December 3, 2023 (Washington, D.C.) - Indicted Republican George Santos’ brief career in the House of Representatives came to an end Friday, when fellow lawmakers voted to expel the New Yorker over criminal corruption charges and accusations of misspending campaign money.
December 2, 2023 (Valley Center)--The California Department of Food and Agriculture declared a new citrus quarantine in Valley Center Nov. 30 after detecting the fatal citrus tree disease known as Huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening in five orange trees on a residential property during regular inspections.
December 1, 2023 (La Mesa)-- Amanda Fagan is an accomplished 19-year-old musician who has written many songs during the past six years. She lives in La Mesa with her parents and younger sister. During a two-week stretch at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, she wrote a 23-song musical in just two weeks. A New York musical producer was so impressed that he contracted with Amanda to produce the musical. Amanda Fagan’s band will be performing at La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village on December 2 and at Balboa Park’s December Nights on December 1.
December 2, 2023 (La Jolla) - Jaedon LeDee grabbed the rebound off a missed 3-pointer and scored at the buzzer to rally San Diego State to a 63-62 victory over UC San Diego on Friday night.
December 1, 2023 (Ramona) – Andrea Ortiz,44, a single mom with three daughters, was on her way to work Nov. 28 around 7:30 a.m. when a pickup truck crossed the center line on State Route 78 in Ramona. It head-on into Ortiz’s vehicle, which rolled down an embankment. She died at the scene.
December 1, 2023 (San Diego) - It’s been a little over a year since the Safe Parking site opened below the State Route 67 overpass on North Magnolia Ave. in East County. The space had previously grown into a large encampment where drug use was common and trash spilled into the street.
3,708 fans were in attendance for SDSU"s annual field trip game
Source: goaztecs.com
Photo courtesy goaztecs.com
December 1, 2023 (San Diego) - he Aztec women’s basketball team (4-4) fell to No. 3/3 Stanford 85-54 inside Viejas Arena Friday afternoon playing in front of 3,708 fans for their annual field trip game.
December 1, 2023 (San Diego) - A year after coming up one win shy of advancing to the 2023 Women’s College World Series, San Diego State softball head coach Stacey Nuveman Deniz has announced a 46-game schedule for the 2024 season.
December 1, 2023 (La Mesa) – An online petition started by Keep La Mesa Beautiful in opposition to the city’s plan to allow electronic billboards has attracted 338 signatures sent it launched on November 21. Now, the new owner of Grossmont Center has sent a letter to the city’s mayor and city council opposing two proposed e-billboards along I-8 as detrimental to the regional shopping mall.
December 1, 2023 (Campo, CA)—Austin Nathaniel Spirz, a 26-year-old Campo father of three, died at the scene of a crash on Nov.23 at 5:28 p.m. on Sheridan Road near Custer Road in Campo. Spirz was on his way home on his Kawasaki motorcycle, with his life’s partner and children following close behind him, when a Jeep Wrangler crossed over the center lines and struck his motorcycle.
“I don’t know how to live life without him,” Aubree Pinkston, his partner of 10 years, told ECM news partner 10 News.
Pinkston and the couple’s children drove up to find Austin Spirz dead at the scene. “His body had to be identified by his father and mother-in-law ,Brandie Pinkston,” Debi Gonzalez at the Backcountry Trading Post told ECM in an email. “The Spirz family has suffered great losses, because their other son, Josh, was also killed this year in an accident. This tragedy has hit our community hard.”
Michelle Sweetman has set up a GoFundMe site to help the victim’s family. A MealTrain site has also been established to provide meals for the Spirz household.
November 30, 2023 (Lakeside) – A Lakeside man who suffered permanent injuries from being shot 16 times has filed a lawsuit against San Diego County and two Sheriff’s deputies who opened fire.
The civil lawsuit filed by Erik Talavera alleges that deputies David Lovejoy and Jonathan Young gave conflicting commands and used excessive force and negligence during the incident in El Cajon on Feb.16, 2022. The deputies were cleared of criminal wrongdoing following an investigation by the District Attorney.
One of the nation's largest Menorahs to highlight the Rally for Light
East County News Service
Photo:: cc via Bing
November 30, 2023 (San Diego) - Chabad Jewish Student Life of San Diego will host a "Rally for Light: Hanukkah Celebration" on December 7 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Chabad House (6115 Montezuma Rd., San Diego). A 20-foot menorah, one of the largest in the United States, will be lit. The community is invited to join in taking a collective stand against hate in a time of challenges and a commitment to spread light over darkness
“This event symbolizes the strength and unity of our community in the face of adversity, as well as a response to the recent act of anti-Semitism experienced at SDSU,” the event announcement states. “The event also comes at a time when global support for unity and resilience is more crucial than ever, particularly considering the current situation in Israel.”
