 FM at the audio link and scroll down for highlights. The board has three open seats due to a trio of conservative board members stepping down. The board has drawn controversy recently for appointing a church secretary to fill a vacancy over more qualified applicants (including an ex-teacher’s union president and a PTA president who served on the bond oversight committee) and a gun store owner who ridiculed students concerned over gun violence. Fontenot, a Democrat, is running on a slate with teacher Rebecca McRae, a Democrat, and Jerry Lecko, an independent and former Republican who previously served on the school board. The slate is endorsed by the La Mesa Spring Valley Teachers Association, the California State Employees Association, and the La Mesa Spring Valley Action Committee for Teachers and Students (ACES). Fontenot and McRae are also endorsed by the Democratic Party. Photo, right: McRae, Fontenot and Lecko “It’s been the same voices for far too long,” says Fontenot. “There’s been a lack of transparency, and we need more innovative ideas.” She also wants a “show of support for our students” adding that at board meetings she has attended, “the board has a lack of respect.” She sees funding and enrollment as key issues. “We need to find more external streams of revenue” and find “how to bring more families into our district,” she states. She wants to look at grants, community partnerships and fundraising as options to restore sixth grade camp while being fiscally responsible. According to Niche.com, which ranks school districts statewide, the LMSV has only 39% of students test proficient in math and 50% in English. Overall the district rates a “C” grade in academics. But the district ranks an “A” for diversity of its student population. “I do not feel that the needs of our diverse students are being met,” says Fontenot. “II hope to accomplish closing the achievement gap.” She adds that the gap is widest between minorities and white students. To cite one example, she notes that achievement tests are taken on ipads but “there is not a one-to-one ratio of ipads to students” year-round. She wants to partner with the community to get more ipads so students can gain proficiency on them before test time. She says part of the low test scores may be due to students getting used to the new Common Core curriculum, though she wants to talk with teachers to get their input. On student safety, she supports getting counselors back into schools to be proactive instead of reactive. “I do not agree with arming teachers,” she said, adding that she’s spoken with teachers who don’t believe this would make students or teachers feel safer. “Arm them with highlighters and pens, not guns,” she says. She criticizes the board’s choice to appoint a church secretary, a Republican, over more qualified Democratic and independent applicants. “It was very political,” she says, adding, that neither partisan politics nor religion should influence school board decisions. “We have kids coming from all over the world now and we need to be respectful of all religions, not just one religion.” Fontenot also wants changes to the sex education and family life program, noting that teachers have told her it is not up to date.” She wants the curriculum to provide information beyond abstinence to assure students are informed about sexually transmitted diseases and birth control, as well as inclusive of LGTB students and families. Fontenot also spoke out to denounce “very misleading” tactics used by her opponents, a slate of conservatives backed by the Republican Party. The opposing slates includes Pastor Steve Babbitt, Megan Epperson and Briana Garza. (A seventh candidate, Matthew Sablove, is on the ballot as an unaffiliated candidate.) Photo, left: Babbitt slate “teacher’s choice” claim is misleading; only Fontenot’s slate is endorsed by the LMSV Teacher’s Association. Babbitt also calls Fontenot slate a “real threat” to Peter Pan Jr. Theater; Fontenot says her slate supports the program. Babbitt’s slate has used a photo of an attractive Hispanic-looking woman who appears to be a teacher on their campaign materials and they claim to be the “teacher’s choice.” But the woman in the photo is not on their slate. Garza, who has a Hispanic surname, is not a teacher, and has not appeared at a candidate forum nor does her photo appear in any campaign literature. When Babbitt was asked about the fake photo, he admitted on social media to using a “stock photo” image. In addition, Babbitt’s slate touts itself as the “teacher’s choice.” But Fontenot points out, “We are the only ones endorsed by the [LMSV] teachers’ association. She also denounced as a “disgraceful tactic” the Babbitt slate’s claim that Fontenot’s slate might shut down the Peter Pan Jr. Theater program. “I’ve been involved in the performing arts since I was four years old,” says Fontenot, who danced in ballet and modern dance performances.” The children of Fontenot and McRae have both attended Peter Pan
