October 6, 2022 (San Diego) - Today in a historic meeting of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors and the San Diego City Council, by a vote of 12-0, voted to pass a resolution to align their efforts to remove barriers to housing production, work to build 10,000 units of housing on government-owned land, leverage available funds for housing and explore housing densification options.
SR-78 reduced to one lane with one-way traffic control
East County News Service
October 6, 2022 (Ramona) - Maintenance crews continue brush removal efforts on a 4-mile stretch of State Route 78 (SR-78) from Ramona Highlands Road to State Route 67 in Ramona from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday, Oct. 14, according to Caltrans. Crews will reduce SR-78 to one lane—one mile at a time—to minimize the impact to commuter traffic.
Photo: Assemblymember and medical doctor Akilah Weber, author of AB 2343
October 6, 2022 (San Diego) – Ignoring recommendations of the State Auditor, Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed Assembly Bill 2343, the Saving Lives in Custody Act. The bill was introduced by Assemblymember Akilah Weber, M.D. of San Diego in respond to the disturbingly high rate of deaths occurring in San Diego County’s jails.
October 6, 2022 (El Cajon) - Heartland Fire & Rescue invites you to an open house on Saturday, October 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Fire Station 6, 100 East Lexington Avenue in El Cajon.
Jones’s Senate Bill 1421 on homelessness also signed into law
East County News Service
October 6, 2022 (San Francisco) – Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator Brian W. Jones (R-Santee) and several other legislators held a bill signing ceremony in San Francisco at a senior community under construction earlier this week to announce enactment of several housing and homelessness-related measures.
Photo: Ammar Campa-Najjar with Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas at a Chula Vista Police Foundation event in September. Campaign photo
October 6, 2022 (San Diego) - The San Diego Republican Party claimed last week that Chula Vista mayoral candidate Ammar Campa-Najjar doesn’t live in the South Bay city, an accusation he described as “desperate” politics.
October 5, 2022 (Butterfield Ranch, Calif.) -- After convening a community meeting with constituents in the San Diego County community of Butterfield Ranch, Congressman Darrell Issa and his senior California-based staff also provided a significant supply of more than 7,000 bottles of water for the residents, who have endured a “boil water” order since May of this year. The desert community is located east of Julian and west of Borrego Springs in San Diego’s East County.
October 5, 2022 (Lakeside) -- On August 1, 2022, Thomas “Bogi” Moreno's body was found in the pond at Willow Road and Moreno Road, Lakeside. He was 50 years old. This investigative reporter has followed up with conversations with his sister, Rosa Moreno of Los Angeles, and with a San Diego County Sheriff’s homicide investigator, to learn more about the victim’s life and the circumstances surrounding his death.
October 5, 2022 (San Diego) - Dear EarthTalk: I’d like to upgrade the energy efficiency of my condo but can’t afford the up-front cost of new equipment and materials. Are there any federal or other programs designed to help working people afford to make such transitions? —Paul B., Monroe, NY
By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office
October 5, 2022 (San Diego) - The County of San Diego released its Annual Report Tuesday calling on San Diegans to “Connect With Us” to build “a just, sustainable and resilient future.”
October 5, 2022 (Alpine) – California’s 40th State Senate District race is one of the most competitive legislative races in the state, Cal Matters reports. A former Marine Corps captain, Navy veteran and military prosecutor, Joseph Rocha is running against incumbent Brian Jones. During the Candidates to Constituents forum in Alpine, Rocha spoke about what motivated him to run—and drew clear battle lines on issues separating him from his opponent.
“I’m running because I saw the fabric of this country falling apart,” Rocha said. He says he stands for opportunities for everyone. “I learned the value of hard work, and one of the reasons I’m running is to make sure that hard work still stands for something....“This race is about working for you,” he told the audience.. He promised that if elected, he’ll be “fighting for workers, not special interests.”
He told voters that his opponent, Jones, “regularly votes against giving others a leg up and said that Jones’ largest funders including "big oil" as well as the pharmaceutical industry. (Fact check: the pharmaceutical and oil industries are among the top 10 industries supporting Jones, according to Vote Smart.)
October 2, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) -- Many family-friendly Halloween events are popping up throughout East County and will be available all throughout the month of October.
