Occupy This: Eight Protestors Marching From Del Mar, Calif. to Delmar, Del. or thereabouts...

#OccupyWalk

The Occupy Walk is a National March starting at San Diego, California February 11th, walking across the United States taking a southern route to bypass winter in the first months of the walk. They plan on meeting up with people from other Occupations, groups who plan their own route to meet up with the national march, and anyone in any town that wants to walk for the cause. This walk will help promote the Occupy cause by drawing attention to the injustices that were first presented by the Occupy Wall Street Movement in 2011. Roll tide...

The group was scheduled to spend Monday night at a home in Leucadia and Tuesday night in Oceanside. They had hopes of reaching the Temecula area by sometime Wednesday night.

Members of the Occupy movement have launched a coast-to-coast walk that will bring them through North County and Southwest Riverside County, it was reported today.

A group of eight walkers ---- some from Occupy San Diego and some from Los Angeles ---- left Sunday from San Diego, and by noon Monday had reached Del Mar, publicist Nan DiGiovanni said.

They plan to walk to Washington, D.C., staying with host families along the way, DiGiovanni said. She did not have an estimated time for when they are expected to arrive at their destination, but said walkers are inviting people to join them along the way.

Beyond arranged stays the first few nights, the walkers are looking for backyards to camp in, DiGiovanni said.

People wishing to host them can submit information to the group's website at  http://occupywalk.org/.

The Occupy movement began with protests against corporate greed and quickly spread across the nation. Occupy events have been held regionally, including ones in Encinitas and Oceanside.

Saldana v. Bilbray in newly reconstituted 52nd Cong. Dist. (Oh yeah, Scott Peters, too, but who cares.)

 

Former California state legislator Lori Saldaña, a Democrat, is seeking to represent San Diego's redrawn 52nd District in the U.S. Congress with a campaign based on her work in education, environmental causes and the defense of immigrants.

The daughter of Frank Saldaña, a Marine veteran who pursued a career as a reporter at the San Diego Evening Tribune, she grew up in the city's Claremont neighborhood.

Lori Saldaña will compete in the June 5 open primary against fellow Democrat Scott Peters, chair of the Port of San Diego; Republican Rep. Brian P. Bilbray, who currently represents the 50th District in Washington; and two other GOP hopefuls, John Stahl and Wayne Iverson.

Under California's new election law, the top two vote-getters in June regardless of party will face off in the November general election.

Saldaña was elected to the state Assembly for the first time in 2004, was reelected twice and also has been an instructor for San Diego Community College, associate dean at San Diego Mesa College and is an acknowledged expert on water quality.

"Traditional Democrats and Republicans don't know what to do with me. I'm not a traditional Latina, since instead of participating in established organizations I directed the Sierra Club and grew up in the middle class neighborhood of Claremont," said Saldaña in an interview with Efe, adding that she is very proud of her Panamanian and Mexican roots.

Her work in the state Assembly led her to sponsor bills to reduce greenhouse gases, make solar energy cheaper and train small businessowners to take advantage of development opportunities.

"I was married to an oceanographer, and so for many years I crossed over to Ensenada every day so that I learned the trans-border dynamics," said Saldaña, who has a B.A. and M.A. in education from San Diego State University.

"After college I taught at the community college where I also administered the scholarships for the technical training of students by the Labor Department. Due to budget cuts, those scholarships disappeared, which made me take note of the need to do legislative work to restore them," she said.

The 52nd District, where the population is about 15 percent Hispanic, is facing challenges mainly associated with the high cost of education and the reduction of well-paid jobs.

"The Republicans accuse us Democrats of wanting to raise taxes and spend, while they are borrowing and spending. Our position is more responsible," Saldaña said.

The candidate, who opposes walls along the border arguing that she considers them costly and inefficient, said that it is key for the regional economy to implement an intelligent immigration policy that recognizes the contributions of undocumented immigrants.

She also said that she believes undocumented foreigners should be able to obtain U.S. citizenship if they prove that the only laws they have violated are the immigration statutes.

Saldaña received the support of Emily's List, a non-profit political organization supporting women candidates.

"This shows my popularity among the organizations of the Democratic base and activists. It's paradoxical that the traditional sectors of my party, including Hispanic organizations, have supported Peters. However, I believe that my platform is the most progressive and the best," said Saldaña.

SDSU WATCHDOG INSTITUTE: Big money Super PACs eye San Diego County election scene

  (For more from the San Diego State University Watchdog Institute visit here...)

San Diegans may soon witness the war of the super PACs up close, as some of these mega spenders zero in on contests right here at home.

A couple of super committees are locally based, including one with cosmic interests.

Super PACs, nonprofits that can raise and spend unlimited funds from corporations, unions and individuals to support and oppose politicians and causes, are watching the 52nd Congressional District, a traditionally Republican safehouse in North County until its boundaries were redrawn last year. Now incumbent Brian Bilbray faces two challengers in the primary, and the Democrats are preparing to make it a real contest.

Alixandria Lapp, executive director of the House Majority PAC, a super PAC dedicated to helping Democrats win back the House, said the 52nd District is in their sights. It has raised about $3 million so far, according to records filed with the Federal Elections Commission. Its biggest donors are unions, some of which have written six figure checks.

“I feel relatively confident that we will be investing resources in this race and ensuring the voters in San Diego understand the choice they have this fall,” she said. “It’s only logical that groups like ours would see this as a strong pickup opportunity.”

Also keeping a close eye on the 52nd is American Crossroads, a conservative super PAC that has raised about $18 million so far, according tofederal elections data. Its largest donors–to the tune of $2 and $5 million–are wealthy individuals.

 Nate Hodson, spokesman for American Crossroads, was wary of discussing specific strategies but said they are monitoring the 52nd District.

“Races in San Diego are becoming competitive, certainly the opportunity will be great there for a number of groups,” he said.

Super PACs — Political Action Committees — mushroomed after the federal courts blew the cap off the amount these organizations can raise and spend. They can’t be directly tied to candidates, but they can spend as much as they want to support or oppose them. And they already have in the first primary states, especially on television advertisements.

Richard Briffault, a campaign finance expert and professor of law at Columbia University, said super PACs are going to home in on close races where “they think their money could make a difference.”

“Sometimes it’s a good thing; people might become more attentive—something real is happening, something exciting,” he said.

Super PACs are uncharted territory. Anyone can form one by sending a letter to the FEC. And there is no law saying what they must do with the money they raise.

“Other than being barred from giving their money directly to candidates or political parties, super PACs can do what they want with their money,” said Viveca Novak, spokeswoman for the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonprofit organization that monitors and analyzes campaign data.

Some can be left with a lot of cash on their hands.  One in La Jolla, for instance, was dedicated to electing Rick Perry. It raised about $430,000 and spent about $409,000 through the end of 2011, according to federal records. Its biggest donor is Texas billionaire investor Harold Simmons.

Once Perry was out of the race, the group changed its name to the Restoring Prosperity Fund and created a one-page website that says it “continues to advocate for Conservative Causes and take an active roll in House and Senate races in the coming election cycle.” Longtime San Diego-based Republican political consultant Bob Schuman is the group’s national campaign director, and the PAC shares an address on Faye Avenue in La Jolla with his firm.

As of Feb. 13, 318 super PACs had reported raising a total of $98.6 million, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Some appear to be among the growing number of spoof groups like comedian Stephen Colbert’s Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow.

There is one registered to an apartment in La Jolla called A Completely Legitimate Super PAC, though it’s not legitimately a super PAC because it didn’t register to accept unlimited contributions.

Another super PAC in San Diego is called Reaching Stars –  Securing Our Future. It is dedicated to the establishment and flourishing of sustainable life on other planets.

Erik Hanley, who lives in Texas but registered the PAC at his parents’ address in Scripps Ranch, said he formed the super PAC in response to steep cuts in NASA funding and space exploration. He wants to start a dialogue about how to ensure life will exist elsewhere when the this planet can no longer support it.

“Part of the reason I started the PAC is that I know nothing happens without political support,” he said.

Hanley said he hopes that like-minded individuals and companies will donate money to further this mission. So far, his super PAC hasn’t reportedspending or receiving money.

