BEHIND THE MASKS: WHO ARE THE PEOPLE ROUNDING UP IMMIGRANTS IN CALIFORNIA?

SUPERVISOR DESMOND RUNS FOR CONGRESS; MULTIPLE CANDIDATES TAKE AIM AT HIS SEAT

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S IMPACT ON CALIFORNIA’S ENVIRONMENT AND THE AGENCIES THAT WORK TO PROTECT IT

GUHSD BOARD ADOPTS RESOLUTION TO FOLLOW BROWN ACT AND BYLAW— PRESIDENT WOODS DENIES VIOLATIONS

FBI AND LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTNERS ARREST MEMBERS OF MEXICAN MAFIA PRISON GANG

RAMONA COUNTRY FAIR BRINGS SUMMERTIME FUN AUG. 1-3

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: HOT AUGUST NIGHTS BRING LATE SUMMER CELEBRATIONS

JULIAN MOUNTAIN BREWFEST SET FOR AUG. 23

MT. HELIX PARK FOUNDATION FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL AUG. 16 FEATURES GATSBY THEME

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION MEETING ON LONG-TERM GAS SYSTEM PLANNING

UPGRADES TO RAMONA AIR ATTACK BASE PLANNED FOR NEW CAL FIRE TANKER

CONGRESSWOMAN SARA JACOBS HOSTS TOWN HALL JULY 27 IN ESCONDIDO, SINCE ISSA WON’T HOLD LIVE SESSION WITH HIS CONSTITUENTS

MAN FOUND DEAD IN EL CAJON MOTEL AMID DRUG PARAPHERNALIA

East County News Service

 

August 8, 2023 (El Cajon) --  A 58-year-old man was found dead in his room at the El Cajon Inn & Suites motel this morning by an employee who called 911.  The worker entered the room to check on the welfare of the guest, who had not been seen for several days.

LA MESA CITY COUNCIL VOTES DOWN ELECTRONIC BILLBOARDS

By Jacob Pamus

 

Image: Rendering of a proposed e-billboard in La Mesa

 

August 8, 2023 (La Mesa) – On July 25, the La Mesa City Council rejected a recommendation of an ad hoc committee known as the “Digital Billboard Ad-hoc Subcommittee.” Councilwoman Patricia Dillard and Councilman Jack Shu are in this subcommittee; its purpose was to issue a request for proposals with billboard companies to build digital billboards in La Mesa.

 

But ultimately, Shu and Dillard shifted their stances to oppose electronic billboards.

BIG ENERGY PROJECTS DOMINATE AGENDA AT BOULEVARD PLANNING GROUP

By Miriam Raftery

August 7, 2023 (Boulevard, CA) – The community room at the Boulevard Sheriff station was packed for  Boulevard Planning Group’s meeting on August 3, with updates on a dozen major energy projects on the agenda.

Some are moving forward, some have been withdrawn, others face legal challenges, and several remain in the pipeline.

The board also addressed other issues ranging from potential impacts of the county's cannabis ordinance to the appointment of two new board members.

WANTED SUSPECT KILLED BY LA MESA POLICE OFFICER

By Miriam Raftery

Photo courtesy of ECM news partner 10 News

August 7, 2023 (La Mesa) – A wanted felon was shot and killed yesterday afternoon by La Mesa Police. 

As is protocol,  San Diego Police Department is investigating the shooting. ECM news partner reports that SDPD Lt. Steve Shebloski says

According to SDPD, around 4:15, an officer recognized the suspect, 41, who had an active felony warrant.  The officer confronted him in the parking lot of the Cypress Plaza condominiums in the  8000 block of University Avenue.

According to LMPD officers, the man pulled out a handgun during the interaction and fired, striking a passing vehicle, said Lt. Shebloski, 10 News reports.

I-8 CLOSED DUE TO FIRE IN PINE VALLEY NEAR BOULEVARD

 

Update: The evacuation warning has been lifted.  One lane of I-8 west has been reopened.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Eileen Martinez

August 6, 2023 -- The #PassFire has burned 10 acres near Ribbonwood Road and Opalacka in Pine Valley near Boulevard. I-8 west is closed, with traffic diverted onto Ribbonwood.

