HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Printer-friendly version October 31, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future. HEALTH Malaria: Sniffer dogs to help in effort to eradicate the disease (BBC) Air pollution may lead to dementia in older women (USC) When Adolescents Give Up Pot, Their Cognition Quickly Improves (NPR) SCIENCE AND TECH ‘Right-to-repair’ advocates claim major victory in new smartphone copyright exemption (Washington Post) More than a dozen cities are challenging the FCC over how to deploy 5G cell sites Trump is rolling back two Obama-era memos on wireless technology and replacing them with his own ‘national spectrum strategy’ Amazon met with ICE officials over facial-recognition system that could identify immigrants Ready to Get Off Facebook? Reason Reviews 5 Alternative Social Networks (Reason) 60% of world’s wildlife has been wiped out since 1970 (CBC) Coastal Pacific Oxygen Levels Now Plummet Once A Year (NPR) For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down. HEALTH Malaria: Sniffer dogs to help in effort to eradicate the disease (BBC) Scientists in the UK and The Gambia say they have the first evidence that dogs can sniff out malaria. They have trained dogs to recognise tell-tale aromas using clothes from people infected with the disease. It is hoped the animals can be used to stop malaria spreading and eventually help with eradication. Air pollution may lead to dementia in older women (USC) USC-led study suggests that tiny, dirty airborne particles known as PM2.5 invade the brain When Adolescents Give Up Pot, Their Cognition Quickly Improves (NPR) A study published Tuesday in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry finds that when adolescents stop using marijuana – even for just one week – their verbal learning and memory improves. The study contributes to growing evidence that marijuana use in adolescents is associated with reduced neurocognitive functioning. / More than 14 percent of middle and high school students reported using marijuana within the last month, finds a National Institutes of Health survey conducted in 2017. SCIENCE AND TECH ‘Right-to-repair’ advocates claim major victory in new smartphone copyright exemption (Washington Post) It’s legal now to fix your smartphone on your own or jailbreak voice assistants. More than a dozen cities are challenging the FCC over how to deploy 5G cell sites Millions of dollars in local fees are at stake over efforts to accelerate the spread of 5G wireless technology. Trump is rolling back two Obama-era memos on wireless technology and replacing them with his own ‘national spectrum strategy’ With one eye on China, Trump wants more wireless airwaves made available to U.S. businesses. Amazon met with ICE officials over facial-recognition system that could identify immigrants The move could shove the tech giant further into a growing debate over the industry’s work with the government. Ready to Get Off Facebook? Reason Reviews 5 Alternative Social Networks (Reason) Facebook, Twitter, and other mainstream social networks have their issues. Are these 5 platforms viable alternatives? Eighteen US volcanoes considered ‘very high threat’, government says (The guardian) US Geological Service included volcanos from Hawaii to California on danger list, its first updated threat assessments since 2005 Scientists have classified 18 US volcanoes as “very high threat” because of their activity and proximity to people. The US Geological Survey has updated its volcano threat assessments for the first time since 2005. 60% of world’s wildlife has been wiped out since 1970 (CBC) CBC News – Well over half the world’s population of vertebrates, from fish to birds to mammals, have been wiped out in the past four decades, says a new report from the World Wildlife Fund Coastal Pacific Oxygen Levels Now Plummet Once A Year (NPR) NPR – Scientists say West Coast waters now have a hypoxia season, or dead-zone season, just like the wildfire season. Printer-friendly version
EL CAJON HONORS VETERANS NOV. 11
Printer-friendly version East County News Service October 31, 2018 (El Cajon) – The city of El Cajon and El Cajon Veterans Commission invite the community to “Honor Our Veterans,” a ceremony on Sunday, November 11 at 1 p.m. at El Cajon Centennial Plaza, 200 Civic Center Way in El Cajon. The event includes Valhalla High School instrumental and vocal musical groups along with the U.S. Coast Guard color guard. Refreshments will follow the ceremony. For more information, call 619 441-1754 or visit http://ElCajonVeterans.org. Printer-friendly version
FROM QUEEN SYMPHONY TO JAZZ PIANO AT CUYAMACA AND GROSSMONT COLLEGES IN NOVEMBER
