March 9, 2023 (Long Beach) - Jillian Celis hit a two-run double in the top of the eighth inning and San Diego State held on for a 4-3 victory at Long Beach Thursday night at the Louisville Slugger Classic.
“Cohousing is about living the good life while using less of the earth’s resources, and having a good time doing it.” --Charles Durrett
East County News Service
March 9, 2023 (Ramona, CA) -- Charles Durrett, a leading architect in the field of sustainable community and cohousing, will be hosting a free public presentation on the future of this innovative housing concept, with a focus on the potential for a new cohousing community in Ramona.
The event is open to the public and will take place on March 16 at 6 p.m. in the Ramona Community Center, 434 Aqua Lane in Ramona. You’re invited to come and be part of planning a sustainable community and cohousing in Ramona.
March 8, 2023 (Sacramento) - Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego), Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (D-Jackson), Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield), Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City), and Assemblymember Megan Dahle (R-Bieber) have introduced the “Sexually Violent Predator Accountability, Fairness, and Enforcement Act” (SAFE Act), a measure aimed at preventing the state from continuing to try to secretly dump Sexually Violent Predators (SVPs) in unsuspecting communities throughout the state. Senate Bill 832 is the second SVP bill Leader Jones has authored in the last two years.
To sign the petition supporting SB 832, here. For more information on the SVP issue, please click here.
“Families in San Diego County and across California are being jolted by the state’s secret attempt to put an SVP in their neighborhoods. State Hospital officials have often tried to duck their responsibility by giving their vendors, such as East Coast-based Liberty Health Care, too much freedom in targeting regions such as East and North County. Unfortunately, this problem is not unique to San Diego,” said Jones. “A few weeks ago, I requested an audit of Liberty Healthcare to get to the bottom of their poor handling of SVP placements. Now, we’re announcing the bipartisan SAFE Act, which would require transparency in the SVP placement process, force state officials to own up to these decisions, and make public safety the highest priority.”
Specifically, Leader Jones’s Senate Bill 832 would:
Hearing April 5 for County Supervisors to weigh the Regional Decarbonization Framework
Public urged to speak at meeting and submit comments by March 31 deadline at project website
By Miriam Raftery
Hear our interviewwith Bill Powers, Protect Our Communities Foundation, recorded four days before the nonprofit group filed a lawsuit against the County. The interview originally aired on KNSJ radio. View video of interview.
March 8, 2023 (San Diego) – The Protect Our Communities Foundation (POCF) has filed a lawsuit against the County of San Diego contending that the County hired a biased utility industry consultant direct the County’s Regional Decarbonization Framework (RDF) and that the RDF’s conclusions are skewed toward utilities’ interests over consumers’ interests based on flawed data. The suit also names the University of California as a defendant, contending that UCSD concealed researcher David Victor’s financial ties to the utility industry when it won a no-bid contract from the County to prepare the report that Victor co-authored.
In an exclusive interview with East County Magazine aired on KNSJ radio four days before the suit was filed in late February, Bill Powers, an engineer and board member on the Protect Our Communities Foundation, discussed why the organization is taking a stand against the RDF. He contends that if approved by Supervisors as written, it could result in fast-tracking industrial-scale wind and solar projects in our backcountry, even waiving environmental impact reviews, when it would be more economical to build rooftop and parking lot solar in urban areas – without harm to local communities and environmental habitats.
March 9, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – With springtime fast approaching, East County has an array of events coming up, including St. Patrick’s Day festivities, a butterfly jungle, Easter extravaganza, a harmonica festival, classic cruise nights, a charity golf tournament, an Earth Day fair, Coyote Music Festival, Spring Garden Festival, Vintage Alpine and more.
“Really crazy stuff,” Rupert Murdoch, CEO of Fox, on Donald Trump’s stolen election claims.
“I did not believe it for a second.” – Sean Hannity, Fox broadcaster, on stolen election theory pushed by Trump’s attorney.
March 8, 2023 (San Diego) – Fox News Network LLC, the parent company of Fox News, is being sued by Dominion Voting Systems for allegedly broadcasting misinformation about voter fraud during the 2020 election. Dominion Voting is seeking $1.6 billion for defamation in the lawsuit. Fox News is also being sued by Smartmatic Voting Machines, for $2.7 billion. Evidence presented shows that Rupert Murdoch knew that Fox News was endorsing misinformation about the 2020 election. Murdoch is the head of Fox Corp and Fox News as well as many other media outlets in the U.S and Australia. In a deposition while under oath, Murdoch acknowledged that some commentators on Fox News endorsed the idea of a stolen election on the air, knowing this was false.
