October 1, 2023 (Washington D.C.) – President Joe Biden has signed a stopgap bill to prevent a government shutdown threatened by right-wing Republicans. The measure funds the government for 45 days.
All five members of San Diego County’s Congressional delegation voted Saturday keep the federal government open. The Spending Reduction and Border Security Act, as the stopgap bill was called, passed with House Democrats joining some Republicans to pass the measure, though 91 Republicans voted against it.
The Senate later passed the stopgap measure, which President Joe Biden signed over the weekend.
The stopgap bill will provide short-term funding for federal employees, from military members and Border Patrol agents to air traffic controllers and national park rangers. But it does not include aide to Ukraine, which far-right Republican legislators have refused to support.
October 1, 2023 (Sacramento) -- Tens of thousands of Californians are losing health insurance every month as the state resumes checking people’s eligibility for Medi-Cal, which it suspended during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
October 1, 2023 (Lemon Grove) - Sheriff Kelly Martinez reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
October 1, 2023 (San Diego) -- For many workers, the pandemic upended the concept of the commute. Instead of getting in their cars and sitting in traffic to make it to the office, they went from their bed to their couch or dining room table. They curated office spaces in the corner of their living room, purchased a computer monitor for their laptop and maybe even upgraded their Wi-Fi.
September 30, 2023 (Washington, D.C.) -- All five members of the San Diego County congressional delegation voted Saturday keep the federal government open, as Democrats in the House offset a revolt by right-wing Republicans.
September 30, 2023 (El Cajon) – The East County Economic Development Council is excited to announce the return of its annual East County Manufacturing Expo in collaboration with the national Creators Wanted campaign. This year's theme, "Explore, Create, and Innovate - What Does A Future In Manufacturing Look Like?" promises to bring together industry leaders, educators, and aspiring creators on October 3rd, 2023.
September 30, 2023 (Lemon Grove) -- On Wednesday, during their regular monthly business meeting, the Lemon Grove Lions Club generously donated $500 to transcenDANCE Youth Arts Project. The latter organization is renowned nationwide for its dedication to creative youth development, specifically focusing on empowering young individuals in underprivileged communities across San Diego.
The President of the Lemon Grove Lions, Ken Burke, had the honor of presenting the check to Steph Walch, the Managing Director of transcenDANCE, who gratefully accepted the donation on behalf of the organization.
September 30, 2023 (El Cajon) – A homeless sex offender exposed himself to a 66-year-old woman waiting at a bus stop in El Cajon on Sept.22 at 1 p.m.
According to Lt. Jeremiah Larson, the suspect told the woman he would not hurt her. The victim ran towards people nearby and asked for help to call police. Officers arrived and arrested ClarenceWhite,62, for indecent exposure.
September 29, 2023 (Ramona)-- As the owner of a bar and restaurant in Ramona, I can personally attest to how difficult California’s business environment can be. Starting a business involves balancing budgets, building customer relationships, hiring and training quality employees, creating a welcoming environment; these are the challenges I signed up for. However, in California, there is an added level of difficulty complying with the many different laws and regulations that can dictate a business’s everyday operations.
September 28, 2023 (Lakeside)--Helix Water District announces the winners of the 2023 Lake Jennings Photo Contest, with this year’s first place in the adult category going to photographer Billy Ortiz of Lakeside for his image “Reflection.” (Photo, left)
September 28, 2023 (Spring Valley) -- A man is in custody in connection with a shooting in Spring Valley. The shooting happened on September 4 around 1:00 a.m. near the 10000 block of Chavacan Lane.
Deputies from the Rancho San Diego Sheriff's Station arrived at the location and found over a dozen gun casings, along with multiple bullet holes to a nearby home. No one was hurt
Photo: C-span screenshot of impeachment inquiry opening hearing
September 29, 2023 (Washington D.C.) – With a government shutdown set to cripple the economy just days away, House Republicans have failed to pass a budget and instead, focused their efforts on opening an impeachment inquiring hearing yesterday. The GOP leaders say the hearing aims to investigate claims of corruption or bribery involving President Joe Biden, but even expert witnesses called by the Republicans testified that so far, there is no solid evidence to support such claims.
This is not a hearing that will result in a vote to impeach the president, but rather an impeachment inquiry to determine whether or not there is evidence of any high crimes or misdemeanors that could warrant a separate impeachment hearing.
Meanwhile a vote to prevent a shutdown failed, as Republicans in the House reneged on an earlier budget agreement with Biden. Even a stopgap spending measure has thus far failed, meaning in two days, federal workers will stop getting paid for jobs ranging from military positions to TSA agents at airports, national park rangers to Border Patrol officers.
Photo: Trump Tower in New York, Creative Commons 3.0 image by Bin im Garten
September 29, 2023 (New York, NY) -- Donald Trump and his sons Eric and Don Jr. stand to lose their business empire, after New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron ruled that the company repeatedly violated the state’s fraud laws. The judge found that the Trumps inflated the value of their assets by billions of dollars to get favorable loans and insurance terms, while claiming far lower values on the same properties when it suited them to do so.
