MULTI-VEHICLE CRASH KILLS FIVE, LED TO BRUSH FIRE THAT CLOSED STATE ROUTE 67 BOTH DIRECTIONS

SANDAG MEETING FRIDAY ON DRAFT 2025 PLAN

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: MIDSUMMER FUN

MEMORY WEAVERS: AWARD-WINNING NOVEL OF TWO WOMEN BONDED BY TRAUMAS

ANIMAL ADVOCATES CELEBRATE HOUSING COMMISSION DROPPING PROPOSED NEW LIMIT ON PET OWNERSHIP

COUNTY WINS NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS

LA MESA CITY COUNCIL APPROVES RENOVATIONS FOR GROSSMONT CENTER

ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS

SAN DIEGO NAMED CANDIDATE HOST CITY FOR INVICTUS GAMES 2029

STATE PARKS PHOTO CONTEST RUNNING THROUGH SEPT. 30

GROCERY WORKERS AT RALPHS, ALBERTSONS, VONS, AND PAVILIONS VOTE TO RATIFY NEW CONTRACTS

SUNCREST TRUCK TRAIL NOT A VIABLE OPTION FOR FIRE EVACUATION ROUTE IN CREST, ACCORDING TO FIRE OFFICIALS

AT TOWN HALL IN LAKESIDE, REFORM CALIFORNIA’S DEMAIO SPEAKS OUT ON CRIME AND HOMELESSNESS ISSUES

By Shiloh Ireland

October 14, 2023 (Lakeside) - Conservative activist Carl DeMaio, chairman of Reform California, held a townhall last month at the Lakeside VFW focused on rising crime and homelessness in California and East County.

GOFUNDME FOR EL CAJON WOMAN, 65, WHO LOST HOME IN FIRE

By Cecilie Shamanow

El Cajon – Imagine going to sleep at night in your home, content, safe and secure, only to wake up to it going up in flames. Melissa Taylor didn’t have to imagine such a tragedy because it was her reality.  The 65-year-old El Cajon resident woke up the night of August 7th to a fire rapidly spreading through her home.

Taylor, who normally falls asleep to the sound of her television, was awoken at 5:30  pm. by the sudden silence caused by the power going out in her trailer. She could hear the sound of her neighbors outside yelling for her to get out.

She narrowly escaped; the trailer was burned beyond repair in a matter of moments. Taylor could do nothing but watch as it burned, and listen to the sounds of her four cats crying inside, unable to escape.

LEMON GROVE FORWARD CLUB’S 2ND ANNUAL SOCKTOBER EVENT TO HELP EAST COUNTY’S UNHOUSED NEIGHBORS IS UNDERWAY

 

October 13, 2023 (Lemon Grove) -- The Lemon Grove Forward Club is aiming to get warm new, unused socks directly into the hands of the unhoused in Lemon Grove and the rest of East County. The Forward Club was able to collect over 1100 pairs of socks last year and they are hoping this year to reach over 1600 pairs.

GOVERNOR SIGNS AB 1287, CREATING DENSITY BONUSES FOR MIDDLE-INCOME APARTMENTS AND CONDOS

By Miriam Raftery

 

October 13, 2023 (San Diego) – Wednesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law AB1287, legislation that will encourage new homes for tens of thousands of middle-income families throughout California. The bill passed the Assembly76-1 and the Senate 31-4. View bill text. The new law amends the state’s Density Bonus law, which exempts builders from parking and density requirements if projects have a specified amount of units for low-income residents.  The new law expands this to include incentives to build housing for middle income residents, allowing more units and higher buildings.

COUNTY LAUNCHES BLUE ENVELOPE PROGRAM TO HELP IN INTERACTIONS BETWEEN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

East County News Service

October 13, 2023 (San Diego) -- San Diego County is launching the Blue Envelope Program starting October 16. The program is designed to promote inclusivity and provide an enhanced communication awareness tool between law enforcement and community members diagnosed with a condition or disability such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, dementia, anxiety, or other conditions that might require additional accommodations or awareness during a law enforcement interaction.

ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS

October 13, 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:

U.S.

WORLD

Israel-Palestine War

Other world news

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

SIXTH ANNUAL EAST COUNTY MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL NOV. 4 IN EL CAJON

East County News Service

October 13, 2023 (El Cajon) -- Welcome Newcomer Network will host its 6TH Multicultural Festival on November 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at EJE Academies, 851 S Johnson Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020. The event will include multicultural food, cultural dance, a show of traditional costumes, storytelling, games and raffle drawings. For this year, we anticipate over 1,000 attendees.

EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS

October 13, 2023 (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.

COUNTY SUPERVISORIAL CANDIDATES STEPPE AND REICHERT TO APPEAR IN PUBLIC FORUM OCT. 18 AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE

East County News Service

October 13, 2023 (El Cajon)-- The two finalists for the District 4 supervisorial seat will address issues of concern to East County residents at a public forum to be held Oct. 18 at Cuyamaca College. Monica Montgomery Steppe and Amy Reichert were the two top vote-getters in the primary election for the District 4 supervisor’s seat vacated by Nathan Fletcher. The general election is being held Nov. 7.

The candidate forum starts at 7 p.m., with a meet and greet session starting at 6:30 p.m.  The event will be held at the Samuel M. Ciccati Performing Arts Center at Cuyamaca College, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, El Cajon. Parking and admission are free.

The candidate forum will be moderated by the League of Women Voters of San Diego and conducted according to their guidelines. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions that could be selected for the candidates to answer. The forum will be video recorded and posted on the League’s YouTube channel for future viewing.

ROBERT NEARY, STAR OF SO GOOD! THE NEIL DIAMOND EXPERIENCE AT THE MAGNOLIA OCT. 21, SPEAKS WITH ECM

By Miriam Raftery

View our exclusive interview with Robert Neary.

October 13, 2023 (El Cajon) – Musical entertainer Robert Neary, also a TV and Broadway actor, brings his acclaimed “So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience”  show to the Magnolia theatre in El Cajon on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m.  His uncanny renditions of 22  of Diamond’s classic hits such as Cherry, Cherry,” “I’m a Believer,” “Solitary Man,” “Holly Holy,” “Coming to America,” and “Sweet Caroline” are backed by New York's premier band, The Mystic.  Neary will also share Diamond’s personal stories about some of his songs, and provide a finale that has dazzled critics. View a promo reel.

In an exclusive interview with ECM aired on KNSJ radio,  Neary talks about his inspirations growing up, his path to stardom on TV, stage and the musical world, what motivated him to create a Neil Diamond tribute show, and his favorite Diamond piece.

THOUSANDS ATTEND SOLEMN EVENING VIGIL IN SUPPORT OF ISRAEL AT UNIVERSITY CITY PARK

By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego, a member of the San DIego Online News Association

Photo:  attendees bow their heads in prayer for Israel. Photo by Chris Jennewein

October 13, 2023 (San Diego) - Over 4,000 San Diegans crowded a park in University City on Tuesday night in a solemn vigil to show unity and support for Israel following the deadly attacks from Gaza.

U.S. STATE DEPT. TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR ISRAEL, THE WEST BANK AND GAZA

By Miram Raftery

October 12, 2023 (Washington D.C.) – Following Hamas terror attacks and kidnappings in Israel, Hezbollah bombings in the north and the Israeli military response, the U.S. State Department has issue the following travel advisory:

Summary: Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Violence can occur in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza without warning. There has been a marked increase in demonstrations throughout Israel, some with little or no warning.

Some areas have increased risk. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Israel and the West Bank, and Gaza. 

Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

 

Do Not Travel To:

  • Gaza due to terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict

Reconsider Travel To:

  • Israel due to terrorism and civil unrest
  • West Bank due to terrorism and civil unrest

TASTE OF JULIAN ON NOVEMBER 4 BENEFITS TOWN HALL RENOVATIONS

East County News Service

October 12, 2023 (Julian)-- A Taste of Julian is a rural dining adventure showcasing the culinary delights in the historic mountain town. Just 100 tickets will be sold for this special event on Saturday, November 4.

The self-guided tour includes at least a dozen sites in the Julian area including restaurants, a pub, bakeries, wineries, breweries, a tea shop, and a chocolate tasting room.

DESTINATON EAST COUNTY: HALLOWEEN HAUNTS AND MORE LATE OCTOBER OUTINGS

By Miriam Raftery

October 12, 2023 (San Diego’s East County)—Looking for a frightfully good time? You’ll find plenty of spooky special events, from a Haunted Forest at Banner Ranch to HauntFest on Main in El Cajon, as well as haunted train rides in Campo, a Pumpkin Bash and Spooky Campover at Lions, Tigers and Bears in Alpine.

Plus an Autumn Jubilee and an Heirloom  Apple Festival continue in Julian,  while the Borrego Days Desert Festival takes place in Borrego Springs and Santee hosts its Brews and Bites Festival. Theatre aficionados can watch Randy Rainbow’s political comedy show at The Magnolia in El Cajon, or savor an  Old Globe For All experience in Lemon Grove. Plus tribute artist Robert Neary brings his "So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience" to the Magnolia in El Cajon.

Scroll down for details on all of these events and more.

LOCAL STUDENTS HOLD RALLIES, VIGILS FOR BOTH ISRAELIS AND PALESTINIANS

By Miriam Raftery

October 12, 2023  (San Diego)—After the Hamas terror attacks in Israel in which more than 1,200 Israelis have died including children slaughtered,  Israel has retaliated with air strikes in Gaza,  urging residents to leave as Israeli forces shut off power, water and fuel until dozens of Israeli hostages are freed.  The crisis has sparked fear in local residents for family and friends in both Israel and Palestine.

This week,  students at local universities staged rallies and protests for people in both Israel and Palestine.

HOW DANGEROUS IS THE AREA WHERE LA MESA SEEKS TO ERECT DIGITAL BILLBOARDS?

Public records search by ECM finds 1,805 accidents, including 20 fatalities and 673 injuries from 2018 to the present

By Miriam Raftery

October 12, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – On Sept. 27, the La Mesa City Council voted 4-1 to ask staff to prepare a request for proposals to erect electronic billboards along Interstate 8 and potentially, other areas in the city.  The action reversed a July 25 vote, when Council rejected a similar proposal by a 3-2 vote. But after the measure was amended to assure revenues from billboards would be used primarily to fund police, firefighting and the arts, the Council majority opted to ignore concerns over public safety and approve soliciting proposals for the flashing advertising along the city's busiest freeway.

Supporters argued that the billboards would produce revenues needed by the city.

But Councilman Jack Shu, who cast the lone vote against the proposal, and other opponents argued that these flashing billboards could distract drivers, particularly near the busy interchange of I-8 and State Route 125 near Grossmont Center regional shopping mall.

How dangerous is that area already?  Council and staff failed to do their research.

To find out, East County Magazine (ECM) obtained public records from the California Highway Patrol.  Our editor requested data on accidents along I-8 east and west throughout the city of  La Mesa from  Lake Murray Blvd. on the west to  Chase Ave. in El Cajon,  since one billboard site would be near the La  Mesa/El Cajon boundary.  We also asked for data on accidents on onramps connecting I-8 and SR 125.

The data reveals that from  Jan. 1, 2018 to Oct. 10, 2023, there were 1,805 accidents in those locations.  Those accidents resulted in 20 fatalities and 673 injuries.

