 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! |
-
Hooleys FestPosted on: 2010-03-05Farmers and
Zoo2 (U2 Tribute)
The Heroes
The California Celts
Seven Celtic Nations Pipes and Drums
Tickets:
$10 in Advance - $15 The day of the event
$25 - Premium Front of the Line Privileges and entrance at both locations.Website:www.hooleys.com - NEW County Curfew Aims To Keep Kids SafePosted on: 2010-03-03Beginning next month, young people in the unincorporated areas of the region will need to be home by 10 p.m. following a unanimous decision of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors today. Supervisor Dianne Jacob urged turning back the curfew from 11 p.m. to 10 p.m. to make the County consistent with other cities and keep young people safe.
The curfew will apply to all those under 18 loitering in public places without permission from a parent or guardian. It won’t apply to minors at or heading home from sanctioned events.
Jacob joined forces with District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and Sheriff Bill Gore to advocate for the earlier curfew. The three officials said the move will stop young people from seeking out jurisdictions with later curfews to stage parties. Jacob said the change will especially help crack down on gang-related activity in the Spring Valley area.
“I can tell you firsthand that Sherriff’s deputies need this important tool to make communities safer,” Jacob said, describing a scene she witnessed during a recent curfew sweep in Spring Valley. Jacob said deputies and probation officers lacked the authority to break up a large party outside an apartment complex at 10:30 p.m. The group included suspected gang members.
“Statistics reveal that the hour between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. is prime crime time for kids. By enforcing the earlier curfew we can ensure that kids are exactly where their families believe them to be,” Jacob said. “For kids that are in the wrong place, we’re working with law enforcement, community groups and faith-based organizations to put them on a path to better behavior.”
Local statistics suggest that the enforcement of an earlier curfew will lessen the number of crimes against juveniles and especially target violent crimes. More than 43 percent of curfew violations within the Sherriff’s jurisdiction occur on Friday and Saturday night, according to the Sheriff’s Department.
The cities of San Diego, El Cajon, La Mesa and Santee have 10 p.m. curfews. The County plans to contact cities with 11:00 p.m. curfews to request the earlier hour.
# # #
Jennifer Stone
Communications Advisor
Office of Supervisor Dianne Jacob
County of San Diego
619.531.5522
Website:www.diannejacob.com -
SAFE HAVEN FOR MOUNTAIN LIONS PLANNED IN ALPINEPosted on: 2010-02-12Shrinking habitat in San Diego’s backcountry has led to inevitable clashes between mountain lions, humans and domesticated animals. But unlike some predatory animals, mountain lions can't be repatriated after capture due to their large, exclusive territory (up to 100 square miles), drastically reduced amount of remote habitat, and the growing number of lions being captured.
With few places to take captured cougars, authorities often must kill these carnivores whose ranges conflict with people. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that between 100 and 135 mountain lions are killed in California each year.
Lions, Tigers & Bears, a big cat rescue facility in Alpine, wants to provide authorities an alternative to killing these animals and also provide the organization’s members with opportunities to observe the animals close-up and learn safe actions should they encounter a big cat in the wild.
ConradThe facility is currently home to one young mountain lion, Conrad, who was captured by State Fish & Game officers near an elementary school. The Department contacted Lions Tigers & Bears which, through donations, was able to design and construct a habitat for Conrad.
Now Lions, Tigers & Bears has plans to create a far more extensive Conservation & Education Station capable of housing up to four mountain lions, with ample exercise room for all.
The planned station will include a 4,300-square-foot sleeping area with a concrete pad, a large alley way for long walks and runs and 12-foot fence with the top enclosed forthe safety of both animals and people. Another 700 square feet of enclosed access/egress pathways and horse-trailer access is an integral part of the enclosure. A water feature will provide cats with recreation and hydration and an irrigation system will feed the water feature and bring in water for plants, cleaning and fire suppression.
The goals of the Conservation & Education Station and the methods to achieve them are:
Goal 1: To save three to four wild mountain lions from death over the next five years and board them in a safe, no-kill conservation facility.
Goal 2: To educate the public about big cats and other wildlife native to the California's chaparral ecosystem. The facility will also educate its 12,000 members on how to co-exist with mountain lions. Through camps, classes, programs and other programs, Lions Tigers & Bears seeks to inform people on topics such as:
-- The relative rarity of mountain lion attacks (only 21 persons in all of North America have been killed by mountain lions since 1890, according to the Mountain Lion Foundation).
-- The important role the mountain lion serves in keeping in check the species they prey on, principally deer but also wild hogs, raccoons, rabbits, porcupines, and birds.
-- How to protect pets and livestock.
-- What to do in the event you encounter a mountain lion.
