February 25, 2023 (San Diego) - The lady Wolf Pack of West Hills have fought hard on the pitch to get where they are now. Today, they met the lady Lancers of Carlsbad close to their home turf at Ed Burke Field at Torrey Pines High in pouring rain in the Division I CIF San Diego section girls soccer championships.
February 25, 2023 (San Diego) – A man arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and causing an accident that seriously injured a motorcyclist has died in San Diego County’s Central Jail.
Robert Shuey, 67, of San Clemente was arrested in Oceanside shortly before 4 a.m. on Feb. 21 by the Oceanside Police Department. He was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation. After the hospital cleared him medically later that morning, he was booked into the Vista Detention facility and then transferred at 11 a.m. to San Diego Central Jail.
Shortly before 8 p.m., during an hourly safety check, Shuey was found unresponsive in his cell. Deputies and medical staff immediately responded to the location and began CPR, according to the Sheriff’s department. Paramedics arrived and took over life-saving measures, but despite these efforts, Shuey was pronounced dead before he could be transported to a hospital.
File photos: Councilmembers Liana LeBaron, left, and Jennifer Mendoza, right
Update March 3, 2023: A hearing on the TRO has been postponed until April 3.
Updated Feb. 27, 2023 to add copy of restraining order (redacted for privacy), Mendoza harassment claim, and Sheriff background chronology. LeBaron has acknowledged receiving ECM's request for comments, but despite three emails to Le Baron, she has not provided comments. ECM will public a response from LeBaron if received.
February 25, 2023 (Lemon Grove) – A judge has granted a temporary restraining order requiring Lemon Grove Councilmember Liana LeBaron to stay at least 100 yards away from fellow Councilmember Jennifer Mendoza, as well as Mendoza’s home and vehicle, pending a March 6 hearing. The order further orders LeBaron to avoid harassing or intimidating Mendoza, and prohibits LeBaron from owning firearms.
“I’m filing this request because I’m afraid that LeBaron’s stalking and harassing of me is escalating,” Mendoza states in a description detailing a pattern of alleged harassment. She adds, “I am concerned about my safety.”
East County farmers and ranchers are among those offering tastes
East County News Service
February 24, 2023 (Carlsbad) -- Are you interested in the farm-to-table food movement, preserving urban-facing agriculture, and knowing your local farmers, including those in East County? If you would enjoy tasting locally sourced bites and beverages while learning more about agriculture in San Diego County, then GRAZE at the Fields is the event for you. On Thursday, April 13, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the San Diego County Farm Bureau will be hosting a one-of-a-kind tasting and education event at the world-renowned Carlsbad Flower Fields.
February 24, 2023 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – For its annual Earth Day celebration, the Desert View Tower and Boulder Park will host a Boulder Fair on Saturday, April 22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
February 24, 2023 (San Diego) -- The City of San Diego today announced that due to weather conditions and “an abundance of caution,” it has closed Mission Trails Regional Park, as well as Los Penasquitos Preserve, Chollas Lake and Maple Canyon parks.
February 24, 2023 (Cuyamaca) – With lots of snow already on the ground and a major new storm set to bring the heaviest snowfall in recent memory, Rancho Cuyamaca State Park today announced that the park is closed.
California State Park Service posted on Facebook, “The park is expected to reopen sometime on Sunday. PLEASE DO NOT COME UP TO THE PARK TOMORROW (Saturday). The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning through Saturday, February 25th.” The Park Service urges people to avoid the mountain areas until after the storm, and urges would-be visitors to keep these things in mind:
February 24, 2023 (San Diego) -- 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:
Photo: Migrants wait in line while California border activists organize group to enter U.S. and seek asylum through Chaparral entryway in Tijuana. Photo by Carlos A. Moreno for CalMatters
February 24, 2023 (San Diego) -- The San Diego Rapid Response Network issued a condemnation Wednesday of the Biden Administration’s proposed new restrictions on refugees seeking asylum in the United States.
The coalition of human-rights organizations, led by Jewish Family Service of San Diego, operates local migrant shelters funded by state government and private donors.
February 25, 2023 (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:
February 24, 2023 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.
February 23, 2023 (El Cajon) -- Amber S. Dine sent in this photo of a Cedar Waxwing, taken off her balcony in El Cajon. These migratory birds typically travel in flocks, traveling in search of berries on cedars and other trees. At times they’ve been known to over-indulge, resulting in intoxication!
