RING TOO TIGHT? HERE ARE SOLUTIONS

 

By Rebecca Jefferis-Williamson

March 23, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) - Stethoscope?  Check.  Blood pressure monitor? Check.  Ring cutting tool?  Huh?  According to some health professionals ring cutting tools, typically used to cut off wedding rings, can be standard apparatus in emergency rooms and in OB/GYN or maternity departments. 


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HEAR OUR INTERVIEW: LOIS KNOWLTON AND BONNIE BARANOFF SPEAK OUT ON HELPING HOMELESS IN LA MESA

 

 

Listen to our interview,  originally aired on KNSJ 89.1 FM, by clicking the audio link.

By Miriam Raftery

March 21, 2017 (La Mesa) – This Thursday, La Mesa Conversations will host an event at Johnny B’s Restaurant in La  Mesa from 5:30 to 7 :30 p.m.  on homelessness in La Mesa.  We sat down with Bonnie Baranoff, a steering committee member from La Mesa Conservations, and with Lois Knowlton from the La Mesa First United Methodist Church on signicant progress helping the homeless—and how you can help. 

The church holds regular events to help the homeless get back on their feet, offering clothes for job interviews, haircuts and meals.  The church has long helped homeless people who showed up on their doorstep.  Now, church leaders aim to take that to a higher level by creating La Mesa’s first temporary shelter for homeless people in the church’s basement.

Audio: 

Bonnie Baranoff, La Mesa Conversations & Lois Knowlton, La Mesa First United Methodist Church, on homelessness

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GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL BOYS LACROSSE FUNDRAISER MARCH 25TH

 

By Liz Alper

March 21, 2017 (El Cajon) - The boys of the Grossmont High School varsity lacrosse team will be hosting a fundraiser this Saturday, March 25th, at the Applebee's at Parkway Plaza from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.


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SECOND ANNUAL FAMILY PLAY DAY AT THE EL CAJON LIBRARY APRIL 1

 

East County News Service

March 21, 2017 (El Cajon) - The El Cajon branch of the San Diego County Library at 201 E. Douglas Avenue in El Cajon will host its second annual Family Play Day on Saturday, April 1 at 12:00 p.m. There will be crafts and activities for kids of all ages, as families learn how to make play items from common, everyday materials.  It’s fun, inexpensive, and teaches kids how to be resourceful.  This event is sponsored by the Friends of the El Cajon Library.


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SAN PASQUAL WINERY PICKS UP GOLD AND SILVER AWARDS

 

East County News Service

March 21, 2017 (La Mesa) – Linda McWilliams, winemaker at San Pasqual Winery in La Mesa, has picked up six more awards in the 2017 San Diego County Fair’s Toast of the Coast Wine Competition! Her latest honors include gold, silver and a special award:


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LOCAL RESIDENTS OPEN HOMES FOR SAN DIEGO SOLAR HOME TOUR MARCH 25, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES TO DECLARE ENERGY INDEPENDENCE

 

Source:  Sullivan Solar Power

March 21, 2017 (San Diego) Over 17 families are showcasing their homes for the San Diego Solar Home Tour this Saturday, March 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The self-guided tours will take place in La Mesa, Scripps Ranch and Rancho Santa Fe. 


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ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECT TURNS SELF IN

 

East County News Service

March 21, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- A man suspected of robbing several East County businesses has turned himself in this afternoon and is now in custody, the Sheriff’s Department advises. The suspect is Randall Lee, 22, of Lakeside.


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HELP SAVE LIVES: JULIAN HIGH SCHOOL HOSTS BLOOD DRIVE APRIL 1

 

East County News Service

March 21, 2017 (Julian) - Julian High School will host a mobile blood drive with the San Diego Blood Bank on Saturday, April 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The school is located at 1656 Highway in Julian; the blood drive will be in the parking lot.

About 1 in 7 people entering a hospital need blood. One pint of blood, which is the amount volunteers give when they donate blood, can save up to three lives. Approximately, 38% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood but less than 10% do annually. Since blood is always needed, volunteers are asked to give blood for patients, such as those going through cancer or trauma.


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HORSEBACK RIDING IS BACK AT WARNER SPRINGS RANCH RESORT

 

Latest phase in resort renovation follows renovated golf course

East County News Service

March 21, 2017 (Warner Springs)  – Warner Springs Ranch Resort (WSRR), the iconic San Diego County destination, has brought back horseback riding to its amenities available to the public.  The resort has partnered with Warner Valley Stables to provide guided rides at the Warner Springs Ranch Resort Equestrian Center through the miles of scenic trails surrounding Warner Springs.


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SPRING RAINS ARE COMING, GET SOME FREE SANDBAGS

 

By Gig Connaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

March 21, 2017 (San Diego's East County) - So, spring has arrived — and the rains are coming back! The National Weather Service is predicting rain this week for San Diego County, possibly heavy Wednesday.

Which means it’s also a good time to check to see if you need any free sand and/or bags to help protect your home and property from the weather.


