Politics and local government

JUSTICE DEPT. INDICTS RUSSIAN CONTROLLED MEDIA EMPLOYEES FOR ATTEMPTING TO COVERTLY INFLUENCE U.S. ELECTIONS

View the indictment here

Source: U.S. Dept. of Justice

September 4, 2024 (Washington D.C.) – Attorney General Merrick Garland today announced criminal indictments against two Russian nationals in a scheme to spread disinformation across social media under covert identities posing as U.S.-based media outlets. Their aim was to illegally influence the 2024 election, sow division among Americans, and spread propaganda favorable to Russia regarding its invasion of Ukraine. 

The defendants, Kostiantyn “Kostya” Kalashnikov and Elena “Lena”Afanasyeva, are both employees of Russia’s state-controlled media outlet in Moscow,  RT, formerly known as Russia Today.


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THE PEOPLE’S PROSECUTOR: KAMALA HARRIS MAKES HER CASE FOR PRESIDENCY IN DNC ACCEPTANCE SPEECH

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August 31, 2022 (Chicago)—In her acceptance speech for the Democratic party’s presidential nomination delivered last week in Chicago, Vice President and former prosecutor Kamala Harris presented her case to the American people. She spoke of domestic and foreign policy priorities, sharply contrasting her goals with those of her opponent.

“My entire career, I have only had one  client. The People,” said Harris, former California Attorney General and a former district attorney.  “With this election, our nation has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism and divisive battles of the past. A chance to chart a New Way Forward.”

Pledging to be a President for all Americans, she added, “You can always trust me to put country above party and self. To hold sacred America’s fundamental principals—from the rule of law to free and fair elections, to the peaceful transfer of power,” alluding to her opponent, former President Donald Trump, convicted of felony fraud and facing numerous pending charges related to his efforts to overthrow the 2020 election results.

Harris said that if elected, she would strive to unite Americans around “our highest aspirations” and be a President “who leads and listens, who is realistic, practical, and has common sense. And always fights for the American people.”


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CALLING ALL CANDIDATES! EAST COUNTY CHAMBERS SEEKS PARTICIPANTS FOR “POLITICS IN PARADISE” SEPT. 20

East County News Service

September 2, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – The San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce will host “Politics in Paradise” on Friday, Sept.20 from  5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College in Rancho San Diego.

Candidates are invited to sign up and participate. Candidates can share their platform and discuss topics with both Chamber members and guests, give a one-minute speech,invite attendees to engage one-on-one questions and answers, bring a table with campaign materials, and solicit fundraising. Candidates must complete this candidate form.

The public is invited to attend and learn more about the people running for local offices seeking to represent East County residents.


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ROADS, BRIDGES AND FLOOD CONTROL MTG 8/25 AT VALLEY CENTER LIBRARY

 
Photo courtesy: Department of Public Works
 
September 3, 2024 (Valley Center) -- Join County representatives in Valley Center to discuss an evolving 2025-2030 Community Improvement Plan (CIP). This meeting is the final Wednesday in September, the 25th, from 6-7 p.m. at the Valley Center Library located at 29200 Cole Grade Rd, Valley Center, CA 92082.

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LEMON GROVE MAYOR PROMISES "SMOOTHER RIDES AHEAD" IN STATE OF CITY ADDRESS

View video of Mayor Racquel Vasquez’s State of the City 2024 address

By Miriam Raftery

August 28, 2024 (Lemon Grove) – In her 2024 State of the City address delivered August 14, Lemon Grove Mayor Racquel Vasquez said,  “We are gathered tonight to celebrate our remarkable accomplishments and to embrace the exciting opportunities that are before us, and to report a shared vision for the future of our city.”

That progress includes strengthening the city’s finances, enhancing infrastructure and elevating the quality of life, according to the Mayor.


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FOUR CANDIDATES VIE FOR TWO LEMON GROVE CITY COUNCIL SEATS

By Miriam Raftery

Photos, top left to lower right:  Sitivi "Steve" Faiai, Councilman George Gastil, Jessyka Heredia,and Seth Smith

August 27, 2024 (Lemon Grove) – Four candidates are running for two City Council seats in Lemon Grove.  Councilman George Gastil seeks reelection. The other candidates are Sitivi “Steve” Faiai, Jessyka Heredia, and Seth Andrew Smith.  Depending on the outcomes in the Council and mayoral races, Lemon Grove will have at least one new face on its City Council, and could have as many as three. 