SDSU CROSS COUNTRY COMPETES AT MW CHAMPIONSHIPS
Renee Laurenzana was the top SDSU finisher Source: goaztecs.com Photo courtesy goaztecs.com October 26, 2018 (San Diego) – The San Diego State cross country competed at the Mountain West cross country championships Friday morning at Morley Field in Balboa Park. The Aztecs finished in tenth place out of 11 teams and were led by Renee Laurenzana. Eight of the nine Aztecs runners were freshmen and they were without one of their top runners, Carlene Masar, who sat out due to injury. “I’m proud of the team and their effort today,” Coach Robert Lusitana said after the race. “This is the first collegiate championship race for the majority of them and we have one of the toughest cross country conferences in the nation. They are a young team that is still learning, and this race was a valuable experience for them.” Racing on a challenging and hilly course, Renee Laurenzana paced the Aztecs with a time of 23:16.0, good for 59th place. She became the fifth different Aztec runner to be the team’s top finisher. “Our team has incredible depth.” Lusitana explained. “Our spread has been small all year long, which is a good sign for the future. Most of our freshmen are running much faster than they did in high school, which is encouraging.” Behind Laurenzana was Marissa D’Atri who was leading the Aztecs for much of the race. She finished in 66th place (23:34.8). The rest of the Aztecs’ top five consisted of Paige Comiso (72nd; 23:52.5), Alize Hartke (73rd; 23:56.0) and Renee Phillips (79th; 23:34.5). Other Aztec runners included: Natalie Regalado (82nd; 25:15.0), Isabelle Davis (85th; 25:32.1), Natalie Medina (89th; 26:20.5) and Caitlyn Couch (89th; 26:34.1), who was battling an injury. Up next for the Aztecs is the NCAA West Regionals in two weeks. “Regionals is the most important race of the year, so we will begin tapering off our workouts as that approaches,” Lusitana said. QUOTE OF THE MEET “I thought for what we had, we competed well and I’m proud of their effort. Caitlyn Couch wasn’t 100 percent and Carlene Masar couldn’t run, that’s two of our top five runners.” Coach Robert Lusitana THE NOTE The Aztecs have had a different top finisher in all five of their races. UP NEXT The Aztecs will run in the NCAA West Region Champions on November 9 in Sacramento, Calif. at Haggin Oaks Golf Course. The meet will be streamed by FloSports (subscription required). 2018 Mountain West Championships Morley Field at Balboa Park – San Diego, Calif. Team Results (Top 5 & SDSU – out of 11 teams) 1. No. 3 New Mexico – 33 2. No. 2 Boise State – 35 3. Air Force – 105 4. Utah State – 126 5. San José State – 149 10. San Diego State – 307 Individual Results (Top 5 & SDSU – out of 91 runners) 1. Weini Kelati (UNM) – 19:49.3 2. Edinah Kurgat (UNM) – 20:07.4 3. Charlotte Prouse (UNM) – 20:11.3 4. Allie Ostrander (BSU) – 20:14.3 5. Jaci Smith (AF) – 20:40.4 59. Renee Laurenzana (SDSU) – 23:16.0 66. Marissa D’Atri (SDSU) – 23:34.8 72. Paige Comiso (SDSU) – 23:52.5 73. Alize Hartke (SDSU) – 23.56.0 79. Renee Phillips (SDSU) – 23:34.5 82. Natalie Regalado (SDSU) – 25:15.5 85. Isabelle Davis (SDSU) – 25:32 87. Natalie Medina (SDSU) – 26:20.5 89. Caitlyn Couch (SDSU) – 26:34.1 Results
READER’S EDITORIAL: SAVE THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT
By Cheryl A. Reiff, rancher and business owner October 26, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) — I am greatly concerned by The Administration’s attempts to weaken the Endangered Species Act (ESA) thru nine currently proposed regulatory changes. The proposed changes to the ESA, presented by Secretary Zinke and his Deputy Secretary Bernhardt, will make it very difficult to protect the wild animals that are already threatened with extinction (This is why they are listed as “endangered”). There are nearly 1500 species depending on the ESA for their survival. Rules that would limit the ability of the ESA to do its job, would also hamper the health of our natural world to function properly. As an experienced member of