Photo: Local water tender contractor Richard Edwords of Alpine is in Covelo helping to battle the August Complex Fire, which at over 1 million acres is now the largest fire in California history.
October 5, 2020 (San Diego) – At 2 million acres, California’s all-time record for wildfire devastation in a single year was shattered last month. Now that figure has more than doubled, with over 4 million acres scorched so far in 2020 by over 8,300 wildfires.
More than 16,600 firefighters continue to work towards containment on 23 major wildfires and one extended attack wildfire across the state. Yesterday, firefighters also responded to 26 new wildfires, bringing full containment to all but one, the Lambert Fire in Amador County. But many large, older fires continue to rage as the devastating toll grows.
To date, the total number of fatalities statewide from wildfires this year is 31 and over 8,687 structures have been destroyed.
CalMatters is an independent public interest journalism venture covering California state politics and government.
Photo: The remains of a burned home in Berryessa Highlands on Sept. 21, 2020. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters
October 5, 2020 (San Diego) - California surpassed a staggering milestone Sunday: more than four million acres have now burnedin a record-defying fire season still far from over. That’s four Rhode Islands, three-and-a-half Grand Canyon National Parks, and a little more than one Connecticut.
Photo: Jodie Lorea (top left) kept Sara Jacobs (below left) and Georgette Gómez to their 2-minute time limits after moderator Chris Jennewein asked the questions.
October 4, 2020 (San Diego) - Congressional candidate Sara Jacobs suggested Saturday that “the generals and the military” would play a role in removing President Trump from office if he loses the election but won’t cede power.
October 4, 2020 (San Diego’s East County) – San Diego Press Club has released its list of winners in the 47th annual Excellence in Journalism Awards. Seven of East County Magazine’s journalists and photographers made the list for the 2020 awards: Editor Miriam Raftery and photojournalists Rebecca Jefferis Williamson, Paul Kruze, Henri Migala, Emmet Pierce, Jake Rose and Kendra Sitton.
October 4, 2020 (Spring Valley) - The County of San Diego – Planning & Development Services (PDS) will host a virtual community workshop for the Campo Road Corridor Revitalization Plan on Thursday, October 15 at 4 p.m. The plan covers the section of Campo Road in the Casa de Oro community.
October 3, 2020 (San Diego’s East County) -- Voters in Dehesa, Harbison Canyon and Granite Hills will soon see a supplemental set of election materials in addition to their regular mail ballot from the Registrar of Voters office. The Registrar was misinformed about which voters are eligible to vote on the Crest/Dehesa/Harbison Canyon/Granite Hills Community Planning Area Crest member, planning group contest. As a result, the local contest was not included in the sample ballot and voter information pamphlets or the vote-by-mail ballots set to start arriving in mailboxes Monday.
CalMatters is an independent public interest journalism venture covering California state politics and government.
Photo: Gov. Gavin Newsom with first partner, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and their youngest son, Dutch, during the annual Christmas tree lighting at the Capitol on December 15, 2019. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters
October 3, 2020 (Sacramento) - In a year when the coronavirus pandemic upended every aspect of normal life, the impact in the California Capitol was also dramatic. Lawmakers took an unprecedented two-month pause in the spring, when Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a statewide order for people to stay home to prevent the spread of the virus. They returned to the Capitol in May, passed a state budget shrunken by the pandemic-induced recession and began setting aside hundreds of bills that would no longer make the cut in this truncated year. Faced with less time to hold hearings and less money to spend on new initiatives, lawmakers chucked an estimated three-quarters of the bills introduced at the beginning of the year.
But even with their reduced workload, lawmakers tackled numerous thorny issues, passing legislation that could impact life in California for years to come — to allow more workers to take paid family leave, make it easier to get mental health care, and ban flavored tobacco, among others.
Then it fell to Newsom to either sign or veto the legislation by a Sept. 30 deadline. Here’s the final tally on the fates of 20 key bills.
October 3, 2020 (La Mesa) – A suspect accused of brandishing a knife and demanding cash from a teller during robbery of the Navy Federal Credit Union on Grossmont. Blvd. in La Mesa on September 30 is in custody.
