LA MESA CITY COUNCIL SELECTS POLICE OVERSIGHT BOARD MEMBERS

By Alexa Oslowski

 

February 7, 2021 (La Mesa) – In response to community concerns following several controversial police use-of-force incidents, the La Mesa City Council selected members for the 11-person Community Police Oversight Board at the Jan. 12 Council meeting. 


Error message

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.

MACY’S CLOSING AT PARKWAY PLAZA IN EL CAJON

Story and photos by Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

Feb. 7, 2021 (El Cajon) -- Marcy's, long-time anchor store at Parkway Plaza regional mall in El Cajon, is closing down. Sales ranging from 10% up to 50% discounts or more are currently offered. 

“After careful consideration, Macy’s has decided to close our El Cajon Parkway location. This closure is part of the company’s strategy announced in early 2020,” said Julianne Olivo with Macy's corporate office public relations.

  “Macy’s previously shared this information with our valued colleagues. Regular, non-seasonal colleagues who we are unable to place at nearby Macy’s store will be eligible for severance, including outplacement resources,” she added.


Error message

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.

SUPREME COURT BACKS LOCAL CHURCH’S FIGHT TO WORSHIP INDOORS AMID PANDEMIC, BUT ALLOWS CAPACITY LIMITS AND BAN ON SINGING

Reprinted from Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

 

Photo: Congregants worship at South Bay Pentecostal Church in Chula Vista in June 2019 photo. Image via foursquare.com

 

February 6, 2021 (San Diego) -- The Supreme Court on Friday overturned judges who supported California’s pandemic-driven ban on indoor church services, ruling that the state’s health orders violate the Constitution’s religious protections.


Error message

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.

SHERIFF ASKS HELP TO SOLVE SHOOTING IN LEMON GROVE

By Miriam Raftery
 
February 6, 2021 (Lemon Grove) — Sheriff’s detectives are investigating a shooting that wounded a man shortly after 1:30 this morning in Lemon Grove.
 
The shooting occurred in a parking lot in front of a business in the 7600 block of Broadway. 

Error message

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.

RECALLING A CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR, EXPLAINED

By Laurel Rosenhall, CalMatters

CalMatters is an independent public interest journalism venture covering California state politics and government.

Photo:  Recall Newsom volunteer Pat Miller holds up a sign during petition-signing event at SaveMart in Sacramento on Jan. 5, 2021. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

February 5, 2021 (Sacramento) - “Recall Gavin Newsom” signs are popping up around California. At shopping centers and street protests, people fed up with the Democratic governor are asking voters to sign petitions. What began as a far-fetched effort by Republican activists has turned into a credible campaign attempting to throw Newsom out of office.


Error message

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.

SDSU WOMEN'S BASKETBALL STUMBLES VS. NEW MEXICO

Mallory Adams had a season high 16 points

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

February 5, 2021 (San Diego) -  The Aztec women’s basketball team (5-12, 3-8) lost to New Mexico (9-2, 6-2) 65-48 Friday afternoon inside Viejas Arena.


Error message

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.

SUPERVISORS’ VOTE ON MAJOR BACKCOUNTRY ENERGY MEASURE DELAYED UNTIL FEB. 10

By Miriam Raftery

Photos, left:  Campo Wind's turbines hae been fire-prone, causing multiple fires in the past. Residents worry that more turbines raise the risk of a catastrophic fire, if a blaze should begin during Santa Ana gusty winds.

February 5, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) – A vote by County Supervisors on a Renewable Energy Overlay plan has been postponed until Wednesday, Feb. 10. If approved, the measure would designate vast swaths of rural East County for industrial-scale wind and solar energy projects.

The aim is to make it easier to get approval of projects that provide clean energy to meet state renewable energy mandates amid a climate crisis.  But the measure has also drawn strong opposition from some rural residents, including Donna Tisdale, who advise East County residents to contact Supervisors to voice opposition so that “Supervisors know how East County really feels about being thrown under the bus as a renewable energy sacrifice zone.”

Click on this link to register your  opinion with Supervisors on the Renewable Energy Overlay before the Feb. 10 hearing, which begins at 9 a.m.  The item is the second item on the agenda.

