SOLAR ECLIPSE VIEWING PARTY

ATMOSPHERIC RIVER TO DRENCH REGION OVER EASTER WEEKEND

GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL BOARD SLASHES STAFFING, OVER OBJECTIONS OF VOCAL CROWD

CONSUMER ALERT FOR SAFELY FILING YOUR TAXES

VIEW OUR INTERVIEW: LA MESA ACTIVISTS OBJECT TO CITY COUNCIL BANNING REMOTE PARTICIPATION

WINTER STORM WARNING

EASTER BRUNCH AND EGG HUNT MARCH 30 IN EL CAJON

BIA SAN DIEGO PARTNERS WITH WORKFORCECONNECT TO UTILIZE JOBS PLATFORM, WHILE ADDRESSING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WORKFORCE SHORTAGE

RECENT FIRE DEATHS HEIGHTEN CALLS FOR FIRE PROTECTION BALLOT MEASURE IN SANTEE

MISSION TRAILS REGIONAL PARK COMMUNITY NIGHT SLATED FOR THURSDAY, APRIL 4

COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND TANYA TUCKER LIVE AT THE MAGNOLIA MAY 19

UNOFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS SHOW FLIPS IN TWO KEY RACES HOLDING

CHECKPOINTS JULY 3 IN LEMON GROVE FOR DRIVING UNDER INFLUENCE AND UNLICENSED DRIVERS

Source: San Diego Sheriff

June 30, 2021 (Lemon Grove) -- The Sheriff’s Lemon Grove Substation will be conducting a DUI / Driver's License checkpoint on Saturday, July 3 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.at an unspecified location in Lemon Grove.  

“In an effort to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol-involved crashes, DUI checkpoints are conducted to identify offenders and get them off the street, as well as educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving,” says Traffic Sergeant Aaron Montan. “All too often, members of our community are senselessly injured or killed on local roadways by impaired drivers. This DUI / Driver's License checkpoint is an effort to reduce those tragedies, as well as ensuring drivers have a valid driver's license.”

JACUMBA RESIDENTS CONTINUE TO FIGHT SOLAR PROJECT: JULY 9 PLANNNG COMMISSION HEARING IS NEXT STEP

Story and photos by Henri Migala 

Miriam Raftery also contributed to this report

June 30, 2021 (Jacumba Hot Springs) -- Imagine moving to a small, quiet, rural community over an hour away from a major metropolitan area to enjoy the quiet solitude of the open backcountry--only to learn that an international investment group is planning on building a massive solar project, six times larger than your entire community, within feet from you house.<--break->

SUPERVISORS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVE BUDGET WITH PRIORITIES ON EQUITY AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL

East County News Service

Photo: County Administration Building, courtesy of San Diego County News Service

June 29, 2021 (San Diego) – San Diego County’s Board of Supervisors voted unanimously today to adopt a $7.23 billion revised budget for fiscal year 2021-22. The adopted budget responds to voices in the community and follows a Framework for the Future that will fundamentally change County operations, with significant funding to address justice system reform, racial justice, health and environmental equity, homelessness, and economic opportunity.

“This is a budget that meets the needs of all our residents,” County Chief Administrative Officer Helen Robbins-Meyer said,  adding that the budget is “stretching, but maintaining a prudent and responsible fiscal position.” 

The budget reflects new priorities in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic that caused hardships for many San Diegans and also reflects the board’s shift to a 3-2 Democratic majority after decades of Republican control, though all five Supervisors backed the revised budget.

COUNTY CLERK’S “MARRIAGE HUT” EARNS NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR SAVING WEDDINGS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Vacant snack shop used for thousands of marriage services during pandemic  

Source: County of San Diego

Photos by Jordan Marks, County of San Diego

June 29, 2021 (San Diego) -- The San Diego County Clerk’s Office has been recognized by the National Association of Counties (NACo) with a 2021 NACo Achievement Award for innovative excellence in County Administration of Management. The Clerk’s office was recognized for transforming a vacant snack shop into the “Marriage Hut” in order to continue issuing marriage licenses and perform ceremonies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MONSOONAL THUNDERSTORMS POSSIBLE TUESDAY THROUGH THURSDAY, ALONG WITH FLASH FLOODS, DAMAGING WINDS AND HIGH HEAT

By Miriam Raftery
 
Photo via the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
 
June 29, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) – Monsoonal moisture may bring thunderstorms over San Diego’s mountains and deserts Tuesday through Thursday, with flash flooding, lightning strikes and damaging winds possible particularly in the afternoons and evenings. 

