April 26, 2024 (El Cajon) – Jolyana Jirjees, the new executive director of the Chaldean Community Council, recently sat down for an interview on East County Magazine’s radio show on KNSJ. She was a winner of San Diego Metro Magazine’s 40 under 40 award, and is also an elected member of the Cajon Valley Union School District board of trustee.
A refugee herself who fled religious persecution in Iraq when she was 19 years old and pregnant, she recalls, ““In my community in Iraq, it was very difficult to travel from one place to another due to street bombings or children being kidnapped for ransom.”
She came to San Diego without knowing English or where to turn for help. Fortunately, she was able to earn a high school diploma at Diego Valley, learn English, and obtain bachelor’s and master’s degrees from San Diego State in sociology and counseling.
“After I graduated, my main passion was to help the newcomer refugees as I struggled to find my way when arriving to the US, she recalls.
April 25, 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:
April 25, 2024 (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:
You’re invited to our next East County Dining Club event! This event benefits East County Magazine and our East County Wildfire & Emergency alerts. Everyone is welcome to attend our event at this popular new eatery founded by chefs with international experience!
A new initiative by Sharp Grossmont Hospital seeks to enhance health education, strengthen patient-physician relationships, and empower participants to take proactive steps towards their health
By Sharp HealthCare
April 26, 2024 (La Mesa) – In alignment with its commitment to "inspire communities through movement and conversation," Sharp Grossmont Hospital launched its new community engagement initiative, Walk With a Doc, Thursday. This innovative nationwide program is being led locally by Sharp-affiliated physicians Dr. Kaveh Bagheri and Dr. Ara Klijian.
Scheduled for the fourth Thursday of each month, Walk With a Doc aims to foster a stronger connection between the community and health care professionals. Each session begins with a brief educational talk focusing on vital health topics such as diet, lung and heart health, and the benefits of regular physical activity. Participants then walk with doctors and other hospital staff at Briercrest Park in La Mesa to continue the conversation.
Photo: Former San Diego State tennis player Markus Dickhardt was selected to the Mountain West 25th Season Team (Source: GoAztecs)
April 26, 2024 (San Diego) -- On Monday, the Mountain West Conference announced its 25th Season Team for men's tennis. San Diego State led the conference with eight total players: five singles players and three doubles pairings. San Diego State's singles players to earn the honor are Thorsten Bertsch, Markus Dickhardt, Freddy Gelbrich, Oliver Maiberger and Alex Waske. SDSU also had three of the conference's five doubles teams with Dickhardt/Christian Groh, Maiberger/Ryan Redondo and Dickhardt/Benedikt Stronk.
Photo: Milagros Chaves hits a shot during the March Mayhem at The Farms Tournament in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., March 23, 2016 (Derrick Tuskabn/SDSU)
April 26, 2024 (San Diego) -- The San Diego State women's golf program had five former players named to the Mountain West All-25-Year Team. Milagros Chaves, Fernanda Escauriza, Emma Henrikson, Sara Kjellker and Christine Wong were recognized for their outstanding collegiate careers.
San Diego State's five selections tied for the second most in the conference.
April 25, 2024 (Ramona) – A phone call to the Sheriff’s communications center yesterday around 1:40 p.m. reported an individual armed with a firearm outside Ramona High School. The incident prompted a lockdown of the high school and other nearby schools while deputies from Ramona and Poway stations searched the campus.
The call appears to have been a false report or “swatting” incident to provoke a law enforcement response. Nothing suspicious was found.
April 25, 2024 (La Mesa) -- Join Grossmont Healthcare District and the East County Chamber of Commerce for a free Health Fair this Saturday! Whether you’re looking to learn about wellness, get health screenings, or explore healthy living options, this event has something for everyone.
April 25, 2024 (San Diego’s East County)—A cluster of rabbit deaths in the past week in the Jamul-Dulzura areas has residents and wildlife officials concerned. The State Department of Fish and Wildlife is asking anyone who finds a dead or dying wild rabbit to immediately report it online at Wildlife Mortality Reporting (ca.gov), or phone 916-358-2790.
A state wildlife official told East County Magazine that Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (HDV2) is a likely possible reason for the deaths, though Tularemia, a tick-born disease also known as Rabbit Fever, is another possibility. A third option suspected locally is a parasite infection, which can migrate to the brain.
April 25, 2024 (La Mesa) – Stolen mail, an illegal semi-automatic ghost gun, live and spent ammunition were among the items found in the vehicle of a suspect apprehended April 20 after a pursuit.
La Mesa Police officers responded to a call reporting a man pointing a gun at a female victim at the Jack in the Box restaurant on Jackson Drive in La Mesa shortly before midnight. The officers spotted a vehicle leaving the scene that matched a description of the suspect’s vehicle.
April 25, 2024 (San Diego) -- April is recognized as National Stress Awareness Month to bring attention to the negative impact of stress. According to the National Institute of Health (who wrote this article) managing stress is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Knowing how to manage stress can improve mental and physical well-being as well as minimize exacerbation of health-related issues.
