PARTY OF THE CENTURY! NOV. 17 AT WINEWORKS: NOW JUST $50, BENEFITS OUR REPORTING AND FIRE ALERTS!

THREE FIRES BURNING IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY

LA MESA POLICE SEEKS PUBLIC HELP TO FIND WOMAN WITH DEMENTIA MISSING FOR A WEEK: VIVIAN CROWDER, 71, USES TRANSIT AND MAY HAVE TRAVELED ELSEWHERE IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY

WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH FREE CELEBRATION NOV. 9

LEMON GROVE CITY COUNCIL RACE FLIPS OVERNIGHT:FAIA EDGES AHEAD OF GASTIL

RETURN OF THE RESISTANCE STATE: WHAT ANOTHER TRUMP PRESIDENCY WILL MEAN FOR CALIFORNIA

SCHIFF WINS CALIFORNIA’S U.S. SENATE SEAT

EL CAJON COUNICLMEMBERS REELECTED

REPUBLICANS TAKE CONTROL OF U.S. SENATE; TRUMP DRAWS CLOSER TO A WIN IN THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE

SANTEE INCUMBENTS WINNING HANDILY, MEASURE S SALES TAX INITIATIVE FAILING IN EARLY RETURNS

SALES TAX MEASURES PASSING IN LEMON GROVE, EL CAJON AND LA MESA, FAILING IN SANTEE

CLOSE COUNCIL RACE IN LA MESA

EDITORIAL: SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH AND EL CAJON MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

Plus: tips on labor conditions for mental health workers in El Cajon and La Mesa below~
 
By Jonathan Goetz
 
September 11, 2024 (El Cajon) -- September is suicide prevention awareness month. According to CNN, the United States has made great strides in reducing suicides and suicide attempts among teens and youth over the last decade, but rates have increased in those over 35. 
 
San Diego County crisis and referral numbers include:
Public hotline (County of SD): 888.724.7240
Private agency (API): 800.766.4274
Warmline (typically non-emergencies): 619.295.1055, 3:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. except major holidays
Nationwide call/text: 988
 
In person: If it escalates from an "ideation" v. into "acute" danger then wait at y/our local Emergency room in case they think s/he should be admitted to a medical institution but beware they may put a person on a 72-hour-hold but typically won't keep her or him locked up for longer than a week unless s/he's like really adamant about not leaving.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: UNUSUAL SIGHT OUTSIDE EL CAJON POLICE HEADQUARTERS

Photo Credit: Web of Life Photography: The Vicarious Lenz
 
September 10, 2024 (El Cajon) – Photographer Robert Gehr spotted this wily character lurking outside the El Cajon Police Department headquarters this morning.
 
Casing the joint? Hunting rabbits? Or perhaps seeking water during one of the most extreme heat waves on record.
The San Diego Humane Society now offers an adoption guarantee* per Nina Thompson, so families can have peace of mind knowing that if the pet isn't the right match, they will welcome y/our pet back into care if you adopt her or him through the San Diego Humane Society, including the one in El Cajon, in the event the pet does not work out. 

MAJOR FIRES BURNING IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: SMOKE IMPACTING SAN DIEGO’S NORTH COUNTY

By Miriam Raftery

Photo,left via UCSD Wren Camera: Hellscape atop Santiago Peak in Orange County, where the Airport Fire destroyed communications towers.

 

September 10, 2024 (San Diego) – Several major wildfires have burned tens of thousand of acres, collectively threatening thousands of homes across southern California including San Bernadino, Riverside, Orange and Los Angeles Counties.

Although the Roblar Fire on Camp Pendleton has charred  1,000 acres on Camp Pendleton and an unnamed fire is burning two miles south of the international border near Boulevard, none of these fires currently pose threats to lives or property in San Diego County, according to Cal Fire. However, drifting smoke from fires to the north has resulted in ash on vehicles and air quality concerns in North County.

ARTIST CALVIN MANSON AT LEMON GROVE FARMER’S MARKET THIS THURSDAY;CRAFT MEET AND GREET ALSO PLANNED

East County News Service

Lemon Grove Farmers Market  announces that talented local artist Calvin Manson will be presenting his amazing artwork this Thursday, September 12, at the Farmers Market, located at Treganza Heritage Park, 3200 Main Street, Lemon Grove, between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m.

