PHOTO OF THE WEEK: RACCOONS IN SAN CARLOS

DRIVER CHARGED WITH HOMICIDE, DUI IN FATALITY LEMON GROVE CRASH

MARINES NOW STATIONED IN CAMPO AT BORDER; NEWSOM OFFICE: 'DANGER' TO COMMUNITY

INJURED MOUNTAIN LION RETURNS TO WILD; 2 OTHER CUBS CONTINUE REHAB AT RAMONA WILDLIFE CENTER

SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER AT PARKWAY PLAZA

SUPREME COURT LIMITS INJUNCTIONS THAT BLOCKED TRUMP’S PLAN FOR BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP

ECM WINS TWO JOURNALISM AWARDS

GUHSD BOARD FACES MULTIPLE LITIGATION THREATS

LAKESIDE FIRE PANCAKE BREAKFAST JUNE 28

WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN LOSES SD COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY FUNDING

SAN DIEGO RIVER CLEANUP IN SANTEE ON SATURDAY

SUPREME COURT ALLOWS TRUMP TO DEPORT MIGRANTS TO COUNTRIES THAT AREN'T THEIR HOMES, WITHOUT DUE PROCESS

'INCREDIBLE VICTORY' FOR TRANS RIGHTS: SUPREME COURT REJECTS SCHOOL BATHROOM CASE

"Our work is not yet done," said one ACLU attorney, who noted that the organization is "continuing to fight against anti-trans laws targeting trans youth in states around the country."

By Brett Wilkins, Common Dreams, published under a Creative Commons license

Photo: Plaintiff and trans-rights activist Gavin Grimm at 2019 trans rights rally in San Francisco, creative commons image by Pax Ahimsa Gethen

June 28, 2021 (Washington D.C.) -- In what civil rights advocates hailed as "an incredible victory," the United States Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear the case of Gavin Grimm, a former Virginia high school student who in 2015 sued his county board of education over its policy of denying transgender pupils use of restrooms corresponding with their gender identity.

HARRIS VISITS GUATEMALA, MEXICO IN FIRST FOREIGN TRIP AS U.S. VICE PRESIDENT

Source:  Voice of America

Photo:  Photo: Vice President Kamala Harris in Guatemala City, via her Twitter feed

June 28, 2021 (Guatemala/Mexico) - The United States is set to announce Monday new measures to fight drug smuggling and trafficking as Vice President Kamala Harris meets with leaders in Guatemala to discuss migration and security issues. 

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT NEWSOM'S BUDGET DEAL WITH LEGISLATURE

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters

Photo via CA Governor's office

June 28, 2021 (Sacramento) - California lawmakers voted tonight to approve a record-busting state budget that reflects new agreements with Gov. Gavin Newsom to expand health care for undocumented immigrants, spend billions to alleviate homelessness and help Californians still struggling through the pandemic. 

11 BODIES RECOVERED, 150 MISSING FROM WRECKAGE OF MIAMI BUILDING

Source:  Voice of America

Photo:  Wikipedia, public domain

June 28, 2021 (Miami) - Two additional bodies were recovered from the wreckage of a 12-story oceanfront apartment building that partially collapsed last week in Surfside, Florida, near Miami Beach, bringing the current death toll to 11. 

CALIFORNIA'S EVICTION MORATORIUM EXTENSION: WHAT'S IN IT FOR TENANTS AND LANDLORDS?

By Manuela Tobias, CalMatters

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters

Photo:  Oakland resident Alex Acuña holds up a sign decrying a rent relief plan during a vigil at the Elihu M. Harris, State of California office building in Oakland on Jan. 29, 2021. Photo by Anne Wernikoff. CalMatters

June 28, 2021 (San Diego) - California renters, who are still struggling to pay the rent even as the pandemic wanes, will be shielded from eviction through Sept. 30, under a last-minute deal announced June 25 by Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders.

JULIAN 4TH OF JULY PARADE CELEBRATES TOWN’S SESQUICENTENNIAL

By Miriam Raftery
 
June 28, 2021 (Julian) – Founded in 1870, Julian turned 150 years old last year.  Due to the pandemic, no events could be held. So this year’s 4th of July parade has the theme “Julian 150+1 years.”  Pre-parade activities begin at 10am and the parade starts at noon. Main Street closes down at 9 a.m., so plan to arrive early.

LAKE JENNINGS NAMES WINNERS IN SPRING PHOTO CONTEST FOR 2021 “LIFE AT THE LAKE” THEME

East County News Service
 
Photos courtesy of Helix Water District
 
June 28, 2021 (Lakeside) – In the 10th annual Lake Jennings Spring Photo Contest, 61 photographers submitted entries. This year’s theme was “Life at the Lake.”

THIS JULY 4TH COULD BE ESPECIALLY FESTIVE...PROTECT YOUR PETS WITH SAFETY TIPS FROM BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SOCIETY

Source:  Best Friends Animal Society

June 28, 2021 (San Diego) - After more than a year of isolation, this July 4th could be one of the most celebrated in recent memory. While the food, fireworks, and festivities that represent Independence Day are fun for most Americans, the same can’t be said for our pets.  