Photo courtesy Women's March: Women's March held a die-in outside the U.S. Supreme Court during arguments over emergency abortion care on April 24, 2024 in Washington, D.C.
April 25, 2024 (Washington, D.C.) -- Less than a month after a key abortion pill hearing, the right-wing U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday heard arguments for another major reproductive rights case—one out of Idaho that could impact healthcare for pregnant women and people across the country.
April 25, 2024 (San Diego) -- County health officials are warning people not to buy or use products labeled as “Botox” from unverified sources after a woman may have contracted botulism. Botulism is an illness caused by a toxin that attacks the body’s nerves.
April 25, 2024 (Washington D.C) – The Jamul Indian Village Land Transfer Act (H.R.6443) authored by Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), passed the House of Representatives on April 10.
H.R.6443 incorporates 172 acres of land in San Diego’s East County region into the Jamul Indian Village Reservation, placing the land into tribal trust and preserving it for generations to come. This area also includes a 100-year-old church (photo, left, by Miriam Raftery) and cemetery where their tribal lineage has rested for generations.
The acreage is currently owned by the Jamul Indian Village and includes residential land for homes and council buildings, an ancestral cemetery, and the tribe’s only road for transportation.
If approved by the Senate and signed by President Joe Biden, this would be a dramatic expansion of Jamul’s tribal lands, since the existing reservation has only six acres, most of which is occupied by the tribe’s casino and a hotel under construction.
April 24, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) -- Late springtime in East County is blossoming with unique events including a lilac festival in Julian, Lakeside’s Rodeo and Western Days Parade, concerts starring Neil Young and Tanya Tucker, Sweet Pea Day at Summers Past Farms, a Spring Festival at Cuyamaca College, Vintage Alpine, Mother’s Day teas, a Taste of Ramona, and Wild in the Country at Lions, Tigers and Bears in Alpine.
April 24, 2024 (Lemon Grove) -- The Lemon Grove Recreation Center will be hosting the 4th annual 3-on-3 Trevon Harris basketball tournament on June 8, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 3131 School Lane. Basketballers must be ages 10 to 16 to participate in the tournament.
There is no entry fee and players may register onsite at the event beginning at 8:15 a.m. The tournament will begin at 9 a.m. with tip-off. This is a free event that will bode a March Madness bracket style basketball competition, free music/entertainment, and free food.
Photo: C-Span screenshot of Biden after bill signing
April 24, 2024 (San Diego) –"It's a good day for American, it's a good day for Europe, it's a good day for world peace, President Joe Biden said today, upon signing foreign aid and national security legislation. He added that arms shipments to Ukraine for its defense against Russia would be sent within hours.
The U.S. House of Representatives on Saturday passed the $95 billion foreign aid package that provides assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, as well as various national security priorities. The Senate approved the package yesterday, advancing it to the President for signature.
The entire San Diego Congressional Delegation voted "yea" on all three aid portions, but Congressmembers Sara Jacobs and Juan Vargas voted "nay" on the national security provisions that include a potential TikTok ban, while Congressmembers Darrel Issa, Mike Levin and Scott Peters all voted "yea."
April 24, 2024 (El Cajon)—The Cajon Valley Union School District’s board of trustees voted during a special meeting April 22 to appoint Emily “Lily” Schworm to fill the vacancy on the board left by the resignation of Jo Alegria.
A bilingual education teacher, Schworm previously ran for El Cajon City Council in 2012. In an interview then with East County Magazine, Schworm said she has taught in the Cajon Valley, La Mesa-Spring Valley and South Bay school districts before choosing to homeschool her children..
In her application for the position, she describes herself as an "extremely invested parent and an experience teacher" who has resided in El Cajon most of her life.
She has also been an active volunteer with Foothills Christian Church including mentoring at-risk youths, after-school groups and more.
April 24, 2024 (Alpine) -- The 37th annual Vintage Alpine, a wine and food experience in the country, will be held on May 5 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Summers Past Farms, 15602 Olde Hwy 80 in Flinn Springs. Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Alpine, this event traditionally offers tastes from over 40 local wineries, as well as samples of foods from local restaurants and sips from local breweries.
April 24, 2024 (Santee) – Heartland Coin Club invites you to discover a fascinating world of coins and currency at the club’s bi-annual coin show on Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be something for everyone, from seasoned collectors to curious beginners, at the Cunnane Social Center at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 9310 Dalehurst Rd. in SanteeEnjoy a fun-filled day with your family and friends as you explore:
• a wide array of collectible U.S. and foreign coins, antique coins, and currency from trusted dealers.
• rare and interesting coins, including early American coins, Buffalo nickels, Seated Liberty quarters, and more.
• modern U.S. coins, commemorative coins, and error coins.
• ancient coins and foreign currency from countries that no longer exist.
• tokens, medals, and other collectibles.