Printer-friendly version East County News Service November 1, 2018 (El Cajon) — The Grossmont Symphony Orchestra and Master Chorale kick off a busy month of concerts at both colleges.The orchestra and master chorale join choirs from the San Diego School of Creative & Performing Arts in the multimedia performance of Tolga Kashif’s monumental choral orchestral work, “Queen Symphony – An Anthology of the Works of Freddie Mercury and Queen” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, at Foothills United Methodist Church, 4031 Avocado Blvd., La Mesa. The “Queen Symphony” is a six-movement symphonic work that features many of Queen’s iconic melodies, including “Bohemian Rhapsody” to “We Are the Champions.” Admission: $15 general, $10 seniors, $5 students. For more information, call (619) 644-7254. Cuyamaca College concerts at Samuel M. Ciccati Theatre, B Building: All events begin at 7:30 p.m. $10 general admission; $5 student/pre-sale up to 24 hours before performances. ECHO concerts are $15 general admission; $10 pre-sale and $5 students. To reserve tickets, call 619-660-4288. To purchase online, go to www.cuyamaca.edu/performingarts • Monday, Nov. 5: Kembang Sunda, an Indonesian Gamelan ensemble performs traditional Sundanese music from West Java. • Friday, Nov. 9: The East County Harmonics Organization – ECHO Chamber Music Series continues with “The San Diego Symphony Principal Winds and Jessie Chang: Baroque, Beethoven and Beyond.” Chang, who has received top honors in more than 30 distinguished national and international piano competitions, and leading musicians with the San Diego Symphony will perform chamber music for piano and woodwinds. • Tuesday, Nov. 13: The Cuyamaca College Concert Band, directed by James Sepulvado, performs its fall concert. • Thursday, Nov. 29: The Rock, Pop, & Soul Ensemble consisting of students enrolled in a lecture and performance class will play classic ’70s music from the Marvel Studios film “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Grossmont College concert at Samuel M. Ciccati Theatre, B Building, Cuyamaca College: • Wednesday, Nov. 7: Grossmont Concert Band Fall Concert, with Russ Sperling conducting, is set for 7:30 p.m. The 45-member concert band is an ensemble of wind and percussion instrumentalists consisting of college students, music teachers and community members. Admission: $10 general; $8 seniors/faculty; $5 students. Concerts at Grossmont College Recital Hall, Bldg. 26, Rooms 220 or 221: Admission to all events unless otherwise indicated: $10 general; $8 seniors/faculty; $5 students. • Wednesday, Nov. 7: The Grossmont Guitar Ensemble, consisting of intermediate to advanced students, performs at 2:30 p.m. in Recital Hall, Room 221. Admission is free. • Thursday, Nov. 8: The Grossmont College Music Department presents a clarinet/piano duo performing 7:30 p.m. at the Recital Hall, Room 221. • Sunday, Nov. 11: The Justin Grinnell Jazz Quintet performs 6:30-8 p.m. at the Recital Hall, Room 220. The group includes Grossmont College music faculty members Justin Grinnell and Melanie Grinnell. • Thursday, Nov. 29: Grossmont College Piano Studies presents the Danny Green Trio performing at 7:30 p.m. at the Recital Hall, Room 220. The trio features Danny Green, piano; Justin Grinnell, bass; and Julien Cantelm, drums. Printer-friendly version
KIDS CARE FEST WILL OFFER FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS FOR CHILDREN AT LEMON GROVE REC CENTER
Printer-friendly version East County News Service October 31, 2018 (Lemon Grove) – The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) will present the 2018 Kids Care Fest, a free community health event open to the public. Featuring free health screenings, Kids Care Fest will be held Saturday, Nov. 3 at the Lemon Grove Recreation Center, 3131 School Lane, Lemon Grove. Kids Care Fest is an opportunity for children and their families to receive free, vital health care screenings, including vision, dental, and wellness checkups. The event also will feature information about health insurance and social services from organizations all over San Diego County, along with free kids fingerprinting and free flu shots for all guests age four and over. San Diego Food Bank partner, Heaven’s Windows, will also donate free groceries this year for guests to take home while supplies last. Healthcare partners supporting 2018 Kids Care Fest include Sharp Grossmont Hospital, Rady Children’s Hospital, Borrego Community Health Foundation, University of California at San Diego Eye Mobile for Children, La Maestra Community Health Centers, Family Health Centers of San Diego, Neighborhood Healthcare, Mountain Health & Community Services., Champions for Health, Community Research Foundation, and the County of San Diego Health & Human Services Agency. Other community partners supporting 2018 Kids Care Fest include City of Lemon Grove, Lemon Grove School District, KUSI-NEWS and Radio Latina 104.5-FM. Additional free activities will include rock climbing, inflatable obstacle course and pony rides, along with demonstrations and displays from law enforcement, including police and fire officials. Also available will be free children’s reading and coloring books (while supplies last). For more information visit www.KidsCareFest.org or call (619) 825-5050. The Grossmont Healthcare District is a public agency that supports various health-related community programs and services in the East Region. Formed in 1952 to build and operate Grossmont Hospital, GHD now leases operations to Sharp HealthCare via a public-private partnership, and continues to own the hospital on behalf of local 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 about GHD, visit www.grossmonthealthcare.org. Printer-friendly version