When asked if Fox News spread false claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen, as Donald Trump claimed, Murdoch stated, "Some of our commentators were endorsing it." Murdoch also said in an email that the election denial is “Really crazy stuff.”
March 9, 2023 (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:
March 10, 2023 (San Diego) -- 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:
Winners will be recognized and receive a $250 SDCCU Visa® gift card
Source: SDCCU
March 9, 2023 (San Diego) - San Diego County Credit Union (SDCCU), one of San Diego’s largest locally-owned financial institutions, is proudly honoring San Diego County teachers through SDCCU Classroom Heroes, launched in partnership with the San Diego County Office of Education.
March 9, 2023 (La Mesa) - Individuality versus conformity is an eternal conflict and in the case of One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest, man versus institution. More than that, this is a story of people, with a huge, wonderful cast full of characters to connect to and learn from. The play is emotionally impactful and well-acted; you leave Lamplighters theatre with an impression of right or wrong and individuality at all costs.
March 8, 2023 (San Diego) – San Diego County residents, along with residents in most other California counties, can delay filing their state and federal taxes until October 16 – if you were impacted by the recent winter storms.
``As communities across the state continue recovering from the damage caused by the winter storms, California is working swiftly to help recovering Californians get back on their feet,'' Gov. Gavin Newsom said. ``The state is aligning with the Biden Administration and extending the tax filing deadline in addition to the tax relief announced earlier this year.''
Those with storm damage can also claim a deduction for disaster loss.
March 8, 2023 (Lakeside) -- An East County man has been arrested on multiple felony charges after he was pulled over by deputies from the Lakeside Sheriff’s substation shortly before 10:30 p.m. last night for driving with an expired registration. A license plate check confirmed that the motorcycle he was driving was stolen.
Hooleyfest, the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in East County, will return next weekend after a hiatus—and that’s no blarney. The celebrating will span three days from March 17th through 19th at Hooley’s Irish Pub and Grille in La Mesa’s Grossmont Center.
Plus, you can enjoy live Irish music such as the Rebel Celts and Piper Ben, other music by bands such as 80’Z All Stars and Whiskey Ridge as you hoist a pint of Guinness and savor traditional Irish foods and cheer.
March 8, 2023 (Rancho San Diego) -- On May 6, Cuyamaca College is combining several major events for a true springtime extravaganza.
The Water Conservation Garden will host its Spring Garden and Butterfly Festival on May 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests can watch butterfly releases and children can join Miss Smarty-Plants and Miss Monarch at a Pollinator Party to hear stories and craft their own Pollinator wings. The Garden will also have specialty vendors, workshops, and food trucks.
In addition, Cuyamaca College’s Ornamental Horticulture Department will hold its largest plant sale of the year in their brand-new nursery. Plus, the Heritage of the America’s Museum will be hosting tours throughout the day.
March 8, 2023 (San Diego) – The San Diego Film Festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary. This year’s festival, produced by the nonprofit Media Arts Center, will take place March 9-19 at two locations: AMC Mission Valley Cinemas (1640 Camino Del Rio N., San Diego) and at the Digital Gym Cinema (1100 Market St. 2nd floor, San Diego).
The San Diego Latino Film Festival is an 11 day celebration of Latino Cinema, Arts & Culture. The festival will present over 160 films from Latin America, the United States, and Spain as well as Opening Night and Closing Night Parties, the 5th Annual Sabor Latino – Food, Beer & Wine Festival, Q&A sessions with visiting filmmakers, free student screenings, and more. Audiences will have the rare opportunity to meet filmmakers and actors from all over the world. Full lineup to be announced in February 2023.
March 3, 2023 (Alpine) – Loveland Reservoir near Alpine remains closed to public access for fishing, hiking and recreation since storms in January destroyed the floating fishing dock and caused severe erosion. The damage occurred after Sweetwater Water Authority drained the lake to an unprecedented dead pool status, killing off fish and destroying habitat. Even after January’s heavy rains, Sweetwater again drained the reservoir – angering recreational enthusiasts and environmentalists.