“People are thinking about the economy, people are thinking about jobs, people aren’t thinking about far off places,” he said. “I don’t think people are going to agree with my view point today or tomorrow, but I think time is on my side.”

Some wealthy individuals in San Diego have donated to more election minded super PACs.

A few months before he bought The San Diego Union-Tribune, Doug Manchester gave $25,000 to Restore Our Future, which is has raised about $30 million and is dedicated to electing Mitt Romney. San Diego real estate investors Lawrence and Suzanne Hess have donated $120,000 toProgressive Kick, a Super PAC based in Oakland. The group has raised about $130,000 and hasn’t reported any expenditures.

Hess said he and his wife donated the money for races in Iowa and Wisconsin. So far, he said, they haven’t contributed with a local race in mind.

Experts in campaign finance say super PAC spending isn’t just amplifying in San Diego but all around California where newly redrawn districts are putting formerly safe congressional seats in jeopardy.

Richard Hasen, an expert in election law and campaign finance and law professor at the University of California, Irvine, said he expects super PAC spending to “explode” if control of the House comes into play. In fact, the organizations could spend more than the candidates themselves.

Lapp said the House Majority PAC hasn’t done any fundraising in California yet, but she expects that to happen soon, especially since donors can earmark their money for specific races.

“Something that is really exciting to California Democrats is that for the first time in a very long time there are a lot of really competitive Democratic elections in California,” she said. “Previously, that money went to congressional races in Michigan or Missouri.”

Brooke Williams is an investigative reporter based in Washington, D.C.

If you need a good retirement planner in San Diego, look up John McCartin at SafeNestEgg.com

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I am a senior 80 years of age. A local attorney recommended and filed a lawsuit and charged me over $200,000 in fees. After his fees had topped $200,000, he asked me to OK an extension of the trial date for 15 months because he was not ready to go to trial. That would have cost another $300,000, so I fired him.

The replacement attorney I got found out that the lawsuit my former attorney had recommended, and filed for me, had no legal merit and could not prevail under any circumstances, and that my former attorney knew this before he filed the lawsuit.

This was reported to the DA's Office, who claimed that this was theft, and to file a crime report, which I did. They also advised me to file a lawsuit against this crooked attorney in order to get the money back which I had paid him.

Because the evidence against my former attorney was so overwhelming and irrefutable, the crooked attorney did not file a rewsponse within the required 30 days, and I filed a request for a default judgment. The judge on the case also turned... (more)

Operation Invade Wall Street - A Message to the People

Operation Invade Wall Street - A Message to the People

TRANSCRIPT:

________________

Citizens of the World,

We are Anonymous.

For too long, the crimes of Wall Street bankers, CEOs, and a corrupt political system have created economic injustices that has gone unchallenged. A new civil rights movement has begun.

Today, the brave citizens of New York are standing up to these atrocities, a voice of reason in an ever-failing society. Over the past few days, thousands of people have chosen to take a stand against these injustices. The 1% has abused the freedom they have been given. We are taking to the streets to show the wealthy elite that we, the 99%, are no longer going to grease the gears of this abhorrent system.

The lifeblood of the country is the working class, without it our people and our economy will crumble. Those who sustain present-day colonialism are the enablers of modern-day fascism. Our government has granted hefty tax exemptions to the rich at the cost of our social services. We as taxpayers have served as the multi-billion dollar credit line to the companies and banks that continue to systematically abuse us.

We are here to say that we do matter. We will not be manipulated, threatened, or toyed with by the wealthy. No longer can you acquire profit and political power to our detriment. 

These few people are running the world, and they are running it into the ground.

Political power cannot be traded or bought; it must be earned and agreed upon by the governed. This is our chance to show them that the people will not allow this to continue.  

We are forced out of our homes. We are denied medical care. We suffer from poverty and pollution. We work long hours just to stay afloat, while the 1% reap benefits we can only imagine. Our sworn enemy is the corrupted corporation. --We are the 99%.

You have complained that something needs to be done. You now have an opportunity to make a difference.

Join the protests. Organize your own. Watch online. Be a part of the movement.

This is our movement. This is your moment.

Together, make history. 

Vox Populi, Vox Anon.

The Voice of The People is the Voice of Anonymous.

The voice of the weak that are unable to speak. The voice of those strong who are enslaved.

We are your voice. We are the 99%.

We do not forgive corruption. We do not forget mistreatment.

Wall Street, Expect us.

TARGET: nyse.com 10 October 3:30 PM EST

Curious Case of the 2010 San Diego County Crop Report: Where Have All the Cucumbers Gone?

(Cucumbers grew around Otay Mesa in 1981 per this photo, but an Ah-Ha Rancho Santa Fe News investigation into the 2010 San Diego County Crop Report that declared the county to be in the top five statewide for cucumber production. San Diego ag officials said the county featured 266 acres, 5,847 tons of cukes worth $3.4 million. Huh? You see any cucumbers growing anywhere?)

Once again, the San Diego County Crop Report out this summer was a source of amazement and sometimes amusement. We're talking cukes, not nukes here; the big lie about CUCUMBERS. More in a moment...

Even as farm acreage continues to sink in the county, and the economy tanks, crop values rose slightly, up around $104,000 over 2009 to $1.65 million in 2010. However, county farmers lost 4,578 acres of production to housing leaving 302,713 acres under cultivation.

First the official tale of the take. County ag officials reported:

The value of Nursery and Cut Flower crops continued to rise in San Diego County in 2010. The number one crop, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs increased in value 14.69% to $418,841,523. The number two crop, Indoor Flowering & Foliage Plants, increased in value by 0.56% to $292,500,000.  Overall acreage for nurseries and cut flowers increased slightly by 0.05%. The total value for all nursery products (including cut flowers and foliage) was well above the one billion dollar mark for a grand total of $1,107,558,336.

For the complete report visit the pdf file attached to this story...

Some other fun facts, courtesy of your county ag dept.:

San Diego County’s varied topography creates a wide fluctuation of microclimates resulting in nearly 30 different types of vegetation communities. This diversity allows for San Diego to grow over 200 different agricultural commodities - from strawberries along the coast, apples in the mountain areas, to palm trees in the desert.

San Diego County has the 5th* highest urban population among counties in the United States, and the 17th* largest agricultural economy. (*updated)

Agriculture in San Diego County covers 302,713 acres and is a key contributor to San Diego County’s economy, along with defense, manufacturing, tourism and biotechnology.  

San Diego County has 6,687 farms, more than any other county in the United States.  68% of San Diego County farms are 1-9 acres.  Nearly 27% of farms in San Diego County are operated by women. 

The high cost of water and land make farming in San Diego County expensive and encourages growers to raise products with a high dollar value per acre.  San Diego produces the highest dollar value per acre of any county in California!

The median size farm is just 4 acres and yet our county’s farmers rank number one in both California and the nation in the production value of nursery, floriculture and avocados.  

But then it gets more than a little murky. County officials made the following statement:

Statewide, San Diego County is in the top five counties for cucumbers, mushrooms, tomatoes, boysenberries, strawberries, grapefruit, Valencia oranges, tangelos and tangerines, honey, and eggs.

Look closely at that last statement for it says the county is in the top five in the state for CUCUMBERS. CUCUMBERS???

Where have all the cucumbers gone?

This is cucumber harvest season in San Diego County where the county Department of Agriculture's picture of a robust crop worth $3.4 million and grown on 266 harvested acres poses a riddle of sorts.

Where the heck are those cucumbers?
"The agriculture commissioner is mandated to prepare the crop report," said Delores Brandon, former county Agriculture Department spokeswoman who once coordinated the annual crop report. "However, farmers are not mandated to produce the information. We use the various databases within our department and send questionnaires. Then we merge and purge."

"They send out questionnaires to farmers," said Alan Usrey, Escondido Farmers Market assistant manager. "But how accurate the stuff they get is the question."

"There are quite a few cucumber growers," Brandon said when asked about the crop, adding county officials had to rely on a voluntary reporting system. She referred other questions to Kurt Floren, former deputy director of the county Agriculture Department who said the report was accurate.

