September 27, 2023 (San Diego's East County)-- Jay Steiger is running for the Grossmont Union High School Board in Trustee Area 2, Steiger is a middle school teacher who graduated from Monte Vista High School in the Grossmont District and he’s a parent of two children who graduated from Grossmont High School. In an exclusive interview, he shares his goals to assure a 21st century education for students and assure that all students, staff and teachers are treated with respect and inclusivity.
Steiger says he’s running because extremists have targeted school boards in the 2024 election, and he wants to prioritize students’ wellbeing and education over extremist policies he believes could harm our community.
Photo: Trustee Gary Woods has drawn heat for his comment sugesting that a mental health services provider axed by the district after a public comment over counseling of LGBTQ+ students did not reflect "East County values."
September 27, 2023 (El Cajon)—Two trustees, a candidate, parents and students are speaking out to sharply criticize the Grossmont Union High School District’s board majority for voting against renewing a contract with San Diego Youth Services, the district’s long-time mental health services provider.
SDYS provided two programs for the district: on-site clinicians seeing students referred by teachers over mental health concerns, and a suicide prevention program.
The action came after a July 20 board meeting at which Cajon Valley School Board Member Anthony Carnevale told GUHSD trustees that he had asked the chief executive director of SDYS whether students could receive talks or referrals on gender-change surgery and transition. Carnevale stated, “He did not answer my question and asked if I did not want LGBTQ+ students receiving care.” Carnevale said his district had ended its contract with the organization, NBC San Diego reports.
September 27, 2023 (El Cajon) -- On Friday, October 20, 2023, the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating its 21st Annual Women in Leadership event at Sycuan Casino Resort.
In 2003 the first Women in Leadership Luncheon (WILL) was launched with the idea of honoring women who excel professionally and as community leaders. The successful women of San Diego County, along with our inspirational keynote speakers, keep WILL growing year after year.
Photo: Juan Soto has reached a career-high 35 home runs tonight. Via @padres on Twitter
September 26, 2023 (San Francisco) - The Padres were robbed last night in the eighth by Michael Conforto and the Giants. They tried again tonight with Seth Lugo on the mound against John Brebbia for San Francisco.
Treasurer-Tax Collector Extends Unclaimed Money Deadline, $500k+ in refunds available; Deadline to file claim is now October 6, 2023
SAN DIEGO, CA, September 25, 2023 – San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector Dan McAllister said, “Don’t trash your cash!” today as he announced the deadline extension for people to file a claim if they are owed County Unclaimed Monies. Readers are urged to go online now to find out if they are owed part of $543,171 in unclaimed money before it is rolled into the County General Fund. The previous deadline of September 21, 2023, has been extended to Friday, October 6, 2023.
Photo: On Sept. 12, Christian High School forfeited a girls volleyball game. Rumors included the presence of a lesbian player for Helix.
September 26, 2023 (La Mesa) - After Christian High School of El Cajon abruptly forfeited a girls varsity volleyball match with Helix Charter High School, the La Mesa school’s athletic director sought in vain to learn why.
September 26, 2023 (Dulzura) – A motorcyclist missed a curve and was ejected onto State Route 94 just east of Roma Road at 10:49 Saturday morning. He was transported by air ambulance to Scripps Mercy Hospital, where he died of his injuries.
The 28-year-old Chula Vista man was driving a 2024 Kawasaki ZX-6R motorcycle westbound on 94 when the crash occurred.
September 25, 2023 (San Diego) – A new COVID-19 vaccine designed to target the latest variants is now available. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends it for everyone six months and older, as long as it's been at least two months since your last vaccine. The new vaccine is available free for adults.
This is the first fall and winter virus season where vaccines are available for the three viruses responsible for most hospitalizations – COVID-19, RSV, and flu.
With COVID surging, the federal government is once again offering free at-home COVID-19 tests. Each U.S. household can order four free rapid tests delivered to your residence.
September 24, 2023 (Ramona) – After Zita Swanson, 66, went missing from her home on G Street in Ramona on Sept.21, the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue activated 32 volunteers who helped search for her. She was found by a driver heading to work, who noticed her in bushes along Mussey Grade Road around 5:30 the next morning.
She was considered at risk due to a medical condition. Fortunately, after being evaluated by paramedics, she has been reunited with her family.
September 23, 2023 (San Diego) -- This is the first week offFall, and with it comes Santa Ana winds! 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.
