PETS MISSING AFTER SPRING VALLEY HOUSE FIRE

By Miriam Raftery

June 16, 2024 (Spring Valley) – A family that lost their home in a house fire Thursday on Dictionary Hill is searching for four missing pets—three dogs and a cat.

The home, located on La Mesa Avenue near Date Street in Spring Valley was destroyed. The blaze broke out around 6:30 p.m. June 13. The family was not at home, though ironically the homeowner was golfing nearby and saw the smoke, not realizing his own house was in flames, CBS 8 reports.

According to San Miguel Fire Battalion Chief Roddey Blunt, the home’s hillside location made it challenging to contain the fire. Windows blew out and wind drove flames through the residence, he said.

THREE PEOPLE INJURED IN LEMON GROVE SHOOTINGS; SUSPECTS UNKNOWN

East County News Service

June 16, 2024 (Lemon Grove) – Two men and a woman were shot last night outside a residence near the intersection of Dain Court and Jadam Way in Lemon Grove.

Deputies from the Lemon Grove Substation and the Rancho San Diego Station responded to reports of shots fired around 9:40 p.m., but the three victims had already gone to a local hospital.

“There is currently no suspect description. No arrests have been made,”says Lieutenant Joe Barry. The victims are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries at the hospital and are in stable condition, he adds.

PETS VS. EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL DEBATE: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE AND WHY IT MATTERS FOR FAIR HOUSING

emotional support animal (ESA)

Source: CSA San Diego

Photo by Helena Lopes via Pexel

June 15, 2024 (San Diego) -- Imagine coming home after a long day, greeted by your loyal companion, who offers you comfort and joy. For many, this scenario involves a beloved pet. But for others, this comes from an emotional support animal (ESA). While pets and ESAs might seem similar at first glance, they play very different roles according to fair housing laws. Understanding this difference is crucial for ensuring equal housing opportunities for all.

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: JOYFUL JUNE EVENTS

By Miriam Raftery

June 1, 2024 (San Diego's East County) -- East County has some joyful June events coming up—including La Mesa's Flag Day Parade, a Star Party in Julian, a Renaissance Experience in Santee, a Taste of Julian, Descanso Day Parade and Fair, Bathhouse Bazaar concerts in Jacumba Hot Springs, live music at the Magnolia in El Cajon, a twilight walk at Mission Trails, a comedy night in La Mesa,a Chili Cookoff with Lemon Grove Lions Club, the Santee Pride Walk, Julian Town Square Music Festival, Santee summer concerts, La Mesa's classic car show, Lemon Grove's concert series opener,and El Cajon’s outdoor concerts and classic car shows, and more.

SANTEE GOLF COURSE PROJECT CALLS FOR 243 NEW HOMES ALONG FAIRWAY

Hearing set for June 25; some neighbors are teed off

By Mike Allen

Photo: Augie Scalzitti at his home on Inverness Road looking at the Carlton Oaks Golf Course

June 15, 2024 (Santee) -- Augie Scalzitti is enjoying the good life in Santee, gazing from his deck to a stunning, clear view of the nearby Fortuna peaks and hills at Mission Trails Regional Park.

But that view will be dramatically altered if a proposed residential development for the Carlton Oaks Golf Resort that abuts his house on Inverness Road goes forward.

He points to a fence beneath his deck where trees and shrubs make up the “rough” part of Carlton Oaks’ carefully manicured 18-hole course. “They’re going to have to build that up about 10 feet, and the two-story homes will be another 30 feet above that,” he said. “When it’s done, I’ll be able to see into (future homeowner’s) bathroom.”

LA MESA JUNETEENTH AND FRIENDS JUBILEE SUNDAY JUNE 16 FROM NOON TO FOUR AT MACARTHUR PARK

Updated 6/14 with more information from organizers

By Jonathan Goetz and Henri Migala

Photos courtesy: La Mesa Juneteenth & Henri Migala

June 13, 2024 (La Mesa) -- The third annual La Mesa Juneteenth and Friends celebration is being held this Sunday, June 16 at MacArthur Park, 4975 Memorial Drive in La Mesa. The La Mesa Juneteenth and Friends celebration is a grassroots community effort that brings the rich heritage, culture, and fun of a Juneteenth Jubilee to La Mesa, East County and the wider San Diego region.