GROSSMONT-CUYAMACA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT SUPPORTS UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS WITH ACTION WEEK OCTOBER 16-20

Source: Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District

October 12, 2023 (El Cajon)--The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District will be demonstrating support for undocumented students by joining community colleges across California in Undocumented Student Action Week October 16-20. Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges will be holding a wide range of events in support of undocumented students and immigrants.

Students are encouraged to visit the Together We Rise Center at Cuyamaca College or the Dream Center at Grossmont College, which offer programs and services to help empower undocumented students to achieve their academic and personal pursuits.  Both centers serve as a resource to help students with access to higher education, advocacy and educational materials, campus-based and community services, current events, engagement activities, legal aid referrals, legislative updates, and more.

EAST COUNTY CONGRESSIONAL MEMBERS OFFER RESOURCES FOR CONSTITUENTS OR FAMILIES IN ISRAEL

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

October 12,  2023 (San Diego’s East County) – East County Congressional Representatives Sara Jacobs and Darrell Issa have posted information for constituents impacted by the terrorist attacks in Israel.

SUPERVISORS VOTE TO USE $3 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS TO HELP NONPROFITS AIDING MIGRANTS AND ASYLUM SEEKERS

East County Supervisors, candidate for vacant seat split on views over migrant aid

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left:  Migrants in Jacumba Hot Springs in May 2023

October 12, 2023 (San Diego) – By a 3-0 vote,  San Diego County Supervisors on Tuesday approved allocating $3 million in federal American Rescue Act funds to aid nonprofit groups that have become overwhelmed by waves of migrants in our region. Agencies through the region’s  Rapid Response Network are handling hundreds of asylum seekers daily in recent weeks. The funding will provide immediate aid with a goal of consolidating resources into a proposed migrant center in the future.

An estimated 98% of these migrants have family in the U.S., according to the proposal. But after being processed and screened by Border Patrol agents, many are being dropped off at transit stations without food, water, translation services, or any means of contacting relatives or traveling to reunite with their families. Recently, many migrants have been held temporarily in scorching desert heat in areas such as Jacumba and Boulevard without shade, water or food; community volunteers have stepped up to provide tarps, water, and sandwiches in what ECM reporter Rebecca Person termed “peanut butter diplomacy.” One immigrant called a volunteer offering food “an angel.”

An award-winning ECM report in May led the Southern Border Communities Coalition to file a federal complaint with Homeland Security over alleged mistreatment of migrants in violation of U.S. and international laws.

The use of the federal funds approved by Supervisors, intended as a three-month stopgap measure while the  County pushes for more federal money, will be used to help migrants and asylum seekers with translation help, transportation, food, water, hygiene kits, restrooms, access to Wi-Fi and equipment to reach relatives and move beyond San Diego to their destination, while asylum seekers await hearings in immigration court.

SAN DIEGO ANNUAL REPORT SHOWS WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

October 12, 2023 (San Diego) -- The County of San Diego released an Annual Report earlier this month that listed numerous accomplishments and stated that the County, the public it serves, local cities, community groups and organizations are better when they work together.

GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT HOSTS COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR OCT. 13, RECOGNIZES HEALTH LITERACY MONTH

East County News Service

October 12, 2023 (La Mesa) – In recognition of Health Literacy Month, the Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) is hosting a day of learning about the importance of communicating and understanding health information. 

OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Jonathan Goetz, East County Magazine

According to Bing AI series of chats. Search for your community or health provider and zip code for better individualized results and for books, try one of these.

Images created by Bing Image Creator

October 11, 2023 (San Diego's East County) -- Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual international health campaign that takes place in October. The campaign aims to raise awareness about breast cancer, promote screening and early detection, and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure. The month-long event is recognized by the White House and major breast cancer charities and organizations worldwide 1 2.

If you’re looking for places to get screened for breast cancer in East County, you can check out the Every Woman Counts (EWC) program. They provide free breast and cervical cancer screenings and follow-up services to eligible women in San Diego County. The program is offered through the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and includes clinical breast exams, mammograms, and Pap tests. To qualify for these free tests, you must live in San Diego County, meet the age requirements, have no insurance or limited health insurance, have health insurance with a co-payment or deductible you cannot afford, or have low household income. You can call (619) 515-2300 or fill out the form on their website to see if you qualify.

