July 29, 2024 (Alpine) -- Viejas Casino is hosting a blood donation drive, Thursday, August 15, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Viejas Bingo Parking Lot, 5003 Willows Road, Alpine, CA 91901.
Update 8:30 p.m.The Nixon Fire has swelled to 3,500 acres, per pilot estimates reported on Watch Duty App. A helitanker will be working the fire through the night, though some other air drops have been halted overnight. Winds have been shifting and there is no containment as darkness falls.
Per Cal Fire, nearly 2,000 residences are affected by evacuation orders and warnings. This includes Sunshine Summit in San Diego County, where residents report Sheriff's deputies advising them to evacuate tonight, as well as in Aguanga, Cahuillo and possibly other communities in this rapidly evolving situation.
Update 6 p.m.-- The fire is now 1,000, burning into Beauty Mountain Wilderness. Homes remain threatened. Additional large air tankers and other resources have been requestesd by the incident commander, Watch Duty app reports.
By Miriam Raftery
July 29, 2024 (Aguanga, CA) – A fast moving brush fire that started between Aguanga and Anza is threatening numerous homes and has sparked evacuation orders and warnings in Aguanga and on the Cahuilla reservation. The fire in Riverside County is just over the San Diego County line, a few miles of Warner Springs.
It is burning eastward and per Cal Fire is currently around 295 acres with 0% containment.
An evacuation center has been opened at Temecula Valley High School (31555 Rancho Vistas Rd., Temecula). Animal services will be on site to assist with animals.
The fire has a dangerous rate of spread,per the incident commander and news photographers on site.
July 29, 2024 (San Diego's East County) -- Another summer of above-normal summer temperatures in much of the country may be taking its toll on your vegetable gardens. Temperature extremes can interfere with flowering and fruit set, resulting in poor flowering, blossom drop, and a lack of or misshapen fruit on tomatoes, peppers, squash, and more.
July 29, 2024 (Pine Valley) -- I returned to the Annual Pine Valley Days Parade in Pine Valley on Saturday, July 27. The Mountain Empire is always welcoming and friendly and the small community pride was evident. Starting at 9 a.m., the parade traveled down old Highway 80 from Pine Valley Road to Pine Blvd. The parade entries included equestrian, bands, clowns, old cars, fire trucks and many others.
After the parade, the fun commenced at the Pine Valley County Park, where attractions included a, bounce houses for kids, music, horse shoe tournament, market place with over 30 vendors and of course, food. The events lasted all day until early evening.
July 29, 2024 (Sacramento) -- State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond will hold a press conference on Tuesday, July 30 in Sacramento to launch a statewide effort to accelerate housing development by utilizing the significant amount of developable land owned by California’s local education agencies (LEAs).
Photo courtesy: San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk Jordan Z. Marks recently certified the 2024 assessment roll in a letter to Andrew Potter, clerk of the County Board of Supervisors.
July 29, 2024 (San Diego) – San Diego County’s gross assessed value of all taxable property, including residential, commercial and industrial land, has reached $768 billion, which is 5.58% higher, or $40.6 billion greater than last year, according to Jordan Z. Marks, San Diego County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk (ARCC).
The ARCC office also said the 2024 gross assessed value for the city of El Cajon was $13,559,175,149, or 3.33% higher than the 2023 figure of $13,122,021,164.
The figures for the city of La Mesa were $10,716,933,082 for 2024, a 3.51% increase from $ 10,353,489,019 in 2023.
The figures for the city of Santee were $9,289,601,629 for 2024, a 5.42% increase from $8,811,894,317 in 2023.
Editor's note: Nationwide statistics show while overall reported hate crimes decreased by about 7% in 2023 compared to 2022, hate crime events motivated by sexual orientation bias increased 3.6%.
July 29, 2024 (Sacramento) -- Hate crimes against members of the LGBTQ+ community have risen for the second year in a row, according to the latest "State of Pride" report from the California Department of Justice.
Between 2022 and 2023, the report showed hate crimes motivated by anti-LGBTQ bias increased more than 86% across the state.