September 24, 2023 (San Diego)—Anat Tour, host of Bookshelf on the East County Magazine Radio Show, recently interviewed Bruce Givner. Givner is an attorney and the author of My Watergate Scandal Tell-All: How I Unwittingly Caused This Historic Event.
As a 21-year-old intern in June 1972, Givner stayed late at the Democratic National Committee’s Watergate offices until just after midnight, making free long-distance phone calls to friends and family. His presence substantially delayed the break-in and indirectly led to the eventual arrests of the burglars. The ensuing investigations exposed a criminal conspiracy, leading to multiple convictions and the resignation of President Richard Nixon.
September 23, 2023 (La Mesa) –On Sept. 25, the La Mesa City Council will consider a staff recommendation to adopt a draft Project Labor Agreement with the San Diego Building and Construction Trades Council and associated craft unions. The PLA would apply to public projects in La Mesa with a construction value of at least $1 million.
PLAs are pre-hire collective bargaining agreements negotiated between construction unions and construction contractors that establish terms and conditions of employment for construction projects.
According to the U.S.Dept. of Labor’s PLA Resource Guide, PLAs are an effective tool to ensure timely completion of projects at or under budget, provide employers with a reliable source of highly skilled workers,increase diversity and support equitable workforce development, and improve worker health and safety on the job.
Opponents of project labor agreements have argued that PLAs may increase cost by mandating union wages and restricting competition, are unfair to nonunion contractors and nonunion workers, and hinder use of employer training programs that are not union apprenticeships.
September 23, 2023 (Lemon Grove) -- The Lemon Grove Historical Society’s 45th annual free "History Alive" lecture series will present the story of the Buffalo Soldiers, led by Trooper Rachel Hilliard (photo,left), founder and president of the San Diego Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers, and several troop members. This special presentation will take place on Thursday, October 5 at 5 p.m. at the H. Lee House Cultural Center,3205 Olive Street in Lemon Grove.
“This extraordinary organization played a major role in America's westward expansion as they helped and saved many wagon trains of migrants, seeking farmland, pasturage and places to establish towns,”says Helen Ofield, historian to the board of the LGHS. “On every level, the Buffalo Soldiers are at the heart of American history. Don't miss this uniformed presentation.”
Restaurant to be featured at East County Magazine’s “Taste of Africa” Oct. 8
By Jessyka Heredia
September 23, 2023 (San Diego) Have you tried African food before? East County Magazine gave South African Bunny Chow a try recently,located at 7128 Miramar Road. The flavors were bold and perfectly paired in each dish. You could smell the flavors of South Africa as you walked through the front door. Right away, I knew I was in for a culinary treat.
Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Pulitzer Center-Public News Service Collaboration.
September 23, 2023 (Sacramento) -- Methane, one of the most potent greenhouse gases, is the major component of the biogas that seeps from countless landfills and wastewater plants. It makes sense, then, to prevent that methane from escaping into the atmosphere-indeed, hundreds of solid waste facilities across the United States have done so for decades, either flaring the biogas to burn off the methane or burning the biogas to generate electricity or heat. That gives off carbon dioxide, but still greatly reduces the greenhouse gas potential, as methane is 80 times more potent than CO2 over the first 20 years after emission.
September 23, 2023 (San Diego) - San Diego State opened its Mountain West schedule on a sour note Friday, dropping a hard-fought 34-31 decision to Boise State at Snapdragon Stadium.
September 23, 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:
September 23, 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:
September 23, 2023 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.
September 21, 2023 (Spring Valley) - The Saps at Sea, the San Diego chapter of the Sons of the Desert, the Laurel & Hardy fan organization, present their October "Pre-Halloween Spectacular" meeting October 21 at Williams Hall at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Spring Valley.
Everybody Dies by the End is a feature film written by Ian Tripp and directed by Ian and Ryan Schafer. The film was partially shot in Jamul and downtown. The film stars East County locals such as Brendan Cahalan and Vinny Curran, who owns a bar called Thrusters Lounge in Pacific Beach. Other local actors include Brendan Cahalan from El Cajon and Ian Tripp of San Carlos.
The synopsis of the film is: “A documentary crew follows cult classic horror director Alfred Costella as he makes his final film - An all-practical masterpiece...with a dark twist.”
When asked about his experience during the production of the film, Ian Tripp told ECM, “You have to be agile to problems coming at you every minute, but the crew itself was why we surpassed any problems we had.” He went into further detail, explaining how well the crew worked together in an environment that could be very stressful.