The Sheriff has issued an evacuation warning  with vulnerable people urged to leave, such as those who are disabled, have access issues,or large animals.  

However Cal Fire/San Diego County Fire reports the forward spread has been halted at 10 acres.

FOUR BRIDGES RENAMED TO HONOR EAST COUNTY PIONEERS

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Cherry Diefenbach: Pine Valley Bridge on Old Highway 80  is among the bridges receiving honorary names.

August 6, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – San Diego County Supervisors in July unanimously voted to approve honorary naming of four bridges to commemorate pioneering leaders in East County.  The request was made by District 2 Supervisor Joel Anderson, in response to requests from community members, petitions signed by at least 100 residents, and approval by each community’s planning group or sponsor group.

VALLE DE ORO PLANNING GROUP PREPARES LETTER TO COUNTY TO OPPOSE THE COTTONWOOD SAND MINE PROJECT RECIRCULATED EIR

By: Jessyka Heredia

 

August 3, 2023 (Rancho San Diego)—On Tuesday, members of the Valle De Oro Community Planning Group met at their regular monthly meeting to discuss the recently recirculated Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on the Cottonwood Sand Mine project that is proposed on 214 acres of land at the Cottonwood Golf Course. The goal was to approve a drafted letter to the County to share their concerns on the project.

WHERE TO GET A GOOD CUP OF COFFEE IN EAST COUNTY

 

By Branda Gorgies

 

Photos take

n by Branda Gorgies, Miriam Raftery, and Nathan Dumlao via UnSplash

 

July 11, 2023 (East County) – While there’s always a nearby Starbucks, gas station or convenience store, shopping locally and supporting small businesses is a great contribution to the community.

Although, sometimes it can be difficult to find local coffee shops near you. This article is here to give you a comprehensive list of local brewers that you can support. Click the titles of coffee shops listed  to visit their websites.

CAL FIRE AND UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-SAN DIEGO'S ALERTCALIFORNIA PROGRAM JOIN FORCES TO ENHANCE WILDFIRE RESPONSES WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IMPLEMENTATION TRIAL

Source:  Cal Fire

August 5, 2023 (Sacramento) - The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) announced its groundbreaking partnership with University of California San Diego’s ALERTCalifornia program. With the shared goal of improving firefighting capabilities and response times, CAL FIRE and ALERTCalifornia will embark on an innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) implementation trial in collaboration with the San Bernardino Unit, Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit, Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit, Nevada Yuba Placer Unit, Shasta-Trinity Unit and San Luis Obispo Unit.

PASSAGES: MARK BAKER, FORMER LAKSEIDE FIRE CHIEF (1953-2023)

 

East County News Service

August 5, 2023 (Lakeside) – Lakeside Fire Protection District Director and former Fire Chief Mark Thomas Baker died July 10 after complications following a medical procedure for a heart issue.

“He was dedicated to his work to ensure the success of the Lakeside Fire District and the safety of the residents he served,” says a statement from the district on Facebook, which voiced “great sadness” at his passing.

The California Fire Chiefs Association issued a statement recalling Chief Baker as not only “a dedicated professional, but he was also a kind-hearted individual with a great sense of humor. He brought joy to those around him and always had a smile on his face.  He will be greatly missed by all those in the fire service that not only knew him, but also looked to him as a leader and mentor."

PADRE DAM VICE PRESIDENT AUGUST “AUGIE” CAIRES PASSES AWAY

August 4, 2023 – Padre Dam Municipal Water District’s Board Vice President and former General Manager August A. Caires passed away on August 2.

Board President Bill Pommering shares, “Augie served this District and his community with outstanding distinction for nearly 30 years. He was a good friend and colleague to many of us. He will be missed greatly.”

Caires led the District as General Manager from 1993 to 2006 and served on Padre Dam’s Board of Directors from 2007 to 2023. He served as Board President in 2009 and 2017 and Vice President in 2008, 2011, 2015-2016 and 2023. Caires served on the East County Advanced Water Purification Program’s Joint Powers Authority Board of Directors from 2019 to 2023. He was also a Veteran of the United States Army.

