August 22, 2021 (Spring Valley) - The Saps at Sea, the San Diego chapter of the Sons of the Desert, the official Laurel & Hardy appreciation society, has resumed their meetings, with their next being September 18 at Williams Hall at Trinity Presbytarian Church, 3902 Kenwood Dr. in Spring Valley.
Fox News hosts falsely touted drug as COVID treatment. FDA says it is not anti-viral, is used mainly to deworm horses, and can be dangerous for humans.
By Miriam Raftery
August 21, 2021 (Washington D.C.) – A Mississippi Poison Control Center reports that 70% of recent calls are from people who ingested Ivermectin purchased at livestock supply stores which they mistakenly believed could treat or prevent COVID-19, a view falsely touted by multiple Fox News hosts. Seeking to protect the public from harm, The U.S. Food and Drug Association (FDA) has issued a statement titled “Why you should not use Ivermectin to treat or prevent COVID-19.”
August 21, 2021 (El Cajon) – SD350, an environmental and climate change action group, held a march with dozens of activists today to protest SDG&E’s Cuyamaca Peak gas-fired power plant at 200 N. Johnson Avenue in El Cajon.
August 21, 2021 (Santee) -- At a June celebration marking the 60th anniversary of the Padre Dam Municipal Water District, top officials and directors of the agency heaped glowing praise for the new administrative offices, event center and general store at Santee Lakes that was completed in April.
Safety standards for radiofrequency radiation from cell towers and wireless devices are based on studies done only on adults, not children
By Suzanne Potter, Public News Service (CA)
Photo by Kevin Mottus, California Brain Tumor Association
August 21, 2021 (Washington D.C.) - Wireless safety advocates are calling on the Biden administration to develop a policy on safer cell-phone technology in the wake of a new ruling in federal court.
East County’s high school district welcomes new leadership and focuses on building relationships
Source: GUHSD
August 21, 2021 (El Cajon) - – The Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) welcomed students back for five days per week of in-person instruction as the new school year kicked off on August 10. During the COVID-19 pandemic, GUHSD, which serves over 17,000 East County students across its family of 17 schools and programs, safely opened for in-person instruction in September 2020 – earlier than most public high school districts – and offered four days of in-person learning per week by the end of the school year.
By Dr. Gary Weitzman, President & CEO, San Diego Humane Society
August 21, 2021 (San Diego) - Since the start of the pandemic, 18,703 animals have been adopted from San Diego Humane Society. While those animals are enjoying life in their new homes, there are still millions in shelters across the country — and plenty here in San Diego County — who are waiting for a second chance. National Dog Day on August 26 shines a spotlight on these deserving pets who are ready to become part of a family.
August 21, 2021 (San Diego) -- In response to the extreme drought conditions impacting Southern California, the Metropolitan Water District’s Board of Directors on Aug. 17 declared a Water Supply Alert, calling for consumers and businesses to voluntarily reduce their water use and help preserve the region’s storage reserves. The declaration comes a day after the Bureau of Reclamation declared a first-ever shortage on the Colorado River, which typically provides about 25 percent of Southern California’s water needs.
Update September, 12, 2021: Passenger Jiovanni Solorio Roman, who was in a coma after the crash, has died, 10 News reports.
Update August 23, 2021: The student killed in a high-speed crash has been identified by his father as Gady Cruz, NBC 7 reports. One of the passengers, Jiovanni Solorio Roman, is in a coma, according to his mother. Identities of the other two injured passengers have not been disclosed. According to the Medical Examiner, Cruz was 16 years old and was not wearing a seatbelt when the vehicle crashed and overturned. CBS 8 reports that Cruz previously posted videos on social media of himself racing at speeds over 100 miles per hour on local freeways.
By Miriam Raftery
August 21, 2021 (El Cajon) – A black 2018 Honda Civic crashed into a traffic light pole at the intersection of Fletcher Parkway and Navajo Road in Fletcher Hills around 2:11 a.m. The driver, a senior at Grossmont High School, died and three passengers were seriously injured, including two 11th grade Grossmont students.
In a press release, the Grossmont Union High School District stated, “Our district is working closely with the El Cajon Police Department as their investigation of the incident continues. Due to privacy,our district is unable to release further information regarding the students’ names or health conditions. We will release more information as we are able to do so. As our school community begins to deal with this tragedy, our district will be providing additional grief support on campus at GrossmontHigh School and will also make it available to students throughout our close-knit GUHSD community.”
Public presentation to showcase findings from community members, focus groups, library staff and library use data. Input from public to help inform next stages of Library Master Plan development
East County News Service
August 21, 2021 (San Diego) -- With data from nearly 7,500 San Diegans and over 15 focus groups with people from underrepresented communities, the preliminary findings of the first phase of the Library Master Planare now ready to be shared with the public. San Diego Public Library Director Misty Jones will host a public presentation on August 24 to showcase these findings.
