Democrats take stand to protect healthcare coverage as Republicans adjourn with negotiating
By G. A. McNeeley
October 1, 2025 -- The Democratic and Republican proposals that would’ve funded the government beyond Tuesday, September 30, failed within The Senate during the eleventh hour, which effectively shut the government down at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1.
The federal government ran out of money after a Democratic-backed spending bill that would’ve extended health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act and reversed cuts to Medicaid failed. The Republican-backed stopgap funding measure that would’ve funded the government for seven weeks also failed.
Democrats have refused to back a Republican bill that will make it harder for Americans to afford healthcare. They’re calling for an extension of the tax credits (which are set to expire) that have made health insurance cheaper for millions of Americans, and for a reversal of cuts to Medicaid that were made by President Donald Trump. Republicans have acccused Democrats of trying to provide healthcare benefits for undocumented immigrants, which the Washington Post reports is a false claim. Illegal immigrants have never been eligible for the healthcare tax credits.
October 2, 2025 (San Diego) – With the Trump administration shutting down the federal government and thus critical services for the working class, the San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO will host its weekly “ICE Out of San Diego” rally—this time, bringing together workers, immigrants, and allies to condemn the Trump administration’s escalating attacks on the working class.
The rally at 10 a.m. today will be at the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, 880 Front Street, San Diego, CA 92101
From hotel workers arrested in parking lots after their shifts to restaurant employees targeted in militarized South Park raids”, ICE is terrorizing San Diegans while the Supreme Court greenlights racial profiling. These actions are part of a broader strategy to divide the working class, silence dissent, and dismantle unions while billionaires pocket trillions in tax cuts,” a press release from the Labor Council states.
San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 to approve pilot program for El Capitan Reservoir. Photo courtesy Friends of San Diego Lakes via Instagram
By Karen Pearlman
Oct. 1, 2025 (San Diego County) -- In a move hailed by East County residents and recreation advocates, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Wednesday to approve a pilot program that could dramatically expand public access and recreational opportunities at El Capitan Reservoir in Lakeside.
Championed by Supervisor Joel Anderson of District 2 and Vice Chair Monica Montgomery Steppe of District 4, by a 5-0 vote, the Supervisors approved a recommendation to allocate up to $2.4 million over four years to allow the County’s Department of Parks and Recreation to oversee maintenance and operation of the reservoir's recreational activities.
The goal is to establish a consistent, year-round operation model similar to the successful long-term partnership currently in place at Lake Morena.
October 1, 2025 (Julian) - For anyone interested in exploring the historic aspect of weaving on a loom, or buying hand-woven products, you won’t want to miss Julian Weaving Works in Santa Ysabel. Julian Weaving Works is a weaving academy and store created and run by Beryl Warnes. She has been in this weaving business for 30 years.
October 1, 2025 (Sacramento) -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta, as part of a multistate coalition, yesterday sought emergency relief from the U.S. District Court for the District Court of Rhode Island to stop the unlawful reallocation of hundreds of millions of dollars in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Homeland Security Grant Program funding away from states like California.
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October 1, 2025 (Sacramento) - Democrat Toni Atkins is dropping out of the crowded 2026 race to succeed Gavin Newsom as California governor, she announced Monday.
October 1, 2025 (Boulevard) – Border Patrol agents thwarted a drug smuggling attempt Sunday afternoon, seizing over 52 pounds of methamphetamine concealed within the spare tire of a side-by-side utility terrain vehicle in San Diego’s East County.
Sept. 30, 2025 (San Diego) -- Three Democratic members of Congress from San Diego called on their Republican colleagues to negotiate but acknowledged that a government shutdown is likely at midnight.
Earlier this month Republicans in the House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution to keep the government funded through Nov. 21. If not passed by the Senate on Tuesday evening, the government will shut down.
At issue is whether to extend tax credits that make Obamacare cheaper for an estimated 22 million Americans — including more than 100,000 in the San Diego area.
Photo: 2007 Harris Fire in Potrero, one of many wildfires for which FEMA provided disaster relief funds in our region
September 30, 2025 (Sacramento) -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta, as part of a multistate coalition, yesterday sought emergency relief from the U.S. District Court for the District Court of Rhode Island to stop the unlawful reallocation of hundreds of millions of dollars in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Homeland Security Grant Program funding away from states like California.
