East County News Service

July 7, 2015 (Sacramento)--As the legislative session draws near its close, a flurry of bills are making their way through the state Capitol this week. Here is an update on several key measures: motorcycle lane-splitting, discrimination against transplant patients using medical marijuana, a patient right-to-die bill, and sick-time pay for California workers.

East County News Service

Photo: U.S. Border Patrol

July 7, 2015 (Pine Valley) -- U.S. Border Patrol agents at a checkpoint on I-8 near Pine Valley found three undocumented Mexican immigrants in a vehicle trunk and arrested three American citizens on Monday.

Listen to our podcast of this week's Destination East County by clicking the audio  link.

July 6, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)--This week’s Destination East County features lots of  community concerts, from jazz in a lavender field to blues in a park, plus the Descanso Days Parade, and more. Plus we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including Pine Valley Days, outdoor movies, off-road madness and Jimmie Johnson night in El Cajon. So stay tuned for all of these events and much, much more!

July 6, 2015 (Lakeside) – Residents across East County are invited to a Neighborhood Watch training program put on by staff of the Lakeside Sheriff Substation. The training will be held on Friday, July 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lakeside Community Center, 99841 Vine Street in Lakeside.

July 6, 2015 (San Diego) – East County Magazine’s Bookshelf host Reina Menasche sat down for an interview with Cherie Kephart, author of A Few Minor Adjustments, A Memoir on KNSJ.

Hear a podcast online now: https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/au...

Cherie Kephart, the sweet girl next door who longed for adventure, traveled the world from the remote villages of Central Africa to the majestic coastlines of New Zealand until a mysterious illness thrust her to the precipice of death. Cherie spent seven frantic and comical years seeking support from both medical specialists and eccentric New Age healers to find her life saving answers. A Few Minor Adjustments will move you with its fiercely inspirational and humorous account of one woman's incredible journey to answer the age old question—is life worth living?

By SharonAnn Hamilton

July 5, 2015 (San Diego's East County) - Dear SharonAnn:

I will be 66 years old and retired by year-end. I am single, in good health, my parents are still living and healthy, and my grandparents passed away in their late 90s so it is likely that I have at least 30 years ahead. I am concerned that my nest egg will not last as long as I do. I want to know for sure! Is there a way to prove the projections made by my financial advisor? I have about $1.5M in 401K investments, I own my own home outright, and Social Security will be $2350 per month.

Signed: I want to KNOW for SURE!

Helix, Padre and Otay Districts share info, tips at Chaldean Chamber meeting

By Miriam Raftery

July 5, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – Representatives from Helix,  Padre Dam, and Otay Water districts spoke at a California Drought program hosted by the San Diego East County Chaldean-American Chamber of Commerce on June 24^th in La Mesa.

All three districts are working to make sure their customers comply with Governor Jerry Brown’s order for 25% cuts in water use statewide. But their approaches vary, ranging from educating consumers to offering rebates to one district readying to impose fines on heavy water users.

Here’s what you need to know:

By Mark and Miriam Raftery

Photo, left:  Milky Way galazy and dragon sculpture in Anza Borrego Desert; © Dennis Mammana/dennismammana.com

July 4, 2015 (Borrego Springs) – Stargazing guru Dennis Mammana has been photographing the night sky for nearly a half century and leading night sky tours for nearly thirty years.  He also teaches workshops that provide in-depth tips on how you can photograph everything from the Milky Way to constellations – and  as we discovered last weekend in Borrego, you don’t have to have a backpack full of professional camera gear to come up with some gorgeous images.

Borrego Springs in 2009 became the first designated International Dark Sky Community in California--thanks in part to the efforts of our helpful host, teacher and guide.  That means there are no bright lights at night to interview with your night-sky viewing pleasure.

Trails To The Stream: Poetry and Inspiration for Everyday Living, by Priscilla Koranteng (Poised Publishing LLC, 2014, 136 pages).

Book Review by Dennis Moore

July 4, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) - Priscilla Koranteng, author of two earlier books reviewed by this writer in the East County Magazine; Janju: The Voice of One Girl and Janju: A Village Girl in a City World, and the owner and publisher of Poised Publishing LLC, as well as an HR consulting firm; Poised HR Solutions LLC, has written a moving and insightful book on poetry: Trails To The Stream: Poetry And Inspiration For Everyday Living.

July 4, 2015 (San Diego)--As part of the San Diego Animal Welfare Coalition, County Animal Services and six other animal sheltering organizations in the region launched a “Getting to Zero” campaign Wednesday. The effort includes animal shelters in East County.

Youth from the Juvenile Ranch Facility will be moved to the Camp Barrett facility by early August.

County News Service

July 3, 2015 (Camp Barrett)--Plunging juvenile populations are prompting San Diego County Probation to consolidate operations of its two camps for young people: Juvenile Ranch Facility in Campo and Camp Barrett youth facility in rural Alpine. Both camps house male youths.

Photo: Kayla Douglas of Spring  Valley landed this 5 lb. 4 oz Channel Catfish at Hermits Cove

July 1, 2015 (Lakeside) – The Lake Jennings Fish Report for July is out-with plenty of tips and news for fishing enthusiasts. The lake is open every day in July. Here are a few highlights:

July 3, 2015 (La Mesa)--Mama’s Kitchen, www.mamaskitchen.org, prepares and delivers nutritious meals to San Diego men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS.   Additionally, they provide pantry services (Mama's Pantry) and nutrition education to its clients. 

The people of The Table:  United Church of Christ of La Mesa invite you to join them in overfilling a collection barrel for Mama July 8 through July 28.  She needs nonperishable food items (no expired food, please):  canned tuna, chili, salmon, fruit and soup; peanut butter and jelly, spaghetti sauce, boxed cereal and dry milk (small boxes).

By Miriam Raftery

July 3, 2015 (Ramona) – On June 29, we reported that this could be the last year for the Ramona fireworks show, since the Ramona Rotary Club had fallen short of raising the enormous funds needed for the display.  Fortunately, the Club has now reached its fundraising goal, the Ramona Home Journal reports in an e-mail sent to its readers.