Source:  Helix Water District

August 26, 2021 (La Mesa) - On Tuesday, August 3, Fitch Ratings, a global independent credit rating organization, affirmed Helix Water District's AA+ rating with a stable outlook.

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

August 26, 2021 (Mount Laguna) - Five deer mice and one brush mouse collected in routine monitoring in the Mount Laguna area have tested positive for hantavirus, County environmental health officials said this week.

By Katie Cadiao, County of San Diego Communications Office

August 26, 2021 (San Diego) - Amid a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases due to the spread of the more contagious Delta variant of the virus, the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency is recommending all San Diegans wear facial coverings in indoor public settings.

By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office

Video by José Eli Villanueva

August 25, 2021 (San Diego) - The County of San Diego’s SD Emergency app is now equipped with ShakeReadySD, an earthquake early warning system. This will let users know if an earthquake has occurred nearby that is likely to cause shaking within seconds and it will urge them to take protective action such as drop, cover and hold on or another appropriate safety measure.

By Miriam Raftery

August 25, 2021 (Lakeside) – A 23-year-old man from St. Louis, Missouri died at the scene of a single-vehicle crash on State Route 67 south of Foster Truck Trail in Lakeside last night.

By Miriam Raftery

August 25, 2021 (Spring Valley) –  Boys and girls in grades K-5 and their families are invited to attend Cub Scouts Pack 355 “Join Night” on September 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Santa Sophia Academy, 9806 Juan Street, Spring Valley.

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for San Diego County Deserts, starting at 10 a.m. today until Friday 8/27/21 at 9p.m. Hot conditions with high temperatures of up to 114 degrees may be reached.

Several County facilities will be open as Cool Zones. For location information, hours of operation, and tips to beat the heat, visit: www.coolzones.org.

Extreme heat increases the risk for heat-related illnesses and can affect those working or participating in outdoor activities. Here are some safety tips:

East County News Service

August 25, 2021 (San Diego) – The County of San Diego receives approximately $12 million annually in federal entitlement funding for housing and community development. The public is invited to join in the discussion on how would you like to see this money spent in our community.

By Joe Hong, CalMatters

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters

Photo:  Gov. Gavin Newsom announces all school teachers and employees will be required to be vaccinated or undergo weekly COVID-19 testing at a press conference at Carl B. Munck school in Oakland on Aug. 11, 2021. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

August 24, 2021 (Sacramento) - After months of reluctance, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday mandated that all California school employees be vaccinated for COVID-19 or be tested weekly.

By Miriam Raftery

August 24, 2021 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police seek public help to identify an unknown male in dark clothing who fatally stabbed a man in the throat. The victim was in a parked car in the 400 block of Graves Avenue when the attack occurred around 11:21 p.m. Sunday night, August 22. 

By Miriam Raftery

August 24, 2021 (San Diego) – How should redistricting lines be drawn for San Diego County’s supervisorial district?  The County of San Diego Independent Redistricting Commission is hosting pre-mapping public hearings to hear from residents.  The hearings will be held both in-personal and virtually online. 

For East County residents in District 2, currently represented by Joel Anderson, a hearing is set for Thursday, Aug. 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, 195 E. Douglas Ave. in El Cajon. Meeting link for Aug. 26 El Cajon hearing.

Other hearings are slated for other districts, as well as a general hearing on Sept. 25 at 1 p.m. in Spring Valley

Below is the full schedule of upcoming events and locations:

By Miriam Raftery

August 24, 2021 (San Diego) – A rapid warming trend is forecast to bring elevated fire weather conditions Wednesday through Saturday. The National Weather Service warns, “Wildfires could spread rapidly with high heat and low humidity. Diurnal winds in the afternoon present the highest threat.” Dry fuels add to the danger.

By Kristen Hwang, CalMatters

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters

August 23, 2021 (Del Norte/Tuolomne/Lake/Humboldt/Nevada/Mendocino Counties) - Hospitals in six rural California counties — all in remote, northern parts of the state  — are now treating more COVID-19 patients than ever, breaking records by exceeding their winter surges.

Source: County News Service

August 23, 2021 (San Diego) - Summertime means road trips — not just for those of us heading out for fun or vacation, but also for crews working to maintain and improve San Diego County’s unincorporated roads to protect drivers and keep the public safe.