CALIFORNIA DEMOCRATIC DELEGATES, WITH MORE SWAY IN WILD ELECTION, RALLY BEHIND HARRIS

With President Joe Biden announcing yesterday he won’t seek reelection and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, some California Democratic delegates quickly went along. Gov. Gavin Newsom also endorsed Harris.

By Alexei Koseff and Jeanne Kuang, CalMatters

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters.

Photo: From left to right: LAPD Chief Charlie Beck, Harris, and civil rights lawyer Constance L. Rice celebrate the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

July 22, 2024 (Sacramento) -- California’s nearly 500 delegates to the Democratic National Convention next month will play a key role in choosing a replacement nominee now that President Joe Biden has ended his reelection campaign.

Read earlier coverage on Biden's withdraw from our team at: BIDEN DROPS OUT OF PRESIDENTIAL RACE AMID PRESSURE FROM FELLOW DEMOCRATS | East County Magazine or click "Read more" below for the article previewed.

RIVER OF LIGHT: ACCEPTING MYSELF AND MY POTENTIAL

San Diego Bookshelf

By Wendy Schultz

Reviewed by Pennell Paugh

July 22, 2024 (San Diego) -- Wendy Schultz, a resident of Oceanside, recently released a fictional story, River of Light. It seems so real that I initially believed the book was a memoir. It begins with the main character wanting to change her name. A judge tells her that by persisting and insisting others use her preferred name, she’ll succeed in changing from being Fresno Bakersfield Ingersoll to Clare Elizabeth Ingersoll. Schultz’s mother names her children the places at which her children may have been conceived.

ESTATE PLANNING: A WOMEN'S PERSPECTIVE

By Jonathan Goetz

Photo: James G. Stieringer Conference Center Auditorium (courtesy: Grossmont Healthcare District)

July 22, 2024 (La Mesa) -- Women face unique challenges when it comes to estate planning. Statistics show that women are almost four times as likely to be widowed compared to men. Additionally, more women than ever before are either divorced or choosing not to marry. These factors make it crucial for women to take proactive steps in planning their estates.

This seminar is designed to help you get organized, avoid common mistakes, and prepare for the future with confidence. Whether you are single, divorced, or widowed, this seminar will provide valuable insights and practical advice tailored to your specific needs.

JD VANCE - WHO ONCE CALLED TRUMP 'AMERICA'S HITLER' TAPPED FOR VP

The right-wing Ohio Republican, who opposes abortion rights and backed Trump's effort to overturn the 2020 election, is a former venture capitalist who portrays himself as a champion of the working class.

By Brett Wilkins, Common Dreams

July 21, 2024 (Washington, D.C.) -- Former President Donald Trump on Monday chose U.S. Sen. JD Vance as his running mate despite the Ohio Republican formerly describing himself as a "Never Trump guy" and calling the presumptive GOP nominee an "idiot," an "---hole," and "America's Hitler."

PASSED OVER FOR PROMOTIONS, NO JOBS IN SIGHT: SOME DEAF CALIFORNIANS QUESTION WHAT'S FAIR

deaf

By Adam Echelman, CalMatters

Video by Cristian Gonzalez and Adriana Heldiz for CalMatters: Searching for work while deaf

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters.

July 21, 2024 (Sacramento) -- Lisa Peterson (video, left) interviewed first at Kohl’s, then at TJ Maxx and Target. She applied for jobs at Raley’s, Safeway, Applebee’s, and Olive Garden, too. Once, she advanced to a second interview at the Cheesecake Factory, but like the rest, no job offer followed.

HIGHWAY 67 CLOSED NORTH OF POWAY ROAD DUE TO #MINAFIRE

By Jonathan Goetz

Update 6:27 p.m. per Caltrans: SR-67 all lanes reopen to traffic.

July 21, 2024 (Poway) -- Highway 67 is closed northbound at Poway Road and southbound at Archie Moore, reports Caltrans San Diego on X, due to the #MinaFire.

CAREGIVER BASICS WORKSHOP WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON

East County News Service

July 21, 2024 (La Mesa) -- Are you caring for a loved one at home without much outside support? Join the Sharp HealthCare Team at the Grossmont Healthcare District Conference Center (9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa 91942), Wednesday, July 24, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. for an informative and supportive workshop designed just for you!

HIGH HEAT TODAY, THUNDERSTORMS FORECAST EARLY THIS WEEK

Substantially cooler temperatures expected starting Thursday

East County News Service

July 21, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – Extreme heat is forecast Sunday, followed by thunderstorms with dangerous lightning activity in San Diego County’s mountains and deserts.

