BEHIND THE MASKS: WHO ARE THE PEOPLE ROUNDING UP IMMIGRANTS IN CALIFORNIA?

SUPERVISOR DESMOND RUNS FOR CONGRESS; MULTIPLE CANDIDATES TAKE AIM AT HIS SEAT

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S IMPACT ON CALIFORNIA’S ENVIRONMENT AND THE AGENCIES THAT WORK TO PROTECT IT

GUHSD BOARD ADOPTS RESOLUTION TO FOLLOW BROWN ACT AND BYLAW— PRESIDENT WOODS DENIES VIOLATIONS

FBI AND LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTNERS ARREST MEMBERS OF MEXICAN MAFIA PRISON GANG

RAMONA COUNTRY FAIR BRINGS SUMMERTIME FUN AUG. 1-3

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: HOT AUGUST NIGHTS BRING LATE SUMMER CELEBRATIONS

JULIAN MOUNTAIN BREWFEST SET FOR AUG. 23

MT. HELIX PARK FOUNDATION FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL AUG. 16 FEATURES GATSBY THEME

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION MEETING ON LONG-TERM GAS SYSTEM PLANNING

CONGRESSWOMAN SARA JACOBS HOSTS TOWN HALL JULY 27 IN ESCONDIDO, SINCE ISSA WON’T HOLD LIVE SESSION WITH HIS CONSTITUENTS

UPGRADES TO RAMONA AIR ATTACK BASE PLANNED FOR NEW CAL FIRE TANKER

AZTECS ATHLETICS PRESS CONFERENCE 12/5: BOWL GAME ANNOUNCED

 

 

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Story by Liz Alper

Videos courtesy goaztecs.com

For videos of the men's and women's basketball portions of the press conference, as well as Gonzales', Phillips' and Baldwin's portions, click "read more" and scroll down.

December 5, 2017 (San Diego) - Another fun-filled SDSU athlet press conference awaited the media and this week, football offensive coordinator Jeff Horton, defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales, sophomore running back Juwan Washington, senior defensive lineman Sergio Phillips and junior safety Parker Baldwin had a bowl game to talk about.  They appeared along with men's basketball head coach Brian Dutcher and women's basketball head coach Stacie Terry.

MAJOR FIRES IN VENTURA, LOS ANGELES, RIVERSIDE AND SAN BERNADINO COUNTIES

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo courtesty Ventura County Fire Department

December 5, 2017 (San Diego) – At least 150 families have lost their homes just weeks before the holidays, due to fast moving brush fires fueled by Santa Winds across southern California. 

Most devastating is the Thomas Fire in Ventura County, which has scorched 50,000 acres and forced 30,000 people to evacuate; the blaze is 50% contained.  In Los Angeles County, the Creek Fire has burned 11,000 acres with no containment thus far;  the Rye Fire charred 5,000 acres and is 50% contained. 

In San Bernadino County, the Meyers Fire forced shut down of Highway 15 and Highway 215 though most lanes are now reopened.  It charred 35 acres and is 50% contained.

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: TOP FESTIVALS AND EVENTS DEC. 6-JAN. 7

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 5, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes the North Pole Limited train rides in Campo, the Ramona Holiday Wine Trail, a Christmas Cabaret in La Mesa, reindeer at Grossmont Center, and a Toy Parade in El Cajon, a performance of Handel’s Messiah in the College area,

Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village, Caroling in Borrego, Santa and Snow at Santee Lakes, a Christmas Carol in Julian, big band and jazz holiday concerts in El Cajon and Santee, Tony Orlando at Sycuan, fiddling and clogging with Celia Lawler at Parkway Plaza, Sinatra and friends at Borrego Performing Arts, and Carnaval Fantastique at Sycuan.

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

SWEETWATER PLACE ON SUPERVISORS’ AGENDA DEC. 6

By Miriam Raftery

December 4, 2017 (Spring Valley) – San Diego Supervisors’ agenda for this Wednesday, December 6th includes a public hearing on Sweetwater Place,  a 122-unit condominium project and public park proposed by MasterCraft Homes on 18 acres in Spring Valley.

The project site is on the land formerly occupied by Evergreen Nursery, north of Jamacha Blvd. at Sweetwater Springs Blvd in the Spring Valley Community Plan area. It aims to help fill the need for housing in the Spring Valley-Rancho San Diego area.

Lora Lowes, Chair of the Spring Valley Community Planning Group, (SVCPG) has sent a letter to Supervisors voicing concerns about the proposal, and urges the public to attend and speak at the meeting. Read her letter (in 2 parts) here and here.

