July 17,2023 (Borrego Springs) -- The community of Borrego Springs is now served by San Diego County Fire through its partnership with CAL FIRE. County Fire increased staff to expand services to the area.
Update July 20, 2023: The victim has been identified as Kai Torres Bronson, 24, of Otay Mesa, according to the County Medical Examiner.
By Miriam Raftery
Photo via Cal Fire
July 17, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – A Good Samaritan who helped rescue hikers suffering heat-related illnesses on Saturday has died, Cal Fire reports.
July 18, 2023 (Ramona) – Three days of family fun are coming up at the Ramona Country Fair. Presented by the Ramona Chamber of Commerce, the fair features amusement rides, carnival games, live music, a cornhole competition, an off-road show, food & beverage vendors, craft & commercial vendors, western shows and more.
July 18, 2023 (Lakeside) – A Yucca Valley man, 65, died of injuries sustained Sunday in a crash around 6:30 p.m. in Lakeside.
The man was riding a 2022 Harley Davidson motorcycle northbound on State Route 67 at Slaughterhouse Canyon Road when his vehicle drifted off the highway and struck a concrete slab. He was ejected onto the roadway and died at the scene.
The California Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. It is unknown if alcohol or drugs were a factor at this time, says Officer Matthew Baranowski with the CHP. The name of the deceased will be released through the Medical Examiner’s office.
July 17, 2023 (Sacramento) -- The California Medical Association (CMA) has achieved a significant victory for healthcare providers, consumers and public interest advocates in the case of California Medical Association v. Aetna Health of California Inc. The California Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of CMA, confirming the organization's legal standing to sue Aetna Health for alleged violations of the Unfair Competition Law (UCL).
The lawsuit centers on an Aetna Health policy that targeted the use of out-of-network benefits by its PPO plan members. CMA alleges that the insurance company discouraged its members from going out of network even though their PPO plans included such benefits, and that Aetna Health harassed or terminated its contracted physicians for referring PPO members to out-of-network facilities.
Such a policy, according to CMA, directly interfered with the doctor-patient relationship and physicians’ independent medical judgment, in violation of numerous state laws. CMA sued Aetna Health to stop what it calls “harmful and illegal policy.”
July 17, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – San Diego County’s Board of Supervisors heard an update in late June on a three-stage plan to implement new paramedic-based community health initiatives that aim to improve emergency medical services in rural areas.
Fitness competition, live band, dancing, sports stars, kids activities, auto show and opportunities to meet police and firefighters are all slated
East County News Service
July 17, 2023 (El Cajon) -- El Cajon is gearing up to celebrate the 40th anniversary of its National Night Out event, a milestone for a community event that has been fostering positive interactions between law enforcement and the local community. This year’s event, set to be the largest ever hosted, will take place on Tuesday, August 1 from 5 to 9 p.m. in the parking lot at Parkway Plaza Mall in El Cajon.
July 15, 2023 (San Diego) – Whenever a major political event occurs, misinformation becomes rampant. With the upcoming presidential nominee election, false information can be spread to influence public opinion from various people, organizations, and even foreign governments.
To be a well-informed voter, it’s necessary to protect against this misinformation. While reputable news organizations including East County Magazine strive to report factual and unbiased information, not all publications will–let alone social media memes that may go viral without links to verify sources.
This article brings to light some tactics that might appear in future elections or issue discussions to ensure that people vote with only the truth in mind.
July 14, 2023 (Hollywood, CA) – The Writers’ Guild of America (WGA) has been on strike in Hollywood since May 2nd, meaning that all writing for film and television has halted. Now on July 13th, after the Screen Actors Guild- American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has failed to negotiate with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), they have decided to join the strike with the WGA. This means that along with all writing, all acting in Hollywood has halted as well.
July 14, 2023 (San Diego) -- Sheriff Kelly Martinez and members of the Sheriff’s Detention Services Bureau held a press conference on July 5 to provide an update on efforts to improve the county’s detention facilities. She provided a thorough update on construction projects, technological advancements, healthcare services, accessibility, reentry services and keeping drugs out of our jails.
July 17, 2023 (Rancho San Diego) – Zohair Azez Potros Sinawi, 84, of El Cajon has been identified by the Medical Examiner’s office as the man who died in a collision that occurred on July 7 in Rancho San Diego.
July 16, 2023 (San Diego) -- Wildfires are increasing everyday and will increase as we start to peak in our year-round wildfire season. Even if your home is not in the path of a fire, you can still be affected by smoke particles released into the air from wildfires.