ADVANCING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES: DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION WARNS OF EMERGING DRUG THREAT: XYLAZINE ZOMBIES

Drug can cause rotting skin, amputations

By David R. Shorey, East County Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies

August 2023 (San Diego’s East County) --Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. But a DEA Public Safety Alert warns that a sharp increase in the trafficking of fentanyl mixed with xylazine is making the threat even deadlier.

Xylazine, also known as “tranq,” is a powerful sedative approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for veterinary use. Not human use. It is commonly used to tranquilize large animals like horses and livestock during medical procedures. It requires a prescription. But it has found its way into the illicit drug market and is being used recreationally by users seeking an intense and dangerous high.

STARTING SATURDAY, SEVEN VOTE CENTERS OPEN FOR SPECIAL PRIMARY ELECTION IN SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 4 RACE

East County News Service

Sources:  San Diego County News Service and San Diego County Registrar of Voters

August 4, 2023 (San Diego) -- If you live in District Four and would like to vote for a new County supervisor in person, you can do so before Election Day. In addition to voting at the Registrar’s office, you can cast your ballot at any one of seven vote centers starting Saturday, Aug. 5 through August 15. Or you can drop your ballot off at ballot drop-off sites. 

See below for lists of both in-person voting centers and ballot drop-off sites.

 

View our forum with candidates and read a summary of their responses .

LEMON GROVE ADOPTS EMERGENCY SHELTER ORDINANCE TO COMBAT HOMELESSNESS IN THE EAST COUNTY

By Jessyka Heredia

Photos provided by Shane O'Garro

 

August 1, 2023 (Lemon Grove) – On July 18, Lemon Grove was the fourth city in East County to pass an emergency ordinance that will pave the way to hopefully having more shelter beds in East County and sharing the burden with other East County cities by applying for grant money as a region instead of individual cities The Council voted 4-0 with Liana LeBaron  absent.

FACT CHECK: DID MONTGOMERY STEPPE SUPPORT DEFUNDING THE POLICE?

 

Monica Montgomery Steppe has continuously voted to approve city budgets that increase the police department spending. However, she has proposed overtime cuts and sought opportunities to reallocate funding.

by Andrea Lopez-Villafaña  Originally published in Voice of San Diego

August 4, 2023 (San Diego) -- Monica Montgomery Steppe has continuously voted to approve city budgets that increase the police department spending. However, she has proposed overtime cuts and sought opportunities to reallocate funding.

So we’ve been getting a lot of calls about a mailer.  

The San Diego Police Officers Association sent it to damage San Diego Councilwoman Monica Montgomery Steppe’s image as she runs for the county supervisor seat former County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher vacated.

ADVANCED WATER PURIFICATION CONSTRUCTION ON TARGET, ON BUDGET

By Mike Allen

August 4, 2023 (Santee) -- One year into the construction of the $950 million East County Advanced Water Purification Program (AWP_, the largest infrastructure project in the region’s history is starting to take shape.

Huge concrete and steel structures with names such as digesters, headworks, clarifiers, equalization tanks, and aeration basins are sprouting at the end of Fanita Parkway in Santee where the Ray Stoyer Water Recycling Plant used to exist.

The facility that once produced some 2 million gallons of water used for irrigation is being transformed to a far larger entity that will produce some 11.5 million gallons of drinkable water daily for about 500,000 East County residents.

READER’S EDITORIAL: PARAQUAT EXPOSURE CONTRIBUTING TO SYSTEMIC RACISM AND PARKINSON'S DISEASE AMONG LATINO FARMWORKERS AND NEARBY COMMUNITIES

By Miguel Leyva

Photo: Farmworkers, CC-NC via Bing

August 4, 2023 (San Diego) -- Systemic racism affects nearly every facet of life for people of color. Across the country, there are serious racial disparities concerning representation, land, and money within the agricultural field. Up to 83% of farmworkers nationwide are Latino, and unlike most workers, they do not benefit from overtime protections. San Diego County is home to California's ninth most lucrative agribusiness sector, generating over $1 billion annually. Furthermore, roughly 90% of its farm revenues are derived from labor-intensive crop industries. Although they provide essential services, Latino farmworkers usually earn low wages and must endure substandard working and living conditions. Approximately 35% of San Diego County's population is Latino, and many of these people work in agriculture.

