October 29, 2023 (San Diego) – Tickets are now on sale for KNSJ Radio’s 10th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, November 11.
The East County Magazine Radio Show is one of the station's flagship programs, covering East County news and issues as well as regional topics and more. KNSJ, which broadcasts from Descanso, also features a wide variety of other locally hosted shows.
The gala event will celebrate all that San Diego’s community Network for Social Justice has achieved in the past decade, as well as highlight the station’s future commitment to defend democracy and create community through independent media. The festive evening will include dinner, live music, dancing, poetry readings, videos, and special presentations.
November 1, 2023 (Sacramento) -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta, leading a multistate coalition of 25 attorneys general, today submitted a letter to urge the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to strengthen guidance and provide clear warning labels regarding incorrect pulse oximeter readings for patients of color.
Update November 4, 2023: The fire is now 70% and has held at 2,487 acres.
Update November 3, 2023: The Highland Fire is now 40% contained and has burned 2,487 acres.
By Miriam Raftery
Photo via Cal Fire
November 1, 2023 (Aguanga) – What a difference night-time aerial drops can make. Two decades ago, the deadly Cedar Fire started at 5:37 p.m. and a decision was made not to put pilots at risk with night drops. That fire grew to 273,000 acres and destroyed 2,200 homes.
By contrast, last night, Cal Fire incident personnel made the decision to fight the fast-moving #HighlandFire in Aguanga by air throughout the night – preventing what could have become another regional inferno.
“The crew from Copter 301 in Cal Fire’s Riverside Unit dropped 4,200 gallons of water in an effort to slow the wind-driven fire,” Cal Fire posted on X. At dawn this morning, “due to a combination of C301’s efforts and improved weather conditions, the fire had slowed significantly, allowing ground resources to make significant progress in stopping the fire.”
November 1, 2023 (San Diego) – The Biden administration this week has imposed new sanctions aimed at cutting off funding for Hamas, amid growing evidence that Iran provided weapons and training to Hamas prior to the terror group’s deadly attack on Israel.
The New York Times reports that the new U.S. sanctions target:
Companies and investors that Hamas uses to hide its control of assets
Members of Iran’s military that train Hamas
Members of Hezbollah and Palestinian Jihad, which have also attacked Israel
A Jordanian national, Khaled Qaddoumi, who lives in Iran and acts as a liaison between Iran and Hamas.
The U.S.and Qatar have also agreed to block Iran’s access to $6 billion that was part of a deal to release five Americans imprisoned in Iran. None of that money has been spent, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has confirmed.
November 1, 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 1, 2023 (El Cajon) – East County Arts Association announces the grand opening of Surje Coffee Shop at the Gallery, sharing space with the Association at 124 East Main Street.
“We invite you to immerse yourself in the rich aroma and artistic inspiration that coffee brings,” the association’s website states. “Our theme for November special month is Coffee in Art, where we welcome any artwork related to coffee or inspired by the captivating world of caffeine.”
Artists are encouraged to drop off their works on Wednesday, Nov. 15 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. All artworks must be wired (no sawtooth hangers).
October 31, 2023 (San Diego) -- On Sunday, November 12 from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m., the Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP) Visitor Center will be transformed into a seasonal marketplace featuring one-of-a-kind gifts from makers and artists with nature-themed offerings. The event supports the independent vendors participating and a percentage of all sales will benefit the park through the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation.
In addition to products including ceramics, jewelry, soaps, cards, home goods, woodworking pieces, and fine art, attendees can peruse the Visitor Center Gift Shop which will be fully stocked with brand new Mission Trails merchandise. Quantities of the new MTRP merchandise will be limited,with first sales at the holiday marketplace.
For the event, the MTRP Foundation will provide shuttle service that will transport patrons to and from an overflow parking lot at Patrick Henry High School.
October 31, 2023 (El Cajon) – You’re invited to the annual Holiday Lights on Main Street celebration on Saturday, November 25 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. The festivities include ice skating on the promenade, family fun and live music, with the tree lighting at 6 p.m. at the corner of Main and Magnolia.
The entertainment on stage will feature the Audio Hounds Band from 2 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. and the Harmony Grove Band from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
October 31, 2023 (Aguanga) – Evacuation orders have been issued for an estimated 4,000 residents of 1,300 homes due to the Highland Fire in Aguanga, within a few miles of the San Diego County line in Riverside County. At least three structures have been destroyed and six others damaged, according to Riverside Fire Department spokesperson Jeff La Russo.
