 Want to know what’s going on around our neighborhood? Find out here on the Community News page! Visit throughout the day to get your updated local news headlines. In addition, you can also find out about local happenings. If you know of an event, such as a city picnic, local high school graduation or a wedding, post it here to let all of us know! Be sure to keep yourself informed by checking this page frequently! |
- Grossmont Union board approves new boundaries; no Alpine high schoolPosted on: 2011-11-11EL CAJON — Trustees of the Grossmont Union High School District approved new boundaries and the implementation of open enrollment limits at a board meeting Thursday night in El Cajon. The decision could affect thousands of incoming students as early as the fall of 2012.
The vote was 4 to 1 in favor of changing the attendance areas of the district's nine comprehensive East County high schools.
The new boundary map, called Model 9, does not include a new high school in Alpine, a decision that has angered dozens of the town’s residents who have been pushing for a high school in their community for years. Currently, about 800 Alpine high school students commute down curvy, mountainous roads to attend Grossmont schools in Rancho San Diego and El Cajon.
During the public comment portion of the meeting at the East County Regional Education Center, Alpine resident Al Haven cited the death of Devon Sambhi, a 16-year-old Alpine boy who was killed Thursday morning in a single-vehicle crash while heading to Granite Hills High School.
“We tragically lost another student today,” Haven said. “All your baloney that you can’t afford it (to build a high school in Alpine) is just that. Baloney.
“Build that school. We don’t want to lose any more kids.”
Trustee Priscilla Schreiber cast the lone opposing vote. She said the board was “pigeonholing” itself by putting into place long-lasting boundaries that did not include an Alpine high school.
“We lost a child today,” said Schreiber. “Safety was the whole reason we were going to build that school.”
Board president Robert Shield said there was a pressing need to modify the boundaries now, and when the day comes that the Alpine high school is built, the board will adjust the boundaries again.
“I want to reaffirm the intent and commitment of this board to build a 12th high school,” he said. “I think it is reasonable to have long-lasting, not permanent, boundaries until we open the doors of the new high school.”
The current district boundaries were established in 2000. Earlier this year, the district’s volunteer boundary committee was tasked with making recommendations to the board that would address demographic shifts in student populations.
Disparities in student enrollment prompted this latest look at boundaries, according to district officials. Santana, Mount Miguel, Monte Vista and El Capitan are below the 2,000-student average recommended by the boundary committee. El Cajon Valley High is above average with about 2,283 students. Grossmont High School and Granite Hills High School in El Cajon are higher still, with 2,609 students and 2,751 students respectively.
Steele Canyon High School in Rancho San Diego and Helix Charter High School in La Mesa are not included in the new boundaries because they are independent charter schools with their own school boards.
The boundary committee presented one recommendation to the board that included a new high school in Alpine, and one that did not in the event trustees decided not to construct it.
The district has set aside $65 million in bond construction money approved by East County voters to build the school, but officials worry about having the necessary funds to operate it.
In July, the board voted 4 to 1 to pass a resolution that requires state funding per pupil to be restored to 2008 levels before the district could 'consider resumption of the construction process.' The board also voted 3 to 2 to eliminate language from the resolution that would have stopped the district from submitting the design plans for the new school to the state for review in September.
In a workshop in September, trustees chose the nine-school boundary map, which was presented at a trio of recent public forums to give community members the opportunity to comment on the proposed changes.
“This is Kabuki theatre,” said Alpine parent Sal Casamassima at Thursday's meeting. “This board has deceived us and lied in the past.
“They don’t want to build the high school.”
- Signs of the Tide: Put a LID on PollutionPosted on: 2011-10-04Urban runoff is the single biggest threat to water quality in San Diego. And Low Impact Development (LID) can stop it. LID has the potential to soften San Diego’s landscape and make our city green by conserving natural resources, directing stormwater runoff toward natural and landscaped areas and minimizing hard surfaces. It helps us work with nature to restructure San Diego and effectively regulate and filter stormwater.
We have three intended speakers:
Speaker 1 – What is LID? A presentation outlining major LID features in Southern California. This speaker will address LID costs and benefits including reducing polluted urban runoff, improved water supply, flood control, increased green space and community beautification.
Speaker 2 – A local stormwater expert who can discuss LID in San Diego. This speaker will address why we need it, what has been done, what is proposed, and the outcomes of using LID features in San Diego.