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER IN SAN DIEGO’S MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 29, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) – If you’re looking for a getaway with your furry friends, you’ll find many dog-friendly destinations in San Diego’s mountain communities

Your options range from dog-friendly hikes to restaurants, wineries, breweries, stores and adventures to share with your four-footed traveling companions.

SDSU CHABAD AGAIN SUBJECTED TO VANDALISM

Courtesy of San Diego Jewish World, a member of the San Diego Online News Association. 

By Donald H. Harrison 

(Photo, left, Chabad Menorah minus lower branch following vandalism. Photo from Chabad SDSU Facebook.) 

June 29, 2021 (SAN DIEGO)  For the second time this year, the Chabad House at San Diego State University has been subjected to hostility — this time in the form of a broken branch of its large outdoor menorah and the ripping of one of its banners.  Last month, youngsters burglarized the combination synagogue and residence hall while students upstairs were asleep.

It was the second time that the large menorah was broken.  In March 2017, it was partially destroyed when students used it one night to do pull-ups.<--break->

EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS

ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS

June 29, 2021 (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.

'INCREDIBLE VICTORY' FOR TRANS RIGHTS: SUPREME COURT REJECTS SCHOOL BATHROOM CASE

"Our work is not yet done," said one ACLU attorney, who noted that the organization is "continuing to fight against anti-trans laws targeting trans youth in states around the country."

By Brett Wilkins, Common Dreams, published under a Creative Commons license

Photo: Plaintiff and trans-rights activist Gavin Grimm at 2019 trans rights rally in San Francisco, creative commons image by Pax Ahimsa Gethen

June 28, 2021 (Washington D.C.) -- In what civil rights advocates hailed as "an incredible victory," the United States Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear the case of Gavin Grimm, a former Virginia high school student who in 2015 sued his county board of education over its policy of denying transgender pupils use of restrooms corresponding with their gender identity.

HARRIS VISITS GUATEMALA, MEXICO IN FIRST FOREIGN TRIP AS U.S. VICE PRESIDENT

Source:  Voice of America

Photo:  Photo: Vice President Kamala Harris in Guatemala City, via her Twitter feed

June 28, 2021 (Guatemala/Mexico) - The United States is set to announce Monday new measures to fight drug smuggling and trafficking as Vice President Kamala Harris meets with leaders in Guatemala to discuss migration and security issues. 

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT NEWSOM'S BUDGET DEAL WITH LEGISLATURE

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

Photo via CA Governor's office

June 28, 2021 (Sacramento) - California lawmakers voted tonight to approve a record-busting state budget that reflects new agreements with Gov. Gavin Newsom to expand health care for undocumented immigrants, spend billions to alleviate homelessness and help Californians still struggling through the pandemic. 

11 BODIES RECOVERED, 150 MISSING FROM WRECKAGE OF MIAMI BUILDING

Source:  Voice of America

Photo:  Wikipedia, public domain

June 28, 2021 (Miami) - Two additional bodies were recovered from the wreckage of a 12-story oceanfront apartment building that partially collapsed last week in Surfside, Florida, near Miami Beach, bringing the current death toll to 11. 

CALIFORNIA'S EVICTION MORATORIUM EXTENSION: WHAT'S IN IT FOR TENANTS AND LANDLORDS?

By Manuela Tobias, CalMatters

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

Photo:  Oakland resident Alex Acuña holds up a sign decrying a rent relief plan during a vigil at the Elihu M. Harris, State of California office building in Oakland on Jan. 29, 2021. Photo by Anne Wernikoff. CalMatters

June 28, 2021 (San Diego) - California renters, who are still struggling to pay the rent even as the pandemic wanes, will be shielded from eviction through Sept. 30, under a last-minute deal announced June 25 by Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders.

JULIAN 4TH OF JULY PARADE CELEBRATES TOWN’S SESQUICENTENNIAL

By Miriam Raftery
 
June 28, 2021 (Julian) – Founded in 1870, Julian turned 150 years old last year.  Due to the pandemic, no events could be held. So this year’s 4th of July parade has the theme “Julian 150+1 years.”  Pre-parade activities begin at 10am and the parade starts at noon. Main Street closes down at 9 a.m., so plan to arrive early.

LAKE JENNINGS NAMES WINNERS IN SPRING PHOTO CONTEST FOR 2021 “LIFE AT THE LAKE” THEME

East County News Service
 
Photos courtesy of Helix Water District
 
June 28, 2021 (Lakeside) – In the 10th annual Lake Jennings Spring Photo Contest, 61 photographers submitted entries. This year’s theme was “Life at the Lake.”

