SOLAR ECLIPSE VIEWING PARTY

ATMOSPHERIC RIVER TO DRENCH REGION OVER EASTER WEEKEND

GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL BOARD SLASHES STAFFING, OVER OBJECTIONS OF VOCAL CROWD

CONSUMER ALERT FOR SAFELY FILING YOUR TAXES

VIEW OUR INTERVIEW: LA MESA ACTIVISTS OBJECT TO CITY COUNCIL BANNING REMOTE PARTICIPATION

WINTER STORM WARNING

EASTER BRUNCH AND EGG HUNT MARCH 30 IN EL CAJON

BIA SAN DIEGO PARTNERS WITH WORKFORCECONNECT TO UTILIZE JOBS PLATFORM, WHILE ADDRESSING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WORKFORCE SHORTAGE

RECENT FIRE DEATHS HEIGHTEN CALLS FOR FIRE PROTECTION BALLOT MEASURE IN SANTEE

COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND TANYA TUCKER LIVE AT THE MAGNOLIA MAY 19

MISSION TRAILS REGIONAL PARK COMMUNITY NIGHT SLATED FOR THURSDAY, APRIL 4

UNOFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS SHOW FLIPS IN TWO KEY RACES HOLDING

PASSAGES: STEPHEN L. WEBER, FORMER SDSU PRESIDENT, DIES AT AGE 82

By Weber Family
 
Known as a visionary educator and philosopher during his 15-year tenure as president, Weber leaves a legacy of academic excellence and service.
 
Photo: SDSU led the country in improved graduation rates during Stephen Weber's 15-year tenure. (SDSU)
 
March 20, 2024 (Jersey City, NJ) -- Stephen Lewis Weber died March 17 surrounded by family at his home in Jersey City, New Jersey.
 
Weber was born on St. Patrick’s Day, 1942, in Boston, Massachusetts. After the death of his father, when Weber was 9 years old, his mother moved Weber and his two younger brothers, John and Roger, to her hometown of Stony Ridge, Ohio. She built a home next to Weber’s grandparent’s farm. They would prove to be excellent role models, along with Weber’s three uncles and their families. 

8-HOUR TIME-RESTRICTED EATING LINKED TO A 91% HIGHER RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR DEATH

Source: American Heart Association
 
Photo:  CC by NC via Bing
 
March 19, 2024 (Chicago, IL)  — An analysis of over 20,000 U.S. adults found that people who limited their eating across less than 8 hours per day, a time-restricted diet, were 91% more likely to die from cardiovascular disease compared to people who ate across 12-16 hours per day, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology and Prevention│Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Scientific Sessions 2024, March 18- 21, in Chicago. 

EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS

March 19, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego's inland regions, published in other media.  This week's round-up stories include:

LOCAL

 

STATE

For excerpts and links to full stories,  click “read more” and scroll down.

CHILI COOK-OFF FUNDRAISER IN LEMON GROVE

East County News Service
 
March 19, 2024 (Lemon Grove) -- Are you a fan of cooking or eating delicious chili? Then this announcement is for you! Join the Lemon Grove Lions Club and Lemon Grove Forward Club for a Chili Cook-Off event. If you're confident in your chili-making skills, this is your opportunity to showcase them by participating in their contest. For those who simply love savoring tasty chili, there will be plenty available for sampling! 
 
Join the fun event Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at St. John of the Cross Parish Hall, located at 8086 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945. All proceeds will go toward Lemon Grove Charities. The fun event will feature a chili tasting contest, where you get to help pick the best chili in Lemon Grove, music, cash bar, a raffle and silent auction.

CHIEF’S CORNER: MARCH IS HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

No Excuses – Time for a Screening!

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

 

Photo: I dedicate this article to one of my best friends from childhood, Andy Troncale, every year. I know Capt. Troncale (Arcadia Fire Dept. Truck Co. 105) would like you to follow the advice here to help you maintain your wellness.