"We do have numerous producers, quite a few growers," Floren said. "Sixty-eight growers of cucumber crops are on file in the Pesticide Regulation Program database. Eleven growers of cucumber crops are on file in the Certified Producer database."

Wayne Schraeder, University of California Cooperative Extension vegetable adviser for San Diego County, agreed with county officials.

"The production of high quality cucumbers has been a specialty of the area for a long time," Schraeder said. However, Schraeder added: "I haven't worked with cucumbers for years," and "I don't keep the records."

County agriculture officials keep two lists pertaining to cucumber growers. One list has those certified as organic growers. These growers must be certified in order to sell at state certified framers markets. Another list compiled by inspectors for the county Agricultural Department pesticide regulatory program accounts for all growers who use pesticides.

However, interviews with cucumber producers that county agriculture officials said reported 1999 cucumber production found some weren't growing cucumbers at all and others were growing only a few acres.

While specialty cucumbers such as the Japanese variety may go for $2.50 to $3 per pound in the winter and 60 cents to 80 cents per pound in the summer, fresh market cucumbers sell on the producer market for 30 cents to 50 cents a pound. Specialty cucumbers are grown mainly for ethnic markets and farmers markets and account for a small percentage of county cucumber production, growers said.

Current and former cucumber growers expressed surprise at the phantom cucumber listings.

"We once had 200-300 acres of cucumbers," said Mitch Hirota, owner of QRF Marketing of Carlsbad, a major grower and distributor of tomatoes and, yes, cucumbers once upon a time. "Right now, there aren't too many local growers left.,"  

Harry Singh & Sons of Oceanside "stopped about two years," when it came to growing cucumbers, said Richard Keim, president of Oceanside Produce, the marketing arm for the last of the large-scale vegetable growers in North County. "We used to produce one-half million packages a year with 30 pounds to a box."

 "No way in hell," said Doug Shellstron, owner of D&S Farms in Jamul and an 18-year grower of cucumbers.. There is a quarter here of what grew here 3-to-4 years ago. Mexico killed it."

"I just wonder if they are being harvested down there," said Heather Flowers, a spokeswoman for the Western Growers Association, a top marketing organization for Southern California vegetable growers. "Usually, I think cucumbers circulate up farther north by now."

An acre yields around 22 tons of field-grown cucumbers, according to the crop report. By that standard, Singh & Sons had been producing 15 million pounds of cucumbers before stopping. Napoleon Farms, the grower for QRF Marketing were producing about 5.9 million pounds.

The total 1999 cucumber output was put at 86.9 million pounds. So, those two growers alone, who stopped before 1999, represented about 25 percent of all reported cucumber values.

Further contacts with cucumber growers identified by county records yielded the following information about current production:

Valley Heights Ranch in Vista was listed with around two acres. "We just have a few cucumbers in greenhouses for the farmers market," said Alan Yasukochi, the owner.

Martinez Ranch on Otay Mesa was listed as growing 60 acres. "We just finished picking 25 acres," said Augustin Martinez, the owner. "We're planting 10-20 acres in the next two to three weeks. Then, we'll plant again in July and August. My dad started in 1964. I'm about the only one still trying cucumbers here on the mesa."

Be Wise Ranch has 40 acres of cucumbers growing around Rancho Santa Fe. San Clemente Ranch grows 34 acres of cucumbers at Camp Pendleton under a lease arrangement. Leslie Farms has around 30-35 arces in Del Mar and Carlsbad.

D&S Farms grew about 30 acres in South Bay. Mirada Farms grows and packs cucumbers and has around 50 South Bay acres.

Jose Rivas, of Vista, had an acre. Carl Meyer, of Portrero, was listed with one acre. Chino Farm, of Rancho Santa Fe, has an acre. Lucky Growers, of San Marcos, has 1-2 acres. Sugimoto Farms, of Encinitas, has about an acre. Bell Gardens in Valley Center has an acre. Green Paradise Farms was listed with 2-5 acres in Vista.

Keim, of Oceanside Produce, said of the cucumber values in the crop report: "Offhand, I don't know how accurately they keep those statistics. I would check with the county agriculture pesticides department. They have to know who grows what."

As for local cucumber growing, cukes need warmth and a lot of high quality water, said Schraeder of UC Cooperative Extension.

Local growers who had de-emphasized cucumbers in recent years cited the high cost of water and production as well as imports of cucumbers from Mexico since the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement had killed the local growing market.

Do Something About This Climate Change Rich People Or You Too Will Perish

Do Something About This Climate Change Rich People Or You Too Will Perish

Rancho Santa Fe donor money significantly influences San Diego mayor race, records reveal...

It might be conventional wisdom in San Diego that La Jolla has an outsized influence in city politics. However, Rancho Santa Fe, not even in the city of San Diego, has just as much influence, maybe more, due to campaign contributions.

Donors from La Jolla's 92037 zip code gave almost $82,000 to the four major 2012 mayoral candidates in the campaign's first month, according to campaign finance data. That's almost double the money coming from any other zip code.

Three of the four candidates, City Councilman Carl DeMaio, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and Congressman Bob Filner, raised more money from La Jolla than anywhere else. La Jolla was second to Rancho Santa Fe's 92067 zip code for Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher.

A closer look at the individual candidates' disclosures shows that their bases of support aren't surprising, either.

DeMaio pulled in money from Rancho Bernando's 92128 zip code, which is in his council district. Dumanis was strong in downtown's 92101 zip code, which would indicate her support among the city's downtown establishment. Filner raised money from the South Bay communities of Chula Vista and Bonita, which are outside the city of San Diego but in his congressional district. Rancho Santa Fe is outside the city, but the 92067 zip code neighbors Fletcher's assembly district.

The four major candidates raised $1.1 million in the race's first month, including DeMaio's $270,000 personal contribution to his campaign.

Here are the top three zip codes for each of the candidates and overall:

DeMaio

• La Jolla (92037), $30,981

• Rancho Bernardo (92128), $14,730

• Downtown (92101), $14,552

Dumanis

• La Jolla (92037), $17,777.31

• Downtown (92101), $17,735

• Hillcrest/Mission Hills (92103), $16,150

Filner

• La Jolla (92037), $6,150

• Chula Vista (91910), $4,725

• Bonita (91902), $4,200

Note: Filner transferred money from his congressional campaign to his mayoral fund, meaning some of these contributions were originally for his federal campaign.

Fletcher

• Rancho Santa Fe (92067), $27,950

• La Jolla (92037), $27,600

• Carmel Valley (92130), $19,100

Combined

• La Jolla (92037), $81,838.71

• Downtown (92101), $41,239

• Rancho Santa Fe (92067) $40,451.

BYE BYE RANCHO SANTA FE, CALIF: Casey Anthony ON THE ROAD AGAIN for parts, and legal implications, unknown...(For previous coverage: http://ahharsfnews.com/2011/08/07/tot-mom-casey-anthony-spot.)

Casey Anthony possibly says good-bye to all that up, up and away from the helipad perhaps, but to where??? Good luck to the next town on the Anthony courtroom victory tour!

 (Photo: The scene Wednesday as business becomes the usual at the $5.2 million Lineo Del Cielo estate reputed to have housed tot mom Casey Anthony last weekend. The 'for sale' MLS listing was removed Wednesday and a very public TV news crew tour staged to show that Anthony was not on the property. Speculation resumes on her whereabouts...)

With all due respect to Willie Nelson, the Casey Anthony road show apparently has departed Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. and is on the road again. Where it will stop, nobody but attorney Todd Macaluso, and other Anthony confidantes, probably know.

An Ah-Ha Rancho Santa Fe News investigation in conjunction with The Morton Report reveled the probability that indomitable Ms. A,  was at a $5.2 million-plus Linea Del Cielo estate for about a week. Our belief based on information at hand is she departed sometime late Tuesday or early Wednesday following increased media attention to her 92067 whereabouts, not to mention the outrage that she may have been living at an estate in the exclusive Rancho Santa Fe Covenant.

Macaluso has offices at La Jolla, Carlsbad and downtown San Diego and regularly jets from Palomar Airport. Macaluso's website features a Pilatus PC-12 jet on its home page "which enables us to travel anywhere within the united states in seven hours. We also ow and operate a Bell Jet Ranger 20-6 helicopter..."]

