CALmatters is an independent public interest journalism venture covering California state politics and government.
Photo: Mountain lion P-61 was struck and killed on the 405 Freeway in the Sepulveda Pass after being chased by another male cougar on Sept. 7, 2019. National Park Service photo
October 12, 2019 (San Diego's East County) - These are deadly times for California mountain lions.
October 12, 2019 (Sacramento) – Before the gold rush of 1849, the fur trade lured trappers and hunters to California. But times have changed. Now, opponents of animal cruelty have succeeded in passing a bill signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom that makes California the first state in the U.S. to outlaw the sale, trade, gifting or manufacturing of most animal furs and fur products starting in 2023.
The ban does not apply to used furs, nor to leather, cow hides, sheepskins, deer or goat hides. Animals stuffed and preserved through taxidermy are also exempt.
Photo: The stolen statue was similar to the one pictured.
October 12, 2019 (El Cajon) – Be on the lookout for a stolen horse – no, not the galloping variety. A 12-foot-high, 400+ pound iron horse statue was taken by thieves using a long, flatbed truck from the Double S Tack and Feed Store at 14335 Olde Highway 80 in unincorporated El Cajon.
October 12, 2019 (Sacramento) – A trio of new election reform laws signed by Governor Gavin Newsom set campaign contribution limits for local races, allow voters to register on Election Day at polling places and ban partisan gerrymandering of local districts.
October 12, 2019 (El Cajon) – The Welcome Newcomer Network will host its third Multicultural Festival on November 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at EJE Academies, 851 Johnson Ave. in El Cajon.
The event will include multicultural food, cultural dance, a show of traditional costumes, story-telling, games and raffle drawings. Organizers say that they anticipate close to 1,500 attendees this year.
Cover photo: Cortney guiding a raft through the Warm Springs Rapid on the Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument on the Colorado/Utah border. By Mike McCoy
October 12, 2019 (Rancho San Diego) -- Cortney Bayuk says she’s “living the dream.”
The 24-year-old Rancho San Diego native works as a whitewater river guide - mostly on the Colorado/Utah border - during summers and as ski instructor during the winters in Idaho.
Public tour expands to two days to showcase San Diego County’s most innovative eco-friendly residences
East County News Service
Photo: Straw bale home in Jamul
September 11, 2019 (San Diego) -- The San Diego Green Building Council (SDGBC), a nonprofit organization promoting sustainable building and community practices in San Diego, will host its 10th annual Green Homes Tour on Saturday, Oct. 19 and Sunday, Oct. 20. In response to growing public interest in the green movement and an abundance of groundbreaking projects in the region, the Tour has been expanded this year to two full days, showcasing a diverse collection of the most innovative eco-friendly homes in the San Diego region including several in East County.
October 11, 2019 (Los Angeles) – The #SaddleridgeFirein Los Angeles has scorched 7,500 acres and forced an estimated 100,000 residents to flee 23,000 homes in the Granada Hills, Porter Ranch and Sylmar areas in Los Angeles County. The fire has burned at least 25 homes and is 13% contained. One resident died of a heart attack in the fire and a firefighter suffered an eye injury, the Los Angeles Times reports.
October 11, 2019 (San Diego) – Speaking to a crowd of some 8,500 at San Diego’s Waterfront Park on October 3, Democratic presidential candidate Senator Elizabeth Warren called upon Americans to “dream big, fight hard, and win.” She laid out plans to rebuild America’s middle class by ending government corruption and corporate influence in Washington, making structural changes to increase the power of working people, and protecting our democracy.
Warren is polling in the top two among all major national polls taken recently, with some placing her above former Vice President Joe Biden, and others putting her in second place. Those polls were taken before the announcement that Senator Bernie Sanders had a heart attack and has cut back some campaign activiites, a fact that could move some Sanders supporters with concerns over his health into the Warren camp.
View our videos (four parts) for full coverage of her San Diego town hall, or scroll down for highlights.
October 11, 2019 (San Diego) -- Late Tuesday night, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1730, which allows SANDAG additional time to develop a “visionary Regional Plan that provides real transportation choices that will enhance connectivity, increase safety and sustainability, and improve quality of life,” according to a SANDAG press release. The agency earlier unveiled ambitious plans to increase mass transit with a long-term vision of adding high speed rail, but has received pushback from some East County and North County officials over SANDAG’s previously announced plans to cut funding for some long-awaited freeway improvement projects such as widening State Routes 52 and improving safety on State Route 67.
Update: A second resource center has been opened at the Golden Acorn Casino in Campo.
395 customers of SDG&E are currently without power; outages could impact up to 17,771, the utility warns
October 11, 2019 (Descanso) -- San Diego Gas & Electric will open a Community Resource Center today, Friday, October 11 at 8:00 a.m. in Descanso, CA due to power outages the company initiated during the Santa Ana wind event. Water and snacks will be available and residents can charge devices, as well as get up-to-date information about power outages at the Center.
