January 19, 2024 (San Diego) -- San Diego’s Toni Atkins yesterday signaled she would run for governor, and several news outlets say her announcement is expected today.
Atkins, 61, a Democrat who rose through the ranks of city politics to become the first gay leader of the state Senate, has filed paperwork to begin raising money for a gubernatorial bid in 2026.
January 19, 2024 (San Diego) -- The investigation of oyster-linked illnesses by County of San Diego health officials has expanded to include additional oyster harvest locations in Mexico. Health officials are recommending consumers and restaurants throw away any oysters imported from locations in Mexico until further notice.
January 17, 2024 (San Diego)—Brandon Andrew Yates, 24, died in custody yesterday at San Diego County Jail. Deputies conducting a safety check found him unresponsive and displaying signs of distress around 1:36 p.m.
January 18, 2024 (San Diego) -- The National Weather Service is forecasting a major storm bringing widespread rain this weekend and early next week countywide, with thunderstorms possible in San Diego’s mountains, valleys and coastal areas. The storm is also expected to bring gusty winds, graupel (similar to hail) and lightning that could pose hazards to those outdoors.
January 18, 2024 (Bonita) -- County animal shelters in Bonita and Carlsbad are looking for adoptive and foster families to address a problem affecting shelters throughout the United States, and that’s overcrowding. County shelters have too many pets, especially dogs.
A variety of factors led to overcrowding, including a challenging economy and housing shortages for many families. This has forced some people to make the difficult decision to abandon or relinquish their beloved dogs. The rising cost of food and veterinary care is also a factor for some families.
“More dogs are coming into the shelter this year than there were last year, and fewer dogs in the shelters are being adopted or reclaimed by their owners,” said San Diego County Animal Services Director Kelly Campbell. “We don’t want to run out of room and need the community’s help. Adopting or fostering makes a huge difference for the animals in our care and has great benefits for those fostering or adopting.”
A scientific study by the American Heart Association in 2019 showed that dog owners live longer and healthier lives than people without a dog. This was often due to an increase in physical activity from daily walks. Dogs also help people improve mental health by reducing daily stress or anxiety, according to a 1991 study in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine.
January 18, 2024 (San Diego) -- A Western Harvest mouse collected from the open space area on the eastern side of Mission Trails has tested positive for the potentially deadly hantavirus.
Finding hantavirus in wild rodents is not uncommon in San Diego County, there were a total of 17 cases in 2023. However, people rarely come into direct contact with infected animals because wild rodents naturally avoid humans.
While exposure to hantavirus is rare, people should be careful around wild rodents as there is no cure or vaccine for hantavirus.
Symptoms of hantavirus usually develop between 1-8 weeks after exposure and include:
January 18, 2024 (San Diego) -- The County of San Diego’s Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program helps first-time home buyers whose income is 80 percent or less than the annual area median income, which ranges from $77,200 or less for a single adult, to $110,250 for a family of four and $145,550 for a family of eight.
The program offers low interest loans with deferred payments. The loans may be as much as 22 percent of the sales price for the down payment and up to $10,000 for closing costs.
January 18, 2024 (El Cajon) -- A woman is behind bars on suspicion of starting a fire on January 11 at an apartment complex on E. Bradley Ave. in unincorporated El Cajon. The fire engulfed 14 garages at the complex.
January 18, 2024 (San Diego)—East County Magazine editor Miriam Raftery recently sat down for an exclusive interview with state Senator Brian Jones, who represents the 40th district and is also the minority leader in the California State Senate.
Issues discussed included homeowners losing insurance, the need to upgrade aging dams in the district, homelessness, housing, crime, and more.
Offenders deceive and manipulate victims to create sexually explicit material for extortion purposes
Source: FBI
Image: CC via Bing
January 18, 2024 (San Diego) -- The FBI wants to warn parents, educators, caregivers, and children about the dangers of online activity that may lead to the solicitation and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual acts.
“Nationwide, and right here in San Diego, sextortion has become a major problem. Cases in our area have doubled over the past year and the overwhelming majority of the cases target minors,” said FBI San Diego Acting Special Agent in Charge, John Kim. “The best form of prevention is education and continued awareness. Parents and caregivers should learn about what’s happening so they can talk with their kids about online safety.”