SANTEE HOLIDAY LIGHTING CELEBRATION NOV. 16
Printer-friendly version East County News Service October 31, 2018 (Santee) – The city of Santee will host its holiday lighting celebration on November 16thfrom 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Santee Trolley Square (9884 Mission Gorge Rd., Santee). The event begins with live music by the Straight Six Band at 5:30 and a tree lighting ceremony at 6:15 p.m. Other activities include snow sledding, carriage rides, carolers, free holiday crafts, face painting, food and beverage sampling, costumed characters, and for a fee, photos with Santa. Parking is limited and using the trolley green line is recommended. Printer-friendly version
HUSBAND ARRESTED FOR MURDER OF WIFE IN JAMUL LAST DECEMBER
Printer-friendly version East County News Service October 31, 2018 (Jamul) — Winnie Whitby, the husband of a Jamul woman found dead on a hiking path last year, has been arrested and charged with her murder. On December 30th, Whitby reported that his wife, Melissa, 49, had left their home on Skyline Truck Trail the night before. Her body was later found on a hiking path nearby. The medical examiner’s office conducted an autopsy which found trauma and concluded she was murdered. Evidence gathered over a year-long investigation linked Winnie to his wife’s killing, says homicide lieutenant Rich Williams. He was arrested today in Maryland, with help from Maryland State Police and the U.S. Marshals Service. Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call the Sheriff’s homicide unit at (858) 285-6330 or call CrimeStoppers at (888) 565-5200 if you wish to remain anonymous. Printer-friendly version
EXCLUSIVE: EL CAJON MAYORAL CANDIDATE JOEL SCALZITTI’S TRAIL OF TAX LIENS AND LAWSUITS
Printer-friendly version By Paul Kruze, Contributing Editor October 27, 2018 (El Cajon) — An extensive background check on Joel Anthony Scalzitti, the challenger running against El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells, shows that the local politician and businessman has been awash in legal problems and tax liens. The Scalzitti family is synonymous with politics in San Diego’s East County. August “Augie” Scalzitti has been a member of Padre San Municipal Water Board for over 20 years and is credited by troubled El Cajon City Councilman Ben Kalasho as being an inspiration for him to run for politics. Augie Scalzitti’s son, Joel, 47, is past president of the Helix Water District, currently is an elected member of the district’s board of directors and now wants to be mayor of El Cajon. East County Magazine actively sought to interview Scalzitti for our news site and our radio show on KNSJ-FM. He stated via phone that he was too busy for an interview and did not respond to email inquiries sent to him. In a conversation in late September, Scalzitti said, “You don’t know how tired I am. I get up at 4 a.m. and I’m running two businesses and I’m starting a third and I’m on the water board.” A comprehensive investigation by ECM of publicly available court and government documents shows incumbent Bill Wells had only one legal issue involving a medical billing dispute which, according to Wells, was resolved. But Scalzitti has a vast quantity of past legal challenges including nearly 100 released tax liens brought on by the City of El Cajon, the County of San Diego, and the State of California. Scalzitti runs “Mary’s Donuts” in downtown Lakeside and in Santee, and along with his wife, Kelly, owns a water truck business for street and highway construction projects. Real Estate License Woes Scalzitti applied for a California Department of Real Estate license in May 2002. But the application was challenged by the DRE after a background check determined that he was found having made a false statement on his original application for the license on a question whether he had been ever convicted of a felony. Scalzitti answered “no.” According to a DRE court filling, Scalzitti in 1997 (when he was 27) was found guilty of “moral turpitude” for driving a car without a driver’s license. (“Moral turpitude” is legally defined as “an act or behavior that gravely violates the sentiment or accepted standard of the community.”) Scalzitti