San Diego

EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE RECEIVES $100,000 GRANT FROM FACEBOOK JOURNALISM PROJECT

 

COVID-19 Local News Relief Fund aids over 200 newsrooms nationwide

By Miriam Raftery

East County Magazine has been selected to receive $100,000 through the Facebook Journalism Project COVID-19 Local News Relief Fund Grant Program.  Facebook announced that more than 200 news organizations will receive nearly $16 million in grants through the program as part of Facebook’s $100 million global investment in news.

Read more about our grant project here.  View an index of our grant works to date, organized by topic. 


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MIGRANT CENTER CLOSES DESPITE SURGE IN IMMIGRANTS; DROP-OFFS AT TRANSIT STATIONS RESUMES

By Miriam Raftery

Photo courtesy of ECM news partner KGTV 10 News.

February 25, 2024 (San Diego) – Bipartisan calls for federal help are escalating after closure of a local migrant welcoming center due to lack of funds amid an unprecedented surge in migrants from around the world.

The migrant center run by SBCS (formerly known as South Bay Community Center) closed its doors Thursday night.  Kathie Lembo, the nonprofit’s president and CEO, stated,  “As the number of migrants arriving at the center has increased significantly over the last few weeks, our finite resources have been stretched to the limit.”

San Diego County had allocated $6 million to fund the welcome center as an alternative to Border Patrol dropping off massive numbers of migrants at transit centers. The welcome center had provided temporary shelter, food, Wifi connections, and travel information for the vast majority of migrants seeking to rejoin family members elsewhere in the United States. The funds were expected to last until March.

But with more than 100,000 migrants arriving in our region since September, the center ran out of funds.  Now Border Patrol, which lacks sufficient facilities to detain migrants, is once again dropping many of them off at transit centers to fend for themselves, or accept help from volunteers.


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SBA OPENS BUSINESS RECOVERY CENTER TO HELP BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS IMPACTED BY SEVERE STORM AND FLOODING

February 23, 2024 (San Diego) -- The U.S. Small Business Administration will open an SBA Business Recovery Center in National City on Monday, Feb. 26, to provide a wide range of services to businesses countywide impacted by the severe storm and flooding that occurred Jan. 21 - 23.

No appointment is necessary. All services are provided free of charge. The Business Recovery Center will be located at :

Southwestern College, Higher Education Center National City

First Floor, Room 7100 - Center for Business Advancement

880 National City Blvd., National City, CA  91950

It will be open starting Monday, Feb. 26 at 12 p.m. and thereafter Mondays-Fridays from 8:30 a.m.. to 5 p.m.


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TODAY IS LAST DAY TO APPLY FOR TEMPORARY HOUSING THROUGH COUNTY AFTER FLOOD; FEDERAL HELP ALSO AVAILABLE

 

Source: County News Service

February 23, 2024 (San Diego) -- The new County program to provide lodging to families who had their homes damaged in the Jan. 22 flood is now providing safe and secure lodging for more than 400 families from across the County. The application process for the County’s Emergency Temporary Lodging Program ends at 6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 23. Flood victims who previously applied and have not yet been placed in a room may still be offered temporary accommodations.

The Emergency Temporary Lodging Program is a 30-day program initiated on Feb. 10. The program provides support to households who were sheltered by community-based organizations immediately after the storm.The County contacted more than 1,400 households who indicated they had damage to their homes and needed assistance.  Most were identified for the program because they spoke to workers at one of two Local Assistance Centers or filled out a damage assessment survey.

Separately, this week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a Major Disaster Declaration for San Diego County. Anyone impacted by the Jan.22 flooding is encouraged to register for FEMA assistance by visiting disasterassistance.gov or by calling the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362. A deadline has not yet been announced for the federal program.


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READER’S EDITORIAL: SIGN A PETITION TO SAVE SAN DIEGO RODEOS

By Shiloh Ireland

February 18, 2024 (San Diego) --The San Diego City Council is examining the termination of rodeos in the city limits of San Diego after one horse had a mild injury in a performance in last week's first rodeo at Petco Park. Veterinarian care was immediate and on site. Follow up care determined a full recovery. The incident was a Native American custom. The rider suffered no lasting injuries.