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: EASTER EVENTS, WILDFLOWER WALKS AND MORE SPECIAL SPRING HAPPENINGS

By Miriam Raftery
 
March 17, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – It’s a beautiful season to get outside and enjoy beautiful East County. This week’s Destination East County includes desert wildflower walks, Easter egg hunts in El Cajon and at Lake Jennings, Daffodil Days in Julian, a star party at Mission Trails, La Mesa’s Earth Day Fair, Cajon Classic Cruises, the Ramona Open Studios art tour, and a Lyle Lovett concert at the Magnolia. 

HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS

March 18, 2024 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.

HEALTH

SCIENCE AND TECH

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS

March 18, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) - East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen on important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

WORLD

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

ADVANCING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES: TRIBAL NATIONS AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING

DA has found no cases on San Diego County tribal lands, but nationally, an estimated 40% of women sex trafficking victims are Native Americans.

By David R. Shorey, East County Program Director, Institute for Public Strategies

March 17, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) -- Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery that continues to plague communities worldwide. Tribal Nations are not immune. In the shadows of our society, traffickers exploit vulnerabilities. Among the most vulnerable are those grappling with substance use disorders. The correlation between addiction and trafficking is not merely coincidental but deeply intertwined, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and suffering.

COUNTY APPROVES 17 SAFE RV PARKING SITES FOR HOMELESS IN LAKESIDE

East County News Service
 
Photo courtesy: Google Maps
 
March 17, 2024 (Lakeside) -- Supervisors Wednesday approved construction of the Willow Recreational Vehicle (RV) Senior and Family Parking site in a County-owned site located in the unincorporated Lakeside community at the intersection of Willow Road and Ashwood Street. A concept design has been prepared showing 17 safe RV parking sites, an office space, storage, and restrooms. 

EAST COUNTY EATER: THE BARN HOUSE BBQ BRINGS KANSAS CITY FLAVOR AND FAMILY FUN TO LEMON GROVE

By Jessyka Heredia

 

March 17, 2024 (Lemon Grove) --Are you looking for that perfect spot to eat that the whole family will love? Look no further than The Barn House BBQ in Lemon Grove’s downtown district that is quickly becoming a foodie destination. The Barn House BBQ offers wonderfully smoked in-house meats and traditional sides, craft beers, wine, craft cocktails and even a game room the whole family will enjoy! Come for the food and stay for the fun.

EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE WINS SANTEE CHAMBER FAVORITES AWARD FOR BUSINESS RESOURCES

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left:  ECM Editor MIriam Raftery with Santee Favorites award

March 17, 2024 (Santee) – East County Magazine received a “Santee’s Favorites” award for best business resources at the Santee Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Awards Night on March 7 at Sycuan Casino Resort’s Heritage Event Center.

East County Magazine offers affordable sponsorship opportunities on our news site, which averages 5-10 million hits and a quarter million visits each month.  Our news coverage includes highlighting East County businesses, business news and events.. Next up,  ECM is planning to add a business directory, to help our readers easily locate business services in San Diego’s inland region.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by the Santee Chamber as the favorite for Business Resources, an award chosen by popular vote,” says East County Magazine editor and founder Miriam Raftery.  “We are constantly striving to find more ways to help local businesses. We welcome tips and story ideas, which can be sent to editor@eastcountymagazine.org.”  For sponsorship information, businesses owners and nonprofits can call (619)698-7617.

Sycuan was the  title sponsor of the event. Santee Chamber President/CEO, Kristen Dare, alongside past Board Chair, Eddie Vandiver, co-hosted onstage as the organization welcomed over 250 guests.

KUNG FU GHOST: THE CINEMATIC JOURNEY OF A SAN DIEGO INDEPENDENT FILM

By Michael Howard

 

Photo: San Diego independent film producer Jennifer Linch (R), stands with actor Eddie Lane during last year's Comic-Con. Photo by Michael Howard

 

March 17, 2024 (San Diego) -- San Diego’s own Jennifer Linch, the creative force behind the acclaimed comedy action martial arts film "Kung Fu Ghost," has navigated the complex landscape of independent filmmaking in San Diego with determination and passion, overcoming numerous obstacles along the way to end up with a successful title streaming on Peacock, Prime Video, and Apple TV. 