• free coin appraisals by over 20 expert dealers and club members with 44 tables and thousands of rare coins, medals, and paper currency.
• fun activities and free coin collecting items for kids in our Young Numismatists Area.
Chart, left, prepared by city staff, shows general fund forecast for next 10 years if Prop L is extended.
April 23, 2024 (La Mesa)—The La Mesa City Council will hold a special meeting at 4 p.m. today to review and discuss the Proposition L renewal survey results. Prop L, the ¾ cent sales tax increase approved by voters in 2008, is set to sunset in 2029, unless a measure to extend it is put before voters and approved. Prop L revenues currently account for 20% of the city’s general fund revenues.
The announcement of a special meeting comes after a letter sent April 17 by former Mayor Art Madrid to the current Mayor, City Council, and City Manager urging action.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development
Photo: Flooding during San Diego County's January 2024 severe storms
April 23, 2024 (Washington D.C.) – Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) final rule in the Federal Register to help communities prepare for and reduce flood damage. This rule aims to protect communities from flood risk, heavy storms, increased frequency of severe weather events and disasters, changes in development patterns, and erosion.
The new rules apply in areas designated as 100-year floodplains, such as portions of San Diego County that experienced severe flooding in January, prompting disaster declarations at the local, state and federal levels.
April 22, 2023 (Sacramento)-- Today, in honor of Earth Day, climate advocates are asking California lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom to rally around a plan to put a $15 billion bond measure on the November ballot.
If passed, the bond measure would fund a range of climate resiliency measures.
Sam Hodder, president and CEO of the Save the Redwoods League, said March was the tenth month in a row to break monthly heat records.
By Isabel Dominguez, Outreach Coordinator at CSA San Diego
April 21, 2024 (San Diego) -- Imagine you are in search of affordable housing for yourself, and you come across a home that happens to check all of your boxes. You love the neighborhood, it’s in your price range, and has the perfect amount of room for you. As you become certain about this decision, the housing provider refuses to negotiate and tells you that it is no longer available despite it still being listed.
The Fair Housing Act protects various classes of individuals from facing discrimination from a housing provider. This act prevents landlords and real estate companies from being discriminatory towards a person’s race, color, national origin, familial status, sex, religion, or disability. It protects them in all aspects of housing whether it be renting, buying, seeking housing assistance, or getting a mortgage.
April 21, 2024 (San Diego)-- CSA San Diego County invites you to learn about your rights as a tenant at a Fair Housing presentation on May 1 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Spring Valley Library(836 Kempton St., Spring Valley, CA 91977). RSVP here for the Spring Valley Fair Housing Presentation
CSA San Diego County is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose primary mission is the promotion of social justice and public welfare through programs, services, and advocacy against all forms of discrimination, including advocacy for the eradication of housing discrimination to assure equal housing opportunity for all individuals. CSA can be reached at (619) 444-5700 or at outreach@c4sa.org.
Topics to be discussed in this presentation include:
- What is Fair Housing?
- What are protected classes?
- What to do if you have faced housing discrimination.
Photos via Wikipedia: Former President Donald J. Trump; likely prosecution witnesses Stormy Daniels, an adult film star, and Karen McDougal, an ex-Playboy model
April 20, 2024 (New York, NY) – Twelve jurors and six alternates have been selected in the federal criminal case against Donald J. Trump in Manhattan, the New York Times reports. Opening arguments by the prosecution and Trump's lawyers are slated to begin Monday in the case, which accuses the former President and presumptive Republican nominee of funneling hush money payments through his lawyer to prevent negative information from surfacing during his 2016 presidential campaign.
Ahead of this first-ever criminal trial of a former president, which has no clear historical precedent in the U.S., here are the essentials to know.
Story and Photos by Mimi Pollack and Fred Kropveld, San Diego Jewish World, a member of the San Diego Online News Association
Photo: Mimi Pollack
April 19, 2024 (San Diego) -- As someone who is not comfortable with organized religion, I rarely go to a temple or synagogue. However, I am all in when a house of worship opens its doors to artists, so they can display their work.
April 25, 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:
April 25, 2024 (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:
A new initiative by Sharp Grossmont Hospital seeks to enhance health education, strengthen patient-physician relationships, and empower participants to take proactive steps towards their health
SDSU led the conference with eight total players on the anniversary team
San Diego State's five selections tied for the second most in the conference
East County News Service
April 25, 2024 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.
By Miriam Raftery
From Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
By 
By Miriam Raftery
The Lemon Grove Recreation Center will be hosting the 4th annual 3-on-3 Trevon Harris basketball tournament on June 8, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 3131 School Lane. Basketballers must be ages 10 to 16 to participate in the tournament. 
By Jonathan Goetz
East County News Service
East County News Service
By Isabel Dominguez, Outreach Coordinator at CSA San Diego
Story and Photos by Mimi Pollack and Fred Kropveld, San Diego Jewish World, a member of the San Diego Online News Association
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