Suddenly, activity was reported at Macaluso's Linea Del Cielo house that features, among other amenities, a helipad, perfect for secretive comings and going. The estate was fully gated and secure with access available only on a small private road.

An Ah-Ha Rancho Santa Fe News and Morton Report reveal on Aug. 8 that circumstances surrounding the estate appeared suspicious aroused speculation Anthony was there. Two luxury vehicles were on the property. An attempt to contact the residents resulted in a suspiciously disguised voice, followed by the gate opening. This was followed by a woman's voice, sudden intercom cut-off and the gate immediately closing.

As media descended on the property in question, sheriffs deputies and security personnel kept them at bay. Suddenly prominent personalities at the estate also instructed media to leave and briefly posted a "keep out" sign.

However, the tenure changed considerably late Tuesday or early Wednesday as the estate suddenly opened its doors to a local television crew who said everything seemed normal there. Estate activity became pronounced with gardening crews and visible lifestyle activities. The presumption, then, is Ms. A would have departed sometime between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. 

Here is the immediate timeline for Anthony following her acquittal on charges she murdered her four year old daughter Caylee.

Aug. 3 -- First photos of Anthony surface on TMZ. Speculation abounds the Anthony camp arranged for the photos shoots. Claims were made she posed inside the shop window at which she was photographed. Also noted were her seeming to walk to a coffee shop several miles away while wearing sandals.

Aug. 5. -- First reports of Anthony being sighted around Solana Beach or Rancho Santa Fe surface.

Aug. 7.  -- Speculation begins that Anthony may be at  one of the homes of one of here attorneys, Todd Macaluso. A visit by Ah-Ha Rancho santa Fe News to the estate revealed unusual activity although no sighting of Anthony.

Aug. 8 -- Nancy Grace, the Morton Report and other national media host the ongoing discussion of where anthony is located and what it means should she be at the Macaluso mansion.

Aug. 10 -- Ah-Ha Rancho Santa Fe News sounds the all-clear. Anthony has moved on...

I SINCERELY HOPE THAT YOU DO NOT HAVE CHILD MURDERER CASEY ANTHONY IN YOUR BEAUTIFUL NEIGHBORHOOD.... IF YOU DO.... PLEASE WATCH YOUR CHILDREN VERY VERY CAREFULLY. SHE IS A PSYCHOPATH AND COULD ATTACK AT ANY MOMENT NOW.

"Tot Mom" Casey Anthony Spotted At Exclusive $5.2 Million Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. Estate?

Casey Anthony Spotted At Exclusive $5.2 Million Rancho Santa Fe Estate, Calif.?

Say what one will about infamous "tot mom" Casey Anthony, she also now may be at an exclusive 5-bedroom, $5.2 million Rancho Santa Fe estate just off  Linea Del Cielo, according to published reports and sources.

Dawn Olsen of the Morton Report Blog reported this weekend that Anthony was sighted around Solana Beach or Rancho Santa Fe late last week. Speculation arose she was at the house of Todd Edward Macaluso Sr, 48, one of her defense attorneys.

Furthermore, documentation showed Macaluso's private jet, right after her release last month from jail, took Anthony to Columbus, Ohio, where she was last spotted publicly. Macaluso has offices at La Jolla, Carlsbad and downtown San Diego and regularly jets from Palomar Airport.

"The residence apparently was on the market for a while but didn't sell and now she's staying there with two body guards. There is a helipad on the property. While Todd has denied that she is there, neighbors have reported seeing and hearing her," Olsen said.

The 5-bedroom, 5 1/2-bath, Spanish-style home was built in 2005, according to real estate records. It is within the ultra-exclusive Rancho Santa Fe Covenant. It is MLS# 110040046 listed at $5.2 million.

KNOCK KNOCK

Who's there?

 After surveying the yard with luxury black sedan and unidentified black hybrid SUV in the garage area, an attempt hatched to call the residence on the intercom outside the gate. A weirdly shaped voice answered, something between that of a young child and/or drunk woman. The gate opened. Attempting to enter the yard, however, another voice came on the intercom, uttered an admonition, and the gate quickly closed.

Ah-Ha Rancho Santa Fe Investigation Concludes: Something funny is going on there, but whether it is related to Anthony can not be confirmed at this time. Local media reported contacting Malacaluso's office and getting no comment. Possible Anthony destinations outside of San Diego included Palm Springs or Orange County. 

(Photo: Lead attorney Jose Baez, Anthony and Macaluso at trial.)

This is not  the first time the notorious Miss A has been linked to highly upscale North County San Diego. Also linked to Macaluso, she was reported [possibly] in Carlsbad just following her acquittal of murdering her infant daughter last month.

NBC's "Today" show broadcast from Carlsbad in July said Anthony left Orlando, Fla., on a plane owned by Macaluso, and that flight records indicated the plane eventually landed at Orange County's John Wayne Airport after making stops in Panama City, Fla.; Prescott, Ariz.; and Northern California.

"Sources say she climbed on board an airplane, an aircraft that's kept at a hangar right here," NBC's Kerry Sanders reported from Palomar Airport. "That aircraft, flying west, making multiple stops where she may or may not have stepped off."

IN A NUTSHELL:

Anthony did not report her daughter's disappearance for a month and was arrested after telling a string of lies about the case to police. Caylee's remains were found in December 2008 near the home Casey Anthony shared with her parents.

Prosecutors alleged that Anthony suffocated her daughter with duct tape because motherhood interfered with her desire for a carefree life, but her lawyers said the girl drowned in an accident that snowballed out of control. Some of the jurors who acquitted Anthony said they believe she bears some responsibility for her daughter's death, but that prosecutors failed to prove that she murdered the child.

Anthony had remained in jail to finish a four-year sentence for lying to investigators. With credit for the nearly three years she'd spent in jail since August 2008 and good behavior, she had only days remaining in her jail term when she was sentenced July 7.

State Rep.Martin Garrick, R-Solana Beach, pleads no contest to drunken driving charges

Assemblyman Martin Garrick, R-Solana Beach, will lose his driver's license for four months and perform 48 hours of community service after pleading no contest today to drunken driving charges.

Three California Highway Patrol officers arrested Garrick on June 15 after they saw him speed past a stop sign and red traffic lights near the Capitol. Garrick's plea came more than two weeks before his scheduled Aug. 15 court hearing.

"I have accepted responsibility for my actions and apologized to family, friends and constituents," Garrick said in a statement late Friday. "I will now take the necessary steps to resolve this incident and immediately begin the process of complying with the judgment."

A blood test revealed Garrick had a blood-alcohol level nearly twice the legal limit of 0.08 percent on the night he was arrested. Officers never booked the former Assembly GOP leader into jail because they said in an arrest report that he was suffering from severe vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pains. Garrick's attorney, Don Heller, said Garrick had contracted a stomach flu earlier in the day. An Assembly sergeant-at-arms drove Garrick home.

In addition to the driver's license suspension and community service, Garrick must pay fines and fees totaling $2,416.01 and must log 30 hours at a three-month alcohol treatment program, according to court documents cited in the release.

Full CHP report on Assemblyman Garrick, R-Solana Beach June 15 DUI arrest at state Capitol.

Report Shows Assemblyman Ignored Officers Before DUI Arrest

KCRA-TV, Channel 3, the Sacramento NBC affiliate has reprinted the entire Garrick arrest report. Read Full Report Here...

  SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Assemblyman Martin Garrick ignored CHP officers and sped through two stop lights and a stop sign before his arrest for DUI charged on June 15th, according to a CHP report.

A newly released report by the California Highway Patrol provides details of his arrest.

The report states that after Garrick passed two officers on foot who tried to waive him down he, "accelerated at a high rate of speed".

Aftere following Garrick into the state Capitol parking garage an officer stood by Garrick's driver side window while the Solana Beach republican, "ignored my presence", the report said.

Garrick told officers he drove fast because he was having severe stomach pain and diarrhea. He said he’d just an eaten a spaghetti and meatballs dinner at a friend’s home in Sacramento’s Land Park neighborhood along with three glasses of red wine. 