A native of San Diego, Calvin Manson is a highly accomplished visual artist, award-winning writer, producer, and theater director with a strong commitment to promoting African American culture and arts. As the Founder and Producing Artistic Director of the Ira Aldridge Repertory Players, Mason has inspired our community for more than 45 years by presenting and celebrating African American stories and theater.

In addition, Minola Clark Manson will be knitting or crocheting for a “craft, meet and greet” during the event.

A BLEND OF WINE AND MUSIC: JAZZY BLUES AT SAN PASQUAL WINERY SEPT. 13

East County News Service
 
September 10, 2024 (La Mesa) – San Pasqual Winery invites you to an evening of jazzy blues music performed by Floyd Armstrong and Fuzzy Rankins on Friday, Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the winery’s tasting room in La Mesa’s downtown village.
 
This event is organized by Music Therapy for Veterans.
 

HARRIS, TRUMP IN FIRST DEBATE TONIGHT

East County News Service

Photos, left: Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, by Ron  Logan and Gage Skidmore

September 10, 2024 (San Diego) – The first presidential candidate debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will take place tonight, Tuesday Sept.10, at 6 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This marks the first time the two candidates will meet in person, and the first opportunity for voters to view a debate featuring Harris as the Democratic nominee, after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race.

The much-anticipated debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia will  air live on ABC TV and stream on ABC News Live, Disney and Hulu.  Some other networks including NBC and CNN also plan to air the debate,  with many beginning pre-debate commentary ahead of time.

The race pits Harris, a seasoned prosecutor and former California Attorney General with strong courtroom speaking skills, against Trump, a prominent businessman convicted on 36 counts of fraud. Hot campaign topics include the economy, women’s reproductive health, immigration, inflation, climate change, foreign policy including the Ukraine and Israel-Gaza wars, the future of our democracy, Project 2025, personal freedoms, and more.

EX-MANZANITA TRIBAL POLICE CHIEF SENTENCED FOR SELLING FAKE BADGES

By Miriam Raftery

September 10, 2024 (Boulevard, CA) –Former Manzanita Tribal Police Chief Anthony Reyes Vasquez, 52, was sentenced Monday in federal court in San Diego for selling hundreds of badges and stealing $300,000 from the Manzanita Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. Vasquez pleaded guilty to the charges in 2021.  

Though he could have faced up to 10 years in prison, he was sentenced to only 10 months of home confinement, 12 consecutive weekends in custody ,and three years of probation. He has also agreed to pay restitution to the tribe for the $300,000 in stolen funds—nearly half of the $700,000 in “donations” obtained for the bogus police badges.

Prosecutors have said that tribal leaders did not know that Vazquez was selling police badges and police department “memberships” to unqualified people, granting them police privileges including the right to concealed carry weapons permits.

SANTANA SHOOTER HAS FIRST PAROLE HEARING TUESDAY

Update September 11, 2024 -- Parole has been denied for Williams. At yesterday's hearing, Board of Parole Hearings Commissioner Kevin Chappell stated that Williams still poses a threat to public safety, telling Williams "“By your testimony today, it is really unclear if you understand why you committed this horrendous act of violence.”  Testimony was overwhelmingly against Williams' release, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported.

By Miriam Raftery

September 9, 2024 (Santee, CA) – It’s been 23 years since 15-year-old Charles Andrew “Andy” Williams took his father’s revolver to school and repeatedly opened fire, killing two students and injured 13 other people at Santana High School in Santee.

Tomorrow, as the result of a new law regarding youthful offenders, he will have his first parole hearing—drawing a strong response from community members, many stilll traumatized by loss and grief.

EXTREME HEAT CAUSES POWER OUTAGES TO OVER 14,000 SDG&E CUSTOMERS

By Miriam Raftery

September 9, 2024 (San Diego) – At least 14,000 SDG&E customers across San Diego had power outages yesterday afternoon, left sweltering in triple-digit heat.

The majority of those outages were due to a problem at a substation in Rancho San Diego, which was likely caused by the extreme weather conditions, according to SDG&E communications manager Alex Welling,Times of San Diego reports.

