July 4, 2023 (La Mesa) – The Lake Murray Fireworks and Music Festival returns for a day of live music, food, fun and fireworks to celebrate Independence Day.
Enjoy music by bands including Republic of Music, Whiskey State of Mind, Big Time Operator, The Jackals, plus a day-long scavenger hunt and other children’s activities from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9 p.m.
July 3, 2023 (Santee) – If you’re looking for a cool way to beat the heat, grab your beach towel and head on over to the city of Santee’s Aquatic Center at the Cameron Family YMCA (10123 Riverwalk Drive, Santee).
Their gigantic, twisting three-story water slide reopened today– just in time to make a splash on Independence day and beyond.
The huge, twisting water slide has been closed for three and a half years for repairs.
Photo: Finance Director Tammi Royales gives presentation on proposed budget
July 3,2023 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa City Council voted unanimously on June 27 to approve a tentative biennial budget of $130,246,110 in fiscal year 2023-24 and $133,151,664 in fiscal year 2024-25. The Council is expected to vote on a final budget in August 2023.
Cannabis tax revenues are projected to rise sharply as new dispensaries open, with other revenue sources such as property tax and leasings also on the upswing.
General expenditures will be boosted by 6%to cover rising utility costs, as well as studies on police staffing issues and a new citywide strategic plan are among the reasons for the increase.
This new budget is being made with open gov online, an online system that connects live financials with the budget, available in 135 languages, and is fully interactive and accessible for residents and students.
East County Congressional leaders split in views on the rulings
By Miriam Raftery
Photo via Supreme Court website
July 3, 2023 (San Diego) – The Supreme Court on Friday issued two controversial decisions. By a 6-3 vote, the conservative majority found that President Joe Biden lacked authority to forgive student loans. The court also ruled that Christian web designer can refuse to create websites for same-sex couples, an action that eliminates civil rights protections enacted by many states for the LGTBQ community and potentially, other protected groups.
Those cases cap off a week in which justices earlier found affirmative action programs at universities to be unconstitutional, barring preference for racial minorities.
What do local representatives have to say about these decisions, and what might the long-term impacts be for students, the LGTBQ community, businesses and minorities concerned about discriminatory state laws?
July 3, 2023 (Santee) – A man armed with knives, a hatchet and dumbbell weights threatened to harm people including deputies inside the Walmart Store in Santee yesterday, prompting a seven-hour stand-ff with law enforcement.
The 22-year-old man entered the store on Town Center Parkway shortly after noon and climbed atop shelving in the sporting goods department. “Store employees called the Sheriff's Department after the man armed himself with workout dumbbells and threatened to use them as weapons. The man also told employees he wanted deputies to shoot him,” says Lieutenant Christopher Galve with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.
The Walmart store was evacuated and closed down for several hours.The Sheriff's Special Enforcement Detail (SED/SWAT team) and Crisis Negotiations Team were called to assist.
“During negotiations, deputies determined the man was experiencing a mental health crisis,” Lt. Galve says. “The man refused to drop his weapons and refused to come down off the shelving. He told deputies several times to shoot him and walked toward them with the hatchet raised.”
July 2, 2023 (San Diego) - Wildfire season is upon us. Before a wildfire threatens your area, here are some ways you can help prevent wildfires in your home and community.
June 30, 2023 (La Mesa) - Transport yourself to another time and place as the Visionary Dance Theatre, in collaboration with Kidz Act Up, brings the timeless musical "Grease" to life. Under the skillful direction and choreography of Sharla Mandere, this production takes us back to the vibrant era of the 1950s, a bygone era that stands 70 years in the past. The world was vastly different then, and today's youth may struggle to grasp the realities of that time. However, "Grease" remains a classic that many of us grew up with, but for the younger generation, it offers a window into a fascinating period. Successfully capturing the essence and attitude of that era on stage is truly an accomplishment in itself.
Mexican sewage has contaminated beaches from South Bay to North County in recent months
July 1, 2023 (San Diego)—Three San Diego Congressional members have asked President Joe Biden to declare a federal state of emergency over the Tijuana River sewage crisis that has prompted numerous closures of beaches across San Diego County in recent months.
Retired grandmother built her water-wise landscape with help from neighborhood kids
July 1, 2023 (San Diego’s East County )-- El Cajon resident Lois Scott is this year’s WaterSmart Landscape Contest winner in the Otay Water District’s service area.
July 2, 2023 (Washington D.C.) -- Americans are losing faith in our Supreme Court, and it’s easy to see why.
In the year since the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision, abortion has been effectively banned (with extremely limited exceptions) in fourteen states. Nearly one in three Americans have lost access to abortion care.
July 1, 2023 (San Diego) – A man found unresponsive in his cell at San Diego County Central Jail on June 26 died two days later at UCSD Hospital. The Medical Examiner has found the cause of death was suicide by hanging.
July 1, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) -- Fireworks, parades, a deep pit barbecue, a stargazing festival, outdoor concerts, farm tours with berry picking, a food fest and more are all happening in East County as summer heats up.
Scroll down for details on these events and many more, coming up across San Diego’s inland region.
