By Miriam Raftery 

August 4, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) - Excessively hot weather is likely for next week with the hottest conditions Monday and Tuesday. The climate outlook includes the likelihood for above normal temperatures continuing through the middle of August. Elevated fire weather risk will also continue to be a concern, the National Weather Service reports.

By James Kecskes, County of San Diego Communications Office

August 3, 2018 (San Diego's East County) - Coyotes always seem to be getting a bad rap. They’re usually villains in the movies and cartoons, and when they pop up in the news, it’s never good.

But recent coyote sightings are often due to things that we, as residents of the surrounding communities, are doing to attract them into our neighborhoods – like leaving dog food and cat food outside.

By Miriam Raftery

August 2, 2018 (San Diego's East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes a kayak tour at Lake Morena, a jazz concert at Mission Trails, Hall in Oates and Train in concert at SDSU, the Julian Natural Wonderfest, the HeART of Mt. Helix, and the Price is Right game show at Sycuan.

Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including our own East County Fest at Mission Trails, celebrating the 10^th anniversary of East County Magazine, as well as the Barona Powwow, Sycuan Powwow, Ramona Grape Stomp and the Julian Grape Stomp Festa,

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!

August 2, 2018 (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 news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

• U.S. says farmers could get cash aid by October but will not be made whole (Reuters)
• Trump escalates attacks on Mueller probe (The Hill)
• Why Trump is so freaked out by the Manafort Trial (Washington Post)
• Court Decision Striking Down Albuquerque Asset Forfeiture Program Could Help Protect Property Rights Around the Country (Reason)
• U.S. judge denies gun control groups' attempt to block 3-D gun blueprints (Reuters)
• Lawsuit alleges migrant fathers were separated from children again after being reunited (The Hill)
• Rising numbers of Central Americans look for a foothold in Tijuana (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Venting about press, Trump has repeatedly sought to ban reporters over questions (Washington Post)

WORLD

• Passengers ‘grateful to God’ after plane crashes in Mexico with no deaths (Reuters)
• Most passengers in non-fatal Mexican plane crash were U.S. citizens (Reuters)
• PETA condemns use of 'terror falcon' by Hamas (JPost)
• Ontario Ends UBI Experiment Two Years Early  (Reason)
• Daring Thieves Steal Royal Jewels, Escape on Motorboat (NPR)
• Protesters chant anti-Putin slogans at Moscow rally against retirement age plan (Reuters)

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

A La Mesa writer finds a way to help families released from ICE detention

By Mimi Pollack

Photo:  Honduran man and his two sons

August 1, 2018 (San Diego) -- Helping others is not political. It is good for the soul. When you help others, you forget about your own problems for awhile. In addition, nobody should make you feel bad about who you decide to help. In my case, as a writer, I have interviewed many good folks assisting others -- be they two legged or four legged recipients – and ended up also giving to many charitable human and animal organizations.

East County News Service

August 1, 2018 (La Mesa) – The Interfaith Council of La Mesa is sponsoring its fifth annual peace and justice event as part of the International Day of Peace on Sunday, September 16^th from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive in La Mesa.

By Miriam Raftery

August 1, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) – The filing deadline to run for local offices is August 10^th.   We checked with El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove and Santee to find out which seats are on the ballot, and who has taken out papers declaring an intent to run for city council or mayor so far.  Below is the list of prospective candidates to date, though more candidates may file, and prospective candidates are not confirmed until they turn in signatures and meet verification requirements to qualify for the November ballot. 

If you are interested in running, you have until August 10 to pull papers and turn in the required signatures from registered voters in support of your candidacy. Since some city offices are closed on Friday the 10th, be sure to check with your local jurisdiction.

City Council and Mayoral races are officially nonpartisan; however, some officials tout their endorsements or affiliations with political parties. For those candidates, we have listed their affiliations.

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

August 3, 2018 (El Cajon) - El Cajon resident Michael Danis learned about the controversy with plastic straw use in restaurants when his family took a niece to a San Diego restaurant for a party.  A restaurant that offers straw hair updos and more games with straws.

East County News Service

July 31, 2018 (San Diego) – Union employees of Southern California Rite Aid pharmacy stores voted overwhelmingly yesterday to reject the company’s contract offer and authorize United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) to call a strike if union leaders deem it necessary.

East County News Service

July 31, 2018 (Alpine) – Congressional candidate Ammar Campa-Najjar will be at a meet and greet open to the public at the Alpine Community Center on August 25^th from 1 to 3 p.m. The event is hosted by Alpine resident Anne Craig-Tillmond. 

By Miriam Raftery

July 30, 2018 (La Mesa) – New Origins, the applicant for a medical marijuana dispensary is suing the city of La Mesa, after the city reversed earlier approval of the dispensary to open in the La Mesa Medical Plaza on University Avenue near El Cajon Boulevard.

By Michelle Mowad, County of San Diego Communications Office

Photo:  Volcan Mountain Wilderness 

July 30, 2018 (San Dietygo) - County Parks and Recreation will close several parks for the month of August, a precaution taken each year due to the season’s expected extreme heat.

July 29, 2018  3 p.m. -- The National Weather Service just issued this urgent warning:

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Severe Thunderstorm Warning National Weather Service San Diego CA 259 PM PDT SUN JUL 29 2018 The National Weather Service in San Diego has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... North central San Diego County in southwestern California... * Until 400 PM PDT *

At 258 PM PDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Hwy 79 Between Santa Ysabel And Warner Springs, or 9 miles northwest of Julian, moving southwest at 10 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is possible. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. *

Locations impacted include... Warner Springs, Hwy 79 Between Santa Ysabel And Warner Springs, Lake Henshaw, Ranchita, Hwy S2 Between Hwy 79 And Hwy 78, S7 - East Grade Rd, Hwy 78 Between Ramona And Santa Ysabel, Hwy 79 Between Warner Springs And Oak Grove, Santa Ysabel, Los Coyotes Indian Reservation, Wynola and Santa Ysabel Indian Reservation.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

By Reema Makani Boccia, APR

July 29, 2018 (Rancho San Diego) - As the weather heats up in East San Diego County, residents are looking for ways to look hot but stay cool. One easy way to beat the heat is at Rancho San Diego’s fashion boutique Runway Shoes & Accessories, a store locally owned and operated by an East County family featuring head-to-toe merchandise for any fashionista on a budget.