Read Full Report

The report states the Assemblyman denied feeling intoxicated but proceeded to fail five different field sobriety tests. Blood testing later revealed his blood alcohol level at 0.15, nearly twice the legal limit.

After being arrested he was taken to the Sacramento County jail where he, "continued to regurgitate and vomit into a trash can."

The report says Garrick agreed to a blood test. He was taken to the CHP's capitol office for a blood draw over an hour after his arrest.

The CHP report says Garrick was released to the custody of Derek Radey of the Assembly Special Services Unit by 11:30 p.m., ninety minutes after his arrest.

The arresting officer noted he released Garrick because of his, "condition and the possibility of an extended examination at a local hospital."

The report does not say whether Garrick was actually taken to a hospital or driven to his home.

REPORT SHOWS TOBACCO INTERESTS SPENT NEARLY $100 MILLION IN LAST DECADE TO BUY ELECTIONS...

Assemblyman Martin Garrick, R-Solana Beach, as Republican Leader, took the second-most tobacco pay-offs, totaling $15,600 in 2009-10. Over a longer period, 2003-10, Mark Wyland, R-Solana Beach, took in the most tobacco money among current local lawmakers, $47,743. He is the longest serving local Republican in the Legislature, once an assemblyman now a senator...Cigarette makers and distributors contributed $6.5 million to California state candidates in 2009-10, a $4.5 million increase over the 2007-2008 election cycle...The industry also spent $2.76 million on lobbying, much of it dedicated to defeating new tobacco taxes.

TOBACCO MONEY REPORT SHOWS TOBACCO INTERESTS SPENT NEARLY $100 MILLION IN THE LAST DECADE TO INFLUENCE CALIFORNIA ELECTIONS AND LEGISLATIVE POLICY

The American Lung Association in California's Center for Tobacco Policy & Organizing releases a new report on campaign contributions and lobbying expenditures by tobacco interests

July 19, 2011 (Sacramento, CA)   Tobacco interests spent a total of $9.3 million on campaign contributions and lobbying in California during the 2009-2010 election cycle and have spent nearly $100 million over the last decade, according to a new report by the Center for Tobacco Policy & Organizing, a project of the American Lung Association in California.  

"Big Tobacco continues to use its vast financial resources for campaign contributions and lobbying expenditures to oppose bills and ballot initiatives that would benefit public health by reducing tobacco use," said Jane Warner, President & CEO of the American Lung Association in California.   

Tobacco Money in California Politics shows that tobacco interests contributed more than $6.56 million to candidates and members of the California Legislature, constitutional officers and political committees and spent $2.76 million on lobbying expenditures during the 2009-2010 election cycle.

The data used in producing Tobacco Money in California Politics is derived from the semiannual contribution reports and the quarterly lobbying reports filed by the tobacco interests with the Secretary of State that cover the period January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010.

Highlights from Tobacco Money in California Politics include:

• Sixty percent of the total contributions made during the 2009-2010 election cycle were to political committees in support of Proposition 26 and in opposition to Proposition 25, which were both passed by California voters in the November 2010 general election.  Proposition 25 changed the vote requirement for passing a state budget from a two-thirds vote to a simple majority and Proposition 26 reclassified many types of fees as taxes, subjecting them to a two-thirds vote requirement.
  
  
• Of the 122 state legislators (more than 120 due to vacancies and special elections), tobacco interests made campaign contributions to 59 members, or 48 percent, similar to the total from pervious election cycles.
• Philip Morris USA Inc. spent more than $750,000 on lobbying in the second quarter of 2009 (April through June), a record amount for lobbying expenditures in one quarter by any tobacco interest over the last decade.  During those three months, the legislature voted on two budget bills that contained a tobacco tax increase and another tobacco tax bill that was moving forward in the legislative process.

"The numbers in this report are clear, Big Tobacco is spending to protect their vast financial interests in California," Paul Knepprath, Vice President of Advocacy and Health Initiatives, American Lung Association in California. "Despite the tobacco industry spending millions, smoking rates continue to drop and the state and local governments continue to pass policies that reduce tobacco's impact on our state."

A full copy of Tobacco Money in California Politics is available atwww.Center4TobaccoPolicy.org/tobaccomoney. The Center also maintains a searchable database of campaign contributions that the public can use to learn if their own State Assembly Member or Senator received campaign contributions available at www.Center4TobaccoPolicy.org/database

 Below are the report documents, as well as a database of campaign contributions to Members of the California Legislature that contains data from the 2001-2002 election cycle to the present and is searchable by name, legislative district and county.

Tobacco money to sitting lawmakers 2003-2010*

• Senator/Assemblyman Mark Wyland, R-Solana Beach, $47,743

• Senator/Assemblywoman Mimi Walters, R-Lake Forest, $30,600

• Assemblyman Martin Garrick, R-Solana Beach, $29,100

• Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher, R-San Diego, $25,100

• Senator/Assemblyman Joel Anderson, R-La Mesa, $23,900

• Assemblyman Kevin Jeffries, R-Lake Elsinore, $20,300

• Assemblywoman Diane Harkey, R-Dana Point, $19,000

• Assemblyman Brian Jones, R-Santee, $3,900

*Some numbers reflect donations for different offices and can vary by number of years in office. No sitting Democrat from San Diego County received direct contributions.

Source: American Lung Association inCalifornia

Tobacco Money in California Politics

Tobacco Money in California Politics: Highlights of the Report

Tobacco Money in California Politics: A Decade of Influence

Database of Campaign Contributions of Tobacco Interests 

Press Release

Below are past tobacco money reports:

2009-2010 Election Cycle

Lobbying Expenditures of Tobacco Interests in California: January 2009 - March 2010 

Campaign Contributions and Lobbying Expenditures of Tobacco Interests in California: January-December 2009

Lobbying Expenditures of Tobacco Interests in California: January-September 2009 

Campaign Contributions and Lobbying Expenditures of Tobacco Interests in California: January-June 2009

Lobbying Expenditures of Tobacco Interests in California: January-March 2009

2007-2008 Election Cycle

Tobacco Money in California Politics: Report for the 2007-2008 Election Cycle

Tobacco Money in California Politics: Highlights of the Report 

Lobbying Expenditures of Tobacco Interests in California: January 2007 - September 2008

Campaign Contributions and Lobbying Expenditures of Tobacco Interests in California: January 2007 - June 2008

Lobbying Expenditures of Tobacco Interests in California: January 2007 - March 2008

Campaign Contributions and Lobbying Expenditures of Tobacco Interests in California: January- December 2007

Lobbying Expenditures of Tobacco Interests in California: January-September 2007

Campaign Contributions and Lobbying Expenditures of Tobacco Interests in California: January-June 2007

Lobbying Expenditures of Tobacco Interests in California: January-March 2007

2005-2006 Election Cycle

Tobacco Money in California Politics: Report for 2005-2006 Election Cycle

Lobbying Expenditures of Tobacco Interests in California: January 2009 - September 2010 

Campaign Contributions and Lobbying Expenditures of Tobacco Interests in California: January 2009 - June 2010

Assemblyman Martin Garrick, R-Solana Beach was too sick to be held in jail when busted for DUI, report says 

Assemblyman Martin Garrick (Photo left at Mille Fleurs fundraiser) was quickly released from custody after being cited on suspicion of drunken driving last month because he was severely sick, an arrest report released Thursday shows, according to the Sacramento Bee 'Capitol Alert' blog. Visit the 'Capitol Alert' here for more polticial coverage.

Vomiting and suffering from stomach pains and diarrhea, the Solana Beach Republican could barely produce a measurable breath test., said the Bee's Paresh Dave. "He eventually agreed to a blood test, which later revealed his blood-alcohol level was nearly twice the legal limit of 0.08 percent. California Highway Patrol officers released him into the custody of an Assembly sergeant-at-arms." Garrick's arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 15.

Three bicycle officers flagged him down June 15 just before 10 p.m. when they saw him speed past a stop sign at 11th and O streets. He eventually drove his state-owned vehicle into the Capitol garage before officers tracked him down as he left the car. They described Garrick as having "slurred mumbled" speech, a "strong" scent of alcohol and "red, watery" eyes.

