Earlybird ticket rates extended to Oct. 2 for our Oct. 5 fiesta

East County Magazine and our East County Dining Club invite you to party hearty at our 

FALL FIESTA!

When: Saturday, October 5 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where:  D&S Farms, home of Granite Lion Cellars Winery

                                                                     (in their shaded oak grove at 2801 Jamul Highlands, Jamul)

• Catered dinner from La Loteria de Jamul (choice of entrees: chicken poblano or fish in jalapeño/pineapple sauce, plus apple salad, ceviche, chips and salsa, potatoes, roasted vegetables, avocado aioli, and churro)
• Music by Sergio D. Tala (Spanish, Caribbean, rhumba and flamenco. Ole!)
• Wine tasting, wine by the glass available
• Prizes galore, festive fun and more! Prizes include:  $300 gift basket from E-Med spa (facial and skincare products), $200 gift basket from Ava Hair Salon, gift certificates from La Loteria del Jamul,  Round Table Pizza, Home Depot and others, original wine-themed art by Annette Cirillo, purse with fringe and rhinestones, wine lovers' gifts, jewelry and more.

Cost: $33 with RSVP by Oct. 2,  $38 after Oct. 2 (if not sold out); designated driver/no alcohol $28

Tickets:  Click arrow below for menu of ticket options to pay via credit card or Paypal:

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

October 1, 2019 (Lakeside) -- Is it time for a Halloween showing of the comedy-horror flick “Slaughterhouse,” filmed in Lakeside in 1987? 

Many would say no.  Others, fans that are into the Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie-genre, might say yes. 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

September 30, 2019 (San Diego) - The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced "Not Every Hero Wears a Cape, Plan and Practice Your Escape!" as the theme for Fire Prevention Week, October 6-12, 2019. This year’s campaign recognizes the everyday people who motivate their households to develop and practice a home fire escape plan; these seemingly basic behaviors can have life-saving impact.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  President Trump and Congressman Adam Schiff, whom Trump accused of “treason” for chairing an impeachment inquiry

September 30, 2019 – Attorneys for the whistleblower whose complaint launched an impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump have sent letters to the Acting Director of National Intelligence and to Chairs of the House and Senate intelligence committees requesting federal protection for their client.  The letter cites overt threats made by the President calling for the death of whistleblowers and leakers. On Sept. 26, Trump stated during a meeting with United Nations leaders caught on tape by the Los Angeles Times:

"I believe we need more independents in Congress because  parties are so mired in their fighting…they’re not representing the country. I value our community, and I want to serve the country.”  -- Helen Horvath, mliitary veteran, federal consultant and Alpine resident

By Miriam Raftery

September 29, 2019 (San Diego) – Like many voters, Helen Horvath is an independent whose views on key issues cross political aisles. She’s a fiscal conservative who wants to use her expertise to cut the national debt, but also believes we need to move toward a clean energy future and protect women’s rights, while taking a moderate stance on gun issues. She supports strong border security while also showing compassion for refugees fleeing violence, and pledges to be a strong voice for military families and veterans.

Now she’s entered the 50^th Congressional district race, vying against indicted Rep. Duncan Hunter,  Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar, conservative talk show host Carl DeMaio, former Rep. Darrell Issa and State Senator Brian Jones. (Note: the latter two entered the race this week, after our interview).

Hear our interview: In an interview originally aired on KNSJ 89.1 FM radio last month, Horvath shared her thoughts in depth. Listen to the full interview by clicking the audio link,  and scroll down for highlights.

CA Senator Brian Jones, also running, chides non-resident candidates for holding press conference in “wrong district”  

Video excerpt: Darrell Issa

Video excerpt: Carl DeMaio

by Paul Kruze, Contributing Editor

September 26, 2019 (El Cajon) -- The weather in El Cajon Thursday morning was cloudy and drizzly in front of City Hall. But the political rhetoric was sweltering. In the race for San Diego’s 50th Congressional District, four Republican candidates for the seat bowed out and swung their support to former 49th District Congressman Darrell Issa.