APPLICATIONS FOR DISASTER CALFRESH HAVE BEEN EXTENDED THROUGH FRIDAY MARCH 22, 2024

East County News Service
 
March 17, 2024 (Spring Valley) -- The program provides a one-time payment to buy food for those experiencing challenges from the January flood. Income limits apply.
 
All CalFresh recipients and new Disaster CalFresh recipients can use their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to purchase hot and prepared food until Wednesday, April 17, 2024 due to the Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the Jan. 22 storms and flooding.

REFUGE ON THE MOUNTAIN: SURVIVAL AFTER AN APOCALYPTIC DISASTER

Local author has series of events coming up.
 
Reviewed by Pennell Paugh
 
March 17, 2024 (San Diego) -- Ocean Beach resident Cornelia Feye writes a post-apocalyptic story. 
 
After a massive solar storm causes a catastrophic global blackout, Greg and Vega escape with their extended family to their solar powered, self-sufficient mountain cabin. Their survival is threatened when a dead body is found on the path behind their home, and a gang of lawless neo-Nazis threaten to take over their property.

SHARP-COLLINS SURPASSES VASQUEZ IN 79TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT

By Miriam Raftery
 
Photo: Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins
 
March 16, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – The 79th Assembly district race is still too close to call.  While La Mesa Councilman Colin Parent is still solidly in first place with 39.65% of the vote (21,745 votes). Educator Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins has overtaken Lemon Grove Mayor Racquel Vasquez to move into second place.
 
Currently Sharp-Collins has 30.27% (16,597 votes), while Vasquez has 30.08% (16,494 votes).

WOMAN DIES IN EL CAJON HOUSE FIRE

East County News Service
 
March 16, 2024 (El Cajon) — An elderly woman died in an early morning fire Friday at her home in the 1700 block of North First Street in unincorporated El Cajon.
 
Deputies from the Lakeside Sheriff's Substation along with the San Miguel, Lakeside, Santee and Heartland Fire Departments responded to the location after receiving a call around 1 a.m. Units arrived within minutes and found the home fully engulfed in flames. 

COUNTY EXTENDS EMERGENCY TEMPORARY LODGING PROGRAM FOR FLOOD VICTIMS

East County News Service

March 16, 2024 (San Diego) -- The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to extend the Emergency Temporary Lodging Program.

The program, which was launched on Feb. 10, has provided safe and secure lodging for more than 840 families who were displaced by flooding from the Jan. 22 storm. 

BEAUTIFUL BORREGO BLOOMS: OUR GUIDE TO WILDFLOWER VIEWING

Story and photos by Miriam Raftery

March 16,  2024 (Borrego Springs) – Those heavy winter rains have resulted in one of the most beautiful bloom seasons in recent memory in the Anza-Borrego Desert.  I visited earlier this month, finding the desert floor along Henderson Canyon Road bursting with colorful purple verbena, white primroses and yellow sunflowers.

Many of the most spectacular wildflower fields are not in the Anza-Borrego State Park, but just outside it on the outskirts of Borrego Springs.

Tips for your visit:

EARTH DAY 2024 FAIR IN LA MESA

By Jonathan Goetz
 
March 16, 2024 (La Mesa) -- The City of La Mesa is inviting residents, visitors, sponsors and vendors to join its family-friendly Earth Day Fair on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at MacArthur Park, 4900 Memorial Drive, La Mesa CA 91942. The festival is a celebration of the city’s commitment to environmental stewardship and a showcase of local businesses that offer eco-friendly products and services.

COUNTY APPROVES PLAN TO IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IN UNINCORPORATED COMMUNITIES

By Shauni Lyles, County of San Diego Communications Office
 
Photo: Bing Copilot
 
March 15, 2024 (San Diego) -- County Supervisors voted this week to make improvements for pedestrians at four intersections in the unincorporated communities of La Presa, Spring Valley and Fallbrook, and to make additional improvements at 17 different locations to improve pedestrian safety.

