JPA to discuss options in a closed-door meeting with legal counsel
By Miriam Raftery
Photo, left: Dr. Michael Hager, President, Friends of the Water Conservation Garden, and Lauren Magnuson, Interim Director of the Garden
January 30, 2024 (El Cajon) – Friends of the Water Conservation Garden and the garden’s new interim director, Lauren Magnuson, made impassioned pleas at a January 23 meeting, asking the Joint Powers Authority (JPA) to allocate additional funds through June to help alleviate a financial crisis.
The Water Conservation Garden is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Magnuson. said, “We supported the community during the pandemic. Now we are hoping that the community will support us.”
The Garden has over $1 million in financial obligations, including large loans taken out during the pandemic and some smaller grant funds slated to be returned. Questions have been raised by the JPA over years of inaccurate record-keeping practices and borrowing by Friends to cover the Garden’s operating expenses, among other concerns.
“The Garden has significantly cut our monthly budget by more than half,” Magnuson told ECM in an interview earlier this month. “We unfortunately had to furlough a good portion of our staff and lean on current staff to absorb those furloughed positions.” She has pledged full transparency and open communication with staff and volunteers, scrambling to pull together financial records and options to help the garden grow and thrive in the future—though the task is daunting.
Photo, left: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, backed by fellow Democrats on Monday, criticizes a Republican plan to open impeachment hearings this week against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. With Jeffries, from left, are Reps. Lou Correa of California, Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, Dan Goldman of New York and Glenn Ivey of Maryland. (Photo by Ian McKinney/Cronkite News)
January 30, 2024 (Washington, D.C.) -- Border officials said they encountered more than 300,000 migrants at the southern border in December, setting a one-month record that pushed the total for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 to 785,422.
The continuing surge in migrants comes as debate on immigration is heating up in Washington. Senators this week are expected to unveil a sweeping, bipartisan immigration reform bill that is already being called “dead on arrival” in the House, where a committee is set to start impeachment proceedings Tuesday against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
January 29, 2024 (El Cajon) -- The City of El Cajon is going to the dogs! Literally! They are trying to break the world record for the most dogs to watch a movie screening together. The current record of 219 dogs was set by a bunch of bored pooches in September 2023.
Organizers in El Cajon will attempt to break the record with Beethoven, a 1992 American family comedy film that features a St. Bernard dog who causes all kinds of trouble for his human family. Maybe he didn’t hear his owners yelling at him to stop!
January 28, 2024 (El Cajon) -- In 2024 Uprise Theatre partners with Cuyamaca College's Queer Student Center to offer East County San Diego monthly name and gender change clinics along with legal clinics specifically for those folks who identify as LGBTQ+.
Although hosted through Cuyamaca College these clinics are open to everyone, for free.
January 28, 2024 (Lakeside) -- Solana Center for Environmental Innovation will host a Vermicomposting Basic workshop on Feb. 19 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Olde Community Church, 9906 Maine Ave. in Lakeside. Join Solana Center for this one-hour workshop to discover why red wiggler worms are composting superstars! Vermicomposting has a benefit for everyone, whether you want to divert kitchen scraps from the landfill, compost in small spaces, or create a natural fertilizer for your plants. This workshop will teach you how to get started and maintain a happy home for red wiggler worms.
January 28, 2024 (Escondido) -- A diverse group of community leaders including Senator Brian W. Jones (R-Santee), former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, Escondido City Councilmember Joe Garcia, Escondido Union School Board Member Joan Gardner, and Michael Branch, CEO of the East County Transitional Living Center, recently held a press conference at Grape Day Park in Escondido to announce new legislation tackling the homeless crisis.
January 27, 2024 (San Diego) – Monsters on the Loose—a true crime novel by award-winning author and historian Richard L. Carrico—is set in San Diego in 1931. With forensic evidence at the time not quite what it is today, many murders went unsolved. In this gripping novel, San Diego historian and anthropologist Richard L. Carrico details the unsolved murders of three young women including one crime that took place in today’s Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP). In Monsters on the Loose, the author walks readers through the victims’ last days, the search for their killers, and the criminal trial of one suspect.