August 20, 2021 (Borrego Springs) – Bob Kutscher snapped this photo on August 11, the morning after a storm dumped three quarters of an inch of rain accompanied by thunder and lightning – all preceded by a Haboob, or dust storm that left particles to intensify the sunrise hues.
August 20, 2021 (San Marcos) - The Office of Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) will host a free online cybersecurity webinar for small business owners and organization leaders August 25, 2021 from 11:00 – 12:00pm PT. The Chief of Cybersecurity for the Western United States from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) will conduct a detailed briefing and answer attendee questions.
August 20, 2021 (Jamul) -- The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) today announced the approval of $21,652 in reimbursements to help the County of San Diego cover the costs of operating a Local Assistance Center (LAC), as well as the removal and replacement of five road signs following last year's Valley Fire. The fire started in the Japatul area near Alpine and burned 20 residential structures as far south as Jamul.
The reimbursements represent the state's 75-percent share of the county's $28,870 in costs related to the work that are eligible under the California Disaster Assistance Act following California Governor Gavin Newsom's State of Emergency Proclamation on September 26, 2020.
August 20, 2021 (Washington D.C.) -- The Biden Administration has announced actions to improve the health of rural communities by making billions of dollars in American Rescue Plan funding available expand telehealth in rural and other under-served communities, help rural hospitals and medical providers meet COVID-19 needs, expand Medicare to include dental, vision and hearing benefits, and expand Veterans’ Administration (VA) training for rural providers, among other key goals.
August 20, 2021 (La Mesa) -- As part of the Livable La Mesa Age Friendly project, the City of La Mesa Community Relations and Veterans Commission will host a virtual and in-person forum on Wednesday, August 25 at 6:00 p.m. to share information and discuss hate crimes in California. In partnership with the La Mesa Police Department,
La Mesa Conversations and the San Diego District Attorney Office, the event will cover what is considered a hate crime in California, how hate crimes differ from hate incidents and the current trends in San Diego County. Presenter Leonard Trinh is the Lead Hate Crime Prosecutor and a San Diego Deputy District Attorney. Questions, comments and suggestions are encouraged from residents as the City looks to increase awareness of hate crimes.
The event is being held in person at the La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center, 8450 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, CA, 91942 and will be streamed live on Facebook at “City of La Mesa – City Hall.”
By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office
August 20, 2021 (San Diego) -- The County of San Diego Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board is looking for an additional volunteer member to fill an opening. The vacancy is in Supervisorial District 2. The area covers 2,000 square miles in the eastern portion of the county and includes the cities and communities of La Mesa, El Cajon, Santee, Poway, Ramona, Boulevard and Campo.
Video by Richard Edwords, Alpine resident and owner of Camp’s Propane, who is driving a water tender truck in the Dixie Fire
August 20, 2021 (Sacramento) -- Today more than 12,460 firefighters continue to battle 14 large wildfires across the state, Cal Fire reports. Yesterday firefighters responded to 27 new wildfires, all of which were quickly contained. Since January 1, there have been 6,630 wildfires that have burned more than 1.4 million acres.
August 20, 2021 (San Diego) – Fentanyl is deadly. Just a few grains can kill, and hundreds of people in San Diego are dying each year. So District Attorney Summer Stephan invites the public to a day of action to STOP Fentanyl overdoses and save lives.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is extending the face mask requirement for individuals across all transportation networks throughout the United States, including at airports, onboard commercial aircraft, on over-the-road buses, and on commuter bus and rail systems through January 18, 2022.
On January 31, TSA announced the initial face mask requirement with an expiration date of May 11. On April 30, TSA announced an extension to the face mask requirement through September 13, 2021 amid a surge in the Delta variant of COVID-19.
August 20, 2021 (San Diego) – The Biden administration today filed an emergency request with the U.S. Supreme Court requesting the high court to block a Texas judge’s order to reinstate the controversial Migrant Protection Program (MPP). Reuters reports. The program was ordered via an executive ordered issued by former President Donald Trump in early 2019 and required asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while awaiting the outcome of their asylum cases in U.S. courts.
The Biden administration discontinued the policy, but U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee, last week found that the Biden administration violated procedural laws and acted “arbitrarily” by failing to consider some benefits of the program. However, Kacsmaryk stayed his decision for a week to allow the Biden administration to appeal.
August 20, 2021 (San Diego) - Avanti Frozen Foods Pvt. Ltd, is voluntarily expanding a prior recall issued on June 25,2021 to include certain consignments of various sizes of frozen cooked, peeled, deveined, shrimp (with some packaged with cocktail sauce) sold in various unit sizes, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The frozen shrimp products were distributed nationwide from November 2020 to May 2021.
Photo: Boeing C-17 carrying 640 passengers out of Afghanistan, via Air Mobility Command
August 20, 2021 (San Diego) – San Diego Congressional members and residents with ties to Afghanistan are voicing concerns over the Biden administration’s actions in the wake of a rapid Taliban takeover in Afghanistan following pullout of most U.S. troops. Chief among the concerns is how to provide safe evacuation of thousands of Afghans who aided American troops, as well as their families, in addition to U.S. citizens, nonprofit workers, journalists and others still in Afghanistan and at risk of losing their lives to vengeful Taliban forces.