July 1, 2023 (Pine Valley) —The beautiful mountain town of Pine Valley celebrates Pine Valley Days July 28th and 29th. It includes a Friday night barbecue, a parade on Saturday and famliy-fun festivities afterwards in the park until after dark.
July 1, 2023 (Sacramento) - CAL FIRE is bolstering its firefighting aircraft fleet across California for the second year in a row as a result of over $72 million in funding provided by the administration of Governor Gavin Newsom. The investment has allowed CAL FIRE to secure 24 additional firefighting aircraft (19 helicopters and 5 airplanes for a contractual period of 90-120 days) to enhance their statewide response efforts against wildfires in California. The additional fixed-wing aircraft include 3 large airtankers specifically designed to carry up to 4,000 gallons of retardant. These aircraft have been strategically located in communities across California and will be pre-positioned to meet the needs of potential fire activity throughout the state.
June 30, 2023 (Washington D.C.) -- Representatives María Elvira Salazar of Florida and Veronica Escobar of Texas have proposed a bipartisan immigration bill, the Dignity Act, that will address issues like providing immigrants with a path to citizenship, while also strengthening border security.
June 29, 2023 (Santee) – SDG&E has advised the city of Santee that Cuyamaca Street will be closed for six to eight weeks between Prospect Ave. and Weld. Blvd.to repair a gas leak in a transmission line.
The street will be closed in both directions, the city of Santee posted on social media.
Red tide toxins can also poison seafood and harm people, pets, fish and seabirds
By Miriam Raftery
Map, left: Forecast for Saturday, July 1
June 29, 2023 (San Diego) – A red tide containing a toxic algae bloom that has sickened and killed hundreds of sea lions and dolphins off the California coast is forecast to reach San Diego’s beaches as early as tomorrow. By Saturday, July 1st, the red tide will be impacting all San Diego beaches, with levels of the potent neurotoxin domoic acid at double the 500 nanograms per liter considered harmful.
That’s according to the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, which issued a press advisory today with this forecasting tool.
Photos: Demonstrators protest on both sides of the affirmative action issue; cc-nc-nd
June 29,2023 (Washington D.C.)—Public colleges nationwide, as well as private colleges that accept federal funds, can no longer consider race in the admissions process, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled today.
In a 6-3 decision split down ideological lines, the conservative majority found affirmative action to be an unconstitutional violation of the 14th Amendment, which assures equal protection for all Americans.
The court broke with its own precedent set 45 years ago, when justices found that a limited exception to the 14th Amendment was acceptable for school admissions to counter the impacts of racial discrimination.
Locally and nationally, the ruling prompted strong reactions.
June 29, 2023 (San Diego) – Over three-fourths of all adults arrested in San Diego County tested positive for at least one drug, and more than half of those arrested were on meth. Those are the disturbing findings of a new report by the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). The study also found high levels of mental health problems and homelessness among those arrested locally last year.
According to the report, CJ Bulletin: 2022 Adult Arrestee Drug Use in the San Diego Region. the positive rate of meth use in 2022 was 55% for female arrestees and 52% for males. The also found that 77% of males and 75% of females surveyed tested positive for at least one illicit substance, a drop from the 22-year high in 2021 for males but a sharp increase from the second-lowest rate in 2021 for females.
June 29, 2023 (San Diego's East County) - Helix Water District’s newly released 2022 Water Quality Report shows that throughout 2022, the district continued to deliver healthy, top-quality drinking water that outperforms federal and state standards.
Update: The County Medical Examiner has determined that Paul Heimark died of natural causes from pneumonia.
June 29, 2023 (San Diego) – A 66-year-old San Diego man who was in the Sheriff’s custody on a parole violation died at 9:30 Monday night at Alvarado Hospital. Paul Arthur Heimark had medical issues identified by the Sheriff’s medical staff during his booking on June 16, sohe was admitted directly to the hospital. He received treated at the hospital for 10 days before his death and was never housed at a detention facility.
June 28, 2023 (San Diego) - The County is expanding its campaign to help more San Diegans get online.
These new efforts will be rolled into the regionwide outreach efforts, allowing expansion thanks to a $500,000 grant from the Federal Communications Commission to tell people about the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
June 28, 2023 (Sacramento) – Today, California State Senate Majority Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego) announced that his measure to protect human trafficking victims and make it easier to prosecute human trafficking perpetrators unanimously passed out of the Assembly Public Safety Committee.
“Human trafficking is a form of modern day slavery,” said Jones. “The evil people who buy and sell humans for their own benefit must be convicted to prevent further trauma for all victims. This bill will help bring justice to human trafficking victims and prevent further exploitation of innocent people by putting perpetrators behind bars. Thank you to the members of the Assembly Public Safety Committee for understanding the importance of this issue and moving the bill forward.”
Photo and budget breakdown via County News Service
June 28, 2023 (San Diego) – A new fire station in Jacumba and an animal shelter for Santee are among the projects funded by the County’s $8.17 million budget for fiscal year 2023-24, which Supervisors unanimously adopted on Tuesday.
