NEWSOM VETOED BILL ON SOURCES OF COLLECTING DOG BLOOD DONATIONS
Printer-friendly versionBy Rebecca Jefferis Williamson Photo: Creative Commons by SA October 20, 2019 (Sacramento) — California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 202 on Oct. 13, which in part would have allowed dog owners to permit their pets to become dog blood donors. SB 202 passed the Senate on Sept. 11, 2019 before Newsom’s veto this month. Additionally, the bill aimed to address concerns over dog blood farms where dogs are kept caged for months or years at a time with reportedly no oversight, solely to donate blood on a frequent basis. This is a practice animal rights groups contend is inhumane. “I am returning Senate Bill 202 without my signature,” wrote Newsom in his veto message. “The bill permits commercial blood banks for animals to collect blood from community-sourced blood and imposes rules around the collection of community sourced animal blood.” He added, “I am supportive of changing California’s law governing animal blood donation. However, this bill does not go far enough. I ask that the Legislature send me legislation that effectively leads to the phasing out of “closed colonies. Newsom wants the dog blood farms phased out in broader legislation. Community-sourced blood includes donations from pets made with the owners’ permission, similar to human blood banks that rely on voluntary donations from community members, whose blood is screened for safety. Captive closed colonies are facilities set up strictly for collecting dog blood donations. Some consider the current “captive closed-colonies” used for collecting blood inhumane; while others cite that the colonies are saving dogs’ lives. Greyhounds are widely kept as canine donors because most have universal blood types according to a story in the San Jose Mercury News. SB 202 was introduced by Sen. Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita). Newsom’s veto message concluded, “The legislation should provide for the safe and humane treatment of donor animals, the welfare of the recipients and adequate oversight and enforcement of this program,” the Los Angeles Times reports. Visit to read more about SB202. http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200SB542 Sources: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-10-13/newsom-vetoes-california-pets-new-options-blood-donors https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/01/25/dog-blood-donation-in-california-inhumane-or-saving-lives/ Printer-friendly version
REVIEW: THE CIRCLE PLAYERS – DINNER THEATRE FUN IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version By Kathy Carpenter October 20, 2019 – (El Cajon) – Events done by The Circle Players are total entertainment. I’ve been to their murder mysteries in the past, always at dinner. This time I was at lunch. The food and price are the same, $20.00. Where else can you even get a meal and entertainment for that price? The food is tasty and they had the timing perfect for this show, the Mr. E. Dinner Theatre Mystery. The entire event, lunch and show, is less than an hour and a half–plenty of time not to be rushed but you did not feel cheated, either. It’s a mystery that only one person in the room partially solve. They fooled us. The Circle player are fabulous. The only drawback is they only did three shows. One weekend. Which does not allow reviews to get posted or word to really spread when there’s a show you don’t want to miss. I really needed a great afternoon and they provided one. The Mr. E. Dinner Theatre is a rehearsal of a play done right, “Murder at Midnight.”. A few months back I went to a play with similar content which will remain nameless to protect the innocent, that play was nothing but confusion, not a fun night. The Mr. E. Dinner Theatre Mystery, is written and directed by Joel Gossett, member of the Circle Players. The shows take place at the The First Presbyterian Church, 551 Farragot Circle El Cajon, in Richardson Hall. Most of the actors are either members or are very community oriented; for some these shows are the only acting they do. The actors are phenomenal, all lovable characters, with some tremendous acting. Kate Hewitt played the director and she was sensational. Perfect. I do recognize the name, so she has done more acting than some. Alas you cannot come out for this great event, and they only do two a year. The next is the weekend of February 21, 2020.. They will perform Old Time Radio shows. This is not one of their mysteries, which they perform in October. The Radio show will be $15 including dessert. The weekend of October 23, 2020 will be their Luau murder mystery, It’s a little early but put it on your calendar not to be missed. You may want to sign up early, since the hall is small and holds a limited number. The Circle Players of El Cajon www.thecircleplayers.com Printer-friendly version