That’s because Councilmembers Liana LeBaron and Alysson Snow are challenging incumbent Racquel Vasquez in the mayoral race. LeBaron’s Council term is up this year, meaning if she loses her mayoral bid, she will be off the Council.  Snow’s term isn’t up until 2026, meaning she will stay on the Council if she loses her mayoral bid. If Snow wins, this would create a new open seat, which the new City Council could fill by appointment or special election.  Read ECM’s article on the mayoral race.

Lemon Grove’s City Council meetings have often been contentious, with clashes among some Councilmembers as well as pushback from some members of the public on issues including homelessness, housing, business development, street repairs and flooded storm drains. The city has a smaller budget than other East County cities, making it a daunting challenge to meet the many priorities voiced by residents.

Here are highlights of each candidate seeking to represent residents on the Lemon Grove City Council, listed in alphabetical order.


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SANTEE ELECTIONS INCLUDE MAYOR, TWO COUNCIL SEATS AND SALES TAX HIKE

By Mike Allen

Photo: Former Padre Dam Municipal Water District director Augie Scalzitti is challenging Councilman Dustin Trotter.

August 27, 2024 (Santee)-- This November, Santee voters are facing several choices on their ballots, one for mayor and one for District Four Council representative, as well as whether to enact a half cent increase to their sales tax.

In the 4th District, incumbent Councilman Dustin Trotter is being challenged by Augie Scalzitti. Development is emerging as a key issue in this race.


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LEMON GROVE CITY COUNCIL MEETING RUNS PAST MIDNIGHT: CABINS FOR HOMELESS, CARWASH AND CHICKEN EATERY RAISE CONTROVERSY

 

 

By Branda Gorgies

Photos by Branda Gorgies and via Creative Commons Google

August 26, 2024 (Lemon Grove) -- On August 6, the Lemon Grove City Council held a meeting that lasted seven hours, until 1 a.m. Public comments were moved to the end of the meeting for non-agendized items, so residents had to stay late to speak out on the proposed sleeping cabins for the homeless.  

Two other items that were on the agenda also drew controversy: approval of a Quick Quack Car Wash and a Raising Cane’s chicken restaurant.

The room was filled with protestors holding signs. First to speak against the sleeping was Bryan Delgado, who called them “tin cans.” He cited concern that  constituents were not being consulted, but his main concern was bringing down the neighborhood. After Delgado’s comments, Mayor Racquel Vasquez clarified that the project is county-based..


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PROMINENT REPUBLICANS ENDORSE HARRIS, INCLUDING TRUMP ADMIN. OFFICIALS WHO SAY TRUMP POSES DANGER TO DEMOCRACY

By Miriam Raftery

August 22, 2024 (Chicago, IL) – In an unprecedented action, numerous prominent Republicans have spoken at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this week to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President—including top Trump administration leaders, a conservative judge,and elected Republican officials. These speakers urged Americans to put country over party, warning that their former boss poses a threat to American democracy and is unfit to hold the nation’s highest office.

Many other prominent Republicans have also endorsed Harris and/or warned that Donald Trump should not be president again, including his former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, his former national security advisor, Trump’s White House chief of staff, other administration insiders, and 15 former Republican members of Congress.


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FOUR CANDIDATES NOW IN RUNNING FOR TWO SEATS ON LA MESA CITY COUNCIL

By Miriam Raftery

Photos, top left to lower right: Kristine Alessio, Genevieve Suzuki, Lauren Cazares, and Shawn Townsend.

August 22, 2024 (La  Mesa) – Former La Mesa City Councilmember Kristine Alessio is the latest to file papers to run for the La Mesa City Council. The three other candidates in the race, previously profiled by ECM, are Lauren Cazares, Genevieve Suzuki, and Shawn Townsend. 

