By Miriam Raftery

September 12, 2015 (Washington D.C.) – First published in 1888, the National Geographic magazine has long been one of the world’s most popular and respected journals chronicling science and culture around the globe.   But its reputation is now at stake at news that the nonprofit magazine is turning for-profit—and just sold to Rupert Murdoch’s 21^st Century Fox.

East County News Service

September 11, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)--The new Smarter Balanced (SBAC) State test scores are now out.  The tests are meant as a positive step forward in helping to ensure that students are prepared to enter the 21st century with the critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills required for success in college and careers, providing a benchmark for measuring progress in future years.

By Miriam Raftery

September 12, 2015 (Amador and Calaveras County) – An explosive wildfire is threatening some of California’s most historic gold rush towns including Angel’s Camp (famed site of Mark Twain’s  “The Celebrated Tale of the Jumping Frog of Calaveras County) as well as San Andreas, Pine Grove and Mokelumne Hill.  The Butte Fire is currently threatening 6,400 homes and has already burned 85 houses and 51 outbuildings. 

Over 100 square miles – 65,000 acres have been scorched in Amador and Calaveras Counties by the blaze, which is currently 15% contained. For full details and complete evacuation information, visit the Cal Fire Incident page: http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/incidents/incidents_details_info?incident_id=1221

By Devoreo Bell

September 12, 2015 (Julian)--If you are looking to have a good time and share your love of music with others, then come to Julian and celebrate the arrival of fall at the 46th Julian Music Festival.

September 12, 2015 (El Cajon) – The Sheriff’s department is investigating the stabbing death of a 26-year-od man at a motorcycle club in the 100 block of Sierra Vista Drive in the Crest area of unincorporated  El Cajon.

East County News Service

September 11, 2015 (Washington D.C.) – The federal government will run out of money on September 30^th if a funding resolution is not passed.  Some Republicans are threatening a shutdown of the government unless Planned Parenthood is defunded completely due to controversy over use of fetal tissue from abortions--even though the law already prohibits use of federal funds for abortions.

East County News Service

September 12, 2015 (El Cajon) – Employees of Advanced Air and Vacuum on Marshall Street in El Cajon responded  to a burglary alarm going off at 6:30 last night and made a disturbing discovery.

San Diego Military Veterans Volunteer at Garden As Part of National Service Project

September 12, 2015 (El Cajon)--The Water Conservation Garden proudly hosted more than a dozen military veterans from The Mission Continues as part of a national veterans service day on September 11. The volunteers planted trees in one of The Garden’s newest exhibits, the Native Habitat Garden.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: General Grant Tree, courtesy National Park Service

September 12, 2015 (Sequoia National Forest)- The fast-moving Rough Fire (#RoughFire)  has charred over 128,000 acres and threatens the famed Grant Grove of ancient Sequoia redwood trees in King’s Canyon National Park. The lightning-sparked fire is 29% contained.

The grove includes giant sequoias thousands of years old, notably the General Grant tree, named in 1867 after Ulysses  S. Grant and declared our nation’s Christmas tree by President Calvin Coolidge in 1926. 

The National Park Service has closed and evacuated the Grant Grove area of King’s Canyon including John Muir Lodge, all campgrounds and the John Muir cabins. The Cedar Grove area and all lodging there are also closed. Those areas will stay closed until at least September 18.  Sequoia National Park remains open but a smoke advisory is in effect.

September 11, 2015 (Sacramento)--Assembly Bill 1461, also known as the California New Motor Voter Act, was approved today by the California Assembly on a 44-21 concurrence vote. The bill will now be sent to the Governor for his consideration.

East County News Service

September 11, 2015 (Sacramento)—Two major measured backed by Governor Brown have failed to win passage at the end of  a special legislative session.

By Miriam Raftery

September 10, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – Grossmont High School’s principal sent a letter to all parents yesterday warning of a apparent attempt to kidnap a female student on Tuesday, September 8th. 

According to Principal Daniel Barnes, the teen girl was waiting for a ride at 3:30 p.m. near the baseball field on Milden Avenue when she was approached by a man, who beckoned to her with a cigarette and told her to “get in” his vehicle. She refused and the man drove off on Water Street.

The victim described the suspect as a Hispanic man about 30 to 40 years old with brown hair, brown eyes, dark complexion, round face and large mole on his right cheek.  He was driving  a maroon single cab pickup truck, possibly a Ford F-150, older model with chipped paint.

August 10, 2015 (Santee) – The Santee Lakes Foundation invites you to join in the sixth annual 5K Lap the Lakes on Saturday, September 19at 7 a.m.  The run/walk is held at Santee Lakes in a flat, beautiful setting. There is also a half-mile Jr. Fun Run course for kids.

By Elizabeth Alper

September 9, 2015 (Julian) – Like apples?  Julian is hosting its Apple Days Festival as part of its Apple Days Celebration.  The festival will span two days, September 26 and 27, and will be held at the Menghini Winery (http://www.menghiniwinery.com/).