As one of the most accident-prone industries, agriculture has the highest fatality rate in the country. Farmworkers face countless safety, health, environmental, biological, and respiratory hazards every day.

MILITARY FIREFIGHTERS ARE UNJUSTLY DENIED VA BENEFITS: HOW THE MICHAEL LECIK MILITARY FIREFIGHTERS PROTECTION ACT MIGHT CHANGE THAT

By Miguel Leyva

Photo by Marine Corporal J.R Heins

August 4, 2023 (San Diego) --Working as a firefighter entails numerous dangers, from smoke inhalation to crush injuries from collapsing structures. Still, a more insidious health threat these courageous people face is toxic exposure, as a fire can release many hazardous agents, including carbon monoxide, benzene, asbestos, hydrogen cyanide, particulates, and sulphur dioxide. Even if they wear the maximum feasible protective equipment, firefighters are inevitably exposed to these substances to a significant extent. Because of occupational toxic exposure, cancer is the leading cause of death in firefighters. They have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% greater risk of dying from cancer than the general U.S. population. 

Unfortunately, military firefighters are no exception, as they encounter the same health hazards on the job, if not more.

EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS

ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS

August 3, 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

MCCONNELL, FEINSTEIN HEALTH ISSUES RAISE CONCERNS OVER AGING SENATORS


By Jacob Pamus

 

On July 26, 81-year-old Senator Minority Leader Mitch McConnell abruptly froze mid sentence for around 20 seconds during a press conference, he was escorted away and later returned to finish.It is unknown for sure what the cause of this behavior is, whether it was related to his concussion in March from falling earlier this year.

 

But the symptoms can also be a sign of a mini-stroke, known as a Trasient Ischemic Attack (TSI) or even a major stroke.. Whether you support Mitch Mconnell,  a Republican, or not it is important to recognize how dangerous a stroke can be, especially for older individuals. If you suspect someone is having a stroke, you need to call 911 immediately for proper treatment since the longer it takes to get treatment, the higher the risk of damage to the brain.

 

This incident, along with health issues involving California Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein, who is 90, also raises concerns over the fitness of some long-serving members of Congress.

NUDITY NO MORE: DE ANZA SPRINGS RESORT ORDERS RESIDENTS TO COVER UP

Owner cites financial need, but residents say they're getting a raw deal and seek legal counsel

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Milt Cyphert

August 3, 2023 (Jacumba Hot Springs, CA) – For nearly three decades, the De Anza Springs Resort in the high desert community of Jacumba Hot Springs has provided a 523-acre haven for naturalists to bare all, as one of the nation’s largest clothing-optional destinations.

But two days ago, residents received stark news:  a letter from the resort’s new management informing them of a decision to become a “textile” park. Starting September 1, clothing will be required in all common areas such as the pool and hiking trails. Then on October 1, nudity will be banned everywhere on the property, including privately owned and leased sites.

The action has laid bare resentments and anger among residents who bought or leased sites specifically for the freedom to be clothes-free,  as well as among frequent visitors who purchased club memberships. Some are seeking legal counsel over what they contend were deceptive marketing practices, as well as concerns over loud concerts and other problems stemming from changes implemented by the new owners.

“We understand that change can sometimes be met with mixed feelings, and we empathize with those who might feel upset or uncertain about the introduction of the new clothing rule,” the owners’ letter states, also encouraging residents with questions to  setup an appointment by emailing Luke Wasyliw, who blames residents for not supporting some events and cites financial needs.

GANG MEMBER ARRESTED FOR DEADLY SPRING VALLEY SHOOTING

East County News Service

August 3, 2023 (Spring Valley) -- A suspect was arrested on August 1 for a July 4 shooting that killed one man and injured another in Spring Valley. The suspect is  a gang member with a criminal record.