Speaker 3 – A local landscape architecture will explore real-world low impact development designs to address current problems with storm water and flooding in a San Diego community.
Learn about the role of re-development in the preservation of water quality at Signs of the Tide on December 6, 2011 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Electric Ladyland Art and Music Center at 4944 Newport Ave., San Diego, CA, 92107. We will focus on how we can utilize the principles of Low Impact Development to improve water quality while growing our city greener.Email:info@sdcoastkeeper.org - Ocean GalaPosted on: 2011-10-04We're hosting the 15th annual Ocean Gala November 5, 2011. And this year, we're bringing you a whole new evening of fun.
Our refreshing new event will get you away from the table with plenty of time to chat with old friends and meet new ones. You'll enjoy:
• Gourmet culinary selections (forget the same-old-chicken-dinner)
• A recycled and ocean-themed art show with room for large scale pieces
The Ocean Gala brings the movement and energy of our inland and coastal waterways into San Diego’s largest annual environmental fundraiser. Enjoy music, fashion, art and interactive booths (and don’t forget the fantastic live and silent auctions).
Buy Tickets Now! -- https://app.etapestry.com/cart/SanDiegoCoastkeeper/default/category.php?ref=1841.0.227472469
V.I.P.s and sponsors will have access to new benefits, including:
- An exclusive media and artist party to mingle with artists, elected officials, award recipients and San Diego Coastkeeper’s board of directors and new executive director Gale Filter
- An exclusive party for the presenting sponsor
To get more information about joining the Ocean Gala event or auction committee, reserving VIP tickets for individuals and groups, guaranteeing your Ocean Gala sponsorship, donating to the live or silent auctions or any other questions, please email Megan Baehrens (MeganB@sdcoastkeeper.org) or call (619) 758-7743 ext. 103. Visit www.oceangala.org for more details.Website:www.oceangala.orgEmail:meganb@sdcoastkeeper.org -
COMMUNITY LEADERS, READERS REACT TO NEWS OF POWERLINK HELICOPTER GROUNDINGSPosted on: 2011-09-30By Miriam Raftery
September 27, 2011 (San Diego’s East County)—Community leaders and residents in East County praised the California Public Utilities Commission for its decision yesterday to ground all helicopter activity on SDG&E’s Sunrise Powerlink due to serious safety incidents.
“I commend the CPUC for putting public safety first and grounding helicopter operations for this dangerous, fire-inducing monstrosity,” Supervisor Dianne Jacob said. “The CPUC must hold SDG&E accountable for its reckless antics and flagrant disregard for CPUC rules. The steady stream of equipment drops and unreported rotor strikes increases the chances of wildfire in communities that have already endured the 2003 and 2007 wildfires.”
Jacob has called on the CPUC to hold a public meeting in Alpine “to look the community in the eye and prove that lives and property are not at risk.”
Donna Tisdale, chair of the Boulevard Planning Commission and a plaintiff in a lawsuit filed that seeks to halt Powerlink construction, called the decision “justified.”
She further alleged even more violations of mitigation requirements and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations not mentioned in the CPUC stop work order. “I’ve had people out here, in the backcountry and Ocotillo, complaining about helicopters flying over homes with loads and lack of dust control.” She added that area resident Jim Pelly has said that pilots were also “flying over off-road vehicle areas in the Plaster City area.”
Milt Cyphert of Lakeside, cofounder of the East County Community Action Coalition, another plaintiff suing to block the high-voltage power line. “I think it’s about time,” he said of the shut down order.
Cyphert said he and neighbors have filed complaints with the FAA (though not the CPUC) stating that SDG&E pilots have flown suspended loads over homes –a federal violation. “The suspended load that I saw them carrying was over other people’s houses in our valley,” said Cyphert, a former rigging instructor for the California pipe trades apprenticeship program who is familiar with aviation law and safe distances.
He told East County Magazine that SDG&E also violated regulations for non-loaded flights over his own home. “Right after they started doing helicopter operations full blast, they were flying directly over our house to the point where I could see the pilot’s faces through the windscreens….They were only 100 feet over my house, shuttling crews back and forth. Another neighbor, they were flying so close over his house they were knocking eucalyptus trees down into his dog house.” Cyphert added, “He went out and shook his fist at them and they flew closer. There was a lot of intimidation.”