Extreme heat causes wear and tear on infrastructure equipment and the power grid.  A key issue yesterday may have been numerous households running air conditioning overnight, since low temperatures remained uncomfortably hot in many areas.

Fortunately, power to most customers was restored within a few hours, as SDG&E crews toiled through the heat to make repairs.

How can you prepare for future outages during high heat?  Here are some tips.

HEAT BREAKS ALL-TIME RECORDS

By Miriam Raftery

 

September 9, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – Yesterday’s sweltering temperatures broke numerous all-time temperatures across our region, as the heat wave continues today with triple-digit  temperatures. New high temperature records for September 8 were set in several local communities, including some that have been keeping track of weather records for over a century:

 

LOCATION             NEW RECORD         OLD RECORD        PERIOD OF RECORD

ESCONDIDO             109                        104 in 1944              1893

RAMONA                   110                        103 in 2018              1974

ALPINE                      105                        104 in 1984              1951

EL CAJON                 108                        104 in 1984              1899

 

The highest minimum temperatures on record were also raised. San Diego tied  a record set back in 1875, with the low temperature a balmy 75 degrees. The follow communities also raised the record for highest minimum temperatures:

ALL LANES OF I-8 EAST TO CLOSE SEPT. 13-16 WEEKEND FOR CONSTRUCTION

East County News Service
 
September 8, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – Cal Trans announces a full freeway closure of eastbound Interstate 8, from just west of State Route 125 in La Mesa to just east of State Route 67 in El Cajon. The closure will run from 9 p.m. on Friday, September 13th to 5 a.m Monday, September 16th.

VICTIM IDENTIFIED IN LEMON GROVE SHOOTING DEATH; SUSPECTED ARRESTED

East County News Service

Update Sesptember 9, 2024:  The victim has been identified as Diego Omar Valera-Trujillo.  A suspect, Joshua Gonzalez, 27, has been arrested near his home on Lincoln Ave. in Lemon Grove. He will be charged with murder.

September 8, 2024 (Lemon Grove) – A 21-year-old  man has died in the hospital after being shot multiple times last night in Lemon Grove.

Sheriff’s deputies were on Lemon Grove Avenue when they heard several gunshots at 11:34 p.m. While checking the business area, they were told that  a group of people were arguing in the 3100 block of  School Lane. Deputies searched the area and found the victim.  They provided medical aid until Heartland Fire Department arrived and transported the victim to a hospital, where he died of his injuries.

MAN ARRESTED FOR SETTING FIRE TO HIS RENTED HOME IN EL CAJON

By Miriam Raftery

September 7, 2024 (El Cajon) – San Diego Police have arrested Jose Orozco, 53, for arson, after a landlord-tenant dispute. After the bedroom in his El Cajon residence on Coker Way was set on fire Friday night, detectives from El Cajon Police Dept. found   plastic bottle filled with gasoline and a rag on top in his vehicle. 

Orozco was later found by San Diego Police Department and arrested. He is charged with arson and possession of a destructive device.

CHURCH FIRE IN CAMPO: EVACUATIONS HAVE BEEN LIFTED

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

Update 5:15 p.m.-- Forward spread has been halted at 65 acres and evacuation orders have been lifted. 

September 7, 2024 (Campo) -- Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for a brush fire burning at Church Road south of the Golden Acorn Casino near Old Hwy 80. The #ChurchFire has potential for 1,000 acres; it has burned 65 acres so far, per Cal Fire.

View an updated evacuation map here:  Genasys Protect  A temporary evacuation center is at the Golden Acorn Casino,1800 Golden Acorn Way in Campo.

NINE ORPHANED COYOTES RELEASED INTO WILD IN JULIAN AREA

East County News Service
 
Photo, left courtesy of Project Wildlife: Six of the coyote pups, prior to release
 
September 7, 2024 (Julian) -- Nine orphaned coyotes are back in the wild where they belong after being raised at San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center. Project Wildlife’s staff released the coyotes on the Eagle Peak Preserve near Julian, in collaboration with the San Diego River Park Foundation.

