By Mike Allen

October 15, 2023 (Santee) -- For everything Santee, there’s an app for that.

Cell phone users or anyone with a digital device linked to the Internet can download the free application, called MySanteeCA, which allows users (with both Android and Apple versions) to access an array of things.  These include the city’s website, a permitting and licensing portal, a space to report city issues such as graffiti removal, and even the city’s own television channel, SanteeTV.

By Cecilie Shamanow

El Cajon – Imagine going to sleep at night in your home, content, safe and secure, only to wake up to it going up in flames. Melissa Taylor didn’t have to imagine such a tragedy because it was her reality.  The 65-year-old El Cajon resident woke up the night of August 7th to a fire rapidly spreading through her home.

Taylor, who normally falls asleep to the sound of her television, was awoken at 5:30  pm. by the sudden silence caused by the power going out in her trailer. She could hear the sound of her neighbors outside yelling for her to get out.

She narrowly escaped; the trailer was burned beyond repair in a matter of moments. Taylor could do nothing but watch as it burned, and listen to the sounds of her four cats crying inside, unable to escape.

October 13, 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:

U.S.

• Steve Scalise drops out of speaker’s race as House GOP faces leadership crisis (CNN)
• White House calls top lawmakers over to discuss Israel aid package (Politico)
• Hollywood writers ratify new contract with studios (CNBC)
• Candidates’ differences on Ukraine reflect stark divide within GOP (Washington Post)
• Student loan payments restart in October. Here's what borrowers should know (CNN)
• Major tests await conservative US Supreme Court in new term (Reuters)
• Pro-Palestinian events across the U.S. trigger outrage from many politicians  (NPR)
• At least 11 American citizens killed in Israel, Biden says (Reuters)
• RFK Jr. goes independent. Does that hurt Biden or Trump? (Politico)
• US Senator Bob Menendez charged with acting as unregistered agent of Egypt (Reuters)
• A new bill could reduce the fees shop owners are charged when customers swipe a card  (NPR)

WORLD

Israel-Palestine War

• Israel-Gaza attacks: Netanyahu forms emergency government and war cabinet (BBC)
• Israel orders siege of Gaza Strip (Washington Post)
• UN says nearly 200,000 displaced in Gaza, water shortages expected (Reuters)
• Israel festival revelers shot at point-blank range, video shows (CNN)
• Israel War Map Shows Areas Reclaimed by IDF  (Newsweek)
• Fate of more than 100 Israeli hostages consumes, unifies a terrorized nation (Washington Post)
• At least 40 babies killed, beheaded in Israeli kibbutz outside Gaza Strip, reports say  (NBC)
• Major airlines halt flights to Israel after Hamas attack (CBS)

Other world news

• Afghanistan earthquake: More than 1,000 dead as villagers dig for survivors  (BBC)
• Russian Black Sea fleet commander killed in Crimea, Ukraine claims( Guardian)
• China and Syria announce 'strategic partnership' after its leaders met in Beijing (NPR)
• UK firm sold thousands of unverified jet engine parts, CFM says (Reuters)
• 'Half the village is gone': Ukraine hamlet reels after missile strike (Reuters)
• Hungary, Poland rail at EU migration policy as bloc leaders meet (Reuters)

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

October 13, 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:

LOCAL

• UC San Diego Health to welcome Alvarado Hospital into network (KPBS)
• SANDAG votes to exclude 'road user charge' from future transportation plans (KPBS)
• Mercury levels in fish caught from El Capitan Reservoir prompts advisory (Fox 5)
• 'Oscars of Beer': Success for San Diego brewers amid industry changes  (KPBS)
• San Diego County pension debt increased 10-fold in past 15 years, records show (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Two Large Medical Groups Shun Medicare Advantage Plans (MedPage Today)
• More than $1 billion needed to overhaul San Diego's stormwater system  (NBC San Diego)

STATE

• New California law aims to force people with mental illness or addiction to get help 
• California governor signs law to bolster eviction protections for renters (Associated Press)
• Newsom blocks a bill to ban caste discrimination in California (Cal Matters)
• With Feinstein’s death, what happens with her seat on Judiciary committee, other panels? (Los Angeles Times)
• California legislature passes bill that prevents counties from taking foster children benefits
• California bill to have human drivers ride in autonomous trucks is vetoed by governor 
• California is first state to ban 4 food additives for cancer, other health risks 

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

By Miriam Raftery

View our exclusive interview with Robert Neary.