Festivities include a spooky campover, costume contests for people and pets, a haunted train ride, pumpkin patches and corn mazes, a haunted amusement park, a fall celebration, safe trick-or-treating for children at a local shopping mall, and Haunt Fest, a family-friendly Halloween festival.
October 5, 2022 (Jamul) – After a homeowner reported seeing a plane in distress yesterday, a Sheriff’s helicopter crew spotted debris from a plane crash and human remains on Lyons Peak in Jamul, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
By David R. Shorey, East County Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies
October 4, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) -- There is an opioid epidemic in the United States that stretches into California and San Diego County. People who use drugs are dying from overdoses in record numbers, including 12 kids under the age of 18 who died in San Diego County from opioid overdoses in 2021. A proven strategy to address the rising opioid overdose deaths is through widespread naloxone distribution in our communities which should include local school campuses for grades 6-12. Even one child using drugs and putting their life in jeopardy is one too many.
October 4, 2022 (La Mesa) – Candidates for La Mesa Mayor and City Council will participate in a forum at the La Mesa United Methodist Church this Wednesday, October 5 at 7 p.m.
View videos of our interview by clicking the video image at left.
Kristine Alessio is running in hopes of becoming La Mesa’s first woman mayor, challenging the current Mayor, Dr. Mark Arapostathis. She is a former La Mesa Councilwoman with a background in land use, law, business and community service. She holds degrees in philosophy and law, and she’s a La Mesa native who raised her daughter here. As a former City councilmember, she says she spearheaded some local initiatives including Term Limits, the Climate Action Plan, pension liability paydown plan, Smoke Free La Mesa ordinance and an Affordable Homes Bonus program.
La Mesa is changing from a sleepy small town and is now facing challenges that larger cities face. Alessio says the city needs a dynamic mayor with leadership that she hopes to provide. In an interview with East County Magazine originally aired on KNSJ Radio, she spoke about her goals if elected. Click the links to view videos or hear audio, or scroll down to read highlights.
October 4, 2022 (El Cajon) – Robert Gehr shot this dramatic photo of a massive flag hanging off El Cajon City Hall in memory of the 911 attacks, against the backdrop of the sunrise.
October 4, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) -- Amy Reichert is running for the 4th Supervisorial District seat currently held by board chairman Nathan Fletcher. She is a licensed investigator and pastor who founded Reopen San Diego, a nonprofit that fought against shutdowns of schools and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as vaccine mandates. She’s married with two sons. and calls herself a “Mom on a mission.”
Her top issues include homelessness, cost of living, and increased crime. View her full interview with East County Magazine, originally aired on KNSJ radio, by clicking the image on the left, or hear the audio at the audio link, or scroll down to read highlights.
October 4, 2022 (La Mesa) - The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us at Thoughtful Creations, an innovative retail location at 8270 La Mesa Boulevard to enjoy a pre-holiday shopping mixer. This is the perfect opportunity to walk around this unique business with friends and mix and mingle while shopping. This evening mixer will be held on Wednesday, October 12th between the hours of 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
October 4, 2022 (La Mesa) – United Church of Christ invites to join Pastor Kelly for a blessing of the animals on October 9 at 2 p.m. in Harry Griffen Park, next to the dog park.
“Bring your beloved animal companion(s), be they fish or fowl, dog or cat, all creatures great and small,” says Melanie Lucero. “All animals will receive an individual blessing from Pastor Kelly. If you are not able to bring your pet, please bring a picture of him/her.”
Photo: Wil Myers cracked a three-run homer in the eighth. Via @padres on Twitter
October 3, 2022 (San Diego) - The Padres and Giants played the last series of the season, only this time, the Padres had something to play for, having clinched a postseason berth. John Brebbia started for San Francisco against Grossmont High alum Joe Musgrove.
First property tax installment is due November 1, 2022
Source: Treasurer-Tax Collector of San Diego County
October 3, 2022 (San Diego) - Treasurer-Tax Collector Dan McAllister announced his office started mailing more than 1 million 2022-2023 secured property tax bills today.
October 3, 2022 (Santee) - Santee just got another nationally-known retailer that’s expected to attract loads of shoppers from all over the county.