THIS JULY 4TH COULD BE ESPECIALLY FESTIVE...PROTECT YOUR PETS WITH SAFETY TIPS FROM BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SOCIETY

Source:  Best Friends Animal Society

June 28, 2021 (San Diego) - After more than a year of isolation, this July 4th could be one of the most celebrated in recent memory. While the food, fireworks, and festivities that represent Independence Day are fun for most Americans, the same can’t be said for our pets.  

PALA CASINO SPA RESORT COMMENDS LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS BATTLING MESA FIRE, PROVIDED ACCOMMODATIONS AND SUPPORT TO FIRE AGENCIES

Source: Pala Casino Spa Resort

June 28, 2021 (Pala) -- Pala Casino Spa Resort commends the local agencies battling the Mesa Fire that broke out along State Route 76 near Pala Casino this week. Pala Casino has worked closely with Riverside County Fire Department Battalion Chief Mark Scoville and CAL FIRE Captain Wes Handy to provide support for the agencies.

FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: FOURTH OF JULY AND 100% PROBABILITY OF IGNITION

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

June 28, 2021 (San Diego) -- We have not seen significant rain in several months. Fuel moisture content is at 0%. We are at what we call 100% probability of ignition. This means the tiniest spark can start a fire.

The Fourth of July can be a fun time with great memories. But before you, your family & friends celebrate, make sure everyone knows about Fourth of July safety. Since Fireworks are illegal in San Diego County, there are still safety precautions to provide safety while celebrating.

HEALTH OFFICIALS SEEKING PERSONS WHO MAY HAVE TOUCHED RABID BAT AT SAFARI PARK

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

Photo:  Stock Photo. ivabalk / Pixabay

June 27, 2021 (San Diego) - The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency is looking for anybody that may have come into contact with a live bat that tested positive for rabies and was found at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park on June 25, 2021.

LEMON GROVE LIONS HOST CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT AUGUST 7

East County News Service
 
June 27, 2021 (Lemon Grove) – You’re invited to join the Lemon Grove Lions in a cornhole tournament fundraiser at 13 Point Brewing, Lemon Grove’s new brewery located at 8035 Broadway in Lemon Grove.
 
The tournament will take place on Saturday, August 7 at 4 p.m., with check-in at 3 p.m.
 
Proceeds benefit San Diego Center for the Blind and other causes supported by the Lions. 

PETER PAN JUNIOR THEATER CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY WITH PRODUCTIONS OF PETER PAN JUNE 28-30 AND JULY 1-3

East County News Service
 
June 27, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) – Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Peter Pan Junior Theater will return to Neverland with performances of Peter Pan on June 28-30 and July 1-3 at the Ray and Joan Kroc Salvation Army Performing Arts Center (6611 University Ave., San Diego, just east of La Mesa). Shows start at 7 p.m., plus 1 p.m. matinees will be offered on July 2 and 3. 

EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING ISSUED TODAY AT 10 AM THROUGH MONDAY AT 9 PM

Source:  County of San Diego

June 27, 2021 (San Diego) - The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for San Diego County deserts and mountains until Monday 6/28/21 at 9:00 p.m. More forecast information and updates are available from the  National Weather Service.

PASSAGES: GREG BARR, FORMER GROSSMONT-CUYAMACA SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE

By Miriam Raftery
 
June 26, 2021 (El Cajon) – Former Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College school board trustee Greg Barr, an El Cajon resident, has passed away after a heart-related illness.  
His wife, Marlene Jansky Barr, announced on Facebook, “With deep sadness, I need to let our friends know that my dear husband, Greg Barr, experienced a cardiac event and passed away unexpectedly while on vacation in Eugene, Oregon, on June 19, 2021. Greg was hospitalized briefly in Eugene and received excellent and very compassionate medical care throughout his hospitalization. He was at peace, free of pain, and surrounded by family at the time of his passing.”
 
Barr was first elected to the GCCCD board in December 2006 and served until his retirement in November 2018.  He previously taught American and world history at Fallbrook Union High School from 1985 to 2006, as well as metal working and world cultures.

SANTEE SALUTES RETURNS WITH PATRIOTIC CELEBRATION JULY 4

Source: City of Santee
 
File photo of Santee Salutes
 
June 25, 2021 (Santee) -- The City of Santee’s annual July 4 celebration is back in person this year and will provide the community with many of the traditional elements they expect when celebrating our nation’s birthday.

JAMUL INDIAN VILLAGE ANNOUNCES TRIBAL COUNCIL ELECTION RESULTS

Source:  Jamul Indian Village

June 25, 2021 (Jamul) - The Jamul Indian Village announced the results of their 2021 Tribal Council elections that were recently concluded.

Chairwoman Erica M. Pinto was re-elected to another four-year term, as were Councilmembers Teresa Cousins and James Cuero III.

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