To complete the initial phase of Conservation & Education Station, Lions Tigers & Bears will need to raise $99,000. The complete Conservation & Education Station will cost $250,000. Donations may be made at members@lionstigersandbears.org.
For questions, call (619)659-8078.
Website:members@lionstigersandbears.org -
MEMORIAL SUNDAY AT STEELE CANYON FOR DAVID REID; SCHOLARSHIP FUND ESTABLISHED IN HIS MEMORYPosted on: 2010-01-29A memorial service for David Norman Reid will be held on Sunday, January 31st at 2 p.m. at the Steele Canyon High School theater (see address below). Reid was killed last Friday when a car driven by Andrew Bellati, 18, crossed the center line at a high speed and crashed head-on into Reid’s van.
Reid’s son, Garrett, 17, was seriously injured in the accident, as was Bellati and a female passenger in Bellati’s vehicle. CHP continues to investigate the accident and Bellati may face charges.
Garrett Reid suffered a skull fracture, broken arm, fractured wrist and broken toe, according to Jamie Luke, a family friend serving as spokesperson for the Reid family.
“He had surgery on Saturday and he’s going to have to have another surgery on his wrist,” Luke said, adding that Garrett is trying to maintain a positive outlook because it’s what his father would have wanted. “Emotionally it’s very hard on him, but physically he’s healing well,” said Luke.
David Reid was a radiology computer specialist and a Navy veteran. He was also an active supporter of the Steele Canyon Players drama club and a drama boosters group that raises money for productions and scholarships. He is survived by his wife, Lynn, son Garrett, and daughter, Katy.
A new scholarship is being established in honor or Reid, Luke disclosed. While details are being worked out with the school, those who wish to make a donation may send a check payable to Steel Canyon High School/PTO and note that the donation is for the David Reid scholarship. Checks may be mailed to:
Steel Canyon High School, 12440 Campo Road, Spring Valley, CA 91978.
- GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT FACES PAINFUL BUDGET CUTSPosted on: 2010-01-29“Tonight is a most difficult meeting,” GUHSD Superintendent Bob Collins told those present this evening at a special governing board budget workshop. Citing funding cuts from the state plaguing school districts throughout the state, he warned of a growing budget gap.
“The current district surplus will be fully consumed in solving this crisis—and it will not be enough.” He predicted, “It will be gone by the end of the year—and things are going to get worse.”
The District is preparing its budget for the next three fiscal years. By the third year, it will likely face a budget gap of approximately $20 million, according to a presentation made by Scott Patterson, deputy superintendent of business services.
Superintendent Collins assured that the District will fulfill its obligation to “provide all students with quality instruction” even amid difficult times and offered praise for Grossmont staffers who have risen to the challenges faced by trying circumstances.
“We will try to keep cuts as far from classrooms as possible,” he pledged. “My recommendation is that we not lay off any personnel. As tragic as salary cuts or furloughs may be, the prospect of someone losing their job is devastating.”
He proposed the following steps to deal with the budget crisis:
• A hard freeze on filling all certificated and classified vacancies, except for classroom teachers, starting February 1
• An across-the-board 25% cut in all central office expenditures and budgets
• A 5% decrease in compensation to the Superintendent
• Cuts to professional development costs, except for literacy programs
• An end to most consulting contracts
Patterson said the outlook has worsened since the District held an interim meeting in December. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s new proposed budget, though not yet law, “Does set a tone of discourse and in our case, in a negative directions.” According to the Governor’s budget analysis which the district received January 13, education cuts would account for 25% of proposed state budget cuts.
By March 15, the District must submit a plan to the County and State for its budgets for the next three years—without knowing what the State’s final budget will be.
Cuts should include triggers for restoration, Patterson recommended.
The Governor’s proposed $19.9 billion budget may be overly optimistic, since it relies on $6.9 billion in federal funds requested but not allocated.
“So it’s smoke and mirrors,” trustee Jim Kelly commented.
The good news is the state budget proposes no mid-year cuts this fiscal year, but by fiscal year 2010-2011, the district will likely face a $20.1 million deficit once the surplus is used up and new cuts kick in.
The Governor’s budget includes a negative COLA (cost of living adjustment) of .38%. “That means we get less money,” Patterson explained. The Governor also targets school district central administration. “That could be 50-60% cuts in administration,” said Patterson, bringing shocked looks to trustees’ already-grim faces. The Governor is also pushing for more contracting out of services, elimination of laid-off teachers’ guaranteed rights, and shorter notification for lay-offs.
Another variable is enrollment. The district has boosted its enrollment in the past year through truancy programs aimed at regaining “fifth year” seniors. Immigration has also increase enrollment, bringing in more average daily attendance dollars. But whether that will continue is in question.