November 29, 2023 (San Diego) - Increasing cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, have County health officials recommending that people get vaccinated, particularly those most at risk of becoming seriously ill.
Photo: Council Salary Adjustment Citizen Panel member Aaron Landua acknowledges his fellow panel members at the October 24 La Mesa City Council meeting
November 29, 2023(La Mesa) -- After 18 years without getting a pay raise, the La Mesa City Council members voted to give themselves a hefty 90% pay increase at their regularly scheduled November 14 meeting.
The ordinance passed unanimously and will amend section 2.04.010 of the La Mesa Municipal Code to increase each city council member’s salary from $1,000 per month to $1,900 per month. The move also increases the mayor’s compensation by an additional $1,900, reflecting the dual role a mayor plays as both council member and mayor, bringing the mayor’s total monthly salary to $3,800 a month, or a 135% increase.
The increase doesn’t take effect until after the November 2024 elections, which means current pay rates remain the same until then.
November 28, 2023 (El Cajon) -- Get ready for a magical, uproarious experience as Grossmont College Stagehouse Theatre presents Freaky Friday, Disney's beloved body-swap musical comedy, directed by Katie Banville. Based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers, the beloved classic gets a contemporary twist with a hilarious new book by Bridget Carpenter, complemented by pop/rock music by Tom Kitt and lyrics by Brian Yorkey
November 28, 2023 (San Diego)-- The Tuberculosis Program in the Public Health Services (PHS) department of the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency is working in close collaboration with Father Joe’s Villages, and the San Diego Housing Commission to notify residents, employees, contractors, and volunteers potentially exposed to tuberculosis (TB) at the Golden Hall shelter at 1101 First Ave. in San Diego.
November 27, 2023 (Dulzura) – A San Diego man, 29, sustained fatal injuries in a collision that occurred yesterday at 10:29 a.m. in Dulzura. The man was driving a 2004 Suzuki GSXR motorcycle eastbound on State Route 94, west of State Route 188 (Tecate Road) when he crossed double yellow lines and crashed into a 2015 Kia Sorrento.
November 27, 2023 (Ramona) – A 26-year-old man has been arrested for causing a head-on crash on November 25 in Ramona that killed a Ramona woman, 44, then fleeing the scene.
November 27, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – December brings the magic of the holiday season, with many delightful events and activities. This year’s options in East County include the North Pole Express train ride in Campo, outdoor ice skating rinks in Julian and Alpine, a pottery tour and a Crest Craft festival ideal for holiday gift shopping, elaborate holiday lighting displays at Santee Lakes, Enchanted Village in Spring Valley, and Camp Christmas in Pine Valley. There’s a performance of the Nutcracker Ballet in El Cajon, and a contemporary twist on the Nutcracker performed by Kidz Danz Kompany in La Mesa. Plus, you can enjoy tree lighting ceremonies in Lakeside and Ramona , caroling on Mt. Helix, La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village, and Lemon Grove’s annual holiday bonfire.
Scroll down for details on these merry events, and have a joyous holiday season!
Know of a holiday event we've missed? Please post info in our comments section.
November 27, 2023 (San Diego) — The 16th annual San Diego Pottery Tour features 110 open studios with works of over 35 ceramic artists. The self-guided tour is held December 9 and 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tour includes several artists in or near East County, including Spring Valley, Rolando and the College area.
November 26, 2023 (San Diego) – Mild to moderate Santa Ana winds will continue through Monday in San Diego’s mountains, valleys and deserts. Rain is possible the latter half of this week, due to a low pressure trough over the West Coast.
There is a 20 percent chance of an inch or more of rain latter this week and a 50 percent chance of at least a quarter inch of precipitation, the National Weather Service predicts.
November 26, 2023 (San Diego) -- A backyard wellness sanctuary is a world apart from ordinary stresses and distractions. The space can be used for a variety of purposes: As an outdoor gym or yoga studio. For formal or informal meditation. For simple relaxation alone or with friends. Or all of the above.
November 26, 2023 (San Diego) - In the Battle for the Old Oil Can, San Diego State snapped a four-game losing streak with a 33-18 triumph over Fresno State Saturday at Snapdragon Stadium.
File photo: Dr. David Jeremiah at a previous event
November 25, 2023 (El Cajon) -- After a long absence of recovery from illness, Dr. David Jeremiah returned to his church, Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon on November 19th.. The pastor was assisted with a walker and staff guided him to the pulpit. His congregation gave him a warm welcome back and the sanctuary was full.