JUNETEENTH ON THE ROOFTOP AT JAMUL CASINO ON JUNE 19

Celebrate Juneteenth with soulful performances by Alyssa Raghu – American Idol and Lorie V. Moore – The X-Factor! Enjoy pop, R&B, and more!

East County News Service

June 14, 2024 (Jamul) -- Jamul Casino will celebrate Juneteenth with a special dinner and soulful performances that honor freedom, culture and community. The Juneteenth Celebration will take place at The Rooftop at Jamul Casino from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19. The Rooftop is known for its panoramic mountain views and was voted San Diego’s Best Place to Get Married and Best Scenic Spot by the San Diego Union Tribune Readers Poll.

This special event honors history and looks forward to a future of justice and inclusion. Free tickets (does not include cost of dinner) can be found at an eventbrite link within https://www.jamulcasinosd.com/casino/promotions/

CHIEF’S CORNER: STAYING HYDRATED – JUST ADD WATER!

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

June 14, 2024 (San Diego's East County) -- It’s hot outside, so make sure you stay hydrated. Give the yard a break, but don’t cut back on yourself. Dehydration occurs when your body does not have as much water and fluids as it should. Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe, based on how much of your body's fluid is lost or not replaced. Severe dehydration is a life-threatening emergency!

Don’t wait until you’re thirsty until you drink water. Stay one step ahead of the thirst and drink water throughout the day. Don’t rely exclusively on thirst to tell you when you need to grab something to drink. Sometimes thirst is not a reliable gauge, especially when you’re exercising, on a working incident, training or if you’re taking medications or have a health condition.

READER'S EDITORIAL: LATIN AMERICANS' PARTICIPATION IN REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT PROGRAM URGENTLY NEEDED

Spanish: Maribel Hastings (and featured in photo, left)

English: Vanessa Cárdenas, America’s Voice

June 14, 2024 (Washington, D.C.) – Below is a column by Maribel Hastings from America’s Voice en Español translated to English from Spanish. It ran in several Spanish-language media outlets earlier this month:

At a time when the asylum process is under scrutiny and at the center of political divisions in an election year, the United States government has a program in place that allows up to 50,000 refugees from Latin America and the Caribbean to resettle in the United States through private sponsorships. But only a little more than 200 applications have been received from the region.

The organization, Welcome.US, is one of those allied with the Department of State to promote and implement the Welcome Corps program that began in January 2023. It permits refugees who meet certain requirements to be sponsored by U.S. citizens and permanent residents in their resettlement process, as people seeking asylum.

ISSA, HOUSE VETERANS EXECUTE PARACHUTE JUMP OVER NORMANDY TO HONOR 80TH D-DAY ANNIVERSARY

Politics and local government

Source: Rep. Darrell Issa's Office

June 14, 2024 (Normandy, France) – On Friday, June 7, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) and a bipartisan delegation of veterans serving in Congress conducted a parachute jump over Normandy, France from a WWII-era plane to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

“Eighty years ago, freedom faced its great challenge on the beaches of Normandy – and through immense bravery and sacrifice, Allied forces fought and won a pivotal victory. Those heroes of D-Day deserve our remembrance and profound gratitude for the sacrifice they made to preserve freedom,” said Rep. Issa. “I was proud to join my veteran colleagues on this jump to pay tribute to those courageous men. May we never forget the great price that was paid on June 6, 1944.”

JULY 4TH FIREWORKS AND FESTIVITIES IN EAST COUNTY

By Jonathan Goetz

June 17, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – In celebration of Independence Day on July 4, there are many Fourth of July festivities in San Diego's East County to choose from including the Lake Murray Fireworks and Music Fest, El Cajon’s fireworks and family fun activities, a family picnic and fireworks in Ramona, Santee Salutes with carnival games, music and fireworks, parades in Julian, Deerhorn Valley and Crest, Poway’s old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration complete with vintage train rides and more.

Here's the lineup of fun-filled, family-friendly July 4th activities here in East County.

US HISTORY IN FOLK AND ROCK MUSIC: SONGS OF PROTEST JUNE 15 AT THE RAMONA LIBRARY

East Councy News Service

June 14, 2024 (Ramona) -- Relive the history of protest music and experience the sounds of Bob Dylan, Barry McGuire, Neil Young, and more on Saturday, June 15 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ramona Library.

