April 4, 2024 (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:

NATIONAL

• “Threatening the president is a crime”: Expert says Trump Truth Social post may violate bail terms (Salon)
• Biden signs $1.2 trillion funding package after Senate's early-morning passage ended shutdown threat (NBC San Diego)
• What the National Association of Realtors' settlement means for consumers and brokers  (NBC)
• Fentanyl kills thousands of Americans. Could plugging a gap in U.S. intelligence save lives? ()USA Today)
• Baltimore Key Bridge collapses after ship collision (CNN)
• Scanners that spot smuggled fentanyl at the border sit unused because Congress hasn't provided the cash to install them (NBC)
• Some states are fighting to protect voters from doxxing. They're losing. (Politico)
• Judge slaps expanded gag order on Trump after attacks on his daughter (Politico)
• FBI tells passengers on the Alaska Airlines flight that lost a panel they might be crime victims   (AP)

INTERNATIONAL

• Forest fires spread in Mexico, at least four dead (Reuters)
• Israel beefs up defences, on alert after Iran revenge threat (Reuters)
• World Central Kitchen boss José Andrés accuses Israel of "direct attack" on Gaza aid convoy (CBS)
• U.S. Says ISIS Was Responsible for Deadly Moscow Concert Hall Attack (New York Times)
• Denmark to start conscripting women for military service (BBC)
• Taiwan hit by strongest quake in 25 years, four deaths reported (Reuters)
• Kate, Princess of Wales: I am having cancer treatment (BBC)
• Cuba summons top US diplomat, accuses US of stoking protests (Reuters)
• West decries Putin's election win, China, India vow closer ties (Reuters)

For excerpts and links to full stores, click ”read more” and scroll down.

Alpine Fire Protection District invites public to event April 4

Source:  San Diego Regional Fire Foundation

Photo, left: Alpine Fire Protection District's new wood chipper

April 3, 2024 (San Diego) – The San Diego Regional Fire Foundation and the San Diego River Conservancy are pleased to announce $378,958 in funding for 13 Fire Safe Councils in the Conservancy’s watershed area and a new chipper for the Alpine Fire Protection District. 

Alpine Fire Station will host an event April 4 from 11:30 to 1 p.m.  Alpine Fire Protection District will talk about its new chipper that will provide services for free chipping to the communities and will discuss the new fuel break funds that were made possible through a Community Protection grant.  The attendees at the event tomorrow will be  able to be part of the overall collaboration between the San Diego River Conservancy and the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation.saying thankyou for the hard work and commitments we all have made to focus on supporting the communities of Alpine and Viejas. 

.The San Diego River Conservancy is pleased to announce that it has awarded a grant to the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation and Fire Safe Councils in San Diego County. These Fire Safe Councils are remarkable organizations that work diligently to make local communities safer by engaging in activities aimed at reducing the risk and intensity of wildfires, said Julia Richards, Executive Officer, San Diego River Conservancy. Their efforts are truly commendable and deserve to be recognized year after year.  We proudly stand behind the Fire Safe Councils and support their vital work.” 

East County News Service

April 3, 2024 (San Diego’s East County)—Yet another storm is forecast to bring rain and snow to East County Thursday night and Friday. The snow level is expected to drop down to the 3,000 to 3,500 foot level.

Mt.Laguna could receive 3 to 4 inches of snow, with up to 2 inches in Julian. Interstate 8 east of Alpine could also get snow, so use caution if traveling in this area.  Other areas that may receive snow include Pine Valley, Cuyamaca, and Warner Springs.

The Invisible Ache: Black Men Identifying Their Pain and Reclaiming Their Power, by Courtney B. Vance & Robin L. Smith (Hatchette Book Group, New York, NY, 2023, 268 pages).

“Papa was like a shadow that was always hanging over me.”

                                    -CORY MAXSON, FENCES

Book Review by Dennis Moore

How fortuitous and ironic that I would make this book, The Invisible Ache, the last of my more than 400 book reviews written, as I now go into retirement. This spellbinding and historic book co-written by Courtney B. Vance, a member of my church here in Los Angeles, compels me to write this review.

Along with co-author, Dr. Robin L. Smith, The Invisible Ache, pulls back the covers on social taboos, and makes this book a profound and historical commentary on race and mortality, and it resonates with me for so many profound and personal reasons full of ironies.

Blood drive from 2-4 p.m. April 4 in Treganza Heritage Park, Lemon Grove

By Chris Ernest Nelson

March 29, 2024 (Lemon Grove) -- Living in community is humankind’s primary means of survival. Our happiness, our well-being, and our purpose are all sustained by people working together in meaningful sympathy. Long-time San Diego County resident, Mrs. Charlene Waddell, knows from experience the importance of a healthy community, both in our general well-being and in the spirit of sacrifice. In 2006, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer. Her recovery required multiple surgeries that took parts of her colon, her liver, and her entire appendix. She required a lot of blood to survive. Thanks to the San Diego Blood Bank, which is there to help everyone in need of blood, Charlene got the precious blood she needed, and has made a welcome recovery.