BIDEN DROPS OUT OF PRESIDENTIAL RACE AMID PRESSURE FROM FELLOW DEMOCRATS

By Jessyka Heredia

July 21, 2024 (Washington, D.C.) – Today Joe Biden released a statement on social media to announce he was dropping out of the Presidential race against former President Trump and his newly announced Vice Presidential running mate JD Vance.

HUNDREDS OF LEMON GROVE RESIDENTS PROTEST SLEEPING CABIN PROJECT DURING COUNTY FORUM

By Jessyka Heredia

Watch full video here

July 20, 2024 (Lemon Grove) – An angry crowd of residents confronted Supervisor Monica Montgomery-Steppe during a community forum in Lemon Grove Thursday night, most opposed to a homeless sleeping cabin project voted on by Supervisors before the community’s voices were heard. The meeting had to be moved to the recreation center’s gymnasium to accommodate the overflow turnout.

Just two days earlier, Supervisors voted 4-0 to move forward on the project, with Chair Nora Vargas absent. The forum, held after the vote, left many residents feeling lied to. as they had believed Thursday's forum was a chance for the community to be heard. The crowd was loud and passionate.

IT GLITCH CAUSED DELAYS IN FLIGHTS, BUSINESS OPERATIONS GLOBALLY

By Paige Gross, Kansas Reflector

July 20, 2024 (Worldwide) -- Air travel, banking, media and hospital systems were just some of the industries affected by a bug in a software update that scrambled business operations for many globally on Friday.

Many of those who use Microsoft Windows are likely experiencing a “blue screen of death” or an error page. The issue is due to a single bug in a software update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike, which provides antivirus software for Microsoft users.

The company pushed out an update to the software overnight, and at 1:30 a.m. EST, CrowdStrike said its “Falcon Sensor” software was causing Microsoft Windows to crash and display a blue screen, Reuters reported.

FIRE KILLS TENS OF THOUSANDS OF CHICKENS AT DEMLER BROTHERS EGG RANCH, SITE OF 2019 ANIMAL CRUELTY INVESTIGATION

East County News Service

Photo credit: Maggie Bellah

July 20, 2024 (Ramona) – A large barn fire broke out Thursday at Demler Brothers Egg Ranch, a factory egg farm in Ramona that confines approximately two million chickens and supplies eggs to Walmart, Smart & Final, and other chains. Tens of thousands of birds inside the impacted barn burned to death, and animal rights activists who went to the scene were told there were no plans to evacuate birds in the remaining barns, according to Direct Action Everywhere (DxE), an international animal rights group which says Animal Services was not present at the scene. Demler Brothers Egg Ranch was previously investigated by the San Diego chapter of DxE in 2019, when the group’s investigators found tens of thousands of animals in extreme confinement inside the facility, injured birds languishing in trash bins, and corpses on the floor.

EGG RANCH BURNING IN RAMONA | East County Magazine July 19, 2024

THE GRASS IS GREENER ON CENTER STREET: CANNABIS TESTING SITE TO OPEN

By Rachel Williams

Photo: Abhey Schweitzer, the architect behind Center Street Distribution LLC (July 17)

July 20, 2024 (La Mesa)—Sprouting along Center Street’s southerly side is a budding industry propagating the cultivation of cannabis products like weeds. The planning commission favored its first marijuana distribution facility last Wednesday.

ADVANCING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES: EAST COUNTY OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM FOCUSES ON YOUTH

By David R. Shorey, San Diego County Program Director, Institute for Public Strategies

July 19, 2024 (San Diego) -- The Institute for Public Strategies recently launched its East County Outdoor Opportunities (EcoOp) program. It is a transformative initiative to expand access to nature for low-income and disadvantaged youth in Lemon Grove, Spring Valley/La Presa, and El Cajon. With a $300,000 grant from the California Natural Resources Agency, IPS will offer enriching outdoor experiences that promote health, wellness, and empowerment and support youth substance use prevention and early intervention.

The grant is part of the California Natural Resources Agency’s broader initiative to increase youth access to natural and cultural resources. The funding, totaling nearly $18 million, supports 71 Youth Community Access Program projects across the state. These projects prioritize communities disproportionately affected by past state and federal drug policies, as well as other underserved populations.

