Photo: Giant Sequoia redwood trees, by Yaya Ernst, AdobeStock
November 17,2023 (Sacramento) -- Have you ever wanted to see the California redwoods, play in the Sierra snow, take a dip at the beach or just throw a family barbecue at the park? This week, the state just launched a new strategic plan to make it happen for more people.
California just launched the "Outdoors for All Strategy," which aims to make the state's natural spaces more accessible, more welcoming and less expensive.
November 17, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego's inland regions, published in other media. This week's round-up stories include:
November 17, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) - East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen on important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include
“We could’ve been burned out last night. Nobody would have known, and it was windy.” -- Lora Devault, Pine Hills resident
”I think we are going down a slippery slope...and I have a problem telling people what they can do with their properties.” --Katy Morelli, planning group member
November 17, 2023 (Julian)—Campers at a short-term rental (STR) property in Julian’s Pine Hills neighborhood started an unauthorized campfire on Sunday and failed to properly extinguish it. The embers sparked a brush fire, causing damage to the owner’s property and panic for nearby neighbors.
On Monday, residents spoke out at the Julian Community Planning Group (JCPG) meeting to voice concerns about the growing number of short-term vacation rentals in Julian and disruptions some guests have caused in the community. The most heated concern focused on off-site owners, such as the vacation site in question, which has rentals both inside a home and outside at tent camping sites. Some vacation rental owners also spoke up in defense of property rights for responsible STR owners.
November 17, 2023 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.
Parade site claims event will return in 2024, but city manager says foundation is “defunct” ; tax records reveal financial troubles
Story and photos by Miriam Raftery
November 16, 2023 (El Cajon) – For the fourth year in a row, there will be no Mother Goose Parade in El Cajon. An ECM investigation into the El Cajon Valley Mother Goose Parade Association reveals troubling findings, including financial losses, consulting fees paid out with no tangible results, the association's donation page taken down, and no apparent fundraising events. The parade association’s officers have refused to respond to media questions.
The El Cajon Valley Mother Goose Parade Association website claims, “This beloved event shall be re-imagined as a new classic in 2024.” If true, why wouldn't they respond to media inquiries to publicize ways that the public could support the parade?
The parade, a tradition since 1947, has long been billed as the largest parade of its type west of the Mississippi. It went virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. In 2022, the website announced cancellation of a live parade due to “unprecedented staffing, logistics and supply chain challenges” but promised that the annual tradition” will be back bigger and better than ever in 2023.”
That didn’t happen, and the lack of transparency raises serious questions over whether there will be a parade in 2024, or ever again--unless the public steps forward to save the parade and provide a fairy-tale resolution.
November 16, 2023 (San Diego) -- The Honorable Howard Wayne (former Assemblyman, AD-78) died Thursday, Nov. 2 on his 75th birthday at Scripps Green Hospital after lapsing into a coma, his wife Mary Lundberg announced Saturday.
Wayne served in the state Assembly for three terms, from 1996 to 2002, and thereafter returned to his job as an assistant state attorney general focusing on consumer fraud. After retirement, he continued in public service and was a member of the San Diego County Grand Jury when he took ill.
A “celebration of life” for the late former Assemblyman Howard Wayne (D-San Diego) has been scheduled for 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 18, at Elijah’s Restaurant, 7061 Clairemont Mesa, according to his wife Mary Lundberg.
Photo, left to right: Tribal Council Member Willie Tucker, Jr., Tribal Treasurer Briana Scharnow, Tribal Chairman Cody J. Martinez, Tribal Council Member Nathan LaBrake, Tribal Council Member Jamie LaBrake, Padres Friar
November 16, 2023 (National City) – Today, the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation in partnership with the San Diego Padres and the National School District donated 1,000 free turkeys to families living in National City. The donation comes in advance of the Thanksgiving holiday as a way to give back to the community.
“With the cost of groceries, fuel, housing and many basic necessities on the rise, it’s been a really tough year for many people,” said Cody Martinez, Chairman, Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. “Through the Kumeyaay spirit of giving, we wanted to figure out a way to directly support the hardworking families in our community. We hope this donation provides a little bit of relief and spreads holiday cheer to those that need it most.”
