World Series champion ex-Royal heads to San Diego

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By Liz Alper

Photo via theathletic.com

February 17, 2018 (San Diego) - We've heard it for two years.  Rebuilding.  Rebuilding.  Rebuilding.  And we never believed it.

We believe it now.

Late tonight, the Union Tribune reported that ex-Kansas City Royal and 2015 World Series champion first baseman Eric Hosmer is headed to the Padres.

By Michelle Mowad, County of San Diego Communications Office

February 17, 2018 (San Diego's East County) - Take a fresh approach to your wedding ceremony and say “I do” in a park. From romantic country meadows to bayfront ocean views or rustic ranchos, San Diego County Parks and Recreation has a wide array of outdoor spaces for wedding ceremonies and receptions in every part of the county.

With venue fees starting at $105, County parks are not only a beautiful option, but a budget-friendly one, too! To tour event spaces or make reservations, contact Parks at (858) 565-3600.

Here are just a few of the scenic spaces to exchange vows. Find the complete list of venues online.

February 17, 2018 (La Mesa) – You’re invited to our Mardi Gras dinner party benefit for East County Magazine!

Join us Wednesday, February 28 at 6 p.m. at the award-winning San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room (8364 La Mesa Blvd.) in La Mesa for a catered New Orleans Cajun/Creole dinner and festivities -- all for just $28 (leap year pricing on leap day!).  

$28 price includes tax, tip, Mardi Gras mask, beads, New Orelans dinner and a glass of wine

RSVP required by Feb. 21 as we must guarantee a number and prepay the caterer.

There will also be opportunity drawings, a silent auction, games and prizes galore! Scroll down or click “read more” for the delicious details.

By Miriam Raftery

February 16, 2018 (Washington D.C.) – It’s official:  Russia actively worked to sabotage American democracy and put Donald Trump in the White House.

Today, Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller released copies of indictments filed against 13 Russians and three Russian entities on charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States and other charges ranging from bank fraud to identity theft in their quest to violate laws that prohibit foreigners from spending money to influence U.S. elections.  Read the full indictment here.

The indictment language is damning, documenting how the Russian organization Internet Research Agency plotted “information warfare against the U.S.” paid for in Russian rubles at a budget of $1.25 million a month. 

Russians posing as Americans used social media to post positive information on Trump and negative information,  much of it false, disparaging other candidates opposing Trump including Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz and Hillary Clinton.  They also organized pro-Trump and anti-Clinton marches and rallies in the U.S.

They were aided by at least 100 U.S. citizens and and communicated with members of the Trump campaign, the indictment makes clear, and funneled illegal contributions into electing Trump.  At least some of those contacts were "unwitting."

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Jose Estrada from Cal rans presents Dan Russell with an award in appreciation of his tireless efforts

February 15, 2018 (Pine Valley/Campo) – Dan Russell worked 27 years for the San Diego Fire Department. Now he’s a local hero for a different reason – working tirelessly to clean up trash along Interstate 8 and other roadways in East County.

“I’ve been doing it now for 12 years,” says Russell.  “I would say I average five hours a day, six days a week.  I pick up just under a thousand pounds a month…real close to 10,000 pounds a year; over 100,000 pounds since I got started.”

By Miriam Raftery

February 15, 2018 (Warner Springs) --  The Ranchita/Warner Springs Sheriff's Substation asks public help to locate a man in a pickup truck who tried to kidnap a woman yesterday shortly before 7:30 a.m. at her mailbox in the 29000 block of State Route 79 in Warner Springs.

The victim, 29, told deputies she was getting off her car to get her mail when a man attacked her and tried to get her into his truck. She was able to fight off the attacker and drive away from the area. She says the man followed her from the scene for some distance and then he continued driving westbound on State Route 76 toward Valley Center.

The woman suffered minor injuries and was treated at a hospital and released, says Sergeant Brian Jenkins with the San Diego Sheriff’s department.

Source: County News Service

February 15, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) – Jason and Darinka Viau of East County are among 93 couples married on Valentine’s Day at County facilities. 

They are planning a bigger wedding and reception in Mexico later in the year. Jason Viau said a few weeks ago, he decided he didn’t want to wait any longer to make Darinka his bride and suggested a Valentine’s Day wedding at Waterfront Park. She said yes.

Deadline for new members to apply is Feb. 26 to perform in Spring Concert April 29

By Teresa Fistere, San Diego Festival Chorus and Orchestra

February 15, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- The San Diego Festival Chorus, based in East County, is in its 18^th season, and never sounded so good!

We are non-sectarian, performing choral masterworks and popular choral arrangements in the same program.

Our winter concert featured the Christmas portion of Handel’s “Messiah” and a zany “Musicological Tour of the Twelve Days of Christmas”. 1400 people attended our performance at the College Avenue Baptist Church, a marvelous venue.

This spring’s concert starts with John Rutter’s “Requiem”, a modern choral masterpiece. Anyone would be inspired by it. Then we get to perform songs from a new choral version of “West Side Story”. It’s a wonderful American musical. We finish the concert with delightful songs from “The Wizard of Oz”.

East County News Service

February 14, 2018  (Encanto) -- Brand new 'in style' Valentine Day themed dresses have been provided underprivileged girls around the country by the Believe in Yourself Project for Valentine Day's dances—including in east San Diego’s Encanto community.

By Kendra Sitton

February 14, 2018 (Jamul) — The media has revealed new details on the F.B.I. investigation of an East County lawmaker, as well as his alleged behavior in Washington D.C. According to reports, the investigation is intensifying, as Representative Duncan Hunter’s parents and a female lobbyist have been subpoenaed in the improper spending probe. Fellow Republicans are reportedly worried about his election prospects.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo from Wikimedia Commons by Rhododendrites

February 14, 2018 (Washington D.C.) – Two federal judges have issued rulings to temporarily protect young immigrants known as “Dreamers” registered with the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA program.

Story and photos by A.J. Herrington

February 13, 2018 (Julian) -- The Board of Directors of the Julian-Cuyamaca Fire Protection District (JCFPD) has voted 3-2 to negotiate fire protection standards for the community with the County of San Diego, if the County takes over that responsibility from the district. Many of the area residents who attended the crowded meeting at Fire Station 56 on Highway 79 today believe it’s the beginning of the end for the last volunteer fire department in the county.

By Miriam Raftery

February 13, 2018 (San Diego) – If you work days and can’t get time off, four of the five San Diego County Supervisors don’t believe you should have an opportunity to testify on the County’s proposed budget

“I don’t want to sit here at night,” Supervisor Bill Horn stated in response to a proposal by Supervisor Greg Cox to schedule a special evening meeting on the budget, which the County has done in the past.

East County News Service

February 13, 2018 (Lakeside) - More help is now available to victims of domestic violence in the East County. The Lakeside Sheriff's Substation is partnering with a non-profit group to offer direct and immediate assistance to victims.