agreed to a stipulation and waiver as a part of a plea agreement admitting guilt, which allowed him to only possess a restricted real estate license for two years through 2006. He continues to have a “limited” real estate license, according to California Department of Real Estate officials, because he not legally associated with any local real estate broker of real estate firm, as mandated by California State Professional Code. Scalzitti was involved as a salesperson with Century 21 All Service real estate brokerage in El Cajon, owned by PCG&S Group, Inc., a defunct real estate brokerage which closed its doors in February 2017. Water Board Problems When Scalzitti ran and won his first political office in 2000 for a position in the Helix Water District board of directors, he was sued by his challenger, La Mesa insurance broker and Helix Water District board member, John B. Linden in 2002. Linden contended that Scalzitti had no right to sit on the board because he did not live within the confines of the boundaries of the Helix Water District which he was set to serve. (View court document) After some legal wrangling which eventually led the California Attorney General to weigh in on the issue in May 2002 declaring that Linden’s complaint was valid, now retired El Cajon Superior Court Judge William J. Howatt ruled on Oct. 16, 2002 that Scalzitti was ordered to be ousted from the Helix Water District Board of Directors and reimburse the district for all of the per diem payments in the amount of $51,646.84 made to him. The order was later vacated as the court determined that it lacked legal authority or precedent to impose a reimbursement/restitution. Linden, however, was awarded $76,000 in attorney’s fees. In his decision against Scalzitti, Howatt wrote in the introduction, “President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “It is character that counts in a nation as in a man. A lie is no more to be excused in politics than out of politics.” Howatt continued to write, “it is unfortunate that this Court must address both the character and the mendacity of Scalzitti to reach a conclusion in the present matter.” In the conclusion of the order, Judge Howatt wrote that “a public office is a public trust and those who assume a public office should not do so for personal advancement or private advantage. Public office is a unique opportunity in a democratic society to serve one’s community in the fulfillment of a public trust. This service cannot begin with a deception.” Scalzitti made another run for the Helix Water District Board in 2012, ten years after he was ousted from the position by Judge Howatt and won. He now serves as president of the board. Liens, liens, liens and more liens According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, a search of San Diego County Tax Assessor’s records found that Scalzitti has had several liens against him from 2012, 2013, and 2014, for taxes owed on personal property fixtures. According to county records, he did not pay them until Oct. 8th. A tax bill due on Aug. 31st for $742.61 was paid by Scalzitti’s wife on Oct. 11th. The Scalzittis still owe $846.27 (including interest penalty) for a 2017 tax bill. In all, the Scalzittis have had 99 tax liens released against them issued by local, county, and state government entities including numerous sewer and tax liens filed by El Cajon, the city he wants to lead as mayor. Ties to troubled El Cajon City Councilman Ben Kalasho Reflecting his
HUNTER LEAD DWINDLES TO JUST 3 POINTS OVER CAMPA-NAJJAR, POLL BY KGTV AND SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE FINDS
Printer-friendly version East County News Service October 31, 2018 (San Diego) – Every vote counts in the 50th Congressional District, where an upset win by Democrats is looking increasingly possible depending on voter turnout. Under felony indictment, Republican Congressman Duncan Hunter’s lead over Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar has slipped to a slim three points, 48% to 45%, according to a new poll conducted by Survey USA for KGTV 10 News and the San Diego Union-Tribune newspaper. Among voters who say they already turned in ballots, the margin shrinks to just 1 percent, 49% to 48%. Over half the voters surveyed, 53%, said they believe Hunter broke the law and only 19% believe he didn’t; 57% find Hunter’s claim that his wife is responsible for diverting a quarter million dollars in campaign finance funds for personal use to be unbelievable. A scant 26% of those surveyed have a favorable opinion of Hunter, while 37% have a favorable opinion of Campa-Najjar, a former Labor Department official whose campaign has focused on bringing good-paying jobs to the 50th Congressional District and encouraging voters to put “country over party.” Hunter’s campaign has focused immigration, national security and negative ads criticized as racist and