 Activists have exacerbated the incident and are applying pressure to the San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and the San Diego City Council. At this time, at least one council member has proposed a ban on rodeos in city limits. The attack is on our Western Tradition with many safeguards in place and with many rodeos in the State of California with few incidents and adequate safeguards.


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GOVERNOR DECLARES EMERGENCY IN 8 COUNTIES INCLUDING SAN DIEGO, CITY ISSUES EVACUATION WARNINGS AS ANOTHER STRONG STORM NEARS

By Miriam Raftery

February 5, 2024 (San Diego)—A powerful storm fueled by a “Pineapple Express”  atmospheric river is pummeling much of California and is slated to reach San Diego County later today. The Governor has declared an emergency in eight counties including San Diego to support storm response and recovery efforts.  A flood watch for San Diego County issued by the National Weather Service will be in effect starting at 4 p.m. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria has issued evacuation warnings for Encanto, Southcrest Mountain View--east San Diego communities along the flood plain.

A new city-run local assistance center for flood victims at the Mountain View Community Center is closed today due to the severe weather and will reopen when weather permits. For updates in the city of San Diego, visit http://sandiego.gov/storm .  For storm recovery in the County, visit https://www.alertsandiego.org/en-us/recovery.html.  

Neither the County nor any East County cities have yet issued evacuation warnings, though residents in low-lying areas especially those that previously flooded should stay vigilant as the heaviest rains and winds hit our region late today, tonight and tomorrow.


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CITY OF SAN DIEGO ISSUES EVACUATION WARNING, CLOSES ROADS AHEAD OF STORM

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

February 1, 2024 (San Diego) –Mayor Todd Gloria has issued a voluntary evacuation warning for people living in low-lying areas of the city ahead of the new storm moving into the area. The warning was texted to residents in theflood plain areas in Southcrest, Mountain View, Encanto, San Ysidro, Sorrento Valley and Mission Valley.

If the voluntary warning becomes an order,  San Diego Police will go door to door to inform residents.

A shelter has been set up at the municipal gym in Balboa Park. Anyone in the evacuation warning areas who needs a free ride to the shelter can call (619)280-4444 under an agreement between the city and the Ride United app.

The Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties is continuing to provide shelter for people displaced from their homes at the Lincoln High School Gymnasium located at 4777 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92133. The Red Cross San Diego phone number is 858-309-1200. 

Many roads in the city are closed due to potential flooding today. For a current list, visit https://www.sandiego.gov/storm/road-closures.


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CIVIL RIGHTS ADVOCATE, FLOOD VICTIMS PLAN CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST CITY OF SAN DIEGO

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 25, 2024  (San Diego) – Shane Harris, president of the People’s Association of Justice Advocates, held a press conference in the Mountain View community Tuesday to announce plans to file a class action lawsuit against the City of San Diego for “long-standing negligence” in failing to clear flood channels before severe storms.  He was joined by residents whose homes flooded along the 100-year flood plain including Encanto, Southcrest and Mountain View. 

Residents interested in participating in the class action suit can visit www.pajmovement.org/sandiegoflood.


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EXTREME FLOODING IN ENCANTO

 

January 23, 2024 (Encanto) --Genevieve Jones-Wright, a San Diego mayoral candidate, sent in this video of extreme flooding in her east San Diego community of Encanto yesterday.


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RED CROSS OPENS SHELTERS FROM STORM,SOME SCHOOLS CLOSE, COUNTY TO AID WITH DAMAGES, SUPERVISOR ANDERSON SAYS

East County News Service

January 23, 2024 (San Diego's East County)--If you or someone you know is experiencing unsafe living conditionsin EastCounty due to flooding, the Red Cross has opened a shelter.  The shelter is in the Bostonia Recreation Room,1049 Bostonia St.,El Cajon. Additional shelters have been opened at Lincoln High School and the Coronado Community Center.

"The County of San Diego Office of Emergency Services is actively monitoring the storm and its impacts," says Supervisor Joel Anderson, who notes that the winter storm ha affected many parts of the County, with multiple communities and highways experiencing flooding, "especially communities I represent in the unincorporated area of the County."

