August 6, 2024 (Spring Valley) – The Spring Valley Community Church has agreed to lease parking lot space to the County to serve as a safe parking place for homeless people. Supervisors have voted to approve the measure, but on August 7 at 7 p.m, the church’s pastor will hold a question and answer forum for the public.
The church is located at 3310 Bancroft Drive, Spring Valley. A tour will be provided and questions are welcome.
August 5, 2024 (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:
August 5, 2024 (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 round-up stories include:
August 4, 2024 (Sacramento)--Several weeks ago, the California State Assembly voted for a new bill that aims at making the streets a little bit safer for everyone. Assembly Bill 1990 would give police officers greater power in making arrests to prevent shoplifting of property that exceeds $950.
This bill would authorize a peace officer to make a warrantless arrest for a misdemeanor shoplifting offense not committed in the officers presence, if the officer has probable cause to believe the crime occurred, per Digital Democracy CA Matters.
July 30, 2024 (La Mesa, CA) – As the two democratic candidates for State Assembly District 79 Colin Parent and LaShae Sharp-Collins prepare for the upcoming November 5 election, fundraising in the last three months is crucial.
Heading into the critical August through October time period, Parent has the clear lead in fundraising totals, collecting over double the amount of Sharp-Collins with $401,009 to her $195,824.
What becomes clear when looking at the contributions they’ve received is the difference in occupations of the donors. Setting aside for a moment the majority both campaigns raise through Political Action Committees (PACs), what remains is a clear picture of who are each candidate’s core donors.
August 4, 2024 (Spring Valley) --The County’s Tuberculosis Control Program is working in close collaboration with Grossmont Union High School District to notify students, staff and volunteers potentially exposed to tuberculosis (TB) for four months during the second semester of the 2023-24 school year at Mount Miguel High School in Spring Valley.
The dates of potential exposure are from Feb. 1 to June 4, 2024.
TB is an airborne disease that is transmitted from person-to-person through inhalation of the bacteria from the air. The bacteria are spread when someone sick with TB coughs, speaks, sings or breathes. People with frequent and prolonged indoor exposure to a person who is sick with TB should get tested.
Effective treatments are available to cure people who are sick from active TB. It is especially important for people with symptoms of active TB and those who are immunocompromised to see a medical provider to rule out active TB disease and to discuss treatment.
July 31, 2024 Categorized: September (San Diego’s East County) – Musical entertainment options in East County for September including Celtic Thunder singers from Ireland, English protest singer/songwriter Billy Bragg, acclaimed songwriters/musicians Ray LaMontagne and Gregory Alan Isakov, country music singers Sara Evans and Eric Paslay, and the famed Jacksons.
Below are details on their upcoming local concerts at venues including The Magnolia, SDSU, and Sycuan.
Photo: The Park Fire burning near Chico is a rare example of a blaze apparently caused by arson. Image from Cal Fire video
August 10, 2024 (San Diego) -- Of all the insidious threats faced by wildland firefighters — extreme heat, desiccated forests, unpredictable fire behavior and a nearly year-round fire season — what might be the most fearsome?
Humans.
People do dangerous things, things that start wildfires. Pushing a burning car into a gully. Mowing the lawn on a hot summer day. Miswiring a hot tub. Driving cars with flat tires. Burning toilet paper rather than packing it out of a campsite. Setting off smoke bombs at gender reveal parties.
In hot, dry conditions already primed for fire, people’s actions can quickly escalate from a harmless mistake — such as hammering a metal stake into the parched ground — to igniting a blaze that kills a firefighter.
People — whether purposeful, reckless or simply careless — are responsible for about 95% of California’s wildfires. Last year alone, people caused more than 7,000 wildfires in California; nationally, it was more than 50,000.
August 2, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – AB 1819, a measure by Assemblymember Marie Waldron (R-Valley Center) would authorize counties to create special infrastructure financing districts in high or very high fire hazard severity zones. These districts would fund wildfire mitigation apparatus and infrastructure including new heavy equipment to clear vegetation, create firebreaks, and harden utility infrastructure against wildfires.