found by Washington Post fact-checkers to rate four Pinnochios for blatant falsehoods. Hunter leads among evangelical voters, men, and military households and has his strongest support among those who believe President Donald Trump is doing a good job, the poll found. Campa-Najjar leads among women, voters concerned about healthcare, those who disapprove of Trump and voters concerned about corruption. Among Republicans, 11% say they are crossing over to vote Democratic, while 82% say they are voting Republican. Among Democrats, 88% say they are voting for Campa-Najjar, with 9% voting Republican. Independents may prove the swing votes in the election, and Campa-Najjar leads Hunter by 13 points among voters not affiliated with either major party. Moderate voters also favor Campa-Najjar by 13 points. Among voters who cast ballots for Hunter in 2016, 81% say they are still voting for him despite the pending corruption charges. Hunter has been stripped of his committees pending the outcome of his trial. If convicted he could serve time in prison and would likely be pressured to resign from Congress due to his inability to serve; a special election would then be held at taxpayer expense. The poll by SurveyUSA interviewed 800 adults in the district between October 25th and 29th. The poll included likely voters reached by phone and via electronic devices including smart phones and tablets. Printer-friendly version
GOT CHILI? WILD WESTERN ROUND-UP AND CHILI COOKOFF HEATS UP TASTEBUDS ON NOV. 10
Printer-friendly version By Helen Ofield October 2, 2018 (Lemon Grove) — The clock is ticking and the big cats are on the prowl. ‘Tis just 48 days to the Feast of Chili ‘n Fixins’ sponsored by the Lions Club and the Lionesses of Lemon Grove Soroptimist. At $20 a head, this is the bargain of the year: other people do the cooking. Other people set up, tear down, wash dishes, play music, display prizes, pour libations and see to your party needs. This is rare (like some of the chili). Most lions are solitary kings of the beasts. But in the pride, lionesses are convivial unless, of course, you’re passing up the 2018 Wild Western Round-Up and Chili Cook-Off on Nov. 10 from 6 – 8:30 p.m. In which case, you’ll be hunted down and dragged in the front door of St. John of the Cross Church Hall, B’way & Chris Columbus, while other guests scream with laughter, or just scream. You can avoid this fate by emailing that most feline of ticket ladies, jennifermendozalg@gmail.com. You can also pay at the door. But ordering ahead is wiser (see above). In case you missed the memo, all proceeds support the superb charitable causes both clubs sponsor here in the Big Lemon. So don your khaki, boots, lion hides, incisor necklaces and other adornments and toddle to St. John’s for great chow, dancing and oodles of fun. Everyone will be there, including vegetarians for whom the groaning board offers all manner of plant-based fare. See you there or in the line-up. Printer-friendly version
KENDRICK FUNDRAISING MORE THAN DOUBLE KALASHO’S
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery View Kendrick Schedule A contributions report View Kalasho Schedule A contributions report October 30, 2018 (El Cajon) – Council Ben Kalasho has raised $10,259.77 for the reporting period ending October 20th, and 100% of that was donated by Kalasho, who lists no other donors to his campaign. By contrast, his opponent, Councilman Gary Kendrick, has raised $23,170 this reporting period. For the campaign to date, Kendrick has raised over $46,000 while Kalasho has received $22,200 total, according to reports filed with the city of El Cajon. In the most recent reporting period, Kendrick reports donations from 22 different donors. Most striking is a $10,000 donation from Waste Management, which withdrew its financial support of Kalasho’s chamber of commerce after Kalasho failed to recuse himself on a vote on city trash liens in which he had a conflict of interest since Waste Management is the city’s trash hauling service. Other large donations to Kendrick include hefty funds from developer and real estate interests: $6,000 from San Diego Realty Group Inc., $1,250 from two members of the Dentt family employed by Dentt Properties, a developer, $1,000 from real estate firm Hanken Cono Assad & Co. and $1,000 from San Diego Realty Group. He also received $2,140 from Gregg Hamann, investor, and $1,420 from the J.C. The El Cajon Police Officers Association gave $1,500 to Kendrick and Citizens for a Better East County donated $1,250. Contributions from $500 to $750 were made by La Mesa Councilwoman Kristine Alessio and County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk Ernest Dronenberg. There were also several smaller donations of $150 or less from individuals in occupatons ranging from recycler to taxpayers’ rights advocate to the pastor of Foothills Church. Printer-friendly version