East County News Service

Photos by Shiloh Ireland Photography

July 17, 2022 (Lakeside) – For the past several years, Lakeside residents have held an impromptu Fourth of July parade.  This year’s event honored the memory of the late Betty McMillen, founder of the Maine Avenue Revitalization Association and long-time leader of the Lakeside Historical Society.

Participants meet at the Lakeside Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) building in decorated vehicles, then drive through the town to show their patriotic spirit each Independence Day, followed by lunch with hamburgers and hotdogs at the VFW. This July 4, Shiloh Ireland Photography sent in these photos of the occasion.

Source: Julian Chamber of Commerce

July 17, 2022 (Julian) -- On Saturday, July 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Julian Chamber of Commerce is co-hosting the 7th annual Sip of Julian. The Sip features many of Julian’s alcoholic beverage purveyors.

Upholding Human Rights Abroad Act would close a loophole in human rights vetting in Pentagon security cooperation programs

Source: Congresswoman Sara Jacobs

July 16, 2022 (Washington, D.C.) – San Diego Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA53) and Senator Van Hollen (D-MD) have introduced The Upholding Human Rights Abroad Act, legislation to close loopholes in Leahy Laws, conduct needed oversight of Pentagon security cooperation programs and ensure that the United States does not provide security assistance to human rights violators under two key Department of Defense funding authorities. The Jacobs-Van Hollen Upholding Human Rights Abroad Act would also increase transparency and expand reporting requirements to bolster oversight.

East County News Service

Photo via San Diego GI Film Festival

July 16, 2022 (Washington D.C.) --  A measure introduced by Congressman Darrell Issa aims to recognize Korean War veteran and retired Navy Captain Royce Williams of Escondido, 97, with a Congressional Medal of Honor. The measure, supported by San Diego’s full Congressional delegation, was overwhelmingly approved by the House and added to the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). It will now advance to the Senate.

By Elijah McKee

Photo: CC via Bing

July 15, 2022 (El Cajon) — It is no secret that 9-1-1 medical calls are sometimes not placed for life-threatening emergencies — yet for lack of any other system, those moments are often forced to be treated with urgent responses, such as ambulance rides to emergency rooms. 

By Katie Cadiao, County of San Diego Communications Office

Photo:  one of the winning entries of the County’s 2021 Our Health is Worth a Shot! Youth Challenge

July 15, 2022 (San Diego) - The County of San Diego is calling on young local artists to share their video and visual art submissions for the 2022 Our Health Deserves a Boost(er)! Youth Challenge.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by:  Adriana Martinez 

July 15, 2022 (Alpine) – A Lakeside woman, 35, died at the scene of a collision this morning on Interstate 8-west in Alpine. Two children, ages 3 and 9, in her vehicle sustained moderate injuries, says Officer Travis Garrow with the California Highway Patrol.

By Jessica Des Lauriers, CAWA, San Diego Humane Society SVP & Chief Operating Officer

July 14, 2022 (San Diego) - The days are long, the weather is warm and who better to share your summer with than a new furry friend? San Diego Humane Society currently has more than 600 adoptable animals — just waiting to give and receive love — and San Diego Humane Society is calling on the community to help us make space in their shelters.

Source: San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Photo credit: Ken Bohn, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

July 14, 2022 (San Pasqual)  — The San Diego Zoo Safari Park has welcomed three new residents: 8-year-old female African lions Malika, Zuri and Amira from the Caldwell Zoo in Texas. The three lions, who are sisters, curiously explored their new home at Lion Camp earlier today—shyly at first, but soon showing great confidence as they became comfortable with their new surroundings.

By Kathy Carpenter

East County News Service

July 13, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) -- San Diego County Clerk Ernie Dronenburg expanded office hours this summer to offer a new “Love After Hours Evening Wedding Services” program. Couples may book an appointment for an evening wedding on the following Wednesdays this summer: July 20, August 10, and September 14, between 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

East County News Service

County News Service contributed to this report

Video by José Eli Villanueva

July 12, 2022 (Otay Mesa) – Numerous fires have started in recent years along the international border in the Otay area of San Diego County. On Tuesday, the San Diego County Fire Protection District broke ground on Fire Station 38 in East Otay Mesa. Once built, the station will serve a rapidly developing area which includes warehouses, transport businesses, two power plants and a battery facility. Crews housed there will also respond to calls on roads and highways in the area carrying traffic crossing the U.S. and Mexico border.

By David R. Shorey, East County Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies

July 11, 2022 (San Diego) -- Communities that are low income or consist of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color generally see less investment in services and access to health care. They are more consistently targets of drug and alcohol marketing and overconcentration of alcohol retailers. This creates a spiral environment where drugs and alcohol become a coping mechanism to numb physical, mental and emotional pain in lieu of proper care.

By Miriam Raftery

July 11, 2022 (Lemon Grove) – If you’re a Lemon Grove resident, you can pickup free food at a drive-through food distribution this Saturday, July 16 starting at 9 a.m. until supplies last. The event will be held at the Lemon Grove Recreation Center, 3131 School Lane in Lemon Grove.