October 13, 2023 (El Cajon) – Musical entertainer Robert Neary, also a TV and Broadway actor, brings his acclaimed “So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience”  show to the Magnolia theatre in El Cajon on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m.  His uncanny renditions of 22  of Diamond’s classic hits such as Cherry, Cherry,” “I’m a Believer,” “Solitary Man,” “Holly Holy,” “Coming to America,” and “Sweet Caroline” are backed by New York's premier band, The Mystic.  Neary will also share Diamond’s personal stories about some of his songs, and provide a finale that has dazzled critics. View a promo reel.

In an exclusive interview with ECM aired on KNSJ radio,  Neary talks about his inspirations growing up, his path to stardom on TV, stage and the musical world, what motivated him to create a Neil Diamond tribute show, and his favorite Diamond piece.

By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego, a member of the San DIego Online News Association

Photo:  attendees bow their heads in prayer for Israel. Photo by Chris Jennewein

October 13, 2023 (San Diego) - Over 4,000 San Diegans crowded a park in University City on Tuesday night in a solemn vigil to show unity and support for Israel following the deadly attacks from Gaza.

By Miram Raftery

October 12, 2023 (Washington D.C.) – Following Hamas terror attacks and kidnappings in Israel, Hezbollah bombings in the north and the Israeli military response, the U.S. State Department has issue the following travel advisory:

Summary: Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Violence can occur in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza without warning. There has been a marked increase in demonstrations throughout Israel, some with little or no warning.

Some areas have increased risk. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Israel and the West Bank, and Gaza. 

Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

Do Not Travel To:

• Gaza due to terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict

Reconsider Travel To:

• Israel due to terrorism and civil unrest
• West Bank due to terrorism and civil unrest
  

By Miriam Raftery

October 12, 2023 (San Diego’s East County)—Looking for a frightfully good time? You’ll find plenty of spooky special events, from a Haunted Forest at Banner Ranch to HauntFest on Main in El Cajon, as well as haunted train rides in Campo, a Pumpkin Bash and Spooky Campover at Lions, Tigers and Bears in Alpine.

Plus an Autumn Jubilee and an Heirloom  Apple Festival continue in Julian,  while the Borrego Days Desert Festival takes place in Borrego Springs and Santee hosts its Brews and Bites Festival. Theatre aficionados can watch Randy Rainbow’s political comedy show at The Magnolia in El Cajon, or savor an  Old Globe For All experience in Lemon Grove. Plus tribute artist Robert Neary brings his "So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience" to the Magnolia in El Cajon.

Scroll down for details on all of these events and more.

Public records search by ECM finds 1,805 accidents, including 20 fatalities and 673 injuries from 2018 to the present

By Miriam Raftery

October 12, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – On Sept. 27, the La Mesa City Council voted 4-1 to ask staff to prepare a request for proposals to erect electronic billboards along Interstate 8 and potentially, other areas in the city.  The action reversed a July 25 vote, when Council rejected a similar proposal by a 3-2 vote. But after the measure was amended to assure revenues from billboards would be used primarily to fund police, firefighting and the arts, the Council majority opted to ignore concerns over public safety and approve soliciting proposals for the flashing advertising along the city's busiest freeway.

Supporters argued that the billboards would produce revenues needed by the city.

But Councilman Jack Shu, who cast the lone vote against the proposal, and other opponents argued that these flashing billboards could distract drivers, particularly near the busy interchange of I-8 and State Route 125 near Grossmont Center regional shopping mall.

How dangerous is that area already?  Council and staff failed to do their research.

To find out, East County Magazine (ECM) obtained public records from the California Highway Patrol.  Our editor requested data on accidents along I-8 east and west throughout the city of  La Mesa from  Lake Murray Blvd. on the west to  Chase Ave. in El Cajon,  since one billboard site would be near the La  Mesa/El Cajon boundary.  We also asked for data on accidents on onramps connecting I-8 and SR 125.

The data reveals that from  Jan. 1, 2018 to Oct. 10, 2023, there were 1,805 accidents in those locations.  Those accidents resulted in 20 fatalities and 673 injuries.

By Miriam Raftery

October 12,  2023 (San Diego’s East County) – East County Congressional Representatives Sara Jacobs and Darrell Issa have posted information for constituents impacted by the terrorist attacks in Israel.

Story and photos by Shiloh Ireland

October 12, 2023 (Santee) -- This is what is left of the home of Rick and Darlene Matthews, who have lived in the home on Ashdale Lane in Santee for 46 years. A Sunday afternoon fire claimed the life of Mrs. Matthews, 80.  Her husband, 78, survived.