PALA CASINO SPA RESORT COMMENDS LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS BATTLING MESA FIRE, PROVIDED ACCOMMODATIONS AND SUPPORT TO FIRE AGENCIES

Source: Pala Casino Spa Resort

June 28, 2021 (Pala) -- Pala Casino Spa Resort commends the local agencies battling the Mesa Fire that broke out along State Route 76 near Pala Casino this week. Pala Casino has worked closely with Riverside County Fire Department Battalion Chief Mark Scoville and CAL FIRE Captain Wes Handy to provide support for the agencies.

FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: FOURTH OF JULY AND 100% PROBABILITY OF IGNITION

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

June 28, 2021 (San Diego) -- We have not seen significant rain in several months. Fuel moisture content is at 0%. We are at what we call 100% probability of ignition. This means the tiniest spark can start a fire.

The Fourth of July can be a fun time with great memories. But before you, your family & friends celebrate, make sure everyone knows about Fourth of July safety. Since Fireworks are illegal in San Diego County, there are still safety precautions to provide safety while celebrating.

HEALTH OFFICIALS SEEKING PERSONS WHO MAY HAVE TOUCHED RABID BAT AT SAFARI PARK

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

Photo:  Stock Photo. ivabalk / Pixabay

June 27, 2021 (San Diego) - The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency is looking for anybody that may have come into contact with a live bat that tested positive for rabies and was found at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park on June 25, 2021.

LEMON GROVE LIONS HOST CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT AUGUST 7

East County News Service
 
June 27, 2021 (Lemon Grove) – You’re invited to join the Lemon Grove Lions in a cornhole tournament fundraiser at 13 Point Brewing, Lemon Grove’s new brewery located at 8035 Broadway in Lemon Grove.
 
The tournament will take place on Saturday, August 7 at 4 p.m., with check-in at 3 p.m.
 
Proceeds benefit San Diego Center for the Blind and other causes supported by the Lions. 

PETER PAN JUNIOR THEATER CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY WITH PRODUCTIONS OF PETER PAN JUNE 28-30 AND JULY 1-3

East County News Service
 
June 27, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) – Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Peter Pan Junior Theater will return to Neverland with performances of Peter Pan on June 28-30 and July 1-3 at the Ray and Joan Kroc Salvation Army Performing Arts Center (6611 University Ave., San Diego, just east of La Mesa). Shows start at 7 p.m., plus 1 p.m. matinees will be offered on July 2 and 3. 

EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING ISSUED TODAY AT 10 AM THROUGH MONDAY AT 9 PM

Source:  County of San Diego

June 27, 2021 (San Diego) - The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for San Diego County deserts and mountains until Monday 6/28/21 at 9:00 p.m. More forecast information and updates are available from the  National Weather Service.

PASSAGES: GREG BARR, FORMER GROSSMONT-CUYAMACA SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE

By Miriam Raftery
 
June 26, 2021 (El Cajon) – Former Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College school board trustee Greg Barr, an El Cajon resident, has passed away after a heart-related illness.  
His wife, Marlene Jansky Barr, announced on Facebook, “With deep sadness, I need to let our friends know that my dear husband, Greg Barr, experienced a cardiac event and passed away unexpectedly while on vacation in Eugene, Oregon, on June 19, 2021. Greg was hospitalized briefly in Eugene and received excellent and very compassionate medical care throughout his hospitalization. He was at peace, free of pain, and surrounded by family at the time of his passing.”
 
Barr was first elected to the GCCCD board in December 2006 and served until his retirement in November 2018.  He previously taught American and world history at Fallbrook Union High School from 1985 to 2006, as well as metal working and world cultures.

SANTEE SALUTES RETURNS WITH PATRIOTIC CELEBRATION JULY 4

Source: City of Santee
 
File photo of Santee Salutes
 
June 25, 2021 (Santee) -- The City of Santee’s annual July 4 celebration is back in person this year and will provide the community with many of the traditional elements they expect when celebrating our nation’s birthday.

JAMUL INDIAN VILLAGE ANNOUNCES TRIBAL COUNCIL ELECTION RESULTS

Source:  Jamul Indian Village

June 25, 2021 (Jamul) - The Jamul Indian Village announced the results of their 2021 Tribal Council elections that were recently concluded.

Chairwoman Erica M. Pinto was re-elected to another four-year term, as were Councilmembers Teresa Cousins and James Cuero III.

DETECTIVES RAID ILLEGAL MARIJUANA FARM IN WARNER SPRINGS

East County News Service

 

File photo: marijuana cultivation

 

June 25, 2021 (Warner Springs) – Sheriff’s detectives seized 427 marijuana plants worth nearly a half million dollars, along with seven firearms and around $10,000 in cash following a search warrant served yesterday at noon.  