Patterson outlined “level one” cuts he believes will be needed to stem the budget shortfall. These include cutting tutorial programs in half, eliminating ninth grade teachers through attrition, cutting summer school to one three-week session, slashing the district office operating budget by 25%, reducing school site dollar allocations 25%, reducing substitute budgets, targeted program reductions, eliminating non-classroom vacancies, and reducing special education programs.
He said additional “level two” cuts will also be needed. Those include reducing the deferred maintenance fund and spending down that reserve (since some maintenance needs have been eliminating due to new buildings built under a bond issue), equalizing furlough days, reducing the school year by five days, eliminating department chair release periods to require extra work, and negotiating salary rollbacks and/or health and welfare benefit cuts, such as higher copays on medical or requiring employee contributions for dental coverage.
But he conceded, “That’s very difficult to get a union to accept, and very difficult to get a union to accept.”
Other recommended actions include a hard freeze on hiring teachers and a suspension on hiring classified substitutes.
Priscilla Schreiber“It’s unnerving to spend down our reserves,” said trustee Priscilla Schreiber. 'This whole thing is unnerving.'
David Golden, representative for the Classified Service Employees Association (CSEA), voiced concerns to East County Magazine over the proposals. “I think there are a lot of problems with it,” he said. “They’re not using the correct numbers for the ADA.”
In an interview with ECM following the meeting, Superintendent Collins said the district is also pursuing “as many grant proposals as possible,” which could ease the crunch somewhat, though most are narrowly targeted, such as for literacy programs. “The issues here are bigger than Grossmont. They’re bigger than the other school districts,” he observed. “There has to be, in critical institutions, a way to stabilize funding for families and kids…That’s true of police, fire and other critical services.”
Collins faults the state government for failing to find long-term stable funding sources for education in California.
“What else can I cut?” he asked, clearly frustrated at the daunting challenge. “We’re at very minimal operating levels. We will deal with it and we will keep our promise to provide students with quality instruction,” he concluded. “But it will be on the backs of classified and certificated employees who are really doing extraordinary jobs under extremely difficult situations.”
- Cottonwood Resident Announces: JUMPITZ Charity Event Aboard The Midway -Posted on: 2009-12-30Hello Everyone,
Last Sunday The Jumpitz hosted a wonderful, free event for children of the military on the USS Midway. Through our generous sponsors, we were also able to raise $25,000 to Snowball Express-- a charity for children of fallen military members. One of our sponsors wants to extend their support for our 2010 charitable efforts in working with kids of military members, and have challenged us to see how much visibility we can get to our post event, youtube click. PLEASE take the time to click through to this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhlIYJSEnc8
and ask anyone and everyone to do the same via e-mail, facebook, etc. We want to do everything wecan to support these causes. As you can see from the video, Snowball express has the endorsement of the Obamas, First Lady Shriver and our local Congresswoman Davis. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!'
--
Ellen Meador
EHM & Associates
8921 Complex Drive
San Diego, CA 92123
c 619.504.5421
f 619.447.7676Email:ehmeador@cox.net - Pete Thomas - Senior at Valhalla - takes detour to Colorado StatePosted on: 2009-12-28EL CAJON (12-23-09) — Valhalla High senior quarterback PETE THOMAS believes he can make an immediate impact as a freshman at Colorado State. That’s why he's rescinded his June commitment to Arizona State.
“I feel I had to do what’s right for me,” Thomas said. “At CSU, I have an opportunity to play early. That’s the goal of any incoming freshman.”
That wasn’t the case at ASU where Thomas felt the football program had become a bit too unstable. The Sun Devils were without an offensive coordinator after head coach Dennis Erickson fired Phil Olson following the 2009 season.
“I’m going to graduate in January, and I didn’t want to go over there where they didn’t have an offensive coordinator in place,” Thomas said.
-
EAST COUNTY’S JIMMIE JOHNSON NAMED AP MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEARPosted on: 2009-12-28December 22, 2009 (El Cajon) –Jimmie Johnson of El Cajon, the only driver ever to win four consecutive NASCAR championships, has been named Male Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press. The only race car driver ever to with the award since its inception 78 years ago, Johnson received 42 votes from editors of newspapers that are members of the AP, beating out golfer Tiger Woods, NBA star Kobe Bryant, tennis star Roger Federer, Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt and baseball slugger Albert Pujols for the honor.
“The wave is finally peaking, and we don’t know where it’s going to take us,” Johnson said, according to a San Diego News Network (SDNN) report.
Earlier this month, Johnson gained accolades for his charitable endeavors as well as his athletic achievements when he donated half a million dollars to schools in San Diego County, including Granite Hills High, Greenfield Middle and Crest Elementary schools, which he attended in East County. He also gave another half million dollars to out-of-state schools.
