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EDITORIAL: Let Europe defend herself

With massive military cutbacks looming as the war in Afghanistan (or at least our active involvement in it) winds down, difficult choices will have to be made.

Feb 12, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…

EDITORIAL: What others are saying

A selection of recent editorials from around the state and region:

Feb 11, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…

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Columnists

PROMISES, PROMISES: Obama embraces 'super PAC'

JACK GILLUM and KEN THOMAS Associated Press

WASHINGTON — In a reversal, President Barack Obama is embracing the big-money fundraising groups he assailed as a "threat to democracy" on the grounds they let money corrode elections. His shift is a pragmatic move to win re-election, and a concession that his team had no choice but to ca…

Feb 12, 2012 | 2:15 am | Loading…

Eastwood: A maverick who does politics his own way

LYNN ELBER Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — The plot seemed familiar: A hotshot Hollywood filmmaker shills for a bailed-out car industry, yet another limousine liberal going to bat for big government.

Feb 12, 2012 | 12:15 am | Loading…

ROLL CALL: How your lawmakers voted for teh week ending Feb. 10, 2012

Voterama in Congress

Members of the House took the following actions:

Feb 12, 2012 | 12:15 am | Loading…

ANOTHER VIEW: Odds against labor in paycheck protection rematch

By Michael M. Rosen For the North County Times

Today's Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and New York Giants isn't the only big rematch in the news.

Feb 05, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…

Governors' speeches reflect states' cautious mood

DAVID CRARY Associated Press

NEW YORK — Glimmers of economic optimism. Deep concerns about jobs and health care costs. These are among the recurring themes as governors across the nation deliver their annual State of the State addresses. And the speeches have this in common, too: a striking absence of grand and costl…

Feb 05, 2012 | 1:00 am | Loading…

Contraceptive mandate could face tough sledding in Supreme Court

By David G. Savage Tribune Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON ---- The Supreme Court and the Obama administration, already headed for a face-off in March over the constitutionality of the health care law, may be on a collision course over another part of the law that will require church-run schools, hospitals and charities to provide free…

Feb 05, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…

A war anniversary that U.S. wishes to forget

By Emil Guillermo

Feb. 4 marked the anniversary of a war America won, but doesn't care to crow about. When the memory only produces shame and regret, you can understand why.

Feb 05, 2012 | 12:15 am | Loading…

ROLL CALL: How your lawmakers voted for the week ending Feb. 3, 2012

Voterama in Congress

Members of the House took the following actions:

Feb 05, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…

Bush's 'evil' trio holds sway over US decade later

BRIAN MURPHY Associated Press

It was the first State of the Union address after the 9/11 attacks, and America was leading an invasion of Afghanistan in pursuit of Osama bin Laden. Fittingly, this is where President George W. Bush began on Jan. 29, 2002: "As we gather tonight, our nation is at war, our economy is in re…

Feb 05, 2012 | 2:30 am | Loading…

Analysis: Obama speech puts him in campaign arena

CHARLES BABINGTON Associated Press

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama, having watched his Republican adversaries pound him for weeks, got his turn Tuesday, using his State of the Union speech to land the first major counterpunch of the still-forming 2012 election.

Jan 29, 2012 | 1:10 am | Loading…

FACT CHECK: Obama pushes plans that flopped before

CALVIN WOODWARD Associated Press

WASHINGTON — It was a wish list, not a to-do list.

Jan 29, 2012 | 1:00 am | Loading…

ROLL CALL: How your lawmakers voted

Voterama in Congress

Members of the House took the following actions:

Jan 29, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…

California GOP chairman sees opportunity for party in 2012 election

By Torey Van Oot McClatchy Newspapers

SACRAMENTO ---- While blue California is almost certain to go for President Barack Obama come November, the California Republican Party Chairman Tom Del Beccaro sees opportunity for the GOP to be a major force from the presidential race down.

Jan 29, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…

Poll: Sales tax hike will be challenge for Brown

TOM VERDIN Associated Press

SACRAMENTO — Gov. Jerry Brown's proposed ballot initiative to raise taxes has wide support among California voters, but his path to victory in November remains far from certain, according to the results of a poll released last week.

Jan 29, 2012 | 1:45 am | Loading…

A Q&A on contested Internet anti-piracy bills

JIM ABRAMS Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Online piracy costs U.S. copyright owners and producers billions of dollars every year, but legislation in Congress to block foreign Internet thieves and swindlers has met strong resistance from high-tech companies, spotlighted by Wikipedia's protest blackout on Wednesday, wa…

Jan 22, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…

ANOTHER VIEW: High-speed rail keeps losing steam

By Michael M. Rosen For the North County Times

Although Groundhog Day is still a few weeks off, it sure doesn't feel that way for the embattled exponents of high-speed rail (HSR) in the Golden State.

Jan 22, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…

ROLL CALL: How your lawmakers voted for the week ending Jan. 20, 2012

Voterama in Congress

Members of the House took the following actions:

Jan 22, 2012 | 12:15 am | Loading…

No Wikipedia? What if the Internet went down?

SETH BORENSTEIN Associated Press

WASHINGTON — If a day without Wikipedia was a bother, think bigger. In this plugged-in world, we would barely be able to cope if the entire Internet went down in a city, state or country for a day or a week.

Jan 22, 2012 | 12:15 am | Loading…

Doubts cast on cost estimates for high-speed rail alternatives

By Ralph Vartabedian and Dan Weikel Los Angeles Times

LOS ANGELES ---- As the price tag for California's bullet train has soared to nearly $100 billion, a central argument for forging ahead with the controversial project is an even loftier figure: the $171 billion that promoters recently estimated will be needed for new roads and airports if…

Jan 22, 2012 | 12:15 am | Loading…

Huntsman: 'Sane Republican' ready for his moment

HOLLY RAMER and STEVE PEOPLES Associated Press

There's a question that Republican presidential candidate Jon Huntsman loves to pop out from time to time as he campaigns: "What language do you want me to answer in?"

Jan 15, 2012 | 5:30 am | Loading…

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Recent Local News

GO GET WET: Take a Polar Plunge for charity

OCEANSIDE ---- Hundreds of local residents will be "freezin' for a reason" Saturday at the sixth annual Polar Plunge.

New Feb 13, 2012 | 8:00 am | Loading…

REGION: New I-15 express lanes shave 5 minutes off commute, Caltrans says

The average rush hour commute on I-15's regular lanes (those open to all drivers) dropped by five minutes from Escondido to Mira Mesa after the January opening of new car-pool lanes, said Gustavo Dallarda, I-15 corridor director for the California Department of Transportation.

Updated: 7:30 am | Loading…

This weekend's local headlines, Feb. 10-12

A roundup of the North County Times news stories you may have missed.

Updated: 7:35 am | Loading…

RAMONA: Family rescued from suicidal man

RAMONA ---- A 19-year-old suicidal man was hospitalized after he briefly held three adult family members and two young children hostage Sunday afternoon in a Ramona apartment before injuring his throat with an 8-inch knife and biting a sheriff's sergeant, authorities said.

New Feb 13, 2012 | 7:57 am | Loading…

CAMP PENDLETON: Beaches remain closed following sewage spill

CAMP PENDLETON -- Beaches north of Oceanside were closed today after an estimated 18,000 gallons of sewage spilled near the Santa Margarita River.

New Feb 13, 2012 | 8:30 am | Loading…

VALLEY CENTER: Man injured in crash died in hospital

VALLEY CENTER ---- A man who died from injuries he suffered in a crash last week was identified as Dean Gittleson, 52, of Valley Center, authorities said.

New Feb 13, 2012 | 8:25 am | Loading…

ERDOS: An omelet is more than eggs

Last month, I took a long overdue trip to New York to visit my mother.

Feb 12, 2012 | 9:00 am | Loading…

PFINGSTEN: Valentine's Day brings e-book-mobile to North County

As couples throughout North County buy flowers and make dinner reservations on Tuesday, at least a few book lovers will be making their way to the Vista Library, where a national campaign will arrive this week to help readers learn how to use their Kindle, NOOK and other digital devices t…

Feb 12, 2012 | 8:00 am | Loading…

RAMONA: Library to celebrate one-year anniversary with festivities

The Ramona Community Library will celebrate its first anniversary Feb. 16 with a celebration of local talent that will include Mariachi music, food and Irish dancing.