Another candidate, former San Diego City Councilman and conservative radio host Carl DeMaio, held a rival press conference some 100 feet away to attack Issa. State Senator Brian Jones, who is also running, chose to remain above the fray by staying away.

September 27, 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:

LOCAL

• SDG&E Proposes Eliminating Season Pricing Changes (Patch.com)
• Lapses in treatment, medical care spell horrific ends for mentally ill inmates (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Police Oversight Group Set to Dismiss 22 Death Cases Without Investigation (Voice of San Diego)
• Troublesome Cell Towers (NBC 7)
• Team 10 Investigates: San Diegans describe popular antibiotic causing devastating side effects (10 News)
• El Cajon fire station to get a four-legged companion (San Diego Union-Tribune)

STATE

• Bald eagles have found themselves a new home: suburbia (Los Angeles Times)
• California’s employment law was rewritten. Many independent contractors aren’t thrilled. (Los Angeles Times)
• California mountain lions dying on highways, but face an even bigger threat (San Francisco Chronicle)

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

This is the first week of Fall, and with it comes Santa Ana winds!

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

September 27, 2019 (San Diego) - Though fire season is year round, Fall typically brings triple-digit temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds bringing high fire danger and red flag warnings.

By Miriam Raftery

September 26, 2019 (Boulevard, Calif.) – The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a lower court decision that the federal government did not violate laws protecting eagles in granting approval of the Tule Wind project.

The lawsuit was filed by the Protect Our Communities Foundation, Backcountry Against Dumps, and Donna Tisdale against the U.S. Department of Interior, the Bureau of Land Management, and leaders of both agencies. The project spans federal, tribal, private, state and county lands.  

Souce:  CAL FIRE

September 26, 2019 (Sacramento) - The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) announced the availability of over $80 million for Forest Health and Fire Prevention projects. CAL FIRE is soliciting applications for projects that work to proactively prevent catastrophic wildfires and restore forests to healthy, functioning ecosystems while also sequestering carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

September 27, 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:

U.S.

• Trump Attacks Whistle-Blower’s Sources and Alludes to Punishment for Spies (New York Times)
• Harris: Trump 'sounds like a criminal' with comments about whistleblower (The Hill)
• 'Gleefully Defiant' Trump Is Ready to Fight Impeachment, but Will His Playbook Fail Him? (Newsweek)
• U.S. to send additional troops to Saudi Arabia after attacks on oil facilities (Washington Post)
• House approves marijuana banking bill in historic vote (Marijuana Moment)
• North America Has Lost More Than 1 in 4 Birds in Last 50 Years, New Study Says (Audobon)
• Elizabeth Warren leads Iowa Poll for the first time, besting Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders (USA Today)
• Walmart to stop selling electronic cigarettes at its stores (Associated Press)
• Revealed: Trump’s Wildlife Service pick has ties to anti-animal protection groups (Guardian)
• FBI’s Sweeping Investigation into Politicians, Bribes, and Cannabis (Candid Chronicle)
• U.S. Orders Duke and U.N.C. to Recast Tone in Mideast Studies (New York Times)

WORLD

• Global climate strikes: Protests begin around the world (Los Angeles Times)
• Greta Thunberg had one question at the U.N. climate summit: ‘How dare you?’ (Washington Post)
• Netanyahu’s Amazing Reversal: Election Loser to Presumptive Premier   (New York Times)
• Canada's Trudeau pushes on with campaign after severe blow from blackface photos (Reuters)

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

East County News Service

September 25, 2019 (El Cajon) – Sycuan Casino Resort has opened three new restaurants:  the Bull and Bourbon steak house, the Elicit Lounge, and Retreat, a poolside venue complete with cabanas and swim-up bar.  View/download menus and learn more at Sycuan.com. 

Below are delicious details on the new Clique Hospitality offerings provided by Sycuan: