HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS

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

STATE PARKS PHOTO CONTEST RUNNING THROUGH SEPT. 30

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

ADVANCING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES: INSIDE THE BINGE AND UNDERAGE DRINKING INITIATIVE’S 2025 ANNUAL STATUS REPORT FOR COUNTY

DEAF MONGOLIAN IMMIGRANT HELD BY ICE IN OTAY MESA FOR MONTHS WITHOUT ACCESS TO INTERPRETER

WALMART RECALLING OZARK STAINLESS STEEL WATER BOTTLES

LA MESA CITY COUNCIL APPROVES RENOVATIONS FOR GROSSMONT CENTER

SANDAG LOOKING FOR COMMUNITY INPUT; ZOOM MEETING ON JULY 16

LA MESA BECOMES FIRST LOCAL CITY CERTIFIED AS AGE-FRIENDLY EMPLOYER, HELPING JOB SEEKERS AGE 50 AND UP

YOU'RE INVITED! JULY 17 FEAST AT HIMALAYAN CUISINE IN LA MESA WITH EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE'S DINING CLUB

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT WEST NILE VIRUS SPREAD: COUNTY TO HOLD PROGRAM SATURDAY IN LA MESA

SAN DIEGO'S EYE-POPPING ELECTRICITY RATES GET NATIONAL NOTORIETY

And what can be done about it.

By MacKenzie Elmer, Voice of San Diego

Editorial Note: This photo was created by East County Magazine. It was not created by Voice of San Diego. 

September 2, 2023 (San Diego) -- No matter which way you slice it, San Diego has the most expensive electricity in the country. 

And it’s beginning to draw eyes from across the nation. 

COUNTY ANNOUNCES NEW CHILD CARE BLUEPRINT TO HELP FAMILIES

By Cassie N. Saunders, County of San Diego Communications Office
 
Video by James Kecskes
 
September 2, 2023 (San Diego) -- San Diego County’s new Child and Family Well-Being department publicly unveiled Tuesday its Child Care Blueprint, a two-year strategy to improve access, equity, and the quality of childcare throughout the region.

ECM FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: VAQUEROS ROUND UP EPIC COMEBACK IN FOURTH TO STUN PILLAGING VIKINGS

Story and photos by Liz Alper
 
September 1, 2023 (Lakeside) - For week three, ECM Sports headed out to Lakeside, where the Vaqueros of El Capitan host the Vikings of La Jolla for their last non-conference matchup on Military Night at El Cap.  The black and gold are off to a hot start in 2023 with a 2-0 record.

172 STOLEN CARS RECOVERED IN EAST COUNTY UNDERCOVER STING, 50 PEOPLE CHARGED

By Miriam Raftery

September 1, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – Undercover officers with the San Diego Regional Auto Theft Task Force infiltrated organized auto theft rings locally, says CHP Captain Charles Leonard. Through a sting operation at a storefront in East County, suspects were caught on video selling stolen vehicles, guns, ammunition and narcotic drugs to undercover detectives.

On August 31, the task force announced that Operation Sunrise has resulted in recovery of stolen vehicles worth an estimated $3.3 million.  Fifty suspects have been indicted on crimes including auto theft, identity theft, illegal firearms possession and selling drugs.  Officers also seized  narcotics and 14 firearms, including several untraceable and illegal ghost guns.

La Mesa Police Chief Ray Sweeney, who serves as the task force's Executive Chair, said cracking down on auto thefts is important because stolen cars are often used to commit other crimes, 10 News reports.

MULTIPLE ARRESTS MADE, STOLEN PROPERTY RECOVERED IN EL CAJON WITH HELP FROM LICENSE-PLATE READING TECHNOLOGY

East County News Service

September 1, 2023 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police Department is crediting newly installed automated  license plate reading (ALPR) cameras with solving three crimes in three days, according to Lieutenant Jeremiah Larson.  The Flock Safety technology sends ECPD real-time crime alerts when a stolen vehicle, or known wanted vehicle, from a state or national database is detected locally.

SANTEE DRIVE-IN THEATER TO CLOSE IN JANUARY

By Mike Allen

September 1, 2023 (Santee) -- The owner of the Santee Drive-In Theater said the outdoor movie complex that opened in 1958 will shut down in January. In a press statement, Susan Boyd, a member of the Forte Family, said the business “is no longer economically viable.”

