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

CALIFORNIA REPARATIONS TASK FORCE STUDIES LEGACY OF SLAVERY, DEBATES DIRECT PAYMENTS

By Jackie Botts, CalMatters

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

Photo:  Dr. Shirley Weber of San Diego testifies during her confirmation hearing as Secretary of State. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

June 13, 2021 (San Diego's East County) - For more than three decades, Black members of Congress have introduced legislation to study the lasting harms of slavery on African Americans, and propose remedies. Year after year, the federal proposal languished.

CONCERNS VOICED OVER MARIJUANA INDUSTRY EXPANDING IN LEMON GROVE

By Angela Kurysh
 
Photo: Creative Commons via Bing
 
June 13, 2021 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove is one of two cities in East County that allow marijuana dispensary businesses. The Lemon Grove City Council has been discussing the possibility of potentially adding more of these shops around the city. At last Tuesday's City Council meeting, residents expressed their concerns on how these businesses will affect the future of their community. 


MIRAMAR OFFICIALS: BOOM THAT RATTLED REGION JUNE 8 MAY HAVE BEEN FIGHTER PLANES IN COMBAT TRAINING

East County News Service
 
Photo via Marines.mil by Sgt. Dominic Romero:  a U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II lands on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
 
June 12, 2021 (San Diego) – People across San Diego County are reporting hearing a loud boom that rattled windows throughout our region on the evening of June 8.  Many initially believe the noise and shaking were caused by an earthquake, but the U.S. Geological Survey confirmed that no quake occurred.

EL CAJON COUNCIL MOVES FORWARD ON RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR CANDIDATES, POLICE DEESCALATION AND COVID-19 REOPENING PROTOCOLS

By Briana Gomez

 

View City Council meeting: https://elcajonca.new.swagit.com/videos/122576

 

Photo:  Vice Mayor Gary Kendrick, screenshot from Council video

 

June 11, 2021 (El Cajon) – At its June 8 meeting held in person at 50 percent capacity, El Cajon’s City Council addressed several major agenda items including encouraging transparency in elections by assuring that mayoral and council candidates live in the districts where they run.  In addition, Council members present voiced unanimous support for using $100,000 from the city’s reserves to fund de-escalation training for police and a half million dollars of federal funds to launch a pilot program to outsource responses to non-violent emergencies to social workers. 

FULL FREEWAY CLOSURES OF STATE ROUTE 94 IN SPRING VALLEY

East County News Service

June 11, 2021 (Spring Valley) -- Caltrans announces full nighttime closures on State Route 94 (SR-94) in Spring Valley Sunday to Wednesday and lane closures on Thursday from 10 until 5 in the morning. The closures are needed so that crews can safely complete pavement work, drainage improvements and Americans-with-Disabilities-Act- compliant curb ramp upgrades.

ISSA, VARGAS LEAD BIPARTISAN CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION VISIT TO OTAY MESA PORT OF ENTRY PROJECT

Representatives Issa, Vargas, Jacobs, Levin and Peters also  conducted key meetings with local, state and federal U.S. officials

East County News Service

Photos via SANDAG on Twitter

June 11, 2021 (Otay Mesa) -- At the invitation of Congressmen Darrell Issa and Juan Vargas, the San Diego Congressional delegation – including Congresswoman Jacobs and Congressmen Mike Levin and Scott Peters – visited the Otay Mesa Port of Entry II project to view construction progress and receive briefings on the facilities and port operations.

CHP SEEKS HELP TO IDENTIFY HIT-AND-RUN DRIVER AND VICTIM IN CASA DE ORO

By Miriam Raftery

June 11, 2021 (Casa De Oro, CA)  - “We are looking for the public’s help in locating this vehicle and driver,” Officer Travis Garrow with the California Highway Patrol says of a white, two-door Honda Accord that ran over and seriously injured a woman in the early morning hours of June 10 in Casa de Oro. The victim’s identity is also unknown.

The accident occurred around 12:38 a.m., when an unidentified driver heading east on Kenora Drive drove directly over an unidentified woman who for unknown reasons was laying on the roadway on Kenora Drive east of Kenwood Drive.

