By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

August  12, 2023 (San Diego) – Summer heat can interfere with our power supply in many ways. Hot weather can drive up energy demands, often to power air conditioners, which can overload your electrical grid.  Here are tips to prepare for power outages.

By Miriam Raftery

August 11, 2023 (San Diego) – Five overdose deaths in San Diego County have been linked to a large animal tranquilizer, Xylazine, known on the streets as Tranq, according to Councilmember Marni Von Wilpert. The drug can cause flesh to rot and in extreme cases, amputation of limbs. It is being laced into street drugs including fentanyl, methamphetamines and heroin, so users are often unaware that they’re consuming Xylazine.

Narcan does not work to reverse a Xylazine overdose because Xylazine is not a narcotic.

East County News Service

August 10, 2023 (San Diego) -- The first bloodhound for the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department is now on duty. Albert joined the Sheriff's Department in January of 2022 as a 13-week-old puppy. After more than a year of training, he is now serving our communities as

part of the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) K-9 Unit. His special mission is to help find missing and at-risk people.

Source: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Photo by Miriam Raftery: African elephant in South Africa

August 10,2023 (Escondido)-- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has announced construction is officially underway on what the organization says is the largest and most transformative project in the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s 50-year history. The all-new Denny Sanford Elephant Valley will reimagine the heart of the Safari Park, turning the current elephant environment into a “dynamic savanna and a place of exploration,” according to the SDZWA media release.

Elephant Valley will give guests of all ages the opportunity to connect with elephants like never before in hopes of encouraging greater empathy, understanding, and appreciation of this majestic species—and igniting a passion for wildlife. Surrounded by elephants on multiple sides, including from below via an overhead walkway with views of the herd passing through, guests will learn about the crucial role elephants have as ecosystem engineers, and about their intricate social dynamics.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  Fire burns Lahaina, Maui; courtesy of the Hawaii Department of Transportation

August 10, 2023 (Lahaina) – Wildfires fanned by a hurricane offshore have devastated the Hawaiian island of Maui, killing at least 36 people and leaving thousands homeless. The historic heart of Lahaina in west Maui has been destroyed, with some fleeing into the ocean to escape flames fanned by 80 mile-per-hour winds from  Hurricane Dora south of the island. Two other fires also continue to burn out of control in central Maui, where parts of Kuna remain evacuated.

Fires have also impacted the Big Island, though the largest in the Kohala area is 60% contained.FEMA has provided help, and emergency shelters there have closed.

But on Maui, the Lahaina and Upcountry fires continue to rage as devastation continues. Burn centers are overrun, including some patients who suffered smoke inhalation.

The hurricane knocked out power across fire-stricken Maui, leaving thousands without communications as panicked residents and tourists rushed to evacuate the fast-moving infernos.

With the Governor out of state, Acting Governor Sylvia Luke signed an emergency proclamation, activated the National Guard, and urged visitors to leave the island.  Tourists with reservations on  Maui are urged not to come, in order to free up hotel rooms for displaced residents.   “This is not a safe place to be,” she said at a news conference yesterday.

East County News Service

August 8, 2023 (El Cajon) --  A 58-year-old man was found dead in his room at the El Cajon Inn & Suites motel this morning by an employee who called 911.  The worker entered the room to check on the welfare of the guest, who had not been seen for several days.

By Jacob Pamus

Image: Rendering of a proposed e-billboard in La Mesa

August 8, 2023 (La Mesa) – On July 25, the La Mesa City Council rejected a recommendation of an ad hoc committee known as the “Digital Billboard Ad-hoc Subcommittee.” Councilwoman Patricia Dillard and Councilman Jack Shu are in this subcommittee; its purpose was to issue a request for proposals with billboard companies to build digital billboards in La Mesa.

But ultimately, Shu and Dillard shifted their stances to oppose electronic billboards.

By Miriam Raftery

August 7, 2023 (Boulevard, CA) – The community room at the Boulevard Sheriff station was packed for  Boulevard Planning Group’s meeting on August 3, with updates on a dozen major energy projects on the agenda.

Some are moving forward, some have been withdrawn, others face legal challenges, and several remain in the pipeline.

The board also addressed other issues ranging from potential impacts of the county's cannabis ordinance to the appointment of two new board members.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Cherry Diefenbach: Pine Valley Bridge on Old Highway 80  is among the bridges receiving honorary names.

August 6, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – San Diego County Supervisors in July unanimously voted to approve honorary naming of four bridges to commemorate pioneering leaders in East County.  The request was made by District 2 Supervisor Joel Anderson, in response to requests from community members, petitions signed by at least 100 residents, and approval by each community’s planning group or sponsor group.

By Branda Gorgies

Photos take

n by Branda Gorgies, Miriam Raftery, and Nathan Dumlao via UnSplash

July 11, 2023 (East County) – While there’s always a nearby Starbucks, gas station or convenience store, shopping locally and supporting small businesses is a great contribution to the community.

Although, sometimes it can be difficult to find local coffee shops near you. This article is here to give you a comprehensive list of local brewers that you can support. Click the titles of coffee shops listed  to visit their websites.