Public can also submit comments online, by phone, or by mail
February 23, 2023 (San Diego) – San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has applied for a general rate increase starting in 2024. SDG&E wants to grow revenues by $449 million (17.6%) in 2024. This application also includes requested increases of 10.5% in 2025, (9.2% in 2026, and another 7.7% in 2027.
If approved, the first year increase alone would hike the average monthly electric bill by $9 a month and gas by $9.60 a month, or $18.60/mo. total. Combined, that’s over $220 a year for the average ratepayer – with some homeowners and businesses paying far more. By 2027, the average ratepayers would pay $285.91 more per year than today.
Three hearings are slated on the proposed price hikes, conducted by an administrative law judge for the Calif.Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The first two are virtual on March 6 and 15, the third is in-person in San Diego on March 23 in both afternoon and evening.
Coming on the heels of a doubling of natural gas prices locally in January, on top of utility rates that are already among the highest in the nation, SDG&E’s proposal has sparked outrage. Of 395 public comments received so far on the CPUC website, all voiced anger and 100% are opposed to raising rates.
SDG&E says it wants its customers to help pay for infrastructure projects including putting power lines underground to prevent fires, building more electric vehicle charging stations, and modernizing the electric grid. SDG&E bases its rate increase proposal on the assumption that energy use will double by 2045.
February 23, 2023 (El Cajon) – An early morning fire damaged URBN pizza and adjacent Creative Creature Brewing Company, according to Heartland Fire and Rescue Dept.
There had been a large party the previous night that kept staff there until midnight, said Derek Carnation of Creative Creature. "The fire started in their kitchen, and we're just next door; it's mainly smoke damage," he told East County Magazine after their establishments were cleared by the Health Department Thursday afternoon for reopening pending City Inspection, he tells ECM.
Photo: Dignitaries including California’s Governor rode the flume across East County, from Lake Cuyamaca to Lake Murray.
February 23, 2023 (San Diego) -- 134 years ago, the San Diego Flume opened. Today, the word flume is often used to describe a type of theme park ride in which users get splashed while riding in a wooden roller coaster. While such a thing would be ahead of its time in the 1880s, the San Diego Flume was far more significant, because it provided something essential to the residents of the small but growing city of San Diego than any thrill ride could: abundant water.
The Flume’s construction began in 1886 with the goal of bringing a reliable and plentiful water supply to the residents of the growing city and county of San Diego. The Flume project dammed the San Diego River's waters at the bottom of the Cuyamaca Mountains and then through a 35 mile complex of wooden chutes, trestles, and tunnels delivered it to a reservoir in La Mesa. From there, water was conveyed to places across San Diego where residents could reliably irrigate their farms and gardens and enjoy plentiful drinking water.
Photos: Snow in Julian today, courtesy of San Diego Sheriff Media Relations unit
February 23, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – Treacherous. Severe. Really dangerous conditions. Those are terms used by National Weather Service meteorologist Alex Tardy in a webinar today to describe a slow-moving atmospheric river, coupled with high winds and frigid temperatures from an arctic jet stream, swooping into San Diego County Friday and Saturday.
The storm could dump a potentially unprecedented three to five feet of snow at elevations above 4,000 feet in some parts of Southern California, with another foot and a half forecast on Mt. Laguna atop considerable snow that's already fallen. Also forecast are debris flows in areas not normally subject to them as snow melts. Blowing and drifting snow will impact major southern California highways, including highway 78 and the eastern portions of Interstate-8 in San Diego County.
This event has been postponed to March 4 due to rain.
East County News Service
February 25, 2023 (Lemon Grove) -- Lemon Grove’s Black History Celebration 2023 will take place on March 4, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Treganza Heritage Park (3200 Main Street, Lemon Grove). The event has been rescheduled from Feb. 25 due to rain.
The celebration will include spoken word, drumming, African dancers, music artists, art, youth activities, steppers, soul food vendors, food trucks and special community recognition of local black businesses and organizations.
The annual event is hosted by Thrive Lemon Grove, a non-profit community organization dedicated to advancing public health and safety initiatives through collaborations to elevate the quality of life in Lemon Grove.
February 22, 2023 (Alpine)—Lions, Tigers and Bears animal sanctuary in Alpine is urgently seeking donations to save the life of Nicholas, a 3-year-old mountain lion injured as a cub in a highway accident on Christmas Day, 2020 that killed his mother. The orphaned mountain lion was raised at a sanctuary in Kern County that has filed for bankruptcy, so all animals must be out by this Saturday.