ECM reporter Josh Stotler, at the scene this afternoon, says the wind-whipped fire is being battled by fixed wing aircraft, helicopters and ground crew forces that have doubled in recent hours. Hundreds of firefighters are now battling the fire, which swelled to 2,200 acres overnight fueled by Santa Ana winds. Cal Fire has not updated the acreage since this morning.
“The winds are pushing it west,” he says, adding that there are no evacuations in San Diego County currently. But he indicates the winds make this fire unpredictiable, and notes, ”Still no containment number yet, if any.”
A SIG alert is in effect for Highway 79, which is fully closed between the San Diego/Riverside County lines and Sage Road. Highway 371is also closed at 79 due to the wildfire, the CHP incident page reports.
October 31, 2023 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.
October 31,2023 (Washington D.C.) --The U.S. Food and Drug Association (FDA) is warning consumers not to purchase and to immediately stop using 26 over-the-counter eye drop products sold at major retailers and online, due to the potential risk of eye infections that could result in partial vision loss or blindness. Patients who have signs or symptoms of an eye infection after using these products should talk to their health care provider or seek medical care immediately. These products are marketed under the following brands:
CVS Health
Leader (Cardinal Health)
Rugby (Cardinal Health)
Rite Aid
Target Up & Up
Velocity Pharma
See full list of product names at the bottom of this article.
October 31, 2023 (Borrego Springs) – Yesterday morning’s fire destroyed the historic clubhouse at de Anza Country Club in Borrego Springs. The club posted on Facebook, “Sad news to report. Our beautiful clubhouse at de Anza has burned…Bighorn Room, Coyote Den, Ballroom, offices, locker rooms were all ruined. Golf Shop is okay. We are all devastated; members, employees and friends of de Anza.”
By Miriam Raftery, East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts
October 31, 2023 (Aguanga) -- The #HighlandFire in Aguanga has swelled to over 2,200 acres overnight and is 0% contained in Riverside County just over the San Diego County line. Aguanga is just north of Warner Springs; smoke is impacting areas west of Aguanga including Escondido and Palomar. Highway 79 is closed in both directions.
Road closures are in effect and evacuation orders have been issued north of the San Diego County line, south of State Route 79, east of Forest Route 8S07 and west of Crosley Truck Trail. (See evacuation details at https://www.rvcfire.org/incidents/fact-sheets/HighliandFire-Oct2023.)
A reception and care center has opened at: Great Oak High School 32555 Deer Hollow Way, Temecula, Ca 92592. Large and small animals can be taken to: San Jacinto Animal Shelter 581 South Grand Avenue, San Jacinto, Ca 92582
Video posted by FirePhotoGirl on social media shows structures in flames. Cal Fire reports structures remain threatened threatened.
Correction: An earlier version of this story stated that the fire was at DeAnza Springs Resort in Jacumba; in fact it is at De Anza Springs Country Club in Borrego Springs.
By Miriam Raftery
October 30, 2023 (Borrego Springs) – Sixty firefighters are at the scene of an early morning commercial structure fire at De Anza Springs Country Club in Borrego Springs. When Cal Fire arrived, 75% of the structure was engulfed in flames.
Firefighters are making good progress and have kept the fire from spreading to other buildings or vegetation.
October 29, 2023 (La Mesa) – A 38-year-old San Diego man was struck by a vehicle on Interstate 8 east., east of Baltimore Drive n La Mesa on October 24. The victim was walking in the #4 lane at 8:38 a.m. when he was hit by a white 2004 Chevrolet pickup truck.
October 29, 2023 (San Diego) – Santa Ana winds, along with low humidity and above average daytime temperatures, will bring heightened fire risks this week to our region.
The highest risks will be on Monday and Tuesday, when wind gusts of 40-60 miles per hour are forecast in San Diego’s inland valleys areas such as Alpine and Ramona, as well as mountain areas such as Julian and Mt. Laguna.
October 29, 2023 (Lakeside) -- Wreaths Across America is offering an opportunity for San Diego County residents, businesses, schools, fraternal organizations to celebrate the holidays and honor local veterans.There are over 120,000 souls interred at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery and over 16,000 at Miramar National Cemetery. Join me in sharing this link and viewing QR code and contributing.
