February 26, 2022 (Cathedral City, Calif.) - For the second time in 21 hours, the San Diego State softball team lost to a nationally ranked team in extra innings by a 7-6 score, falling to No. 16/19 Missouri on the third day of the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic Saturday at Big League Dreams Cathedral City.
February 26, 2022 (La Mesa) - Afghan and American cultures are different in many ways, for example, in lifestyle and style of communication. It is always a learning experience when two cultures meet, but learning is good as it can broaden your life.
February 26, 2022 (Lemon Grove) - They left nothing to chance. Starting in 1842 when the first "Tregensoes" (later, Treganzas) crossed the Atlantic to America and a new life, the family left the starting gate (Cornwall) with many of the things that make life worth living: Art, Writing, Music, Crafts, Agriculture, Architecture, Anthropology, Ethnography, Medicine, Research, Business, Education, International Relations, and above all, a sense of adventure and faith in the future.
February 25, 2022 (San Diego) – A humanitarian crisis is growing after Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine. Over 100,000 Ukrainians have fled their homes, the United Nations estimates. The UN predicts the number of refugees could reach several million, Voice of America reports. Those remaining in the Ukraine face potential food shortages, medical needs for those injured, and damage to key buildings and infrastructure.
Some legitimate aid organizations are stepping up to help Ukrainians in their homeland as well as refugees. But California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a warning of fraudulent charities, and provided tips for how to choose reputable organizations if you wish to donate.
Here are several reputable, long-standing charities now providing aid for Ukrainians, where you can make a one-time or recurring donation:
Photo: close-up of 38 caliber revolver handgun with safety trigger lock.
February 25, 2022 (San Diego) – Starting today, a new County of San Diego ordinance requiring that all guns be safely stored takes effect. It requires all guns in homes or structures near a home to either be secured with a trigger lock or be locked away in a container.
February 25, 2022 (San Diego) -- San Diego County has reached a somber milestone in the COVID-19 pandemic as local virus-related deaths have now surpassed 5,000. Though some restrictions are being eased, in the past week, 6,383 new cases , 659 hospitalizations and 55 new deaths were reported locally. Deaths in the past month include not only older residents, but several in their 30s and 40s.
February 25, 2022 (San Diego) – By a 3-2 vote, San Diego County Supervisors approved a Working Families Ordinance on Feb. 8. The measure requires payment of prevailing wages and use of a skilled, trained workforce on construction projects over $1 million on county lands. It also brings sick leave requirements in line with state standards.
A second reading is set for March 1st. if approved then, it will go into effect 30 days later on new contracts or projects up for renewal.
February 25, 2022 (Santee) -- Santee apparently has enough gas stations, or at least enough on a stretch of Mission Gorge Road near the confluence of State Routes 125 and 52.
At its Feb. 23 meeting, a reduced City Council shot down a proposal to build yet another station under the Arco brand, a car wash and mini-mart on an oddly shaped, less-than-an-acre parcel at 9015 Mission Gorge Road.
CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters
Photo: George Dowell, 40, receives the COVID-19 vaccine at Umoja Health pop-up clinic in Oakland last week. He waited a year to watch for any side-effects or problems in his vaccinated friends. Photo by Marissa Leshnov for CalMatters
February 25, 2022 (San Diego) - Deondray Moore sat in a plastic folding chair, rolled up his sleeve and got his first COVID-19 shot in the parking lot of Center of Hope Community Church in Oakland a week ago. He was the last in his family to get vaccinated after putting it off for more than a year, and only acquiesced because he wants to be in the delivery room when his son is born this summer.
You're invited! Our East County Dining Club is going to the wonderfull new Zest Wine Bistro at 8129 Broadway in Lemon Grove on Thursday, Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m.!
Order anything you’d like off their amazing menu of international wines, tapas (appetizers), charcuterie boards with gourmet cheese/deli meats/nuts/fruits/jams and more, wraps, ahi, salads, seafood toastada, wrapped dates, shrimp cocktails, hummus and more. Full menu at https://www.zestwinebistro.com/. Outdoor seating includes heaters and a firepit.
Proceeds benefit East County Magazine and East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts. We also have an amazing raffle with prizes including gift certificates from Zest Wine Bistro, Lamplighters Theatre Jasmine Creek Florist, Mike Hess Brewing, Maxwell's House of Books, Desert View Tower, San Diego: California’s Cornerstone books from Sunbelt Publications, items from other local businesses as well as wine lovers gifts and more.
Photo, left: Congress Darrell Issa, via Issa’s office
Photo, right: NATO Secretary Jens Stoltenberg, courtesy of NATO
February 24, 2022 (San Diego) -- WASHINGTON D.C. - Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) issued a media statement today after the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
"This is a disastrous day for free nations everywhere and a direct assault by tyranny and aggression that will compel the world to take notice,” said Issa, a Republican.
He added, "This is also a defining moment for the Biden Administration, which has manifestly failed to bolster a coalition of allies and partners to keep and secure the peace."
February 24, 2022 (San Diego) -- Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53) today released a statement on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Jacobs is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Armed Services Committee. In late January, she traveled to Kyiv, Ukraine, as part of an official bipartisan Congressional delegation led by Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Gregory Meeks.
“I condemn President Putin’s unjustified attack on Ukraine that will have devastating and deadly consequences for the Ukrainian people and widespread consequences for the European continent. I stand with the Ukrainian people who woke up to Putin’s declaration of war, to explosions rocking their cities, and to a new and horrifying reality for the future," Jacobs says, adding, “When I visited Ukraine with my colleagues last month, it was clear that the United States Congress and the Biden Administration – along with our NATO allies and partners – are united in our strong support for the Ukrainian people."
House of Ukraine shares link to donate to help Ukraine
By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson
(Image courtesy of the House of Ukraine)
Feb. 24, 2022 (Santee) A prayer service and Panakhyda, a memorial service, will be held for Ukraine at the future site of the Ukrainian Catholic parish in Santee today at 5 p.m. The memorial will honor those killed thus far by Russia’s attacks on the Ukraine, including children. The location of the future parish is 9308 Carlton Oaks Drive.
Organizers are encouraging attendees to bring signs, flags, wear Ukrainian shirts, or other supportive materials.
While world leaders denounce Russia for violating international law, on eve of invasion Trump praised Putin for recognizing separatist regions as independent, predicted Russian president intended to "keep the peace."
By Miriam Raftery
Updated 2:06 p.m. with additional comments from Sara Jacobs.
February 24, 2022 (San Diego) – In defiance of international law, according to the United Nations, Russia last night launched a full-scale attack on the Ukraine including missile attacks on the capital, Kyiv, military targets and other cities far beyond separatist regions in dispute. Russian troops and tanks are also moving in on three sides of the Ukraine in the largest military threat Europe has faced since World War II.
Ukraine’s leaders have fled the capitol. Chillingly, today exiled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted, ““Russian occupation forces are trying to seize the Chernobyl [Nuclear Power Plant]. Our defenders are sacrificing their lives so that the tragedy of 1986 will not be repeated," rerferring to the core meltdown at the nuclear reactor site
He added, “This is a declaration of war against the whole of Europe.”
President Joe Biden condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin for choosing ”a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering,” adding,”The world will hold Russia accountable.” In addition to sanctions already imposed, Biden announced he will convene a meeting of G7 leaders today and coordinate with NATO allies to ensure “a strong, united response that deters any aggression against the Alliance. Tonight, Jill and I are praying for the brave and proud people of the Ukraine.”
February 23, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – UCSD’s HP Wren webcam captured this serene image of snow-covered pine trees and land atop Mount Laguna during a break in today’s winter storm.
February 23, 2022 (Santee) – Jeffrey James Sutch, 51, of Santee died today when the United Parcel Service (UPS) vehicle he was driving ran off a rain-slicked highway and struck a eucalyptus tree on Interstate 15 north, near I-8. He was driving a UPS Freightliner semi-tractor and pulling a semi-trailer when the crash occurred.
February 23, 2022 (San Diego) - The San Diego Council on Literacy (SDCOL) has launched its inaugural Financial Literacy Superheroes Competition to promote good money management habits among young people and families in the San Diego region. The competition, sponsored by Mission Fed Credit Union, Comic-Con Museum, San Diego Union-Tribune, the Society for Financial Literacy and Kaiser Permanente, invites local children and their parents and guardians to submit graphic art entries that are comic-book themed. Entries must include a financial literacy/money management message.
February 23, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – A late winter storm brought much-needed rain across much of the county, also bringing heavy snowfall to Mt.Laguna and lesser amounts of snowfall to elevations as low as Campo, Descanso, Lake Morena and In-ko-pah. In addition, a freeze warning has been issued for valley areas tonight and a frost warning for coastal communities.
The snowstorm has caused traffic snarls on I-8, where at least 10 semi-trucks got stuck this morning, according to the California Highway Patrol. The road was cleared with snow ploughs by around 9 a.m. However, Sunrise Highway is closed due to snow between State Route 79 and mile marker 27.5 due to snow.
Chains are required to access the following roadways:
Don’t think you need an emergency kit? Think again, say families who needed one.
By Juan Castro
February 23, 2022 (San Diego) -- Flashlights, a first aid kit and water bottles cover the dining room table. The Sánchez family is not going camping — they are preparing for disaster by putting together a “go bag.”
By José A. Álvarez, County of San Diego Communications Office
Photo: a flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
February 23, 2022 (San Diego's East County) - A 64-year-old man from eastern San Diego County is the third influenza death reported in the region this season, the County Health and Human Services Agency announced today.
Photo: screenshot of auction site with Hitler photo.
February 23, 2022 (Otay Mesa) - Adolph Hitler’s image remains widely recognized 77 years after his suicide. It still evokes strong emotions recalling the cruelty of the dictator and the Nazis’ evil ambitions.
February 22, 2022 (San Diego's East County) -- Due to an impending snowstorm, schools in the following school districts will be closed on Wednesday, Feb. 23, the County Office of Education has announced:
Julian Union Elementary School District
Julian Union High School District
Mountain Empire Unified School District
Spencer Valley School District
Schools in the Julian Union Elementary and Julian Union High school districts will have a late start on Thursday, Feb. 24.
Photo: Joylin Gutierrez, 6, and her suspected captor, her non-custodial parent Wendy Guttierez
Update: Authorities indicate the abductor may have taken Joylin Gutierrez into Mexico.
February 22, 2022 (Spring Valley) -- The Rancho San Diego Sheriff's Station wants your help in locating a missing six-year-old girl from Spring Valley.
On Tuesday, February 22 around 1:15 p.m., Joylin Gutierrez was taken from Kempton Elementary School located in the 700 block of Kempton Street in Spring Valley. Joylin is Hispanic, three feet tall with long brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a pink or purple sweater.
Joylin is believed to be with her biological, non-custodial parent, 45-year-old Wendy Gutierrez.
They were last seen around 4:00 p.m. in the area near East Plaza Boulevard and South Harbison Avenue in National City.
February 22, 2022 (San Diego's East County) -- When trauma hits it does not discriminate. It can come in a blink of an eye and can turn your life around like a tornado in a matter of seconds. Most do not know the steps to move forward from a crisis event, but there are people with hearts two sizes too big who volunteer to be by the side of victims.
In collaboration with the emergency response system, Trauma Intervention Programs of San Diego (TIP) provides immediate crisis intervention following a tragedy. TIP volunteers add another dimension to the emergency system compassionate support. Specially trained volunteers provide care and support to citizens who have been traumatized or are in a state of crisis providing service 365 days a year.
February 21, 2022 (San Diego) –The California Highway Patrol is looking for a grey sedan involved in a “road rage” incident reported at 3:27 p.m. today on the I-805 southbound ramp to 43rd Street in the Mountain View area.
The grey sedan had a female driver and a male passenger, who fired three shots into a Toyota 4Runner, striking the Toyota’s male driver in the thigh. The victim was transported to a hospital with non-critical injuries.
Photo: New restrooms may look similar to these, according to Mayor Racquel Vasquez
February 21, 2022 (Lemon Grove) — “I’m really excited to be able to replace these aging, crumbling bathrooms,” reveled Councilmember Jennifer Mendoza. According to her, the restrooms at the Berry Street and Washington Street parks are going on 60 years old.
February 21, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – A severe storm moving into our area is forecast to bring heavy rains across most of the county, along with high winds and substantial snow in mountain areas today through Wednesday. Snowfall is forecast to dip below 4,000 feet, including portions of Interstate 8 east of Alpine.
Mount Laguna could get up to a foot and a half of snow, with six to eight inches forecast for Julian. The blizzard could create white-out conditions in snowy areas, so avoid travel if possible. Frost is forecast for some valley areas including Ramona and Escondido.
Gusts of up to 70 miles per hour are forecast in mountains and in desert areas such as Borrego and Ocotillo Wells.
CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters
Photo: Lake Mendocino in Northern California in late October. Courtesy Department of Natural Resources
February 20, 2022 (San Diego) - The first two months of 2022 are shaping up to be the driest January and February in California history, prompting state officials to warn of dire water conditions ahead.
February 20, 2022 (San Diego) - Tanya Young of Sorrento Valley says her relatives in Ukraine are very nervous “but kind of cool” as they watch for a feared Russian invasion.
By Mimi Pollack, 
By Helen Ofield, Lemon Grove Historical Society
By Miriam Raftery
Source: County News Service
East County News Service
By Miriam Raftery
By Mike Allen
By Kristen Hwang, CalMatters
East County News Service
House of Ukraine shares link to donate to help Ukraine
East County News Service
By Miriam Raftery
Source: Mission Federal Credit Union
Don’t think you need an emergency kit? Think again, say families who needed one.
By 
“Disgruntled worker” at auction house, not water district, may be responsible
Due to an impending snowstorm, schools in the following school districts will be closed on Wednesday, Feb. 23, the County Office of Education has announced: 
East County News Service
East County News Service
By Elijah McKee
By Miriam Raftery
By Rachel Becker, CalMatters
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