the farming/ranching community, I know first-hand how important a balanced ecosystem is to the health of our environment. With this in mind, I must say that the Administration’s attempts to upset this balance by weakening the ESA thru these regulatory changes is extremely troubling and is simply wrong. Farmers (and ranchers) are among the first to feel the effects of an imbalanced environment. As such, I assert that we should be doing all we can to ensure that the ESA remains intact, relying on science-based data for decision making, and letting our elected officials know that we vehemently oppose the regulatory changes to the ESA as proposed by the Administration. Growing up in the 1960’s, there was great appreciation for the natural world – there was a balance between admiration for the environment and the importance of man’s industry. In the most recent decades however, this equilibrium has become skewed in favor of big business and economics that is favored at the cost of everything standing in the way of what is called “progress”. These proposed ESA changes demonstrate an Administration that is clearly out of touch with the balance of progress, with an eye on economic gain only. Although businesses change over time, and income opportunities continue to evolve, correcting climate change isn’t like flipping a switch, and once a species becomes extinct, it’s gone forever. The ESA needs to be protected in its current status more than ever, and those who are proposing these changes as presented by Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke and his Deputy Secretary Bernhardt should take a look at the BIG picture, to determine what will really to be of lasting importance. Human kind has been given the job of stewarding creation, which does not mean plundering the natural world to the point of extinction. In the grand scheme of life, each species has its place, and a specific responsibility. As creatures disappear – through humanity’s arrogance or greed – we are playing Russian Roulette with the balance of all creation. Furthermore, nature is solace, and mind/body/spirit healing to humanity, especially to people such as our Veterans with years of service to our country, who have fought to uphold our freedoms and core values. When returning from duty, or just as a break from our stressful daily lives, there is nothing like spending time in the wild open spaces of our national parks to help with the culture shock. Watching bison roam the plains, eagles soaring overhead, and if lucky enough to see a wolf or a grizzly bear even better. The freedom to interact with nature is important to our physical, mental, and spiritual health, to veterans and others who desperately need balance, solace, and healing. I am very concerned that implementation of the proposed regulatory changes to the ESA could take away all of this, and at the very least drastically change these outdoor experiences, as more and more habitat is destroyed and as wild animals become extinct. Humanity’s job here on earth is to protect it, and to maintain the balance among all its creatures that creation has so beautifully designed. The proposed changes would allow the actions of unfettered greed to upset the natural balance of our ecosystems and food chain. We should strive to protect, not destroy creation’s balance. With conservation being threatened from all sides – habitat destruction, a changing climate, diminishing wildlife populations –the Administration should now be working diligently to safeguard our protections, rather than weaken them. The “environment” is OUR environment, our health, our safety, our joy. It is our world. Why are we destroying our own home? Further threatening already endangered wildlife is the wrong step to take. I encourage fellow supporters of Mother Nature’s splendor and wisdom to join me in opposing these efforts to weaken the ESA. It’s the least we can do to ensure that creation in all its beauty remains intact. I urge readers and voters, on behalf of our continued life on a healthy, beautiful earth, to take a second look at these regulatory changes, and to let your representatives in Washington D.C. know that you stand with healthy choices and oppose these poorly thought-out proposals. I hope you’ll join me in opposing these short-sited proposals in support of the ESA as it currently stands. You can easily access your elected officials at https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials. 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.