After the robbery around 10:02 a.m., the suspect fled the scene in a vehicle with an undisclosed amount of currency. He was located driving away from the area by responding La Mesa Police Department officers and followed to the 4500 block of Winona Avenue in San Diego, where a traffic stop was initiated.
October 3, 2020 (San Diego's East County) - Throughout the month of October – or as we like to call it, Hawktober – we will be airing educational videos on local birds of prey. Learn where they live, what they eat, how they hunt and other survival mechanisms that allow them to thrive throughout this region.
October 3, 2020 (La Mesa) - Moxie Theatre finds a way to bring us entertaining digital theatre with Niceties by Elenor Burgess. The play is powerful, thought provoking, emotionally challenging entertainment--perfectly timed for the climate of the country.
By José A. Álvarez, County of San Diego Communications Office
“The influenza vaccine is safe and effective,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H. “Get vaccinated now so that you can get protected when influenza begins to spread.”
Oct. 2, 2020 (San Diego) - The novel coronavirus and influenza may be different viruses, but they can be fought in many of the same ways.
The primary difference is there is a vaccine available now to protect you against the flu, while we wait for one to arrive for COVID-19.
Today, with influenza season on its way, County health officials are encouraging San Diegans to get vaccinated to prevent getting the flu.
“Influenza and COVID-19 are both respiratory illnesses. You must do all you can to prevent getting both at the same time,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “Get a flu shot now and continue taking the recommended precautions that work at preventing both viruses.”
October 2, 2020 (San Diego’s East County) – A suspect who failed to yield for a traffic stop in El Cajon early yesterday morning led officers from multiple law enforcement agencies on a high-speed pursuit through three cities. It took deployment of a spike strip, a taser and a struggle with Sheriff’s deputies to ultimately arrest 53-year-old Larry Route of San Diego.
The incident began at 1:42 a.m. when Deputy Young from the Sheriff's Lakeside substation saw a vehicle drive through a red light at the intersection of North Magnolia Avenue and East Bradley Avenue in unincorporated El Cajon.The driver of the vehicle failed to yield for a traffic stop and a traffic pursuit ensued into the City of Santee. The suspect vehicle collided into the center median at Halberns Boulevard and Mast Boulevard but continued to drive at a high rate of speed on to State Route 52 into the City of San Diego, according to Sergeant Anthony Portillo.
San Diego Police Air Support (ABLE) responded as deputies coordinated a tire deflation deployment with the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Photo: Jake Cronenworth became the first Padres rookie ever to homer in a postseason game. Via @padres on Twitter
October 2, 2020 (San Diego) - The Padres forced game three in the Wild Card series against the Cardinals and it all ended tonight. Jack Flaherty started for St. Louis against Craig Stammen for San Diego.
Update 3 p.m.: The President has been admitted to Walter Reed Hospital.
By Miriam Raftery
October 2, 2020 (Washington D.C.) – President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have both tested positive for COVID-19. The President announced the positive test results last night on Twitter, adding that he and the First Lady, “will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately” just 32 days before the election.
This morning, White House chief of staff Mark Meadows confirmed that the President has “mild symptoms.” Mrs. Trump has tweeted that she, too, has mild symptoms but is “looking forward to a speedy recovery.”
The President’s illness follows news that his advisor, Hope Hicks, fell ill with the coronavirus after traveling with the President aboard Air Force One. Diagnosis of COVID-19 throws a monkey wrench into campaign plans.
Both President and Mrs. Trump are reportedly in good spirits according to White House spokespersons. However, at 74 years old, President Trump is in a high risk category due to both age and obesity.
Original bill by Jones was for a four-year pilot program
By Miriam Raftery
Photo by Miriam Raftery: Lakeside Skate Park
October 1, 2020 (Sacramento) - Senate Bill 1003, a measure authored by State Senator Brian Jones (R-Santee) which extends the immunity from liability that local governments receive when operating skate parks, was signed into law last night by Governor Gavin Newsom.
