PASSAGES: BILLIE JO JANNEN, CHAIR OF CAMPO-LAKE MORENA PLANNING GROUP AND FORMER ALPINE SUN EDITOR

ADVANCING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES: JOURNEY OF YOUR MIND: UNDERSTANDING SUBSTANCE MISUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH

EL CAJON HOMELESS COUNT FINDINGS ADJUSTED IN RESPONSE TO CITY’S COMPLAINT

EL CAJON WOMAN, 53, DIES IN CUSTODY AT SANTEE DETENTION FACILITY

SOME EVACUATIONS LIFTED IN MONTE FIRE

INVESTIGATION INTO CAUSE OF HOUSE FIRE IN RAMONA THAT DAMAGED THREE PROPERTIES

MAYOR GLORIA VETOES KEY BUDGET ITEMS, CUTTING ACCESS TO SOME LAKES , FUNDS FOR BRUSH CLEARING, STORMWATER PROJECTS AND MORE

KALASHOS FAIL TO SHOW UP TO BEGIN JAIL SENTENCE; NEW ARREST WARRANTS ISSUED

ENVIRONMENTALISTS SOUND ALARM OVER BUDGET AMENDMENT TO SELL OFF PUBLIC LANDS—INCLUDING FOREST LANDS IN EAST COUNTY

MONTE FIRE SCORCHES 350 ACRES, 2 FIREFIGHTERS HOSPITALIZED

EVACUATIONS IN LAKESIDE FIRE

RENOVATED VFW POST TO OPEN SOON IN NEW CAMPO LOCATION

PASSAGES: MORRIS CASUTO, 79, DEFENDER OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE

By Donald H. Harrison, San Diego Jewish World, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

February 13, 2022 (San Diego) - Morris Casuto, the Anti-Defamation League regional director who defended San Diego County’s Jewish community against antisemites while forging good relations with other ethnic and religious groups within the county, died from leukemia Friday night, February 11, at the UCSD Jacobs Medical Center.  Graveside funeral services for Casuto, 79, will be conducted at 2 p.m., Tuesday, at El Camino Memorial Park.

ISSA TACKLES SUPPLY CHAIN CRISIS WITH LEGISLATION THAT PASSES THE HOUSE

East County News Service

Photo: Cargo ship, CC-by-SA-NC

February 12, 2022 (Washington, D.C.) - Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA-50) issued the following statement on Feb. 7 after passage of his amendment by the House of Representatives. The Issa legislation requires the Department of Commerce to report to Congress within 60 days outlining policy changes that can be implemented within 30 days to address the continuing supply chain crisis.

LOTHIAN SUCCESSFULLY PITCHES PUBLIC ARTS FOCUS ON MURALS IN LA MESA

By Elijah McKee

Photos:  Councilmember Lothian envisions murals, such as this one projected onto a currently blank building wall.

February 12, 2022 (La Mesa) — Ever drive through La Mesa and notice the blank gray side of a building? Councilmember Laura Lothian sure does, and she’d like to change what people see. 

SANTEE INKS AGREEMENT FOR NEW TROLLEY SQUARE HOTEL ON SITE ONCE DESIGNATED FOR LIBRARY

By Mike Allen

February 12, 2022 (Santee) -- Santee’s grand plan to turn part of Trolley Square into an arts and entertainment district took a big step forward on February 9 when the City Council approved the sale of a parcel for a four-story, 89-room hotel.

SCRIPPS RESEARCH DISCOVERY COULD ENABLE BROAD CORONAVIRUS VACCINE

Scientists identified vulnerable site on multiple coronaviruses that could be targeted to prevent future pandemics

 

Watch a video on this research here: https://www.scripps.edu/news-and-events/press-room/2022/20220210-andrabi-coronavirus-prevent-future-pandemics.html.

 

Source: Scripps Research

 

February 11, 2022 (La Jolla) -- The COVID-causing virus SARS-CoV-2 harbors a vulnerable site at the base of its spike protein that is found also on closely related coronaviruses, according to a new study from Scripps Research. The discovery, published Feb 8 in Science Translational Medicine, could inform the design of broad-acting vaccines and antibody therapies capable of stopping future coronavirus pandemics.

 

The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health, IAVI, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the San Diego Center for AIDS Research, the John and Mary Tu Foundation, and the James B. Pendleton Charitable Trust.

HERE’S THE BUZZ: BEE SAFETY TRAINER TO SPEAK FEB. 28 IN LAKESIDE ON REGION’S SWEET HISTORY AND BEEKEEPING BUSINESS

By Miriam Raftery

February 11, 2022 (Lakeside) – The Lakeside Historical Society’s featured speaker on Monday, February 28th at 6 p.m. will be Richard Edmonds, a Lakeside resident, retired firefighter and Africanized bee safety trainer.

LA MESA CITY LEADERS REMIND DOG OWNERS TO LOVE EM AND LEASH EM

Leashes help to keep dogs & people safer by preventing bites, fights & traffic accidents!

Source:  City of La Mesa

February 11, 2022 (La Mesa) - La Mesa City leaders are reminding dog owners to be good neighbors by keeping their dogs on a leash, unless in a designated off-leash area. It's also the law. Leashes keep dogs and the people around them safer by preventing bites, fights and traffic accidents, as well as avoiding potentially dangerous encounters with snakes, coyotes, or other wild animals.

RESEARCH SUGGESTS CELL TOWER RADIATION HARMS WILDLIFE

By Suzanne Potter, California News Service

“Now we have 5G rolling out in massive quantities, without due diligence to determine are these sources of radiation safe not only for humans but for wildlife. And the answer is, no, they are not." --Dr. Albert Manville, adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University, retired U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist and co-author of the study

February 11, 2022 (Sacramento) -- A growing body of scientific studies showed electromagnetic fields from the extremely low frequencies common to power lines and radio-frequency radiation, the kind from cell towers and mobile devices, may be harmful to wildlife as well as humans.

COMMENT DEADLINE ON ALPINE COMMUNITY PLAN EXTENDED TO MARCH 5; RESIDENTS FEAR FIRE DANGER

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: 2020 Valley Fire in Alpine by Ryan Grothe

February 11, 2022 (Alpine) – The deadline for public comments has been extended to March 5 for the Alpine Community Plan Update and a proposed General Plan Amendment that would allow increased density on formerly protected lands in close proximity to Cleveland National Forest lands. A Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) has been prepared to analyze and disclose the environmental impacts of the project.

ADVANCING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES REDLINING, ALCOHOL, AND THE PATTERN OF WHERE THINGS ARE

By David R. Shorey, East County Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies

Photo left via Creative Commons

February 11, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) - In 1933, the federal government established the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC), a program set up as part of the New Deal, intending to address the large number of home loans in default because of the Great Depression and to also expand opportunities for buying homes. Between 1935 and 1940, the HOLC created a series of color-coded maps that it stated was for the purpose of identifying creditworthiness and mortgage security risk. While assessing risk is understandable, the maps and the investments they guided, created a system of inequity and institutional racism that is still affecting poor and minority communities today.

INMATE DIES IN HOSPITAL OF TERMINAL ILLNESS

East County News Service

 

February 11, 2022 (San Diego) – Doyle Nyles Marler, 63, has died while in custody of a hospital guard unit while awaiting palliative care for a terminal illness.

 

Marler, was arrested on May 2, 2020 and charged with attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. Two months later, on July 24, 2020, he was committed to Patton State Hospital but never sent there, due to COVID-19 restrictions at the hospital. 

PERMIT FOR NEW LA MESA URBN LEAF DISPENSARY NOW A PIPE DREAM AFTER CASA WINS APPEAL AT HEARING

By Elijah McKee

February 11, 2022 (La Mesa) — Phil Rath could see the light at the end of the tunnel. He had the La Mesa Planning Commission’s stamp of approval, as well as the Design Review Board’s. It appeared that his employer, Urbn Leaf, would soon have a new cannabis dispensary at 7901 Hillside Drive.

LA MESA ANNOUNCES MORTGAGE AND RENTAL ASSISTANCE

Source: City of La Mesa

February 10, 2022 (La Mesa) -- To help struggling La Mesa families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the City announced today the expansion of the current Mortgage Assistance Program to also include rent payment relief for residents. Beginning Monday, February 14,  applications will be accepted for rental assistance.

MASK MANDATE FOR FULLY VACCINATED PEOPLE ENDS FEB. 15 IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY, DESPITE CDC ADVICE TO KEEP WEARING MASKS

By Miriam Raftery

Photo credit:  County News Service

February 10, 2022 (San Diego) – Starting February 15, fully vaccinated people will no longer have to wear masks indoors in most places in San Diego County.  But the action runs counter to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control advice, which continues to recommend face masks, particularly N95 masks, as the best way to prevent spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant.

CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER CALLS FOR RACIAL BREAKDOWN OF JAIL DEATHS

By Miriam Raftery

February 9, 2022 (San Diego) – Last week, the California State Auditor affirmed that over 185 people have died in San Diego County jails from 2006-2020. Today, the People’s Association of Justice Advocates (PAJ) called for a racial breakdown of those deaths as well as data on how many of those who died ever came before a judge.

WITH A HEFTY SURPLUS, WHAT SHOULD CALIFORNIA’S BUDGET PRIORITIES BE?