Detectives from the San Diego County Sheriff's Department's Narcotics and Gangs Division, along with deputies from the Fallbrook Crime Suppression Team and members of the Special Enforcement Detail served the search warrant in the 38000 block of CA-79 in Warner Springs.

 

The warrant was part of an investigation by Sheriff's Detectives of illegal marijuana cultivation and sales in San Diego County.  

$4,000 REWARD OFFERED TO FIND OUT WHO KILLED KENNETH LOVE II, SECURITY GUARD SHOT LAST YEAR AT SPRING VALLEY DISPENSARY

By Miriam Raftery

Photos: Person of interest and suspect vehicle sought by deputies

June 25, 2021 (Spring Valley) – Kenneth Love II was shot and killed June 2, 2020 while working as a security guard at a marijuana dispensary in the 8700 block of Troy Street in Spring Valley.  A year later, Sheriff’s deputies are still actively working on solving the case and they are asking public help to identify the killer.

His family is offering a $3,000 reward in addition to a $1,000 reward offered by Crimestoppers for information leading to the arrest of a suspect.

FTC SENDS CHECKS TO PEOPLE WHO LOST MONEY TO STUDENT LOAN DEBT RELIEF SCHEME

Source: Federal Trade Commission

June 25, 2021 (Washington D.C.)-- The Federal Trade Commission is sending checks totaling more than $316,000 to 10,689 people who lost money to a student loan debt relief scheme.

In a complaint first announced in March 2020, the FTC alleged SLAC (which also used the name Aspyre), Navloan, and Student Loan Assistance Center, and their owner, Adam Owens, falsely told consumers that, for an upfront fee of $699 and a monthly fee of $39, the defendants would permanently lower or eliminate student loan debt. In reality, the payments could change every year, and loan forgiveness was not guaranteed for any consumer. The FTC also alleged that the defendants paid consumers for positive reviews on the Better Business Bureau website and failed to disclose those payments.

LEMON GROVE APPROVES EXPANSION OF CANNABIS BUSINESSES, APPOINTS PLANNING COMMISSIONER IN FOUR-HOUR MEETING

By Angela Kurysh
 
June 24, 2021 (Lemon Grove) – Despite a policy set over a month ago to keep City Council meetings in Lemon Grove to three hours or less, the most recent meeting on Tuesday, June 15th, started at 6 p.m. and adjourned at 10 p.m.  Hot items included approval of an ordinance to allow a broad range of cananbis businesses and name a new city manager.
 
Although there were many items on the agenda, including the interviews and appointment of the City’s new Planning Commissioner, Council was not able to go over every item, due to time constraints.

CALIFORNIA OFFICIALS WARN OF HEALTH IMPACTS FROM TOXIC CHEMICALS IN HAIR STRAIGHTENING PRODUCTS

Experts present insight at virtual fact-gathering workshop ahead of potential regulation, invite public comment

Source: California Department of Toxic Substances

June 24, 2021 (Sacramento) -- California could be among the first states to regulate harmful chemicals in hair straightening products used by millions of people, many of them women of color.

PRIDE IN THE PARK AT VIEJAS CASINO JULY17 IN ALPINE

East County News Service

June 24, 2021 (Alpine) – Viejas Casino & Resort will present a “Pride in the Park” concert on Saturday, July 17 at 4 p.m. 

 

The outdoor event will include DJs John Joseph, DJ Kinky Loop and DJ Taj, culminating in performances by Gottmik and queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race. The host for the day is Jai Rodriguez from Queer Eye. Later, DJ PurFlo will help you spin the night away.  

Tickets are limited to 1,000 guests.  For tickets, click here

GROUPS CALL FOR $10 BILLION TO BOLSTER SHORELINES AGAINST SEA-LEVEL RISE

By Suzanne Potter, Public News Service (CA)

Photo:  Conservation groups would like more funding to restore wetlands at the site of the former Hamilton Air Force Base in Novato. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

June 24, 2021 (San Francisco) - Sea levels in California are projected to rise up to 55 inches by the end of the century, so climate advocates are calling on Congress to fund coastal restoration projects to mitigate potential flooding. 

More than 100 groups signed a letter calling on lawmakers to include $10 billion for such projects nationwide in the proposed infrastructure bill.

LATEST RAID SHUTS DOWN ANOTHER CASA DE ORO POT SHOP

East County News Service

June 24, 2021 (Spring Valley) – The latest search warrant for an illegal marijuana dispensary was served in  the 10100 block of Campo Road in Spring Valley’s Casa de Oro neighborhood at 5 p.m. yesterday by members of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department's Special Investigation Division, with the assistance of Rancho San Diego Sheriff's Crime Suppression Team and the Special Enforcement Detail.

SANTEE COUNCIL GIVES ITSELF RAISES AS PART OF $50M OPERATING BUDGET

By Mike Allen 

June 24, 2021 (Santee) -- Santee City Council has approved a $50 million operating budget for its 2021-22 fiscal year, including 1.5 percent raises for city staff and the five Council members.

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