November 16, 2023 (Alpine) -- The largest outdoor ice rink in southern California will be open at the Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine from November 23rd through January 7th from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Skate rentals are available.
You can also enjoy holiday shopping at the outlet center’s many shops.
Photo: Councilman Gary Kendrick with his late dog, Ocho.
November 15, 2023 (El Cajon)—By a unanimous vote, El Cajon City Council members approved allocating $30,000 for the Humane Society to provide shelter for dogs belonging to homeless people for up to 30 days, providing the person enters a program for the homeless. The individual can choose any homeless program, in El Cajon or elsewhere, to help them get off the streets. The measure also funds up to $2,000 in veterinary care per pet.
“It’s removing one more barrier to getting people off the street,” says Councilman Gary Kendrick, who introduced the measure, noting that local homeless shelters won’t accept pets. “A lot are saying, `I don’t want to lose my dog, so I won’t go into a program.”
The homeless person can retrieve their dog from the Humane Society after they complete a program in 30 days, or sooner if they choose. “They can leave the program and get their dog bag at any time,” assures Kendrick, a dog owner.
November 17, 2023 (San Diego) -- Appeals for a cease fire in Israel’s war with Hamas are growing louder. Along with many governments and international and nongovernmental organizations, the UN General Assembly, by a 120-14 vote (with 45 abstentions), has called for an “immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities.”
So far that call has only yielded an Israeli decision on a daily four-hour humanitarian pause for north Gaza. I have seen very little detailed discussion of how a lengthy cease-fire might be achieved. So here are my thoughts on the complications of implementing a cease-fire as well as the opportunities it might create.
November 11, 2023 (Washington D.C.) –A growing chorus of voices on both the left and right are speaking out to warn of threats to U.S. democracy if former president Donald Trump wins election in 2024. The warnings come after increasingly vitriolic statements by Trump threatening to arrest political critics, eliminate free press rights, eliminate independence of the Justice Dept. and FBI, order the military to suppress peaceful demonstrations, and support "termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution."
The conservative Lincoln Club warns that America is in a “fight for democracy,” stating in a newly released ad, “The fate of your country, your family and your freedom are on the line” in the 2024 election. “We’re not liberals. We’re not progressives. We’re former Republicans who put country over party. We’re Americans who know that unless we stop Trump, he will end this democracy we cherish.”
Among those starring in anti-Trump Lincoln Club ads is Michael Steele, former chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC).
In an interview on Univision last week, Trump said, ““If I happen to be president, and I see somebody who is doing well and beating me very badly, I’ll say, ‘go down and indict them."
A new law requires K-12 schools to add media literacy to curriculum for English language arts, science, math and history-social studies. Among the lessons will be recognizing fake news.
Photo: St. HOPE Public School 7Elementary in Sacramento used some of its stimulus funds to buy laptops for students. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters
November 15,2023 (Sacramento, CA) -- Pushing back against the surge of misinformation online, California will now require all K-12 students to learn media literacy skills — such as recognizing fake news and thinking critically about what they encounter on the internet.
Gov. Gavin Newsom last month signed Assembly Bill 873, which requires the state to add media literacy to curriculum frameworks for English language arts, science, math and history-social studies, rolling out gradually beginning next year. Instead of a stand-alone class, the topic will be woven into existing classes and lessons throughout the school year.
November 15, 2023 (Santee) -- A small congregation of Ukrainian American Catholics will make Santee their new home, once the church they have long planned is built in about a year.
The parish, St. John the Baptizer, which now holds its services in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood, purchased a lot at Carlton Oaks Drive and Pike Street in 2018.
On Nov. 8 the Santee City Council unanimously approved an application for a conditional use permit for the gold-domed church and connecting meeting hall to the applicants, technically a part of the Ukrainian Church of Chicago.
Photo,left: Barry Jantz, Debbie Barnum, and Chula Vista Mayor Jim McCann
November 15, 2023 (Lakeside) -- Sixty Chula Vista Learning Community Charter high school students took part in real-world, hands-on experience in construction and drone technology on October 25 at AGC Apprenticeship & Training in Lakeside. The event was hosted by Barry Jantz and attended by Chula Vista Mayor John McCann who took part in Career Exploration Day.