Feb 12, 2012 | 2:00 pm | Loading…

ESCONDIDO: Backers hope transit center kiosk will boost local business

People arriving in Escondido by Sprinter train or bus pass by a new, interactive information kiosk at the Escondido Transit Center that lists local restaurants, shops, art galleries and other attractions.

Feb 12, 2012 | 5:00 pm | Loading…

CAMP PENDLETON: Crash causes 18,000-gallon sewage spill

CAMP PENDLETON ---- A vehicle crash Sunday caused an 18,000-gallon sewage spill near Vandergrift Boulevard and Stuart Mesa Road, authorities said. An estimated 10,000 gallons leaked into the Santa Margarita River.

Updated: 8:20 am | Loading…

REGION: County courts closed to public Monday

San Diego Superior Court will be closed to the public Monday in observance of Lincoln's Birthday.

Feb 12, 2012 | 6:00 pm | Loading…

REGION: Strong winds expected through Monday

Strong, gusty winds were expected to blow across the mountain and desert areas of San Diego County on Sunday, and may create unsafe driving conditions on some local highways, according to the National Weather Service.

Feb 12, 2012 | 2:05 pm | Loading…

VISTA: Adult day health care program saved by private donation

An adult day care program in Vista was scheduled to shut its doors last month because of state budget cuts, but a last-minute bequest has granted the program a reprieve.

Feb 12, 2012 | 6:00 pm | Loading…

REGION: Evictions continue to decline in 2011

The number of North County landlords filing suit to evict tenants is on the decline, dropping 22 percent last year from its high-water mark in the heart of the recession three years ago.

Feb 12, 2012 | 7:00 pm | Loading…

ESCONDIDO: Missing boy found safe

ESCONDIDO ---- A 12-year-old boy who ran away from home after school Friday has been found safe, police said Sunday night.

Feb 12, 2012 | 7:08 pm | Loading…

REGION: Democrats vote to back two June ballot measures during state convention

SAN DIEGO - The California Democratic Party voted Sunday to back measures on the June ballot that would raise the tax on tobacco products to fund research into cancer and other smoking-related illness and loosen term limits as it concluded its three-day convention at the San Diego Convent…

Feb 12, 2012 | 9:00 pm | Loading…

REGION: Prostitution sting leads to 21 arrests

A series of prostitution stings netted 21 arrests in Escondido, Vista and Oceanside, mostly of men suspected of trying to pay for sex, authorities said Sunday.

Feb 12, 2012 | 3:30 pm | Loading…

OCEANSIDE: OUSD trustees to pick architect for OHS theater

School officials and consultants have picked an architectural firm to design a performing arts center at Oceanside High School.

Feb 12, 2012 | 5:00 pm | Loading…

ENCINITAS: Downtown group expects to open farmers market in March

Downtown Encinitas may have a Wednesday night farmers market starting in early March if the City Council approves a parking lot rental fee this week.

Feb 12, 2012 | 8:00 pm | Loading…

CARLSBAD: Pair plans to paddle from San Francisco to Coronado

When the going gets tough, stand-up paddleboarders and extreme athletes Clay Walking Eagle and Tim Warner will be past thinking about the miles of ocean that lie ahead, the inconsistent, choppy waters of March, the sore arms, the bright sun, or the extreme fatigue.

Updated: 7:45 am | Loading…

RANCHO SANTA FE: Pet adoption center opens hospital

Helen Woodward Animal Center will offer the public a chance Feb. 25 to view its new 10,000-square-foot animal hospital.

Feb 11, 2012 | 10:00 am | Loading…

BEST BET: International dance festival concludes

CORONADO ---- Eight international cultures will be represented in dance today at the final performance of the 18th annual Nations of San Diego International Dance Festival.

Feb 11, 2012 | 12:00 pm | Loading…

CARR: Valentine's Day tips for canny Cupids

Hop in, buckle up. This week we're visiting with Frankie Berkley Newberg, owner of Sun Valley Florist on Ramona's Main Street, to get an important tip for anyone planning on saying it with flowers this coming Tuesday.

Feb 11, 2012 | 9:00 am | Loading…

JACKSON: State of the Region to outline jobs, innovation, health

The annual State of the Region presentation by the San Diego North Chamber of Commerce is designed to inform and educate San Diego businessmen and women about ongoing developments in the key areas of our local economy: jobs, innovation and health.