"The County of San Diego will be assisting with damages caused by the winter storm. More details on that will be shared in the coming days," Supervisor Anderson adds. "For now, if there's any way my office can be of assistance to you during this time, please do not hesitate to reach out to us using the contact form on my website."

The safety of students and school staff is of the upmost importance to San Diego County School Districts. The following schools have early dismissals or closures planned for this week. Please contact your school's administration for more details:


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READER’S EDITORIAL: LEASE REVENUE BOND IS NEEDED TO ADDRESS SAN DIEGO'S DEFERRED MAINTENANCE QUICKLY BEFORE NEXT MAJOR STORM

By Shane Harris, president,  People’s Association of Justic Advocates

Photo via National Weather Service:  flooding today in Mission Valley

January 22, 2024 (San Diego,CA ) -- The imagery of our city under water is deeply troubling but the out of sight out of mind approach by the Mayor is even more appalling. This is a time when leaders should be out helping the most vulnerable such as our seniors and unsheltered. I wanted to call attention to the reason that so many across San Diego are experiencing flooding today and the reason this happens every time San Diego experiences heavy rain.

Perhaps many have all heard about the City of San Diego’s substantial deferral of major infrastructure upgrades, such as street repairs, but this is yet another example that impacts most of us in a dramatic way every time it rains and requires both immediate and long term commitment from our Mayor and City Council to rectify.


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NEW U.S. BORDER PATROL STATION TO OPEN 2025 IN DULZURA


Facility will house migrants,  serve as control center for enforcement  


By Michael Howard

 

An artist rendering of the new Dulzura Border Patrol facility slated to open in September 2024. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Border Patrol

 

January 20, 2024 (Dulzura, CA) –  A new $74 million U.S. Border Patrol station has begun construction and is slated to open in Dulzura next year, spokesperson Michael Scappechio said in an emailed statement this week.

 

“This new station will provide CBP law enforcement personnel with much-needed facilities, technologies, and other infrastructure carefully designed to meet the demands and challenges of an ever-evolving border environment,” Scappechio wrote.

 

The station will be used to process and house migrants short-term, as well as serve as a control center for border patrol enforcement activities. The facility sits on an approximately 9-acre plot of land and will include a helipad for air support, fuel stations, and dog kennels.


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SENATOR BRIAN JONES SPEAKS OUT ON LOCAL ISSUES IN EXCLUSIVE ECM INTERVIEW

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 18, 2024 (San Diego)—East County Magazine editor Miriam Raftery recently sat down for an exclusive interview with state Senator Brian Jones, who represents the 40th district and is also the minority leader in the California State Senate.

Issues discussed included homeowners losing insurance, the need to upgrade aging dams in the district, homelessness, housing, crime, and more.


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ODYSSEY'S END

By  Pennell Paugh

January 3, 2024 (San Diego) – Odyssey's End  is the tenth book in the Rick Cahill series by local author Matt Coyle.  Private investigator Rick Cahill lives in the San Diego region and as in the series’ other books, he takes the reader on real streets and neighborhoods.in  He accepts a lost-person assignment from a man he knows is a killer. The murderer is also connected to others from Rick’s dark past. Immediately, Rick’s life and those of his family members are threatened.

Here’s a sample of writing from the book:

I hadn’t seen Peter Stone in five years. Not since the night he saved my life. When he’d wielded a shotgun with deadly efficiency. Five years before that, he’d tried to kill me with a handgun. Maybe I wouldn’t have been so lucky the first time if he’d had a shotgun.

Stone had changed a lot since the night he’d blown away two assassins in his lair up in the hills above La Jolla.


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2023 STORIES OF THE YEAR

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

December 30, 2023 (San Diego’s East County)—It’s been a turbulent year, from the resignation of a supervisor to a tropical storm slamming our region, from environmental impacts of a drained reservoir to a migrant crisis at the border, from homelessness challenges facing local cities to financial challenges shutting down a popular parade, to name just a few of the top local stories. National and international news stories also sent shock waves across our region, from a former president and current candidate indicted on criminal charges to the Israeli-Hamas war igniting anguish and protests.