BOIL-WATER NOTICE ISSUED FOR ENCANTO AREA; GET FREE WATER AT THESE LOCATIONS OR DROP-OFF WATER BOTTLES FOR AFFECTED RESIDENTS

East County News Service

UPDATE: As of Saturday, June 12 at 11:05 a.m., the precautionary boil water notice has been lifted, reports Ready San Diego.

June 11, 2021 (San Diego) -- The City of San Diego is advising the public to not drink tap water without boiling it first in the Encanto area. This includes the area north of Brooklyn Avenue, south of State Route 94, west of 69th Street and east of Kelton Road, as well as Leppert Court, the 1100-1469 blocks of Watwood Road and the 1000-1400 blocks of Larwood Road

The Boil Water Notice was issued after a construction crew damaged a water main near Imperial Avenue and 65th Street Thursday.The city expects to have the problem resolved by Sunday. Until then, those affected should comply with the notice to avoid potential illness.

NOMINEES SOUGHT FOR EAST COUNTY COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS AWARDS

By Miriam Raftery

June 11, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) - Do you know someone who has provided outstanding community service in San Diego’s East County during the past year in healthcare, public safety, environmental preservation, animal protection, social or racial justice, or humanitarianism?  If so, please nominate them for East County Magazine's “Community Champions” awards!

Send nominations to editor@eastcountymagazine.org with “Community Champions nomination” in the subject line.  Include the nominee’s name, organization, contact information, and up to 250 words on why you believe they are deserving of recognition.  The deadline to submit nominations is August 5, 2021.

EL CAPITAN HIGH SCHOOL PTSA AWARDS SENIOR SCHOLARSHIPS

By Teresa Leader-Anderson

June 11, 2021 (Lakeside) - The El Capitan High School Parent, Teacher, Student Association (PTSA) awarded $1,000 in scholarships to graduating senior members. The scholarship winners are (left to right) Connor Crist, Samantha Wilson, Abby Burghart, Megan Zink and Hafeez Merali.

“People often ask where their PTSA membership money goes – what is it used for,” said Teresa Leader-Anderson, president, El Capitan High School PTSA. “At El Capitan, part of our membership money is used for senior scholarships so we can help hard-working students pursue their educational goals after high school.”

This year’s winners are:

EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING NEXT WEEK, HIGH FIRE DANGER: COUNTY TO OPEN COOL ZONES

Update: Borrego Springs Branch Library is a cool zone, open starting Monday, June 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
 
By Miriam Raftery
 
June 11, 2021 (San Diego) – The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning starting Monday, June 14 through Thursday, June 17 across Southern California. Breezes along with dry conditions will lead to elevated fire weather conditions each afternoon. 
 
Potential record-breaking temperatures are forecast, with low deserts reaching 115 to 120 degrees and high deserts 110 to 112 degrees. San Diego County’s valleys could reach up to 101 degrees, mountains up to 95 degrees, and beaches up to 84 degrees.
 
Soaring temperatures mean increased risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly for those involved in outdoor activities and vulnerable individuals. 

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: TOP FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

By Miriam Raftery

June 9, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) – Activities in June include a summer wine trail in Ramona, an all-star block party at Jamul Casino, La Mesa’s Flag Day Parade held virtually this year, live comedy in La Mesa,  National Cowboy Day in Ramona, butterfly releases at the Water Conservation Garden, outdoor concerts in Santee, La Mesa and El Cajon, classic cruises in downtown El Cajon, and movies in the park countywide. Plus coming attractions in July include the 50th annual Pine Valley Days, Santee Salutes and more.

50TH ANNUAL PINE VALLEY DAYS JULY 30-31 FEATURES BBQ, PARADE AND PARK ACTIVITIES

East County News Service

June 10, 2021 (Pine Valley) – The 50th annual Pine Valley Days will take place on Friday, July 30 and Saturday July 31.

The festivities begin with a deep pit barbecue on Friday night, July 30, with seasoned pork cooked 24 hours and brought to the Pine Valley Park for guests to savor along with side dishes; chicken is also available.

