The Plot To Hack America: How Putin’s Cyberspies and WikiLeaks Tried to Steal the 2016 Election, by Malcolm Nance (Skyhorse Publishing, Inc., New York, New York, 2016, 186 pages).

Book Review by Dennis Moore

“I wouldn’t know anything about it. You know, there are so many hackers today and they work with such finesse, planting a trail where and when they need…. It’s difficult to trace, if even possible…. The important thing here is what the public was shown…. One shouldn’t draw the public attention from the core of the issue by replacing it with secondary details like who did it.” – VLADIMIR PUTIN

February 17, 2018 (San Diego) - Coming on the heels of my recent review of former Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Donna Brazil’s book Hacks, Malcolm Nance, international expert on counterterrorism intelligence, and MSNBC TV contributor, as well as New York Times Bestselling Author of Defeating Isis, has written a provocative and timely book on espionage and the state of affairs between the United States and Russia; The Plot to Hack America: How Putin’s Cyberspies and Wikileaks Tried to Steal the 2016 Election.

By Michelle Mowad, County of San Diego Communications Office

February 17, 2018 (San Diego's East County) - Take a fresh approach to your wedding ceremony and say “I do” in a park. From romantic country meadows to bayfront ocean views or rustic ranchos, San Diego County Parks and Recreation has a wide array of outdoor spaces for wedding ceremonies and receptions in every part of the county.

With venue fees starting at $105, County parks are not only a beautiful option, but a budget-friendly one, too! To tour event spaces or make reservations, contact Parks at (858) 565-3600.

Here are just a few of the scenic spaces to exchange vows. Find the complete list of venues online.

February 17, 2018 (La Mesa) – You’re invited to our Mardi Gras dinner party benefit for East County Magazine!

Join us Wednesday, February 28 at 6 p.m. at the award-winning San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room (8364 La Mesa Blvd.) in La Mesa for a catered New Orleans Cajun/Creole dinner and festivities -- all for just $28 (leap year pricing on leap day!).  

$28 price includes tax, tip, Mardi Gras mask, beads, New Orelans dinner and a glass of wine

RSVP required by Feb. 21 as we must guarantee a number and prepay the caterer.

There will also be opportunity drawings, a silent auction, games and prizes galore! Scroll down or click “read more” for the delicious details.

East County News Service

February 17, 2018 (San Diego) -- The Alaska String Band will perform at the Joan B. Kroc Theatre on Friday, March 16^th at 7 p.m. to benefit the ministries of Alpine’s Christ the King Episcopal Church.  Be entertained by the delightful talent of this family band, as they take you on a musical journey filled with the rich sounds of bluegrass and a variety of timeless American classics while wide-screen images portray the beauty of Alaska to create a visually captivating setting.

East County News Service

February 15, 2018 (Borrego Springs) – Art lovers can view works of over 70 fine artists at the 29^th annual Circle of Art Show and Sale on Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs. This popular event will be held Saturday, March 10^th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 11^th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

By Miriam Raftery

February 14, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes President’s Day weekend activities at Lake Jennings, a jazz concert at San Pasqual Winery’s tasting room in La Mesa, the Martin Luther King Community Choir in Lemon Grove, a star party and a Celtic harp concert at Mission Trails, Seussical the Musical in Spring Valley, tips from La Mesa Beautiful, and hawk watching in Ramona.

Plus, we’ll have coming attractions including Boots Ball in Borrego Springs, a St Patrick’s Day run through El Cajon, Gregory Page in concert at Mission Trails, Tomatomania at the Garden, a harmonica festival in La Mesa, Santee Lakes’ Springtime Extravaganza, Sweet Pea Day at Summers Past Farms, the season opener of Cajon Classic Cruise nights, an antique and crafts fair, and Heritage of the Americas Museum’s anniversary party.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!

By Miriam Raftery

February 15, 2018 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police are seeking witnesses to identify the driver who hit and fatally injured a woman pedestrian found still alive at 4:30 a.m. in the 1000 block of South Sunshine Avenue.  She died while being transported to a hospital, Patch.com reports.

The woman may have been homeless, according to Lt. Royal Bates.

Local music camp represents Southern CA as only camp to receive IBMA honor; April 11-15 camp includes many musical styles, instruments from fiddle to cello

February 15, 2018 (Julian) -- The Julian Family Fiddle Camp (JFFC) received a grant from the International Bluegrass Music Association Foundation (IBMA) the first week of February for its dedication and contribution to sustaining acoustic music in the local community.