This is the first week of Fall, and with it comes Santa Ana winds!

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

September 27, 2019 (San Diego) - Though fire season is year round, Fall typically brings triple-digit temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds bringing high fire danger and red flag warnings.

By Miriam Raftery

September 26, 2019 (Boulevard, Calif.) – The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a lower court decision that the federal government did not violate laws protecting eagles in granting approval of the Tule Wind project.

The lawsuit was filed by the Protect Our Communities Foundation, Backcountry Against Dumps, and Donna Tisdale against the U.S. Department of Interior, the Bureau of Land Management, and leaders of both agencies. The project spans federal, tribal, private, state and county lands.  

Souce:  CAL FIRE

September 26, 2019 (Sacramento) - The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) announced the availability of over $80 million for Forest Health and Fire Prevention projects. CAL FIRE is soliciting applications for projects that work to proactively prevent catastrophic wildfires and restore forests to healthy, functioning ecosystems while also sequestering carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

September 27, 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:

U.S.

• Trump Attacks Whistle-Blower’s Sources and Alludes to Punishment for Spies (New York Times)
• Harris: Trump 'sounds like a criminal' with comments about whistleblower (The Hill)
• 'Gleefully Defiant' Trump Is Ready to Fight Impeachment, but Will His Playbook Fail Him? (Newsweek)
• U.S. to send additional troops to Saudi Arabia after attacks on oil facilities (Washington Post)
• House approves marijuana banking bill in historic vote (Marijuana Moment)
• North America Has Lost More Than 1 in 4 Birds in Last 50 Years, New Study Says (Audobon)
• Elizabeth Warren leads Iowa Poll for the first time, besting Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders (USA Today)
• Walmart to stop selling electronic cigarettes at its stores (Associated Press)
• Revealed: Trump’s Wildlife Service pick has ties to anti-animal protection groups (Guardian)
• FBI’s Sweeping Investigation into Politicians, Bribes, and Cannabis (Candid Chronicle)
• U.S. Orders Duke and U.N.C. to Recast Tone in Mideast Studies (New York Times)

WORLD

• Global climate strikes: Protests begin around the world (Los Angeles Times)
• Greta Thunberg had one question at the U.N. climate summit: ‘How dare you?’ (Washington Post)
• Netanyahu’s Amazing Reversal: Election Loser to Presumptive Premier   (New York Times)
• Canada's Trudeau pushes on with campaign after severe blow from blackface photos (Reuters)

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

East County News Service

September 25, 2019 (El Cajon) – Sycuan Casino Resort has opened three new restaurants:  the Bull and Bourbon steak house, the Elicit Lounge, and Retreat, a poolside venue complete with cabanas and swim-up bar.  View/download menus and learn more at Sycuan.com. 

Below are delicious details on the new Clique Hospitality offerings provided by Sycuan:

Sen. Elizabeth Warren will be paying her first visit to San Diego as a presidential candidate

By Ken Stone, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association; Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine editor, also contributed to this report.

Photo by Gage Skidmore via Wikimedia Commons 

September 25, 2019 (San Diego) -- Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a top-tier Democratic candidate for president, announced Tuesday that she’ll hold an outdoor Town Hall meeting next week in San Diego.

September 25, 2019 (Santee) -- State Senator Brian Jones announced today that he will seek election to the US House of Representatives in California's 50th District, the seat currently represented by Duncan D. Hunter. Hunter goes on trial in January on 60 federal corruption charges for allegedly diverting campaign funds for personal use and related charges.

“I am entering the race for Congress to provide a trusted, conservative voice for the people of this district,” says Jones.  “I grew up here and have represented the people of this district as a Santee City Councilmember, State Assemblyman and now as a State Senator.”

East County News Service

September 24, 2019 (Valley Center) – You’re invited to don your best costume for a Halloween contest and parade plus fun for the whole family at Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center (15954 Woods Valley Rd.)  on Sunday, October 27.

Source: City of El Cajon

September 24, 2019 (El Cajon) --“Engage, educate, and empower!” These are the goals of the City’s Teen Coalition. The City is seeking members to serve on the 2019-20 Teen Coalition. With monthly meetings at Renette Recreation Center, members will develop their leadership skills, get involved through community service, and explore strategies to address youth issues. The coalition sponsors the annual “Youth of the Year” award which recognizes individuals who go above and beyond in serving their community. 

Update Sept. 27, 2019 -- Estela de Los Rios,  a community leader who plans to run for El Cajon City Council, sent these comments objecting to the demise of the commissions.  "I believe it our right as citizens of El Cajon to have these board commissions and have them open until we seek people to serve on them. There has to be a better way to recruit. This is a prime example of the city council's actions that need to change for the best interest of our city. It makes no sense to have a Magnolia Performing Center but no Arts Commission?"

By Miriam Raftery

 

September 23, 2019 (El Cajon) – The agenda for tomorrow’s El Cajon City Council meeting includes second reading and adoption of a code amendment to eliminate three city entities  The Veterans’ Commission, the Commission on Arts and Culture, and the Human Relations Commission, which advises the council on diversity issues.

By Miriam Raftery

September 23, 2019 (San Diego) -- Over 4,200 healthcare workers at Kaiser Permanente in San Diego, including 480 East County workers in El Cajon and La Mesa, will be joining a nationwide strike starting October 14th.  An overwhelming 98 percent of those members at Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 30 voted in support of the action.