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THRIVING IN HARD TIMES SERIES: El Cajon Mom Finds Her Calling, Builds Recession-Proof Business Selling Phone Services From Home

Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Just a few months after starting a home-based business in fall 2008, Karie Schmidt of El Cajon has a team of entrepreneurs working for her. She is earning a comfortable income, has flexible hours to spend with her family, and enjoys perks such as free phone service and free travel–including a trip to a pre-Kentucky Derby

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STUDENT NOMINEES SOUGHT BY ASSEMBLYMAN ANDERSON FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Printer-friendly versionMarch 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Assemblyman Joel Anderson seeks student nominations for his “Outstanding Achievement Award” program, available to students in all schools in the 77th Assembly District. “It is important for all of us to recognize those students who strive for excellence in everything they do. Rewarding the great work of East County students is perhaps the

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GOV. SCHWARZENEGGER DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY OVER DROUGHT; URGES 20% WATER USE REDUCTION. STEEP PRICE INCREASES LOOM, LOCAL WATER OFFICIAL WARNS

Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery February 27, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–“This drought is having a devastating impact on our people, our communities, our economy and our environment, making today’s action absolutely necessary,” said Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who declared a state of emergency following three years of drought. The Governor’s action aims to have water agencies reduce water usage by 20

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WATER SAVING REBATES AND CONSERVATION TIPS TO WEATHER THE CRISIS

Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery February 27, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Area residents must cut water consumption by at least 20% or face stiff financial penalties, local water authorities warn following a state declaration of emergency today due to the drought. Fortunately, there is help for consumers seeking ways to reduce their water usage. “Sixty to 70 percent of water use

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WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN LAUNCHES WATER-WISE GARDENING PHONE HELP LINE STARTING MARCH 3: “THE WATER SMART PIPELINE”

Printer-friendly versionMarch 1, 2009 (Rancho San Diego)–"How can I get rid of my grass?" "What low water groundcover withstands foot traffic?" Can I have color in my garden without using much water?"   These questions and more are frequently asked by San Diegans looking to install water smart landscapes. To help answer people’s concerns about how to garden in these

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LEARN HOW TO SELL AT A CERTIFIED FARMERS’ MARKET

Printer-friendly versionMarch 1, 2009 (Escondido)–The San Diego County Farm Bureau is hosting a free class to teach any interested grower how to sell produce and nursery crops at a certified farmers’ market. The class will be on Thursday, March 12 and will go from 3:00 to 5:00. Attendees will get comprehensive information on the rules and history of California certified

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EL CAJON SEEKS YOUTH OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

Printer-friendly versionFebruary 27, 2009 (El Cajon)–The City of El Cajon Teen Coalition presents a “Youth of the Year” Award to recognize those who go above and beyond in serving their community either through their leadership abilities and/or their quality or level of community service in El Cajon. Leadership can be defined as those individuals who consistently facilitate a team vision

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GOSPEL FESTIVAL FRIDAY FEB. 27 AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE

Printer-friendly versionAs part of its Black History Month celebration, Grossmont College will present a free Gospel Festival, featuring five local gospel choirs and one dance troupe, starting at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, in Room #220 on the college campus. The public is invited to attend. Parking is free. Performing artists will include the House of Metamorphosis Choir, Martin

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ECUMENICAL GATHERING AT FRIENDSHIP PARK DISRUPTED BY TAUNTING; MINISTER TAKEN INTO CUSTODY

Printer-friendly versionStory and photos by Gayle Early Rev. John Fanestil apprehended by California Border Patrol agents in full riot gear. February 21, 2009 (Imperial Beach) On Saturday, about 200 people and 40 civic organizations gathered to protest the Custom and Border Protection (CBP) closure of Friendship Park on Monument Mesa in Border Field State Park. The media also had a

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DON QUIXOTE BATTLES WINDMILLS – AND SO DO THE FOLKS IN BOULEVARD

Printer-friendly version (photo courtesy of AWEA) Part III of a three-part series:   HEALTH, SAFETY, AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF WIND FARMS  February 22, 2009 (Boulevard) — Our country has jumped on a high-speed wind-energy bandwagon, as if the costs of developing and producing wind energy are as invisible as the wind itself. Are benefits commensurate with the costs? Can developers mitigate