Sportsman’s Warehouse, a sporting goods chain based in Utah, held a soft opening Sept. 30, and will hold its grand opening Oct. 6-8. It’s the first store in the chain to open in San Diego County. The next closest stores are in Yuma, Az. and Murietta in Riverside County.
October 3, 2022 (Santee) -- Friends and relatives of Steven Krueger will host a memorial Sand Sculpture Build on Sunday, October 9, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in his home community of Ocean Beach near the main lifeguard tower. The event will be led by award-winning master sand carvers of I.B. Posse, who will erect this memorial with the help of Steve’s family, friends and any community members who would like to participate.
Almost a year ago, on October 11, 2021, Krueger tragically lost his life when a plane crashed into his UPS truck in Santee. After a 30-year career, Krueger, was less than a year away from his planned retirement.
October 3, 2022 (San Diego) -- We are about to step into the height of fire season as Santa Ana Winds will soon be blowing. During wildfires, winds can send embers flying well over a mile on and into unprotected combustibles and openings around your home.
October 3, 2022 (San Diego) - San Diego State football head coach Brady Hoke announced Ryan Lindley, the school’s all-time passing leader, as an assistant coach on Monday. Lindley, who served as a graduate assistant coach with the Aztecs for part of the 2018 season and attended El Capitan High School, will coach the SDSU quarterbacks.
October 2, 2022 (San Diego) - The Padres wrapped up their last interleague series with the White Sox today, within one win of clinching a postseason berth. Lance Lynn started for Chicago against Blake Snell.
October 1, 2022 (San Diego) - The San Diego Professional Editors Network will hold the workshop, “Pain-Free Editing: How to Create an Ergonomic and Efficient Workspace” on Thursday, October 20, 2022 6:00 p.m. Editors are required to sit for extended periods of time, which can take a toll on physical and mental health. This workshop will help examine workstations and discover ways we can enhance, improve and change the way editors sit at their desks. You’ll learn not only how to create a more ergonomic and efficient workspace, but also how to recharge your energy while sitting in a stationary position. You’ll also learn proper posture and techniques for “walking tall” to repattern the way you walk. Most importantly, you’ll gain the knowledge required to achieve pain-free editing at home.
View full interview, recorded for the East County Magazine Radio Show on KNSJ, by clicking image at left
September 21, 2022 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells has served as Mayor for nine years, and on the City Council and Planning Commission before that. A healthcare professional, he brings a unique perspective to issues such as homelessness. He’s running for eelection and this week, sat down for an exclusive interview in which he discussed his accomplishments, key challenges facing the city, and his goals if reelected. He also spoke out on the city’s conflicts with the county over a homeless motel voucher program.
He says his commitment is to "trying to do what’s right" while" listening to everyone's point of view."
Supervisors Joel Anderson and Vice Chair Nora Vargas brought forward Tuesday’s board action
Photo: in anticipation of Tuesday’s vote, Supervisor Anderson (left, at podium) and Vice Chair Vargas (right) hosted a press conference along with Deborah Norwood Ruane (center-right), founder of the Middlemarch Fund, Lori Holt Pfeiler (center), CEO of Building Industry Association, and Angeli Calinog Hoyos (center-left), Public Affairs Manager at the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.
October 1, 2022 (San Diego) - At the Tuesday, September 27th meeting, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a board letter, put forth by County Supervisor Joel Anderson (District 2) and Vice Chair Nora Vargas (District 1), that will direct County staff to develop a pilot workforce housing program.
Source: Chair Nathan Fletcher
SR-78 reduced to one lane with one-way traffic control
By Miriam Raftery
East County News Service
Jones’s Senate Bill 1421 on homelessness also signed into law
By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association
East County News Service
By Shiloh Ireland
By Anagha Iyer, EarthTalk
By 
East County News Service
By David R. Shorey, East County Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies
By Miriam Raftery
East County News Service
Source: La Mesa Chamber of Commerce
By Liz Alper
First property tax installment is due November 1, 2022
By Mike Allen
East County News Service
By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
Lindley is SDSU’s all-time leading passer
By Liz Alper
East County News Service
Supervisors Joel Anderson and Vice Chair Nora Vargas brought forward Tuesday’s board action
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