Action seeks to expand representation for a half million residents in County's unincorporated areas
East County News Service
Map courtesy of the County of San Diego
May 25, 2023 (San Diego)-- On May 23, San Diego County’s Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution to support adding representation from the unincorporated area to the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Board of Directors. This board action was introduced by Chairwoman Nora Vargas and Supervisor Joel Anderson, both of whom represent the County on the SANDAG Board.
The County’s unincorporated communities are home to more than half-a-million people, making them the region’s second largest population group behind only the City of San Diego. Geographically, the vast majority of the county lies within unincorporated areas.
Three candidates are running to replace Nathan Fletcher so far
By Miriam Raftery
Photo, left to right: Monica Montgomery Steppe, Amy Reichert,and Janessa Goldbeck
May 24, 2023 (San Diego) – Supervisors have authorized an Aug. 15 special primary election to fill the vacancy in District 4 left by Nathan Fletcher’s resignationCandidates must file paperwork to run at the Registrar of Voters’ office between May 30 and June 6, though if they wish to submit signatures instead of a filing fee, they must pick up those forms by this Friday. If no candidate wins a majority of votes in the primary, then a general election will be held on Nov. 7.
District 4 includes the East County communities of La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Crest, Dehesa, Casa de Oro, Spring Valley, Mt. Helix, and Rancho San Diego as well as San Diego neighborhoods including Clairemont, Hillcrest, Balboa Park, North Park, Bankers Hill, Old Town, Mission Hills, Normal Heights, University Heights, Oak Park, Valencia Park, Encanto, Bay Terraces, Paradise Hills, Birdland, SerraMesa, Civita, and parts of Grantville, City Heights, Rolando, Azalea Park, Chollas Creek, Rolando Park, Kensington, Talmadge, Mid-City, Montezuma Mesa, SDSU and Mission Valley.
By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office
May 24, 2023 (San Diego) - County Supervisors approved setting aside $32 million in state and County funds Tuesday to help quickly create housing for people experiencing homelessness, or who are at risk of homelessness and $4.6 million a year in services to support them.
May 23, 2023 (San Diego) -- Law enforcement leaders today announced that an unprecedented two-month fentanyl-enforcement surge along the southwest border has resulted in the seizure of about 4,721 pounds of fentanyl, 1,700 pounds of fentanyl precursors and more than 200 arrests of alleged smugglers, traffickers and dealers within the Southern and Central Districts of California.
American Carnage:Shattering the Myths That Fuel Gun Violence, by Thomas Gabor and Fred Guttenberg (Mango Publishing Group, Coral Gables, Fl., 2023, 228 pages).
Book Review by Dennis Moore
View interview with co-author Thomas Gabor on the "Bookshelf" section with host Anat Tour by clicking here.
May 26, 2023 (San Diego) – Criminologist Tom Gabor and activist Fred Guttenberg, who lost his 14-year old daughter Jaime in the 2018 Parkland school shooting, team up to dismantle some of the leading myths on guns and gun violence in their groundbreaking book and treatise; American Carnage: Shattering the Myths That Fuel Gun Violence. Many of these myths have been promoted by the gun lobby to facilitate gun sales and normalize the presence of guns in American society.
Co-author Tom Gabor reiterates much about what is said in this book in a video above by Anat Tour, the host of the "Bookshelf" section of the East County Magazine. The interview by this excellent talent, Tour, can be viewed and listened to by clicking on the link above.
This extraordinary book resonates with me in a profound and personal way, for I am a survivor of gun violence myself, along with two of my sons, and in my more than 400 book reviews written, American Carnage has impacted my psyche more than any other. This book touches my heart and soul!
577 Million Robocalls made to CA phones on National Do Not Call Registry, including Medicare and Social Security scams
May 23, 2023 (Sacramento)-- California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, as part of a bipartisan coalition of 49 attorneys general, announced a lawsuit against Avid Telecom for allegedly making billions of unlawful robocalls in California and across the nation.. Those robocalls included Social Security Administration scams, Medicare scams, and employment scams; two robocall examples can be found here and here.
Today’s complaint is the result of efforts by the nationwide Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force, which Attorney General Bonta helped launch last year and is charged with taking legal action against telecommunications companies that perpetuate robocall traffic.
Male body found at same campground remains unidentified, may be related
East County News Service
May 23, 2023 (Warner Springs) — A body found near campsites on the Los Coyotes Indian Reservation in Warner Springs on Feb. 16, 1986 has been identified through genetic genealogy as Claudette Jean Zebolsky Powers.
May 23, 2023 (San Diego) -- A work stoppage is currently in effect at the South Bay Bus Division, East County Bus Division, and Copley Park Division due to a strike called after negotiations between Transdev/First Transit and employees broke down.
MTS cautions, “Please plan for limited or no service to the following routes, effective immediately, and until further notice.”