La Mesa’s City Council will have two new members after the November election.  That’s because Councilman Jack Shu is retiring and Councilman Colin Parent, whose term  expires, is running for State Assembly. The top two vote-getters will fill the seats.

Here are highlights of the four candidates vying for the two open seats, hoping to represent La Mesans.


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PUBLIC POLICY EXPERT CHALLENGES COUNCILMAN GOBLE IN EL CAJON’S DISTRICT 3

By Miriam Raftery

August 23, 2024 (El Cajon) – Three seats are on the ballot in El Cajon.  In districts 2 and 4,  Councilmembers Michelle Metschel and Phil Ortiz are running unopposed.  In district 3, Councilman Steve Goble, a retired businessman, faces a challenge from  Courtney Hall, a public policy expert and data analyst.

Below are details on their experience, qualifications, accomplishments and endorsements.


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REP. ISSA INTRODUCES BILL TO STOP MISUSE OF AI-GENERATED DIGITAL REPLICAS

East County News Service

Image: AI facial generation; CC by NC via Bing

August 22, 2024 (San Diego) -- Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) introduced the Preventing Abuse of Digital Replicas Act (PADRA), landmark legislation to protect the voice, image, and likeness of individuals from being used in unauthorized commercial ways.

The recent rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has led to a sharp increase in the number and sophistication of deceptive digital replicas being abused to mislead consumers. Such deepfakes were recently used to falsely portray actor Tom Hanks, country music star Lainey Wilson, and  Elon Musk, owner of Twitter, SpaceX and Tesla, as endorsing various products and services.

“AI is here to stay – and with it all the benefits and risks that are coming into view. We developed this legislation to give individuals the best opportunity to protect their image and likeness and stop its use without their permission for commercial gain,” said Rep. Issa, a Republican who represent portions of San Diego and East County.


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COACH WALZ DELIVERS PEP TALK TO DNC, ACCEPTS VP NOMINATION

View video of full acceptance speech by Tim Walz

By Miriam Raftery

August 22, 2024 (Chicago, IL) – Cheered on by Democratic National convention delegates and many of his former students, Minnesota GovernorTim Walsh accepted the vice presidential nomination as Kamala Harris’ running mate last night. “I haven’t given a lot of big speeches like this,but I have given a lot of pep talks,” the former high school football coach, teacher, former Congressman and military veteran told the crowd.

He likened the 76-days until Election Day to a football game in the fourth quarter, adding, “We’re on offense and we’ve got the ball...and boy, do we have the right team.” He called Harris tough, experience and ready to “build a country where workers come first, healthcare and housing are human rights, and the government stays the hell out of of your bedroom.”

Walz said it was the players he once coached and his students who first inspired him to run for Congress.  “They saw in me what I had hoped to instill in them: a commitment to the common good, an understanding that we’re all in this together, and the belief that a single person can make a real difference for their neighbors.”


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TWO COUNCILMEMBERS CHALLENGE VASQUEZ IN LEMON GROVE MAYORAL RACE

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Mayor Racquel Vasquez,Councilmember Liana LeBaron, and Councilmember Alysson Snow

August 15, 2024 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove Mayor Racquel Vasquez will face two elected officials as challengers in her quest to win reelection in November: Councilmembers Alysson Snow and Liana LeBaron.  The city, which is smaller than other East County incorporated communities, faces greater challenges in addressing issues such as homelessness, housing, and infrastructure including road repairs and storm drains that caused recent flood damage.

Here are highlights of each candidate's background and stances on key issues.


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CHICAGO DELEGATES MEET VIA CONFERENCE CALL AND CERTIFY HARRIS/WALZ

By Dennis Moore (photo)
 
August 10, 2024 (Chicago) -- It's official, the Chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, Minyon Moore, announced on X(Twitter) that she was a part of a historic moment. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz are now certified as democratic nominees, overseen by Moore.

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TEAM USA MEDALIST PREFERS HEALTHCARE IN PARIS OLYMPIC VILLAGE

"In the Olympic Village in Paris, everyone has free healthcare as a human right. In America, 1 in 4 cancer patients go bankrupt or lose their homes because of the outrageously high cost of care."
 