July 29, 2024 (San Diego) -- ECMO, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, is a medical procedure for critical care patients with life-threatening heart or lung failure. An ECMO machine is used to pump blood out of a patient’s body, add oxygen, remove carbon dioxide, and then pump the blood back into the body.
July 28, 2024 (San Diego) -- John C. Fistere Jr. (1935 - 2024), accomplished engineer and dedicated humanitarian, died at home last week on Friday 26 July 2024, at the age of 89, due to complications from Parkinson’s disease.
A long-time resident of La Mesa and frequent news broadcaster on the East County Magazine Radio Show, he was known for his cheerful and positive demeanor, and he left a lasting impact in his community and fields of interest.
July 28, 2024 (El Cajon) -- The City of El Cajon is set to host San Diego County’s biggest National Night Out celebration on Tuesday, August 6th from 5-9 p.m.17:00 at Parkway Plaza. This annual event, which strengthens police-community partnerships and neighborhood unity, is expected to draw thousands of attendees from El Cajon and surrounding areas.
This year’s theme, “The Cops Are Throwing a Party and Everyone’s Invited!”, guarantees an action-packed evening. The El Cajon Police Department, alongside with partner agencies such as the California Highway Patrol and United States Border Patrol, will headline a series of exciting activities and demonstrations.
July 28, 2024 (La Mesa) -- The nationwide riots in 2020, including La Mesa, sparked whispers to defund the police. While varying degrees of this conversation are igniting again, lines are blurring between a nation’s objectivity and its intention behind police oversight boards, and now citizens are taking a stance on regulations for the residential storage of firearms.
At this week's City Council meeting, members and the public spoke out on a proposal to regulate the storage of firearms.
For Councilmember Colin Parent, who remembers being held at gunpoint, he thinks it is a basic human right to feel safe within the community, and the prevention of unintentional uses of personal firearms is a modest and appropriate step toward the preservation of security.
July 28, 2024 (San Diego) -- The San Diego Humane Society’s Humane Law Enforcement assisted a community member, Friday, who had become overwhelmed by the number of pets in their home. Humane Officers transported 48 cats and two dogs to their campuses for care.
Upon intake, each cat and dog was given flea treatment and vaccinations before being placed in appropriate housing. These pets will receive thorough medical exams and spay/neuter surgeries. Once they are cleared by the team, they will be made available for adoption.
July 27, 2024 (El Cajon) -- Investigators from the El Cajon Police Department conducted a retail theft operation in collaboration with two major retailers to combat the ongoing theft issues facing our local businesses. Investigators worked closely with store staff to surveil and arrest thieves in real-time without a delayed response. This one-day operation netted five arrests and led to the recovery of over $800 in merchandise. Four arrestees were juveniles and were released to their guardians after processing, according to Sgt. Kevin Reilly.
July 27, 2024 (San Diego) – For a filmmaker, making your first full-length feature film is a milestone worthy of celebration upon its own merits. It usually has meant years of short films, social media clips, and late-night editing sessions that slowly builds your confidence to finally take the plunge and produce a 90-to-120-minute story.
But it’s a whole different celebration when that same first-time feature film sweeps your premier home-town film festival and wins best picture, direction, writing, editing, lead actor, supporting actor, cinematography, and musical score.
Poster Courtesy of Windsor Film Company. Movie poster for East County filmed movie Riley.
July 27, 2024 (Detroit) -- CNN reports: "During a conservative Turning Point Action Believers’ Summit, former President Donald Trump urged Christians to vote, saying they wouldn’t have to do it again if they got out there in November and elected him." Trump urges Christians to vote: ‘You won’t have to do it anymore’ (msn.com)
Donald Trump has previously said if he didn’t win there would be “bloodbath” if he loses and claimed, “I’m not sure that you’ll ever have another election in this country.” He has called for the “termination” of our Constitution and bragged “a lot of people like” his calls to be a “dictator on day one.”
WATCH: Last night, Trump again vowed to end democracy if he did win, stating: "You won't have to do it anymore. Four more years, you know what, it will be fixed, it will be fine. You won't have to vote anymore."