For example, Trump valued his Mar-a-Lago golf club at $714 million on his annual financial statements, even though a tax assessor estimated its value at must $18 million. Trump even listed the size of his Mar-a-Lago penthouse at 30,000 square feet, instead of its actual size—just 10,000 square feet, according to the civil fraud lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Judge Engoron has ordered business certificates for Trump’s New York properties cancelled and ordered independent receivers be appointed within 10 days to manage dissolving the companies, which could include selling off the assets. Trump could be entitled to money from any such sale.
Photo, left, by Ron Logan: Senator Dianne Feinstein addressed California Democratic Convention in San Diego
September 29, 2023 (Washington D.C.) – U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, who represented California for over three decades and served as a trailblazer for women in politics, died last night at her home in Washington, D.C. Vaulted into the spotlight when dual assassinations elevated her to Mayor of San Francisco, she later became one of the most powerful women in America, chairing the Senate Intelligence Committee and serving as the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee.
She fought for women’s rights, gun control, and LGTBQ rights from AIDS funding to gay marriage. She led an investigation into CIA torture and demanded reforms, and once said the vote she most regretted was supporting the Iraq War initiated by President George W. Bush. She was, however, viewed as a political moderate,also supporting law and order measures, the death penalty, and a strong national defense.
Her staff issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) calling the senior Democrat’s passing “a great loss for so many, from those who loved and cared for her to the people of California that she dedicated her life to serving. Senator Feinstein never backed away from a fight for what was just and right. At the same time, she was always willing to work with anyone, even those she disagreed with, if it meant bettering the lives of Californians or the betterment of our nation. There are few women who can be called senator, chairman, mayor, wife, mom and grandmother…She left a legacy that is undeniable and extraordinary.”
Feinstein cast her last vote, an effort to stop a government shutdown, yesterday morning. Despite failing health, she had pledged to complete her term of office, but had announced she would not seek reelection next year, opening the door for a new generation of leadership for California on Capitol Hill.
September 28, 2023 (Jamul) -- Connie Nierodzinski will be celebrating 90 years of life in December. She and her late husband, Joe, celebrated 61 years together and were long-time residents in Jamul since 1963. She and Joe established their home in the back country hills of Lawson Valley, where they raised eight children. Connie was a long-time member of the St. Pius X Catholic Church and participated in many church-sponsored parades and gymkhanas.
In 1991, Connie was nominated by Bud and Blossom Snively and honored by the community and County Supervisor Diane Jacobs as Woman of the Year for her 25 years of leadership at the helm of the robust Jamul Chaparros 4-H Club founded in 1970. The youth organization flourished and was well recognized over the years throughout San Diego County.
Connie inspired volunteerism, community, and hard work. As a mother of a busy household and leader of a very active youth organization, her skills as a teacher, seamstress, homemaker, medic, goose whisperer, chicken-feather plucker, goat catcher, pig wrangler, hair braider, cheese maker, tortilla roller, food preservationist, driver of the big red truck, farmer and gardener were always at the ready.
September 28,2023 (La Mesa) – Last night, the La Mesa City Council voted 4-1 to ask staff to prepare a revised RFP (request for proposals) for digital billboards, with Councilman Jack Shu opposed.
The action reverse a July 25 vote, when Council rejected a similar proposal by a 3-2 vote. The major difference? The new plan would provide that any revenues the city receives off digital billboards for the first five years would be spent equally on police, fire protection, and the arts, said Councilman Colin Parent, who introduced the revised measure.
Several people showed up before the meeting with protest signs, such as “Keep digital billboards out of La Mesa,” though some others spoke in support.
Photo: Carol Kim, general manager, San Diego Building and Constructionj Trades, thanks La Mesa for adopting a PLA
September 28, 2023 (La Mesa)—By a unanimous bipartisan 5-0 vote, the La Mesa Cit Council last night voted to become the first city in San Diego County to adopt a Project Labor Agreement with the San Diego Building and Construction Trades Council and associated craft unions. The PLA would apply to public construction projects in La Mesa with a construction value of at least $1 million.
Councilmember Colin Parent proposed approval of the PLA agreement drafted by staff after negotiations with the unions. “We’re making sure we’ll be delivering projects on time and on budget, so taxpayers get the kind of infrastructure they deserve,” said Parent, who also thanked staff and workers who showed up to testify for “standing up for your families, for each other and for working people.”
September 28, 2023 (San Diego's East County) -- The Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) program that supports people confronting mental health struggles is getting a multi-million-dollar boost.
September 27, 2023 (San Francisco) - The Padres evened the series with the Giants with a much better game last night: two homers for Juan Soto and a shutout. They tried to take the series tonight with Matt Waldron on the mound against ex-Padre Sean Manaea for San Francisco.
September 27, 2023 (San Diego's East County)-- Jay Steiger is running for the Grossmont Union High School Board in Trustee Area 2, Steiger is a middle school teacher who graduated from Monte Vista High School in the Grossmont District and he’s a parent of two children who graduated from Grossmont High School. In an exclusive interview, he shares his goals to assure a 21st century education for students and assure that all students, staff and teachers are treated with respect and inclusivity.