Some critics have questioned whether Johnson, a racecar driver should be considered an athlete. But Yahoo! Sports blogger Jay Busbee concludes, “He’s the most successful athlete currently competing right now, and it’s not even close.” Busbee observes that physical demands of the sport include “the intense heat of the car’s interior, the physical strength needed to wheel a car for 500 miles” as well as “mental discipline, ultra-fast twitch reflexes and utter, stone-cold fearlessness that only the best athletes possess.”
Johnson maintains he’s “100 percent” an athlete and says he can run five miles in 34 minutes, 55 seconds, according to SDNN. “So to anyone who wants to head-to-head with me in athletic ability, let’s go,” he challenged.
His fame has attracted HBO Sports’ 24/7 TV show, which will be covering Johnson’s preparation for the 2010 season-opening Daytona 500 with a four-part series. This season, he’s won four of seven races. Next up, he's gearing up to try and win his fifth NASCAR championship.
- Fire Chief Augie Ghio Responds to Rancho San Diego Resident in regards to Cutbacks and Fire SafetyPosted on: 2009-11-18Dear Ashley:
In an email dated September 26, 2009, you had expressed concerns that your local fire station in Rancho San Diego may have been closed due to the Benefit Assessment Fee not passing this past year. This is not the case. All 8 of the San Miguel Fire Stations are open and operating for our residents and businesses. Due to the Benefit Assessment not passing, the District was forced to reduce our costs by $2.3 million this year. This did cause us to reduce one fire engine at our Headquarters Fire Station on Austin in Spring Valley. Additionally, our entire workforce is now paying their own retirement contribution of 9% for Safety and 8% for non-Safety members.
Fortunately, we still are operating our Aerial Ladder Truck and that crew is cross staffing the fire engine. We are still maintaining our response time goal of 8 minutes or less, 90% of the time District wide. Our objective is to provide the best level of services to you and all our residents and businesses based on our annual Property Tax Revenue. We are researching other revenue options, shared service agreements with other fire agencies, and grant opportunities to help maintain our current level of services and hopefully grow our services at some point in the future.
Should you have any other questions or concerns, please contact me at your convenience.
Sincerely,
Augie Ghio
Fire Chief
San Miguel Consolidated Fire Protection District
(619) 670-0500
Email:aghio@smgfire.org - JACOB, HUNTER OPPOSE SYCUAN LAND GRABPosted on: 2009-10-23Sunday, October 18, 2009
Fellow R.A.G.E. supporter,
I have some terrific, encouraging news for you tonight.
I am pleased to report that both Dianne Jacob, our County Supervisor, and Duncan H Hunter, our local Congressman, have filed letters with the Bureau of Indian Affairs opposing Sycuan’s attempt to add nearly 2,000 acres of land in the Dehesa Valley to their existing reservation. The land includes the Singing Hills golf resort. As you know from earlier columns, we are greatly concerned that this is a subterfuge to permit construction of a casino on the land at a later date. Click Here for Full Article -
GOVERNOR’S OFFICE GETS ON BOARD!Posted on: 2009-10-23Thursday, October 22, 2009
Fellow R.A.G.E. supporter,
A few days ago, I told you about the welcome support of Country Supervisor Dianne Jacob and Congressman Duncan Hunter for our opposition to Sycuan’s 2,000-acre “land grab”. We hoped that this would spark further opposition from our public officials.
But never, in our wildest dreams, did we imagine that Governor Schwarzenegger himself (as represented by his top legal person, Andrea Lynn Hoch), would register opposition to the Sycuan land annexation. The attached “bombshell” letter shows that, in fact, the Governor’s office has just gone on record with the BIA as opposing this project- and most vehemently!
Click Here for Full Article -
GRAND OPENING CELEBRATES NEW RESTARANT IN RANCHO SAN DIEGO: SPINNERS FRESH MEDITERRANEAN SALADS & GRPosted on: 2009-10-19Business and community leaders congregated at Spinners last week for a celebration of the fast-food Mediterranean restaurant’s grand opening in Rancho San Diego. Guests sampled gyros, falafels, tabouleh and baklava, among other flavorful offerings.
“We grew up on these flavors,” said owner David Barka, a Chaldean Christian whose family origins are in Iraq, the cradle of civilization. “We tried to match as much as we can the flavors with the authentic food, but the presentation differs,” he explained.
Chaldean church leaders savor dinner at SpinnersBarka hopes his fast-casual concept of fresh Mediterranean cuisine will prove popular among not only the 30,000 Chaldeans now living in our region, but also returning military veterans who have served in the Middle East—and anyone else who enjoys the exotic flavors and healthful qualities of his restaurant’s affordably priced Mediterranean menu.