By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office
January 27, 2024 (San Diego) -- Flooding from Monday’s torrential storms was bad enough, but now residents cleaning up their damaged homes face the threat of mold.
The longer materials stay wet, the more likely mold will grow. It takes only two to three days for mold to form.
January 27, 2024 (San Diego) -- Supervisor Joel Anderson asked his staff to compile a list of scholarship opportunities and financial resources to assist students.
“I am aware of the financial barriers that many parents or students face. Having three children go through this process, I understand the value behind scholarship opportunities and the importance behind financial assistance,” says Supervisor Anderson. “We have made an effort to find a diverse set of scholarship opportunities that will be useful and relevant to you. It’s important to note that many of these opportunities have upcoming deadlines, so we recommend being mindful as these dates approach. Also, if there are any other resources you would like to see included in the list, please send them to paige.bounds@sdcounty.ca.gov and we would be happy to add them.”
Below are the scholarships available for spring 2024:
By Tom Christensen, County of San Diego Communications Office
January 27, 2024 (San Diego) -- County officials provided an update today on recovery efforts after the unprecedented storm earlier this week that deluged various communities in the region with more than two inches of rain in just two hours.
“We are bringing together the city, county and state resources to help those that need it the most,” said Chairwoman Nora Vargas, San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “To all those that have been impacted, I want to make sure you know we are doing everything we can to bring you the resources you need and to make sure we help you as you recover from this natural disaster.”
Chairwoman Vargas also announced she was postponing the State of the County address. Instead she will host a “Day of Service” for San Diego flood victims.
January 27, 2024 (Ramona) -- Joe Cortez photographed this pair of coyotes chilling out in the Ramona Grasslands County Preserve. This biologically diverse 3,541 acre preserve also supports 23 butterfly species, 21 reptile species, six types of amphibians, 37 mammals, over 100 types of birds, and 408 plant species. You can visit on your own, or join a docent-led guided excursion.
January 27, 2024 (Lemon Grove) -- Monday’s storm claimed the life of a motorist, Harold James Hooker, 67, in Lemon Grove.
He was driving a Honda CRV sport utility vehicle (SUV) southbound on Lemon Grove Avenue around 5:30 p.m. when he struck a large piece of concrete debris on the roadway during the storm. His vehicle traveled up an embankment and struck a utility pole.
January 27, 2024 (Spring Valley)—A Local Assistance Center for those impacted by recent flooding will be at the Spring Valley Library,836 Kempton St. in Spring Valley. Hours for the two-day center will be Sunday, Jan. 28 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Monday through Wednesday, Jan. 29-31 from 10 a.m.to 7 p.m.
No appointments are needed. Flood victims can walk in for help with services such as:
January 26, 2024 (Spring Valley) - St. Mary’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Spring Valley has been a place of worship for Ukrainians across San Diego since 1960. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, the small church has welcomed and helped many Ukrainian refugees—and has also gathered humanitarian relief supplies to send to war-torn Ukraine.
January 25, 2024 (San Diego) -- The County of San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce (CSDBCC) will be providing grant funding and technical assistance to businesses affected by the recent flooding emergency in San Diego City's District 4. Council District 4 includes the communities of Alta Vista, Broadway Heights, Chollas View, Emerald Hills, Encanto, Greater Skyline Hills, Jamacha, Lincoln Park, Lomita Village, Mountain View, North Bay Terrace, Oak Park, O'Farrell, Paradise Hills, Ridgeview, South Bay Terrace, Valencia Park, and Webster.
As the new administrators of the Diamond BID (Business Improvement District), CSDBCC has been reaching out to local businesses in District 4, which was the hardest hit by the flooding disaster that caused widespread damage and disruption to residents and businesses alike.