Shortly after 10 p.m. on July 4, Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call reporting a shooting in the 2700 block of Central Avenue. Fernardo Kevin Villegas, 25, was found in the street with several gunshot wounds to his torso. Despite medical aid provided by deputies and medical personnel, he died of his injuries.

A second victim, Kaulana “Dustin” Hernandez Liu, arrived at a hospital with a gunshot wound to his arm; he was treated and released.

JAMUL CASINO BRINGS HOME RECORD NINE 'SAN DIEGO'S BEST' AWARDS IN SAN DIEGO UNION TRIBUNE READERS POLL

San Diegans recognize Jamul Casino for its dining, panoramic views and service

East County News Service

Photo:  Tony Gwynn’s Sports Pub at Jamul Casino, named “Best Sports Bar” for the sixth consecutive year in the San Diego Union-Tribune’s Readers Poll

August 3, 2023 (Jamul) - On Sunday, July 30, the San Diego Union-Tribune announced the winners of its 27th annual “San Diego’s Best” Readers Poll, with Jamul Casino bringing home a personal best of nine (9) awards.  The Union-Tribune Readers Poll reflects the voting audience’s top selections for more than 200 products and services in San Diego—everything from restaurants to entertainment, retail, real estate, legal services, and more.  The winners earn the right to be called “San Diego’s Best.” 

WEST HILLS ALUM, SDSU KICKER JACK BROWNING NAMED TO TWO WATCH LISTS

Specialist only player to land on the watch list for the Ray Guy Award (punter) and Lou Groza Award (kicker)

Source: goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

August 3, 2023 (San Diego) - San Diego State senior specialist and West Hills High School alum Jack Browning landed on a pair of 2023 national watch lists, the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) announced Wednesday morning. Browning made the Ray Guy Award Watch List, which goes out to the best collegiate punter, and the Lou Groza Award Watch List for the top placekicker.

FUNDRAISER FOR CREST SENIOR INJURED BY TRASH TRUCK

 

Cedar Fire survivor and widow of famed pilot adventurer needs community’s help

By Miriam Raftery

August 2, 2023  (Crest) – Leysl  Muñoz, 87, was well-known to residents in rural Crest, where she regularly drove around in her golf cart with her Burmese Mountain Dog, Rebby.  But on Friday, July 28, she was “critically injured when an EDCO trash truck backed over her while she was sitting in her golf cart,” according to a GoFundMe post set up by her neighbor, Rich Robinson.

“Leysl is confronting a long and difficult road to get back on her feet,” he states. “This GoFundMe effort is being established by her East County friends who want to help her get back on her feet and in a new golf car with Rebby.

BARBIE: 2023 MOVIE SHAKES UP THE PATRIARCHY

Review by Branda Gorgies

 

July 31, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig, has just been released on July 21. The Barbie movie has been long-awaited for this summer, with many coupling it with the film, Oppenheimer, which came out the same day but had a wildly different energy, as you can tell by the title if you know your US history. Barbie broke the record for the biggest box office opening weekend for a female director, making $155 million in North America and $377 million globally. Barbenheimer, the combination of Barbie and Oppenheimer, made $235 million in their opening weekend, making it one of the most successful opening weekends in box office history.

 

Barbie stars Margot Robbie, who plays stereotypical Barbie, and Ryan Gosling, who plays beach Ken. In Barbieland, all the Barbie dolls live their perfect lives in a world dominated by women. The president is a Black Barbie, the houses are all owned by Barbies, the Nobel prize winners are all Barbies, the entire supreme court is female and the Kens are just Ken. In this world, the Barbies live under the idea that they’ve cured all the problems women face in the real world. This isn’t true, and stereotypical Barbie realizes that when she has to go to the real world to save the girl playing with her doll, whose depressing thoughts of death are affecting Barbie. Due to these thoughts and the connection between Barbie and the girl playing with her doll, Barbie becomes imperfect. She has bad morning breath, expired orange juice, burnt waffles, a cold shower, flat feet and the worst of all: cellulite.

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