Photos: Screenshots of loose dog photos posted on Deerhorn Valley social media
January 17, 2024 (Jamul) – Residents of Deerhorn Valley, a Jamul community, are speaking out to warn neighbors about loose dogs posing threats to people, pets and livestock.
By Duke Gonzalez, Strategic Communications Specialist, U.S. Postal Service
January 16, 2024 (Pine Valley) – A ‘Pony Express’ recently rode again in Pine Valley, California. But this time, it delivered heroism and community service rather than the mail.
January 16, 2024 (El Cajon) – Authorities are asking for public help to locate Mavis Williams, 43. She is suspected of setting a fire that burned 14 garages in the 400 block of East Bradley Avenue in unincorporated El Cajon last night. A warrant has been issued and a $1,000 reward is offered for information leading to her arrest.
January 16, 2024 – Residents countywide are warned to be vigilant for imposter water agency “workers” knocking on doors and requesting entry to homes to test water quality or making sales pitches, the San Diego Coiunty Water Authority warns.
Similar scams pop up every few years. A spate of incidents has been reported by several water agencies across the region in recent weeks, including in the City of San Diego, South County and East County.
Photo: Tobacco retailers like this smoke shop will be subject to licensing later this year.
January 15, 2024 (La Mesa, CA) - The La Mesa City Council adopted a new ordinance earlier this month that mandates tobacco retailers shall have a license to sell tobacco products.
The ordinance passed unanimously during the January 9,2024 City Council meeting upon Councilmember Jack Shu’s motion to adopt. Shu showed his support of the ordinance by wearing two lapel pins.
“One is ‘I love clean air’ and the other is a lung that was given to me for cleaner lungs by not smoking,” Shu said.
January 14, 2024 (San Diego) – Tim and Susan Taylor sent in these photos from this weekend’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade in San Diego. Participants carried messages in support of Reverend. King’s goals including freedom, equality, peace, and love triumphing over hate.
Others called for an end to gun violence.
Participants came from across San Diego County, including students San Diego State University and Gompers Preparatory Academy, shown below.
CalMattersis a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters
Photo: members of the California Faculty Association. Image from CFA Facebook page
January 14, 2024 (San Diego) - The faculty union of the California State University is planning a week of strikes across the 23 campuses Jan. 22 – 26 after the system said that it would provide 5% raises to members, far below what the union is seeking.
January 14, 2024 (Campo) -- San Diego Superior Court has ordered the conditional release of Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) Alan Earl James. The California Department of State Hospitals (DSH) has recommended placement of Alan James at 1138 Custer Road, Campo, CA 91906. He was convicted of sexual assaults with three minors dating back to 1981 and 1985, and kidnapping a child for sexual molestation.
“Being America’s most expensive city is anti-Dr. King.”—Shane Harris
January 14, 2024 (San Diego) -- Civil rights leader Shane Harris and the People's Association of Justice Advocates will serve hundreds of unsheltered individuals and low-income families with a free breakfast on Martin Luther King Day, January 15, from 9 a.m.to 11 a.m. at the Living Water Church, 1550 Market Street, San Diego. Harris will give an MLK Day address announcing new policy efforts to combat poverty, calling new efforts to raise sales taxes in what has already been deemed America's most expensive city 'anti-MLK' as well as calling out San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria for failing to demonstrate dr. King's policies as San Diego further prices out the working class under his leadership
January 13, 2024 (La Mesa) - Visionary Dance Theatre, an award-winning dance company and school for the performing arts in the heart of La Mesa, is thrilled to announce a rebranding initiative to celebrate its 15th anniversary and the long-standing partnership of its founders, Spencer John Powell and Mickey Mounarath.
January 13, 2024 (Albuquerque) - Jaelen House scored 26 points as New Mexico beat No. 19 San Diego State 88-70 Saturday, ending the Aztecs' seven-game winning streak.
Cooked vs. Uncooked Spaghetti, by Dr. Tania Hormozi, PSYD, LMFT (Made in the USA, Muncie, IL., July, 2023, 137 pages).