Community Resource Center location: Descanso Public Library (9545 River Drive, Descanso, CA 91916) 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Additional resouce centers may open if the outage area is extended.
October 11, 2019 (Rancho San Diego) -- A 65-year-old man accused of murdering his husband, Dr. Blake Synowski, will be facing an El Cajon Superior Court judge on Friday to determine whether he will be granted bail.
October 11, 2019 (El Cajon) – If you see smoking sewer lines in El Cajon over the next month, don’t worry! The City of El Cajon plans to test portions of the sewer system using a non-toxic, non-staining artificial smoke substance. The test will help locate possible leaks, defects, improper connections and the source of storm water infiltration into the sewer system.
By Judy Edelblute, Coordinator of St. Mark's Art Shows
October 10, 2019 (El Cajon) -- El Cajon photographer Jim Lemen won second place in the 16th annual Digital Art and Photography Show at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, San Diego with a photograph entitled "Mud Run Friends." The other winners were Beverly Brock, first place, Clairemont; third place, T. Antoinette Fassel, University City and Honorable Mention Awards for Nelda Harris, Clairemont and Bill Rehm, Coronado. The show, which has the theme "Surprised by Joy," has 27 works by 13 artists. It will run October 6 - November 3. The show is open for FREE public viewing Saturdays October 12, 19, 26, and November 2, 12-4pm. To see the show outside these hours, call the church office at 858-273-1480 and make an appointment.
October 10, 2019 (Julian) -- You can help maintain Cuyamaca Rancho State Park when you volunteer at a work day on Saturday, October 26 at 8:30 a.m. Learn and register to volunteer below.
Photo: Ski Torzeski with his painting “Above the Timber Line”
October 10, 2019 (El Cajon) -- “Above the Timber Line” by nationally recognized artist Ski Torzeski of El Cajon is one of 95 paintings selected by juror Jeannie McGuire for the 2019 San Diego Watercolor Society International Exhibition. The work also received The Jess and Ann Walker Family Award.
Barons Market to serve up bites paired with Modern Times brews for the final Backroom Beer Pairing of the year. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, all proceeds to benefit Michelle’s Place and Susan G. Komen® San Diego
East County News Service
October 10, 2019 (Alpine) -- Barons Market and Modern Times will turn up the heat in the kitchen and crack open their best brews for Southern Californians to enjoy at all eight market locations, including Alpine in East County This will mark the last Backroom Beer Pairing of the year and, as always, guests will support their community as they socialize at Barons’ patios and stockrooms. Barons Market will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from tickets sold for its eight store locations directly to breast cancer awareness organizations Michelle’s Place and Susan G. Komen® San Diego.
Photo: Renewable energy sources; Creative commons via N.A.
October 10, 2019 (Santee) -- Santee is having second thoughts about joining a joint powers authority with several North County cities to obtain more electrical power from renewable sources.
The proposed entity is a community choice aggregation program for the cities, giving them the ability to buy more power from sources such as solar and wind. Local utility San Diego Gas & Electric would continue to deliver and maintain transmission lines and billing operations, but the CCA would be responsible for buying all power.
Nonprofit Sanctuary Asks Animal Lovers to Help Provide Habitat Improvements and Lifelong Care for Junior and Miss Kitty
Source: Lions, Tigers and Bears
October 10, 2019 (Alpine) - Lions Tigers & Bears, San Diego's only accredited, nonprofit big cat and exotic animal sanctuary, rescued two servals, wildcats originally from Africa, in Arizona this week after the sanctuary's founder, Bobbi Brink received a call pleading for help.
Junior and Miss Kitty are settling into their quarantine habitat and getting to know their new keepers at LTB, says Brinks. Now the sanctuary is asking for help to fund habitat improvements and lifelong care for the former privately-owned animals.
Help the rescued servals get the care and forever home they need with a donation to www.lionstigersandbears.org.
October 10, 2019 (La Mesa) -- California Democratic party chair Rusty Hicks, newly elected in June, headlined the “Catch the next Blue Wave” function on Oct. 3 at La Mesa Community Center. The San Diego Democratic Party East hosted the event, held on the same night that Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren held a rally at San Diego’s Waterfront Park. Eighty attended the East County event.
Hicks offered up insights into his goals: “Diversity with committee appointments, address misconduct, financial accountability and transparency.”
By David R. Shorey, East County Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies
Photo, left: Casa de Oro Fall Festival 2018, courtesy IPS
October 10, 2019 (Spring Valley) - There is no better way to celebrate autumn than Casa de Oro Alliance’s Fourth Annual Fall Festival Nov. 9 at the Spring Valley Academy. The festival is a signature event for the community and highlights a neighborhood alliance that has been successful in tackling alcohol, drug, crime and neighborhood blight issues.
