October 3, 2019 (Lakeside) – Spooky stories and s’mores, campsite trick-or-treating, creepy crafts and a campsite decorating contest are all part of Spooky Camp-o-Ween at Lake Jennings the last two weekends in October.
October 3, 2019 (Julian) - A brush mouse collected in routine monitoring in Julian has tested positive for the potentially deadly hantavirus, prompting County officials to remind people to never sweep or vacuum up after rodents if they find them in their living spaces.
October 4, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) - East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen on important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:
October 3, 2019 (La Mesa) – Shortly after midnight, La Mesa Police officers called to the scene of a reported disabled vehicle blocking the roadway on the 70th Street overpass above I-8 near Alvarado Road discovered the driver inside, unresponsive with no pulse. Officers administered CPR until paramedics arrived and took over. The woman, 67, was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
October 2, 2019 (Jacumba Hot Springs) -- The weather’s perfect, making October 5th a day for a great getaway.
Here’s what’s happening in Jacumba Hot Springs on San Diego's historic Old Highway 80.
Jacumba Hikers, a dedicated group of local hikers and walkers, leads an easy four mile round-trip Walkabout, covering the Chinese Castle, Natural Hot Springs, Jacumba Lake, Sand Wash, passing the old Railroad Station, the Border Fence and more. Hikers meet at 8 a.m. in front of the Jacumba Spa Resort (44500 Old Highway 80). The Spa’s restaurant opens at 7 a.m.
October 2, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County featuresOktoberfests in El Cajon and La Mesa, fall festivals in Jacumba and Jamul, Kids Care Fest in Lemon Grove, the Ramona Air Fair, Fall at the Farm and Julian’s Autumn Jubilee.
Plus, we have a preview of coming events including Ms. Smarty Plants Goes Batty at the Water Conservation Garden, La Mesa’s Fair Trade gift faire, a spooky campover at Lions, Tigers and Bears in Alpine, vocalist Lillian Palmer at Mission Trails Church, headliner shows at The Magnolia Center in El Cajon, a chamber music series at Cuyamaca College, the Borrego Days desert festival and parade, Pints 4 the Park in Borrego Springs, a Spooky Camp-O-Ween at Lake Jennings, a Green Homes tour, Haunt Fest on Main in El Cajon, Halloween costume contests for people and dogs at Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center, and Trunk or Treat in downtown El Cajon.
So scroll down for all of these events and many more!
October 2, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include:
October 2, 2019 (Sacramento) - After passing both houses of the California Legislature unanimously, Senate Bill 22 is now awaiting action by Governor Gavin Newsom. If signed into law, the measure will require law enforcement agencies and forensic labs to expedite the handling, analysis and testing of rape kit evidence.
Photo: Sanders during 2016 campaign stop in San Diego
Update Oct. 4: Sanders has been released from the hospital. His doctors released a statement, along with the Sanders campaign, confirming the Senator had a heart attack but has "good expected progress." Senator Sanders issued a statement indicating"I feel great, and after taking a short time off, I look forward to getting back to work.”
Update Oct. 3: Jane Sanders released a statement which reads in part: "Bernie is up and about. Yesterday, he spent much of the day talking with staff about policies, cracking jokes with the nurses and doctors, and speaking with his family on the phone. His doctors are pleased with his progress, and there has been no need for any additional procedures. We expect Bernie will be discharged and on a plane back to Burlington before the end of the weekend. He'll take a few days to rest, but he's ready to get back out there and is looking forward to the October debate.”
October 2, 2019 (San Diego) – Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who has consistently polled among the top three Democratic presidential contenders, has been hospitalized after experiencing chest pain Tuesday evening at a campaign event. Testing revealed a blocked artery and Sanders underwent surgery to insert two stents.
October 2, 2019 (Washington D.C.) – A New York Times report based on interviews with a dozen White House officials describe disturbing statements by President Donald Trump last March, when he repeatedly pressed aides to take illegal actions toward migrants before ultimately ordering the border shut down.
“Privately, the president had often talked about fortifying a border wall with a water-filled trench, stocked with snakes or alligators, prompting aides to seek a cost estimate. He wanted the wall electrified, with spikes on top that would pierce human flesh,” the Times reports. “After publicly suggesting that soldiers shoot migrants if they threw rocks, the president backed off when his staff told hm that was illegal But later in a meeting, aides recalled, he suggested that they shoot migrants in the legs to slow them down. That’s not allowed either, they told him.”
Trump attacked the Times report in a Tweet, calling it “fake news” and misspelling “moat” as “moot.”