How does this work? You may purchase one or two wreaths for either Rosecrans or Miramar (either for someone you name, or a gravesite they will choose). You can add information about the veteran. If you buy two wreaths, a third wreath will be placed at a deserving veteran’s grave chosen by the cemetery.
The wreaths are genuine wreaths that arrive fresh from Maine. The deadline is November 26th. to place your order. Please consider this special gift and memory honoring our Veterans.
October 29, 2023 (El Cajon) – Two teens have died after being shot by an assailant outside a house party in El Cajon last night.
Shortly before midnight, El Cajon Police officers responded to a series of 9-1-1 calls reporting a loud house party and multiple gunshots in the 700 block of Mahogany Drive.
“Upon arrival, officers saw numerous people fleeing from the area. Tragically, two victims, a 16-year-old male, and an 18-year-old male were found critically wounded, one in the street and the other in the front yard of a residence,” says Lieutenant Will Guerin. “Despite swift medical attention, both victims succumbed to their injuries after being transported to local trauma hospitals.”
Photo: Supervisor Jim Desmond at press conference calling for border closure
October 28,2023 (San Diego) – The Israel-Hamas war has inflamed anti-U.S. sentiments around the world, sparking protests outside U.S. embassies in several nations,. NBC news reports. That’s led some local conservative politicians including Supervisor Jim Desmond and Supervisorial candidate Amy Reichert to call for closure of the border to new immigrants, citing fears that militants allied with terrorist groups supporting Hamas could potentially cross the border into the U.S. with an aim to harm Americans.
October 28, 2023 (San Diego) -- I would be remiss if I did not write this as we step into and are preparing for our first Red Flag Warning for 2023 in Southern California. This is dedicated to the men of Engine Co. 57.
Oct. 26, 2006, it seems like yesterday. Time passes so quickly. This day sticks with me and always will. I was at my home leaving for work in Los Angeles. I saw the large plume of smoke. In a matter of seconds, it intensified. The plume expanded and rose quickly into the atmosphere. I knew something went bad, but little did I know how bad it really was.
October 28, 2023 (El Cajon) --- In a forum held Oct. 18 at Cuyamaca College, District 4 supervisorial candidates Monica Montgomery Steppe, a Democrat, and Republican Amy Reichert answered questions from the public ranging on health care, homelessness, housing, highway improvements, and diversity.
October 27, 2023 (Lakeside)-- Oma's Family Farm has been a Lakeside business since 1960. The farm’s pumpkin patch offers a variety of pumpkins, plus you can opt for wagon rides, a petting zoo, sand sledding and more. Saturday is the last day this season for the pumpkin patch, and reservations must be made online here.
If you miss the pumpkin patch, the farm offers many other attractions such as Furry Animal Friends, Dump Trucks & Dozers, Land of Milk and Honey, Bubble Blast, Country Fair, and soon, Homestead Holidays, Christmas trees, Christmas Cinema, visits with Santa Claus and more. The farm also hosts private events.
October 27, 2023 (Santee) – The Santee Fire Department and the San Diego Sheriff’s department invite the public to a pancake breakfast on November 11 from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
The event will be held at 8950 Cottonwood Ave, Santee. Tickets are $5.
Photo, left: Former San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk Ernest J. Dronenberg cuts ribbon to dedicate the Archive Reading Room in Santee
October 25, 2023 (Santee) – A ceremony was held today at the San Diego County Assessor/Recorder’s office in Santee, where Assessor/Recorder/Clerk Jordan Marks dedicated the Archive Reading Room to his predecessor, Ernest J. Dronenberg, Jr. The event also celebrated Dronenburg’s legacy of public service.
The facility was full of guests, local county politicians and officials including Mayor Bill Wells of El Cajon, Santee City Councilmembers Ronn Hall and Vice Mayor Laura Koval, Andrew Hayes, staffer for Senator Brian Jones as well as an Assembly candidate and Lakeside Union School Board President, Padre Dam Director Bill Pommering, Jordan Gascon, Chairman of the San Diego Republican Party, and others.
Bow ties were requested to be worn, since that was Dronenburg’s signature look during his tenure. Dronenburg was accompanied by his wife. His colleagues described him as a “numbers guy” and praised his service.