The free family event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. will feature shopping, vendors, games, prizes, entertainment and food trucks. The campus is located at 3900 Conrad Dr., just up the hill from the Campo Road business corridor. More information about the Fall Festival can be found at www.casadeoroalliance.org
The annual Fall Festival is part of a bigger plan by the Alliance to create a historically rich, culturally diverse and thriving community that is attractive, safe, pedestrian friendly and a popular destination for dining, entertainment and shopping.
October 9, 2019 (Mt. Laguna) - You’re invited to step back in time at the Laguna Mountain Rendezvous, an authentic Rocky Mountain fur traders’ encampment from the early 1800s. Relive this historic past with demonstrations of primitive survival skills such as tool making, cooking, tomahawk throwing, archery and black power target shooting. Also enjoy music and more.
Please send all literary notices to:SDWriteWay@gmail.com with month, date, weekday, event time, and links. Deadline is Friday. Published since 2008.
October 10, 2019 (San Diego) -- Upcoming local literary happenings include some special events: a Poetry & Art Series and Adventures by the Book, plus a treasure trove of events for readers and for writers.
October 11, 2019 (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:
October 12, 2019 (La Mesa)-- Give an animal the treat of a forever home this Halloween! Grossmont Center and the San Diego Animal Support Foundationinvite you to the annual Howl-O-Ween Hounds MEGA Adoption Event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 12, at Grossmont Center (5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa).
During the free Howl-O-Ween Hounds event, dozens of rescue groups and shelters bring hundreds of dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, birds, turtles, and tortoises to the Center—and all of them are ready to be adopted into a loving home! You can find many different kinds of dog breeds at this mega adoption event, everything from the tiniest Chihuahuas to the grandest Great Pyrenees, as well as unique and adorable All-American “mutts.” This family-friendly event is the perfect way for every member of your household to choose a new pet together.
October 10, 2019 (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 top “Roundup” headlines include:
October 9, 2019 (La Mesa) - On Tuesday, October 8, 2019, the La Mesa City Council approved the Livable La Mesa Action Plan to promote programs and systems-level change that will strengthen the quality of life for older adults in the community.
October 9, 2019 (Julian) – A 19-year-old Julian man has died after a solo motorcycle crash that occurred at 5:15 p.m. on State Route 78 west of Pine Hills Road in Julian.
According to Officer Jeff Christy from the California Highway Patrol, the victim was riding a 2007 Yamaha R6 motorcycle westbound when he lost control in a curve and struck a utility pole on the north shoulder.
Paramedics performed potentially life-saving efforts on the teen, who sustained serious injuries. He was transported by ground to Santa Ysabel for transport by Mercy Air to a local hospital, but died during the flight.
October 9, 2019 (Spring Valley) – A construction worker has died after an industrial accident this afternoon at Monte Vista High School in Spring Valley, says Sergeant Matt Cook with the San Diego Sheriff’s department. According to ECM news partner 10 News, the accident occurred just hours after the topping off of the new multi-use facility at the school.
Sheriff’s deputies and the school’s resource office responded at 2 p.m. to the accident at a construction site on campus, where the 30-year-old man had fallen from a beam attached to a 30-foot-high platform.
October 9, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County features Matilda the Musical in Spring Valley, a production of On Golden Pond in La Mesa, a Chamber music series at Cuyamaca College, Fall at the farm in Julian, Ms. Smarty Plants Goes Batty at the Water Conservation Garden, a pumpkin patch at Summers Past Farms, a Fair Trade gift fair in La Mesa, concerts at the Magnolia Center, and the Julian Autumn Jubilee.
Plus, we have a preview of coming events including the Borrego Days Festival and Parade, Pints 4 the Park, a Green Homes Tour, Hauntfest on Main in El Cajon, costume contests for people and pets at Bates Nut Farm, spooky camp overs at Lake Jennings and at Lions, Tigers and Bears, Trunk or Treat in El Cajon, a Cultural Arts Expo in El Cajon, and the Mother Goose Parade.
So scroll down for all of these events and many more!
By J.P. Ross and Tiffany Yap | CALmatters
By Miriam Raftery
By Miriam Raftery
By Miriam Raftery
B
East County News Service
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Source: City of El Cajon
By Judy Edelblute, Coordinator of St. Mark's Art Shows
East County News Service
Source: San Diego Watercolor Society
Barons Market to serve up bites paired with Modern Times brews for the final Backroom Beer Pairing of the year. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, all proceeds to benefit Michelle’s Place and Susan G. Komen® San Diego
Source: Lions, Tigers and Bears
East County News Service
October 11, 2019 (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:
Source: Grossmont Center
October 10, 2019 (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 top “Roundup” headlines include:
Source: City of La Mesa
East County News Service
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