Photo: Enzo, our campaign poster dog, is available for adoption at the County's Carlsbad animal shelter
May 23, 2023 (San Diego) - Sometimes someone rescues an animal and later realizes the animal rescued them right back.
In a salute to military members, veterans and their families, the County Department of Animal Services is offering them free animal adoptions May 26 through May 28. The department is taking part in the Animals for Armed Forces special adoption event over the Memorial Day weekend.
Disease can affect all hooved livestock and can also spread to humans
By Miriam Raftery
May 22, 2023 (San Diego) – Fifteen properties in San Diego County are under quarantine by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, after six cases of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) have been confirmed in San Diego County and testing is underway on another nine suspected local cases, according to the USDA website on the disease. There are also two confirmed cases and two suspected cases in Riverside County, where four properties are quarantined. These are the only areas in the U.S. with current cases of VSV.
The first local case in this outbreak occurred May 17 in Ramona, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. While all of the local cases so far are in horses, the disease can also afflict donkeys, cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas or other hooved livestock.
The quarantines will last at least 14 days after the last known case. However blisters on mouths and hooves can take up to two months to resolve.The quarantines mean no transporting animals to or from the impacted properties will be allowed until a veterinarian has cleared animals for travel. Some states and livestock events such as horse shows may prohibit animals from the impacted areas from participating even if there is no known exposure, so check with show organizers before traveling to any livestock even
May 22, 2023 (El Cajon) - New basketball courts at Wells Park (1153 E Madison Ave, El Cajon) will open on May 25 with a ribbon-cutting at 4 p.m. The 18-acre park was built in 1953 and is in the middle of the City’s most population-dense residential housing area.
May 22, 2023 (Los Angeles) - The San Diego State softball team homered three times to rally for a 6-3 victory over Liberty Sunday afternoon and claim the NCAA Los Angeles Regional at Easton Stadium. With the win, the Aztecs (38-15) advanced to their first NCAA Super Regionals in program history and will play at No. 15 overall seed Utah next weekend.
May 22, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – Concerts, comedy, a Flag Day parade, a musical play, food festivals, a pride walk, and a library fundraiser are all coming up in San Diego’s inland region during late May and June.
Scroll down for full details on these and more festive events coming up.
Update May 23, 2023: Quarantines have been imposed by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture on 15 properties in San Diego County and 4 in Riverside, Locally, 6 cases have been confirmed and 9 more are suspected.
May 20, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – A case of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV), a viral disease which causes severe blister-like lesions on the mouths and hooves of horses, cattle, pigs, goats, llamas, and other hooved livestock, has been confirmed in San Diego County, according to Dr. Craig Chandler, DVM, at the East County Large and Small Animal Practice. According to Dr. Chandler, testing is underway on samples from several other horses in East County with suspected VSV.
According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners, VSV is contagious and debilitating, but rarely life threatening. It can also spread to humans, so safe handling procedures should be followed.
The disease is reportable; livestock should be isolated for 14 days after the last case. The disease takes 2 to 8 days from exposure to appear and usually runs it course in about 2 weeks, though sores can take up to months to resolve. Testing is required to confirm presence of the disease.
Dr. Chandler posted the following information on Facebook and gave permission for ECM to reprint it, along with a photo:
May 21, 2023 (Lakeside) – Ginger Rich, owner of Reflections Salon and Day Spa in Lakeside was once homeless in San Diego. Because of those who believed in her, she is now a successful businesses woman owning the salon for over seven years.
Each year, she’s held Haircuts for the Homeless, an outreach event to help those in need, offering not only haircuts, but also clothing, food, and personal essentials. In addition, several organizations from county to private offered services and resources.
May 21, 2023 (Santee) -- Laura Koval is retiring from her regular job as director of the Santee Lakes park, but says she’s keeping her part-time job on the Santee City Council. In fact, she’s announced she intends to run again for the seat in 2024.
Working has been part of her life since she was a youngster. Beginning at the tender age of 17 as an usher for the San Diego Padres and continuing to her current job that will end next month, Koval has worn many different hats. But one she still wears proudly today has SD on it.
Koval, 58, worked for the Padres for 26 years, including during the team’s only two World Series appearances in 1984 and 1998.
May 21, 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:
May 21, 2023 (San Diego) -- 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:
May 21, 2023 (San Diego) – In San Diego author Matt Coyle’s latest crime novel, private investigator Rick Cahill has become a father and husband. Having lived a tough life as an athlete and P.I., Rick’s repeated head traumas are paying their toll. He now has chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a disease that gives him moments of fugues and moments of out-of-control rage. Treatments are not working out; he hides his disease from his family.
May 21, 2023 (Santee) – Jose Lawrence Ruvalcaba, 29, is in custody for allegedly groping a 12-year-old girl on May 18.
A 12-year-old student from Chett F. Harritt School was walking towards Big Rock Park on Arlette Street on May 18 shortly before 4 p.m. when a man approached her and inappropriately touched her chest, says Lieutenant Anthony O’Boyle with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.