“As climate change progresses, our state is affected by longer, more intense, and increasingly hazardous wildfires. In San Diego alone, almost one-fourth of all wildfires start from the combustion of roadside vegetation by vehicles. It is crucial to have the proper firefighting equipment to prevent wildfires,” a statement by Waldron in the Senate Floor analysis.“Obtaining funding to increase prevention response and fire-fighting equipment. backcountry areas has been difficult. The creation of an infrastructure financing district for this purpose will raise the necessary funding without the need to raise taxes.”
The bill has passed the Assembly unanimously (with several members absent) and is currently awaiting action in the Senate Appropriations Committee. All legislative business must be concluded by August 31, the last day of the legislative session.
August 2, 2024 (San Diego) – The U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Diego announces the arrest of five Chinese nationals accused of participating in a fraud and money laundering scheme that bilked more than 2,000 seniors out of over $27 million.
The five defendants and their co-conspirators allegedly ran a multinational organized fraud ring targeting elderly victims across the U.S. from 2021 through June 2024. Conspirators contacted victims through pop-up ads, emails and phone calls to con victims into contacting scam call centers in India, the indictment indicates. Conspirators worked to build trust with victims, and in many cases, had victims install remote desktop software that they used to gain access to victims’ computers, accordingto prosecutors.
The scammers allegedly adopted a number of guises – posing as technical support, government and bank workers – to induce victims to send money to other conspirators, including the five defendants charged in the indictment.
August 2, 2024 (San Diego) -- Tenant's rights groups are asking policymakers to move on several fronts to rein in corporate landlords who they said are worsening California's housing crisis.
Advocates said after the private equity firm Blackstone bought 5,600 apartments in the San Diego area in 2021, the company began squeezing out tenants in order to aggressively raise rents.
Amy Schur, campaign director for the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, works with a tenant group called the Blackstone Tenants Union.
Study: Undocumented Immigrants Contribute Nearly $100 Billion in Taxes in Each Year
Source: America’s Voice
Photo: Farmworker; Creative Commons via Bing
July 30,2024 (Washington D.C.) -- Immigration policies have taken center stage in public debates this year, but much of the conversation has been driven by emotion, not data. A new in-depth study from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy aims to help change that by quantifying how much undocumented immigrants pay in taxes – both nationally and in each state.
The study finds that undocumented immigrants contributed $96.7 billion in federal, state, and local taxes in 2022 – a number that would rise dramatically if these taxpayers were granted work authorization.
July 30, 2024 (Escondido) -- Patio Playhouse Community Theater will present its second annual Back to School Talent Bash, September 28th, under the stars at Kit Carson Park Amphitheater 100 Amphitheater Dr, Escondido, CA 92025.
Patio Playhouse will be presenting a special Back to School Talent show September 28th at 7 p.m. Youth 5 - 19 years of age are invited to participate. Talents may include (but not limited to) singing, dancing, instrumental music, skits, magic, comedy, martial arts, juggling, (no lip syncing). Cash prizes will be given for the 1st ($200), 2nd ($150), and 3rd place ($100) winners.
August 1, 2024-- East County Magazine met Trader Joe’s Captain Keith Miller for a behind the scenes interview and tour Thursday of his new store in Santee. The store, located at 9680 Mission Gorge Road, opened this morning.
“We’ll have some samples for everyone to try, and we’ll have some fun games we’ll be playing in the store. We’ll have a store mascot, a big-mouthed bass that the kids can find,” he said of the opening day plans. “We’ve been waiting for a long time to come to Santee, and we know the community’s been waiting.”
The new store will have 70 to 80 crew members, including 20-30 transfers familiar with Trader Joe’s culture. New hiring will continue. He added.
Update Aug. 3, 2024: All evacuation warnings have been lifted for the #Nixon Fire. Cal Fire investigators have found the cause was a privately owned electrical panel.
Update Aug. 2, 2024:The #NixonFire is 21% contained at 5,222 acres. The cause was a malfunctioning electrical panel at a private residence, Cal Fire reports.The evacuation center at Temecula Valley High School, 31555 Rancho Vista Rd., Temecula, CA 92592 closed today and a reception and care center will open at Hamilton High School in Anza at 9 a.m. today. Operating hours will be at 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. beginning Saturday.
Update Aug. 1, 2024: The #NixonFire is 14% contained and is now 5,194 acres. Evacuation orders and warnings remain in place.