HISTORIC CEMETERY TOURS IN CAMPO OFFERED

Source: Mountain Empire Historical Society
 
March 15, 2024 (Campo) -- Want to learn about the colorful lives (and deaths) of some of the early settlers in the Campo area? The Mountain Empire Historical Society (MEHS), a 501c3 organization, will provide 2 ½ to 3 hour long guided tours of three private historic cemeteries: the Milquatay Pioneer Cemetery (see photo left), the Old Campo Cemetery, and the Ortega Cemetery at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 6th and then again at 9 a.m. on Sunday, April 14th. 

COUNTY HOLDS HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS AND ELECTRONIC WASTE COLLECTION EVENT MARCH 30 IN SPRING VALLEY

East County News Service
 
March 15, 2024 (Spring Valley) -- I Love a Clean San Diego announces the upcoming Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste Collection Event organized by the County of San Diego for unincorporated residents. This event provides an excellent opportunity for you to safely dispose of hazardous materials and electronic waste from your home.
 
Here are the event details:
 
Date: Saturday, March 30, 2024
Location: Steele Canyon High School – Back Parking Lot
Address: 12440 Campo Road, Spring Valley
Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

COUNTY AUTHORIZES EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO STORM DRAINS IN FLOODED EAST COUNTY COMMUNITIES

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Storm drain, San Diego County Dept. of Public Works

March 13, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – County Supervisors, at a Flood Control District meeting today, approved continuation of storm drain emergency repairs in several unincorporated communities, following catastrophic flooding on January 22 that overwhelmed county stormwater drains.

CANDLEWOOD ARTS FESTIVAL MARCH 23 HIGHLIGHTS PUBLIC ART IN BORREGO SPRINGS

4th annual event showcases commissioned public art by Karla Diaz, Jake Freilich, Pearl C. Hsiung, Debra Scacco, and student artists from Borrego Springs High School
 
March 14, 2024 (Borrego Springs) -- The Candlewood Arts Festival returns to the Anza Borrego Desert on March 23 with commissioned public art works as well as a gallery exhibition of art by local youth. The Festival, sponsored by Under The Sun Foundation, will include a performance, workshops, an artists’ talk, and an opening party for visitors and residents to experience contemporary art together in the unique desert community of Borrego Springs. Events will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

SEXUALLLY VIOLENT PREDATOR TO BE RELEASED IN CAMPO

East County News Service

March 14, 2024 (Campo)—Yesterday, Sheriff’s deputies with the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE) Task Force went door to door in Campo to advise residents that Alan Earl James, a registered sexually violent predator (SVP) with the state and county, will be released into their neighborhood at 1138 Custer Road, Campo.

SAN DIEGO SELECTED AS HOST FOR 2024 MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

Source: Major League Rugby
 
March 24, 2024 (San Diego) – Major League Rugby (MLR), the premier professional rugby league in North America, has named San Diego as the host site for the 2024 MLR Championship. The Quest for the Shield will culminate at Snapdragon Stadium on Aug. 4, 2024 at 4 p.m. (EST) featuring the champions from the East and West conferences.

AZTECS BEAT BOISE ST., ADVANCE TO MW CHAMPIONSHIP

The Aztecs will play in their sixth championship game and first since 2013.
 
Source: GoAztecs
 
Photo: SDSU Aztecs senior guards Abby Prohaska (24) and Jazlen Green (11) celebrate on the court following the team's 72-69 win over Boise St. SDSU will face UNLV for the Mountain West Tournament championship. (SDSU)
 
March 14, 2024 (Las Vegas) -- The San Diego State women's basketball (22-12) outlasted Boise State (21-13) 72-69 in the semifinals of the Mountain West Tournament to advance to their first championship game since 2013. The Aztecs will face the regular season champion, No. 21/19 UNLV, on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

THUNDERSTORMS, SANTA ANA WINDS AND SNOW

 

March 14,2024 (San Diego)--A storm sweeping into our region is forecast to bring Santa Ana winds through Friday, with rain countywide and gusts up to 70 miles per hour in high desert areas. 

Mountains and deserts could have thunderstorms through Saturday, with snow down to 5,000 feet in elevation.

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