The budget also has substantial allocations to the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless, build affordable homes, plant trees and help communities reduce greenhouse gas emissions, boost investment in mental health and addiction services, foster youths, justice reforms, and more.
Fireworks caused over $25 million in property loss last year, fine for illegal use is up to $50,000
June 28, 2023 (San Diego) – Beginning at noon tomorrow, June 28, “Safe and Sane” Fireworks will go on sale in many communities across California and in Mexico.But in San Diego County, all consumer fireworks are illegal to own or use, except those in licensed professional fireworks shows. That includes sparklers,firecrackers, poppers and all others.
The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is reminding everyone to do their part to have a safe holiday and help prevent fires and injuries caused by fireworks.
As we gather to celebrate the Fourth of July, make sure your festivities are both enjoyable and safe.
Since 2013, in the State of California, there have been over 20,000 acres burned with fireworks as the ignition source, causing $59.3 million in property loss, with $25.7 million of that total occurring in 2022 alone.
June 28, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – The Santee Fire Department and Lakeside Fire Protection District (FPD) assumed local control of ambulance services in their communities through formation of the Santee-Lakeside Emergency Medical Authority (SLEMSA) back on January 1. As a result, on May 12, an additional ambulance was placed in service in Lakeside. This 12-hour Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulance operates daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to assist with peak call volumes. Starting June 30, a A second 12-hour BLS ambulance will go into service in Santee.
June 27, 2023 (San Diego) -- When announcing that the Biden administration has committed $26 million to search for sites to store the nation's nuclear waste, U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm raised more questions than answers.
June 28, 2023 (Lemon Grove)-- Danny Jeitler, a beloved Army veteran hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, passed away on June 1, 2023 in Lemon Grove, leaving behind cherished memories and a deep sense of loss among all who knew him. His life was marked by bravery, dedication, and a passion for his hobbies that brought joy to his heart.
Born in 1949, Danny embarked on a life journey that led him to serve his country with honor as a dedicated member of the United States Army. His military service exemplified his unwavering commitment, bravery, and love for his country.
Photo: Jimmie Johnson and his wife, Chandra Janway, at a 2009 rally with then-Supervisor Dianne Jacob in Santee, where Johnson and his wife were honored for their charitable foundation’s generous donations to local schools.
June 27, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – The parents of NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson’s wife, Chandra Janway, Johnson, were found dead today at a home in Muskogee, Oklahoma, along with Johnson’s 11-year old nephew. Raised in El Cajon, Johnson has long been hailed as a hometown hero not only for his NASCAR wins, but also for the generosity of the foundation that he and his wife ran, donating millions of dollars to help children in need and benefit local schools.
Police investigators report that they believe Terry Janway shot and killed her husband, Jack Janway, and their grandson, Dalton, then killed herself.
NASCAR issued this statement. “We are saddened by the tragic deaths of members of Chandra Johnson’s family. The entire NASCAR family extends its deepest support and condolences during this difficult time to Chandra, Jimmie, and the entire Johnson and Janway families.”
June 27, 2023 (Sacramento) -- The Joint Legislative Audit Committee this week unanimously approved a request by Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego) to audit Liberty Healthcare’s long-running exclusive contract to manage the Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) Conditional Release Program (CONREPO) currently overseen by the Department of State Hospitals. A petitionin support of the audit request has almost 1,600 signatures.
By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
Transport yourself to another time and place as the Visionary Dance Theatre, in collaboration with Kidz Act Up, brings the timeless musical "Grease" to life. Under the skillful direction and choreography of Sharla Mandere, this production takes us back to the vibrant era of the 1950s, a bygone era that stands 70 years in the past. The world was vastly different then, and today's youth may struggle to grasp the realities of that time. However, "Grease" remains a classic that many of us grew up with, but for the younger generation, it offers a window into a fascinating period. Successfully capturing the essence and attitude of that era on stage is truly an accomplishment in itself.
Three San Diego Congressional members have asked President Joe Biden to declare a federal state of emergency over the Tijuana River sewage crisis that has prompted numerous closures of beaches across San Diego County in recent months.
July 1, 2023 (San Diego’s East County )-- El Cajon resident Lois Scott is this year’s WaterSmart Landscape Contest winner in the Otay Water District’s service area.
July 2, 2023 (Washington D.C.) -- Americans are losing faith in our Supreme Court, and it’s easy to see why.
By Miriam Raftery
By Miriam Raftery
East County News Service
Source: Cal Fire
Representatives María Elvira Salazar of Florida and Veronica Escobar of Texas have proposed a bipartisan immigration bill, 
Source: Helix Water District
East County News Service
Source: Senator Brian Jones' office
The Santee Fire Department and Lakeside Fire Protection District (FPD) assumed local control of ambulance services in their communities through formation of the Santee-Lakeside Emergency Medical Authority (SLEMSA) back on January 1. As a result, on May 12, an additional ambulance was placed in service in Lakeside. This 12-hour Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulance operates daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to assist with peak call volumes. Starting June 30, a A second 12-hour BLS ambulance will go into service in Santee.
When announcing that the Biden administration has committed $26 million to search for sites to store the nation's nuclear waste, U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm raised more questions than answers.
East County News Service 
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