Desert Crossing is a musical duo that specializes in vocal harmonies in covers and originals across a variety of musical genres. Sponsored the Friends of the Ramona Library.

WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN GROWS REVENUES UNDER LEADERSHIP OF JPA, THOUGH BUDGET GAP REMAINS

Water Conseration Garden

By Miriam Raftery

June 13, 2024 (Rancho San Diego) – Seeds of change have been planted at the Water Conservation Garden. The Joint Powers Authority has taken over management and operations, while the nonprofit Friends of the Water Conservation declared bankruptcy after becoming mired in debt due to large loans.

Hope is blossoming among JPA members and a growing group of around 60 volunteers who have stepped up to fill key needs. Expenditures have been pruned and revenues are on the rise, though major funding is still needed for long term sustainability.

If you would like to visit the Water Conservation, or donate to help it thrive, visit https://thegarden.org/.

ADVANCING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES: SAN DIEGO COUNTY BINGE AND UNDERAGE DRINKING INITIATIVE RELEASES REPORT ON DRINKING

By David R. Shorey, San Diego County Program Director, Institute for Public Strategies

June 12, 2024 (San Diego) --The San Diego County Binge and Underage Drinking Initiative (BUDI) released a comprehensive report shedding light on the alarming trends of alcohol consumption in the community. Binge drinking and underage drinking are pervasive issues.

TAKE ON ALZHEIMER'S IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY

Health/Fitness

By Fernanda Lopez Halvorson, County of San Diego Communications Office

June 12, 2024 (San Diego) - Community members are invited to join the County and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) at the upcoming Take on Alzheimer’s free informational event.

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month which recognizes the millions of people living with Alzheimer’s and encourages everyone to learn about ways to promote brain health. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, and affects memory, thinking and behavior.

FDA WARNS OF PARALYTIC SHELLFISH SOLD TO RETAILERS AND RESTAURANTS, INCLUDING IN CALIFORNIA

Story and file photo by Miriam Raftery

June 11, 2024 (San Diego) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers, restaurants and food retailers not to eat, serve or sell oysters, clams and other shellfish recently harvested from specific areas in Oregon and Washington due to contamination with a toxin that causes paralytic poisoning, which can cause death quickly if untreated, especially in children.

The potentially contaminated items include:

EL CAJON NATIVE COMPETES FOR TEAM NAVY IN THE 2024 WARRIOR GAMES

By Alyssa Ross, Navy Installations Command

June 10, 2024 (Millington, Tenn.) – A native of El Cajon, California, will join more than 250 seriously wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans at the Department of Defense (DOD) Warrior Games Challenge June 21-30, 2024, at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida.

Navy Operations Specialist 1st Class (ret.) Travis Wyatt will be competing against athletes representing the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force and U.S. Special Operations Command. During the 10 days of competition, Wyatt will compete in archery, cycling, field and shooting.

BIRD FLU'S SPREAD FROM POULTRY TO CATTLE TO HUMANS PROVOKES WORRY AMONG FEDS, STATES

Health/Fitness

The USDA has performed more than 17,000 tests for avian influenza on cattle, with a total of 67 herds affected throughout nine states.

By Jennifer Shutt and Jared Strong, Kansas Reflector

Photo: Courtesy of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

June 10, 2024 (Washington, D.C.) -- Dairy farmers throughout the country are on guard and the federal government is mobilizing after an outbreak among cattle herds of highly pathogenic avian influenza — once thought to be confined to poultry flocks.

U.S. SENATE PANEL DIVIDED OVER CLIMATE AS CAUSE OF RISING INSURANCE PREMIUMS

By Lia Chien, Kansas Reflector

Photo: Ford's Flooded Home during January 22, 2024 flooding in San Diego, East County Magazine file photo

June 10, 2024 (Washington, D.C.) — The U.S. Senate Budget Committee debated the cause of the insurance crisis plaguing homeowners around the country at a Wednesday hearing, with Democrats identifying climate change as the ultimate driving force of rising premiums and Republicans pointing to high government spending and inflation.

Homeowners insurance premiums have skyrocketed in recent years, following billions in damages, which has led many insurance companies to drop coverage. An uptick in extreme weather events has been a factor in rising costs.

READER'S EDITORIAL: ALZHEIMER'S AWARENESS MONTH

By Assemblymember Marie Waldron

June 9, 2024 (Valley Center) -- As with so many issues involving medical research and healthcare, San Diego County is ground zero in the battle against Alzheimer’s disease.