There is an ongoing national discussion taking place about the high cost of a college education and resulting student debt, as well as alternative career pathways to college. So this local community is stepping up, providing students and under-served communities the knowledge of great paying alternatives and paid training right here in our backyard, bringing young people in for hands-on career exploration.
The students participated in a series of 30-minute hands-on workshops in a state-of-the-art training facility, showcasing a variety of excellent careers available in construction and related industries. Experiences included drone technology, heavy equipment simulation, framing, plumbing, and electrical.
November 15, 2023 (Lakeside) -- The Bulls Only Rodeo in Lakeside on Oct. 13-14 featured the most exhilarating and crowd engaging sport challenging the performers to the perfect eight second ride. The Bulls Only is presented by the Lakeside Optimist Club; proceeds are used to provide for the needs of youths in Lakeside.
This was the 24th Annual Bulls Only Rodeo There are many rodeo events, but the Sports Writers of America voted bull riding as the most dangerous sporting event in the country.
ECM attended the October 14th performance. The excitement was felt in the air upon arrival with families and a large crowd anticipating an explosive performance of bull riding, junior bull riding and the always-favorite mutton busting by youngsters. There were many vendors and a wide variety of snacks and beverages to keep the guests fueled. The jumbo screen held up by a crane was a spectacular addition to the performances as instant replays were seen up close and in seconds following a performer’s ride.
November 14, 2023 (San Diego) - Five Aztecs scored in double figures led by Jaedon LeDee's career high equaling 27 points and 11 rebounds for his second double-double of the season. Reese Waters chipped in 15 points for the third straight game. Lamont Butler scored 14 while Elijah Saunders set a career high with 11 points in an 88-76 win over Long Beach State (1-2) at Steve Fisher Court at Viejas Arena on Tuesday night.
Photo: David Wallace, courtesy San Diego County Crime Stoppers
November 14, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) -- San Diego County Crime Stoppers and investigators from the San Diego Fugitive Task Force seek public help to track down a kidnapping and auto theft suspect. David Edward Wallace, 30, is wanted on a felony warrant and is known to frequent Spring Valley and Bonita, as well as Imperial Beach.
A $1,000 reward is offered to information leading to his arrest. Wallace is 6 feet 3 inches tall, weighs 170 pounds, and has brown hair and blue eyes.
November 14, 2023 (San Diego) – San Diego Padres chairman and owner Pete Seidler, beloved by fans for investing in star players and bringing the team to the National League Championship playoffs last year, died today at age 63.
Asked by a reporter last year about the Padres’ 2023 payroll, Seidler replied with a smile, ”I kind of like spending money. You can’t take it with you."
The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the family’s plan is for the Padres to remain in Seidler’s family for generations.
Padres CEO Erik Greupner stated in a press release that the Padres are mourning the loss of their “beloved” chairman, whom he recalled as a “kind and generous man” devoted to his family as well as for having a “heartfelt compassion for others, especially those less fortunate. His impact on the city of San Diego and the baseball world will be felt for generations. His generous spirit is now firmly embedded in the fabric of the Padres.”
November 14, 2023 (La Mesa) -- Wanjiru Warama is a resident of La Mesa, and a member of the San Diego Writers and Editors Guild. The author provides true stories of how her family and community lived in abject poverty on British colonial farms in Kenya. Her historic memoir sheds light on the struggles of Kenyan farmworkers and rural populations under the British colonial rule and the subsequent Mau Mau freedom fighters’ revolt.
November 13, 2023 (San Diego) - The Aztec women’s basketball team (1-2) rallied to beat UC Davis 77-68 Monday evening. After trailing by eight midway through the fourth quarter, the Aztecs finished the game on a 22-5 run to secure their first win of the 2023-24 season.
Hoke has spent six years as SDSU’s head coach across two stints
Source: goaztecs.com
Photo courtesy goaztecs.com
November 13, 2023 (San Diego) - Brady Hoke, the 2011 Maxwell Football Club Collegiate Coach of the Year and four-time conference coach of the year, announced today that he is retiring as head football coach at San Diego State. Hoke will coach the Aztecs in the final two regular-season games in 2023.