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TRUMP’S ORDER 13769: HOW IT’S GETTING RID OF VISA HOLDERS AND IMMIGRANTS WHO HAVE NO IDEA IT EXISTS

 

By Steven Riznyk,  immigration attorney, San Diego

March 21, 2017 (San Diego) -- It is interesting to note that a lot of Green Card and visa holders are still not aware of Presidential Order 13768 as the travel ban took over the news. However, Steven Riznyk’s law firm, San Diego Biz Law, has been receiving calls from clients nationwide and worldwide who are affected by this section. They are afraid to travel, are denied entry at the border, and lose their airfares as well as vacation times. 

People don’t realize, states Steven Riznyk, how Presidential Order 13768 is affecting their family members and employees. Regrettably, and what is more surprising, states Mr Riznyk, is that a lot of visa and Green Card holders have no idea this Order is in effect, and are blindly traveling outside our borders, never to return. 

Green Card and Visa Holders are unaware that if they have a criminal record of any kind they require an approved waiver from the CIS (=immigration department) or Governor’s Pardon (for more serious offences); otherwise, they are leaving the United States, possibly never to return. Although people think that they only have a 5 or 10-year bar with certain offences, the reality is that they are not automatically allowed in after the time has elapsed; they often have to present a case. People without a valid waiver will find themselves unable to visit sick or dying relatives or otherwise travel outside the United States. 


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VOEPEL'S VETERANS EMPLOYMENT PARITY ACT CLEARS FIRST LEGISLATIVE HURDLE

 

East County News Service

March 21, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- This afternoon, the Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs voted to support AB 353, the Veterans Employment Parity Act, with unanimous support (10-0).



"The Veterans Affairs Committee took an important step today toward expanding job opportunities for our nation's veterans. With a higher unemployment rate than the national average, it's critical that we provide private employers with the option to give preference to veterans during the hiring process," said Voepel.


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MATADORS BASEBALL ROUTED BY SAN DIEGO HIGH 12-3

 

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Story and photos by Liz Alper

March 21, 2017 (Spring Valley) - ECM got its first taste of high school varsity baseball today as the 2-2 Mount Miguel Matadors competed in the Grossmont-Metro-City Tournament against the San Diego High School Cavers.  Senior Connor White started on the mound for the Matadors.


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KALASHO THREATENS LAWSUIT OVER EL CAJON’S PROPOSAL TO LIMIT NUMBER OF ITEMS A COUNCIL MEMBER CAN ADD TO AGENDA

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

View video:  This agenda item can be viewed from 1:06:16 through 1:57:45

March 17, 2017 (El Cajon) – El Cajon’s City Council spent a full hour Tuesday debating a proposal by Mayor Bill Wells that aims to save Council time and staff resources by limiting how many items a Council member could place on an agenda single-handedly to just one per quarter, a maximum of four a year.  To bring forth any additional item, a Council member would have to gain support of one additional member. 

But that raises potential Brown Act violations andconcerns over suppressing citizen’s representation, the American CIvil Liberties Union (ACLU) warns in a letter sent to the City's attorney, Mayor and  Council members..

Newly elected Councilman Ben Kalasho strenuously objected to the proposal, leading to a testy exchange in which he threatened to sue Wells and fellow Council members to protect what he views as his right to represent his constituents.  Several members of the public also spoke out,  all opposed to sttifling their representatives’ ability to put items of concern on the agenda.


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CHAMBER HOSTS CONGRESSIONAL LUNCHEON APRIL 21 IN SAN DIEGO, TRIP TO D.C. IN SEPTEMBER

 

East County News Service

March 21, 2017 (San Diego) – The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a Congressional Luncheon on Friday, April 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in downtown San Diego.    Guests can hear directly from your local Congressional members about current activities in Washington D.C. and other federal issues related to the well being of our regional economy. Each Congressional member will provide a brief update followed by topical questions and answers.


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THOUSANDS OF EASTER EGGS AT SPRING EGGSTRAVAGANZA APRIL 15

 

East County News Service

March 21, 2017 (Santee) -- The City of Santee, and Santee Lakes present the 14th annual Spring Eggstravaganza at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve (Lake #5) on Saturday, April 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.


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VIEJAS CASINO AND RESORT NAMES THOMAS McCARTNEY AS PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER

 

East County News Service

March 21, 2017 (Alpine) -- Chairman Robert Welch of Viejas Band of The Kumeyaay Indians today announced the hiring of Thomas McCartney in the role of President and General Manager of Viejas Casino and Resort. The veteran casino and gaming executive will begin his new position November 1, 2016.


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HIGH “STEAKS” WIN: FINAL CUT AT HOLLYWOOD CASINO JAMUL-SAN DIEGO

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

 

March 21, 2017 (Jamul) – Final Cut Steakhouse offers a premier menu of artfully prepared dishes served up amid the glamour of vintage Hollywood. You can also savor spectacular scenic views through a wall of windows high atop the new Hollywood Casino Jamul-San Diego.

You don’t have to be a gambler to be a winner at Final Cut Steakhouse!