“We are facing loss of customers, higher costs, equipment obsolescence, competition from streaming services, and the inability to show some of the newly released films.  Like movie theaters across the country, we cant afford to stay open,” she said.

Instead of letting the property sit vacant, the family selected North Palisade Partners of Los Angeles as buyers in a sale that’s expected to occur in 2024, according to the recent press statement.

This news confirms what East County Magazine reported in early May, based on several reliable sources.

VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE - LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE AT LAMPLIGHTERS THEATER

By Kathy Carpenter 

September 1, 2023 (La Mesa) - "Silence is rest for the mind," says Masha - a thought that rings true when pondered upon. With any kind of sound, your mind engages in interpretation. Lamplighters Community Theatre in La Mesa is currently staging the uplifting comedy, "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike." For years, I resisted watching this play due to its seemingly unappealing title. I stand corrected. This production turned out to be uproariously funny and while San Diego hosts numerous humorous shows, not many prompt genuine, laugh-out-loud reactions. "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike" is an exception.

ALPINE RESIDENTS ASK U.S. FORESTRY DEPT. TO ADVOCATE FOR PUBLIC ON LOVELAND RESERVOIR ACCESS, ALSO HEAR UPDATES ON WILDFIRE ISSUES

 

By: Jessyka Heredia 

 

 



 

August 31, 2023 (Alpine)— Last Thursday, residents came to the Alpine Community Planning Group to hear about the U.S. Forestry Service’s wildfire protection efforts in Alpine and discuss the easement agreement between the Forestry department and the Sweetwater Water Authority (SWA)Residents want to see fish restocked and reservoir gates opened from sunrise to sunset at Loveland Reservoir, according to the easement deed.

EL CAJON COMPANY SELLS PATCHES, WRISTBANDS AND DECALS TO HELP MAUI FIRE SURVIVORS

East County News Service

August 31, 2023  (El Cajon) -- Pacific Emblem Company, a 35-year-old custom manufacturer of patches, emblems and wristbands, is stepping up in a big way to help raise money for the fire victims on Maui.  The company’s goal is to raise $50,000  or more through its special site, www.MauiStrong.help and donate to the Hawaii Community Foundation (referred to as the Maui Strong Fund). 

100% of the money raised will be donated (after the cost of goods, employees, and shipping, which is free for the public. 

The company has ties and friends on the Hawaiian Islands and wanted to do something to help as much as possible. 

“My heart hurts for all those on Maui who lost their lives, homes, and businesses and I had to do something to raise desperately needed funds for the residents,” said Rich Soergel (aka Dr. Patch) at the helm of Pacific Emblem Company.

LEMON GROVE PICKLEBALL CLUB GAINS SUPPORT OF CITY COUNCIL AND SCHOOL BOARD

By Jessyka Heredia

Watch full video here: https://youtu.be/9eVR6E2iT-Q?si=ruAipWxlOeyjnYcX

August 31, 2023 (Lemon Grove) – Yesterday the Lemon Grove Pickleball and Social Club attended the annual joint meeting between the city council and school board. The group of pickleballers came in energetic and excited to promote a healthy lifestyle and neighborhood unity through America’s fastest growing sport.

TESTIMONIALS FOR EAST COUNTY WILDFIRE AND EMERGENCY ALERTS

Our readers value East County Wildfire and  Emergency Alerts!  Read some of their testimonials below.

You can also support our alerts  with a donation at https://www.EastCountyMedia.org/donate

“You guys are fast! Often I get your alerts before I hear from dispatch.  I forward many of your …Wildfire & Emergency alerts to all our people.” – Chief August Ghio, president, San Diego County Fire Chiefs Association (now retired)

“Everyone here should sign up for East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts.”—Supervisor Joel Anderson, at a town hall in Julian

“As Executive Director of the Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County and President of the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County, I would like to commend Ms. Raftery (founder of East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts) for her suggestions for protection of San Diego County's unincorporated and wildland-urban interface areas.” – Marty Leavitt

“Thank you so much for the unexpected yet timely alert regarding the fire yesterday.  We saw the smoke but were left completely uninformed. Then suddenly I rec’d your email!  I’m referring you to many others.” – Ellen Sullivan, reader

TWO ARRESTED AT CITY OF LA MESA DUI CHECKPOINT

Source:  City of La Mesa

August 31, 2023 (La Mesa) - On August 26, 2023, the La Mesa Police Department held a DUI Checkpoint in the 4900 block of Spring Street. During the checkpoint, which lasted from 7:00 p.m. until 12:30 a.m., 752 vehicles were contacted. Two drivers were arrested for driving under the influence (suspected alcohol and/or drugs) and nine drivers were evaluated for impairment in the secondary screening.

