Kern County family sues Governor Jerry Brown and state oil & gas regulator on the grounds that Latino school children face undue threats to their health and safety 

July 15, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)--Today, a Kern County family is suing Governor Jerry Brown, claiming that California’s new fracking regulations do not protect the health of Latino public school children. The lawsuit, filed by the Center on Race, Poverty and the Environment, argues the new fracking regulations illegally discriminate against Latino public school children, who are disproportionately affected by the negative impacts of fracking in their neighborhoods, including noxious fumes and illnesses that plaintiffs allege were caused by fracking exposure.

By Ariele Johannson

July 15, 2015 (Mt. Helix) --The magic of Mary Poppins rises up on Mt. Helix this week - as she did in the sky above London - in this favorite  childhood story performed by Christian Community Theater. Mary Poppins: the Broadway Musical runs from July 9-August 2, 2015 and is the second summer production since CCT’s return to the Mt. Helix outdoor amphitheater. The players act, sing and dance their way into the hearts of the audience in this charming story of childhood and redemption, with a few surprises along the way.

All-new seasonal treatments and spa-inspired fare are carefully curated to soothe and rejuvenate with a nod to the Anza-Borrego Desert

July 13, 2015 (Borrego Springs) -- When it comes to summertime relaxation, there’s no better place than the spa to prep for long, laid-back days and fun in the sun. This season, the luxurious Spa at La Casa del Zorro is offering a suite of new services and a health-centric menu to help guests feel bright, brilliant and beautiful inside and out.

East County News Service

July 15, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) - Perhaps not surprising in a city known for hosting ComiCon, San Diego State University’s Comic Arts Collection is one of the fastest growing academic comic collections on the west coast, SDSU’s news center reports.

By Miriam Raftery

July 14, 2015 (Sacramento) – A bill to protect grocery workers from being fired because of changes in store ownership has been approved by the full State Senate with a 22-14 vote.  Assembly Bill 359, authored by San Diego Democratic Assembly member Lorena Gonzalez, previously passed the Assembly with a 46- to 27 vote and will now be submitted to Gov. Jerry Brown for signature.

Ultimate Dance Party and ‘80s dress-up contest July 18

July 14, 2015 (San Diego) -- Visionary Youth Theatre presents another installment of “Pop Rock”, a musical revue featuring Pop and Rock celebrating music of the 80s. The performances will be held  at the Visionary Performance Space (7202 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115). On July 16-18 at 7 p.m. with a matinee on July 19 at 2 p.m. The show is directed by Spencer John Powell with choreography by Mr. Powell and Ramon Montes.

This upbeat, fun, dance-heavy musical revue will have cast members rocking and popping to the sounds of the 1980’s.

East County News Service

July 13, 2015 (Spring Valley) -- Local award-winning author and publicist Sarka-Jonae Miller will be answering questions about writing, marketing, and publishing books at the Casa De Oro Branch Library (9805 Campo Rd., #180, Spring Valley, 91977) on Saturday, July 18th at 10 a.m. SJ will give instructions for submitting manuscripts to her publisher Booktrope as well as offer tips about self-publishing and pursuing a traditional publishing deal.

East County News Service

July 13, 2015 (Ramona)—The County has approved building permits for two medical marijuana collectives in Ramona, the Ramona Sentinel reports. But before the facilities can open their doors to dispense or grow medical marijuana, they must first obtain approvals from the Sheriff’s Department.

Reprinted with permission from Times of San Diego

By Chris Jennewein

NOAA ocean measurements for July 1 show El Nino pattern off South America

July 12, 2015 (San Diego)--An El Niño ocean-warming cycle is strengthening in the Pacific and could produce a wet winter for drought-stricken Southern California.

By Miriam Raftery

July 13, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – The County has announced the recipients of $833,000 in community enhancement grants awarded in District 2, represented by Supervisor Dianne Jacob, who recommended the awards.

Answering your questions about writing, publishing, and marketing books

By Sarka-Jonae Miller

July 13, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) --This week I'm happy to welcome #1 best-selling author, Caroline Fardig, to the Ask An Author column.

Caroline is the author of the Lizzie Hart Mystery series of hilarious cozy mysteries. She recently got a book deal with Penguin Random House for an upcoming mystery novel, Death Before Decaf, and she just self-published her third novel, Bad Medicine. Caroline also happens to be one of my favorite authors.

Walk for Sobriety set for July 18

By Janis Russell

Update: Our interview is now posted. Listen here: https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/au...

Hear our interview with Marc Stevenson on today’s East County Magazine Show on KNSJ, 89.1 FM. .The show airs from 5 to 6 p.m. and the interview is in the second half of the hour.

July 13, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)- Marc Stevenson, who is from El  Cajon and is the director of Tenant Services at St Vincent De Paul Village, is a graduate of the McAlister Institute, one of San Diego’s largest and most experienced drug and alcohol treatment, and education centers. He has had a 20 year history of working with people and systems in the areas of substance abuse, mental health, criminal justice, family, and homeless social services.

Stevenson recently sat down with ECM to talk about his background and the work he has done, as well as the upcoming Walk for Sobriety set for July 18^th. He and his family moved to El Cajon in the 1960’s, where he faced many struggles as he was growing up.

Update:  Hear our interview on KNSJ radio with Micole Moore, Ramona Valley Vineyards Association, and Elaine Lytleton, Hatfield Creek Vineyards and Winery, here:

http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/fmpwoizmfi/Newsmakers-Wineries-ElaineLytle....

Are the County's proposed changes rooted in 'sour grapes' complaints filed by competitors of successful new wineries?

By Miriam Raftery

July 12, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – Several years ago, the County adopted a tiered winery ordinance designed to promote agriculture and help small “boutique” winery owners.  But now the County is proposing drastic changes.  At a packed hearing last week, numerous winery owners and heads of vintners’ associations turned out, most warning of dire harm to the region’s wine industry if the proposal is adopted.

“Should the changes proceed as written, many fear for the death of our budding wineries, eliminating our potential growth, impact and long-term commitment to our communities,” a letter to County program manager Joseph Farace signed by Teri Kerns and Micole Moore states. Moore is president of Ramona Valley Vineyard Association, which has over 100 members. Kerns is Editor in Chief of the Ramona Valley Wine Region Magazine. Together, the couple also owns Ramona Ranch Vineyard and Winery.