LA MESA OFFERS FREE SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE PARK

Source: City of La Mesa

Photo: Creative Commons image CC by NC via Bing

June 10, 2021 (La Mesa) – You’re invited to come to enjoy a line-up of local bands at La Mesa’s “Sundays at Six” free summer concert series. Grab a picnic and lawn chair and relax in the outdoor amphitheater at Harry Griffen Park located at 9550 Milden Street from 6-7 p.m. Sundays starting June 20 through July 25. 

SUMMER CRAFT FAIR JUNE 11-13 IN LA MESA

East County News Service

June 10, 2021 (La Mesa) – Ready for some summer shopping? A summer craft fair presented by The Applecrate and Traveling Treasures will be held at Helix High School in La Mesa (7323 University Ave) this weekend.  Items for sale will include home décor, birdhouses, succulents, gardening items, Americana, vintage goods, jewelry, baby items, glassware, summer specialties, food and more.

SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT HAS HUNDREDS OF JOBS TO FILL

Source: San Diego Sheriff’s Department

June 10, 2021 (San Diego's East County) -- Are you or someone you know looking for a job? The San Diego County Sheriff's Department is hiring. 

Watch the latest recruiting video: One Agency, Multiple Career Possibilities. 

You can apply online at joinsdsheriff.net. Or you can begin the hiring process by texting the word "JOIN" to (855) 737-4374.

JONES MEASURE TO PROVIDE PPE TO SOCIAL WORKERS PASSES ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE

Source: Senator Jones’ office

Image: Creative Commons via Bing

June 10, 2021 (Sacramento) -- Legislation authored by Senator Brian W. Jones (R-Santee) to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to social workers has been unanimously approved by the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee.

Jones’ Senate Bill 549 will guarantee that social workers, once declared essential workers during a state of emergency, will be given priority to receive health and safety equipment necessary to do their jobs. Despite being declared essential workers during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, most social workers have not been prioritized to receive health and safety equipment. As a result, they have often had to work from home online or in-person in unsafe conditions.

STATE TO APPEAL JUDGE’S RULING OVERTURNING ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN

Cajon Valley Union School District trustee James Miller is lead plaintiff in controversial case

By Miriam Raftery

June 10, 2021(Sacramento) – Last week, Judge Roger Benetiz of California’s Southern District court issued an opinion in Miller v. Bonta (previously Miller v. Becerra), holding that California’s tyrannical ban on “assault weapons” is unconstitutional under the Second Amendment. However the judge issued a stay on his ruling for 30 days to allow time for an appeal. 

GET VACCINATED AND RECEIVE FREE PADRES TICKETS

By Miriam Raftery

June 10, 2021 (San Diego) – San Diego County is in the final innings of reaching herd immunity, after rallying to reach one of the highest vaccination rates in the state. So now the County is teaming up with the Padres to give a free pair of tickets for a future Padres game and a Padres Hero T-shirt to every fan who gets vaccinated at Petco Park on June 12 or June 26.  (While supplies last; minors must have a parent present.)

PROFESSIONAL INTERIOR DESIGNERS OFFER IN-HOME DESIGN CONSULTATIONS DURING ASID'S "SUMMER SPRUCE UP" DURING JULY AND AUGUST

By Barbara Metz
 
June 9, 2021 (San Diego's East County) -- Is your home looking tired, dated, cluttered or unappealing?  The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) San Diego Chapter has a solution.  During the month of July and August members of the prestigious organization will conduct in-home design consultations during the ASID “Summer Spruce Up” fundraiser. The affordable fee of $89 per hour (minimum one hour/maximum two hours) is a donation to the ASID chapter; the designer volunteers his/her time.
 
“When we spruce-up our homes, it instills a fresh energy that has a powerful effect on our mental and emotional state,” said Rachel Villacis, Allied ASID, of Rachel Marie Design, the event chair.   