Currently, it is estimated that 84,000 persons are living with Alzheimer’s disease in San Diego County, a number that is expected to increase to 117,000 by 2030. Another 250,000 San Diegans are caring for loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s, which is the county’s third leading cause of death. California now has over 720,000 residents living with the disease, more than any other state. That number is expected to grow by 127 percent over the next 20 years, though the state’s population is only projected to grow by 16 percent.

36 MEMBERS OF SINALOA CARTEL ARRESTED; DRUGS AND WEAPONS SEIZED, U.S. ATTORNEY ANNOUNCES

Arrestees include Border Patrol agent and East County residents

Two more AR-style rifles, a pistol, magazines, and Russian-made ammunition, all of which, prosecutors say, were exchanged for drugs. Photo courtesy of the Office of the United States Attorney Southern District of California

East County News Service

June 9, 2024 (San Diego) – In sweeping raids across multiple counties including San Diego, 400 officers from dozens of agencies arrested 36 members of the Sinaloa cartel for a “fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution network” based in Imperial Valley, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Southern District of California. Charges were filed against 47 alleged members of the criminal operation, including 11 who remain fugitives from justice.

MEDIA CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT YOUTH FROM HUMAN TRAFFICKING

By Anita Lightfoot, County of San Diego Communications Office

Video by José Eli Villanueva

June 9, 2024 (San Diego) -- San Diegans will soon see and hear a new County media campaign designed to raise public awareness about human trafficking. The educational campaign includes radio announcements, outdoor billboards, and digital media to inform children, youth and their peers on how to protect themselves from exploitation.

SAFEGUARDING OUR COMMUNITIES FROM WILDFIRES

East County News Service

Photo: 2003 Cedar Fire, via CalFire

June 9,2024 (San Diego’s East County )-- As we head into the summer months, there is increased potential for hot temperatures and strong winds in San Diego County. It is crucial for us to be ready for potential wildfires. East County is especially prone to wildfires, so each of us has an individual responsibility to prepare ahead of time and be ready to evacuate.

Supervisor Joel Anderson and his staff have have compiled a comprehensive list of online resources to aid in our collective efforts to safeguard you, your families, and our community.

RUBIO’S FILES BANKRUPTCY, AFTER CLOSING NUMEROUS LOCATIONS

By Miriam Raftery

June 8, 2024 (San Diego) – The company that made “fish tacos” a household phrase at its fast-casual restaurants and airport outlets across the nation now finds itself underwater financially. Rubio’s Coastal Grill, headquartered in Carlsbad, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after closing 48 of its California locations, with 13 in San Diego County, including El Cajon’s Parkway Plaza in East County.

Rubio’s Restaurants, parent company of the fast-casual chain, announced it hopes to sell the business founded in 1983, and indicated it will continue operating the remaining 86 locations in California, Arizona and Nevada.

PASSAGES: GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE AND ASTRONAUT WILLIAM ANDERS DIES AT 90

By Chris Jennewein and Ken Stone, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

NASA Photo: The famous “Earthrise” photo taken by astronaut Bill Anders aboard Apollo 8 in 1968.

June 8, 2024 (La Mesa) -- Astronaut William Anders, the 1951 Grossmont High School graduate who took what may be the most famous photo of Earth during the history-making Apollo 8 mission, has died at 90.

He died Friday when a single-engine T-34 aircraft he was flying crashed near Jones Island in the Puget Sound north of Seattle.

DEPT. OF INSURANCE SPEAKER JUNE 11 AT FIRE-SAFE MEETING IN JAMUL

By Miriam Raftery

June 8, 2024 (Jamul) – Concerned about losing homeowner’s insurance, fire insurance, or rising rates? The Jamul Fire Safe Council invites you to its meeting on June 11. Sharon Smith, insurance outreach analyst from the Calif. Dept. of Insurance will be on hand to address insurance concerns and provide information on the California Fair Plan.

BEAR SIGHTINGS CONFIRMED ON PALOMAR MOUNTAIN

By Miriam Raftery

June 8, 2024 (Palomar) – Bears hadn’t been spotted on Palomar Mountain for roughly a decade—until now. Over the past two weeks, multiple residents and business owners have posted photos and videos showing a black bear frequenting the area.