Photos and video courtesy of San Diego Sheriff's Department
November 25, 2023 (San Diego) - Two new state-of-the-art helicopters joined the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department air fleet as part of the department’s commitment to safeguarding communities.
“We have one of the highest paid superintendents in the state of California, so why are test scores continuing to tank? “ – Alex Welling
By Miriam Raftery
November 25, 2023 (El Cajon) – In an exclusive interview, Alex Welling, candidate running for the Trustee area 5 seat on the Cajon Valley Union School District board of trustees, speaks out. He’s concerned about respecting parents’ rights, increasing transparency, improving low standardized test scores, and holding staff accountable. He has also called for an audit of district finances.
He’s a conservative challenging board chairman Jim Miller; both are Republicans. Welling has a master’s in legal studies as well as bachelor’s degrees in political science and government. He’s the communications manager of wildfire resiliency for SDG&E and previously served a public communications officer for SANDAG and as field director for the American Action Network devoted to free market principals. He’s also served on the city of Chula Vista’s board of ethics.
View video of East County Magazine’s interview, hear audio aired on KNSJ Radio, or scroll down for highlights.
Oven on the recalled ranges sold at major national retailers pose serious risk of death or injury from carbon monoxide poisoning
November 24, 2023 (Washington D.C.) – Consumers who own a recalled ZLINE gas range/oven should contact the manufacturer for a full refund due to danger of the oven potentially deadly carbon monoxide poisoning—even if you already had the unit repaired. Approximately 30,000 ranges were recalled in January, but many consumers reported dangerous levels of carbon monoxide still leaking even after repairs, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports, in cooperation with ZLINE.
The ranges were made in China and sold at major national retailers and online outlets including Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy, Costco, Overstock.com, Wayfair.com, and the RangeHoodStore.com. The recall includes three sizes and several different color finishes.
At least 175 reports of carbon monoxide emission from the ovens in ZLINE ranges, have been reported, including 131 after the repairs were ordered. Three consumers have required medical treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Update 4:53 p.m. from the Sheriff: An evacuation order related to the #SageFire in Jamul has been lifted. The fire started in the 3300 block of Lorrel Place just before 2:00 p.m. @CALFIRESANDIEGOpersonnel are making progress with the fire. @SDSheriffASTREA/helicopter also made water drops. SR-94 between Vista Sage and Rancho Miguel Roads will be closed for a few more hours and will reopen with one lane only through the night as crews mop up at the scene. Drive carefully and be mindful of first responders and fire equipment in the area.
By Miriam Raftery
Photo, right, by Jeff Harrison
November 23, 2023 (Jamul) -- Mandatory evacuations have been ordered by CalFire due to the #SageFire. which started this afternoon near Highway 94 and Vista Sage in the Jamul/Spring Valley area has burned 30-35 acres and is spreading at a critical rate of speed, fueled by Santa Ana winds. Highway 94 is being shut down between Steele Canyon and Lyons Valley Road.
Structures are threatened and vehicles are being escorted out to evacuate. If you are evacuatiing from Jamul, use Otay Lake Rd., Proctor Valley ro Japatul Valley Rd.
November 23, 2023 (San Diego) – Effective Monday November 27th at 8:00 AM the burn permit suspension in San Diego County will be lifted. CAL FIRE / San Diego County Fire Chief Tony Mecham is formally canceling the burn permit suspension and advises that those possessing current and valid agricultural and residential burn permits can now resume burning on permissible burn days. Burning hours will be 8:00 a.m. to sunset.
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The California Department of Food and Agriculture declared a new citrus quarantine in Valley Center Nov. 30 after detecting the fatal citrus tree disease known as Huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening in five orange trees on a residential property during regular inspections.
Source: goaztecs.com
By Miriam Raftery
3,708 fans were in attendance for SDSU"s annual field trip game
Source: goaztecs.com
A Lakeside man who suffered permanent injuries from being shot 16 times has filed a lawsuit against San Diego County and two Sheriff’s deputies who opened fire. 
Two people were injured after a fight ended in a shooting and stabbing in Lakeside on Saturday, November 25. 
By 
Source: Grossmont College Stagehouse Theatre
The Tuberculosis Program in the Public Health Services (PHS) department of the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency is working in close collaboration with Father Joe’s Villages, and the San Diego Housing Commission to notify residents, employees, contractors, and volunteers potentially exposed to tuberculosis (TB) at the Golden Hall shelter at 1101 First Ave. in San Diego.
East County News Service
By Miriam Raftery
East County News Service
East County News Service
Source: goaztecs.com
By Shiloh Ireland
By 
By Miriam Raftery
Source: Cal Fire
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