Photo: Sen. Toni Atkins speaks during a press conference to promote her Senate Bill 447. With her are Assemblymember Chris Ward (left), Sen. Steve Padilla and Fernando Lopez, executive director of San Diego Pride. Photo by Chris Jennewein
July 15, 2023 (San Diego) - State Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins welcomed San Diego Pride on Friday with with an emotional pitch for legislation that would enable California to lead the nation in expanding acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community
July 14, 2023 (Washington D.C.) – Two weeks after the conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court blocked President Joe Biden’s executive order granting sweeping forgiveness of student loan debts, Biden and the Department of Education today announced a new, more tailored plan to forgive $39 billion in student debt.
July 15, 2023 (San Diego) -- Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) was joined by House colleagues Richard Hudson (NC-09), Michael Waltz (FL-06), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) this week to introduce H.R. 4334 – “The HERO Act.”If enacted, it would grant service members who are victims of medical malpractice in a Dept. of Defense medical treatment facility the right to take their claim to District Court.
IPS sponsors communication training for community members starting Aug. 5
By David R. Shorey, East County Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies
July 14, 2023 (Lemon Grove) -- The late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg once said, “You can disagree without being disagreeable.” For many, conversations around drugs and alcohol, homelessness, community redevelopment, law enforcement, and how tax dollars are spent, all elicit strong passions. Passions that sometimes take hold and overcome our ability to engage with each other in a cordial, respectful, and civil manner.
Update July 15, 2023 -- The person of interest, Steven Calhoun, 39, of San Diego was arrested today and charged with murder.
East County News Service
July 14, 2023 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police Dept. seeks public help to identify a man seen arguing with a man who was fatally stabbed a short time later last night around 8:40 p.m. at the trolley station at 7255 Alvarado Road near 70th Street.
Surveillance video showed the victim in an altercation with another man who left the scene walking westbound on Alvarado Rd. He is described as a male in his late-20s or early 30s with a dark complexion. He was wearing a light blue Chargers baseball cap, dark blue jeans, white t-shirt with black print, and a blue short-sleeve button-up shirt with a floral pattern. He was carrying a skateboard and at one point had a red facemask covering his nose and mouth.
July 12, 2023 (Sacramento)-- Sometimes, patients who call an ambulance end up getting stuck with a big bill because the ambulance company does not have a contract with their health plan.
July 13, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) -- The backcountry of San Diego, though seemingly quiet, is alive with opportunities for adventure and local events.
Aside from the lure of the open road on one of San Diego’s most scenic highways, oak-and -boulder-studded Old Highway 80, or via beautiful CA-79, there are barbecues, fairs, country markets, art and music shows, occasional farm stands, lakes, yard sales, horseback riding and the like tucked into the breathtaking scenery along the route.
San Diego’s backcountry offers unforgettable AirBnb experiences in the rural towns of Campo, Boulevard, Guatay, Descanso, Julian, Pine Valley and Jacumba Hot Springs.
Photo, right by Scott Lagace: Sheriff's helicopter scoops water from Santee Lakes during Sycamore Fire
July 12, 2023 (San Diego) – The #Sycamore Fire has burned three acres and has potential for 30, according to scanner traffic as of 5:55 p.m. The fire in Sycamore Canyon is between Santee Lakes and Rancho Encantada, on the Marine Corps Air Station property.
The fire is burning in light vegetation. Firefighters are making good progress and air tankers have been dropping retardant, however powerlines are hindering aircraft.
July 12, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – The Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) outbreak in livestock that began in San Diego County in May has now spread to encompass six California counties. One county in Texas also had a single confirmed case on a property that’s been released from quarantine.
Species affected locally includes primarily equine species such as horses, though two local sites have had cattle infected and one San Diego location has had clinically infected rhinoceros.
July 12, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service predicts a long-duration heat wave will impact San Diego’s inland areas through next week, potentially breaking records. Triple digit temperatures will bring extreme heat risk in desert areas, with the highest temperatures Saturday through Monday, along with elevated fire weather conditions each afternoon and evening.
High temperatures are expected to reach 115-121 degrees in low desert areas such as Anza-Borrego and 105-112 degrees in high desert areas. Mountains should reach 95-105,with San Diego’s valleys reaching 92-103 degrees. Temperatures are expected to stay warm even overnight, with lows temperatures of 80-90 degrees in low desert areas and lows in the 70s in the mountains and high desert communities.
July 6, 2023 –Our East County Dining Club is back! East County Magazine invites you to join us on Thursday, July 20 at 6:30 p.m. for a fundraiser where you can savor the flavors of southern Italy at AnniVenti La Trattoria, a delightful new restaurant at 8099 Broadway in Lemon Grove. RSVP early to save space!
15% of all food and drinks plus 100% of raffle tickets will benefit East County Media to support East County Magazine, nonprofit award-winning community news coverage, and East Coundy Wildfire & Emergency Alerts.
