July 29, 2023 (Sacramento) – California voters will decide next year whether or not to raise the state’s minimum wage, allow local governments to approve rent control, tax the rich to fund prevention of future pandemics, ban workers from suing employers over state labor law violations, and make it harder for voters, state or local governments to raise taxes. Backers of these measures have submitted enough signatures verified by county election officials to be eligible to qualify for the ballot by 131 days before the next statewide election.
July 30, 2023 (Pine Valley) – The 52nd annual Pine Valley Days Parade was held on July 29, a fun event in a small town with a big heart. Pine Valley's annual event was filled with families lining the main street and children darting for candy scattered by the participants.
From equestrians, big rigs and action characters to local beauty queens, youth groups, a bagpipe band and a Tecate dragon, it was a colorful display of the very best in this very small town.
July 30, 2023 (San Diego County)--Five San Diego County parks will be closed in August, a safety measure taken each year because of the expected high temperatures.
$543,171 in potential refunds available; deadline to file claim is September 21, 2023
Source: Treasurer-Tax Collecter, San Diego County
July 29, 2023 (San Diego) - The countdown has started! Go online now to find out if you are owed part of $543,171 in unclaimed money before it is rolled into the County General Fund.
Advocates call for continued investment in water infrastructure
East County News Service
July 29, 2023 (San Diego) - As Californians return to local beaches this summer, a new report warns that more work is needed to ensure that all waters are safe for swimming. In 2022, 197 beaches were potentially unsafe for swimming on at least one day, according to Environment California Research and Policy Center’s latest analysis of bacteria testing, titled Safe for Swimming?
July 27, 2023 (La Mesa) – In July, 2021, La Mesa created a library task force to decide what changes would be made to the San Diego County Library in La Mesa. On July 25th, three options were presented to the La Mesa City Council. All three would result in approximately the same sized facility, around 16,000 square feet, but with different layouts. Two would entail expanding the existing structure, while the third would have authorizing construction of a new facility.
July 28, 2023 (Miami, FL) – Special Prosecutor Jack Smith has issued an updated indictment in the classified documents case against former President Donald Trump. It adds new charges alleging that Trump ordered a staffer to delete surveillance video at his Mar-a-Lago estate to coverup evidence of crimes, after Trump learned that the U.S. Department of Justice was seeking the video during its investigation. Read the new indictment.
The revised indictment also charges a new defendant, Carlos DeOliveira, the head of maintenance at Mar-a-Lago. Prosecutors allege that Trump spoke with Oliveira and his valet, Walt Nauta, and that the two employees then told a third employee to delete the security footage because “the boss” wanted the videos destroyed. However, the third employee reportedly balked at destroying evidence and has not been charged; he may be a cooperating witness.
The indictment charges Trump, Nauta and Oliveira with violating two federal laws in an attempt to destroy evidence, which suggests that the video was not destroyed and may be shown to jurors. Those statutes make it illegal to corruptly destroy or tamper with a record to impair its use in an official proceeding, and to corruptly try and persuade someone else to alter or destroy evidence.
Update August 3, 2023:All evacuation orders and warnings have been lifted.
By Miriam Raftery
July 29, 2023 (Aguanga, CA) – The #Bonny Fire in Aguanga has grown to 2,069 acres and is threatening 632 structures, Cal Fire reports this morning. The fire is currently burning in Riverside County, but evacuations have been ordered in Terwilliger Valley including areas north of the San Diego County line, west of Anza Borrego State Park,Southof Bowers,Bailey and Ramsey,and East of Bonny. View evacuation map: http://linktr.ee/calfirerru
The fire is 5% contained but is burning in extremely rugged, steep terrain. Escalating temperatures today pose challenges for firefighters, and one firefighter injury is reported. A chance of thunderstorms this afternoon heightens risk of erratic fire behavior.
July 28, 2023 (San Diego) – Cal-Fire, which has been battling a fire near the U.S. Mexico border, notified the Sheriff at 1:30 a.m. about a shooting near the international border. One male victim was pronounced dead and the other was transported to a hospital.
Both victims appeared to have gunshot wounds. Neither have been positively identified at this point, says Lieutenant Joseph Jarjura.