On Thursday, March 23 at 6 p.m., the Alpine Community Planning Group will hear a presentation by Sweetwater on the current and future state of Loveland Reservoir.
Friends of Loveland Reservoir, a group formed to advocate for restoring the lake, states, “We desperately need community members to show up and calmly and professionally share the importance of the Reservoir. If Sweetwater does not hear from us, they will understandably believe this matter is not important to us and will continue down their chosen path.”
March 8, 2023 (Lakeside) -- Bianca Villalobos is a 13-year-old Lakeside teen who is making a positive difference in her community. This inspiring young activist has won at least three dozen honors including awards for diabetes advocacy, environmentalism, and bravery, as well as numerous pageant titles at the local, state and national levels.
Bianca is in the seventh grade and home schooled. Her father is serving in the US. Navy in San Diego and her mother also served four years in the Navy, then decided to stay home and raise her young son, Bianca's older brother. At age 2, Bianca was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes that changed her life and later launched her to advocate for other teens with diabetes.
ECM began to notice this rising star as her name appeared often on social media, at frequent event appearances and her many organizations and causes that she advocates for. ECM arranged an interview with Villalobos and her mother, Tina Villalobos. The interview was held on Feb. 26 at the Lakeside VFW , a place where you will find Villalobos and her mother serving meals and advocating for veterans regularly.
Caltrans, Officials Celebrate National Register of Historic Places Designation
Source: Caltrans
March 8, 2023 (San Diego) -- The Ramona Tree Trust, elected official representatives and community members joined the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to unveil a set of signs commemorating the historic eucalyptus tree colonnade that has characterized the Main Street of Ramona as well as welcomed travelers into San Diego’s rural backcountry as a physical symbol of the townspeople’s pride in their agricultural community.
The Ramona Tree Trust recently led an initiative to list Ramona’s Main Street Colonnade Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.
The colonnade consists of 2 miles of over 300 eucalyptus trees, originally established in 1909 and continues to be maintained and replanted to the present day by the community of Ramona.
March 7, 2023 (San Diego) – Michael J. Buono, a professor at San Diego State University, has died of Legionnaire’s disease, SDSU confirmed today. He was a faculty member in the School of Exercise and Nutritional Science and had been with SDSU for four decades.
El Cajon is second-hardest hit community, losing 752,000 meals, report by San Diego Hunger Coalition finds
East County News Service
March 7, 2023 (San Diego) -- CalFresh pandemic emergency allotments have ended, resulting in a significant hit on the grocery purchasing power of many San Diego households during a time of soaring grocery store prices.
But those affected may be able to increase their monthly benefits amountby updating monthly household expenses on record with County of San Diego—and the San Diego Hunger Coalition can help.
Jury concluded Arambula acted in self defense following conflicting statements by Williams about whether his dispensary application was discussed and how much he drank.
Missing witness, in a deposition, stated under oath that Arambula had history of wanting to "fight" after drinking, threw a glass against wall, told witness he "beat" Williams and asked witness to destroy photos of plaintiff's injuries. The jury never heard this evidence.
By Jessyka Heredia
Miriam Raftery also contributed to this report
March 6, 2023 (Lemon Grove) -- On Monday, in day three of the Williams vs. Arambula and City of Lemon Grove civil trial, David Arambula and the City of Lemon Grove were both found not liable by a jury in the assault and battery case filed by Christopher Williams.
The case centered around an evening in July 2017 at Arambula’s home, which ended in violence. A mutual acquaintance, Taisha Brown, set up the meeting, which Williams said was to discuss his pending marijuana dispensary application but which Arambula said he believed was to discuss bringing new business investment to the city. Williams claimed they discussed the dispensary and that Arambula pushed him to bring in a partner, but he refused. Arambula denied those claims. After others left, Williams returned for his cell phone and contended that he was assaulted unprovoked by Arambula, resulting in hospitalization for injuries. Arambula claimed Williams attacked him first and that he acted in self defense.
Spring-themed Festivities Scheduled March 18 – May 14, shining spotlight on local wildlife
East County News Service
Photo by Emily Senninger
March 7, 2023 (Escondido) -- Celebrate the arrival of spring in full color at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, with the return of Spring Safari Featuring Butterfly Jungle. Visitors and their families can embark on a wild, global adventure without ever leaving Southern California—and every visit contributes directly to saving wildlife in our own backyard and around the world.
