July 10,2023 (San Diego) -- Today is a sad day for journalism in San Diego. The San Diego Union-Tribune newspaper has been sold to Media News Group, which is owned by Alden Global Capital. Employees have been notified via email of the sale.
The new corporate owner has a reputation for “evisceration” of U.S. newspapers,according to NPR. Alden is a “vulture” capital company known for gutting newsrooms, laying off journalists and even closing some newspapers, the Atlantic reports. They also ended reader comments at all of their newspapers, which include many Southern California publications.
This is troubling for our region, particularly East County communities that already lack adequate coverage in San Diego County's largest newspaper. It’s also bad for democracy, with no robust discussion of issues and the focus on profits, not in-depth news such as investigative reporting,
Now, the need to maintain and expand -- not cut -- our coverage at East County Magazine is critical. But we've struggled to keep up with our reader's requests for news coverage amid rising costs-- and we urgently need your help.
Will you please make a generous donation at www.eastcountymedia.org/donate and consider becoming a sustaining monthly donor?
Without more readers committed to saving local journalism, there could someday be no news outlets left to cover news that matters in many local communities nor even important countywide news.
July 10, 2023 (Seattle) - The Padres only had one pick yesterday and they went with an outfielder, which is rare for them. We also saw another rare sight as an Aztec went the highest we’ve ever seen; Cole Carrigg was taken in Competitive Balance Round B, 65th overall by the Rockies. Click the cut to see who the Padres chose in rounds 3-10 and keep an eye out for any East County high school or college kids going pro.
July 10, 2023 (Santee) -- Already paying some of the highest water bills in the nation, customers of Padre Dam Municipal Water District as well as 22 other agencies could see their rates increase even more if two North County water districts secede from the San Diego County Water Authority (CWA).
Both the Fallbrook Public Utilities District and the Rainbow Municipal Water District have been trying to leave the CWA because they say the costs for the purchased water is too high, and they can get it cheaper by joining the Eastern Municipal Water District in Riverside County.
An independent government agency, the Local Agency Formation Commission of San Diego County, better known as LAFCO, will determine the outcome of this issue, and scheduled to take a vote today.
July 10, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – Walt Meyer snapped these idyllic images at Cedar Creek Falls, perhaps the most beautiful place in San Diego’s East County. The towering waterfall is situated in Cleveland National Forest near Julian.
“The water was pretty and cold, but refreshing after the hike,” Meyer says. “The falls were beautiful.”
A permit is required from the U.S. Forest Service for this very strenuous hike, where many have suffered heat exhaustion or injuries, requiring rescues, and several have perished.
Hiking on a clear day in winter, or when temperatures are cooler, is recommended--and be sure to carry plenty of water for the steep, mostly shadeless climb out of this Eden-like oasis.
July 10, 2023 (San Diego’s East County)—Michele Michalina Lange was a devoted mother and a popular waitress at the Por Favor Restaurant in La Mesa. But on June 22, her ended when she was walking across Jamacha Blvd. near Lamplighters Village Drive in Spring Valley and was struck by two vehicles—a red SUV and a silver sedan.
Both fled the scene, and now Michele’s father, Michael Lange, is offering a $25,000 reward to find those drivers and hold them accountable.
“I’m lost…I loved my daughter dearly,” he told 10 news, adding, “I want justice.”
July 9, 2023 (Potrero) -- At 2:49 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to 25850 Potrero Park Dr. for reports of a vegetation fire. Arriving units radioed that the fire was 3-5 acres in heavy fuel with a potential to spread to 50-100 acres.
Additional resources were requested, bringing in more air support and ground crews to the scene. Structures were threatened and evacuation warnings were issued for grids 0852 and 0853, the Potrero valley. Due to the unpredictable nature of the fire, the warnings were quickly upgraded to evacuation orders for those two grids.
Photo: Cole Carrigg was drafted 65th overall in Competitve Balance Round B by the Colorado Rockies. Photo courtesy goaztecs.com
July 9, 2023 (Seattle) - The MLB first year player draft is upon us finally and the Padres are looking to recruit some fresh faces. Click the cut to see who they chose for their only pick of the day and keep an eye out for any East County high school or college kids going pro.
Photo: a pilot of crashed Cessna (in blue) emerges from scene. Photo by Chris Stone
July 9, 2023 (La Mesa) - A pilot and co-pilot of a Cessna A185F suffered moderate injuries Sunday after their plane crashed into a ravine between a church and a residential area in La Mesa.
July 9, 2023 (San Diego) - The Padres and Mets both went for the series today on the last day before the All-Star break. Max Scherzer started for New York against Grossmont High alum Joe Musgrove.
By Miriam Raftery; Henri Migala contributed to this report
Photos by Henri Migala
July 9, 2023 (Rancho San Diego) -- A blue vehicle crashed into a power pole on Steele Canyon Rd. near State Route 94 this morning. The power pole fell across the roadway and the vehicle caught fire, causing closure of Steele Canyon Rd. in both directions.