CALTRANS COMPLETES IMPROVEMENTS TO STATE ROUTE 67 IN RAMONA

Source: Caltrans
 
September 6, 2024 (Ramona) -- Users of State Route 67 (SR-67) can now enjoy the benefits of the completed Pavement Rehabilitation Project, which stretches 18 miles within the San Vicente Corridor from Lakeside to the community of Ramona. The goals of the project were to repair distressed pavement and improve ride quality, restore the roadway to a state of good repair, reduce maintenance, extend the life of the existing pavement, and add safety improvements.

ADOPTION FEES WAIVED SATURDAY AND HALF OFF THRU SEPT. 10 AT EL CAJON ANIMAL SHELTER

East County News Service
 
September 6, 2024 (El Cajon) - With nearly 1,800 pets in care and more than 800 pets ready for new homes, San Diego Humane Society is waiving ALL adoption fees on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, for a special "Clear the Shelters" day. The organization is also reducing all adoption fees by 50% during "Clear the Shelters" month now through Sept. 10, 2024.

HELIX FRESHMAN FOOTBALL PLAYER RUN OVER BY TRASH TRUCK

By Miriam Raftery

September 6, 2024 (La Mesa) – Caleb Carvalho, 14, was riding his bicycle to school yesterday morning when he was struck and seriously injured by a garbage truck at the intersection of University Avenue and La Mesa Blvd. 

A Go Fund Me site has been set up to help the teen, a freshman and football player at Helix Charter High School, with his medical bills as he faces long road to recovery.

His father, David Carvalho, told NBC 7 that Caleb’s pelvis was broken on both front and back. Currently hospitalized, Caleb will need rehabilitation and costly medical treatments. 

Caleb was in the bicycle lane but the trash truck driver didn’t see him, running over Caleb as the truck pulled into a driveway.

FIVE ARRESTED IN EL CAJON RETAIL THEFT OPERATION, STOLEN PROPERTY RECOVERED

East County News Service

September 6, 2024 (El Cajon) --Investigators from the El Cajon Police Department conducted a retail theft operation in collaboration with the Home Depot in El Cajon to combat the ongoing theft issues facing our local businesses. Investigators worked closely with store staff to surveil and arrest thieves in real-time without a delayed response.

“This one-day operation netted five arrests and led to the recovery of stolen merchandise from the store,” says Sergeant Kevin Reilly.

ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS

September 5, 2024 (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.

SPRING VALLEY SEEDS INITIATIVE INVITES COMMUNITY TO SHAPE A GREENER FUTURE

East County News Service
 
September 6, 2024 (Spring Valley) – The Spring Valley SEEDS (Sustainable Environments & Engaged Development Strategies) partners are inviting residents to help play a vital role in shaping the future of their community.

EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING TODAY THROUGH MONDAY DUE TO TRIPLE-DIGIT TEMPERATURES

East County News Service

 

September 5, 2024 (San Diego) – The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for nearly all of San Diego County, due to dangerously hot conditions with high temperatures of up to 116 degrees in the desert and 102 degrees in inland cities and 104 in East County’s mountain communities.

Nights will stay warm, with temperatures mostly in the 70s even after dark.

EVACUATIONS ORDERED IN ESCONDIDO DUE TO LITHIUM ION BATTERY STORAGE FIRE, POTENTIAL FOR TOXIC FUMES

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

Update September 7, 2024: The fire has been extinguished. All evacuation orders have been lifted.

Update September 6, 2024:  The Escondido Union School District closed multilpe schools today.  Businesses in the area remained closed and evacuation orders continue. According to SDG&E, lithium ion battery storage fires must burn themselves out.

September 5, 2024 (Escondido) -- Evacuations have been ordered and road closures are in effect in Escondido, just west of I-15 and south of state route 78, due to a fire at a battery storage facility. Such fires have the potential to release toxic fumes.  Enterprise Street is closed between Mission Road and Auto Park Way.

There is an immediate threat to life, so residents are urged to leave immediately. The area is closed for the public to enter. View map of evacuation zones.

Evacuees should go to Pala Casino, or to Pueblo Bank and Trust Company, 11154 Highway 76,Pala,CA.

JUSTICE DEPT. INDICTS RUSSIAN CONTROLLED MEDIA EMPLOYEES FOR ATTEMPTING TO COVERTLY INFLUENCE U.S. ELECTIONS

View the indictment here

Source: U.S. Dept. of Justice

September 4, 2024 (Washington D.C.) – Attorney General Merrick Garland today announced criminal indictments against two Russian nationals in a scheme to spread disinformation across social media under covert identities posing as U.S.-based media outlets. Their aim was to illegally influence the 2024 election, sow division among Americans, and spread propaganda favorable to Russia regarding its invasion of Ukraine. 

