Articles by Special to The Grapevine

Escondido, Immigration, Politics May 3, 2017

Sessions wrongly tags Escondido

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions tags Escondido wrongly for immigrant crimes. Escondido last week entered the national dialogue over immigrant rights and Donald Trump’s big, bad border wall, but in an unexpected, and counterfactual way. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions highlighted Escondido to illustrate how jurisdictions that limit cooperation with immigration authorities jeopardize public safety. The only problem was Sessions got everything wrong. Speaking at…

Arts, Politics April 23, 2017

Capitol painting won’t prevail on appeal

A controversial painting that made headlines earlier this year is now the subject of a lawsuit in a federal court in Washington, D.C., but constitutional experts predict the plaintiff’s free speech arguments are doomed. The case hinges on whether an art competition held by members of Congress qualifies as “government speech,” which has less protection under the First Amendment. The legal feud has roiled emotions in Washington…

Lifestyle, Lifestyle/Society, Traffic, Transportation April 10, 2017

Smartphone distractions, drinking help spur rising pedestrian death toll

Pedestrian deaths are surging across the nation, and analysts are putting much of the blame on drivers and walkers who are looking at their smartphones instead of watching where they are going. Tipsy walking also is part of the problem, with one in three victims legally drunk when they were struck and killed. The latest report on U.S. pedestrian deaths, from the Governors Highway Safety Association,…

Health, Health & Fitness, Politics April 6, 2017

Universal health care California-style

While Washington Fiddles… As the nation’s Republican leaders huddle to reconsider their plans to “repeal and replace” the nation’s health law, advocates for universal health coverage press on in California, armed with renewed political will and a new set of proposals. Organized labor and two lawmakers are leading the charge for a single, government-financed program for everyone in the state. Another legislator wants to create…

Business April 6, 2017

Toilet water to craft beer for Stone Brewing

Stone Brewing Co.’s latest sudsy creation earned a quick nickname: “Toilet to tap.” That’s because the Escondido brewery’s new craft beer is made with treated wastewater. The brave souls who taste-tested the Full Circle Pale Ale on Thursday were flush with excitement, calling the beer “delicious,” “hoppy” and “outstanding,” according to local media reports. “It is fantastic,” San Diego Mayor Kevin Falconer said after sampling it. “There’s no…

San Marcos, Vista April 3, 2017

Bonsall, Vista, San Marcos and beyond

Bonsall Woman’s Club gets fashionable for Mother’s Day The Bonsall Woman’s Club (BWC) Luncheon/Fashion Show Committee (pictured above) has been tirelessly planning this year’s event. The Fashion Show will be held 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, May 19 at the ever popular and elegant Vista Valley Country Club. Lunch will consist of the delightful Vista Valley Pear Salad — Grilled Chicken, Asian Pear, Bleu…

Courts/Law, Politics March 6, 2017

Legal analysis of Hunter art take-down

For several weeks earlier this year, an odd battle was waged in the halls of the U.S. Capitol over a controversial work of art by a high school student placed there after an art competition in St. Louis. At issue is whether the Architect of the Capitol had the right to direct the permanent removal of the painting, or whether doing so violated the student’s…

Politics, Weather March 4, 2017

Shazam! Climate science denier Darrell Issa joins House climate change caucus

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-49th District) announced last week he has joined a bipartisan House caucus on climate change. But the news, first reported by Reuters, glossed over one major point: Issa has been a long-time climate science denier. He is now part of the Climate Solutions Caucus, a bipartisan group looking at “policy options that address the impacts, causes, and challenges of our changing climate.” But in…

Rancho Santa Fe, Surprising and Strange March 1, 2017

Heaven’s Gate survivor 20 years later

A former Heaven’s Gate member is looking back on the time he spent with the cult 20 years after dozens of its members committed suicide together at Rancho Santa Fe. The man, who goes by the name Sawyer, told Inside Edition that he spent 18 years with the cult, reaching the rank of “overseer” before leaving in 1994. He recalled his conversations with the leader of the cult,…

Politics February 27, 2017

Issa, Hunter protests for the week

Indivisible San Diego, the network of county groups who have adapted the format and organizing techniques of the guidebook, Indivisible, are targeting Congressional Republicans Duncan Hunter, Jr. and Darrel Issa the week of Feb. 27th. Most actions this week are on Tuesday, Feb. 28th (only 10% chance of rain). The document was written by congressional staffers who experienced the Tea Party’s impact. They put together the…