Photo: Trump 's mugshot, via Fulton County, Georgia Sheriff's department
September 21, 2023 (La Mesa) -- By now, we’ve all heard the news that Donald Trump was indicted for a fourth time, this time on racketeering charges in Georgia for the criminal conspiracy he allegedly led to overturn the 2020 election.
The indictments in Georgia and Washington, D.C. made clear that Trump knew he had lost the 2020 presidential election, but worked with his cronies on a variety of illegal schemes to change the election’s outcome so he could remain in power. When his plans to pressure state officials to overturn the will of voters and create fake elector certificates failed to secure him the presidency, Trump and his allies resorted to instigating a violent insurrection to try to keep Trump in power.
Update: Zita Swanson has been found safe and reunited with her family.
September 21, 2023 (Ramona) -- The Sheriff's Search and Rescue (SAR) Unit has been activated to help locate a missing woman in Ramona.
Zita Swanson, 66, left her home early this morning in the 700 block of G St. in Ramona and did not return home, says Lt. John Malan.
She does not have a vehicle, and is not believed to be carrying a cell phone or purse. Shie is Hispanic, 5'5" tall, 174 pounds with gray hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a purple or blue striped blouse, blue jeans and black shoes.
September 21, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) -- As autumn arrives and Halloween draws near, East County has a wealth of festivals and events coming up. These include Julian’s Autumn Jubilee and an Heirloom Apple Festival, Oktoberfests in La Mesa and El Cajon, the Borrego Days Desert Festival, Haunt Fest on Main in downtown El Cajon, a Pumpkin Bash and Spooky Campover at Lions, Tigers and Bears in Alpine,and a Pumpkin Express train ride in Campo.
Plus there are live entertainment stars taking stage in East County, including comics Paula Poundstone and Randy Rainbow at The Magnolia, the rock artist Sting at SDSU, and El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells with his band in a benefit concert to help the homeless in El Cajon.
Scroll down for details on all of these events and more.
September 21, 2023 (El Cajon) – A homeless man with an extensive criminal record has been arrested for attempting to rob a 73-year-old man. The victim was jogging near Mollison Ave. and Greenfield Dr. on Sept.15 at 11:09 a.m. when the suspect demanded five dollars. He then “threatened to “tase” the man, grabbed onto his arm, and reached for his wallet,” says Lieutenant Jeremiah Larson, public information officer with El Cajon Police.
The man fought off his attacker and ran toward an apartment complex yelling for help.
September 20, 2023 (San Diego) - Blake Snell pitched an impressive seven innings with no hits last night and Xander Bogaerts hit the two-run jack for the win in the ninth. The Padres looked for the sweep today with Chase Anderson on the mound for Colorado against Seth Lugo.
September 19, 2023 (Pine Valley)—A 56-year San Diego man missed a curve while driving a motorcycle Sunday afternoon southbound on Sunrise Highway, around 1.5 miles north of Old Highway 80 in Pine Valley. He struck a guardrail and was ejected, landing approximately 100 feet down an embankment.
September 18, 2023 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells and his all-star band will revisit pop and soul classics in a concert to benefit the East County Transitional Living Center, a facility which helps homeless individuals and families transition off the streets and transform their lives.
September 19, 2023 (Santee) -- Ivan Andujar (photo, left) was appointed by the board of directors of Padre Dam Municipal Water District to the Division 4 seat formerly held by the late Augie Caires earlier this month.
Caires, who served as the general manager of the district from 1993-2006 and then on the board of directors from 2007 to 2023, died Aug. 2. Andujar, an Alpine resident, will serve the remainder of Caires term, which expires in December 2024.
The board selected Andujar after interviewing three candidates at its Sept. 6 meeting. The two other candidates were Paul Tarpy and Kimberly Hales.
Hear audio
East County News Service
Story by Liz Alper
San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector Dan McAllister said, “Don’t trash your cash!” today as he announced the deadline extension for people to file a claim if they are owed County Unclaimed Monies. Readers are urged to 
East County News Service
By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
Have you tried African food before? 
Source: goaztecs.com
September 23, 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:
September 23, 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:
September 23, 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
Story by Liz Alper
A 56-year San Diego man missed a curve while driving a motorcycle Sunday afternoon southbound on Sunrise Highway, around 1.5 miles north of Old Highway 80 in Pine Valley. He struck a guardrail and was ejected, landing approximately 100 feet down an embankment.
El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells and his all-star band will revisit pop and soul classics in a concert to benefit the East County Transitional Living Center, a facility which helps homeless individuals and families transition off the streets and transform their lives.
By Mike Allen
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