Ultimately, he hopes to expand to create a chain of fast-food fresh Mediterranean outlets. “Business is going well,” Barka said. “We’re seeing new faces, which means word is spreading. We want to succeed with this concept; then we will expand. We aer already looking at other locations,” he disclosed.
Spinners, named for the trio of spinning vertical rotisseries serving up lamb, chicken and beef, officially opened on July 3rd in the site of a former flower shop. Since then, the proprietor has been fine-tuning recipes.
Though the cuisine dates back thousands of years, Barka is utilizing the latest state-of-the-art technology to market Spinners’ to an increasingly high-tech audience of potential customers. “We’re doing a lot of social media—Twitter, Facebook,” he disclosed. Spinners was also among the restaurants featured at East County Magazine’s recent “Celebrate East County” event.
The East County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 6th, complete with live musical entertainment. Leaders of East County’s Chaldean community, local business owners and other community leaders turned out to help celebrate—and savor the tasty fare. Our own East County Eater also stopped by for a second visit – and plans to return some more.
Read the East County Eater’s rave review of Spinner’s: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/2075
Visit Spinners at 2654 Jamacha Road, Suite 101, in the Ralphs shopping center in the Rancho San Diego area of El Cajon.
Website:www.ilovespinners.com -
SDSU CUTS ENROLLMENT, CHANGES ADMISSION & TRANSFER STUDENT POLICIES: ANNOUNCEMENT DRAWS CRITICISMPosted on: 2009-10-13September 23, 2009 – In response to “devastating budget cuts”, San Diego State University President Stephen L. Weber announced that SDSU will cut enrollment by 10.8%, or 4,588 undergraduate students. In addition, the school will make changes to its admissions policy for incoming fall 2010 freshmen and transfer students. The announcement has sparked concerns and criticisms from community leaders.
“These changes are a direct result of devastating state budget cuts of $571 million to the California State University System and SDSU,” Weber wrote in an e-mail sent to faculty members yesterday.
Statewide, CSU school have cut enrollment by 40,000 for this year and next. State budget cuts are “adversely and unfairly affecting not only thousands of CSU students, but many others throughout our state,” said Weber. SDSU has already cut 600 faculty and staff position, with most remaining employees taking unpaid furloughs.
For first-time freshmen, SDSU is declaring all majors and pre-majors impacted (including undeclared) with a goal to “better manage enrollment and ensure students can get the classes they need to graduate,” according to Weber’s e-mail. Applicants will be required to apply to a pre-major or undeclared and will be admitted based on their CSU Eligibility Index (calculated from grades and SAT/ACT scores). Local students will be given extra eligibility index points, but first-time freshmen from outside SDSU’s service area will be required to live on campus their first year starting in fall 2010. These changes impact only freshmen, not students already enrolled.
For transfer students, SDSU plans to continue honoring the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) as its first admission priority but will require applicants to complete 100% of their transfer work at local community colleges. That could leave out students who started their education elsewhere, including some military veterans. Local students who have moved back home from colleges or universities elsewhere due to financial hardship may also find the doors closed to them at SDSU, even if they have met other transfer requirements.
In addition, transfer students must have completed all general education and preparation for their major, and have a minimum GPA of 2.4 or the required GPA for their major (whichever is higher). SDSU will continue to honor its “Compact for Success” with Sweetwater Union High School District and the City Heights Collaborative with Hoover High School.
Grossmont Union High School Board Trustee Richard Hoy expressed concerns over the impact of reduced enrollment and other changes on East County students.
“There is no doubt that the current economy coupled with state budget reductions for public education from elementary through college is having an adverse effect on East County students,” Hoy told East County Magazine. “At a time when young people need more education and technical training in order to prepare for new jobs and careers, course offerings and admissions are being cut back. My hope is that we see a rapid and robust turn around in the economy, but unfortunately, that may not be the case.”
The announcement of enrollment cuts and tightened requirements for incoming students and transfers comes on the heels of hefty tuition hikes---increases which sparked protests among students last week at SDSU.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell has issued a number of statements concerning the staggering $18 billion in cuts to education in California over a two year period. In a speech on May 21, he warned, “'It doesn't take much to realize what these cuts mean for education. School leaders are going to be doing all they can just to keep the lights on and the doors open. I fear that the progress we've made for seven years is likely to be completely derailed and our efforts to close the achievement gap will be an afterthought.”
O’Connell called for passage of a constitutional amendment to “end gridlock and increase budget accountability,” according to a statement on the California Department of Education website.