Nicholas has had numerous surgeries after suffering pelvic fractures and head trauma, and is unable to survive in the wild. Lions, Tigers and Bears hopes to bring him to their facility, but needs funs for his transfer, ongoing veterinary care, as well habitat enhancements such as toys, platforms and a den.
February 22, 2023 – The storm has caused power outages amid frigid weather in some parts of East County. While power has been restored in most areas, power went down in parts of Borrego Springs last night due to weather affecting SDG&E equipment, and is not expected to be restored until this evening. Borrego resident Nikki Symington posted on Facebook, “I am freezing. No electricity since 9 last night."
According to SDG&E, “Last night at its peak 11,000 SDG&E customers were without power during the night, in addition to momentary outages caused by high winds. Crews have made significant progress in restoring thousands of customers and are working to restore remaining customers as quickly and safely as possible.”
The utility states that to protect the safety of its customers, employees and communities, the company has taken proactive steps to prepare for winter storms this week, with the strongest storm due this weekend. A news release from SDG&E states, “In anticipation of these storms, SDG&E increased the number of field crews and equipment available to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. The company’s meteorology team is also monitoring weather conditions minute-by-minute to help provide situational awareness to crews working hard to maintain the infrastructure that serves our communities. However, preparedness is a community effort, and the company encourages all of its customers to have a plan in place in case of unplanned outages.”
To help customers prepare for the upcoming storm, the company is sharing the following safety tips to help keep you and the region safe:
During multi-day operation, task force makes 48 arrests, offers support to 41 individuals, and recovers two firearms
Source: Attorney General Rob Bonta
Tuesday, February 21, 2023 (San Diego) -- As part of a joint investigation through the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force (SDHTTF), California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the results of Operation Better Pathways during a press conference in San DIego. The multi-jurisdictional operation, which concluded earlier this month, is part of a broader, regional effort to combat human trafficking and sexual exploitation through targeted enforcement, relying both on surveillance of known locations and officers working undercover.
As a result of the multi-day operation, 48 individuals were arrested for alleged human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and other criminal offenses, 41 individuals — including eight children — were offered support services, and two firearms were recovered, including a ghost gun.
February 22, 2023 (Proctor Valley) – There has been an ongoing legal battle between environmental groups like the Sierra Club and others, against developers who want to turn Proctor Valley, a large tract of land between Chula Vista and Jamul, into a housing development. A judge has ruled in favor of the environmental groups that the Village 14 site of Proctor Valley is to not become a housing development, due to severe fire hazard, as ECM previously reported..
Now, Peter Anderson with Sierra Club San Diego has said that he would hopes to see the Proctor Valley site become part of the Rancho Jamul Ecological Reserve, so that it may be protected in perpetuity. He could not divulge details due to ongoing negotiations.
February 22, 2023 (San Diego) -- Rain, strong winds and cold temperatures predicted to bring significant snow to local mountains as low as 2,000 feet began Tuesday evening and are forecast to continue through Saturday. The winds will additionally bring high surf to beaches, so everyone should take precautions if on the water.
County Emergency Services and Public Works road crews recommend everyone stay alert and take precautions at home and on the roads during the atmospheric river event.
The National Weather Service winter storm systems forecast is available and can be checked for updates. Damaging winds are expected through the week and could result in tree damage or falling trees or limbs. Driving, particularly if you are driving a high-profile vehicle, is predicted to be hazardous at times.
Avoid driving in heavy rain conditions but if the trip is necessary, follow these tips:
February 22, 2023 (San Diego's East County) -- The safety of students and school staff is of the utmost importance to San Diego County school districts.
Because of inclement weather, schools in the following districts will be closed on Wednesday, Feb. 22:
February 22, 2023 (San Diego) - Jaedon LeDee scored 14 points and Matt Bradley scored 10 of his 13 in the first four minutes of the second half for No. 22 San Diego State, which overwhelmed Colorado State 77-58 Tuesday night for its fifth straight win.
February 21, 2023 (San Diego) – A winter storm warning has been issued for San Diego’s mountain areas and desert slopes from 6 p.m. tonight until 3 p.m. tomorrow, and for coastal and inland areas through Wednesday at 8 p.m.. Wind gusts as high as 100 miles per hour are forecast. A second winter storm is forecast starting Tuesday, when snow could drop to 2,000 feet, with rain elsewhere in the county. Heavy snows and cold temperatures are predicted through next weekend, with powerful winds returning, the National Weather Service predicts.