BURNED OUT? ROBBED? ACCIDENT VICTIM? TAX BILL TAKES AWAY DEDUCTIONS FOR PERSONAL CASUALTY LOSSES

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 4, 2017 (San Diego) – If you lose your home or personal property in a natural disaster such as a wildfire or earthquake, or suffer theft, accident or vandalism, you won’t be able to deduct those property losses off your taxes after December. That’s because both the Senate and House versions of the Republicans’ tax bill eliminates these tax breaks.

EAST COUNTY RESIDENTS HONORED WITH “GOLDEN GEAR” AWARDS AT DEC. 7 HOLIDAY JOY RIDE

 

East County News Service

December 4, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – You’re invited to join cyclists spreading holiday cheer at the San Diego County Bike Coalition's 7th Annual Holiday Joy Ride. In honor of the Bike Coalition’s 1987 inception and 30 years as San Diego’s only countywide bike advocacy organization, a parade of two-wheeled travelers will combine fake mullets with tinsel, bells and bikes wrapped like presents.

After the festive spectacle, the organization will present its Golden Gear Awards to local two-wheeled heroes including Lakeside residents David and Nancy Nichols and La Mesan Pauline Callahan, volunteers of the year.

LA MESA HEALTH CARE LIBRARY PRESENTS WATERCOLOR ART EXHIBIT

 

 

East County News Service

 

December 4, 2017 (La Mesa) -- The Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, a consumer health library at 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa , is now presenting its Fall Art Exhibit showcasing 20 watercolor paintings by Ruth Benjamin, a San Carlos resident.

SENATE APPROVES TAX BILL WITH DEEP, PERMANENT CUTS FOR CORPORATIONS BUT ONLY SMALL, SHORT-TERM CUTS FOR OTHERS

 

Loss of deductions and undercutting Affordable Care Act could eliminate savings for many middle class and low-income families and individuals

By Miriam Raftery

December 4, 2017 (Washington D.C.) --By a narrow 51 to 49 vote, the Senate has approved a sweeping tax overhaul bill that marks the first significant legislative victory for President Donald Trump.  The Tax Cut and Jobs Act is broad, providing major long-term cuts for corporations and wealthy individuals plus short-term tax cuts for millions of other Americans.

But many of the savings for ordinary Americans will be negated, since the bill also takes away numerous tax deductions and eliminates a key provision of the Affordable Healthcare Act Act, meaning premiums will rise and many will lose healthcare, the Washington Post, Forbes and New York Times report. 

A Washington Post analysis finds that 62 percent of Americans will get a tax cut of at least $100 in 2019, but 38 percent will get no tax cuts. Less than half (44 percent) would have cuts of $500 or more—and most of those are wealthy, not middle class or low income families. By 2027, only 16 percent of individuals will still have tax cuts; 84 percent of Americans will have none.  But the cuts for corporations are permanent.

AMERICAN-POLISH CHRISTMAS PARTY DECEMBER 9

 

East County News Service

December 4, 2017 (La Mesa) - The American Polish Cooperation Society will host an American-Polish Christmas Party on December 9 at 6 p.m. at the home of Renata and George Juchum, 4518 Mayapan Drive in La Mesa. This year’s event is dedicated to two heroes, General Merian Caldwell Cooper and Richard Carpenter.

RED FLAG WARNING: CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER

 

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

Updated December 4, 2017

December 2, 2017 (San Diego) – The National Weather Service in San Diego is warning of prolonged, critical fire conditions in all areas of our county starting Monday morning through the end of the week. 

A red flag alert is in effect for coastal, mountain and valley areas through Thursday due to low humidity, above average temperatures and strong offshore winds.  A high wind warning has also been issued, with Santa Ana winds at 20 to 30 miles per hour and gusts up to 55 miles an hour forecast.

SANTA – AND SNOW – ARRIVE AT SANTEE LAKES DEC. 10

 

East County News Service

December 3, 2017 (Santee) — Santa comes to Santee Lakes on Sunday, December 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Children can also delight in meeting favorite characters from Star Wars and Disney movies on Storybook Island, sliding down Snow Hill, crafts, face painting, carnival rides and rides on ponies, tractors and a train.

A FIDDLING AND CLOGGING CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT PARKWAY PLAZA

 

East County News Service

December 3, 2017 (El Cajon) -- Clap and dance with Celia Lawler, back by popular demand.  The fiddling and clogging singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist will be performing holiday concerts at Parkway Plaza shopping mall in El Cajon on two Saturdays, December 16 and 23 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Macy’s Court. 

For more information, visit www.shoppingparkwayplaza.com.