Democrats fought to stave off deep cuts in education funding, trying instead to push through budgets that would increase revenues through proposals for various fee and tax increases. But even though Democrats are the majority party in the State Capitol, the state constitution requires a two-thirds vote to pass any budget bill. Republicans have unanimously refused to increase any fee or tax, even for cigarettes or yacht sales. When a lone Republican Senator voted for a budget with revenue increases (later vetoed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger), the California Republican Party retaliated by refusing to fund his reelection campaign. With no budget, the state ran out of money and began issuing IOUs in July. Left with no alternative, Democrats ultimately passed a budget that included education cuts proposed by Republicans.
Sen. Kehoe at education rally“There is a partisan element unfortunately,” State Senator Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego) told East County Magazine following a hearing on wildfire preparedness today in San Diego. “Our Republican colleagues cannot vote for any tax or fee. That is unbreakable with them.” The result, she added, “is crippling our fire and emergency services, and it’s crippling education. Just look at what's happening with the CSU and UC systems.”
Some fear that SDSU’s admission policy changes may adversely impact local students, particularly women. Leaders of We Advocate Gender Equality (WAGE) sent an open letter to Weber alleging that “We concur that SDSU is once again pursuing a strategy of “discouraging” local students from enrolling on campus.” According to the WAGE letter, benefactors of the university the chair of the Academic Senate’s Diversity and Equity Committee, and community organizations have predicted the admissions changes “will decimate the numbers of local students at SDSU.”
Female students may be most adversely impacted, national and local WAGE leaders Charity B. Hirsch and Pat Washington, PHD, suggested. They contend that scholarly studies show that female students tend to be more tied to their communities because they may lack support from parents to move away and because women students earn less than young men, making it harder for them to support themselves away from home. WAGE leaders concluded, “By closing the door to many of these youngsters, the University and CSU will perpetuate the educational inequality that has plagued women in our society.”
Website:www.sdsu.edu/enrollment.info -
Report from Congressman Duncan HunterPosted on: 2009-10-09Congressman Hunter is a former U.S. Marine Captain who served in Iraq and Afghanistan between 2002 and 2007 and is the only combat veteran of the war on terror currently serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.
House Extends Homebuyer Tax Credit for Veterans
On Thursday, the House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation to extend the first-time homebuyer tax credit to veterans and other civilian personnel stationed overseas. The legislation, H.R. 3590, which passed the House by a vote of 416 – 0, provides members of the armed forces, foreign and intelligence services who have been stationed abroad for at least 90 days, another year to take advantage of the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit.
The current first-time homebuyer tax credit is set to expire on November 30, 2009. Pending Senate approval and signature by the President, veterans and other civilian personnel will remain eligible for the tax credit until the same date in 2010.
Meanwhile, consideration is being given to extend the tax credit to all first-time homebuyers, not just those individuals eligible under H.R. 3590. The House Committee on Small Business recently held a hearing on this issue, which examined the current state of the housing market and the impact of the first-time homebuyer tax credit over the last year. Information regarding this hearing, which I encourage you to review, is available on the Small Business Committee website.
Recognizing our nation’s ongoing military and diplomatic missions worldwide, I am pleased the House took action to ease the transition of the men and women undertaking these duties and help them achieve the American dream of homeownership. At the same time, I am also hopeful that we can more closely consider extending the first-time homebuyer tax credit – an important tool to assist prospective homebuyers and promote housing purchases in today’s economy – to all Americans.
I am interested to hear your thoughts on this particular issue and, more generally, the condition of our nation’s housing market, both in San Diego and nationwide. You can contact me through my website by clicking here.
Health Care Update
As the Senate moves forward with consideration of its own version of health care reform legislation, efforts are underway in the House to produce a single piece of legislation following a tri-committee review of the original proposal, H.R. 3200. Once released, I will post a copy of this legislation on my website.
Clear differences remain between the House and Senate versions of health care reform legislation. Nonetheless, as it currently stands, I remain strongly opposed to any proposal that includes excessive federal mandates, tax increases or fails to responsibly create a marketplace for competition.
Troop Surge Promptly Needed in Afghanistan
Now that the security situation in Iraq is under control and U.S. forces are beginning to rotate out of the region, America is confronted with a challenge of equal significance in Afghanistan. By all accounts, the combat mission in Afghanistan has reached an important crossroad.
In March, the President announced a new approach in this region of the world, reminding all Americans of the necessity to “disrupt, dismantle and defeat Al Qaeda in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and to prevent their return to either country.” Leading the mission in Afghanistan is General Stanley McChrystal, who was appointed by the President to evaluate the situation on the ground and provide a resource request detailing what he needs to achieve victory.
The President now has General McChrystal’s request in hand, which includes adding another 40,000 combat troops to the region. As the President considers what course to take, the security situation in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate. The insurgency is gaining strength and U.S. soldiers, Marines, as well as our allies, are being increasingly targeted by ambushes and roadside bomb attacks. To prevent mission failure and protect those troops already there, I believe the President must act quickly to fulfill General McChrystal’s request.