Our reporting team has worked hard to bring you in-depth coverage on the most important stories of the year affecting residents across East County.

Here are the top news stories and issues that we covered in 2023.


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PASSAGES: LOCAL LEADERS AND LUMINARIES LOST IN 2023

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 31, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – As the year draws to a close, we honor the memories and legacies of local leaders and luminaries who passed away in 2023—gone but never forgotten.

This year's list of leaders lost includes several prominent elected officials, leaders in business and philanthropy, a tribal chairwoman, a Holocaust survivor, an SDSU professor, a BMX champion athlete, a sports team owner, a well-known community volunteer, an author and radio host, a former fire chief, and a popular musician.

Below are highlights of their remarkable accomplishments, listed in chronological order of their passing,  with links to full obituaries.


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THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS IN EAST COUNTY

Twas the night before Christmas, and all across East County

Not a creature was stirring, from Borrego to El Monte.

The stockings were hung by the chimneys with care

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon will be there.


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$20,000 REWARD OFFERED FOR TIPS TO SOLVE STRING OF NEIGHBORHOOD MARKET ROBBERIES

East County News Service

December 22, 2023 (San Diego)—The Neighborhood Market Association (NMA) held a press conference on Dec. 18 outside the Emerald Convenience Store in La Mesa to announce that it is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspects in a series of armed robberies.

“A dangerous gang of gun-wielding criminals is terrorizing local small businesses in a series of armed `take-over’ style robberies at more than a dozen locations in the city and county of San Diego. Police have expressed concerns that these violent robberies could cause serious injury or death to innocent store employees,” a press release from the NMA states.

Last week, at least 13 convenience stores across  San Diego County were robbed; new surveillance video shows thieves yanking out cash registers and fleeing with the cash.


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EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS

November 17, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego's inland regions, published in other media.  This week's round-up stories include:

LOCAL

STATE

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


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PADRES OWNER AND COMMUNITY PHILANTHROPIST PETER SEIDLER DIES

By Miriam Raftery

November 14, 2023 (San Diego) – San Diego Padres chairman and owner Pete Seidler, beloved by fans for investing in star players and bringing the team to the National League Championship playoffs last year, died today at age 63.

Asked by a reporter last year about the Padres’ 2023 payroll, Seidler replied with a smile, ”I kind of like spending money. You can’t take it with you." 

The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the family’s plan is for the Padres to remain in Seidler’s family for generations.

Padres CEO Erik Greupner stated in a press release that the Padres are mourning the loss of their “beloved” chairman, whom he recalled as a “kind and generous man” devoted to his family as well as for having a “heartfelt compassion for others, especially those less fortunate.  His impact on the city of San Diego and the baseball world will be felt for generations. His generous spirit is now firmly embedded in the fabric of the Padres.”


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AS DEATH TOLL MOUNTS IN ISRAEL-HAMAS CONFLICT, SAN DIEGO’S CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES SPEAK OUT

 

By Miriam Raftery

November 5, 2023 (San Diego) – After the House of Representatives finally elected a new Speaker, Mike Johnson, the first action was a bipartisan resolution in support of  Israel’s war against Hamas, also condemning Iran for aiding Hamas and other terror groups.  The resolution passed 412-10, with all five of San Diego’s Congressional representatives voting in favor.

But the local members differ sharply on other aspects of the Israel-Hamas conflict, including whether aid to Israel should be linked to humanitarian aid for Gaza and support for Ukraine.


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PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: BEAUTIFUL BOULEVARD

November 5, 2023 (Boulevard, CA) -- Benjamin Hayden took these scenic shots earlier this year in Boulevard, a high-desert town in San Diego's East County.

From colorful sunrises to dramatic sunbeams, the photos depict spectacular skies over mountains, rocky terrain, and ridges topped with wind turbines.


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SANTA ANA WINDS, DRY WEATHER BRING FIRE DANGER THIS WEEK

By Miriam Raftery

October 29, 2023 (San Diego) – Santa Ana winds, along with low humidity and above average daytime temperatures, will bring heightened fire risks this week to our region.