President Donald Trump has said he plans to eliminate FEMA completely as early as December and return responsibility for disaster prevention, response and relief for survivors entirely to states. “"We want to wean off of FEMA, and we want to bring it back to the state level," the president said in JUNE, NPR reported, adding that the agency would immediately "give out less money" to states recovering from disasters.
September 29, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – September has been a deadly month for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians, with vehicle accidents claiming numerous lives across our inland region. Here are details, per the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s office. All died of blunt force injuries, with one driver also suffering multiple strokes.
These tragic deaths, listed below, are reminders to always use caution when driving, bicycling or walking, especially after dark.
September 29, 2025 (Borrego Springs) – The Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center 2025-2026 season is underway. In October, the center will host the Miss Borrego Springs Pageant on Saturday, Oct. 11, followed by legendary blues musician Doug McLeod in concert on Friday, Oct. 17.
September 29, 2025 (El Cajon) – East County Schools Federal Credit Union (ECSFCUannounces the appointment of Matt Lyons as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 15, 2025. Lyons succeeds, who has served as ECSFCU’s President and CEO for 22 years and will retire on October 15, 2025.
September 29, 2025 (San Diego) – SDG&E will conduct a test of its customer notification systems on Tuesday, September 30. According to SDG&E’s press release, “ This test is part of SDG&E’s commitment to public safety, ensuring our customers have the information they need when emergencies arise. Regular testing ensures our notification systems are fully operational and reliable when needed. “
Residential and business customers (account holders) will receive test notifications via text message, phone or email asking them to update their contact information. The tests will be conducted across SDG&E’s service area in San Diego and Orange counties.
Text messages will come from the number 73434 (also known as a short code). The phone call will come from 1-858-868-4586. Email messages will be sent from notices@sdge.com.
San Diego Humane Society’s Project Wildlife program helps young big cats reclaim their place in nature
Source: San Diego Humane Society
September 29, 2025 (Ramona) — Two mountain lion cubs who arrived at San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center as orphans in March have been returned to the wild.
The young carnivores were released into suitable habitat in San Diego County on Sept. 18, 2025, after undergoing more than five months of rehabilitation designed to limit human interaction and prepare them for life on their own.
The cubs were originally found alone and malnourished before being safely trapped by the UC Davis California Carnivores Program team in coordination with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. They were transferred to San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center on March 26, 2025.
September 29, 2025 (San Diego) -- I am Jewish, born and raised in San Diego, and lived for six months in Israel in 1978. News focuses on the brutal Hamas attack on Israel; but ignores that two years earlier, 600,000 Israelis moved into the West Bank Palestinian Authority and a few thousand the Gaza strip, set fire to mosques, shot at farmers, etc. Condemned by the world.
Three percent of Israeli citizens are Palestinians, living in enclaves where they are often denied permits to build, with lower spending on schools, and several thousand held in administrative detention without charges.
September 28, 2025 (El Cajon) - The Heartland Coin Club announces its highly anticipated Coin Show, taking place on Saturday, October 25, 2025 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the El Cajon Elks Lodge, El Cajon, CA. This event offers opportunity for coin enthusiasts, collectors, and curious minds to come together and explore the fascinating world of numismatics.
Photo via Indivisible North County San Diego and 50501 North County San Diego
September 29, 2025 (Escondido) - Approximately 100 residents from Ramona, Temecula, Escondido, San Diego, and other locations joined in a 'We are All Immigrants' rally on September 27th in Escondido. The rally was organized by the North County chapters of Indivisible and 50501.
September 29, 2025 (El Cajon) -- On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, the East County Economic Development Council (ECEDC), in partnership with the San Diego and Imperial Small Business Development Center, will host the 10th Annual East County Manufacturing Expo at Cuyamaca College.
The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS New Hampshire returns to port at Naval Station Norfolk on May 7,2021. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Alfred A. Coffield)
By Cristina Johnson
September 29, 2025 (San Diego) -- The noble sacrifices made by United States veterans have always been woven into the fabric of the nation.