Only until recently, the collective commitment to this new strategy has come into question. Some in Congress have raised opposition to any type of troop surge, instead preferring to maintain or draw down combat forces, focus on training local security forces and rely on targeted airstrikes. While a scaled-back strategy might be attractive to some, it would inevitably constrain resources already in short supply, putting our mission and the safety of coalition forces at risk.
General McChrystal has made clear that a small footprint, counter-insurgency strategy will not work. What’s more, General McChrystal has clearly defined our objectives and the metrics for achieving victory against a resurgent enemy. This entails our ground forces working to standup Afghanistan’s security and police forces as we did in Iraq, and substantively weaken the stronghold of Al Qaeda and the Taliban to the point where these local forces can effectively take control.
Consistent with General McChrystal’s recommendation, the initial strategy outlined by the President almost seven months ago constitutes the best way forward. My hope is that a favorable decision is reached promptly so our military, Congress and the Administration can begin doing their respective parts to provide the full resources to execute an effective counter-insurgency strategy.
Experience also tells us that wars must be run by military leaders, not politicians or bureaucrats. The President rightly recognizes the importance of defeating Al Qaeda and the Taliban but, in order to do so, he must stay clear of political undercurrents and do what is right. In this case, it’s committing the necessary force level to complete the mission and bring our troops home.
On two occasions over the last few years, I have been to Afghanistan as both a Member of Congress and a U.S. Marine. While there, I have served alongside and shared experiences with some of the military men and women who have dutifully undertaken their mission to protect our nation and the people of Afghanistan. I have also spoken to civilian and military leadership on both sides. They too recognize what is at stake.
Our goals in Afghanistan will become further out of reach if we significantly reduce our military presence at such a critical time. Understanding this risk, I hope that President Obama, as Commander-in-Chief, will follow the recommendation of his appointed military commander and commit his full support to this important mission.
In the meantime, I would appreciate hearing from you on our efforts in Afghanistan and General McChrystal’s troop request. Please contact me with your thoughts through my website by clicking here. I also encourage you to watch a video segment from my recent interview on CSPAN, where I raised some of my thoughts and concerns on this issue.
- Prop H and Prop UPosted on: 2009-09-15
- Eric Paredes Memorial InformationPosted on: 2009-07-28Friends...
On July 23, 2009, after 15 short years of life, Eric A. Paredes became an angel in heaven and we lost a beautiful boy. Eric was the most caring, thoughtful, funny, sensitive and loving, young man. Eric would light up any room with his constant smile. Eric loved life and lived it to the fullest. He enjoyed being with family and friends. He was a talented wrestler and had a passion for dancing. He was loved by all who knew him. He is survived by his adoring parents, Hector and Rhina Paredes, beautiful sister Jessica, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, cousins and many, many friends. Eric will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Eric's services are as follows;
Vigil/Rosary Wed, July 29th at 6:30 pm at
The Church of St. Luke 1980 Hillsdale Road El Cajon, CA
Liturgy/Celebration of Eric's Life Reception Thurs, July 30th at 1:00 pm at The Church of Saint Luke
followed by a reception in the Parich Hall.
Donations can be made to the Eric A. Paredes Memorial Fund at any Wells Fargo Branch and will benefit the Steele Canyon High School Wrestling Program.
We realize that many of you have been wanting to help the family in some way. If you would like to help, we would love for you to share your favorite salad or dessert at the Celebration of Eric's Life. If you choose to bring something, please deliver to St. Luke's Church by 11:30am on Thursday, July 30th.
Thank youEmail:michelle.speegle@cox.net - JACOB SADDLES UP FOR HISTORIC FIFTH TERMPosted on: 2009-01-09Better fire protection, improving parks and trails top agenda as Chairwoman in ‘09
SAN DIEGO -- “There is no place on earth like the Second District. We work hard. We say what we mean. And, a handshake still matters,” San Diego County Chairwoman Dianne Jacob said as she took the oath of office for an historic fifth term on the Board of Supervisors.
“Today, I offer this handshake to the people in my district: I will continue to give you nothing less than 110 percent of my efforts,” Jacob said with her husband of 47 years, Paul, at her side. She was sworn in by the Honorable Peter C. Deddeh, Supervising Judge of the San Diego Superior Court in East County.
In addition, Jacob was selected by her colleagues as Chairwoman of the Board for 2009. The position requires that she chair all board meetings and represent the Board at official functions. Traditionally, the chair makes an annual visit to Washington D.C. to advocate on behalf of the County.