 
Photos: Bing Copilot Designer powered by DALL-E 3
 
August 10, 2024 (Paris) -- U.S. Olympic rugby player Ariana Ramsey became a sensation on social media this week after documenting a series of free healthcare visits in the Olympic Village in Paris and becoming an advocate for universal care in her home country.
 
Ramsey's initial TikTok video, published Saturday, went viral in France after she expressed disbelief about the free healthcare on offer, playing into the European idea that Americans—who live in the only high-income country in the world without universal care—don't know what they are missing.
 
Read the full article with clickable links and embedded videos in Common Dreams.

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MORE THAN 1 MILLION VETERANS RECEIVING BENEFITS VIA PACT ACT AHEAD OF ANNIVERSARY

The VA has a calendar of in-person events that can be found here. Veterans or their family members can also call the VA at 800-698-2411 to inquire about PACT Act benefits.
 
 
Photo: Joe Biden Presidential Portrait
 
August 10, 2024 (Washington, D.C.) — President Joe Biden on Friday celebrated the number of veterans enrolled in VA health care and benefits as part of a law he signed nearly two years ago, though he said more work must be done for troops who were stationed at a base in Uzbekistan in the early 2000s.
 
“Two years ago, I signed the bipartisan Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins (PACT) Act enacting the most significant expansion of benefits and health care for toxic exposed veterans and their survivors in over thirty years,” Biden wrote in a statement.


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THE IMPORTANCE OF THE GEN Z VOTE

By Branda Gorgies


Photos from Creative Commons, Pew Research Center

 

Who is Gen Z?

 

August 9, 2024 (San Diego) -- Generation Z, also known as Zoomers, includes all those born from 1997 to 2012, making the older end of the generation 27 years old this year and the younger end 12 years old. Before Gen Z, there were the Millennials(1981-‘96), and then Gen X(1965-‘80), the infamous Boomers(1946-’64), and the Silent generation(1928-‘45).

 

Generational divides have long been used as a way to categorize age in order to study demographics. Age and experiences are key factors in moral, political, and economic interests. By grouping people up by the year they were born, researchers can gain a good understanding of the difference that age creates. It also becomes easier to study the effects of environment and socioeconomic events on the development of those interests. It’s important to note that while there isn’t a concrete difference between those born in December of 1996 and those born in January of 1997, the sole use of generational divides is to work as a tool that makes research easier.


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LA MESA COUNCIL CANDIDATES SHARE STRENGTHS AS THEY VIE FOR TWO OPEN SEATS

By Miriam Raftery

Photos: Genevieve Suzuki,Lauren Cazares, and Shawn Townsend.

August 9, 2024 (La Mesa)—La Mesa’s City Council will have two new members after the November election.  That’s because Councilman Jack Shu is retiring and Councilman Colin Parent, whose term  expires, is running for State Assembly.

Both Parent and Shu have endorsed two Democrats running for Council seats:  Genevieve Suzuki, an attorney, journalist and community volunteer, and Lauren Cazares, a policy advisor at the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.  The County Democratic Party and prominent Democratic officials have also endorsed Suzuki and Cazares.

The County Republican Party has not endorsed any candidate in this race. Two other candidates have pulled papers to run: fitness company CEO and  personal trainer Shawn Townsend, an independent, and Jose Fernandez, whose information is not yet available.


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EL CAJON COUNCIL VOTES TO PUT HALF-CENT SALES TAX EXTENSION ON NOVEMBER BALLOT

 

By Rachel Williams

August 8, 2024 (El Cajon) -- El Cajon’s City Council unanimously voted  on Tuesday  to put a 1/2 cent sales tax extension on the November 5 ballot. If approved by voters, the measure would continue a half-cent tax that is set to otherwise expire.  The tax has generated more than $13 million annually for El Cajon’s General Fund, and at least 75% of these funds support the City’s public safety operations.

If voters choose to pass Measure J, continuing this sales tax, significant budget cuts would be avoided, including but not limited to these essential services below:

  • Firefighters and paramedics
  • Police Officers
  • Street Maintenance (pothole repair and repaving)
  • Stormwater and sewage

When comparing El Cajon to other San Diego County cities, the Valley of Opportunity receives a smaller percentage of its property tax, which isn’t enough to sustain the community’s needs.