Unfortunately, far too many of them continue to deal now with the profound challenge of homelessness or living without stable homes. Rising housing costs combined with various medical and mental health conditions have left thousands of people vulnerable to life on the streets.
September 28, 2025 (San Diego) – The San Diego Writers and Editors Guild launches Good Luck with That—the Guilded Pen’s thirteenth annual anthology. The collection includes thirty-six stories written by twenty-nine members on the theme: “Good Luck or Is It?”
September 28, 2025 (Otay Lakes) -- San Diego sector Border Patrol agents rescued an injured cyclist, Keith Leyva, after he fell over 40 feet from a cliff into a remote canyon.
September 28, 2025 (Washington D.C.) -- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just approved a version of Leucovorin for autism treatment of children. This action comes after President Donald Trump claimed that Tylenol taken during pregnancy can cause autism, despite the fact that numerous studies have found Tylenol safe to take during pregnancy to reduce pain and fever—conditions that left untreated can damage an unborn child.
By Sir Milo Loftin, County of San Diego Communications Office
September 28, 2025 (San Diego) - San Diego County Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Andrew Strong has been honored with the inaugural Partners for Justice Champion Award for his leadership and innovative support of public defense.
September 28, 2025 (Santee) -- The ninth annual Ladies at the Lake Fall Market will be Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Lake 1 event area at Santee Lakes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shoppers and craft fair goers throughout San Diego are expected to attend the event that celebrates women owned businesses, and a few men as well.
September 28, 2025 (San Diego) - Lucas and Emily's Food Bank Adventure is a children's book for 5- to 10-year-olds. It is designed to inspire children and their families to volunteer in community programs that help those in need. In the book, two friends and a grandparent visit a group that make and deliver sandwiches.
Sept. 27, 2025 (San Diego County) -- Health insurance can feel confusing and daunting, and typically is expensive.
But Covered California, the state’s Affordable Care Act Marketplace, offers a less stressful way to shop for and compare plans, and works with all the major health insurance companies to negotiate the lowest possible prices for coverage, helping reduce costs and increase options for consumers throughout California.
Covered California is the state’s health insurance marketplace, where Californians can find affordable, high-quality insurance from top insurance companies, and is the only place where individuals who qualify can get financial assistance on a sliding scale to reduce premium costs.
Sept. 27, 2025 (Alpine) -- While most San Diego County residents are planning their Thanksgiving feasts, a much wilder kind of holiday celebration is in the works for a special group of residents in Alpine.
Lions Tigers & Bears, the county’s only accredited big cat and bear sanctuary, will be hosting its annual Thanksgiving Turkey Bash in the days after Thanksgiving (Thursday, Nov. 27) at the venue at 24402 Martin Way in Alpine.
Sept. 27, 2025 (San Diego County) -- The latest National Weather Service forecast for the San Diego area shows below-seasonal temperatures and a chance of thunderstorms, especially over the mountains and deserts, with a Beach Hazard Statement for coastal areas due to elevated surf.
A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for the San Diego County mountain and desert areas until 7 p.m. Saturday.
The NWS reports that an unanticipated weather pattern continues to affect the county, particularly the East County's mountains and deserts, bringing chances of showers and thunderstorms and unseasonably cool temperatures.
Sept. 27, 2025 (Santee) – The San Diego County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk (ARCC) will host an American Archives Month Celebration to highlight San Diego County history from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 4 at the ARCC’s East County office, 10144 Mission Gorge Road, Santee. Admission is free.
By G. A. McNeeley 
San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 to approve pilot program for El Capitan Reservoir. Photo courtesy Friends of San Diego Lakes via Instagram
East County News Service
By Heidi Hope
East County News Service
By Jeanne Kuang, CalMatters
Source: Border Patrol
By Miriam Raftery
By Miriam Raftery
Source: East County Schools Federal Credit Union
San Diego Humane Society’s Project Wildlife program helps young big cats reclaim their place in nature
Source: Heartland Coin Club
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
By Alexander J. Schorr
By 
East County News Service
Reviewed by Pennell Paugh
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
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