July 31, 2024 (San Diego's East County) -- An evacuation warning has been issued for parts of San Diego County near Warner Springs due to the fast-moving #NixonFire which started in Riverside County. Residents should be prepared to evacuate if needed. For fire maps and updated evacuation details, visit alertsandiego.org/en-us.html and shorturl.at/DNmFH, the San Diego Sheriff advises.
The #NixonFire is 4,941 acres and 5% contained, burning to the south and east in rugged terrain. Overnight,a spot fire briefly crossed the county line into San Diego County,but was extinguished by firefighters.
At least 7 homes have burned in Riverside County, NBC 7 reports.
Photo: Jagger Eaton displays silver medal, via his Instagram post
July 31, 2024 (Paris) – Skateboard champion Jagger Eaton has become the first San Diego athlete to medal in the 2024 Olympics in Paris, winning a silver medal in the street competition. He is the first to win two Olympic medals for the U.S. in skateboarding.
July 31, 2024 (San Diego's East County) -- August has some amazing events for summertime fun, including the Mt. Helix Food & Wine Festival, a Dweezil Zappa concert at The Magnolia, Summer Jams at Santee Lakes, live music at Julian Heroes, outdoor concerts in El Cajon, sunset train rides at the historic Campo depot, a summer twilight walk at MIssion Trails Regional Park, and live music at Sycuan including LOCASH and the Jacksons.
July 31, 2024 (Washington D.C.) -- In April, Rep. Darrell Issa (CA-48) authored an amendment to the House national security supplemental appropriations package of bills recommending $500 million in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to the Philippines. It was adopted by the House in a bipartisan and unanimous voice vote.
July 31, 2024 (San Diego) – Community Advocates for Just and Moral Governance (MoGo) launched a new portal on its website where community members can easily, and anonymously, if preferred, submit whistleblower complaints and public records requests (PRAs) in an effort to promote transparency and accountability.
July 31, 2024 (Santee) – An autopsy confirms that a couple found dead with head trauma yesterday morning at the Lantern Crest senior living facility in Santee died of gunshot wounds. The Sheriff's homicide unit has concluded that Michael Sheehan, 74, shot and killed his wife, Beverly Slater-Sheehan, then committed suicide.
The incident is the second time this year that homicide investigators have been summoned to Lantern Crest to investigate suspicious deaths.
In May, homicide investigators were summoned to Lantern Crest to investigate another pair of deaths that were determined to be a murder-suicide. Investigators found that 82-year-old David Soulner fatally shot his wife, 79-year-old Claire Soulner, then shot and killed himself.
July 31, 2024 (Santee) -- On July 30, 2024, at about 11:05 a.m., deputies from the Santee Sheriff's Station received a radio call of two deceased elderly adults at a residence in the 300 block of Lantern Way, in Santee. Deputies arrived at the residence and confirmed both were deceased. Deputies found one male and one female deceased inside the residence. Both subjects appeared to have head trauma. The deceased's identifications are being withheld pending confirmation and notification of family members.
Parties issue joint statement blaming political actors for character assassination
July 31, 2024 (San Diego) - Will Rodriguez-Kennedy, the former chairman of the San Diego County Democratic Party, has been cleared of all wrongdoing after a two-year-old lawsuit alleging assault was withdrawn by Oscar Rendon. The District Attorney earlier declined to file charges against Rodriguez-Kennedy.
Rodriguez-Kennedy and Rendon today issued this joint statement: “Recently we have had the opportunity to meet and discuss a misunderstanding that caused us both a lot of pain. It is unfortunate that certain political actors took advantage of this misunderstanding in an effort to damage William's reputation and career. “With this behind us, we are wishing each other the very best as we move on with our lives. William and I would like everyone to respect our peace and privacy moving forward.”
Marlea Dell’Anno, attorney for Rodriguez-Kennedy, pointed to an increasing rise of violence and harassment in local and national political discourse as a contributing factor in the severe harm suffered by her client. “Our position was clear from day one: Will Rodriguez-Kennedy was always innocent. Will and Oscar have reconciled, and we have identified the true villains in this tragic story of political violence.”
July 31, 2024 (Santee) – An East County athlete is making a big splash at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Alex Bowen scored three goals in Team USA’s second match, helping lead the team to a 14-8 victory over Romania. Team USA will compete against Greece next Thursday.