POLITICAL WRANGLING: LOCAL CAMPAIGNS HEAT UP, FROM MUDSLINGING TO SINGING
By Buck Shott Hot on the campaign trail in East County, we’ve got the latest claims, controversies, mud slinging and… singing! Here’s our rundown of the juiciest campaign tidbits as Election Day draws near: Fake photo: Campaign materials for a slate of conservatives running for the La Mesa Spring-Valley School Board (Rev. Steve Babbitt, Megan Epperson and Briana Garza) has a photo of a smiling, attractive Hispanic-looking woman posing as a teacher. But she’s not Garza (who is not a teacher). When opponents raised objections on Facebook, Babbitt admitted the image is a “stock photo.” “Caught in the act: Campaigning on taxpayers’ dime.” Ouch. That’s the headline on a mailer from El Cajon Councilman Gary Kendrick targeting his opponent, Councilman Ben Kalasho. It shows a letter from the city attorney to Kalasho threatening legal action if Kalasho won’t cease using the city’s seal on campaign materials after repeated warnings. Fact check: This is true. So are claims that Kalasho is being sued for sexual harassment and pled guilty to workman’s comp fraud. He was sentenced to probation for fraud counts, but his probation ended October 1st. Music video: In a creative campaign tactic, Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar sings in a music video titled “I believe We Will” filled with positive messages of inclusivity in his effort to unseat indicted Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine). Could the video propel Campa-Najjar into Congress—or if that doesn’t work out—perhaps a new career as a rock star? Hunter speaks out: Hunter appeared on KUSI in an interview talking about his campaign, the improving economy, national defense, and immigration, Pressed on immigrant issues, Hunter took a divisive stance. “These people don’t deserve to come here,” he insisted, adding that refugees should stay in their own countries and fight to make them safer. What happens if Hunter wins, then gets convicted? According to a Union-Tribune article, it might depend who’s in charge. If the GOP keeps control of the House, they could allow Hunter to remain in office – even if he’s in prison for several years. More likely he’d be pressured to resign if found guilty of felony charges that he looted campaign money for personal use, but he could face expulsion especially if Democrats regain control of the House. That would trigger a special election—at taxpayers’ expense. Elia on KUSI: 71st Assembly District candidate James Elia, a Democrat, sat down for an in-depth interview on KUSI – talking about high housing and rent costs, homelessness, and education issues. He also chided his opponent, Assemblyman Randy Voepel (R-Santee) for dodging 15 debate opportunities. Elia also called for creation of a state bank, similar to North Dakota’s which is rated by consumers as the number one bank in the U.S., he says. La Mesa Councilman slammed for Solana Beach mailer: A video circulating on YouTube from La Mesa City Council’s public session this week shows a Solana Beach Councilmember criticizing Councilman Bill Baber, treasurer for a PAC that sent a mailer suggesting some Solana Beach councilmembers are corrupt. “Why is a La Mesa City Councilmember getting deep into a Solana Beach City Council race?” she asked. But Baber told ECM it’s “unfair” to blame him for content of the mailer, adding that he represents some 30 groups as a professional campaign treasurer. “I don’t have authority to make decisions on the content of people’s mail,” he says, likening the situation to blaming a defense attorney for actions of clients they represent.