 


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PADRES WALK IT OFF ON BETHANCOURT'S HOMER

 

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Story by Liz Alper

Photo via @Padres on Twitter

March 20, 2017 (Peoria, Ariz.) - The Texas Rangers came to Peoria Sports Complex tonight for a rare spring training night game.  Clayton Richard started on the mound for the Padres against Nick Martinez for the Rangers.


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FBI DIRECTOR CONFIRMS INVESTIGATION INTO TRUMP-RUSSIA TIES IN TESTIMONY BEFORE SENATE INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 20, 2017 (Washington D.C.) – FBI Director James Comey has confirmed that his agency is investigating alleged collusion between Russia and Donald Trump’s campaign.  Comey also made clear that there is no evidence to support President Trump’s claim that he was wiretapped during the campaign.


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INTEREST RATE RISES

 

East County News Service

March 20, 2017 (Washington D.C.) -- The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates by as quarter of a point, the second increase in three months. But rates are still at a historic low range of 0.75 to 1 percent.

The hike means consumers will pay more for credit cards and home equity lines of credit and adjustable rate mortgages, but fixed rate mortgages and car loans are not expected to be affected since the anticipated change has already been calculated into those. People will also earn slightly more on savings accounts.


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CA LAWMAKERS PUSH STATE TO DIVEST FROM COMPANIES BUILDING TRUMP’S BORDER WALL

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 20, 2017 (Sacramento) – Assemblymembers Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (D-San Diego), Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), and Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) have announced legislation that would require the state’s pension funds to divest from companies involved in the construction of the president’s wall along the United States-Mexico border.


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EAST COUNTY CHAMBER PRESENTS FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS, HEALTH FAIR AT GROSSMONT CENTER, SATURDAY, MARCH 25TH

 

 

East County News Service

March 20, 2017 (La Mesa) – The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce will present “Health Fair Saturday,” one of the largest annual free health fairs in San Diego’s East County region, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, in the promenade area near the movie theaters at the Grossmont Center mall, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa.


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WISHING FOR A BETTER LIFE

 

Five Wishes, by Mollie Moon (Suka Press LLC, Carlsbad, California, 2017, 346 pages).

Book Review by Dennis Moore

When you enter into freedom, possibility comes to meet you.

  • John O’Donohue

March 20, 2017 (San Diego) - Mollie Moon has escaped the cold European winters for a life in Southern California, where she lives with a bossy feline and occasional sand in her shoes, to write this fictional account of a young Latina breaking with family and cultural traditions; Five Wishes.


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CONFIRMATION HEARINGS BEGIN FOR TRUMP’S SUPREME COURT NOMINEE

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 20, 2017 (Washington D.C.) – The Senate Judiciary Committee has begun confirmation hearings this week for Neil Gorsuch, Donald Trump’s conservative nominee to fill the Supreme Court vacancy left by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia.


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20% CUTS PROPOSED TO NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 20, 2017 (San Diego) – President Donald Trump’s budget proposes to slash 20% of funding to the National Institute of Health.  California received $3.69 billion in NIH grants in the last fiscal year, so such deep cuts could put key research projects at risk.  Medical research leaders nationally and locally warn that the cuts will eliminate many California jobs and threaten research to find new treatments and cures for medical conditions.


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TRUMP DEATH THREAT POSTED IN EAST COUNTY

 

East County News Service

March 20, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – Graffiti threatening President Donald Trump has been found along a wall facing Interstate 8 east between Los Coches Road and the Lake Jennings exit in unincorporated El Cajon, NBC 7 reports.


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BILL WOULD BAN MINORS FROM MARRYING IN CALIFORNIA

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 20, 2017 (Sacramento) – A bill introduced in the state Capitol would prohibit anyone under 18 from getting married.

California is currently tied with Tennessee for the sixth highest rate of marriages by minors in the nation, even though some safeguards already exist to protect young would-be brides and grooms. But the state already has laws in place to prevent would-be Romeo and Juliet couples from getting hitched without their parents’ permission.


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AZTECS SOFTBALL AVOIDS SWEEP BY BULLDOGS WITH 6-3 WIN

 

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Story and photos by Liz Alper

Notes and box score courtesy goaztecs.com

March 19, 2017 (San Diego) - San Diego State softball wrapped up their first series in conference play today against Fresno State, trying to avoid the sweep.  Sophomore Julie McDonald started on the mound for the Aztecs against another sophomore, Kamalani Dung, for the Bulldogs.  


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VOEPEL NAMES ANITA BAUTISTA AS 71ST ASSEMBLY "DISTRICT WOMAN OF THE YEAR" FOR 2017

 

Source:  Assemblyman Randy Voepel

March 19, 2017 (San Diego) - On March 2, Assemblyman Randy Voepel announced that he named Anita Bautista as the 2017 Woman of the Year for the 71st Assembly District.

"Throughout her life, Anita has touched thousands of people with her warmth, kindness, and generosity of spirit," said Voepel. "Whether it's brightening a room with her warm smile, dedicating hundreds of volunteer hours on behalf of our city, or happily cooking for our local first responders, Anita's contribution to this community is invaluable."


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