POSTPONED TO SEPT. 3: EAST COUNTY DINING CLUB FEAST AT KALI’S GARDEN IN JULIAN

Update:  This event has been rescheduled for Sunday, Sept. 3 at 3 p.m. due to Hurricane Hilary, which is forecast to drop 12 inches of rain this weekend in the mountains. Stay safe and let us know if you are able to attend on Sept. 3!

By Miriam Raftery

August 4, 2023 (Julian) – Please join us to support  the East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts and East County Magazine reporting at our next East County Dining Club Event!  We’ll be savoring a delicious vegan feast  on Sunday, August 20 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the brand new Kail’s Garden Café and Juice Bar, 1921 Main Street in Julian.

Please RSVP by Aug.17 by sending your name, the number in your party, and your entrée choices to: editor@eastcountymagazine.org.  Questions? Call 619-698-7617.

Feast your eyes on the menu choices below (entrees pictured at left):

Special menu entrée options

1:  Pineapple, cranberry and walnut salad, eggplant/spinach lasagna

2:  Seasoned roasted corn, 3 jackfruit BBQ tacos, mango salsa

3.  Garlic edamame, Yakisoba noodles with tofu, red bell peppers, broccoli

4.  Jackfruit burger with vegan fries

Dessert:  Vegan cheesecake or ube (purple yam) cheesecake

Win prizes! Thanks to our raffle prize donors:  Kali’s Garden, Menghini Winery, Cedar Rio, Purple Owl Café, Jeremy’s on the Hill, Faith’s Embroidery/Julian Toy Chest, Julian Café & Bakery, Julian Mercantile, Zen Mountain Yoga, Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures, and more!

ALL ELECTRIC TUGBOAT CHARGING STATION GROUNDBREAKING

East County News Service

August 31, 2023 (San Diego) -- Crowley and the Port of San Diego broke ground for the shoreside charging station designed to provide clean energy for the company’s forth-coming zero-emissions tugboateWolf. Joined by key partners and community stakeholders, the ceremony marked a significant step forward in the industry’s journey to decarbonization and reduce emissions in the San Diego community. 

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KANSAS REPORTER SUES MARION POLICE CHIEF, ALLEGING RETALIATION IN NEWSROOM RAID

by Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector

Photo, August 11, surveilance photo of the raid (Courtesy Marion County Record)

August 31, 2023 (Topeka, Kansas) — Police Chief Gideon Cody arrived at the Marion County Record and handed a copy of a search warrant to Deb Gruver, the veteran reporter who had questioned him about alleged misconduct at his previous job.

COUNTY OFFICES TO CLOSE FOR LABOR DAY HOLIDAY

this year Labor Day falls on Monday, Sept. 4

By Shauni Lyles, County News Center

photo courtesy Alex Sachs (c) 2009 facebook and model release (c) 2023

August 31, 2023 (San Diego) -- All public San Diego County offices, family resource centers, libraries and animal shelters will be closed Monday, Sept. 4 for Labor Day. 

Law enforcement, emergency animal control response, and other essential services will continue through the holiday. 

County parks, campgrounds and neighborhood day-use parks remain open 365 days a year. However, the following locations will be closed: 

ALL SANTEE EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING ELECTED OFFICIALS, GET RAISES

By Mike Allen
 
August 30, 2023 (Santee) -- Santee’s City Council approved a series of two-year pay hikes for its unionized firefighters, and then gave all its employees, including themselves, raises for the next two years. All totaled, the salary raises approved at the August 23 Council meeting will mean the city’s amended 2023-24 budget increased by about $967,000, which will be funded from the budget’s reserves.