October 1, 2020 (San Diego’s East County) – A heat wave is forecast to continue through Friday, with temperatures 10 to 20 degrees above normal. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning through 8 p..m Friday
High pressure will weaken this weekend, resulting in some slight cooling, but temperatures will remain 5 to 10 degrees above normal. Low clouds during the nights and mornings will return this weekend.
Elevated to near-critical fire weather conditions will persist through the weekend, primarily due to the hot and dry weather and critically dry fuels. Inland humidity will gradually begin to increase this weekend into early next week.
East County San Diego is home to a beautiful landscape that makes up most of the landmass for San Diego County. Most of the east county is rural, with several communities located in backcountry areas known as the Mountain Empire.
The eastern part of San Diego County is perfect for people living in nature and taking part in outside activities like hiking, mountain biking, fishing, camping, all within a beautiful mountainous wilderness. The county is also home to fun Native American Casinos, which offer a thrilling experience for people looking to enjoy some Vegas-style fun.
October 1, 2020 (San Diego) -The San Diego State football team and Mountain West released its updated 2020 schedule on Thursday. Game times and television arrangements, including moves to non-Saturdays will be announced at a later date.
October 1, 2020 (Lemon Grove) -- Lemon Grove has the “Best Climate on Earth.” Yes, that’s true enough, but we should not stop there. Mayor Racquel Vasquez is committed to making Lemon Grove also the Best Place to Live. Since her election in 2016, she has brought to city government a new energy and a commitment to improving the environment for all the residents of Lemon Grove. She is determined to make city government more modern, efficient, fiscally prudent and responsive to public interests.
October 1, 2020 (Lemon Grove) – Councilman Jerry Jones, one of four candidates running for Mayor in Lemon Grove, has released a detailed financial plan to address the city’s structural deficit and strive to balance the budget. While he supports a full cent sales tax increase following community discussion, his budget does not rely on any increased sales tax revenues in a time when sales tax revenues have dropped due to COVID-19. Instead, he is banking on legalization of recreational cannabis and a cannabis tax, as well as digital billboard revenues. He also outlines his priorities for expenditures.
October 1, 2020 (El Cajon) - Robert Gehr snapped these images of two helicopters that joined forces to help suppress the Valley Fire earlier this month as they flew to and from Gillespie Field airport in El Cajon.
October 1, 2020 (Lakeside) – The Fredricks family in Lakeside is once again vying to earn the title of biggest pumpkin grown in San Diego County this year—and maybe ever.
Photos, top left to bottom right: Division II candidates Augie Scalzitti, James Sly and Suzanne Till; Division IV candidate Augie Caires
September 30, 2020 (Santee) - The 2020 election will have two seats on the Padre Dam Municipal Water District’s five-member board of directors up for a vote, but only one is being contested.
The Division II seat that has been held by Augie Scalzitti for four terms dating back to 2000 has two other contenders: James Sly and Suzanne Till. In Division IV, Director Augie Caires is unopposed.
Scroll down for our interviews with all four candidates.
September 30, 2020 (San Diego’s East County) -- The Daring Kitchen has shared these tasty and nutritious vegetarian recipes for our readers to savor for rainbow veggie skewers, lettuce wraps, and stuffed banana peppers.
September 30, 2020 (San Diego) – Yesterday, the State of California’s Department of Public Health approved reopening public outdoor playgrounds and other outdoor public recreational facilities, with new health and safety rules due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
East County's public officials reacted promptly to the news.
San Diego Supervisor Dianne Jacob called the announcement “Awesome news for families,” adding that starting today, around 100 county play areas will be reopened.
Poway Mayor Steve Vaus posted a photo on Facebook yesterday of a reopened park in his city, stating, “Loved pulling down the caution tape and barricades.”
Santee announced on Facebook that all of its playgrounds were opened at 5 p.m. yesterday.
La Mesa is in process of reopening its parks, the city clerk’s office confirmed, following inspections being done over the next day or two.
El Cajon Councilman Gary Kendrick advised ECM that El Cajon is also in the process of reopening playgrounds this week.