Dog owner surrender services on hold through Dec. 1 due to highly contagious disease
Source: San Diego Humane Society
November 13, 2023 (San Diego) -- San Diego Humane Society (SDHS) is temporarily pausing owner surrenders of dogs, except in emergencies that threaten the health of the pet, due to occurrences of a respiratory disease called Streptococcus Equi subspecies Zooepidemicus (also known as Strep zoo) and a bacterial infection called Mycoplasma. The two in combination have led to more severe disease than what the shelter might see with just one of these pathogens.
November 12, 2023 (Alpine) — You’re invited to Christmas with the Animals, a fundraiser for the Lions, Tigers and Bears sanctuary in Alpine, where you can witness the heartwarming spectacle of animals unwrapping their Christmas presents. It's a delightful moment that will warm your heart. The event takes place on Saturday, December 9 from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m., with animal feedings from 3 to 4 p.m.
November 12, 2023 (Campo, CA) – A former Los Angeles Police Department officer convicted of rape was arrested by Border Patrol agents on November 6 in Campo for human smuggling. The convicted felon was also in possession of a ghost gun.
A local resident reported seeing human smuggling near the border involving an older model SUV. A agent responded and found a vehicle matching the description. The driver told the agent that he was an LAPD lieutenant and presented what appeared to be an LAPD badge, according to a press release from the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Department’s San Diego sector.
The agent saw four people in the back seat of the SUV and conducted an immigration inspection. The individuals, three women and a man, told the agent that they had recently crossed the U.S./ Mexico border illegally. The agent placed the driver and passengers under arrest and transported them to a nearby Border Patrol station.
November 12, 2023 (San Diego’s East County)—Santa Ana Winds and dry conditions early this week will keep fire risk elevated. But rain is forecast later this week, along with strong winds.
Rainfall could begin as early as Wednesday, with heaviest rains Thursday and Saturday across San Diego County. There is potential for moderate to heavy rainfall in coastal and valley areas, that could cause urban roadway flooding and runoff. Minor flooding is also possible in desert areas.
November 11, 2023 (Mt. Helix) – Christmas on Mt. Helix returns on December 9 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. complete with a Christmas market to shop for holiday gifts, caroling, crafts, food trucks, a holiday program and Santa Claus.
November 11, 2023 (La Mesa) -- With the holidays quickly approaching, the 8th annual La Mesa Holiday in the Village will once again be ringing in holiday cheer for everyone near and far on Saturday, December 2 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. The free, festive fun will include live music, cozy fires, craft vendors, carnival games, food, holiday 360 photo booth, the grand return of “selfies with Santa” and a kids’ area bigger than Santa’s Toy Shop.
November 10, 2023 (San Diego) - Aztecs basketball is back and tonight, the lady Aztecs took the court against Cal Baptist.
It looked like the Aztecs were going to come out on the attack off the tip, but the Lancers jumped out to a quick 8-0 run with a three by junior Nhug Bosch-Duran, a follow-up layup by sophomore forward Grace Schmidt and another three by senior San Diego native Chloe Webb. Aztecs senior forwards Kim Villalobos and Adryana Quezada stopped the bleeding with jumpers and senior guard Abby Prohaska added a crucial three at the end of the quarter, but the Aztecs couldn’t get much of anything to fall and trailed by 11, 25-14, after one.
November 17, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego's inland regions, published in other media. This week's round-up stories include:
November 17, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) - East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen on important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include
Campers at a short-term rental (STR) property in Julian’s Pine Hills neighborhood started an unauthorized campfire on Sunday and failed to properly extinguish it. The embers sparked a brush fire, causing damage to the owner’s property and panic for nearby neighbors.
November 17, 2023 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.
Story and photos by Miriam Raftery
By Shiloh Ireland
By Shiloh Ireland
Source: goaztecs.com
The Aztecs finished the game on a 22-5 run
Hoke has spent six years as SDSU’s head coach across two stints
Dog owner surrender services on hold through Dec. 1 due 
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
Story and photos by Liz Alper
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