Garrick told officers he had been eating spaghetti, meatballs and bread at a friend's house. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Garrick said he had three glasses of red wine during the course of the previous three hours. He struggled through field sobriety tests.

The report says Garrick "denied feeling intoxicated at the time of the stop and stated he was driving expeditiously because he was having severe stomach pain and diarrhea."

Officers took him to Sacramento County's main jail to get a chemical sample of his breath, but ultimately had to take a blood sample.

The arresting CHP officer ultimately determined that "due to Garrick's condition and the possibility of an extended examination at a local hospital," a member of the Assembly's special services unit would provide for Garrick's safety, the report said.

For more Ah-Ha Rancho Santa Fe News coverage, visit YOU'VE BEEN WEINERED! -- Rep. Martin Garrick, R-Solana Beach, arrested for DUI at SacCity.

Superior Court temporary restrains Del Mar Pot Collective due to city of Del Mar lawsuit

Due to pressure from city of Del Mar leaders, the 1105 Cooperative, the only medicinal marijuana storefront outlet between La Jolla and Carlsbad, Del Mar and Rancho Bernardo, shut its kind bud doors on Tuesday, July 12.

Del Mar leaders sued the medicinal marijuana store. A Superior Court judge ordered a temporary injunction based on city of Del Mar contentions the cooperative lacked city business permits.

Sleazy that the city of Del Mar with wall-to-wall millionaires collects more money in traffic fines -- more than $650,000 annually --  than all but SEVEN California cities, all much larger. Sleazy, that the city with bogus parking enforcement rips off people for operating expenses so millionaires can skate, then turn around and use some of that money to stop people dealing with suffering as is appropriate under California law.

Del Mar sued the 1105 Cooperative and its manager, Patrick Kennedy, after the dispensary opened March 31 while its business license application was on hold. At 5 p.m. that same day, a city staffer hand delivered Kennedy a letter denying his business license.  The 1105 Cooperative, across from City Hall at 1105 Camino del Mar, kept operating despite $16,000 in fines from the city.

Del Mar served Kennedy, the 1105 Cooperative and building owners Wayne and Junie Young with the lawsuit June 28. Superior Court Judge Judith F. Hayes granted Del Mar’s request for a temporary restraining order, forcing the 1105 Cooperative to close immediately. A hearing for a permanent injunction is set for Aug. 4.

On Tuesday, Kennedy said he would fight this unjust action although he was complying with the temporary injunction.

SHAME SHAME SHAME: AN AH-HA RANCHO SANTA FE NEWS INVESTIGATION...

(Photo: This is Del Dios Farm at Del Dios Highway and Camino Del Norte. DD Farm is one of only five actual farming operations in the 92067 Zip code. They received no federal subsidies. However, some 118 "farming operations" claimed 92067 as their headquarters and received almost $5.3 million in federal farm subsidies since 1995.)

THE SHAME OF RANCHO SANTA FE -- 118 "Farms" in the 92067 Zip Code have received $5.28 MILLION in Federal Farm Subsidies since 1995. Give back the money!

Did you know that Rancho Santa Fe had 118 farms in the 92067 zip code?

Let us repeat this. Rancho Santa Fe has 118 farms, according to the 2011 Federal Farm Subsidy Database.

That database shows 118 Rancho Santa Fe farms received $5,287.853 in federal commodity subsidy payments from 1995-2010.

How many of these "farmers" voted for Republican denial of benefits for poor people along with tax breaks for the wealthy? This is federal welfare for wealthy people. SHAME.

We all know damn well there are not, and never have been, 118 farms in the 92067 area. There are five farms. So, all these people collecting federal tax dollars for NOT growing crops around Rancho Santa Fe should be called out and IMMEDIATELY give back the money either to help balance the budget or to provide needed benefits for food stamps and health care for poor people. We will follow up with many of these "farmers" in coming days.

What follows is the 2011 Farm Subsidy Database for Rancho Santa Fe courtesy of the Environmental Working Group. For more, visit http://www.ewg.org/. Also, check the attached pdf file for more on the skewed priorities of farm subsidies in California...

Click on the links for more information. Such as the fact Breadbasket, the #1 abuser, received $189,000 for not growing wheat. Lot of wheat lands by Village Market maybe? SHAME! Longtime RSF landlord and GOP activist Marion Dodson received $122,000+. SHAME!

Jake DeRaadt's Last MOO-RAH: Harmony Grove to Lemoore to Del Mar Fair Odyssey of Cows...

Since there’s no place like home, Jake DeRaadt came down from Lemoore with just enough cows to save the day for this year’s San Diego County Fair dairy exhibit. It's the last 'moorah' for the effervescent Harmony Grove native. Satisfied others will take up the challenge in future fairs, and wanting to devote more time to family matters, this is DeRaadt's final year leading the cornerstone dairy exhibit. 

“This is going back home for me,” said DeRaadt, 49. “June is fair month. I’ve been involved with this for 35 years. They got plenty of people milking in the valley at valley fairs. You’re preaching to the choir ‘cause many up there know the ag industry. Hardly anybody is left down here in San Diego.”

The DeRaadt family were dairy mainstays for decades in Harmony Grove, between Escondido and San Marcos. Dairy production once was big business in North County with well over 100 dairies as late as the 1970s producing the equivalent of $80.6 million in Year 2000 dollars. County milk production fell to an all-time low of $12.4 million in 2003.

But, changing times ended the local dairy industry for all practical purposes. With urbanization and environmental challenges costing local dairies too much money and energy, DeRaadt joined the migration north to the Central Valley in 2000 where he could expand his herd and work in an environment more amenable to dairy production.

“I came down two summers ago and was kind of disappointed hearing that zero dairy cattle were going to be at the fair,” DeRaadt said. “There were just no cows here. I talked to (livestock coordinator) Kim Jacobson and said  if we can get the dairy display going, I’ll get you the cows if you get someone to milk them. I just can’t be at the fair the full three weeks.”

Deal made. DeRaadt brought kids Arie, 15; Eileen, 16; and Katrina, 18, back home for the fair where they tell other kids on 4H Club barn tours about raising cows. Dairy Council of California educators hold several milking demonstrations a day – with DeRaadt’s imported cows. 

All three DeRaadt children take unique roles at the fair. Katrina, 18, creates visual displays; Eileen, 16, loves working with the school children; and his youngest, Arie, at 15, seems to share especially in the joy of showing the cows. He's even conducted a few milking demonstrations for smaller crowds. "It's a family tradition," said Arie. "Cinnamon rolls in the morning, our cousins coming out to watch on Fridays and Saturdays ---- it's just a lot of fun. "And you can hear Grandma in the back of the stands cheering us on, too," he added with a smile.

It’s all more than good for DeRaadt who combined a healthy dose of nostalgia for his old Escondido home with the practical business of acquainting urban youth with their farming roots. As if to punctuate this point, DeRaadt flew the family dairy’s old sign  – Eden Vale 2531 Country Club Rd., Escondido – above his Lemoore, Kings County, cows at the dairy barn.

“The reasons we’re here are multi-pronged,” DeRaadt said. “It’s a lot of fun and a great experience for the kids. We’re also educating the public that for the most part is fairly urban or far removed from the farm.”

 DeRaadt’s dairy cows have saved the day for this important, and historical, element of the county fair, said Efrain Valenzuela, Southern California education manager for the Dairy Council of California who has been conducting the daily milking demonstrations.

”Jake DeRaadt has been very helpful as far as bringing the animals to use,” Valenzuela said. “It’s harder and harder finding animals to bring to the public. He’s been there for us when cows have gotten sick. We called him and he said sure, he’d bring another one up. It’s tough finding cows to use.”

The industry has all but disappeared as land became more valuable and stringent environmental rules regarding cow manure and clean water took effect. Most dairies were forced to close long ago or to relocate to Central California. In 1948 and 1949, San Diego County Farm Bureau Executive Director Eric Larson said, milk was the main agricultural product here. That was supplemented later by beef, then avocados, and since the mid-70s, nurseries. “It’s just the reality of what happened,” Larson said. “I think it’s great we still have a few dairies here, but I don’t see anyone opening a new one. “You have to be fairly large in the dairy industry, and to get larger they had to move out of the county.” Only four dairy farms remain and one milk processing plant. They owners of the farms for the most part keep a low profile since the milk they produce is processed out of the county and not marketed locally.