BIDEN ADMINISTRATION CHOOSES FIRST 10 DRUGS FOR MEDICARE PRICE NEGOTIATION

By Ashley Murray, Kansas Reflector

Photo: CC0 Public Domain by Renjith Krishnan R

August 30, 2023 (Washington, D.C.) — Medicare can now negotiate lower prices for 10 common high-price drugs, cutting out-of-pocket costs for an estimated 9 million seniors and saving taxpayers billions, the Biden administration said Tuesday.

FESTIVAL OF SUNFLOWERS: LABOR DAY WEEKEND EVENTS IN JACUMBA

By Rebecca Person

 

August 29, 2023 (Jacumba Hot Springs) -- Over Labor Day weekend on September 2, Jacumba Hot Springs celebrates its wild sunflowers -- cheerful survivors of a challenging high desert clime - with a friendly Pop-Up Art Show, Nature Photography Exhibit and its monthly Bathhouse Bazaar.

EXTREME HEAT: STAY INSIDE, COUNTY ADVISES

August 29, 2023  (San Diego) -- The National Weather Service has extended the Excessive Heat Warning for the San Diego County deserts, mountains and valleys through Wednesday, August 30, at 8 p.m.. Temperatures will reach 110 to 117 degrees in the deserts, 95 to 107 in the valleys, and 90 to 100 in the mountains.

The San Diego County Department of Emergency Services advises:

  • Stay inside or shaded areas. Drink lots of water.
  • If you feel sick from the heat, call 9-1-1.
  • Never leave young children or pets alone in vehicles.

JACUMBA HOT SPRINGS BOUTIQUE SPA REOPENS IN SAN DIEGO’S BACKCOUNTRY

By Rebecca Person
 
August 29, 2023 (Jacumba Hot Springs) -- Maybe you've been waiting for it too, the rebirth of this cultural landmark in the high desert backcountry, a historic health destination for Hollywood luminaries and international visitors. After years of planning and rebuilding, Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel is open again, and the little town of Jacumba Hot Springs is breathing a sigh of relief.

SDG&E PILOTS POWER PLANT PROJECT IN SHELTER VALLEY TO HELP EASE STRAIN ON GRID DURING EXTREME HEAT

Source:  SDG&E

Photo:  Shelter Valley Community Center Board President Steve Bassett inspects installation at Shelter Valley Community Center site.

Connected devices such as energy storage and smart thermostats centrally managed to reduce demand on the grid

August 28, 2023 (San Diego) – As extreme heat records fall across the West and strain the power grid, San Diego Gas & Electric is piloting a new cleantech innovation known as a virtual power plant (VPP) to reduce energy demand and put electricity back on the grid during peak hours – all through leveraging the capabilities of customer-owned smart thermostats, rooftop solar, energy storage and other connected resources such as water pumps.

JACUMBA BATHHOUSE BAZAAR: SAN DIEGO BACKCOUNTRY’S LIVELY STREET MARKET

If you find yourself craving a ceramic bird whistle, a new painting, zucchini plants or luffa sponges, you’re likely to find them at the Bathhouse Bazaar.

By Rebecca Person

August 28, 2023 (Jacumba Hot Springs) - High desert heat, the cold, the wind - the threat of a category 2 hurricane - the elements have not diminished interest in Jacumba’s lively backcountry street market, The Bathhouse Bazaar, now in its 3rd year. 

FEDERAL JUDGE SETS TRUMP FEDERAL TRIAL ON ELECTION INTERFERENCE FOR MARCH 4

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left: Judge Tanya Chutckan, who will preside over the federal case in Washington D.C.

August 28, 2023 (Washington D.C.) – The first criminal trial against former President Donald Trump has been scheduled to begin on March 4, 2024, in the midst of the primary season, opening one day before Super Tuesday.

Trump—now the leading candidate for the GOP's 2024 presidential nomination—has pleaded not guilty to the four federal charges of election interference. He is the only named defendant in the case, which lists four unindicted coconspirators.

SDSU FOOTBALL, WEST HILLS ALUM JACK BROWNING NAMED MOUNTAIN WEST PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Browning helped Aztecs to a 20-13 win over Ohio on Saturday

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

August 28, 2023 (San Diego) - San Diego State football’s Cody Moon and West Hills High School alum Jack Browning have each been named Mountain West players of the week, the league announced Monday morning. Moon was named the MW Defensive Player of the Week for the first time of his career, while Browning was chosen as the MW Special Teams Player of the Week for the third time.

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