DOG ESCAPES, ATTACKS FROM GERMAN SHEPHERD RESCUE FACILITY IN LA MESA PROVOKE CALLS TO SHUT DOWN THE FACILITY
Printer-friendly versionPhoto: Screenshot from 10 News, ECM news partner East County News Service October 20, 2019 (La Mesa) – La Mesa residents are voicing concern over the Happy Hearts German Shepherd Rescue after the city’s police were called at least 28 times to help round up escaped canines. Several people have reported being attacked by the dogs, ECM news partner 10 News reports after reviewing police records. The report did not list the address of the rescue organization, which is run out of a private residence and lists the La Mesa Springs Shopping Center as the address on its website. Residents told 10 News that the dogs have repeatedly jumped over a fence and have also escaped when a gate was repeatedly left unlocked. The owner declined to be interviewed by 10 News but said she plans to move to a new site in North County. However, neighbors indicated this promise has been made before and not kept. They want the facility shut down before a child or anyone else suffers serious injury, unless the owner can find a way to house the rescue dogs in responsible manner with no further escapes. Printer-friendly version
READER’S EDITORIAL: LA MESA CITY COUNCIL SET TO APPROVE HAZARDOUS 5G SMALL CELLS TUESDAY
Printer-friendly version Update: La Mesa’s City Council voted 4-1 ton October 22 to approve the 5G measure, with Councilman BIll Baber voted against it. By Susan Brinchman Photo: Small Cells on pole in Topanga, CA (Dafna Tachover) October 20, 2019 (La Mesa) — URGENT ALERT! The La Mesa City Council will vote on a policy to allow thousands of very hazardous 4G and 5G small cells (cell towers on poles) to blanket La Mesa’s streets, at their public meeting on Tues. 10/22/19, at La Mesa City Council Chambers, 8130 Allison Ave. La Mesa, CA 91942. It starts at 6 PM and agenda item #7 (see below) will occur sometime later. Note that scheduling it late in the meeting is a typical ploy used to reduce community input on controversial or harmful agenda items, and oversight. This certainly falls under all of those categories. In the words of a Scientific American article published this week, ” We Have No Reason to Believe 5G is Safe“. Don’t hesitate to act quickly in the next few days, to stop the rampant 5G infrastructure that the city plans to roll out in the next few months, if their current plan is approved. Here’s how! We invite the community to request, at the start of the meeting, and in writing ahead of time, that this controversial item receive its own separate consideration and vote, and only after a 5G Workshop has been held by the city, as was recently done in Encinitas, with consultation from stakeholder residents and organizations on the wording of the city policy, to allow city residents input into the process, as was recently allowed in local cities, the County of San Diego, and many other cities and towns in California and beyond. Further, we invite the residents of La Mesa to consider this letter to download, personalize and email to the City’s mayor and city council. Photo, right: Cornet Electrosmog Meter shows high levels of rf radiation at 25+ feet from small cell La Mesa City Councilmembers and Mayor Arapostathis email addresses are: marapostathis@cityoflamesa.us, bbaber@cityoflamesa.us, kalessio@cityoflamesa.us, aweber@cityoflamesa.us, cparent@cityoflamesa.us Subscribe 5G infrastructure is being criticized as extremely hazardous to health and safety. 167,ooo signatories, including organizations, scientists, physicians, and other professionals not affiliated with the wireless industry have signed a petition to stop its deployment, in addition to many other petitions, local, state, federal, and global. The industry has admitted there are no safety studies. Small cells and 5G can destroy your property values if in front of or near your home (every 2-3 homes can have one on a new or existing street pole), as people do not want to live near cellular antennas or cell towers. Health risks cited by scientists include cancers, DNA damage, reproductive harm (mutations, infertility and miscarriages), autism, Alzheimers, mental health disorders, damage to vision, and escalations of violent behavior with exposures, headaches, seizures, immune system disorders, and more. These emissions are a safety hazard to every living being – humans, animals, wildlife, and insects alike, according to non-industry scientists working on wireless effects. Don’t let the city of La Mesa’s