The milking demonstrations have proven quite popular with dozens of students and even adults at each show.

“You get that wow factor,” Valenzuela said. “There’s nothing like seeing that little squirt come out and it lights up their faces.  Ag is slowly moving out little by little, so we’re happy to bring the farm to them.”

Part of that farm at the fair is the barn tour, this day conducted for a second year by Nicolina Prestininz, a Fallbrook 4-H member. She tells a group of elementary school students that only six dairies remain in San Diego County. Arie and Eileen DeRaadt show off their cows, explaining how they care for the animals.

“How many of you think chocolate milk comes from a brown cow?” Prestininz asks. Several students raise their hands. Jake DeRaadt laughs. That’s what he’s talking about.

No Zoning Laws For You: Equine Facilities Given Carte Blanche by San Diego County Code Enforcers...

Don't know how much money that owners of equine facilities contribute to San Diego County supervisors who face 2012 election contests, but the good news for these facilities is zoning laws now seem moot.

"On March 2, 2011 the Board of Supervisors directed DPLU to explore options for amending the County’s equine regulations...On June 29, 2011 we are scheduled to bring these options back to the Board," said Jarrett Ramaiya, San Diego County Project Planning Manager in a memo this month sent to county planning and sponsor groups.

"In a nutshell, the Interim Policy will suspend active enforcement on zoning violations related to commercial horse boarding uses established before March 2, 2011," Ramaiya said.

It may seem a bit of a reach, but county officials said they did not feel it was fair to enforce zoning laws regarding equine facilities while new policy options were being prepared for supervisors.

"Once the Board gives direction on how to proceed with the Equine Ordinance amendment we will then initiate preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR)," Ramaiya said. "EIRs typically take 18 months to complete.  Based on this timeframe, it is likely the Equine Ordinance amendments and associated EIR will be presented to the Board for final consideration in the Fall of 2012."

Marks added: "Either the direction to ignore the law is being generated in that department or from a higher level, something needs to be done to ensure the rules be enforced."

Meanwhile, county officials released a list of open code enforcement against county equine facilities. These unfortunates soon may return to their happy zones, since cases against them are...well, listen to the words of Gig Conaughton, county media official, who also presented the list of open equine facility cases.

  "These are open Code Enforcement cases where the property owners have been issued warnings. And again, at this point, DPLU is currently studying options to potentially change our horse-related regulations. The Board of Supervisors is expected to consider potential changes in fall of 2012. Until then,  DPLU has created an interim policy which will suspend enforcement of active horse-related zoning violations (public health and safety issues would still be enforced)on violations that occurred before March 2 of this year."

1.      4777 S Mission Rd. Fallbrook  - Cagle Family Trust

2.      30673 Andreen Rd., Valley Center – Michael A. Scott of Oasis Pure Trust (Sally Cobb)

3.      8960 Detwiler Rd., Escondido – Jacqueline M. Grande

4.      1009 Country Club Dr., Escondido – Michell A. Hunter/Stillman/Kimball

5.      2967 Milpas Dr., Escondido - Michell A. Hunter/Stillman/Kimball

6.      925 Country Club Dr., Escondido - Michell A. Hunter/Stillman/Kimball

7.      8647 Indian Hill Rd., Escondido – C Enterprises

8.      1849 Country Club Dr., Escondido – Rancho Pacific Group LLC

9.      4572 S. Mission Rd., Fallbrook – Perham 1992 Trust

10.  427 W. Haverford Rd., Ramona – Shirlene H. Taylor.

Encinitas, Calif. 'Surfing Madonna' Flakes Off The Wall...Next Stop: Oblivion?

San Diego sheriffs blocked traffic from traveling under the bridge on Encinitas Boulevard between Coast Highway and Vulcan Avenue as crews worked on taking down the mosaic of the Virgin of Guadalupe on a surfboard. It took crews almost two hours to complete the removal, and there was no damage to the piece.

The nearly 10-by10 foot mosaic was crafted from hundreds of pieces of stones, tiles, and stained glass, but was not permitted to be constructed on the city property. 

Mark Patterson who installed the mosaic on Earth Day 2011, reached an agreement Tuesday with the city to help remove the artwork so it can be relocated somewhere else.  He paid for the removal and was on scene as a technical consultant to help crews disassemble the mosaic.

Patterson said the mosaic was not for sale and was a gift to the community. He did not disclose the new location for the piece.

Weekend weather with some guy at KSWB-TV, FOX 5 who isn't Chrissy Russo and stuff...

We beg your pardon. We never promised you a rose garden. Along with the sunshine, There's got to be a little rain sometimes Dept...

The weather at KSWB-TV gets pretty funny, and why not, San Diego has the best weather in the world for people, according to meteorologists, followed closely by the Canary Islands and a couple of other places. OK then...

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION

 
 FXUS66 KSGX 170406
 AFDSGX
 
 AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
 NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAN DIEGO CA
 905 PM PDT THU JUN 16 2011
 
 .SYNOPSIS...
 A WEAK TROUGH WILL CONTINUE MINOR COOLING INTO THE WEEKEND. A DEEP 
 MARINE LAYER WILL REMAIN IN PLACE WITH ONLY PARTIAL CLEARING AT THE 
 COAST EACH DAY. GUSTY AFTERNOON WINDS WILL CONTINUE IN THE MOUNTAINS 
 AND DESERTS. WARMER NEXT WEEK AS HIGH PRESSURE BUILDS OVER THE 
 SOUTHWEST. 
 
 &&
 
 .DISCUSSION...FOR EXTREME SOUTHWESTERN CALIFORNIA INCLUDING ORANGE...
 SAN DIEGO...WESTERN RIVERSIDE AND SOUTHWESTERN SAN BERNARDINO
 COUNTIES...
 
 JUNE GLOOM IS IN FULL BLOOM. TODAY WAS ANOTHER DAY OF THICK GRAY 
 MORNING CLOUDS THAT SELECTIVELY BURNED OFF BACK TO THE COAST IN THE 
 AFTERNOON. POCKETS OF DRIZZLE THIS MORNING LASTED LONG ENOUGH FOR A 
 FEW HUNDREDTHS OF AN INCH TO ACCUMULATE IN COASTAL ORANGE COUNTY. 
 THE 3000 FOOT THICK MARINE LAYER BROUGHT A FEW DEGREES OF COOLING 
 WEST OF THE MTNS...AND THE UPPER LEVEL TROUGH BROUGHT COOLING TO 
 MTNS AND DESERTS. WINDS WERE STRONG AGAIN TODAY THANKS TO STRONG 
 ONSHORE PRESSURE GRADIENTS TO THE DESERT THERMAL LOW. THE WINDS WERE 
 SUBSIDING THIS EVENING AND THE WIND ADVISORY WILL BE CANCELLED WITH 
 THE EVENING UPDATE.  
 
 TOMORROW WILL BE SIMILAR TO TODAY. THE CLOUD LAYER WILL BE 2500-3000 
 FEET THICK...THICK ENOUGH FOR AREAS OF DRIZZLE LATE TONIGHT AND 
 EARLY FRIDAY. THE CLOUD DECK WILL THEN DO ITS USUAL SLOW BURN BACK 
 TO THE COAST IN THE AFTERNOON. DESERT WINDS TOMORROW WILL NOT BE 
 QUITE AS STRONG AS TODAY SINCE THE THERMAL LOW WILL NOT BE QUITE AS 
 DEEP.
 
 OVER THE WEEKEND THE TROUGH WEAKENS SLIGHTLY AND THE MARINE LAYER 
 WILL BE A LITTLE SHALLOWER...BUT THE OVERALL DIURNAL TRENDS REMAIN 
 UNCHANGED. 
 