August 20, 2021 (El Cajon) – A suspect who reportedly shot and injured an employee inside Western Medical Training Center in El Cajon on August 19 later opened fire on an El Cajon Police officer seated in his patrol vehicle. The officer fired back, injuring the suspect who later died at a local hospital.
Officers responded to a report of the initial shooting in the 100 block of East Main Street around 2:13 p.m. yesterday. While some aided the victim, others searched for the suspect. A person matching the shooting suspect’s description was spotted near the intersection of Ballard and Decker.
East County residents and environmentalists will rally at SDG&E’s polluting peaker plant in El Cajon on August 21 @ 10:15 am
By East County News Service
Photo courtesy of DreamTime
Aug. 19, 2021 (East County) Activists say this plant and SDG&E pollute surrounding environmental justice communities, harm health, and contribute to the climate crisis with fracked gas
What: Dozens of San Diego County residents will gather outside Cuyamaca Peak Power on Saturday, August 21, to demand SDG&E stop polluting East County Communities and switch to renewable alternatives.
Why: SDG&E and Sempra are polluting El Cajon and other communities of concern in San Diego County by operating dirty gas-fired “Peaker plants,” including Cuyamaca Peak Power located at 200 N Johnson Ave. The polluting nitrogen oxides from this plant expose residents to asthma and other health impacts in a disadvantaged community. This plant also relies on dirty energy contributing to devastating climate change effects like drought and wildfires, fracking our future. El Cajon and San Diego residents call on Sempra to not renew the permit of this plant and replace peaker plants with safe, renewable local solar energy and battery storage.
By José A. Álvarez, County of San Diego Communications Office
August 19, 2021 (San Diego) - San Diegans with moderately to severely compromised immune systems can get a booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine to fight waning immunity.
Help keep residents in your community safe from fire and electric shock hazards related to charging electric vehicles by sharing these safety tips
Source: U.S. Fire Administration
Photo: Chevrolet Bolt parked in garage is believed to have started home fire in Virginia in May that displaced a family and caused an estimated $235,000 in damage. There were no injuries. Loudoun County Fire and Rescue
August 19, 2021 (San Diego) - There are over 1 million electric vehicles (EVs) on the road in the United States. President Biden's executive order, calling for the federal government to try to ensure that half of all vehicles sold in the United states be electric by 2030, ensures that number will increase significantly in the coming years.
August 19, 2021 (Descanso) - On Sunday, September 5, Our Lady of Light Catholic Parish is back and is excited to invite all to their 84nd Deep Pit BBQ. Dubbed Holy Smoke this year because the beef is slowly smoked in a deep pit while sending up heavenly holy smoke! Located in the Cuyamaca Mountains in San Diego County, visitors will have a day full of fun and beautiful surroundings of Descanso.
August 18, 2021 (San Diego) - Your state’s drought really is a state of emergency, says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Let’s start with the obvious: wildfires. There are close to 10,000 personnel, hundreds of fixed wing & rotary aircraft, hand-crews, dozers and water tenders battling multiple wildfires that have burned over 941,003 acres in California alone and not much end in sight. We still have another month or so before the real height of fire season kicks in with our Santa Ana and Diablo winds. Start preparing now!
Source: County of San Diego Planning & Development Services
August 18, 2021 (San Diego) - On April 6, 2021, the Board of Supervisors directed staff to continue with the amendments to the Zoning Ordinance related to Shelter and Housing Facilities for persons experiencing homelessness.
August 18, 2021 (San Diego) - County officials Monday encouraged local businesses and employers to implement stricter COVID-19 measures amid a spike in new virus cases. Officials recommended businesses implement a requirement for employees to either show proof of vaccination, or subject themselves to regular testing.
East County News Service
Fox News hosts falsely touted drug as COVID treatment. FDA says it is not anti-viral, is used mainly to deworm horses, and can be dangerous for humans.
East County News Service
By Mike Allen
Safety standards for radiofrequency radiation from cell towers and wireless devices are based on studies done only on adults, not children
East County’s high school district welcomes new leadership and focuses on building relationships
By Dr. Gary Weitzman, President & CEO, San Diego Humane Society
East County News Service
Public presentation to showcase findings from community members, focus groups, library staff and library use data. 
East County News Service
Source: Congressman Darrell Issa
East County News Service
East County News Service
By 
East County News Service
By Miriam Raftery
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
By Miriam Raftery
By Miriam Raftery
East County residents and environmentalists will rally at SDG&E’s polluting peaker plant in El Cajon on August 21 @ 10:15 am
By 
Help keep residents in your community safe from fire and electric shock hazards related to charging electric vehicles by sharing these safety tips
East County News Service
By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
Source: County of San Diego Planning & Development Services
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