Harris for President spokesman James Singer issued this statement in respnse to Trump's vow to end democracy:
Photo: Ride-share drivers of the California Gig Workers Union at a press conference outside the Supreme Court of California in San Francisco on May 21, 2024. The state Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Prop. 22, a ballot initiative that allows companies, such as Uber and Lyft, to classify drivers as independent contractors. Photo by Juliana Yamada for CalMatters
CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters.
July 27, 2024 (Sacramento) -- In a major victory for gig-work companies, the California Supreme Court today upheld a voter-approved law that allows Uber and other app makers to treat their drivers and delivery workers as independent contractors instead of employees.
The decision on Proposition 22 was unanimous. Approved by 58% of California voters in 2020 and enacted the same year, Prop. 22 gave app-based gig workers some benefits but not full worker protections because the ballot initiative — which gig companies spent more than $200 million to pass — ensures they are not considered employees.
Photo: U.S. attorney Kate Brubacher announces the indictment and reward for Rim Jong Hyok during a July 25, 2024, news conference at the federal courthouse in Kansas City, Kansas. On the right is George Brown, a Department of Justice attorney (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector).
July 27, 2024 (Kansas) — Federal authorities on Thursday announced the indictment of a North Korea man accused of launching ransomware attacks on hospitals in Kansas and other states, then using the bounty to finance cyber attacks on military bases and defense contractors.
July 27, 2024 (San Diego) -- San Diego County Probation is celebrating National Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week and California Probation Supervision Week, both of which take place July 21-27.
July 27, 2024 (San Diego) -- Since joining Sharp more than three years ago as a registered nurse, Jessica Johnson has been treating patients in the Chemical Dependency and Recovery Program at Sharp Mesa Vista. Johnson lost her younger brother to addiction a few years ago and was inspired to act. “It made me want to help others by providing them with the care that my brother needed,” she says.
According to Johnson, her father’s death by suicide when she was young significantly affected her and her brother. “My brother was very close to him, and both were professional surfers,” she says.
At age 24, Johnson’s brother was injured at his construction job and prescribed oxycodone, a potent opioid. Like many individuals, he developed an addiction after misusing the prescription painkiller.
July 27, 2024 (Washington, D.C.) -- The group behind a popular get-out-the-vote technology platform said Friday that it's registered more than 100,000 new U.S. voters since President Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race, a surge that came amid mounting Republican efforts to make it harder to register and vote.
Vote.org said that 84% of voters registered in the new wave are under age 35. Nearly 1 in 5 new registrees is 18 years old. Andrea Hailey, the group's CEO, said that "since 2020, we have led the largest voter registration drive in U.S. history," with more than 7.8 million people registered.
After dropping out, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to face former Republican President Donald Trump and Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) in the November election. The new presumptive Democratic candidate has already earned endorsements from many Democrats in Congress and groups advocating on issues including climate, labor, and reproductive rights.
July 27, 2024 (San Diego) -- The San Diego County Registrar of Voters office sent over 1.9 million postcards to the County’s registered voters this week.
The “VOTE! MORE DAYS. MORE WAYS.” postcards are sent nearly 100 days before the election to remind voters of their voting options for the November Presidential General Election.
Dear EarthTalk: What’s the idea behind the recent launch of the American Climate Corps by the Biden administration? —Paula B., Corpus Christi, TX
July 27, 2024 (Texas) -- The American Climate Corps (ACC) marks a significant step in the U.S.’s approach to climate change. It aims to engage young Americans in conservation and climate resilience projects, contributing to both ecological protection and job creation. The ACC reflects the administration’s broader climate policies, which prioritize moving to a clean energy economy and addressing the impacts of climate change.
July 27, 2024 (La Mesa) -- Navigating around San Diego can be challenging and daunting, especially for the aging population. This seminar aims to provide valuable insights into various transportation options available in San Diego and East County. Attendees will learn about low-cost, donation-based, and reduced fare transportation possibilities that can help maintain independence and mobility.