By Miriam Raftery

February 9, 2022 (San Diego) – Despite a pandemic and record wildfires, California is experiencing a strong economic record and higher than expected revenues, resulting in a projected record budget surplus, The state projects a $45 billion surplus, including $20.6 billion in discretionary funds  Just how those funds should be used, however, has prompted a wide range of opinions.

FIND PUPPY LOVE FEB. 12 AT CUPIDS & CANINES MEGA ADOPTION IN GROSSMONT CENTER

Cats also available at annual event

 

Story and photos by Karen Pearlman

February 9, 2022 (La Mesa) -- The annual Cupids & Canines MEGA Adoption Event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12 at the Grossmont Center shopping mall, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive in La Mesa.

About two dozen animal rescue agencies and shelters are expected to bring nearly 300 adoptable dogs and cats to the mall looking for prospective homes as part of the event put on by the San Diego Animal Support Foundation.

TWO RESTAURANTS IN ONE IN SANTEE: AL PASTOR TOWN AND THE OMELETTE FACTORY

Story and photos by Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

Feb. 9, 2022 (Santee) One location now has two restaurants. Since early January, Al Pastor Town has shared the commercial space with The Omelette Factory Santee on Magnolia Avenue.

The Omelette Factory Santee runs the breakfast, brunch, and lunch time period. Al Pastor Town operates the restaurant space from the afternoon until evening, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m., Monday-Saturday.

WALK FOR YOUR H.E.A.R.T. FEBRUARY 12-20 IN RAMONA

Source: Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Murals

February 9, 2022 (Ramona) -- Looking for some fun exercise? How about a walk to view Ramona’s murals and count the hidden hearts? Then check out your blood pressure and maybe win a home blood pressure monitor. And it will all be good for your heart (or H.E.A.R.T.)

EAST COUNTY’S LARGEST DOG FESTIVAL – FIDOFEST COMING UP FEB. 26

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson 

Feb. 9, 2022 (Santee)  -- Santee is putting out a dog whistle for all dog owners, dogs, and dog lovers to attend the up-and-coming Fidofest on Saturday, Feb. 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 550 Park Center Drive.

Fidofest will have a wide range of exhibitors, doggie adoptions, live entertainment, a doggie fun zone, “arfs”  and crafts, exciting demos, contests, and offer licensing, microchips, and vaccinations.

This is the city’s sixth annual dog festival.<--break->

NEW ASSISTANT SHERIFF NAMED TO OVERSEE DETENTION FACILITIES

East County News Service

February 8, 2022 (San Diego) -- On February 25, Commander Theresa Adams-Hydar will be appointed to the position of Assistant Sheriff of the Detention Services Bureau, the San Diego Sheriff’s Department announced in a media release.

BILL TO ALLOW TEENS TO RECEIVE VACCINES WITHOUT PARENTAL CONSENT SPARKS CONTROVERSY

By Miriam Raftery

Photo credit:  San Diego County

February 8, 2022 (San Diego) – Senate Bill 866, the Teens Choose Vaccines Act introduced on January 21 by California State Senator Scott Wiener, a Democrat, would allow young people age 12 and up to receive vaccines for COVID-19 and other serious illnesses without parental consent. The bill, which is sparking conflicts among public health experts and parental choice advocates, has not yet been scheduled for hearing. 

KUPA PALA’S REZ RADIO CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY

By John Fox, Station Manager, Rez Radio 91.3 KPRI

February 6, 2022 (Pala) -- Happy Anniversary to Rez Radio 91.3!  Eleven years ago we received our license from the FCC.  Since then, Rez Radio has never unintentionally gone off the air and has always stood ready to convey important official information in any emergency.  We developed news and other local programming that has earned more than 20 San Diego Press Club awards for Excellence in Journalism as well as recognition from the Southern California News Association for Best Small Station Newscast.  That includes stations in LA, San Diego, the Inland Empire, upper and lower deserts, and the Central Valley all the way to Fresno.   Rez Radio news is the ONLY locally-based broadcast news outlet anywhere between San Diego, LA and Riverside. 

UNIDENTIFIED DRIVER IN BMW KILLED IN EL CAJON CRASH

East County News Service

February 6, 2022 (El Cajon) — El Cajon Police seek information from the public on a collision that occurred around 2:55 a.m. in the 400 block of Vernon Way.  Officers found a black 2010 BMW with a man estimated to be in his late 20s or 30s dead in the driver’s seat.

ANIMAL SERVICES GIVES MICROCHIP READERS TO SHERIFF SO DEPUTIES CAN SCAN PETS, HELP FURRY FRIENDS GET HOME FASTER

By Miriam Raftery

February 6, 2022 (San Diego) -- Imagine calling your dog’s name to come inside. After a few minutes, you realize they’re gone. One in three pets will get lost in their lifetime. Dogs jump fences, cats escape, even other small pets can become lost. Not knowing where your furry friends may be or if they're safe can be very worrisome for families.  

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