BOARD IMPLEMENTS STATE LAW WAIVING CRIMINAL FEES

By Donnie Ryan, County of San Diego Communications Office
 
Photo credit: PublicDomainPictures.net
 
June 9, 2021 (San Diego) -- The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted yesterday, June 8, to amend the County’s administrative code, the final step in fully implementing state legislation that eliminates the assessment and collection of criminal fees, prior to the law’s effective start date of July 1.
 
Also known as the “Family Over Fees Act,” State Assembly Bill 1869 was signed into law Sept. 18, 2020 by Gov. Gavin Newsom and made the state the first in the nation to repeal most criminal administrative fees and forgive associated debt.

ABC RUNS DECOY OPERATION IN ATTEMPT TO REDUCE UNDERAGE DRINKING

By Ray Sweeney, Acting Chief of Police
 
June 9, 2021 (La Mesa) -- Agents of the California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), along with the La  Mesa Police Department, cited 3 clerks for selling alcohol to minors on June 4, 2021. The actions were the result of a minor decoy operation in which minors, under the direct supervision of department agents, attempted to purchase alcohol from 16 retail licensees in the City of La Mesa. 
 
Those who sold to the minor face a minimum fine of $250, and/or 24 to 32 hours of community service for a first violation. In addition, ABC will take administrative action against the alcoholic beverage license of the business where alcohol was sold to a minor. That may include a fine, a suspension of the license, or the permanent revocation of the license.

SUSPECTED DUI DRIVER ARRESTED AFTER PASSENGER DIES IN CAMPO CRASH

By Miriam Raftery

June 9, 2021 (Campo) – A Campo man, 35, suffered major injuries and is under arrest following a crash early this morning in Campo that killed a female passenger, 26, also from Campo.

The motorist was driving a 2004 Toyota Scion XA northbound on Buckman Springs Road, north of Lake Morena Drive when the vehicle drifted onto the shoulder and struck a mailbox.

“As the driver attempted to regain control, the vehicle veered across the roadway, struck a tree on the west shoulder and overturned,” says Officer Travis Garrow with the California Highway Patrol. “It is believed neither the driver nor passenger were wearing a seatbelt and both occupants were ejected out of the vehicle.”

SAN DIEGO COUNTY MOVES TO YELLOW TIER STARTING JUNE 9

By Miriam Raftery

June 8, 2021 (San Diego) – Local businesses and event organizers will get a welcome reprieve from COVID-19 restrictions even earlier than the full reopening set to begin June 15 statewide.  Starting tomorrow, San Diego County will move into the state’s least restrictive Yellow Tier, after two consecutive weeks of less than two COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents.

SUMMER OF WINE TRAIL EACH WEEKEND IN JUNE

By Miriam Raftery

June 8, 2021 (Ramona) – The Ramona Valley Vineyards Association invites you to experience the beautiful Ramona wine country and visit up to 16 wineries on Saturdays and Sundays in June during the “Summer of Wine Trail.”  

VIRTUAL CONCERT JUNE 10 STRIVES TO MAKE CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

By Miriam Raftery

June 7, 2021 (Sacramento) -- A love of parks and music will strike a chord on June 10 as Parks California and StageIt team up to host a virtual benefit concert featuring performances from artists like David Wilcox, Khafre Jay, O-Town, Ozomatli and more exciting artists.The goal? To rally support for Parks for Everyone – a campaign of initiatives and programs that make California State Parks more accessible, available and meaningful for everyone. Specifically, proceeds will support opportunities for all people to make lasting connections with nature by advancing outdoor equity, career opportunities, youth field trips and more. 

UNION BANK GIVES $2,500 TO LEMON GROVE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

By Miriam Raftery

June 6, 2021 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove Historical Society President Laura Hook was surprised when she was invited to a customer service event at Union Bank’s new location at 3285 Lemon Grove Avenue – and left with a $2,500 check.

QUAKES RATTLE REGION

By Miriam Raftery

June 6, 2021 (San Diego) – More than three dozen earthquakes struck Imperial County yesterday before 12 noon, centered near Calipatria and the Salton Sea. The strongest tremor measured 5.3 on the Richter scale, with a depth of 5.8 kilometers.

The temblors were felt across Southern California including the San Diego region, according to the U.S. Geological Survey website’s shake map.

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