After he and others complained to the FAA, Cyphert said the flights over homes in Lakeside’s El Monte Valley stopped and pilots used an alternate route over unoccupied land.
But in other areas, problems have persisted. Rock Canyon Vineyards' owner posted on ECM's Facebook page the same day the ban was imposed, 'Wow...Earlier today (27th) we had to call the FAA twice-because SDG&E workers were flying their helicopters with huge loads (repeatedly)-not on the route, but right over our house and barns...We were outside flagging the helicopters to move away - and not only did they ignore us - but seemed to fly even closer to us with those loads.'
Myles Thurman posted on ECM's Facebook page that 'One flew over my house carrying a tractor. I hope this holds. It's about time they are stopped enough is enough.'
Lou Russo, a member of the Alpine Community Planning Group, has indicating that at least one similar complaint of a helicopter flying a load over a home has been received by the ACPG.
Catherine Gorka is a parrot breeder who has been battling to persuade SDG&E to stop helicopter flights that she blames for the death of exotic birds at her outdoor aviaries, including birds that destroyed their own young in terror as a helicopter flew over and another bird that became paralyzed after panicking and flying into a cage wall.
“I’m thrilled,” Gorka said when told that a shut-down order for flights had been issued.
The order requires SDG&E to fulfill key safety requirements before any flights will be permitted back in the air, as ECM reported yesterday: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/7364 . Even after requirements are fulfilled, however, SDG&E will be limited to using helicopters only in areas inaccessible by roads, with the exception of tower assembly and wire operations. For other operations, the utility will have to rely on ground crews who will use vehicles to access areas via roadways.
Gorka hopes that land taken by SDG&E via eminent domain from her property for purposes of building a road may now see a roadway constructed to prevent future flights that could traumatize her birds. With cessation of the helicopters, she says, instead of cowering and hiding in their cages, “my birds are singing again.”
SDG&E president and chief operating officer Michael R. Niggli has issued a statement in response to the shut-down order.
“SDG&E is committed to improving all helicopter and construction practices related to the project and will comply with the additional training and incident reporting requirements contained in the CPUC’s order,” he said. Niggli maintains that the utility had already notified the CPUC of its intent to hold a `safety stand down’ to review its helicopter operations and that two such stand downs were held September 26 and 27 for its pilots, with additional sessions slated.
“In addition, we have been working on an updated incident reporting protocol to enhance and clarify the existing reporting process so all helicopter incidents are brought immediately to the attention of the CPUC and other appropriate regulating agencies.”
A San Diego Union-Tribune report last week revealed rotor accidents unreported to the CPUC, including flights that struck a boulder and fence post due to pilot error. One involved a pilot previously grounded due to a fatality accident. Other incidents that were reported included dropping two 16,000 pound tower sections due to mechanical failure, dropping other suspended loads including a compressor, and losing a helicopter skid.
Niggli insisted that maintaining safe construction practices is a top priority and that SDG&E will make necessary changes to improve safety of employees, contractors and the public and expressed confidence that the utility will meet the new CPUC requirements in order to resume flights. Construction on non-helicopter activities will continue, he added.
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Shea Homes team member from Rancho San Diego recognized as Icons in the homebuilding industryPosted on: 2011-09-16SAN DIEGO (Sept. 16, 2011) – San Diego’s Building Industry Association announced its Icon Award winners last night, including Sales and Marketing Manager of the Year Vanessa Linn and Best Customer Services Representative Jasen Torbett, both of Shea Homes San Diego.
“The Icon Awards are a great recognition of the professionalism and work ethic of both Jasen and Vanessa,” said Paul Barnes, president of Shea Homes San Diego. “They are exceptional at their jobs and valuable assets to the Shea Homes team.”
Held at The Prado at Balboa Park and sponsored by the Building Industry Association of San Diego County, Icon is an annual celebration gala recognizing the industry’s most outstanding builder, trade and design professionals. More than a dozen awards were announced.
Rancho San Diego resident Vanessa Linn has 20 years of experience in new home sales and marketing. Her current workload includes management of sales agents at 10 new home neighborhoods throughout San Diego County, all of whom have 24/7 access to their boss. In addition, Linn is currently serving as president of the Sales & Marketing Council of the BIA.