 NEXT WEEK IS LOOKING WARMER AND BRIGHTER. THE UPPER LOW IS FORECAST 
 TO LIFT NORTH AND BE REPLACED BY THE EASTERN PACIFIC HIGH THAT SETS 
 UP RESIDENCE OFF THE COAST OF NORTHERN BAJA. HIGHER PRESSURE AND 
 HIGHER HEIGHTS MEAN WARMER DAYS AND A SHALLOWER MARINE LAYER. BY 
 THE MIDDLE OF NEXT WEEK EXPECT IT TO FEEL A LOT MORE LIKE SUMMER 
 WITH VALLEY HIGHS IN THE 80S AND LOW 90S...MOUNTAINS HIGHS IN THE 
 70S AND 80S...AND DESERT HIGHS WELL ABOVE 100. THE IMMEDIATE COAST 
 MAY STRUGGLE TO CLEAR ON SOME DAYS DUE TO A PERSISTENT SHALLOW 
 MARINE LAYER AND VERY STRONG INVERSION THAT COULD LIMIT CLEARING AT 
 THE BEACHES.

  .AVIATION...
 170230Z...COAST/VALLEYS...WIDESPREAD CIGS 1-1.5K FT WITH LAYERS TO 
 2.5-3K FT SPREADING FAR INLAND AGAIN TONIGHT WITH AREAS OF 3-5SM VIS 
 IN -DZ/BR/HZ AND LOCALLY LOWER OVER THE HIGHER TERRAIN. EXPECT 
 CLEARING TO PROGRESS FROM THE FOOTHILLS OF THE MOUNTAINS...WESTWARD 
 TO NEAR THE BEACHES BTWN 16Z AND 21Z ON FRI. COMPLETE CLEARING ALONG 
 THE IMMEDIATE COAST WILL BE DIFFICULT AS THE SEA BREEZE STRENGTHENS 
 AND BRINGS THE STRATUS BACK IN BEFORE DUSK. 
 
 OVER MTNS AND DESERTS...WESTERLY WINDS OF 25 TO 35 KTS WITH HIGHER 
 GUSTS THROUGH THE PASSES AND SOME CANYONS INTO THE DESERTS WILL 
 CREATE MODERATE UDDFS AND LOCAL LLWS THROUGH FRI. SKIES WILL BE 
 CLEAR AND VIS UNRESTRICTED...EXCEPT IN LOCAL AREAS OF BLOWING DUST.
 
 &&
 
 .MARINE...
 SURF REPORTS SHOWED MAX SETS ONLY 4 FT AT 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON. FOUR 
 FOOT SOUTH SWELL EXPECTED TO PERSIST TOMORROW...BUT MODELS SHOW A 
 SHORTER PERIOD. IF THE BUOYS CONFIRM OVERNIGHT...IT IS LIKELY THE 
 SURF FORECAST FOR FRI WILL HAVE TO BE LOWERED 1-2 FT. 
 
 &&
 
 .SGX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
 CA...NONE.
 
 PZ...NONE.
 
 &&
 
 $$
 
 PUBLIC...MOEDE
 AVIATION/MARINE...JAD 
 
 NWS ON THE WEB AT WEATHER.GOV/SANDIEGO

YOU'VE BEEN WEINERED! -- Rep. Martin Garrick, R-Solana Beach, arrested for DUI at SacCity, according to reports confirmed by his office. He was trying to drive into the state Capitol building after 9 p.m. when...

The Sacramento Bee is reporting that California's former Assembly Republican leader was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving after his state car allegedly was observed speeding Wednesday night in downtown Sacramento.

(Photo: Garrick with former Gov. Schwarzenegger and Nancy Reagan at Ronald Reagan 100th year birthday commission announcement at the Reagan Library. Garrick, arrested on suspicion of DUI, sponsored legislation in the state Assembly called "Sara's Law" AB 182, that would have deported illegal immigrants if they were found guilty of DUI. Should Garrick be deported to a rehab center, at least? You decide.)

Martin Garrick, R-Solana Beach, did not attend today's Assembly floor session but released a written statement, saying that driving after drinking alcohol is dangerous and apologizing for his "lapse of judgment," according to the Sacramento Bee. He was alone and headed home at the time, he said.

"I apologize to my family for the embarrassment I have caused them, and I hope they will forgive me for my actions," he said. "I also apologize to my constituents. They have the right to hold their elected representative to a high standard, and I regret that it was one I failed to meet last night."

"I will strive to never let them down again. Last night's incident was isolated, but it served as a stark wake-up call. I promise my family and my constituents in the 74th District that I will never drink and drive again."

Assemblywoman Connie Conway, a Tulare Republican who replaced Garrick as Assembly GOP leader this year, said she was unaware of the details but "my heart and prayers go out to Mr. Garrick and his family during this difficult time."

"We all understand how serious these situations can be," she said.

California Highway Patrol reports said that Garrick was spotted by bicycle officers traveling north on 11th Street at about 45 mph -- 20 mph over the posted speed -- shortly after 9:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Garrick failed to obey a stop sign at O Street, failed to acknowledge officers who were asking him to stop, and proceeded to make a right turn at N Street and drive into the Capitol basement, said Sean Kennedy, CHP spokesman.

The CHP bicycle officers followed Garrick to the Capitol, observed signs of intoxication, conducted field sobriety and chemical tests, then cited and released the legislator on a charge of drunken driving, Kennedy said.

Kennedy declined to discuss why Garrick was not booked into Sacramento County Jail. He said the law precluded him from elaborating other than to say it had nothing to do with his status as a state official.

Elected to the Assembly in 2006, Garrick will be termed out next year. He served briefly as Assembly GOP leader before stepping down last year.

Garrick's arrest Wednesday came hours after the Legislature approved a state budget, through a majority vote by Democrats, after months of bickering between the state's two major parties. Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed that budget plan today.

The former Assembly Republican leader was elected to the Assembly in 2006 and will be termed out next year. He represents the 74th District including Carlsbad, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos, Vista, and portions of San Diego, Escondido and Oceanside.

Citizens commission releases first draft of California redistricting map...

(Editor's Note: The Center for Investigative Reporting, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious nonprofit investigative news organization, newest venture is California Watch, a major new reporting initiative to produce in-depth, high impact multimedia journalism specific to California and to engage the public on issues of critical importance to the state. For more visit: http://californiawatch.org/)

An issue that in the past has been a source of contention among lawmakers — the task of drawing the more than 100 Congressional, Assembly, state Senate and Board of Equalization districts — now rests solely with the newly formed commission. After some discussion on how many state Senate and Assembly districts to group together in what is commonly referred to as "nesting," the 14-member commission voted unanimously to approve the draft Friday.

Chairman Gabino Aguirre said the maps were merely the first of three drafts the group will produce, adding that he intends to place no cap on the number of changes made to the next draft, due out July 7. Aguirre said he expects to receive more public input on the process in the coming weeks, a major goal when voters passed what became known as the Voters First Act in 2008. The measure sought to realign communities and make district seats more competitive.

"Based on the interest we've had to this point, I fully expect to be getting more input," Aguirre said, adding that he's received hundreds of e-mails per day on the subject. Aguirre said the group finalized the first draft of the maps Thursday night and was optimistic that it would meet its Aug. 15 deadline to submit the maps to the secretary of state for approval.

"Absolutely," he said. "We've made a commitment to follow through with this."

A major component of the process is the 11 public hearings the commission will hold across the state in the next month. So far, the group has held more than two dozen hearings, fielding comments from more than 1,500 people.

"Our No. 1 priority at this point is to give every single person in California a political voice," Aguirre said. "That's why we're going back to these areas again and again."

While much may change in the revised versions of the maps, early implications point to a future shakeup for both parties. Sacramento-based Redistricting Partners, led by political consultant Paul Mitchell, put out its own version of the maps Friday, with a preliminary breakdown of voter registration in districts, many of which could change significantly.

Other highlights included Assembly districts with multiple incumbents living in them, as well as others with none. The changes ultimately will lead to greater competition, said Dan Schnur, director of the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics at the University of Southern California. Schnur said a reduction in the number of strongholds could have significant implications for the future, potentially reducing the bipartisan stalemates that have plagued California most of this year.

"If this redistricting turns out the way it could, you're going to make it a lot easier to get things done in Sacramento,” he said Thursday, adding that while it is impossible to make all of the more than 100 districts competitive, the addition of a dozen or so relatively competitive districts would be a huge benefit. "That could fundamentally change things in the future," he said.