apparently naive city council and mayor and the city staff destroy the health and beauty of our town by subjecting everyone who lives, works, or visits here to 4G and 5G small cells that are strong, close range, 24/7 sources of microwave and millimeter microwave radiation. From the City Council Agenda for Oct. 22, 2019: “7. REPORT REGARDING THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION’S (FCC) REGULATION OF SMALL CELL WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES (5G); AND, CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ADOPTION OF A 1) RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AN INTERIM POLICY FOR THE REGULATION OF SMALL WIRELESS FACILITIES AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE DEPLOYMENTS IN THE PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY AND 2) RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PROCESS TO REVIEW AND ISSUE ENCROACHMENT PERMITS FOR REGULATION OF SMALL WIRELESS FACILITIES AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE DEPLOYMENTS IN THE PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY AND ESTABLISHING APPROPRIATE FEES RELATED TO THE SAME Staff recommends the Council (1) receive the report and presentation by staff and Telecom Law Firm, Wireless Facilities Special Legal Counsel; (2) adopt a Resolution adopting an interim policy for the regulation of small wireless facilities and other infrastructure deployments in the public rights-of-way; and (3) adopt a Resolution authorizing the establishment of a process to review and issue encroachment permits for regulation of small wireless facilities and other infrastructure deployments in the public rights-of-way and establishing appropriate fees related to the same. Staff Reference: Mr. Firsht Documents: ITEM 7.PDF” [THE PDF AT LEFT IS THE ACTUAL INTERIM SMALL CELLS POLICY TO BE ADOPTED IF VOTED FOR] The city of La Mesa’s planning department and city staff have been secretly been working with a consultant known to produce industry-friendly wireless ordinances and small cell policies, resulting in very upset communities once the small cells start showing up. This has happened recently in Coronado and Encinitas (with a temporary ordinance). I say secretly because after many of this author’s inquiries in person, by phone, and email, from April through Sept., 2019, the city staff and elected officials would not reveal its consultation status on this topic and would not give out any information about its plans until last minute, on Oct. 18th, just days before its Council meeting. They’ve made these plans even in the face of research sent to them since this past spring by our nonprofit, Center for Electrosmog Prevention, based in La Mesa, CA. Photo, left: Small cell by homes in San Diego Our nonprofit volunteers have been reading the small cells policy that the City Staff recommends the Council approve and it is the worst we’ve seen out of scores of them evaluated in the past year. Visit Center for Electrosmog Prevention at www.electrosmogprevention.org (see Stop 5G with Protective Ordinances) and Stop 5G California (CEP) for more info, or email director@electrosmogprevention.org. Take action immediately to address this important threat to our city! Additional resources: Encinitas residents vocal in opposition to 5G cell towers … Encinitas residents rail against 5G cell towers – YouTube Marin County Board of Supervisors’ Wireless Ordinance Workshop 1-2-3 Action Plan to Stop 5G Stop 5G with Protective Wireless Ordinances Letter from Dr. Beatrice Golomb UCSD researcher on dangers of 5G EMF Portal searchable database for 4G/5G studies 5G
BARONA CULTURAL CENTER & MUSEUM RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD FROM THE ASSOCIATION OF TRIBAL ARCHIVES, LIBRARIES AND MUSEUMS
Printer-friendly version October 20, 2019 (Lakeside) – The Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries and Museums (ATLAM) recently presented the 2019 International Guardians of Culture and Lifeways “Museum Institutional Excellence” Award to the Barona Cultural Center & Museum at its annual international conference in Temecula. Story and photo courtesy of Barona “The Barona Tribe is extremely proud of the work our museum has accomplished over the years to preserve our heritage and it is an honor to receive this award,” said Edwin “Thorpe” Romero, Chairman of the Barona Band of Mission Indians. “We are a small museum working to preserve the culture and traditions of our people on a grand scale. Recognition like this provides even greater incentive for us to continue offering education and opportunities for native and non-native visitors to explore our history for generations to come.” The Barona Cultural Center & Museum