Feb 11, 2012 | 11:00 am | Loading…

SAN DIEGO: Name of woman who jumped from freeway overpass released

SAN DIEGO ---- Authorities today released the name of a 23-year-old woman who was fatally injured when she jumped from an overpass into the path of a car on Interstate 805 in Kearney Mesa.

Feb 11, 2012 | 1:18 pm | Loading…

SAN MARCOS: CSUSM freshman wins Miss California Teen USA

A Cal State San Marcos freshman won the Miss California Teen USA pageant last month, competing for the title less than two months after her father died in a car accident.

Feb 11, 2012 | 4:00 pm | Loading…

ESCONDIDO: Tasting chocolate

The Downtown Business Association of Escondido hosted its second chocolate festival Saturday on Grand Avenue between Centre City Parkway and Juniper Street.

Feb 11, 2012 | 4:17 pm | Loading…

OCEANSIDE: Proposal would ban feather signs and hand-held twirling signs

Roadside "feather signs" that have popped up along Coast Highway and in other commercial areas of Oceanside would be banned under a revised proposal to update the city's sign ordinance.

Feb 11, 2012 | 9:00 pm | Loading…

ENCINITAS: Birch Aquarium director to speak about ocean health

The executive director of Birch Aquarium at Scripps will discuss the health of the world's oceans during a free public lecture Wednesday at the Encinitas Library.

Feb 11, 2012 | 3:00 pm | Loading…

ESCONDIDO: Attic fire damages home

ESCONDIDO ---- Two people were displaced Friday night when a fire started in the attic of their home, fire officials said.

Feb 11, 2012 | 2:57 pm | Loading…

CARLSBAD: Seeds for seeds

Carlsbad's Smerdu Community Garden held its first free seed exchange Saturday.

Feb 11, 2012 | 3:52 pm | Loading…

CARLSBAD: Boy struck by vehicle, injuries minor, police say

CARLSBAD ---- A 10-year-old boy suffered minor injuries Saturday when a vehicle struck him, police said.

Feb 11, 2012 | 6:00 pm | Loading…

ESCONDIDO: Practical mathematics

Escondido Union School District held its annual Math Field Day competition Saturday at Del Dios Middle School.

Feb 11, 2012 | 2:30 pm | Loading…

HOUSING: Banks gear up slowly for programs in mortgage settlement

When John Crumbacher of Fallbrook learned Thursday of a proposed $25 billion mortgage settlement between five majo…

Feb 11, 2012 | 9:00 pm | Loading…

MILITARY: Escondido Marine stays upbeat despite toll from roadside bomb

Five months after a bombing in Afghanistan tore off his legs, Marine Cpl. Michael Fox plans to stand on the parade deck at Camp Pendleton in early April and greet his buddies when they come home from war.

Feb 11, 2012 | 6:00 pm | Loading…

CARLSBAD: Sweet moment

While a musician plays love songs, Gabriella Sarrazolla and her boyfriend, Helmut Ohnesorge, steal a kiss near the water fountain during "A Chocolate Affair," a Valentine's Day-and-chocolate-related event, at the Village Faire in Carlsbad on Saturday. HAYNE PALMOUR IV | hpalmour@nctimes.com

Feb 11, 2012 | 5:50 pm | Loading…

CARLSBAD: An uplifting show

Dancers with Opus Mixtus, a contemporary group choreographed by Heather Dale Wentworth of Carlsbad, perform as part the Family Open Studios Plus series Saturday at the Dove Library in Carlsbad. The free program, presented three or four times each year, is designed for families with small …

Feb 11, 2012 | 6:39 pm | Loading…

ESCONDIDO: Walla Walla incubator could guide city's wine ambitions

City officials said last week that a wine incubator in Walla Walla, Wash., could be the perfect model for them to follow in their efforts to make Escondido a prominent wine region.

Feb 11, 2012 | 7:00 pm | Loading…

ESCONDIDO: Police seek missing 12-year-old boy

ESCONDIDO ---- Police were looking for a 12-year-old boy Saturday evening who apparently ran away from home after school Friday afternoon, officials said.

Feb 11, 2012 | 9:27 pm | Loading…

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