STUDENT BODY-SLAMMED AT HELIX HIGH FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST LA MESA AND POLICE OFFICER
By Miriam Raftery October 25, 2018 (La Mesa)—Brianna Bell, a Helix Charter High School student shown on video slammed to the ground in handcuffs by a La Mesa Police officer, has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of La Mesa (Brianna Bell v. City of La Mesa, Scott Wulfing, U.S. District Court Case No. 18CV2455 BEN BLM). The lawsuit alleges that LMPD School Resource Officer Scott Wulfing used excessive force, violated Bell’s civil rights, inflicted emotional distress, and committed assault and battery. Officer Wulfing is also named individually in the suit. He is on administrative leave pending the outcome of a third party independent investigation. The incident occurred after the 17-year-old student attended an in-school suspension on January 18, 2018 for being tardy, then told her teacher she felt ill and suffers from anemia, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported. The suit states that a teacher accused the girl of taking drugs and the student gave permission for her backpack to be searched. No drugs were found, but the teacher did find pepper spray, which is illegal for a minor to possess in California. The lawsuit states that Bell carried the pepper spray for self defense. According to the suit, the next day Bell had a scheduled meeting with the principal, Paula Trevino. Shortly after, Trevino told her to leave campus but Bell objected, asking to speak with her teacher first. Police indicated the student was arrested for refusing to leave the school when ordered and forced to the ground after she tried to escape. The video went viral, with more than 133,000 views to date, prompting protests by students and civil rights activists alleging police brutality by the white officer against Bell, who is African-American. Bell’s suit says she was slammed to the ground after she was handcuffed and told the officer that he was hurting her. After being pulled to her feet, she was slammed onto the concrete a second time with the officer on top of her. The suit contends that excessive force was used “without cause, when Ms. BELL was not an immediate threat to the safety of the officer or others, and while Ms. BELL was not resisting nor attempting to evade arrest by flight.” “I can’t event put into words how I feel. I just feel so hurt that this happens all the time. That my situation as horrific as it is, is not unique. I feel powerless,” Bell, who suffered minor abrasions, told News 8 in February. Bell filed a claim for damages with the city of La Mesa, which rejected the claim. “The City is in the process of evaluating the lawsuit and will respond accordingly,” a statement issued by the city of La Mesa today states. The City hired a third party independent investigator, Barry Aninag, B.A. Invsetigation,s LLC, to conduct a confidential investigation back on February 26th. According to the city, “Aninag attempted unsuccessfully on several occasions to contact and interview Ms. Bell.” The city’s independent special legal counsel sent a letter to Bell’s Attorney, Troy P. Owens Jr., on Sept. 12 requesting cooperating in arranging an interview with Bell by Aninag no later than October 27th. “To date, Mr. Owens has not responded,” the City states. “Consequently, the completion of the investigation has been put on hold pending an interview with Ms. Bell. The City’s independent special legal counsel will be evaluating the status of the investigation moving forward, and providing an update.” ECM contacted Owens to request comments on behalf of his client, but thus far he has not responded.
SDSU VOLLEYBALL FALLS TO COLORADO STATE
Source: goaztecs.com Photo courtesy goaztecs.com October 25, 2018 (Fort Collins, Colo.) – The San Diego State volleyball team struggled to find its rhythm on Thursday night, falling in a road contest against Colorado State in straight sets (9-25, 11-25, 18-25) at Moby Arena. The Aztecs, which entered Thursday winning six of the last eight, fall to 7-17 (5-6 Mountain West), while Colorado State improves to 17-6 (9-2 MW). SDSU suffered from a slow start, owning just a .044 hitting percentage over the first two sets. Colorado State, meanwhile, started the match at a red-hot pace, posting a .480 hitting percentage over the same span. The Aztecs showed signs of slowing the Rams’ momentum after jumping out to a 7-5 lead in the third set partly in thanks to a pair of early-set kills by Erin Gillcrist. Unfortunately for SDSU, the Rams shook off SDSU’s early third-set run and went on a 7-1 run to grow its slim 13-12 lead into a commanding 20-13 advantage entering the later stages of the set. The Aztecs and Rams finished the third set at an even pace before the Rams claimed the game, 25-18. Gillcrist led the Aztecs with seven kills on the evening, while Tamia Reeves produced at an efficient clip, logging four kills on six attempts. Gillcrist also led the Aztecs with a pair of blocks, while Gabi Peoples recorded 14 assists. NOTES SDSU falls to 6-3 in its last nine matches, while CSU extended its winning streak to six. Colorado State’s hitting percentage of .407 was the highest by an Aztec opponent this season. SDSU’s hitting percentage of .041 is the team’s lowest single-match mark of 2018. UP NEXT SDSU looks to get back into the win column on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. MT/5:30 p.m. PT, facing Wyoming (15-8, 7-4 Mountain West) at the UniWyo Sports Complex. Box