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GAME OF THE WEEK: EAGLES RECOVER FROM SLOW START, ROUT SPARTANS 38-13

Printer-friendly versionby Christopher Mohr  October 2, 2009 (El Cajon)– After twenty minutes of game time had elapsed, it seemed that Friday night’s game between Granite Hills and Central High would be closely contested, with a final score in the 20s. Fortunately for the Granite Hills Eagles, that trend did not continue. After a slow start by both teams, Granite Hills

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CANDLELIGHT VIGIL FOR GUILLERMO ESPARZA TONIGHT; POLICE SEEK PUBLIC HELP TO FIND KILLER

Printer-friendly versionCRIMESTOPPER REWARD OFFER   October 10, 2009 (San Diego)–San Diego County Crime Stoppers, in conjunction with the San Diego Police Department Homicide Unit, family and friends of Guillermo Esparza, are asking for the public’s assistance to help identify and locate the person(s) responsible for his murder. On Saturday, October 10, 2009, at 5:00 p.m., Family and friends will hold a candlelight vigil

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GET MOVING ON LA MESA’S URBAN WALKING TRAILS

Printer-friendly version October 10, 2009 (La Mesa)—The City of La Mesa encourages residents to “Get Up, Get Out and Get Moving “ with Urban Walking Trails. This FREE walking program offers each walker the choice of an intermediate or advanced route and is designed for all ages and fitness levels. Bring your family to enjoy the outdoors and at the

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EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: OCTOBER 10

Printer-friendly version   East County Roundup Includes the Most Important Stories About East County, or relevant to our readers, published by other media. Top stories from the past month include:     MAKE THE VICTIM PAY (SDG&E wants ratepayers to pick up tab for soaring insurance costs from its negligence in wildfire prevention) THREE CITIES PROPOSE ONE FIRE DEPARTMENT (La

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HOW TO LANDSCAPE WITH LESS WATER: WORKSHOP OCT. 13 WITH AUTHOR/GARDENING DESIGNER SCOTT CALHOUN IN EL CAJON

Printer-friendly version  October 10, 2009 (El Cajon)–Do watering restrictions put a damper on your gardening enthusiasm? The City of El Cajon’s Community Development Department hosts a workshop Tuesday afternoon on how to landscape your home during this time of heightened water conservation.  To author and gardening designer Scott Calhoun, working with drought conditions is exciting and can take gardens in new

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BOXER SECURES FUNDING FOR KEY INVESTMENTS IN CA

Printer-friendly version Agriculture Spending Bill Includes $6 Million for California Sought by Boxer’ Projects Range From Food Safety to Water Efficiency October 8, 2009 (Washington D.C.) — The U.S. Senate today passed the Agriculture Appropriations conference report, which includes more than $6 million requested by U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) for key investments throughout California.   Senator Boxer said, “This crucial funding

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NEED WORK? FREE CAREER DAY OCT. 19 AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE

Printer-friendly version October 8, 2009 (El Cajon)–Grossmont College Career Center will present four free career workshops on campus at the Career Center office, Room 627, located adjacent to the Student Center, during its 2009 Career Week, Oct. 19 to 22. The public is invited to attend.   The free workshops include: “Job Search Tips” from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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DUI/DRUNK DRIVING CHECKPOINT IN LEMON GROVE THIS WEEKEND

Printer-friendly version  October 9, 2009 (Lemon Grove) –Sheriff William D. Gore today announced deputies from the Lemon Grove Station will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint this weekend. The message for the beginning of this fall season is that drunk driving will not be tolerated.   "If you drive under the influence, we will be looking for you. If you

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D.A. FILES MISDEMEANOR CHARGES IN DEERHORN VALLEY CASE: NO HATE CRIME OR ASSAULT CHARGES FILED DESPITE RACIAL SLURS & VIOLENT BEATING OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN TEEN

Printer-friendly version Victim’s Mother Accuses Sheriff of “Dropping the Ball” on Investigation, Considers Lawsuit   By Miriam Raftery   Update October 2013:  Jerry Arnold has contacted ECM to advise that charges against him were reduced to distrubing the peace with loud music, for which he paid a fine.  Arnold also shared his side of the story.  “I was executor of

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