The location was east of the Otay port of entry, near the border wall. according to the Sheriff's department.
Update July 29, 2023: The evacuation warnings have been lifted.
Update July 28, 2023 8:40 a.m.: The #Border21Fire fire remains four acres in the US, acerage in Mexico is undetermined, Cal Fire reports. Evacuation warnings remain in effect for the area just west of Tecate, CA. Crews will work through the day to minimize the threat of the fire extending any further northwards.
By Miriam Raftery
Photo, left: Border 32 Fire on Mount Cuchama, by Robin Brailsford
July 27, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) -- An evacuation warning, meaning impending danger to property, has been issued due to the #Border21Fire. The fire is burning in the southeastern part of the county off Grapevine Truck Trail and Tecate Truck Trail. The evacuation warning is in effect for the Tecate and Potrero area in the shaded areas shown on the map below this story.
A temporary evacuation center has been set up at Steele Canyon High School, 12440 Campo Rd., Spring Valley.
When a warning is given, you should assume an evacuation order will follow, the Sheriff advises. Start now to gather important items for your family and pets, and if you feel you are in danger, don’t wait—go.
Remember these six “Ps” when preparing to evacuation:
July 25, 2023 (Poway) - In the hallowed halls of the Old Bailey, a tale of murder, lies, and the enigmatic “Witness for the Prosecution” begins to unfold, presented by PowPac Theatre in Poway. The audience is drawn into the case of Leonard Vole’s story and his subsequent arrest for murder. "Witness for the Prosecution” is a slow, deliberate, tantalizing tease.
This gripping courtroom drama is set in 1950s London. The story revolves around Leonard Vole, a charming and enigmatic young man accused of murdering a wealthy widow. He finds himself in a precarious situation as the primary suspect in a crime he denies committing.
Enter Sir Wilfrid Robarts, a brilliant and seasoned barrister who takes on Leonard's case. Despite Leonard's protestations of innocence, the evidence seems stacked against him. As the trial progresses, Sir Wilfrid's legal skills are put to the test, and he must unravel a web of deception, betrayal, and unexpected twists.
July 26, 2023 (San Diego) -- The San Diego Writers & Editors Guild is a nonprofit, member-supported organization dedicated to promoting the writing arts for youth and adults in San Diego. The Guild has been publishing anthologies of its members’ short stories, essays, and poetry since 2012. The 2022 version, New Beginnings, is the Guild’s best collection of stories so far.
July 26, 2023 (Santee) -- Santee resident Jamie Roberts announced the release of her debut picture book, Jamie Won’t Slumber, on May 17. The delightful Illustrations were created by Amazon Book Associate.
July 27, 2023 (San Diego) -- San Diego resident Henry Herz’s latest picture book is titled I Am Smoke. Smoke is the narrator, relating how it has served humankind since prehistory for signaling, beekeeping, curing and flavoring food, religious rites, and fumigating insects.
Photo, left: Erik Prince in 2015, cc-2.0 via Wikipedia
July 27, 2023 (San Diego) — The name Erik Prince became familiar to many residents in San Diego’s East County when Blackwater, the private military contracting firm he founded, sought to build a paramilitary training camp in Potrero.
by Donald H. Harrison , Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association
Rabbi Aharon Shapiro said incident at this College Avenue 7-Eleven reflects hateful rhetoric by some political figures. Times of San Diego photo illustration
July 27, 2023 (San Diego) -- An Orthodox rabbi Wednesday said his tzitzits — ceremonial fringes — were torn from the woolen garment he wears under his shirt and thrown on the floor by a man who cussed Jews and Israel.
Rabbi Aharon Shapiro, formerly of Cape Town, South Africa, said the incident Monday near San Diego State University is a reflection of the hateful rhetoric spouted by some American political figures and celebrities.
CalMattersis a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters
Image by Gerd Altmann on Pixabay
July 27, 2023 (San Diego) - Premiums for health insurance sold through the state marketplace will increase by nearly 10% next year, the highest rate hike since 2018, Covered California officials announced Tuesday.