The crash caused a power outage affecting portions of Spring Valley, Rancho San Diego and La Presa.
July 8, 2023 (Rancho San Diego) – Firefighters found the body of a woman inside a home in the 9100 block of Lavell Street in Rancho San Diego this afternoon, the San Diego Sheriff’s watch commander reports.
Road closures are at San Juan Place /Lavell Street, and Bancroft Drive /Edgewood Drive. The intersections will be closed for the next several hours.
July 8, 2023 (El Cajon) – A two-vehicle crash knocked over a fire hydrant at the corner of Van Houton and Douglas in El Cajon this morning, spewing water across the roadways. The vehicles involved were a white pickup truck and a dark Nissan car, according to ECM photographer Robert Gehr.
July 7, 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:
July 6, 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:
July 6, 2023 (San Diego) - Meet the new host of the “Bookshelf” section, Anat Tour. Tour, an East County resident and High School Math teacher, along with being an acclaimed author of children’s books, has assumed the role of host of the East County Magazine “Bookshelf” section, where local luminaries and authors come on the show to talk about their books which is video-taped and put in their book reviews online. Generally, I provide her with the guests to be interviewed. Authors are already waiting in line!
Tour, a much accomplished talent, who has been a singer and international model, which is why I once referred to her in an article that I had written in the East County Magazine as East County’s Renaissance Woman, started this process of being the host of the “Bookshelf” section in 2011 at an event that I was hosting in La Mesa, California, at Barnes & Noble for aspiring authors. I recall her coming up to me and asking me how to start getting her idea of a book published, and at the end of my session of informing others, I suggested an eBook. Now, several published books later, she is the host of a show talking with other authors.
Her first hosting of the “Bookshelf” section occurred just a week ago, and by clicking the attached link one can see how talented she is. See here.
Photos: Left: Model at Runway Chardonnay Fashion Show at Trevi Hills Winery; right: Dawn Sebaugh
July 1, 2023 (Spring Valley)—Dawn Sebaugh is a local artist who wears, lives, and loves her art in every way. Sebaugh, creator of “Wear Art, Live Art,” has a unique twist to her art: for every painting, she creates a fabric to match. Her slogan is "Wear art, live art, love art."
We are the only regional publication dedicated to reporting news that matters here in East County. Please support our mid-year fundraising drive to help us keep you safe and informed. With several major wildfires already this season, the need for a real-time, online news source in East County is clear. Funds are also needed to sustain our community news reporting, which has won 142 journalism awards. Give now.
In just the past few weeks, community donations have enabled us to report on many important stories, including:
Brush fires in Campo, Jamul, Lakeside, El Cajon and more
A livestock virus prompting quarantines across East County
A parole center proposed in La Mesa
Supreme Court decisions impacting student loans, affirmative action, tribal adoptions, the LGBTQ community and businesses
A fugitive murder suspect holding elected office in Campo
Efforts to reopen Loveland Reservoir
New laws impacting the homeless
Candidates running for supervisor
City Council meetings in Lemon Grove, El Cajon, La Mesa and Santee
Budget priorities in East County cities and the County
Tribal members’ cross-country run for clean water
The MTS bus strike
Festivals and events, theater and restaurant reviews in East County
Lamar Odom opening treatment centers in Lemon Grove and El Cajon
Good works of local service clubs and nonprofits
Many of those were stories that we broke, as well as stories we covered in depth while other media focused on coastal and downtown issues.
We’re your community media – dedicated to telling the stories that matter here in East County! We reflect your interests—the public interests—not special interests.
Update July 10, 2023: The Medical Examiner has identified the deceased as Gary Zing, 59.
July 5, 2023 (El Cajon) – Heartland Fire & Rescue responded to a 9-1-1 call at 11:10 a.m. requesting help for a man who fell while cutting down a large tree at his property at 1962 Altozano Way in El Cajon. Fire crews found that the tree had fallen onto the victim.
“Paramedics attempted to render aid but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene,” says Andy McKellar, emergency preparedness coordinator at Heartland Fire & Rescue.
July 5, 2023 (La Mesa) -- On Thursday, August 17, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce will produce its 8th Annual “Summer Bash” Business Expo. This special evening will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott (141 N. Magnolia Ave. El Cajon) from 5-7:30 p.m.
“To encourage you to come out and see us again, tickets are being offered at the low price of $15 apiece and include food from many local restaurants,” says Mary England, the Chamber’s president. “There will be raffles and business vendors will offer numerous FREE door prizes that evening. You may win free prizes/gifts to use the rest of your summer!”
Photo; Left, Cottonwood Golf Course pond, before it was drained; right, a sand mining operation
July 5, 2023 (Rancho San Diego) – The County of San Diego has issued a revised draft environmental impact report (EIR) on the proposed Cottonwood sand mine. View documents and details.
The public has until August 14 at 4 p..m. to submit comments on the revised EIR.