VOLUNTEERS USE PEANUT BUTTER DIPLOMACY TO RESOLVE TOUGH BORDER SITUATION

By Rebecca Person

Photos by R. Person and Noah Miller

October 10, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) -- What began as a trickle of migrant activity at the Mexican border outside small towns in the farthest corner of east San Diego County has surged to a humanitarian crisis - a river, a deluge of hundreds of border crossings here daily. The scene has mirrored and surpassed the crisis last May, when the towns of Jacumba Hot Springs and Boulevard felt a sudden wave of migrants when Title 42 was lifted and Title 8 returned.

Those changes allowed migrants to apply for asylum.  But for those not able to qualify for asylum, crossing the border can lead to formal deportation back to one’s country of origin and possible criminal prosecution if the person makes a second entry within five years. 

Humanitarian groups such as Border Kindness have joined local resident volunteers and some church groups to bring a steady supply of donations - bottled water, blankets, jackets and tarps to migrants camped along the border fence. Also sandwiches, especially the peanut butter kind.

PRESIDENT BIDEN PLEDGES MILITARY AID TO ISRAEL, WILL ASK CONGRESS FOR EMERGENCY ACTION

View video of President Joe Biden’s speech

By Miriam Raftery

October 10, 2023 (Washington D.C.) – President Joe Biden today delivered a forceful speech pledging full support for Israel against the attacks by Hamas, which the president called “pure evil.” Biden promised that the U.S. is surging assets to Israel, including ammunition and receptors to replenish Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, as well as sending the USS Gerald Ford air force carrier to the region.  

He also announced plans to ask Congress to take urgent action as soon as Congress reconvenes (after the House elects a speaker). Biden also said he has consulted with European leaders to forge a united response. In addition, he spoke of beefing up security for Jewish centers in the U.S. and assured that the FBI and Homeland Security are on the alert for any potential domestic terror threats.

“There is no justification for terrorism,” the President said, then offered this message to the Palestinian people. “Hamas does not stand for the Palestinian people’s right to dignity and self-determination. Their stated purpose is the annihilation of the state of Israel and the murder of Jewish people, They use Palestinian people as human shields. Hamas offers nothing but terror and bloodshed with no regard for who pays the price.”

The President detailed atrocities reportedly committed by Hamas, which he likened to ISIS, including slaughtering babies, grandparents, and young people at a music festival, raping women and parading them through the street, as well as taking hostages including Americans.

SAN DIEGANS COMMEMORATE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE'S DAY

By Jonathan Goetz

Photo: Screenshot of Indigenous People’s Day video posted by San Diego Miramar College on Facebook.

October 10, 2023 (San Diego) -- Indigenous People’s cultural awareness day was celebrated in different ways in San Diego County in 2023. Here are some of the events and activities that took place:

At the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians hosted an all-day event that included tellings of the tribe’s cultural stories and exhibitions of the tribe’s art and craftsmanship. There were also traditional foods available throughout the park. There was an opening blessing ceremony at 10 a.m., a closing prayer at 4 p.m., and live music performed by members of the San Pasqual band.

At San Diego Miramar College, there was an Indigenous Peoples Day celebration with free frybread tacos and a musical performance by the Soaring Eagles of Southern California.

COYOTE WITH BROKEN LEG RETURNS TO WILD AFTER TREATMENT AT HUMANE SOCIETY’S RAMONA WILDLIFE CENTER

By Jordan Frey

October 10, 2023 (Ramona) — A male coyote pup who came to San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center with a broken tibia in May is now back in the wild. The coyote was released back to the wild near Palomar Mountain in northern San Diego County, along with five other coyotes who were rehabilitated by San Diego Humane Society’s Project Wildlife program.

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