Tisdale is Chair of the Boulevard Planning Group and founder of Backcountry Against Dumps, a nonprofit that has sued the County over several major energy projects in the region. Residents living near existing wind turbines have complained of noise, sleep disruption and other health problems, flashing lights, visual blight from towers hundreds of feet tall, killing of birds, safety concerns from blades whirling off,loss of rural character and loss of property value for homes nearby. Solar projects have generated concerns over glare, loss of wildlife habitat and potential depletion of scarce groundwater for construction and cleaning of panels.


Error message

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.

MAN CHARGED FOR SHOOTING GIRLFRIEND, FIRING AT DEPUTIES ON BARONA RESERVATION

By Miriam Raftery
 
February 5, 2021 (Lakeside) – The Sheriff’s department has released new details regarding a shoot-out that occurred January 31 on the Barona Reservation.  

Error message

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.

WESTERN MONARCH BUTTERFLY WINTER COUNT DOWN 99.9%

By Suzanne Potter, California News Service

Photo via Pixabay

February 5, 2021 (Pismo Beach, CA). -- The Western Monarch butterfly population that overwinters in California has dropped to devastating levels, with only 1,914 individuals spotted in this year's winter count.

They've been declining for decades, but experts say they may have reached an extinction threshold in 2018 when volunteers only counted 30,000.

Angela Laws, endangered-species conservation biologist for the Xerces Society, said the population appears to be collapsing.

"It's a 99.9% drop from the '80s, when there were an estimated four million monarchs overwintering along the California coast," Laws outlined. "It's a big drop in their population. It's very worrying."


Error message

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.

COUNTY URGES RESIDENTS TO HAVE A COVID-SAFE SUPER BOWL SUNDAY

Source: San Diego Communications Office
 
February 4, 2021 (San Diego) -- With Sunday’s big game on the horizon, the County is asking for the public’s help to prevent Super Bowl parties from becoming super spreader events.

Error message

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.

VERIZON OFFERS $10 MILLION IN SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS: APPLY FEB. 8-9

East County News Service

 

February 4, 2021 (San Diego) - Verizon is offering $10 million in grants to help small businesses impacted by COVID-19.  The applications will go live on Monday, Feb. 8 and applications must be completed by Tuesday, Feb. 9.


Error message

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.

SHOOTING STARS: NIGHT SKY PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE MARCH 11

East County News Service

 

Photo: Creative Commons via Bing

 

February 4, 2021 (Julian) – A free virtual night sky photography course will be offered March 11 from 6 p.m to 7:30 p.m. with Kevin Wixom, who has been shooting the night skies for years in San Diego, Hawaii and other places.


Error message

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.

YET ANOTHER SPRING VALLEY DISPENSARY SHUT DOWN

By Miriam Raftery
 
February 4, 2021 (Spring Valley) – Yesterday morning, deputies from the Rancho San Diego Sheriff’s station served a search warrant at The Green Room, an illegal marijuana dispensary in the 9000 block of Olive Drive in Spring Valley.

Error message

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.

GET A HEAD START ON SPRING GARDENING AT MASTER GARDENER VIRTUAL SEMINAR MARCH 20

East County News Service

February 4, 2021 (San Diego) -- Wondering what plants make the most sense for San Diego gardens this year? Want to grow magnificent roses and stunning succulents in the same backyard? Tired of losing your fruits and vegetables to bugs and hungry wildlife? Then master the art of gardening San Diego style with the UCCE Master Gardener Program of San Diego County at a virtual Spring Seminar “Learn, Plant, Grow!” on Saturday, March 20, 2021 starting online at 9:00 a.m. 


Error message

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.

BODY FOUND IN SANTEE

By Miriam Raftery

February 4, 2021 (Santee) – Hikers found  human remains yesterday on a trail in the Fanita Ranch area.  The identity of the deceased is unknown, says Lt. Thomas Seiver with the Sheriff’s homicide unit.

Sheriff’s deputies responded shortly after 4 p.m. yesterday near Summit Ave. and Summit Crest Drive.

According to Fox5, the hikers said they were looking for snakes off the trail when they spotted a skull and numerous bones.

The Sheriff's Homicide Unit is investigating and coordinate with the Medical Examiner's Office, which is working to identify the remains and determine the cause and manner of death.