By Sir Milo Loftin, County of San Diego Communications Office
January 25, 2024 (San Diego) -- With the possibility of another storm heading to the region next week, the County and CAL FIRE are offering free sandbags to residents and businesses in the unincorporated area to prepare for heavy rain.
The Jan. 22 storm brought historic rainfall to the county, causing flood damage to many homes and businesses. Forecasters say more rain may arrive by the middle of next week.
To prepare for potential flooding or soil erosion, people in the unincorporated areas can visit any one of several fire stations to get and fill sandbags.
Photo: a performer demonstrates the art of Charro rope performing at the recent San Diego Rodeo at Petco Park. Courtesy San Diego Rodeo Coalition
January 25, 2024 (San Diego) - As members of the San Diego Rodeo Alliance, comprised of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, the Barona Band of Mission Indians, the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, the Charro Coalition of San Diego, and the many other organizations and individuals we represent, we find ourselves in the position of having to defend our cultural heritage against a proposed rodeo ban in the city of San Diego, a discussion from which we were excluded.
By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office
January 25, 2024 (San Diego) -- San Diegans who want to help local victims recover from this week’s severe storm can now make financial donations to a new Flood Response Fund.
The County worked with the San Diego Foundation to set up the online fund. The San Diego Foundation will match donations up to $100,000.
Money from the fund will only be directed to non-profits helping flood victims. The fund is not accepting any non-monetary donations at this time.
Monday’s storm was the fourth wettest day recorded since 1850. The torrential downpours caused millions of dollars of damage, flooded streets and roadways, damaged hundreds of homes and created mudslides, erosion and more.
Photo: Paradise Mayor Ron Lassonde discussing fire recovery efforts since the 2018 Camp Fire
January 25, 2024 (Valley Center) -- I recently joined several legislators to tour the site of the Camp Fire, the deadliest wildfire disaster in 100 years, which stuck much of Butte County in 2018. The fire resulted in 85 deaths, covered almost 240 square miles, and almost totally destroyed the towns of Paradise, Concow and other communities. Sadly, this tragic death toll was surpassed in 2023 by fires that engulfed Maui, with almost 100 dead and many still missing.
Our region is no stranger to wildfires. Most of us remember the Cedar, Witch, Cocos, Guejito, Rice and Lilac fires which devastated much of San Diego County. In the aftermath of those fires, we’ve learned a great deal. For example, San Diego Gas & Electric maintains one the country’s most advanced utility weather networks. Over 190 weather stations monitor high fire risk areas and generate microclimate forecasts and fire modeling that anticipate the path of potential fires. This data is shared with fire agencies throughout the county in advance of adverse weather events such as Santa Ana winds, and is also used by system operators to shut down circuits to avoid fires generated by downed power lines. More information is available here.
January 25, 2024 (San Diego) – Shane Harris, president of the People’s Association of Justice Advocates, held a press conference in the Mountain View community Tuesday to announce plans to file a class action lawsuit against the City of San Diego for “long-standing negligence” in failing to clear flood channels before severe storms. He was joined by residents whose homes flooded along the 100-year flood plain including Encanto, Southcrest and Mountain View.
January 24, 2024 (Logan, Utah) - Behind a 50-point second half and a breakout night from freshman Mia Davis, the Aztec women’s basketball team (13-8, 4-4) won at Utah State (3-16, 0-8) 76-62 Wednesday evening. SDSU had 24 assists (on 27 made field goals), their most since Feb. 4, 2023.
January 24, 2024 (San Diego) -- A not-so-wily coyote is recovering at San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center after being rescued from a flooded field full of debris with a bucket stuck on his head.
By Sir Milo Loftin, County of San Diego Communications Office
January 24, 2024 (San Diego) -- County residents and businesses who experienced flooding damage during Monday’s storm can report the damage through an online survey.
Completing the voluntary form will assist the County of San Diego with collecting damage information related to the storm.