According to O’Boyle, a friend who was with the victim tried to intervene by pushing away the suspect. He took off on an electric black and gray scooter.
An employee at the Santee Teen Center, which is also located at Big Rock Park, called the Sheriff's Department on Friday, May 19 just before 6:30 p.m. when he saw a man who matched the all-black clothing description of the suspect and his scooter.
May 21, 2023 (San Diego) -- A Positive Choice Resource & Referral Services LLC is hosting a Walking in Confidence Shoe and Sock Drive in collaboration with Serene Health, We Support U and Monarch School to donate as many shoes and socks in all sizes to the homeless community. New shoes and socks will be accepted until June 22 at the drop off locations around San Diego County, including A Positive Choice’s office at 7614 Lemon Avenue Lemon Grove, CA 91945.
Jeannine Nash, Director of Referrals for A Positive Choice, says, “There are many individuals who are homeless and shoeless. These individuals suffer from a lack of confidence. Shoes will assist in providing individuals with the protection they need from the environment, the shoes will give them a sense of pride and dignity.”
Update: Ford CEO Jim Farley has announced that Ford will reverse its earlier decision to eliminate AM radios and will offer a software program to restore AM access to owners of Ford electric vehicles sold without AM radio, NPR reports.
By Miriam Raftery
May 20, 2023 (Washington D.C.) – Many electric vehicle manufacturers have removed AM radio from their current and future models, claiming interference with electric motors can cause buzzing noises and faded signals. Those that have already removed AM radios from electric vehicles include Tesla, Ford, Mazda, BMW, Volkswagen, Volvo, Polestar and Rivian.
May 20, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – The I-8 pavement replacement and road improvement project from Viejas Creek in Alpine to Pine Valley Creek is 40 percent completed after the first 160 days of work, with completion of the entire project expected in spring 2024.
Seat Belt Safety Campaign Runs Through Memorial Day
May 20, 2023 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Police Department reminds everyone taking a trip to visit friends or family over the Memorial Day Weekend to always buckle up and keep children in child safety seats. This year’s Click It or Ticket campaign is from May 22-June 4.
May 20, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – The San Diego County Medical Examiner has identified the victim in a fatal crash that occurred May 2 on Interstate 8 near Lake Jennings Park Road in Flinn Springs.
Aztecs rally from early 6-1 deficit to complete season sweep of Lobos on Senior Day
Source: goaztecs.com
Photo courtesy goaztecs.com
May 20, 2023 (San Diego) - Coinciding with the stubborn marine layer lifting, San Diego State’s fortunes brightened considerably on Saturday, as the Aztecs overcame a 6-1 deficit to defeat New Mexico 8-6 in eight innings and clinch a share of the Mountain West regular-season title.
May 20, 2023 (La Mesa) – You’re invited to join the City of La Mesa in saluting “Old Glory” during the city’s annual Flag Day Parade. The parade begins at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Memorial Drive, University Ave. and La Mesa Blvd., then heads west through the La Mesa village to Acacia Ave. The Grossmont High School Royal Blue Regiment and the Navy Junior ROTC Color Guard will lead the parade.
Authorities seek public help to locate a vehicle that
By 
East County News Service
Three candidates are running to replace Nathan Fletcher so 
By 
Photo: U.S. Attorney Andy Grossman, San Diego
May 23, 2023 (Sacramento)-- California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, as part of a bipartisan coalition of 49 attorneys general, announced a lawsuit against Avid Telecom for allegedly making billions of unlawful robocalls in California and across the nation.. Those robocalls included Social Security Administration scams, Medicare scams, and employment scams; two robocall examples can be found 
Male body found at same campground remains unidentified, may be related
By 
East County News Service
Source: City of El Cajon
Update May 23, 2023: Quarantines have been imposed by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture on 15 properties in San Diego County and 4 in Riverside, Locally, 6 cases have been confirmed and 9 more are suspected. 
May 21, 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:
May 21, 2023 (San Diego) -- 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:
East County News Service
Many electric vehicle manufacturers have removed AM radio from their current and future models, claiming interference with electric motors can cause buzzing noises and faded signals. Those that have already removed AM radios from electric vehicles include Tesla, Ford, Mazda, BMW, Volkswagen, Volvo, Polestar and Rivian.
The I-8 pavement replacement and road improvement project from Viejas Creek in Alpine to Pine Valley Creek is 40 percent completed after the first 160 days of work, with completion of the entire project expected in spring 2024.
The La Mesa Police Department reminds everyone taking a trip to visit friends or family over the Memorial Day Weekend to always buckle up and keep children in child safety seats. This year’s 
The San Diego County Medical Examiner has identified the victim in a fatal crash that occurred May 2 on Interstate 8 near Lake Jennings Park Road in Flinn Springs.
Aztecs rally from early 6-1 deficit to complete season sweep of Lobos on Senior Day
East County News Service
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