For more articles in this column visit: Advancing Healthy Communities | East County Magazine

COUNTY BREAKS GROUND ON EAST COUNTY CRISIS STABILIZATION UNIT

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

Video by Anita Lightfoot, Alex Aguirre

July 19, 2024 (El Cajon) -- The County of San Diego and partner agencies broke ground on the region’s seventh Crisis Stabilization Unit Thursday.

The “CSUs” are designed to give many people who are in the midst of a behavioral health crisis a calm and better place to become stable and recover than emergency rooms, hospitals or jails.

COUNTY TO BUILD EAST REGION CRISIS STABILIZATION UNIT AND RECOVERY BRIDGE IN EL CAJON | East County Magazine May 9, 2024

SPRING VALLEY COMMUNITY ALLIANCE ICE CREAM SOCIAL JULY 27

Spring Valley Community Alliance

East County News Service

July 19, 2024 (Spring Valley) -- You are invited for a sweet afternoon at the Spring Valley Community Alliance's (SVCA) Meet and Greet - Ice Cream Social! Discover more about the SVCA and share your community concerns in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. This event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with neighbors, build relationships, and explore how people can work together to make Spring Valley even better. Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 27 from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. in the back parking lot of Spring Valley Community Church at 3310 Bancroft Drive in Spring Valley 91977. Ice cream and lively conversation await!

CRIME STOPPERS: SHOOTING - SPRING VALLEY

shooting Spring Valley

Help wanted in finding shooting suspects.

East County News Service

July 19, 2024 (Spring Valley) -- The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office wants the public’s help in identifying and locating possible suspects in connection with a shooting in Spring Valley.

On November 18, 2023, around 8:00 p.m., deputies from the Rancho San Diego Sheriff's Station responded to a call of a shooting in the 9000 block of Ildica Street. When they arrived, they found five people who had suffered gunshot wounds. Deputies immediately began to render aid. The victims were taken to area hospitals for treatment. Additionally, two children suffered burn wounds caused by the shooting. The children were taken to Rady Children’s Hospital for treatment.

EGG RANCH BURNING IN RAMONA

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Tim Glaudini

July 19, 2024 (Ramona) – A fire is burning at an egg ranch facility in the 25800 block of Highway 78 in Ramona.

The fire is contained to one 25,000 square foot structure that houses approximately 70,000 hens.

FIRE KILLS TENS OF THOUSANDS OF CHICKENS AT DEMLER BROTHERS EGG RANCH, SITE OF 2019 ANIMAL CRUELTY INVESTIGATION | East County Magazine July 20, 2024

ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS

ECM World News

July 18, 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:

U.S.

WORLD

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS

East County Round-UP

July 18, 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:

LOCAL

In-Depth: $10 million effort to assess San Diego's aging dams (10 News)
Border arrests plunge 29% in June to the lowest of Biden's presidency as asylum halt takes hold (10 News)
Poll finds majority of San Diego, Imperial County officeholders experienced threats (KPBS)
UC San Diego poised to super-size dorms to ease chronic housing shortage (San Diego Union-Tribune)

STATE

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

HOW SAFE ARE LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS? GROSSMONT DISTRICT ELIMINATES SCHOOL SAFETY DEPARTMENT

By Kristen Andelman

Photo:Jay Farrington testifiedto board on priorities for the Office of School Safety, which the GUHSD board majority later voted to eliminate.

July 18, 2024 (El Cajon) -- Grossmont Union High School District has ousted its School Safety Director Jay Farrington and eliminated the entire school safety department entirely, effective June 30.

The action is shocking and particularly troubling in a district that survived two mass shootings at Santana and Granite Hills high schools back in 2001.The Santana shooting killed 2 students and injured 13 people; five people were shot and injured at Granite Hills. School shootings are at record levels nationwide today. So far this year, there have been 107 school shootings, killing 29 people and injuring 61.

The decision was made by the GUHSD board on May 11 in a in a 3-2 vote. Board members Chris Fite and Elva Salinas voted against the cut, while members Robert Shield, Gary Woods and Jim Kelly voted to eliminate student safety.

LEMON GROVE RESIDENTS FEEL DUPED BY COUNTY AND CITY OFFICIALS ON SLEEPING CABINS PROPOSAL

By Jessyka Heredia

July 17, 2024 (Lemon Grove) – Residents of Lemon Grove were told there would be a community forum tomorrow to discuss the possibility of bringing 70 sleeping cabins to Lemon Grove to house homeless people. But County Supervisors voted 4-0 yesterday (with Nora Vargas absent) to move forward on the project just two days before the community forum, leaving residents to wonder if their input ever mattered.