SAN DIEGO SOCKERS' BALANCED ATTACK SETS THE SUN ON SONORA IN 8-5 WIN

 

Chris Toth makes 15 saves and records third win of the season; eight different Sockers score goals as team moves to 6-0 on the season

Source:  San Diego Sockers

Photo courtesy sdsockers.com

December 3, 2017 (San Diego) - The 14-time champion San Diego Sockers used a balanced scoring attack and solid goalkeeping to defeat their playoff nemesis Sonora 8-5 before 2,233 at Valley View Casino Center. San Diego (6-0) remains undefeated early and has a three-game lead in the Pacific Division.

SDSU MEN'S BASKETBALL: MCDANIELS GETS DOUBLE DOUBLE AS AZTECS CHOP BRAVES 75-52

 

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Story and photos by Liz Alper

December 2, 2017 (San Diego) - Following a big win at Jenny Craig Pavilion against USD on Thursday night, SDSU men’s basketball finally returned home for a Sunday matinee against the 7-1 Bradley Braves as part of the annual Mountain West-Missouri Valley Challenge.  In case you were wondering, Bradley is a private university in Peoria, Illinois with 5,400 students.  This is the first time the Aztecs have seen the Braves since 1967.

SDSU WOMEN'S HOOPS UPENDS ARIZONA ON THE ROAD 78-67

 

Aztecs move to 5-2 on the year

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo:  McKynzie Fort tallied a season-high 26 points at Arizona on Sunday.  Courtesy goaztecs.com

December 3, 2017 (Tucson) - Senior McKynzie Fort scored a season-high 26 points to help the San Diego State women’s basketball team to a 78-67 conquest of Arizona in a nonconference game Sunday at McKale Center.

SDSU FOOTBALL TO PLAY ARMY WEST POINT IN LOCKHEED MARTIN ARMED FORCES BOWL

 

Aztecs will look to win 11th game for third straight season

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

December 3, 2017 (San Diego) - The San Diego State football team has accepted an invitation to play Army West Point in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 23 at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will be played at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, and will be broadcast nationally by ESPN.

FIRE TRUCK TOY PARADE BRINGS TOYS AND FOOD DONATIONS DEC. 9

 

East County News Service

December 2, 2017 (El Cajon) - You've kicked off the season with the Mother Goose Parade. Now it's time for another El Cajon tradition: the Salvation Army Fire Truck Toy Parade.  The Salvation Army partners with the Fire Department, KOGO 600 News Radio, Stoney's Kids Legacy and Target on Saturday, December 9.  The festivities start at 9 a.m. at the Target parking lot at 250 Broadway, where KOGO will start broadcasting live at 9 a.m. and will be interviewing groups and organizations participating in donations.  The parade rolls out at 11 a.m.  A few local celebrities will attend - Bonnie, daughter of Stoney Stone, founder of the East County Toy and Food Drive, is planning to be there and it's even rumored that Santa will make an appearance.  For more information, contact Cpt. Sean Kelsey at 619-440-4683 ext. 402.

“HOLIDAY IN THE COUNTRY…FOLLOW THE RAMONA WINE TRAIL” 3 WEEKENDS IN DECEMBER

 

Source: Ramona Valley Vineyard Association

 

December 2, 2017 (Ramona) -- Participating wineries from the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association (RVVA) are featuring a  “Holiday in the Country” when you “Follow the Ramona Wine Trail” in the heart of San Diego Wine Country during the first three weekends of December: 2/3, 9/10, and 16/17.

Wine fans can visit 14 wineries decked out for the holidays. In addition to discounted tastings, individual wineries are presenting their own selected special holiday happenings to accompany tasting, such as tree lighting ceremony, tree trimming, holiday music, crafters’ goods for a little shopping, signed magnum bottles, and the introduction of white wines for a White Christmas theme. Santa is also expected to hover.

53 MEMBERS OF CONGRESS PRESS FOR DISASTER AID FOR CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE SURVIVIVORS, INCLUDING ALL SAN DIEGO MEMBERS

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Smouldering remains of a mobile home park burned in the Tubbs Fire in October 2017;  CC by ATS

December 2, 2017 (Washington D.C.) – Yesterday, 53 members of Congress including all five San Diego-area representatives signed a letter sent to House Appropriations Committee leaders urging that $4.4 billion to aid California wildfire survivors be added to a disaster relief fund. 

The action comes after President Donald Trump previously ignored pleas from California legislators and Governor Jerry Brown, sending a measure to Congress that included funds for hurricane survivors in Texas and Florida, but not a penny to help those who lost homes, businesses or family members in the October California firestorms.