October 12, 2023 (Poway) -- On September 23-24; Poway held its annual rodeo and celebrated the 50th Anniversary of this action- packed event. Rodeo Chairman Murray Bankhead, the rodeo’s board and many volunteers made this event a success with a large turnout, talented performers, and a family-friendly environment. ECM found smiling faces, helpful volunteers and vendors with a variety of merchandise. But, the action was in the arena, where a variety of disciplines were witnessed by a positive and cheering crowd.
Performers and athletes from across the US. and Canada engaged the audience with roping, trick riders, bulls, bucking broncos, mutton busting, barrels and more. Rodeo queens from Poway, Lakeside and Ramona were present, supporting the rodeo.
October 24, 2023 (El Cajon) -- Most, if not all of us have travelled down Interstate 8 countless times, but you have likely passed up a lot of history that dates back more than 100 years while getting to your destination. The Old Spanish Trail Centennial Celebration Association (OTS100) is in town celebrating 100 years of the trail’s history with a series of events the community can attend free in early November including a museum reception, history lectures, and drives through our backcountry.
October 27, 2023 (La Mesa)— San Diego’s East County has lost one of its most beloved philanthropists and local business owners, Sandy Burr. Burr passed away at Sharp Grossmont Hospital on October 11, 2023, at 84. Sandra Burr and her late husband, Edward “Ed” Gene Burr, founded EDCO, creating a legacy of giving back and engaging with East County that shaped the way EDCO is viewed today as a company for the customers they serve.
October 27, 2023 (Santee) -- The new Chuck E. Cheese restaurant in Santee, which opened at Town Center earlier this month, is holding a Sensory Sensitive Halloween geared to children with autism and sensory needs on Sunday, Oct. 29, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
October 27, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – East County Magazine journalists Rebecca Person and Miriam Raftery picked up awards in San Diego Press Club’s Excellence in Journalism Competition earlier this month. ECM has won 146 major journalism awards since its inception 15 years ago.
Rebecca Person received third place in the breaking news category for her article, “Jacumba Hot Springs community stunned by arrival of hundreds of migrants.” Person described efforts by local residents to aid migrants left without food, water, shade or shelter in sweltering desert heat. Her coverage prompted an investigation by a human rights organization and filing of a federal complaint accusing Border Patrol agents of violating U.S. and international laws.
ECM editor Miriam Raftery received third place in the Radio interviews category for her interview on KNSJ Radio with Kathi Torres, a sex trafficking survivor who now works with Freedom from Exploitation, an organization that helps survivors of human trafficking.
"Now that Johnson is speaker, he will do what the Republicans never stop doing—everything in their power to cut our Social Security and Medicare, by hook, crook, or commission." -- Alex Lawson, Social Security Works
By Jake Johnson, Common Dreams CC BY-NC-ND 3.0
October 27, 2023 (Washington D.C.) The newly elected Republican speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives has previously proposed trillions of dollars in cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid and suggested that slashing the programs should be the top priority of Congress.
During his tenure as chair of the Republican Study Committee (RSC) between 2019 and 2021, Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) helped craft budget resolutions that called for roughly $2 trillion in Medicare cuts, $3 trillion in Medicaid and Affordable Care Act cuts, and $750 billion in Social Security Cuts, noted Bobby Kogan of the Center for American Progress.
Source: California Attorney General’s office
By Miriam Raftery
November 1, 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:
East County News Service
October 31, 2023 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.
Source: U.S. .Food and Drug Administration
B
y Miriam Raftery
By Miriam Raftery, East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts
East County News Service
By Miriam Raftery
In a forum held Oct. 18 at Cuyamaca College, District 4 supervisorial candidates Monica Montgomery Steppe, a Democrat, and Republican Amy Reichert answered questions from the public ranging on health care, homelessness, housing, highway improvements, and diversity.
East County News Service
By Shiloh Ireland
Most, if not all of us have travelled down Interstate 8 countless times, but you have likely passed up a lot of history that dates back more than 100 years while getting to your destination. 
San Diego’s East County has lost one of its most beloved philanthropists and local business owners, Sandy Burr. Burr passed away at Sharp Grossmont Hospital on October 11, 2023, at 84. Sandra Burr and her late husband, Edward “Ed” Gene Burr, founded EDCO, creating a legacy of giving back and engaging with East County that shaped the way EDCO is viewed today as a company for the customers they serve.
The new Chuck E. Cheese restaurant in Santee, which opened at Town Center earlier this month, is holding a Sensory Sensitive Halloween geared to children with autism and sensory needs on Sunday, Oct. 29, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
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