Error message

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 PARKS REOPEN FOR CAMPING

By Miriam Raftery

 

Photo: Jonny Victorino, via Anza-Borrego Foundation

 

February 3, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) -- As of February 1, camping is now officially open again at California State Parks, including Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, and Palomar Mountain State Park in San Diego’s inland region. State health rules and social distancing guidelines will apply.

 

Here is what’s open in our local state parks:


Error message

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.

SDSU WOMEN'S BASKETBALL KNOCKED OFF BY NEW MEXICO

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

February 3, 2021 (San Diego) - The Aztec women’s basketball team (5-11, 3-7) fell to New Mexico (8-2, 5-2) 84-48 Wednesday evening inside Viejas Arena. SDSU led by one at the half but the Lobos caught fire in the third quarter to pull away.


Error message

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.

CONGRESSWOMAN SARA JACOBS SERVES AS SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE WEDNESDAY EVENING

East County News Service

February 3, 2021 (Washington D.C.) - Today, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi designated San Diego’s new Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53) to serve as Speaker Pro Tempore, presiding over the House session in the Speaker’s absence.


Error message

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.

LMSV LAUNCHES SCHOOL BOND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, SEEKS MEMBERS

By Miriam Raftery

 

Photo: Creative Commons by SA-NC via Bing

 

February 3, 2021 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa-Spring Valley School District is establishing a Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee, as required by state law. The application form is available here and must be submitted by Feb. 19.


Error message

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.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT ALPINE’S LIONS TIGERS & BEARS ANIMAL SANCTUARY

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

Photo at left of volunteer measuring animal meals  courtesy of Lions Tigers & Bears 

Feb. 3, 2021 (Alpine) -- Veterinary students, animal lovers, high school students getting their volunteer hours in, young and old volunteers are wanted, and needed, at Alpine’s Lions, Tigers & Bears Animal Sanctuary.

“Making bear food, helping with landscaping, and office work” are just a few of the tasks volunteers can assist with, said founder Bobbi Brink during a phone interview.

“Volunteers receive passes, behind-the-scenes access, t-shirts,” said Brink.  “We also have two volunteer appreciation events each year,” among other tangible rewards, she added.

The intangible rewards include seeing animals such as lions, tigers and bears on-the-job.


Error message

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.

SDCCU ENCOURAGES COMMUNITY TO GET TO KNOW THEIR BLOOD PRESSURE NUMBERS

SDCCU supports Love Your Heart Week in partnership with the County of San Diego and Live Well San Diego

Feb. 3, 2021 (San Diego's East County)  – San Diego County Credit Union® (SDCCU®), one of Southern California’s largest locally-owned financial institutions, is proud to support Love Your Heart Week in partnership with the County of San Diego and Live Well San Diego. Love Your Heart Week, scheduled for February 8-14, encourages the community to get to know their blood pressure numbers and take charge of their own heart health.

“We are proud to support the County of San Diego and Live Well San Diego and raise awareness about this important initiative,” said Teresa Campbell, SDCCU president and CEO. “Love Your Heart makes it easy for members of our community to safely and conveniently take the first step in improving their heart health by getting to know their blood pressure numbers.” 


Error message

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 INVESTS $571 MILLION IN EXPANDED TRANSIT, BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ROUTES

Source:  Caltrans

February 3, 2021 (Sacramento) - The California Transportation Commission (CTC) allocated more than $571 million to address transportation needs throughout the state, an investment that will help repair highways and bridges and enhance California’s growing network of mass transit, bicycle and pedestrian routes.


Error message

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.

MURDER AT A SPRING VALLEY POT SHOP: SHERIFF SEEKS LEADS

By Miriam Raftery
 
Photo: Creative Commons by NC
 
February 4, 2021 (Spring Valley) – The Sheriff’s department seeks tips to identify who shot and killed a man on Feb. 2 shortly after 8:30 p.m. in the parking lot of an illegal marijuana dispensary in the 9100 block of Olive Drive in Spring Valley.
 
The victim has been identified as Jerome Francois Turley, 37, of San Diego.

Error message

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.