October 1, 2019 (Lakeside) – Bob Turner, owner of a sand mine located on Moreno Ave. at State Route 67 in Lakeside, has applied to expand the sand mine. The issue will be heard on Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 6:30 p.m. by the Lakeside Community Planning Group (LCPG) in the Lakeside Community Center. View agenda.
The documents on the specific expansion details are not available online. However journalist and Lakeside environmental activist Ana Nita states in an e-mail to ECM tonight, “Turner is applying to expand the mine below the aquifer level at 80 ft.” The sand mine was reportedly approved in 2017 at a depth of 25 feet.
Photo: SDG&E air crane and helicopters help fight fires
October 1, 2019 (San Diego) – As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthen wildfire preparedness and prevention in the region, San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) has formed the SDG&E Wildfire Safety Community Advisory Council, a group of diverse local leaders from public safety, tribal government, business, nonprofit, and academic organizations who will provide feedback and recommendations on how SDG&E can continue to protect the region from wildfires.
October 1, 2019 (La Mesa) – Rusty Hicks, Chair of the California Democratic Party, will offer insights into the state party and its future in 2020 at “Catch the Next Blue Wave,” hosted by the San Diego Democratic Party East on Thursday, October 3 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center (4975 Memorial Drive).
Earlybird ticket rates extended to Oct. 2 for our Oct. 5 fiesta
East County Magazine and our East County Dining Club invite you to party hearty at our
FALL FIESTA!
When: Saturday, October 5 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where:D&S Farms, home of Granite Lion Cellars Winery
(in their shaded oak grove at 2801 Jamul Highlands, Jamul)
Catered dinner from La Loteria de Jamul (choice of entrees: chicken poblano or fish in jalapeño/pineapple sauce, plus apple salad, ceviche, chips and salsa, potatoes, roasted vegetables, avocado aioli, and churro)
Music by Sergio D. Tala (Spanish, Caribbean, rhumba and flamenco. Ole!)
Wine tasting, wine by the glass available
Prizes galore, festive fun and more! Prizes include: $300 gift basket from E-Med spa (facial and skincare products), $200 gift basket from Ava Hair Salon, gift certificates from La Loteria del Jamul, Round Table Pizza, Home Depot and others, original wine-themed art by Annette Cirillo, purse with fringe and rhinestones, wine lovers' gifts, jewelry and more.
Cost: $33 with RSVP by Oct. 2, $38 after Oct. 2 (if not sold out); designated driver/no alcohol $28
Tickets: Click arrow below for menu of ticket options to pay via credit card or Paypal:
September 30, 2019 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.
September 30, 2019 (La Mesa) – Surf Rider Pizza Co. in La Mesa is among four restaurants that Cohn Restaurant Group will be temporarily taking over. Those four restaurants were managed by Patio Marketplace, an entity of Gina Champion-Cain.
By James Kecskes, County of San Diego Communications Office
September 30, 2019 (San Diego) - County Supervisor Dianne Jacob, joined by affordable housing advocates and builders, launched an incentive program aimed at spurring the development of granny flats and other accessory homes (granny flats).
Photo: President Trump and Congressman Adam Schiff, whom Trump accused of “treason” for chairing an impeachment inquiry
September 30, 2019 – Attorneys for the whistleblower whose complaint launched an impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump have sent lettersto the Acting Director of National Intelligence and to Chairs of the House and Senate intelligence committees requesting federal protection for their client. The letter cites overt threats made by the President calling for the death of whistleblowers and leakers. On Sept. 26, Trump stated during a meeting with United Nations leaders caught on tape by the Los Angeles Times:
September 30, 2019 (Washington D.C.) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is cautioning pet owners not to feed their pets any Performance Dog frozen raw pet food after a sample tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes (L. mono). Bravo Packing, Inc. Performance Dog products are sold frozen in two-pound plastic pouches.
September 29, 2019 (San Diego's East County) - Here are this week's top East County alumni sports headlines:
September 24
El Capitan product Kevin Ginkel improves his record to 3-0 for the Arizona Diamondbacks as he pitched one inning, gave up one hit and struck out one batter in a 19-inning ballgame as the Dbacks defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 3-2.
Women's College Soccer
Grossmont 3, Palomar 1: the Griffins of Grossmont College behind the two goal performance of Maya Mozo and one goal by Carli Reese defeated the Comets of Palomar by a 3-1 score.
September 29, 2019 (Jacumba Hot Springs) -- Art lovers are invited to celebrate in Jacumba at the Festival of Sunflowers Artists’ Pop-Up Exhibit on Saturday, Oct. 5th, from noon until dark. The exhibit will place at Gilliam Gallery in downtown Jacumba Hot Springs at 44555 Old Highway 80.
