GOP REP. ISSA VOTES IN VAIN AGAINST THE EXPULSION OF INDICTED REP. GEORGE SANTOS

STATE DECLARES CITRUS QUARANTINE IN VALLEY CENTER

RAMONA MOM DIES IN CRASH CAUSED BY SUSPECTED DUI DRIVER

ELECTRONIC BILLBOARD OPPOSITION IN LA MESA GAINS GROUND

HELP SOUGHT FOR FAMILY OF CAMPO MAN KILLED BY HIT-AND-RUN DRIVER ON THANKSGIVING EVE

COUNTY SUED BY LAKESIDE MAN SHOT 16 TIMES BY SHERIFF’S DEPUTIES

LIGHTING OF GRAND MENORAH WILL EMPHASIZE COMMUNITY RESILIENCE AND UNITY IN RESPONSE TO RECENT ACT OF ANTIi-SEMITISM AT SDSU

LA MESA CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS GET HEFTY PAY RAISE

DISNEY’S FREAKY FRIDAY AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE STAGEHOUSE THEATRE DEC. 7 - 16

TUBERCULOSIS EXPOSURE REPORTED AT GOLDEN HALL SHELTER

MOTORCYCLIST DIES IN DULZURA COLLISION

DUI DRIVER ARRESTED FOR FATAL CRASH IN RAMONA

GOP REP. ISSA VOTES IN VAIN AGAINST THE EXPULSION OF INDICTED REP. GEORGE SANTOS

By Ken Stone,Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

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.

STATE DECLARES CITRUS QUARANTINE IN VALLEY CENTER

LOCAL TEEN MUSICAL SENSATION AMANDA FAGAN TO PERFORM AT LA MESA’S HOLIDAY IN THE VILLAGE

 


By Jacob Pamus


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.

RAMONA MOM DIES IN CRASH CAUSED BY SUSPECTED DUI DRIVER

By Miriam Raftery

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.

A SAFE PLACE TO SLEEP

 

By Anita Lightfoot, County of San Diego Communications Office

Video by Suzanne Bartole

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.

ELECTRONIC BILLBOARD OPPOSITION IN LA MESA GAINS GROUND

By Miriam Raftery

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.

HELP SOUGHT FOR FAMILY OF CAMPO MAN KILLED BY HIT-AND-RUN DRIVER ON THANKSGIVING EVE

By Miriam Raftery

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.

COUNTY SUED BY LAKESIDE MAN SHOT 16 TIMES BY SHERIFF’S DEPUTIES

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  Erik Talavera at rally; screenshot from video by ECM media partner 10 News

View deputies’ body camera footage of the shooting (warning, disturbing content):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WErLDy2sSzc 

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.

FIGHT RESULTS IN SHOOTING,STABBING IN LAKESIDE

 

East County News Service

Photos provided by:Shiloh Ireland 

 

November 30, 2023 (Lakeside)  --Two people were injured after a fight ended in a shooting and stabbing in Lakeside on Saturday, November 25. 

 

Shortly before 7:30 p.m., deputies from the Lakeside Sheriff's substation responded to reports of a shooting in the 12000 block of Woodside Avenue.

LIGHTING OF GRAND MENORAH WILL EMPHASIZE COMMUNITY RESILIENCE AND UNITY IN RESPONSE TO RECENT ACT OF ANTIi-SEMITISM AT SDSU

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.”

LA MESA CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS GET HEFTY PAY RAISE

By Michael Howard

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.

DISNEY’S FREAKY FRIDAY AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE STAGEHOUSE THEATRE DEC. 7 - 16

Source: Grossmont College Stagehouse Theatre

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

TUBERCULOSIS EXPOSURE REPORTED AT GOLDEN HALL SHELTER

By Fernanda Lopez Halvorson, County of San Diego Communications Office

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.

MOTORCYCLIST DIES IN DULZURA COLLISION

East County News Service

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.

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: DELIGHTFUL DECEMBER EVENTS

East County News Service

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.

FIND UNIQUE GIFTS AT SAN DIEGO POTTERY TOUR DEC. 9-10

East County News Service

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.

RAINS MAY RETURN MIDWEEK

East County News Service

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.

HOW TO CREATE A WELLNESS SANCTUARY IN YOUR BACKYARD

By Frances Black

Photo Credit

A person doing yoga in a gardenDescription automatically generated

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. 

SHADOW MOUNTAIN WELCOMES BACK PASTOR DAVID JEREMIAH

By Shiloh Ireland

 

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. 

NEW SHERIFF HELICOPTERS SERVE AS A REGIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY ASSET

By County News Center, County of San Diego Communications Office

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.

ALEX WELLING, CAJON VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT CANDIDATE, SEEKS IMPROVED TEST SCORES, OVERSIGHT, AND RESPECT FOR PARENTS

 

“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.

Audio: 

ZLINE GAS RANGES STILL LEAKING DANGEROUS CARBON MONOXIDE LEVELS AFTER REPAIRS: MANUFACTURER NOW OFFERS REFUNDS FOR CONSUMERS

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.

SAGE FIRE THREATENS HOMES IN JAMUL/SPRING VALLEY AREA

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. @CALFIRESANDIEGO personnel are making progress with the fire. @SDSheriff ASTREA/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.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY BURN PERMIT SUSPENSION LIFTED

Source:  Cal Fire

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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