Whether you no longer drive or are considering giving up driving, this seminar is designed to offer practical solutions and support. Discover how to access services like volunteer driver programs, rideshare options, and public transit tailored to meet the needs of older adults. The seminar will also cover essential resources such as the Ride Well to Age Well Guide, which catalogs transportation services throughout San Diego County.
July 26, 2024 (Washington, D.C.) -- A conservative group and a group of Republican state parties Thursday filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission accusing Vice President Kamala Harris of improperly assuming control of Biden campaign funds after he withdrew from the race.
The complaint is asking the FEC’s six-person commission — split evenly between Democrats and Republicans — to “immediately initiate enforcement proceedings to prevent Harris from using her ill-gotten gains for her campaign in the little time remaining between now and the November general election.”
After President Joe Biden suspended his reelection campaign and endorsed Harris to take his place as the likely Democratic nominee, the Biden campaign officially changed its name to the Harris campaign, giving the vice president access to about $96 million* of campaign funds as of June 30.
July 26, 2024 (San Diego) -- As a third generation Californian, David Madsen grew up in the San Francisco Bay area, one of the main settings for Under a Secret Sky. While researching the book, he traveled to the back gate of Area 51. Although he didn’t gain admittance, his license plate is no doubt in a secret database, which he accepts as a badge of honor. Today, the author lives in San Diego.
In the novel, Robert mysteriously disappears. His wife, Jean, and their precocious son, set out to find their missing family member. Threatened, then pursued by friends-turned-enemies, their search leads from their comfortable post-WWII suburban California life to a top-secret company town that invents a new way to win wars.
July 26, 2024 (La Mesa) The 30th Annual La Mesa Classic Car Show, presented by the La Mesa Village Association, is in full swing in downtown La Mesa! Don't miss this FREE community event happening every Thursday from 5 - 8 p.m. through August 29th!
Giddy up Thursday, August 1st, for Private Domain.
July 26, 2024 (San Diego) – The San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk (ARCC) Office has recognized Santee resident Judith Moerschell as its 2024 Volunteer of the Year.
Moreschell has officiated more than 100 weddings since February 2023, when she began volunteering at the ARCC Santee branch office. One of the weddings was for her grandson, who is currently stationed in Georgia with the U.S. Navy.
Moerschell was recently recognized by San Diego County ARCC Jordan Z. Marks at a San Diego County Board of Supervisors meeting.
July 26, 2024 (San Diego) -- Jewish Family Service of San Diego’s On the Go program is proud to be the largest senior transportation program in the county. This vital service provides rides for seniors who are unable to drive, with a significant number of clients residing in East County. Volunteers act as a free rideshare service, using their own cars to drive seniors to the grocery store, medical appointments, and even to the veterinarian with their pets.
July 26, 2024 (La Mesa) -- Sharp Grossmont Hospitalheld its annual backpack drive today to support local students impacted by HIV and AIDS as they get ready to go back to school. This year, nurses and hospital staff sponsored 75 children by donating backpacks filled with school supplies, ranging from crayons and glue sticks to graphing calculators and planners.
Photo: Dylan Cease hugs Jackson Merrill, who made the unlikely play that prevented a fifth-inning hit that could have spoiled the day. Photo credit: Screen shot, @Padres via X
July 26, 2024 (Washington, D.C.) -- The Padres, going for a sweep Thursday in Washington, got something more out of the deal – a no-hitter.
Dylan Cease went the distance for his first career no-no in a 3-0 win by the Friars, managing somehow to top his two most recent starts in which he gave up only one hit.
The Padres waited a long time for the first no-hitter in team history – Joe Musgrove achieved the feat in 2021 – but didn’t have to wait so long for the second.
By Jonathan Goetz
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After the parade, the fun commenced at the Pine Valley County Park, where attractions included a, bounce houses for kids, music, horse shoe tournament, market place with over 30 vendors and of course, food. The events lasted all day until early evening.
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By The Fistere Family
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Source: San Diego Humane Society
East County News Service
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East County News Service
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Editors note: *to which Harris added $127 million within three (3) days.
Author to hold local 
East County News Service
East County News Service
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