July 23, 2023 (East County) – The internet is truly a double-edged sword. While it’s helped spread a lot of information to all parts of the world, it also has its fair share of misleading and false information. Regardless, it’s important to know the truth and avoid being misled. In order to do so, fact-checking is a very useful tool. So here are some tips.
Photo, left: Comic Con attendees dressed up as ghosts ready to go to the Haunted Mansion.
July 27, 2023 (San Diego) -- San Diego Comic-Con returned to its roots – comics – after strikes by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federal of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and Writers Guild of America (WGA) brought celebrity-stacked panels and appearances to a halt. Still costumes, Gaslamp Quarter happenings, the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park, and a multitude of other activities helped keep badge holders and non-badge holders happy.
While it is considered a multi-genre entertainment event, celebrities in a different genre - cartoonists and illustrators—ruled, creating artwork for children and adults on the spot while highlighting that they, the artists, were the sources for the adventure films and cartoons that became films and tv shows. Up-and-coming artists and lesser-known cartoonists also drew in crowds.
July 26, 2023 (Tecate) -- The #Border20Fire which started late this afternoon has burned 458 acres. The fire started on the south slope of Tecate Peak.
At 6:35 p.m., Cal Fire reports that updated mapping and intelligence shows the fire is completely within Mexico – a correction from their early report, which had indicated that the fire had crossed the border.
$1,000 reward for info leading to arrest of suspect, who is considered armed and dangerous
Source: San Diego Sheriff's Department
July 26, 2023 (Lemon Grove) -- Do you recognize this man? He is Daniel Ethridge, 34, and he is wanted in connection with a homicide in Lemon Grove earlier this year.
On March 18 around 10:00 p.m., deputies from the Lemon Grove Sheriff's Substation responded to a report of a shooting in the 2800 block of Lemon Grove Avenue. While searching the area, deputies found Gregory Moore, 39, unconscious in a car at the intersection of Lemon Grove Avenue and San Miguel Avenue. He was later pronounced dead.
Sheriff's Homicide Investigators have identified Ethridge as a suspect. He has an active arrest warrant for homicide and is believed to be associated with a local street gang. Ethridge has prior convictions for assault with a deadly weapon and shooting into an inhabited dwelling.
He should be considered armed and dangerous, according to Lt. Joseph Janjura with the Sheriff’s homicide unit.
An East County Eater review for East County Magazine
By Henri Migala
Photos by Miriam Raftery
July 25, 2023 (Julian) – If you live in San Diego, you have probably taken a leisurely country drive to enjoy the historic mountain town of Julian. But now there’s another exciting reason to visit Julian – Kali’s Garden Café &Juice Bar.
Open just a few weeks ago in a charming little cottage with relaxing outdoor seating at 1921 Main Street, Kali’s Garden is already enjoying nearly 900 followers on Instagram, a 4.5-star rating on Yelp – and a 5-star rating from this reviewer.
The restaurant features entirely plant-based foods, such as jackfruit-based tacos and mock-pulled pork sandwiches with jackfruit. I love meat, but found jackfruit an entirely satisfying substitute with the taste and texture of real pork. The jackfruit tacos came with mangoes and more for a delicious burst of flavor.
July 25, 2023 (Ranchita) -- The #WilsonFire in Ranchita was ignited by a lightning strike around 4 p.m. today, according to a witness, Miguel Estrema. Cal Fire reports the fire has burned 2-3 acres at a slow rate of spread 2 miles south of Old Wilson Rd & Montezuma Valley Rd.
Multiple helicopters are making air drops on the fire, per Cal Fire.
July 24, 2023 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa Village Association (LMVA) announces that September marks the 30th Anniversary of the La Mesa Village Farmers Market (LMVFM) in downtown La Mesa, and we are inviting the community to help us celebrate.
To celebrate 30 years, the La Mesa Village Farmers Market will host weekly giveaways starting on September 1, 2023. Weekly prizes include: $50 in LMVFM “Market Bucks” to be given away on the LMVFM Instagram page (@officiallamesafarmersmarket); 30th Anniversary canvas shopping bags will be given out by different vendors each week; free 30th Anniversary stickers available at the LMVFM information booth; and a surprise vendor-filled 30th Anniversary shopping bag to be given away on the LMVFM Instagram page.