Bowen was a star athlete at Santana High School, where he served as captain of both the water polo and swim teams. He helped lead the teams to several titles and was named most valuable player for the Grossmont North/Valley League in three consecutive years, 2008 through 2010.
After graduating, Bowen played water polo for Stanford University, scoring over 200 goals in four years. He was named a First Team All-American each year at Stanford.He later turned professional, competing in many countries, most recently for Noisy-le-Sec in France.
July 31, 2024 (San Diego’s East County)—Water for People, a global nonprofit, has presented its prestigious Kenneth J. Miller Founder’s Award for outstanding service to La Mesa resident Harold E. Bailey, Ph.D., P.E. A registered civil engineer and former university instructor, Dr. Bailey has an impressive record of accomplishments for numerous local water-related organizations and agencies spanning more than four decades.
“As a past chair of the San Diego Water for People Committee who continues volunteering numerous hours serving on multiple event committees, and who has been a strong and consistent supporter of Water for People for over 15 years,” the organization’s award recommendation letter states, “Harold Bailey exemplifies outstanding service to Water for People’s mission of bringing clean water and sanitation to `everyone, forever’; he is well deserving of the Miller award.”
July 24, 2024 (Alpine) – The Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors (PSAR), one of San Diego’s largest trade associations for San Diego-area realtors, is applauding the volunteer efforts of PSAR member and Alpine resident Jeff Campbell who is collecting new shoes, newborn to size 13, for foster children until August 17.
July 30, 2024 (Lemon Grove) – An arrest has been made in a deadly hit-and-run incident in Lemon Grove. An investigation by detectives with the San Diego County Sheriff's Office's Homicide Unit identified 45-year-old Nicholas Hoskin of El Cajon as the suspect in the murder of Brian Colvin on July 22.
Witnesses told police that the victim was standing in front of the vehicle speaking with its occupants when the driver intentionally accelerated, injuring Colvin who later died at a hospital.
Update 4 p.m.-- Forward spread of the #Border66Fire has been stopped at 300 acres, per Cal Fire.
July 30, 2024 (Tecate) - The #Border66Fire that started 2.5 miles west of Highway 188, Tecate this afternoon is now 296 acres and has crossed the international border, Cal Fire reports.
The fire has a moderate rate of spread and zero containment thus far. There is potential for extended attack and multiple air tankers have been requestesd.
Photo courtesy: Elizabeth Ha (submitted by creator to Kansas Reflector)
July 29, 2024 (Kansas) -- As more states move to restrict and criminalize reproductive choices around pregnancy, wearable devices that track biometric data and period tracking apps could become digital evidence in court cases.
July 29, 2024 (Paris) -- Two former San Diego State athletes are set to compete at the Paris Summer Olympics, which began Friday (Pacific Daylight Time) ~ editor's update: with the opening ceremony, a rendition similar to the Last Supper except styalized using Roman influences, of course a diverse and odd cast as it was cast from Greek mythical gods and cannons.
Former Aztec track and field star Shanieka Ricketts (Thomas) (2011-14) will represent Jamaica in the triple jump, while Xander Schauffele (2013-15) will play for the United States in men’s golf.
Ricketts, the flag bearer for Jamaica at the opening ceremony, is set to begin the qualifying flights for the triple jump on Aug. 2 at 9:15 a.m. PDT at the Stade de France with the finals slated for Aug. 3 at 11:20 a.m. PDT.
August 5, 2024 (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:
August 5, 2024 (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 round-up stories include:
By Bransen P. Harper
August 5, 2024 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future
Heading into the critical August through October time period, Parent has the clear lead in fundraising totals, collecting over double the amount of Sharp-Collins with $401,009 to her $195,824.
By Miriam Raftery
By Miriam Raftery
Study: Undocumented Immigrants Contribute Nearly $100 Billion in Taxes in Each Year
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
July 31, 2024 (San Diego) - Will Rodriguez-Kennedy, the former chairman of the San Diego County Democratic Party, has been cleared of all wrongdoing after a two-year-old 
By Miriam Raftery
The Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors (PSAR), one of San Diego’s largest trade associations for San Diego-area realtors, is applauding the volunteer efforts of PSAR member and Alpine resident Jeff Campbell who is collecting new shoes, newborn to size 13, for foster children until August 17.
East County News Service
Is period tracking safe?
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