The highest risks will be on Monday and Tuesday, when wind gusts of 40-60 miles per hour are forecast in San Diego’s inland valleys areas such as Alpine and Ramona, as well as mountain areas such as Julian and Mt. Laguna.


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COULD MIDEAST MILITANTS CROSS BORDER IN OUR REGION?

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Supervisor Jim Desmond at press conference calling for border closure

October 28,2023 (San Diego) – The Israel-Hamas war has inflamed anti-U.S. sentiments around the world, sparking protests outside U.S. embassies in several nations,. NBC news reports. That’s led some local conservative politicians including Supervisor Jim Desmond and Supervisorial candidate Amy Reichert to call for closure of the border to new immigrants, citing fears that militants allied with terrorist groups supporting Hamas could potentially cross the border into the U.S. with an aim to harm Americans.

How credible are those concerns?


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EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS

October 13, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego's inland regions, published in other media.  This week's round-up stories include:

LOCAL

STATE

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


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ATTACK ON ISRAEL KILLS MAYOR OF SAN DIEGO’S SISTER CITY; JEWISH FEDERATION LAUNCHES DRIVE TO HELP FAMILIES, PLANS VIGIL TUESDAY

By Miriam Raftery

October 7, 2023 (San Diego) – The San Diego Jewish Federation today announced that the attacks by Hamas on Israel including in Sha’ar HaNegev, San Diego’s sister city, has had “terrible consequences…Our dear friend, Mayor Ofir Libstein z”l’ was killed in a gun battle with Hamas terrorists early this morning.”

The SDJF has launched a fundraising drive to help families impactedin Sha’arHaNegev, and assures, “We are assessing the situation in partnership with the leadership of the municipality and will make sure all dollars donated go directly to the areas of greatest need.” You can learn more or donate at https://www.jewishinsandiego.org/.


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ECM ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS

September 23, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego's inland regions, published in other media.  This week's round-up stories include:

LOCAL

STATE

For excerpts and full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.


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EVERYBODY DIES BY THE END: HORROR FILM SHOT IN JAMUL AND SAN DIEGO NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

By Jacob Pamus

Everybody Dies by the End is a feature film written by Ian Tripp and directed by Ian and Ryan Schafer. The film was partially shot in Jamul and downtown. The film stars East County locals such as Brendan Cahalan and Vinny Curran, who owns a bar called Thrusters Lounge in Pacific Beach. Other local actors include Brendan Cahalan from El Cajon and Ian Tripp of San Carlos.

The synopsis of the film is: “A documentary crew follows cult classic horror director Alfred Costella as he makes his final film - An all-practical masterpiece...with a dark twist.” 

When asked about his experience during the production of the film, Ian Tripp told ECM, “You have to be agile to problems coming at you every minute, but the crew itself was why we surpassed any problems we had.” He went into further detail, explaining how well the crew worked together in an environment that could be very stressful.


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IN U.S. BORDER TOWN - STEADY STREAM OF MIGRANTS CONTINUES

By Rebecca Person

photos By Pete Cerep

September15,2023 (Jacumba Hot Springs) -- Just when a recent crisis of hundreds of stranded undocumented people seemed to abate, local residents of San Diego County border town Jacumba Hot Springs are reporting new waves of migrants seen on foot emerging from the rugged desert here.

In recent weeks, the numbers and frequency of sightings have increased from occasional to now several groups are observed each week. The latest group on September 13 numbered 62 people who scurried over a remote desert trail and clustered in the shade of tamarisk trees beside Old Highway 80 in Jacumba.

Photos of the travelers reveal them to be mostly young men, possibly Asian, though a few women and children were seen. By contrast, most of the May migrants said they were from Haiti, Turkey, Brazil or Guatemala, according to residents who brought them water and survival supplies.

Those pictured in photos in this article were loaded into vans late in the day on  Sept. 13 to be transported to their next destination under the apparent supervision of Border Patrol, witnesses told  ECM.


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EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS

September 5, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego's inland regions, published in other media.  This week's round-up stories include:

LOCAL

STATE

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


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