On May 21, Deana Marie Freeman posted the photo (left) on social media, which she said was a bear outside her cabin along Fern Trail in the Bailey’s area of Palomar Mountain. On May 26, Palomar Mountain Snow Play posted a video showing a bear running behind their store. A third video on June 2 shows a bear walking north on Canfield Road near the Palomar Mountain General Store (screenshot from video, right).

COUNTY CANCELS SLEEPING CABINS FOR SPRING VALLEY SITE

By Miriam Raftery

June 8, 2024 (Spring Valley) – Nora Vargas, Chair of the San Diego County Board of Superivsors, announced yesterday that she has rescinded approval of plans to build 150 sleeping cabins in Spring Valley, after hearing concerns of neighboring residents.

“I understand concerns expressed by residents about putting these cabins near schoolsand parks where children play,and believe that we can find better,more thoughtful solutions by working with affected commuities,” a statement from Vargas read in part.

Supervisors voted 4-0 in March (with Supervisor Joel Anderson absent) to approve building the sleeping cabins on Jamacha Road.

SWIFT RESPONSE SAVES HOMES IN SPRING VALLEY BRUSH FIRE

Story and photos by Josh Stotler

June 8, 2024 (Spring Valley) – A multi-agency response prevented a wind-driven brush fire in Spring Valley yesterday from destroying multiple homes threatened by the flames. The fire was originally dispatched as a residential structure fire near the 9800 block of Ivanho Street. The first units on scene reported the blaze had extended to the vegetation on the back side of the residence.

As the fire grew, spreading across a grassy field, structures were threatened. The Incident Commander ordered additional engines and helicopter support. An evacuation order for zone SDC-2151 was broadcast as the fire came within a few feet of homes in the area. Smoke was visible and could be smelled across Rancho San Diego, Spring Valley and parts of La Mesa.

ALPINE RESIDENT PUBLISHES DEBUT COLLECTION OF SHORT FICTION: JOE CABANISS’ STORIES EXAMINE TRIALS, TRIUMPHS OF COMING OF AGE

San Diego Bookshelf

Source: Joe Cabaniss press release

June 8,2024 (Alpine)-- In his debut story collection, Life Songs And Other Passages – San Diego Stories, native San Diegan Joe Cabaniss probes the spaces between youth and adulthood and explores a road paved with uncertainty, heartache and moral dilemmas. His characters strive to understand their lives and loves amid opposing forces that foster tension and uncertainty in an often unjust and unforgiving world.

Place figures strongly in these tales, set mostly in San Diego in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s. Readers of a certain age may see something of themselves in these pages, while others may find universal truths that resonate. Long-time San Diegans may recognize neighborhoods where they lived or played, and surfers will note favorite beaches and recall how the sport/lifestyle taught them to embrace the Aloha spirit.

ICE AGENTS SCATTER AS SD BISHOP PHAM, CLERGY VISIT IMMIGRATION COURT

PASSAGES: BILLIE JO JANNEN, CHAIR OF CAMPO-LAKE MORENA PLANNING GROUP AND FORMER ALPINE SUN EDITOR

EL CAJON HOMELESS COUNT FINDINGS ADJUSTED IN RESPONSE TO CITY’S COMPLAINT

ADVANCING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES: JOURNEY OF YOUR MIND: UNDERSTANDING SUBSTANCE MISUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH

INVESTIGATION INTO CAUSE OF HOUSE FIRE IN RAMONA THAT DAMAGED THREE PROPERTIES

EL CAJON WOMAN, 53, DIES IN CUSTODY AT SANTEE DETENTION FACILITY

SOME EVACUATIONS LIFTED IN MONTE FIRE

KALASHOS FAIL TO SHOW UP TO BEGIN JAIL SENTENCE; NEW ARREST WARRANTS ISSUED

MAYOR GLORIA VETOES KEY BUDGET ITEMS, CUTTING ACCESS TO SOME LAKES , FUNDS FOR BRUSH CLEARING, STORMWATER PROJECTS AND MORE

ENVIRONMENTALISTS SOUND ALARM OVER BUDGET AMENDMENT TO SELL OFF PUBLIC LANDS—INCLUDING FOREST LANDS IN EAST COUNTY

MONTE FIRE SCORCHES 350 ACRES, 2 FIREFIGHTERS HOSPITALIZED

EVACUATIONS IN LAKESIDE FIRE

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