Lemon Grove’s staff was not immediately available for comment.
September 29, 2020 (New York) – The New York Times has published an explosive exposé on President Donald Trump’s finances after obtaining 15 years of tax records through 2017, which he refused to make public. Among the top revelations:
25 arrests made so far, including 4 La Mesa residents
East County News Service
September 29, 2020 (La Mesa) -- As a result of the civil unrest event that occurred in La Mesa on May 30th – May 31st, 2020, over 50 crimes, including arson, vandalism, burglary, and theft, were reported by victims and documented by the La Mesa Police Department. Although the exact amount of damage is still being calculated, it can be reported that these crimes resulted in millions of dollars of losses to victims in the local area.
Photo, left to right: Blanca Brown, Yajaira Preciado and Cheryl Robertson.
September 29, 2020 (Lemon Grove) -- Voters in Lemon Grove will fill two full-term seats on the school board from a slate of three candidates. (In a previous story, we reported on the two candidates for the short-term seat.) The three candidates for the full-term seat are Blanca Brown, Yajaira Preciado and Cheryl Robertson.
In spite of being one of San Diego’s smallest school districts with 4,000 students in grades preschool though middle school, Lemon Grove is a microcosm of what’s happening in schools and homes during the pandemic. Children are trying to study at home with parents instead of qualified teachers, joblessness has taken its toll, and the fight for racial injustice has taken to the streets.
Read on to learn what these three candidates say from the town that claims to have the “best climate on earth” and has a history of combating racial injustice in education.
September 20, 2020 (Lemon Grove) -- Voters have many choices this year to fill three open seats on the five-person Lemon Grove School Board. In November of last year, the district was faced with a vacancy when former school board member Katie Dexter resigned. April Leon was appointed to fill the seat until this election, when voters could choose who would serve the remaining two years. Now Leon, the appointed incumbent, is seeking to be elected. Greg Shibley is running against her.
East County Magazine emailed a set of questions to each of the candidates for school board. Below are the responses from April Leon and Greg Shibley, candidates for the short-term seat. In the next story, part 2, we report on the candidates for the full-term seat.
Photo, top row: District 2 candidates Humbert Cabrera, Stephanie Harper, Juan Carlos "Charlie" Mercado, Michelle Metschel and Martin Van Dinteren
Second row: District 4 candidates Estela de los Rios, Phil Ortiz, and Dunia Shaba
September 19, 2020 (El Cajon) - East County Magazine will host two forums for El Cajon City Council candidates:
District Four: Monday Sept. 28 at 7 p.m.
District Two: Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m.
The forums will be on Zoom and livestreamed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/EastCountyMagazine. Video will also be posted later on our website for those unable to watch live.
Ten candidates are on the ballot in the highly competitive District 2 and 4 races. (In District 3, Councilman Steve Goble is running unopposed.)
All candidates in District 2 and 4 have been invited. Eight have agreed to participate. In District Two, participants will include Humbert Cabrera, Stephanie Harper, Juan Carlos Mercado, Michelle Metschel and Martin Van Dinteren. In District Four, participants confirmed are Estela De Los Rios, Councilman Phil Ortiz, and Dania Shaba. The fouth candidate, Billy Thigpen, advised ECM that he is suspending his candicacy and endorsing De Los Rios.
Below is information on all candidates running in Districts 2 and 4. Click each name to view the statement of qualifications submitted to the city of El Cajon.
By Emily Hoeven, CalMatters
By Ken Stone, 
East County News Service
East County News Service
Source: County of San Diego
By Laurel Rosenhall and CalMatters staff, CalMatters
East County News Service
By 
By Kathy Carpenter
By 
By Miriam Raftery
By Liz Alper
Original bill by Jones was for a four-year pilot program
East County News Service
By Noel Yap, VA Home Loan Centers
Mountain West schedule announced
By Chris Ernest Nelson
East County News Service
East County News Service
By Miriam Raftery
East County News Service
By Miriam Raftery
25 arrests made so far, including 4 La Mesa residents
Part 1 in a 2-part series
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