The project was to be built with a $10 million dollar grant from the state originally slated for 150 sleeping cabins in Spring Valley, but that project was cancelled after objections from neighbors over proximity to homes and sensitive sites. Vargas said she “heard the concerns of the community” and backed instead building a smaller-scale project in Lemon Grove near the Spring Valley boundary.

You may also be interested in: SUPERVISOR MONTGOMERY-STEPPE TO HOLD PUBLIC FORUM JULY 18 ON PROPOSED SLEEPING CABINS FOR HOMELESS IN LEMON GROVE | East County Magazine

DINNER AND A CONCERT FRIDAY NIGHTS IN DOWNTOWN EL CAJON

Downtown Business Partners

By Jonathan Goetz and Miriam Raftery

July 17, 2024 (El Cajon) -- El Cajon’s Dinner and a Concert series continues each Friday night in August from 6 to 8 p.m. on the Prescott Promenade in downtown El Cajon.

The lineup features Stone Soul on August 2, Ronsatadt Revival on August 9: Ronstadt Revival, Trey Hill Band on August 16: The Heroes August 23, and on August 30, Billy Nation.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CHAIR REBECCA TAYLOR KILLED IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH

East County News Service

July 17, 2024 (San Diego) – Rebecca “Becca” Taylor, Chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party, has died of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident in Utah. She was returning home from a trip when she was hit from behind.

Acting Chair Kyle Krahel-Frolander issued a statement which reads in part: ”Becca made an incalculable impact on so many and moved San Diego toward a brighter future. She was more than just a leader, she was a public servant. Becca was a Navy veteran, an advocate for victims of sexual assault, a member of the OB Town Council,and a volunteer finding resources for asylum seekers. She embodied the best of us.”

FIREFIGHTERS RESCUE UNCONSCIOUS VICTIM FROM BURNING MOBILE HOME IN SANTEE

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Scott Lagace

July 17, 2024 (Santee) – Santee firefighters rescued an unconscious woman from a mobile home engulfed in flames this afternoon, also saving numerous cats, though one cat perished.

Crews were dispatched at 12:07 p.m. to the fire at Hawaiian Village Mobile Home Park, Unit 84 on Buena Vista Avenue in Santee, arriving five minutes later. Occupants outside reported a potential victim still inside, so fire crews started extinguishing the flames and entered the residence, where they found the unconscious woman.

RIDES GALORE AND MORE AT RAMONA COUNTY FAIR JULY 26-28

Ramona Country Fair

East County News Service

July 17, 2024 (Ramona)—Amusement rides, carnival games, and live music are all part of the fun at the Ramona Country Fair July 26-28. There’s also an off-road show, western shows, food and beverage vendors, and more.

SUPERVISOR MONTGOMERY-STEPPE TO HOLD PUBLIC FORUM JULY 18 ON PROPOSED SLEEPING CABINS FOR HOMELESS IN LEMON GROVE

Board of Supervisors to held hearing July 16 on sleeping cabins, before July 18 community forum in Lemon Grove

By Jessyka Heredia

July 10, 2024 (Lemon Grove) — County Supervisor Monica Montgomery-Steppe is holding a community forum July 18 to hear from community members. On a flyer announcing the event, she states, “San Diego County is exploring the possibility of placing 60-70 sleeping cabins at Troy Street and Sweetwater Road in Lemon Grove.” The meeting will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Lemon Grove Community Center, 3146 School Lane in Lemon Grove.

HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS

Health/Fitness

July 18, 2024 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.

HEALTH

Children receive first doses of new malaria vaccine, hailed as major milestone (CNN)

Tampons contain lead, arsenic and potentially toxic chemicals, studies say. Here’s what to know (CNN)

Mystery of Gulf War Syndrome Finally Solved by Immunologists (Newsweek)

SCIENCE AND TECH

Cave discovered on Moon could be home for humans (BBC)

'Unprecedented' Sea Level Rise Is Making Earth's Days Longer (Newsweek)

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

CHINA’S SECRET TIES TO ILLEGAL DRUG TRADE, FROM FENTANYL SMUGGLING TO POT FARMING

By Bransen P. Harper and Patrick Watkins

Photo, via Kingfisher County Sheriff: Oklahoma marijuana farm where four people were murdered by Chinese gangsters, according to ProPublica

July 17, 2024 (San Diego) – Organized crime, including Chinese mafia and Mexican cartels, are increasingly collaborating in the proliferation of drugs inside the U.S.