“Expect rain, snow, high wind and surf, as well as possible flooding and mudslides. Frigid conditions and poor visibility will impact travel,” the San Diego Sheriff’s department posted on Twitter. “Expect delays and use precautions while driving. Secure your boat and patio furniture.”
February 21, 2023 (San Diego) -- The County of San Diego has confirmed five hepatitis A cases, including one death, with illness onset between Jan. 10, 2023 and Feb. 6, 2023. Three of the cases were persons experiencing homelessness (PEH), including the person who died. Of the five, there are no known direct contacts and the five cases do not meet the definition of an outbreak as the County normally sees two to three cases per month.
“As a long-time healthcare advocate, I understand the importance of being out in front and transparent with the public about potential threats to the public health,” said Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas. “The disease is 100 percent preventable, and we want to ensure everyone living in our communities, including people experiencing homelessness, have the information they need to live a healthy and safe life.”
Photo, left via Calico Ranch on Facebook: Fred Coleman discovered gold, starting the Julian Gold Rush in 1869.
February 21, 2023 (Julian) - Many San Diego County residents have visited Julian, a historic gold rush town in the Cuyamaca Mountains. Some may know that is was founded by former Confederate soldiers after the Civil War. But many are likely unaware of the black settlers who also played key roles in the town’s history.
It was Fred Coleman from Kentucky, a freed slave and rancher who discovered gold in a stream on what is now Calico Rancho; his find started Julian’s gold rush in 1869. Coleman married a member of the Santa Ysabel tribe. He had previously been a miner in Northern California. The Coleman Mining District in what is now known as Julian was named for him, and he served as its first recorder.
America Newton, a widow and formerly enslaved black woman, and her daughter, Clara, came to Julian from Kansas and started a laundry business that served war veterans, European immigrants, Native Americans, and newly freed African-Americans. She used her work ethic to build a new life of freedom.
By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association
File photo, Rose Schindler, courtesy of Times of San Diego
February 21, 2023 (San Diego) -- Holocaust survivor Rose Schindler, who lived in San Diego for decades and spoke frequently to students about the tragic era, has died at 93 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Just three weeks before her death, she spoke to students at the new UC San Diego Glickman Hillel Center about her ordeal in the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz in Poland.
Schindler was just 14 when she and her family arrived at the camp from Czechoslovakia. She told the guards she was 18, and along with her older sisters was directed to a line, put to work, and survived World War II.
February 21, 2023 (Ocotillo Wells) – A fire on private property has caused heavy damage to six recreational vehicle trailers in Ocotillo Wells.
Cal Fire San Diego posed on Twitter early yesterday evening that it was at the scene of multiple large vehicles on fire along Split Mountain Road south of Highway 78 in Ocotillo.
Tribe and Casino Have Made Diversity and Inclusion Cornerstones to Business Practices Since Founding
Source: Jamul Indian Village and Jamul Casino
February 20, 2023 (Jamul) – The Jamul Indian Village of California (JIV) Tribe and Jamul Casino invite San Diego to join them in observing Black History Month, a time for all of us to celebrate the rich history, culture and contributions of Black Americans. With a number of events and initiatives scheduled throughout February, the JIV and Jamul Casino are joining the celebration by amplifying Black voices and highlighting the significance of the historical contributions of Black Americans as well as the ongoing struggles.
Story and photos by Liz Alper
By Miriam Raftery
East County farmers and ranchers are among those offering tastes
East County News Service
February 24, 2023 (San Diego) -- The City of San Diego today announced that due to weather conditions and “an abundance of caution,” it has closed Mission Trails Regional Park, as well as Los Penasquitos Preserve, Chollas Lake and Maple Canyon parks.
February 24, 2023 (San Diego) -- 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:
By 
February 25, 2023 (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:
February 24, 2023 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.
East County News Service
Public can also submit comments online, by phone, or by mail
Miriam Raftery and Jonathan Goetz
Courtesy of Cabrillo National Monument
By Miriam Raftery
East County News Service
Source: Attorney General Rob Bonta
By 
East County News Service
East County News Service
By Miriam Raftery
By 
By Miriam Raftery
Source: Jamul Indian Village and Jamul Casino
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