EL CAJON SEEKS YOUTH OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS

Source: City of El Cajon

February 3, 2021 (El Cajon) -- The City of El Cajon Teen Coalition is accepting nominations for the 2020 “Youth of the Year” award. The award recognizes outstanding students who went above and beyond to serve the El Cajon community over the past year.

The City Council will present two awards - one to a middle school student and one to a high school student.

The award criteria includes leadership, community service, commitment, and the value and impact of the community service completed during the 2020 calendar year. To be eligible, nominees must live in El Cajon and/or attend an El Cajon school.


Error message

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.

SELECT CVS PHARMACIES IN SAN DIEGO TO BEGIN COVID-19 VACCINATIONS ON FEB. 11

By Ken Stone, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

February 3, 2021 (San Diego) - CVS Health will begin giving COVID-19 vaccinations to eligible people Feb. 11 at 100 CVS Pharmacy locations across California, the company announced Tuesday.


Error message

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.

HELIX HIGH SENIOR JOINS 2021 SDSU FOOTBALL SIGNING CLASS

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo:  Josh Simmons via Pinterest

February 3, 2021 (San Diego) -  San Diego State head football coach Brady Hoke announced the signing Wednesday of two additional players to National Letters of Intent or Offers of Aid. Including the 23 that signed in the early signing period in December a total of 25 athletes will join the Aztecs for the 2021 season.


Error message

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.

WALK TO SAVE EL MONTE VALLEY FEB. 6 CALLS ON SUPERVISORS TO BUY LAND FROM HELIX WATER

By Miriam Raftery

February 3, 2021 (Lakeside) – County Supervisors will vote February10 on a proposal to purchase a 104-acre parcel of land in Lakeside’s El Monte Valley from the Helix Water District. This Saturday, Feb. 6, a “Walk to Save El Monte Valley” will be held by East County Land-Use Watchdogs, a 501c3 nonprofit, along with Save El Monte Valley.  Supporters are also urged to sign a petition that has gathered nearly a thousand signatures so far.

Walkers should meet at 10204 Channel Rd. in the dirt lot for the two-mile walk, which is organized by Save El Monte Valley and the East County Land-Use Watchdogs. Arrive at 9 a.m. for the walk starting at 10 a.m. Masks are required. Participants are urged to wear yellow, comfortable shoes, and bring water.

“This land MUST be purchased by the County so it can be conserved and utilized for the public good as open space, instead of being left exposed to development that loses the area’s rural character and doesn’t have the community’s interests at heart,” the flyer states. “Come walk with the East County Community including local Tribal members and supporters of the river this Saturday. Your voice makes a difference!”


Error message

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.

OVERCOMING “PANDEMIC FATIGUE” AND BURNOUT DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

By Ashley Halsey

 

February 3, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) -- COVID-19 has spread across the world in the last year, forcing many people into a lifestyle to which they are unaccustomed. With most people confined to their homes indefinitely due to public health restrictions, the effects of the pandemic are potent and lasting, causing formerly productive, active individuals to succumb to burnout--a quarantine phenomenon known as “pandemic fatigue."


Error message

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.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: NATURAL GOPHER REMOVAL

By Miriam Raftery

February 3, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) – Jamul resident Debbie Merrill sent in this photo, along with a message which reads, “Sending along my Coyote with Gopher image to show this is their natural prey, not pets!”

I’ve witnessed a coyote digging a gopher out of its burrow on my own property in La Mesa, which had been overrun with gophers until Mother Nature sent this natural form of pest control. 


Error message

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.

PROPOSE AT SOAPY JOE’S FOR CHANCE TO WIN WEDDING RINGS AND $10,000

Source:  Soapy Joe's

February 2, 2021 (San Diego) - Beloved San Diego car wash chain Soapy Joe's, known for fun events like the car wash karaoke competition and the Guinness World Record-holding World's Largest Air Freshener, announces today that it is reprising its award-winning Tunnel of Love event with a pandemic-friendly spin.

This year, they are inviting couples to propose at Soapy Joe’s,”Tunnel of Love," share a video and win big. All participating couples will win a year of free car washes -- and one lucky couple will win wedding rings from Honey Jewelry Co. ($3,500 value) plus $10,000 cash to start out married life.   


Error message

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.

Pages