In remarks to her constituents, Jacob noted that she made good on a 2004 promise to consolidate fractured rural fire districts in the wake of the 2003 Cedar Fire. She pledged to continue to work with regional leaders to invest in better fire protection in the year ahead.
“The County’s commitment to spend $15.5 million annually to consolidate rural fire agencies means better-coordinated services at more than 50 stations in the unincorporated area. Ultimately, 1.5 million acres will fall under the new San Diego County Regional Fire Authority. That’s more than half the geographic area of the county,” she said.
Jacob said that tackling gang violence and creating places for families and young people to play would top her agenda in the year ahead.
“We cannot ignore gang violence or deny it. We cannot cross our fingers and hope it goes away. Law enforcement is making inroads. More needs to be done and I will soon be detailing ways to combat this growing menace,” Jacob said.
Jacob also said the County would soon open the much-anticipated Lakeside Baseball Park and was making progress on several long term trail projects, including the historic Stowe Trail that will stretch from Santee to Poway.
“When we build safe places for kids to play, they exercise, we build stronger communities. We fight crime and obesity. We support families and promote teamwork. Simply put, we plant seeds for a better future,” Jacob said.
Jacob is a former elementary school teacher and past president of the California School Boards Association.
She was re-elected in the June primary and garnered nearly 78 percent of the vote.
Click Here for More Info -
Friends of Howie HawverPosted on: 2009-01-03Dear soccer families, coaches, and friends - I am calling upon you to take a few moments and read the below, regarding one of our own great So Cal Coaches.
Howie Hawver, a great soccer master mind who has successfully coached everything from U8-College soccer is in need of OUR help. Howie has recently been diagnosed with ALS. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, sometimes called Maladie de Charcot) is a progressive, usually fatal, neurodegenerative disease caused by the degeneration of motor neurons, the nerve cells in the central nervous system that control voluntary muscle movement. In the United States, the condition is often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease.
Howie needs medication that in hopes will slow down the progress of the disease. Unfortunately, as with most expensive medications it is only partially covered by insurance (left with a $2500 bi-monthly expense) Howie needs our help.
As a director, girls coach, boys coach, camp instructor, high school coach, college coach, Howie has spent the last 25 plus years shaping some of the great soccer players of our time. To list Howie's accomplishments would take too long and would take away from his true need right now - WE THE SOCCCER COMMUNITY.
Howie has been a staple in the San Diego soccer community for over 25 years. I have personally coached, club, High school, and College against Howie. His soccer knowledge is second to none, and his players are a testiment to that. Now it is time for us (even coaches like me - who was always competing against) to make our testiment to Howie.
I am asking you to take a few moments and think about what an impact a coach a has made in your childs life. As a coach I ask you to think about what he has given to the game. As a Christian I ask that you pray for Howie and his family and doctors.
A dear friend of mine has done tremendous amounts of leg work to open an acct and talk Howie into accepting help from us, the soccer community. Its now up to us to help one of our own in great need. If you can make any donation to help fund the nec medication please contact:
Please make your checks payable to 'Friends of Howie Hawver'
Then send your donations directly to:
The San Diego County Credit Union
Attention: Michelle Swope
312 W. Main Street
El Cajon, CA 92020
Yours in soccer,
Matt Robertson -
What is Odin's March?Posted on: 2008-09-25Click Here to Find Out! -
County Announces - $15 Million Available for First-Time Home BuyersPosted on: 2002-01-31December 18, 2009 (San Diego) -If you're a first-time homebuyer, you may be able to take advantage of state funds awarded to the County of San Diego Department of Housing and Community Development. The department received $15 million for the Mortgage Credit Certificate, or MCC, program, in addition to almost $11 million awarded to Housing and Community Development earlier this year.
An MCC allows eligible homebuyers to reduce their federal income tax by up to 20 percent of the annual interest paid on a mortgage loan. With less being paid in taxes, the buyer's net earnings increase, enabling that person to more easily qualify for a mortgage loan.
Homebuyers must meet certain qualifications to participate in the program. Among them, buyers cannot earn more than $109,020 annually for a family of three or more, and not more than $94,800 annually for a family of two or less. The limits are higher if buyers purchase home in specially designated areas. The purchased home must be the buyer’s primary residence, and an MCC may only be used to purchase single-family detached homes, condominiums, townhomes and manufactured homes on a permanent foundation.
The property to be purchased must be located within an unincorporated area of San Diego County, or in the cities of Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coronado, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, National City, Poway, San Marcos, Santee, or Vista. The cities of San Diego and Oceanside operate their own individual MCC programs.
Interested homebuyers apply for the program through a mortgage lender. For information, please visit the County of San Diego Housing and Community Development Web site, or contact Bonnie Petrach at (858) 694-4810