July 21, 2023 (Lemon Grove)—On Tuesday, members of the Lemon Grove public works department, their family members and union representatives filled the audience during public comment at the Lemon Grove City Council meeting. They asked for the city’s support in negotiations currently underway with the city and Local Union 127 that represents city workers.
July 24, 2023 (Mt. Helix) – The Mt. Helix Food and Wine Festival returns on August 19 to benefit the Mt. Helix Park. The event takes place from 5 to 10 p.m. at the historic and inspiring Mt. Helix amphitheater and 7-acre nature preserve atop one of our region’s tallest peaks, with 360-degree views.
This year’s event features a Wild West theme. Whiskey Ridge band will entertain on the main stage and The Tradesmen up at the cross location as guests savor food and beverages from over 40 sampling booths. The park will be transformed with a secret Speakeasy Saloon and line dancing.
Don’t miss the auction with everything from Legoland Tickets and golf outings to yacht experiences and overnights in exotic places, to private parties for you and your friends at Mt. Helix Park.
The historic partnership will amplify the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System
Souce: Pala Band of Mission Indians
July 23, 2023 (Pala) -- On July 20, the Pala Band of Mission Indians and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) entered into a historic agreement for the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System. Pala is the first Tribal government to contract with CalOES and to be formally recognized as a partner in the State’s overall emergency response infrastructure.
July 23, 2023 (San Diego’s East County)—Ballots have been mailed for the special election in the 4th Supervisorial District to fill the vacancy left by Nathan Fletcher’s resignation. East County Magazine hosted a forum for the candidates, who spoke out on issues including homelessness, housing, energy, policing, drug addiction, sand mines, wildfire safety, and more. ECM editor Miriam Raftery moderated the forum.
August 15 is the last day to vote in the special election primary.
The three candidates who participated are Monica Montgomery Steppe, an attorney and president pro tem of the San Diego City Council, Amy Reichert, a private investigator and founder of Reopen San Diego, and Janessa Goldbeck, a former Marine and CEO of a nonprofit helping veterans. (A fourth candidate, Paul McQuigg, a military veteran and U.S. Labor Dept. employee, RSVP’d that he would attend but said he was unable to get connectivity for the forum on Zoom while traveling overseas.)
Click the video to view highlights of the forum, listen to audio for the version aired on radio (edited slightly for length), and scroll down to read highlights.
California voters will decide next year whether or not to raise the state’s minimum wage, allow local governments to approve rent control, tax the rich to fund prevention of future pandemics, ban workers from suing employers over state labor law violations, and make it harder for voters, state or local governments to raise taxes. Backers of these measures have submitted enough signatures verified by county election officials to be 
Five San Diego County parks will be closed in August, a safety measure taken each year because of the expected high temperatures.
$543,171 in potential refunds available; d
Advocates call for continued investment in water infrastructure
By Jacob Pamus
92% of comments supportive of the Public Lands Rule
The San Diego Writers & Editors Guild is a nonprofit, member-supported organization dedicated to promoting the writing arts for youth and adults in San Diego. The Guild has been publishing anthologies of its members’ short stories, essays, and poetry since 2012. The 2022 version, New Beginnings, is the Guild’s best collection of stories so far.
Santee resident Jamie Roberts announced the release of her debut picture book, Jamie Won’t Slumber, on May 17. The delightful Illustrations were created by Amazon Book Associate.
Reviewed by Pennell Paugh
By Miriam Raftery
By Kristen Hwang, CalMatters
By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson
Source: San Diego Sheriff's Department
An East County Eater review for East County Magazine
July 25, 2023 (Sycamore Fire) -MCAS Miramar reports the #ShotholeFire is burning in Sycamore Canyon between Poway and Santee.
Source: La Mesa Village Association
On Tuesday, members of the Lemon Grove public works department, their family members and union representatives filled the audience during public comment at the Lemon Grove City Council meeting. They asked for the city’s support in negotiations currently underway with the city and Local Union 127 that represents city workers.
The historic partnership will amplify the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System
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