Steiger says he’s running because extremists have targeted school boards in the 2024 election, and he wants to prioritize students’ wellbeing and education over extremist policies he believes could harm our community.
Photo: Trustee Gary Woods has drawn heat for his comment sugesting that a mental health services provider axed by the district after a public comment over counseling of LGBTQ+ students did not reflect "East County values."
September 27, 2023 (El Cajon)—Two trustees, a candidate, parents and students are speaking out to sharply criticize the Grossmont Union High School District’s board majority for voting against renewing a contract with San Diego Youth Services, the district’s long-time mental health services provider.
SDYS provided two programs for the district: on-site clinicians seeing students referred by teachers over mental health concerns, and a suicide prevention program.
The action came after a July 20 board meeting at which Cajon Valley School Board Member Anthony Carnevale told GUHSD trustees that he had asked the chief executive director of SDYS whether students could receive talks or referrals on gender-change surgery and transition. Carnevale stated, “He did not answer my question and asked if I did not want LGBTQ+ students receiving care.” Carnevale said his district had ended its contract with the organization, NBC San Diego reports.
September 27, 2023 (El Cajon) -- On Friday, October 20, 2023, the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating its 21st Annual Women in Leadership event at Sycuan Casino Resort.
In 2003 the first Women in Leadership Luncheon (WILL) was launched with the idea of honoring women who excel professionally and as community leaders. The successful women of San Diego County, along with our inspirational keynote speakers, keep WILL growing year after year.
Photo: Juan Soto has reached a career-high 35 home runs tonight. Via @padres on Twitter
September 26, 2023 (San Francisco) - The Padres were robbed last night in the eighth by Michael Conforto and the Giants. They tried again tonight with Seth Lugo on the mound against John Brebbia for San Francisco.
Treasurer-Tax Collector Extends Unclaimed Money Deadline, $500k+ in refunds available; Deadline to file claim is now October 6, 2023
SAN DIEGO, CA, September 25, 2023 – San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector Dan McAllister said, “Don’t trash your cash!” today as he announced the deadline extension for people to file a claim if they are owed County Unclaimed Monies. Readers are urged to go online now to find out if they are owed part of $543,171 in unclaimed money before it is rolled into the County General Fund. The previous deadline of September 21, 2023, has been extended to Friday, October 6, 2023.
Photo: On Sept. 12, Christian High School forfeited a girls volleyball game. Rumors included the presence of a lesbian player for Helix.
September 26, 2023 (La Mesa) - After Christian High School of El Cajon abruptly forfeited a girls varsity volleyball match with Helix Charter High School, the La Mesa school’s athletic director sought in vain to learn why.
September 26, 2023 (Dulzura) – A motorcyclist missed a curve and was ejected onto State Route 94 just east of Roma Road at 10:49 Saturday morning. He was transported by air ambulance to Scripps Mercy Hospital, where he died of his injuries.
The 28-year-old Chula Vista man was driving a 2024 Kawasaki ZX-6R motorcycle westbound on 94 when the crash occurred.
September 25, 2023 (San Diego) – A new COVID-19 vaccine designed to target the latest variants is now available. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends it for everyone six months and older, as long as it's been at least two months since your last vaccine. The new vaccine is available free for adults.
This is the first fall and winter virus season where vaccines are available for the three viruses responsible for most hospitalizations – COVID-19, RSV, and flu.
With COVID surging, the federal government is once again offering free at-home COVID-19 tests. Each U.S. household can order four free rapid tests delivered to your residence.
September 24, 2023 (Ramona) – After Zita Swanson, 66, went missing from her home on G Street in Ramona on Sept.21, the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue activated 32 volunteers who helped search for her. She was found by a driver heading to work, who noticed her in bushes along Mussey Grade Road around 5:30 the next morning.
She was considered at risk due to a medical condition. Fortunately, after being evaluated by paramedics, she has been reunited with her family.
September 23, 2023 (San Diego) -- This is the first week offFall, and with it comes Santa Ana winds! Though fire season is year-round, fall typically brings triple-digit temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds bringing high fire danger and red flag warnings.
By 
East County News Service
By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association
East County News Service
East County News Service
Helix Water District announces the winners of the 2023 Lake Jennings Photo Contest, with this year’s first place in the adult category going to photographer Billy Ortiz of Lakeside for his image “Reflection.” (Photo, left)
A man is in custody in connection with a shooting in Spring Valley. The shooting happened on September 4 around 1:00 a.m. near the 100
September 28, 2023 (Jamul) -- Connie Nierodzinski will be celebrating 90 years of life in December. She and her late husband, Joe, celebrated 61 years together and were long-time residents in Jamul since 1963. She and Joe established their home in the back country hills of Lawson Valley, where they raised eight children. Connie was a long-time member of the St. Pius X Catholic Church and participated in many church-sponsored parades and gymkhanas.
Story by Liz Alper
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East County News Service
Story by Liz Alper
San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector Dan McAllister said, “Don’t trash your cash!” today as he announced the deadline extension for people to file a claim if they are owed County Unclaimed Monies. Readers are urged to 
East County News Service
By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
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