Book Review by Dennis Moore
January 12, 2024 (San Diego) - Dr. Tania Hormozi is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in San Diego, California for over 10 years. She holds a Doctorate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant International University and a Master’s degree in Couples and Family Therapy from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is in private practice and provides therapy to individuals and mostly couples. She helps clients gain perspective, understanding, and identify solutions to problems using their own strengths and skills.
With those credentials one would think that she could have saved my marriage. After reading this book(s), you will have a better understanding of the differences between men and women, how to listen, how to express feelings, and be supportive emotionally, mentally, and physically for your female and/or male partners, and reconnect on a different level. You will have the tools to understand and truly connect with your partner. Wishful thinking!
January 8, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) -- In an engaging conversation with esteemed American author and ethicist Gus Lee, Anat Tour, host of East County Magazine Radio Show’s “Bookshelf” on KNSJ Radio, explores the depths of Lee's captivating novel, China Boy. A best-selling author with many notable books, Lee's illustrious career includes serving his time at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and his role as West Point's Chair of Character Development, and acting Deputy Attorney General.
By Jared Hernandez, Fair Housing Program Manager, CSA San Diego
January 12,2024 (El Cajon) -- Many tenants are often unaware of their housing rights, contributing to a significant gap in understanding and advocacy. This lack of awareness can leave tenants vulnerable to potential discrimination or hinder their ability to seek necessary adjustments, such as reasonable accommodations for disabilities.
January 12, 2024 (Santee)-- Both Karl Strauss and Trader Joe’s have announced plans to open retail outlets in Santee, although the latter company isn’t saying much other than its intention to come.
January 11, 2024 (San Diego) - County health officials have linked 41 confirmed and probable cases of norovirus illness to raw oysters imported from a specific harvest location in Northwest Mexico.
January 11, 2024 (La Mesa) – La Mesa police seeks public help to solve the murder of 22-year-old Corneilius Donte Brown. His family is offering a $9,000 reward, in addition to a $1,000 Crimestoppers award, for information leading to the identification and arrest of suspects in his murder, which occurred on April 24, 2021 around 12:26 a.m.
January 11, 2024 (Alpine) – Two environmental groups filed a lawsuit in Superior Court on January 5 against San Diego County. The suit filed by Cleveland National Forest Foundation and California Native Plant Society contends that the county failed to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act when supervisors approved an environmental impact report in December for Alpine’s first community park. The Alpine Community Park, adjacent to Cleveland National Forest and Wright’s Field, would include a sports complex and more.
January 11, 2024 (San Diego) -- Join a Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP) Trail Guide on a special Martin Luther King Day nature walk Monday, January 15, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and learn about the plants, animals, geology, history, and ecology of the park on one of these scenic trails:
* The Oak Grove Loop showcasing majestic coast live oaks and rare Engelmann’s oaks.
* The Visitor Center Loop highlighting coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and riparian woodland habitats.
* The Riverside Grinding Rocks featuring one of the archaeological sites in the park.
By 
Brandon Andrew Yates, 24, died in custody yesterday at San Diego County Jail. Deputies conducting a safety check found him unresponsive and displaying signs of distress around 1:36 p.m.
East County News Service
By 
By 
Source: San Diego County Sheriff
Offenders deceive and manipulate victims to create sexually explicit material for extortion purposes
East County News Service
By Miriam Raftery
By Duke Gonzalez, Strategic Communications Specialist, U.S. Postal Service
Authorities are asking for public help to locate Mavis Williams, 43. She is suspected of setting a fire that burned 14 garages in the 400 block of East Bradley Avenue in unincorporated El Cajon last night. A warrant has been issued and a $1,000 reward is offered for information leading to her arrest.
By Miriam Raftery
By Mikhail Zinshteyn, CalMatters
East County News Service
“Being America’s most expensive city is anti-Dr. King.”—Shane Harris
Source: Mounarath-Powell Dance
Source: goaztecs.com
Author Gus Lee interviews with Anat Tour, host of East County Magazine Show’s “Bookshelf” feature on KNSJ
By 
By Miriam Raftery
East County News Service
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