The survey will only be used to gather information to determine if the County should request state and/or federal assistance.
Completing the form does not guarantee that you will be eligible to receive any disaster relief assistance. Filling out the survey is not a substitution for filing a claim with your insurance.
January 24, 2024 (Poway) -- Poway High School is presenting a musical rendition of Disney’s The Little Mermaid at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts. The show is scheduled to take place in early February 2024. The tickets for the show are priced between $15.38 and $25.63 (including the service fee). The show promises to be an affordable, enjoyable and memorable experience for attendees.
If you are interested in attending the show, you can purchase tickets from the Poway High School Titan Theatre. The website also provides information on the seating arrangement.
By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office
January 24, 2024 (San Diego) -- San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan is warning businesses and scammers not to take advantage of consumers by price gouging or other fraud schemes during a state of an emergency – doing so can result in prosecution and jail.
As a result of the damage and devastation caused by the severe storm on Jan.22, the County of San Diego has proclaimed a local emergency on behalf of the Board of Supervisors in anticipation that resources and assistance from the state and federal government may be needed. The City of San Diego also proclaimed an emergency, and Governor Gavin Newsom declared an emergency in the county. During a declared state of emergency, it is illegal for a business to increase its prices for essential goods or services by more than 10 percent, unless they can show their own costs have been increased.
January 23, 2024 (Lemon Grove) – The age-old question always comes up: what do you want for dinner? Look no further than Lemon Grove Bistro located at 3308 Main Street in what used to be the cherished Sonka’s General Store in 1944 and the Lemon Grove Pastry Shop of years past.
January 24, 2023 (La Mesa) – Mastiff kitchen in La Mesa is serving up homemade sausages that will really knock your socks off, but their menu has so much more to offer, so you might want to share family style. From crispy pan pizza’s and burgers to Brussel sprouts, you won’t be disappointed.
January 24, 2024 (San Diego) - San Diego State put together a dominant second half en route to an 81-65 victory over Wyoming at Steve Fisher Court at Viejas Arena on Tuesday night.
January 23, 2024 (El Cajon) —The El Cajon Police Department wants the public to know that it is taking retail theft seriously, using “every extent of the law to arrest offenders who commit retail theft and, whenever, put them in jail,” according to a press release issued Jan. 22. But police have also voiced frustration over repeat offenders often back on the streets within hours or days after being arrested.
January 23, 2024 (San Diego's East County) -- This Tuesday, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors will consider whether or not to adopt a support position on a ballot measure that could have irrevocable damage to our behavioral health system if passed. Here’s why I’ll be voting against agenda item 14, a resolution in support of Proposition 1, and what other leaders are not telling you.
Prop. 1 is disguising itself as the solution to California’s homelessness and behavioral health crisis. In reality, it’s a multi-million-dollar state money grab that will hurt the same vulnerable people it claims to help.
JPA to discuss options in a closed-door meeting with legal counsel
By Ian McKinney, Cronkite News
By Jonathan Goetz
By Jocelyn Campos
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
By 
January 27, 2024 (Ramona) -- Joe Cortez photographed this pair of coyotes chilling out in 
Monday’s storm claimed the life of a motorist, Harold James Hooker, 67, in Lemon Grove.
By Miriam Raftery
East County News Service
By 
By Josh Muse, Raymond J. Welch, John Christman, Ramon Jara and Jed Pugsley, 
By 
By Assemblymember Marie Waldron
The Aztecs scored 50 points in the second half
East County News Service
By 
By Jonathan Goetz
By 
January 23, 2024 (El Cajon) —The El Cajon Police Department wants the public to know that it is taking retail theft seriously, using “every extent of the law to arrest offenders who commit retail theft and, whenever, put them in jail,” according to a press release issued Jan. 22. But police have also voiced frustration over repeat offenders often back on the streets within hours or days after being arrested.
By Supervisor Joel Anderson
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