The defendants, Kostiantyn “Kostya” Kalashnikov and Elena “Lena”Afanasyeva, are both employees of Russia’s state-controlled media outlet in Moscow,  RT, formerly known as Russia Today.

MAYOR BILL WELLS BAND AND SAN DIEGO RESCUE MISSION SHINE A LIGHT ON MENTAL HEALTH AT OCT. 12 CONCERT

Annual concert is free this year, focusing on mental health awareness with screenings and information to the public

September 4, 2024 (El Cajon) -- El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells and his 14-piece band are partnering with the San Diego Rescue Mission this year on his acclaimed annual concert. This year’s event, “Shine a Light on Mental Health” will be held Saturday, October 12 at the Magnolia Theater,210 East Main St.,El Cajon.

The event begins with a health fair at 6:30 featuring nearly 15 local mental health and wellness providers in the courtyard providing free screening and information, followed by the concert at 8 p.m. Free tickets are available here.

Mayor Wells' 14-piece band plays Rock, Pop, R&B, and Blues from across a few decades by artists including Ray Charles, the B-52s, Santana, Stevie Wonder, Chicago, Earth Wind and Fire, Joe Walsh, and, as Wells noted, "a few songs you love but have no idea who sang them." The band is made up of friends he's played with over the years, and they are coming in from all over the country for this great cause. 

EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS

September 3, 2024 (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 round-up stories include:

LOCAL

STATE

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

MEASLES EXPOSURE AT RADY CHILDREN’S PEDIATRIC UNIT AT GROSSMONT HOSPITAL IN LA MESA AND AT CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

By Miriam Raftery

Photo via Centers for Disease Control

September 3, 2024 (La Mesa)  - If you or your children visited Rady Grossmont Pediatric Unit in La Mesa on August 20,  or Rady Children’s Hospital Emergency Room in San Diego on August 25, you may have been exposed to measles. 

A 13-month-old unvaccinated infant who contracted measles while traveling overseas was seen at these locations. The child is the fourth case of measles locally this year.  Measles is a serious illness that spreads easily, so anyone with symptoms is urged to contact their healthcare provider.  

THE PEOPLE’S PROSECUTOR: KAMALA HARRIS MAKES HER CASE FOR PRESIDENCY IN DNC ACCEPTANCE SPEECH

View full video

August 31, 2022 (Chicago)—In her acceptance speech for the Democratic party’s presidential nomination delivered last week in Chicago, Vice President and former prosecutor Kamala Harris presented her case to the American people. She spoke of domestic and foreign policy priorities, sharply contrasting her goals with those of her opponent.

“My entire career, I have only had one  client. The People,” said Harris, former California Attorney General and a former district attorney.  “With this election, our nation has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism and divisive battles of the past. A chance to chart a New Way Forward.”

Pledging to be a President for all Americans, she added, “You can always trust me to put country above party and self. To hold sacred America’s fundamental principals—from the rule of law to free and fair elections, to the peaceful transfer of power,” alluding to her opponent, former President Donald Trump, convicted of felony fraud and facing numerous pending charges related to his efforts to overthrow the 2020 election results.

Harris said that if elected, she would strive to unite Americans around “our highest aspirations” and be a President “who leads and listens, who is realistic, practical, and has common sense. And always fights for the American people.”

CALLING ALL CANDIDATES! EAST COUNTY CHAMBERS SEEKS PARTICIPANTS FOR “POLITICS IN PARADISE” SEPT. 20

East County News Service

September 2, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – The San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce will host “Politics in Paradise” on Friday, Sept.20 from  5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College in Rancho San Diego.

Candidates are invited to sign up and participate. Candidates can share their platform and discuss topics with both Chamber members and guests, give a one-minute speech,invite attendees to engage one-on-one questions and answers, bring a table with campaign materials, and solicit fundraising. Candidates must complete this candidate form.

The public is invited to attend and learn more about the people running for local offices seeking to represent East County residents.

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