was selected because of its significant commitment to the care, preservation, interpretation, and presentation of cultural resources. Barona has demonstrated innovative and effective collections care methods, originality and quality of programming (including exhibitions, education and outreach, events, and publications); and successfully collaborating with other organizations. ATALM is an international non-profit organization that maintains a network of support for indigenous programs, provides culturally relevant programming and services, encourages collaboration among tribal and non-tribal cultural institutions, and articulates contemporary issues related to developing and sustaining the cultural sovereignty of Native Nations. Earlier this year, the Barona Cultural Center & Museum was one of 10 recipients of the 2019 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Barona Cultural Center & Museum is located on the Barona Indian Reservation at 1095 Barona Road in Lakeside and is open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. For more information or to schedule a group tour, call (619) 443-7003, ext. 219 or visit the website at www.baronamuseum.org. Printer-friendly version
LA MESA SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR CITIZEN PUBLIC SAFETY OVERSIGHT TASK FORCE, WHICH OVERSEES POLICE
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Photo: La Mesa Police Chief Walt Vasquez October 20, 2019 (La Mesa) – The city of La Mesa is seeking diverse representation for the newly created Citizen Public Safety Task Force. Members will develop the framework for a Commission that will review police department policy, complaint investigations, training, and citizen concerns. This Commission will provide recommendations to assist the La Mesa Police Department in serving the city in a more effective manner. If you are interested in applying, visit http://www.cityoflamesa.us/250/Boards-Commissions. Printer-friendly version
AZTECS WOMEN’S TENNIS DOUBLES PAIR FALLS AT ITA SOUTHWEST REGIONALS
Printer-friendly versionNadozie and Melosch competed against the tournament’s third seed Source: goaztecs.com Photo courtesy goaztecs.com October 19, 2019 (San Diego) – San Diego State women’s tennis duo junior Nnena Nadozie and sophomore Alicia Melosch competed in the quarterfinals of the ITA Southwest Regionals Saturday. The tandem fought tooth and nail in their match, ultimately falling 8-5. Nadozie and Melosch took on USC’s Eryn Cayetano and Danielle Wilson, the third-ranked doubles team in the tournament, fighting for a spot in the doubles draw semifinals. The 2019 All-Mountain West duo of Nadozie and Melosch competed hard against the Trojans, dropping their first decision of the 2019-20 season. The Aztecs take a three-week hiatus from competition, next seeing action on the court a the SDSU Fall Classic II Nov. 8-10 at the Aztec Tennis Center. Box Printer-friendly version
SKATEBOARDER HIT BY TRUCK IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version East County News Service Photo: Creative Commons October 19, 2019 (La Mesa) – A man riding a skateboard south on Spring Street near Finley, in the right lane, was struck by a southbond Dodge Dakota pickup truck Thursday night around 9:20 p.m. The skateboarder, 25, was ejected and rolled over the truck, landing on the pavement. He was transported to a hospital for treatment of injuries that are serious, but not considered life-threatening. Lieutenant Brian Stoney with La Mesa Police says the truck’s driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with authorities. According to Patch.com, Lt. Stoney indicated that the skateboard may have been under the influence of alcohol. The accident forced shut-down of Spring Street during the investigation. Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call La Mesa Police at 619-667-1400. Printer-friendly version
SDSU VOLLEYBALL FALLS IN FIVE SETS AT AIR FORCE
Printer-friendly versionAztecs outside hitter Hannah Turnlund surpasses 1,000 kills for her career Source: goaztecs.com Photo courtesy goaztecs.com October 19, 2019 (Colorado Springs) – The visiting San Diego State volleyball team dropped its fourth straight match on Saturday as Air Force rallied for a five-set victory (13-25, 25-15, 25-16, 22-25, 11-15) in a Mountain West clash at Cadet East Gym. Despite posting a greater hitting percentage (.214 to .183) and maintaining the edge in team blocks (12.0-8.0), the Aztecs finished with fewer kills (65-48) and digs (66-62) on the afternoon, falling to the Falcons for the third consecutive meeting. SDSU captured the second and third sets, hitting at a .442 clip during that span with only four attack errors (27-4-52). However, the Scarlet and Black posted a mere .080 hitting percentage in the other three frames, combining for just 21 kills (21-14-88). Consequently, the Aztecs lost for the first time this year when holding a 2-1 lead in sets (6-1) and when limiting the opposition to a .200 attack percentage or lower (6-1). For the season, SDSU slips to 9-10 and 2-6 in conference play, while Air Force raises its record to 7-13 overall and 4-4 in the MW. Individually, the Aztecs were paced by Hannah Turnlund, who floored 11 shots against the Falcons to surpass the 1,000-kill plateau for her career (1,005). In addition, Erin Gillcrist and Victoria O’Sullivan recorded 10 put-aways each, while Camryn Machado completed her 10th double-double of the year with 41 assists and 10 digs. Gillcrist hit .476 on the afternoon, committing no errors on 21 attempts, while Andrea Walker logged career-highs of nine kills and seven block assists. Not to be outdone, Loren Teter led all players with 20 digs, her third-best total of the year thus far, while Lauren Lee and Sam McGrath finished with seven scoops apiece. Trailing 2-1 in sets, Air Force finished with an 18-7 advantage in kills during the fourth frame, including seven by Cambria Galloway and six by Denise Ssozi, to keep their comeback hopes alive. Still, SDSU forged a slim 18-17 lead on Tamia Reeves solo block before the Falcons went ahead to stay on kills by Galloway and Ssozi sandwiched around an Andi Ahlers service ace. Looking down the barrel of a 20-18 deficit, the Aztecs narrowed the gap to one on three occasions, including a 23-22 spread following an errant Air Force serve. However, the Scarlet and Black was unable to regain the upper hand, as the Falcons forced a decisive fifth set after Bailey Keith and Vittoria Juarez provided the clinching kills, respectively. Unfazed, SDSU jumped out to a 6-3 lead in the final frame, benefiting from consecutive Air Force attack errors, while Walker launched a pair of non-returnables. However, the Falcons seized momentum with a timely 9-3 run and were never headed the rest of the way. Ahlers and Jordan Daniels each served up an ace during that span, while Galloway notched a pair of kills to go with a Taleah Cooper solo block. Suddenly trailing 12-9, the Aztecs could draw no closer than two points the rest of the way, including a 13-11 margin on Turnlund’s final kill of the match. However, Air Force withstood the challenge, as Ssozi recorded a put-away, while Ahlers and Galloway combined on a block to help the host school escape. The Falcons had three players reach double figures in kills, including Ssozi, who recorded a double-double with 19 non-returnables and 11 digs, followed by Galloway (13, .385) and Keith (12). In addition, Ahlers dished out 50 assists to go with nine digs and three total blocks in the win. SDSU found itself on the wrong side of 12-10 score in the opening set before Air Force turned on the afterburners with a 12-3 run to secure the frame. Ssozi collected three kills during that stretch, while the Aztecs were victimized by a trio of aces, including two by Kelly Motes. With the score tied at 4-4 in the second stanza, SDSU netted three straight points on a Gillcrist kill followed by a pair of Turnlund blocks, with Reeves assisting on the first stuff. The Aztecs methodically pulled away at this juncture, building an insurmountable 22-10 lead on another Gillcrist put-away. SDSU was never fronted in the third set, as Turnlund powered down five kills in the frame, while Walker and O’Sullivan totaled three each. Nursing a 7-5 lead, the Aztecs gave themselves some separation with a 7-1 surge, punctuated by a combined block from Gillcrist and Walker. However, the Scarlet and Black could not sustain the momentum in the fourth set, where the Falcons started their gradual comeback. UP NEXT San Diego State opens a two-match homestand next weekend when it plays host to Boise State on Thursday, Oct. 24 before Utah State invades The Mesa on Saturday, Oct. 26. Box Printer-friendly version
CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery October 19, 2019 (San Diego) – The National Weather Service is warning of critical fire weather from Sunday through Tuesday locally, with the highest risk on Tuesday. Gusty northeast windsup to 40 miles per hour are forecast in the mountains, passes and coastal slopes, with very warm weather and low humidity Monday and Tuesday. Along the coasts, elevated surf and rip current dangers are expected during that time period, with a small craft advisory in effect through Monday. Later in the week, offshore winds are forecast beginning Thursday through as late as Saturday. For the latest forecast updates, visit weather.gov/SanDiego. Printer-friendly version