Comments can be sent via email to Christopher.Jacobs@sdcounty.ca.gov. The County will also hold an in-person public meeting regarding the Recirculated Draft EIR on July 25, 2023, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Hillsdale Middle School (1301 Brabham Street, El Cajon).
July 5, 2023 (Spring Valley) – Shortly after 10 p.m. last night, Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call reporting gunshots in the 2700 block of Central Ave. in Spring Valley. Deputies found a man in the middle of the street suffering from several gunshot wounds to his upper torso.
“Deputies and medical personnel provided medical aid, but he succumbed to his injuries. The victim was pronounced deceased on scene,” says Lieutenant Joseph Janjura.
A second male victim arrived at a hospital with a gunshot wound to his arm. He is expected to survive.
July 5, 2023 (San Diego) – Most Americans may not know that gun control was common throughout much of America’s history, even in such iconic wild west settings as Tombstone, Arizona. The idea that the right to own guns is a foundational American belief is among the misperceptions shattered in an explosive interview with Thomas Gabor, Ph.D., author of American Carnage: Shattering the Myths That Fuel Gun Violence, conducted by Anat Tour, new host of the Bookshelf segment on East County Magazine’s radio show.
Dr. Gabor is an internationally recognized expert on firearms and public safety. A professor of criminology for 30 years at the University of Ottawa, he holds a doctorate from Ohio State University and runs a criminal justice consulting firm, Thomas Gabor LLC, in Florida. His clients have included the United Nations, Canada’s Dept. of Justice, and the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister’s office. He has authored over 200 publications including articles and books.
His coauthor of American Carnage is Fred Guttenberg, an activist whose 14-year-old daughter was murdered in the Parkland High School massacre. Together, the authors have created a valuable resource book documenting that much of what many Americans believe about gun rights and gun violence are, in fact, fallacies.
Scroll down to read highlights of the interview and find links to audo, video, book review, author's website and more.
July 5, 2023 (Lakeside) – Shiloh Ireland sent in these photos of spectators and participants celebrating our nation’s birthday at the Lakeside Patriotic 4th of July Parade yesterday.
July 4, 2023 (Lemon Grove) -- “A man is behind bars on suspicion of setting a house on fire in Lemon Grove,” on Sunday, the San Diego County Sheriff's department states in a press release.
July 4, 2023 (San Diego’s East County)—The San Diego Blood Bank has five blood drives coming up between July 12 and July 14 in the East County communities of El Cajon, Lakeside, and Santee.
Anyone age 17 and older who weighs at least 114 pounds and is in good health may be eligible to donate bloodand help save a life. A good meal and plenty of fluids are recommended prior to donation. Appointments are honored first and walk‑ins are welcome. Photo identification is required..
July 4, 2023 (La Mesa) – The Lake Murray Fireworks and Music Festival returns for a day of live music, food, fun and fireworks to celebrate Independence Day.
Enjoy music by bands including Republic of Music, Whiskey State of Mind, Big Time Operator, The Jackals, plus a day-long scavenger hunt and other children’s activities from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9 p.m.
July 3, 2023 (Santee) – If you’re looking for a cool way to beat the heat, grab your beach towel and head on over to the city of Santee’s Aquatic Center at the Cameron Family YMCA (10123 Riverwalk Drive, Santee).
Their gigantic, twisting three-story water slide reopened today– just in time to make a splash on Independence day and beyond.
The huge, twisting water slide has been closed for three and a half years for repairs.
Photo: Finance Director Tammi Royales gives presentation on proposed budget
July 3,2023 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa City Council voted unanimously on June 27 to approve a tentative biennial budget of $130,246,110 in fiscal year 2023-24 and $133,151,664 in fiscal year 2024-25. The Council is expected to vote on a final budget in August 2023.
Cannabis tax revenues are projected to rise sharply as new dispensaries open, with other revenue sources such as property tax and leasings also on the upswing.
General expenditures will be boosted by 6%to cover rising utility costs, as well as studies on police staffing issues and a new citywide strategic plan are among the reasons for the increase.
This new budget is being made with open gov online, an online system that connects live financials with the budget, available in 135 languages, and is fully interactive and accessible for residents and students.
By Miriam Raftery
Will you please make a generous donation at 
By Liz Alper
By Liz Alper
By Chris Stone, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association
Story by Liz Alper
By Miriam Raftery; Henri Migala contributed to this report
Each wave is a nice start. 
East County News Service
July 7, 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:
July 6, 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:
July 6, 2023 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.
Dear Readers,
East County News Service
July 5, 2023 (La Mesa) -- On Thursday, August 17, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce will produce its 8th Annual “Summer Bash” Business Expo. This special evening will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott (141 N. Magnolia Ave. El Cajon) from 5-7:30 p.m.
By Miriam Raftery
“A man is behind bars on suspicion of setting a house on fire in Lemon Grove,” on Sunday, the San Diego County Sheriff's
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