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HARRIS PICKS GOVERNOR TIM WALZ FOR VP: MIDWESTERNER IS ALSO A FIVE-TERM CONGRESSMAN, VETERAN, TEACHER AND COACH

By Miriam Raftery

August 7, 2024 (Philadelphia) – Large crowds packed a stadium in Philadelphia this week to see the first public speeches by Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris and her newly-named vice presidential pick, Minnesota Governor and five-term Congressman Tim Walz. Walz brings leadership skills, expertise on rural and veterans' issues, as well as  Midwest common-sense values to the team. Raised on a farm, Walz served 24 years in the National Guard, rising to the rank of Command Sergeant Major.

He has also worked as a high school teacher and football coach, taking a team with 27 straight losses on to win the state championship for the first time in the school’s history. His affable manner and sense of humor also bring a sense of normalcy that appears to be welcomed by many voters, judging by the enthusiastic cheers heard throughout his first public speech as vice presidential running mate.


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OTAY WATER DISTRICT TO DISCUSS REPLACEMENT PROCESS FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS DIVISION ONE SEAT AUG. 7

East County News Service
 
August 6, 2024 (Spring Valley) – The Otay Water District announced that board member Tim Smith, representing division one, has resigned from the Otay board of directors after nearly a decade of service to the community on water issues.
 
Smith was first elected to the Otay board in December 2014 and has successfully been re-elected to the office since. His resignation, effective August 2, was formally submitted in a letter. The Otay board will discuss the process for selecting a replacement, either by appointment or election, to serve the remaining two years of Smith’s term during its meeting on August 7.

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AMERICANS URGED TO LEAVE LEBANON AS WAR FEARS ESCALATE; REP. ISSA OFFERS HELP

By Miriam Raftery

August 6, 2024 (San Diego) – The U.S. State Department has issued a level 4 advisory urging Americans not to travel to Lebanon, and for Americans in Southern Lebanon, near the Syrian borders, or in refugee settlements to immediately depart. Those who do not leave should be prepared to shelter in place for a prolonged period, due to escalating military actions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Following Hezbollah strikes in Israel, Israel launched an airstrike that killed Hezbollah leader Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate. Hours later, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed by a bomb in Tehran, Iran. Iran has blamed Israel and has threatened to attack Israel in response, though Israel has not confirmed nor denied responsibility for the Iranian death.

Any attacks on Israel are expected may trigger a wider military response by Israel. Today, Israeli fighter jets reportedly flew low over Beirut,  producing sonic booms that scattered frightened residents, according to Reuters.

For travelers and foreign nationals in Beirut, fleeing is becoming more difficult. Insurance companies have raised premiums due to unrest in the region, prompting Air France, Lufthansa and other European airlines to halt flights into Beirut, NPR reported yesterday. Middle East Airlines is still flying, but there are not enough planes to accommodate all who seek to leave.


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PARENT LEADS SHARP-COLLINS IN FUNDRAISING FOR STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 79 RACE, BUT CONFLICT OF INTEREST REPORTS STILL PLAGUE HIM

 

By Michael Howard

July 30, 2024 (La Mesa, CA) – As the two democratic candidates for State Assembly District 79 Colin Parent and LaShae Sharp-Collins prepare for the upcoming November 5 election, fundraising in the last three months is crucial.

Heading into the critical August through October time period, Parent has the clear lead in fundraising totals, collecting over double the amount of Sharp-Collins with $401,009 to her $195,824.

What becomes clear when looking at the contributions they’ve received is the difference in occupations of the donors. Setting aside for a moment the majority both campaigns raise through Political Action Committees (PACs), what remains is a clear picture of who are each candidate’s core donors.


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WALDRON BILL WOULD CREATE SPECIAL INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING DISTRICTS IN SEVERE FIRE ZONES

By Miriam Raftery

August 2, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – AB 1819, a measure by Assemblymember Marie Waldron (R-Valley Center) would authorize counties to create special infrastructure financing districts in high or very high fire hazard severity zones.  These districts would fund wildfire mitigation apparatus and infrastructure including new heavy equipment to clear vegetation, create firebreaks, and harden utility infrastructure against wildfires.