“Vanessa is an industry leader and a great communicator and motivator, always available to her team,” Barnes said. “She inspires others to achieve their best, not just in the sales efforts for Shea Homes, but throughout the company and homebuilding industry.”
Santee resident Jasen Torbett has provided outstanding customer service to Shea Homes customers since 2000. He also plays the dual role as safety and risk manager, ensuring the Shea Homes workforce goes home safely every day. Torbett is also involved with the BIA’s Cares for Kids bike drive, Furniture Fantasy fundraising event and BIA membership retention.
“Jasen is an incredible manager who leads by example and garners the respect of his staff and peers,” said Barnes. “He has the utmost integrity and is respectful to everyone he deals with, always striving to enhance the lives of others. Jasen has been key to Shea Homes earning first with JD Power four of the past five years.”
Visit http://www.sheahomes.com/newhomes/sandiego/ for information about all San Diego area new homes by Shea Homes.
About Shea Homes
Shea Homes, an independent member of the Shea family of companies, is the oldest and largest family-owned homebuilder in the United States. Shea Homes builds new homes in California, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Washington, North Carolina and Florida. With choices to suit homeowners in every stage of life, Shea Homes offers new homes ranging from affordably priced condominiums and townhomes to traditional single-family detached homes and magnificent luxury residences.
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OH BABY! BOBCAT KITTENS IN JAMULPosted on: 2011-08-15What could be cuter than a bouncing baby bobcat? How about an entire bobcat family?
“He’s sleeping in the big ash tree right in front of our house—he’s been there for hours!” writes Jan Maxted, whose husband, Don snapped these photos outside their rural Jamul home. “No sign of his mom, but she must have told him to keep out of trouble. The scrub jays were harassing him for awhile, but he didn’t seem overly concerned about them.”
The week before, the Maxteds spotted the entire family of bobcats out for a stroll while driving down their driveway.
“We saw the family, cut the truck motor and rolled fairly close to them,” Jan recalls, adding, “This morning we also saw a doe and two fawns and a roadrunner.”
Our thanks to Deerhorn Valley Antler Editor Kim Hamilton for sharing these photos from her readers. She adds, “With the invasion of squirrels, rats, mice, gophers, and rabbits this year, it's good to see the predators beginning to re-establish themselves post-fire. “
- Complimentary Orthodontic ExamPosted on: 2011-07-26Dr. David Gilmore of RDS Dental Group and Orthodontics is offiering complimentary orthodontic exams!
Dr. Gilmore is dedicated to providing excellent orthodontic care to the community, 'I am committed to building a foundation of trust by treating each of my patients as a special individual.'
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic exam at the age of 7.
Call today @ 619-660-2424 for an appointment today.Website:rsddentalgroup.com/ourteam.aspx - Complimentary Orthodontic ExamPosted on: 2011-07-26Dr. David Gilmore of RDS Dental Group and Orthodontics is offiering complimentary orthodontic exams!
Dr. Gilmore is dedicated to providing excellent orthodontic care to the community, 'I am committed to building a foundation of trust by treating each of my patients as a special individual.'
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic exam at the age of 7.
Call today @ 619-660-2424 for an appointment today.Website:rsddentalgroup.com/ourteam.aspx - Wildlife Community Events for May 2011Posted on: 2011-05-13The California Department of Fish and Game and the US Fish and Wildlife Service invite you to attend Community Events for May 2011
Website:www.fws.gov/sandiegorefuges/ - The Jacob Journal Winter 2011Posted on: 2011-01-28Click here to view...
- Posted on: 2011-01-28
- Protecting Our Kids from Teen Relationship ViolencePosted on: 2011-01-12A Free Evening For Parents and Teens...
Date: Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Location: Sonrise Community Church
8805 North Magnolia Ave
Santee, CA 92071
Time: 6:00 - 8:00pm
Click here for details...
- SAM THE PIRATEPosted on: 2010-05-18
“Stay the course to your dreams.” – Sam Sparrow
Story and photos by Miriam Raftery
August 25, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – “I was a rebel growing up,” recalls Sam Sparrow, who spent his childhood in Spring Valley, Rancho San Diego and Bonita. He later traveled to Florida before returning home and finding his true calling as a celebrity impersonator who bears an uncanny resemblance to Johnny Depp, star of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.
Click Here to Read Full Story -
What is Odin's March?Posted on: 2008-09-25Click Here to Find Out!