March 7, 2023 (San Diego's East County) - East County’s high desert communities saw a better-than-ever snowfall this winter and many residents have captured scenes unusual to the area in Campo, Jacumba, Live Oak Springs, Boulevard and Bankhead Springs.
March 7, 2023 (El Cajon) --- Shelter to Soldier (STS), a San Diego nonprofit that adopts dogs from local shelters and rescue organizations and trains them to become psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury and/or Military Sexual Trauma, will hold its 4th annual “Saving Lives, One Swing at a Time” golf tournament on Friday, April 21 at the Championship Oak Glen Course of Singing Hills Golf Resort at Sycuan (3007 Dehesa Rd., El Cajon).
The Aztecs, who took their first and only lead, with 47 seconds left, face No. 21/25 UNLV in the semifinals tomorrow
Source: goaztecs.com
March 6, 2023 (Las Vegas) - The Aztec women’s basketball team (23-9) rallied to beat New Mexico (20-12) 69-68 in the quarterfinals of the Mountain West Tournament Monday afternoon.
By Cassie Klapp, County of San Diego Communications Office
March 6, 2023 (San Diego) -- A Behavioral Health Services (BHS) program focused on culturally appropriate programming to strengthen relationships between fathers and their children and bolster fathers’ parenting skills was approved Tuesday by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. This Board approval signals an eight-fold expansion of these services.
“Evidence shows earlier interventions in the lives of young people is the best way to support resilience and wellbeing,” said Dr. Luke Bergmann, director of Behavioral Health Services at the County Health and Human Services Agency. “Parent or caregiver engagement is vital for the mental health development in children.”
Adverse Childhood Experiences, also known as ACEs, and toxic stress are associated with nine out of the 10 leading causes of death in the country. These poor health outcomes are passed from generation to generation.
March 6, 2023 (San Diego) – Erythritol, an artificial sweetener, substantially increases the risk of death from heart attacks and strokes caused by blood clots, according to a study by the Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute published in the journal Nature Medicine.
Erythritol is not required to be listed on food labels, so consumers may not be aware when they are choosing products that contain it. It’s used as a sugar replacement and is also added to bulk up stevia and monkfruit, two other sweeteners. It’s been found in high levels in some products for diabetics and in low-sugar keto products.
“The degree of risk was not modest,” said Dr. Stanley Hazen, lead author of the study and director of the Center for Cardiovascular Diagnostics and Prevention at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute.
March 5, 2023 (San Diego) - San Diego State split a doubleheader on the final day of the San Diego Classic Sunday at USD Softball Complex. The Aztecs (13-7) opened with a 16-0 victory over Montana in five innings before falling to Boston University 5-3 in the nightcap.
Rebels score two late runs to snuff out Aztecs’ bid for series sweep
Source: goaztecs.com
Photo courtesy goaztecs.com
March 5, 2023 (Las Vegas) - After rallying from an early five-run deficit, San Diego State was unable to protect a late lead, as UNLV put up single markers in the eighth and ninth inning on Sunday to hand the Aztecs a tough 9-8 defeat in the finale of a weekend series at Earl E. Wilson Stadium.
SDSU improves to 15-7 on the season
“Cohousing is about living the good life while using less of the earth’s resources, and having a good time doing it.” --Charles Durrett
East County News Service
By Miriam Raftery
East County News Service
March 9, 2023 (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:
March 10, 2023 (San Diego) -- 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:
Winners will be recognized and receive a $250 SDCCU Visa® gift card
By Kathy Carpenter
March 9, 2023 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.
By Miriam Raftery
East County News Service
Caltrans, Officials Celebrate National Register of Historic Places Designation
By Miriam Raftery
East County News Service
By Jessyka Heredia 
Spring-themed Festivities Scheduled March 18 – May 14, shining spotlight on local wildlife
By Rebecca Person
East County News Service
The Aztecs, who took their first and only lead, with 47 seconds left, face No. 21/25 UNLV in the semifinals tomorrow
By 
By Miriam Raftery
Source: goaztecs.com
Rebels score two late runs to snuff out Aztecs’ bid for series sweep
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