 “As climate change progresses, our state is affected by longer, more intense, and increasingly hazardous wildfires. In San Diego alone, almost one-fourth of all wildfires start from the combustion of roadside vegetation by vehicles. It is crucial to have the proper firefighting equipment to prevent wildfires,” a statement by Waldron in the  Senate Floor analysis.“Obtaining funding to increase prevention response and fire-fighting equipment. backcountry areas has been difficult. The creation of an infrastructure financing district for this purpose will raise the necessary funding without the need to raise taxes.”

The bill has passed the Assembly unanimously (with several members absent) and is currently awaiting action in the Senate Appropriations Committee.  All legislative business must be concluded by August 31, the last day of the legislative session.


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PHILIPPINES TO RECEIVE $500 MILLION IN SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE DUE TO ISSA AMENDMENT

East County News Service
 
July 31, 2024 (Washington D.C.) -- In April, Rep. Darrell Issa (CA-48) authored an amendment to the House national security supplemental appropriations package of bills recommending $500 million in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to the Philippines. It was adopted by the House in a bipartisan and unanimous voice vote.

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MoGo LAUNCHES NEW FEATURE ON WEBSITE WHERE COMMUNITY MEMBERS CAN EASILY AND ANONYMOUSLY SUBMIT WHISTLEBLOWER COMPLAINTS AND PUBLIC RECORDS REQUESTS

East County News Service
 
July 31, 2024 (San Diego) – Community Advocates for Just and Moral Governance (MoGo) launched a new portal on its website where community members can easily, and anonymously, if preferred, submit whistleblower complaints and public records requests (PRAs) in an effort to promote transparency and accountability. 

For more information about MoGo, please visit www.moralgovernance.org


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RODRIGUEZ-KENNEDY, FORMER COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CHAIRMAN, CLEARED OF ALL WRONGDOING AFTER ACCUSER WITHDRAWS SUIT

 Parties issue joint statement blaming political actors for character assassination

July 31, 2024 (San Diego) - Will Rodriguez-Kennedy, the former chairman of the San Diego County Democratic Party, has been cleared of all wrongdoing after a two-year-old lawsuit alleging assault was withdrawn by Oscar Rendon. The District Attorney earlier declined to file charges against Rodriguez-Kennedy.

Rodriguez-Kennedy and Rendon today issued this joint statement: “Recently we have had the opportunity to meet and discuss a misunderstanding that caused us both a lot of pain. It is unfortunate that certain political actors took advantage of this misunderstanding in an effort to damage William's reputation and career. “With this behind us, we are wishing each other the very best as we move on with our lives. William and I would like everyone to respect our peace and privacy moving forward.”

Marlea Dell’Anno, attorney for Rodriguez-Kennedy, pointed to an increasing rise of violence and harassment in local and national political discourse as a contributing factor in the severe harm suffered by her client. “Our position was clear from day one: Will Rodriguez-Kennedy was always innocent. Will and Oscar have reconciled, and we have identified the true villains in this tragic story of political violence.”


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DATA PRIVACY AFTER DOBBS

Is period tracking safe?
 
By Paige Gross, as seen in Kansas Reflector and is reprinted in East County Magazine under a creative commons license.
 
Photo courtesy: Elizabeth Ha (submitted by creator to Kansas Reflector)
 
July 29, 2024 (Kansas) -- As more states move to restrict and criminalize reproductive choices around pregnancy, wearable devices that track biometric data and period tracking apps could become digital evidence in court cases.

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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

STATE SUPERINTENDENT TONY THURMOND WANTS TO USE SCHOOL SPACE TO BUILD 2.3 MILLION HOMES

East County News Service
 
Image Courtesy: Immigrant Magazine
 
July 29, 2024 (Sacramento) -- State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond will hold a press conference on Tuesday, July 30 in Sacramento to launch a statewide effort to accelerate housing development by utilizing the significant amount of developable land owned by California’s local education agencies (LEAs).

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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

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