SAND MINE DEVELOPER STARTS DIGGING WITHOUT PERMIT, YET COUNTY SAYS IT’S OK
Photos by Billy Ortiz; Facebook screenshots By Mike Allen Updated October 26 with comments from Supervisor Dianne Jacob October 25, 2018 (Lakeside) — The developer of the El Monte Valley Sand Mine is apparently is so sure the project will get approved he began digging Oct. 24 without a permit, but according to San Diego County he doesn’t need one. El Monte Nature Preserve LLC, the ironically-named entity that has been seeking county approval for the mining operation on nearly 500 acres of land near Lakeside, sent a heavy equipment operator to the site Wednesday to begin digging holes. That prompted several local mining opponents to block the operation. Lakeside activist Billy Ortiz, an outspoken critic of the project, videotaped the digging activity and then plunked himself onto the skip loader that was being used before he was briefly detained by a Sheriff’s deputy called by the hired contractor. Later, several other mine opponents showed up; one said she was pushed by a crane operator, and she filed a complaint with the Sheriff’s Department. The operator of the heavy crane “came to me and pushed me, and threatened to hit me with the machine,” said Ana Nita, who is a freelance writer for several local publications, including East County Magazine. Video by Ortiz shows the operator telling Nita to move “or I’ll touch you with the machine,” later stating that he didn’t want her to be hurt. According to a news segment on KUSI-TV broadcast that day, the digging was halted when local activist Teri Brigham notified the county, which got the operation shut down—but only temporarily. When Ortiz asked the operator at the excavation site if he had a permit, he said the owner had one, another video by Ortiz reveals. But that’s not true. County spokeswoman Jessica Northrup said in an email to ECM that a grading permit isn’t required for an excavation of less than 200 cubic yards. She said the county’s planning department conducted an inspection of the site Oct. 25 after reports of unauthorized grading were received, and based on the inspection, “there is no grading violation.” Northrup said the property owner was obtaining sand samples “to assist in the manufacture of the sand washing equipment required for the proposed mine.” The county code for grading allows for an excavation of less than 8 feet in vertical height which does not result in the movement of more than 200 cubic yards of material, Northrup said. Later in the same email, she said some 170 cubic yards of fill was taken from a hole “of roughly 22 feet deep.” Yet she said that cut wouldn’t constitute a violation because “…while an excavation of more than 8 feet was completed, the activity did not result in a condition where more than 8 feet of cut remains exposed.” Efforts to clarify the statement weren’t successful as Northrup didn’t return calls. The email concludes that the hole was filled and the current condition of the ground is flat. Supervisor Dianne Jacob told East County Magazine via e-mail, “I’m certainly alarmed with this activity and disappointed with the property owner. I’m troubled that it didn’t trigger a grading violation and plan on following up with County staff to get a briefing on what occurred and what actions we can take if something similar is done in the future.” The current condition of some 500 acres of land north of Lake Jennings off El Monte Road and Willow Road may not be long to survive. An EIR released in August reveals that 262 acres of the 479.5 acres will be in a “disturbance area,” and will have significant impacts to scenic vistas, as well as loss of known mineral resources of value to the region. Besides that, the EIR addresses the potential health threat caused by the disturbance of soils containing Coccidioides spores, which can cause Valley Fever, a condition that can be fatal to certain folks with compromised immune systems. On Facebook, some residents voiced concerns about children at nearby Oma’s Pumpkin patch who may have been exposed to dust from soil disturbed during the excavation. Traffic and noise concerns are also addressed in the EIR, and both elements are considerable. The operation at maximum production will generate 462 truck loads daily entering and exiting the site, according to the EIR. The land that contains the valuable aggregate used in the construction of roads and freeways was once planned as a golf course, but the leaseholders decided on a more profitable venture as a sand mine. Last year, the property was sold to El Monte Valley Nature Preserve LLC for $8 million by the Helix Water District. The EIR states the mining operation will excavate some 18 million tons of sand over 12 years, and use another four years to return the site to the condition it was in before the El Capitan Dam was built in 1935. But hundreds of local residents, who packed a public meeting organized by the county earlier this month, voiced strong opposition to the project and raised major concerns about its impacts. Now that the EIR comment period is nearly over (as of Oct. 31) the document goes back for revisions and then goes to a vote by the San Diego County Planning Commission and ultimately to the full Board of Supervisors.