"I believe we need more independents in Congress because parties are so mired in their fighting…they’re not representing the country. I value our community, and I want to serve the country.” -- Helen Horvath, mliitary veteran, federal consultant and Alpine resident
By Miriam Raftery
September 29, 2019 (San Diego) – Like many voters, Helen Horvath is an independent whose views on key issues cross political aisles. She’s a fiscal conservative who wants to use her expertise to cut the national debt, but also believes we need to move toward a clean energy future and protect women’s rights, while taking a moderate stance on gun issues. She supports strong border security while also showing compassion for refugees fleeing violence, and pledges to be a strong voice for military families and veterans.
Now she’s entered the 50th Congressional district race, vying against indicted Rep. Duncan Hunter, Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar, conservative talk show host Carl DeMaio, former Rep. Darrell Issa and State Senator Brian Jones. (Note: the latter two entered the race this week, after our interview).
September 28, 2019 (La Mesa) – A citizens-led effort to clean up their blighted West La Mesa neighborhood has borne fruit. On Tuesday, the La Mesa City Council unanimously approved two pilot programs offering grants to businesses in the area to improve the streetscape.
September 28, 2019 (Lemon Grove) – The Sheriff’s department will host Coffee with the Community on Thursday, Oct. 3 at 6:30 p.m. at Starbucks (3520 Massachusetts Avenue near Broadway) in Lemon Grove. The public is invited to meet patrol deputies and ask questions about issues brewing in the community.
During the one hour meeting, attendees can also learn about crime prevention and free safety programs offered by the Lemon Grove substation.
September 27, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County features a bounty of fall festivities, including the season finale of El Cajon’s concert series, Chaldean-American Festival in El Cajon, a Johnny Appleseed celebration in Santa Ysabel, concerts by Grammy Award and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame stars at the Magnolia in El Cajon, and the start of Fall at the Farm harvest activities near Julian as well as a chamber music season launch at Cuyamaca College.
Plus, we have a preview of coming events including Oktoberfests in La Mesa and El Cajon, our own Fall Fiesta in Jamul, the Ramona Air Fair, Kids Care Fest in Lemon Grove, the Jacumba Fall Festival, Julian Autumn Jubilee, Ms. Smarty Plants Goes Batty at the Garden, a Fair Trade gift faire in La Mesa, vocalist Lillian Palmer at the Mission Trails Church, the Borrego Days Desert Festival and parade, Pints 4 the Park in Borrego Springs, a Green Homes Tour, HauntFest and Trunk or Treat in downtown El Cajon.
So scroll down for all of these events and many more!
September 26, 2019 (El Cajon) -- The weather in El Cajon Thursday morning was cloudy and drizzly in front of City Hall. But the political rhetoric was sweltering. In the race for San Diego’s 50th Congressional District, four Republican candidates for the seat bowed out and swung their support to former 49th District Congressman Darrell Issa.
Another candidate, former San Diego City Councilman and conservative radio host Carl DeMaio, held a rival press conference some 100 feet away to attack Issa. State Senator Brian Jones, who is also running, chose to remain above the fray by staying away.
Inspector General for intelligence community warns that whistleblower complaint is “an urgent concern” that raises “serious national intelligence and security risks.”
September 26, 2019 (Washington D.C.) -- A whistleblower complaint against President Donald Trump has been declassified and released today in its entirety. The complaint states that the President abused his power during a July 25, 2019 phone call, pressuring the Ukraine’s president to investigate the son of Trump’s political rival, former Vice President Joe Biden, in an effort to influence the 2020 election.
The whistleblower, whom the New York Times reports is a CIA agent assigned to the White House, also alleges that Trump tried to hide his actions by locking up records of the call. The Washington Post reports that just one week before the call to the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump ordered a halt to military aide promised to the Ukraine.
The Trump administration’s own intelligence community Inspector General Michael Atkinson warned that the whistleblower complaints to be both credible and an “urgent concern” that raises “serious national intelligence and security risks.”
September 27, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include:
By Miriam Raftery
By 
October 4, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) - East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen on important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:
By Miriam Raftery
By Rebecca Person
By Miriam Raftery
By Miriam Raftery
By Miriam Raftery
By Miriam Raftery
Source: SDG&E
East County News Service
September 30, 2019 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.
By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson
By Miriam Raftery
By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
By Miriam Raftery
East County News Service
East County News Service
By Miriam Raftery
East County News Service
By Miriam Raftery
Video excerpt: 
September 27, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include:
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