For just $35 per person, (excluding tax and tip), the 4-course feast will include:
Appetizers served family-style (pistachio burrata, calamari, and charcuterie)
Pasta entrée options:
-- Spaghetti Vongole (clams, white wine garlic sauce, pesto and pistachio)
-- Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe (chicken pasta in creamy pepper sauce)
-- Pappardelle al Ragu (slowly braised beef pasta)
Caesar salad
Desert: Tiramisu,Limoincello, or Cannoli
The restaurant also has a full wine list as well as beer and creative cocktails.
Win prizes! We will also have a raffle with prizes including a gift card to AnniVenti, gift certificates for other local merchants, gift baskets, jewelry, flowers, books, and more! Thanks to our prize sponsors so far: Anniventi La Tratorria, Mastiff Kitchen, Jasmine Creek Florist, Elevated Coffee, Mario's Family Clothing Center, Stephanie Klein at Roots Real Estate, Lemon Grove Antique Mall, El Pollo Grill, Maxwell's House of Books, Mary Ann Chanthala at ASKMary4RealEstate brokered by ΓEA⅃, Moutain Gypsy, Jean's Dance Studio, Busy Bee Garden Co-op, Flowers by Elsa, and more.
RSVP BY JULY 17: Please email editor@eastcountymagazine.org and include your name, the number of people in your party, and the subject line “RSP for AnniVenti.” To reserve space for the July 20 event. (Late RSVPs may be accepted on a limited basis, based on availability.) We expect this to be a popular event to welcome Lemon Grove’s newest fine dining restaurant!
July 11, 2023 (Spring Valley) - Saps at Sea, the San Diego chapter of the Sons of the Desert, the Laurel & Hardy fan organization, present their August program, "Double Your Pleasure" on Saturday, August 19 at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Spring Valley.
July 11, 2023 (El Cajon) – The bodies of two brothers, Wilburn Burchette, 84, and Kenneth Burchette, 76, were found in their home on July 9.
Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call reporting a death that evening and found the two bodies. “Both men appeared to have been deceased for some time,” says Lieutenant Joseph Jarjura with the San Diego County Sheriff’s department.
Photo: Jojo Ingrassia, Valhalla High alum, was drafted in the 418th round by the Boston Red Sox. Photo via fullertontitans.com
July 11, 2023 (Seattle) - The Padres took a handful of DI college prospects yesterday in day two of the draft. Today, we see who they picked in rounds 11-20. As always, keep an eye out for any East County high school or college kids going pro.
Update: The victim has been identified as Richard Taylor, 68, of Lakeside.
July 11, 2023 (Lakeside) – A Lakeside father died at the scene of a solo-vehicle three-wheel motorcycle crash last night that injured his 2-year-old son, a passenger.
July 10, 2023 (San Diego) - In response to antisemitic and anti-LBGTQ flyers that were distributed this last weekend in the San Carlos and Del Cerro neighborhoods, in the vicinity respectively of Tifereth Israel Synagogue and Temple Emanu-El, the regional office of the Anti-Defamation League announced on Monday that it has “been working diligently with the San Diego Police Department , the San Diego Mayor’s Office and the District Attorney’s office to identify the perpetrators and support the targeted communities.”
The community of Borrego Springs is now served by San Diego County Fire through its partnership with CAL FIRE. County Fire increased staff to expand services to the area.
Spacebar Café and Wine Bistro in La Mesa hosts a comedy night on the fourth Friday each month from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
A Good Samaritan who helped rescue hikers suffering heat-related illnesses on Saturday has died, Cal Fire reports.
East County News Service
East County News Service
Fitness competition, live band, dancing, sports stars, kids activities, auto show 
Whenever a major political event occurs, misinformation becomes rampant. With the upcoming presidential nominee election, false information can be spread to influence public opinion from various people, organizations, and even foreign governments.
Sheriff Kelly Martinez and members of the Sheriff’s Detention Services Bureau held a press conference on July 5 to provide an update on efforts to improve the county’s detention facilities. She provided a thorough update on construction projects, technological advancements, healthcare services, accessibility, reentry services and keeping drugs out of our jails.
East County News Service
By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association
East County News Service
IPS sponsors communication training for community members starting Aug. 5 
Sometimes, patients who call an ambulance end up getting stuck with a big bill because the ambulance company does not have a contract with their health plan.
B
Photo, right by Scott Lagace: Sheriff's helicopter scoops water from Santee Lakes during Sycamore Fire
By Miriam Raftery
East County News Service
East Count News Service
By Liz Alper
A Lakeside father died at the scene of a solo-vehicle three-wheel motorcycle crash last night that injured his 2-year-old son, a passenger.
By Staff, 
Recent comments