TOYS FOR JOY SERVES THOUSANDS OF SAN DIEGO FAMILIES WITH TOYS, FOOD & CLOTHING

 

More than 25,000 expected to attend

East County News Service

December 2, 2017 (San Diego’s East County -- On Saturday, Dec. 9, 25,000 people are expected to attend the 21st annual Toys for Joy event sponsored by the Rock Church at from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event has grown over the years and expanded to four locations, including El Cajon Valley High School, Lincoln High School, Southwest High School, and Vista High School.

LA MESA CONVERSATIONS HOLDS HOLIDAY MIXER AT HELIX BREWING DEC. 8

 

East County News Service

December 2, 2017 (La Mesa) -- You are cordially invited to join La Mesa Conversations at its annual Holiday mixer on Friday, December 8th at Helix Brewing Company (8101 Commercial Street, La Mesa) from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Click here for a Google maps link.

SINATRA AND FRIENDS: TRIBUTE JAN. 6 AT BORREGO SPRINGS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

 

East County News Service

December 1, 2017 (Borrego Springs) -- Sinatra and Friends pays tribute to the man and his music featuring countless songs, synonymous with Frank Sinatra, as well as many other memorable favorites people have come to love.

PET SAFETY TIPS TO KEEP THE BAH, HUMBUG OUT OF HOLIDAYS

 

‘Tis the season to put up holiday decorations. And while you’re busy making your home shiny and bright, keep an eye on Fido and Kitty. Some festive holiday trimmings can make them sick or send them to a veterinary hospital.

County Animal Services has nine tips on how to protect your pets so you can keep the happy in your holidays.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: PATRIOTS PULL AWAY FROM EAGLES FOR SECOND WIN OF SEASON

 

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Check out our sports section for more sports stories!

Story and photos by Liz Alper

December 1, 2017 (San Diego) - What better way to kick off December than with high school sports? Football is winding down and we’re moving on to basketball.  Tonight, the lady Eagles of Granite Hills traveled to Patrick Henry to take on the Patriots in their first matchup of the season.  The Patriots are already 1-0 on the season.

REINDEER VISITS GROSSMONT CENTER NEXT THREE SUNDAYS

By Miriam Raftery

December 1, 2017 (La Mesa)—Ho, ho, ho! As Santa’s Christmas Eve sleigh ride approaches, you can bring children to take photos and feed a live reindeer at Grossmont Center on Sunday afternoons from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on December 3, 10 and 17.

FATAL FIRE IN LAKESIDE

 

 

Upate December 4, 2017: The victim has been identified as Kenneth Owens, 76.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Lakeside Fire Chief Don Butz, on Facebook

December 1, 2017 (Lakeside) – A fire shortly after 4 a.m. this morning ruptured oxygen tanks, swiftly engulfing a home in the 9700 block of Emerald Hill Lane in Lakeside.  A 76-year-old man died in the fire after suffering second and third degree burns, but three other family members escaped, Patch.com reports. 

Fire crews from Lakeside, Santee, and Heartland Fire and Rescue responded to the fire, pulling out the victim who was declared dead at the scene, 10 News reports.  The blaze took a half hour to bring under control.

FLYNN PLEADS GUILTY OF LYING TO FBI, CUTS DEAL WITH PROSECUTORS IN TRUMP-RUSSIA PROBE

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 1, 2017 (Washington D.C.)—Former National Security  Advisor and retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn pled guilty today to lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) about his back-channel talks with Russia’s ambassador Sergey Kislyak prior to Trump taking office in efforts to influence U.S. policies on sanctions against Russia and more.

 In court, federal authorities indicated Flynn is cooperating with Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller’s investigation into Trump campaign ties to the Kremlin to potentially influence the U.S. presidential race outcome.  Court records indicate Flynn has admitted he was directed by Donald Trump’s transition team officials to contact Russia’s ambassador, the Washington Post reports. 

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: TOP FESTIVALS AND EVENTS DEC. 1-JAN. 7

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

November 30, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes Alpine’s Christmas Parade of Lights and Snow Festival, the North Pole Limited train ride in Campo, Lemon Grove’s holiday bonfire with ice skating and a hayride, Ramona’s tree lighting with sleigh rides, a Jingle Paws walk for pets, Lakeside’s Spirit of Christmas on Maine, a Supermoon hike up Volcan Mountain in Julian, a Christmas Cabaret in La Mesa, and live reindeer visits at Grossmont Center.

Plus we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village, San Diego Festival Chorus and Orchestra’s Sounds Good holiday concert, a Christmas Carol in Julian, singer Tony Orlando in concert at Sycuan, a big band and jazz concert in Santee, and Carnaval Fantastique at Sycuan.

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

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