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.
East County Congressional leaders split in views on the rulings
By Miriam Raftery
Photo via Supreme Court website
July 3, 2023 (San Diego) – The Supreme Court on Friday issued two controversial decisions. By a 6-3 vote, the conservative majority found that President Joe Biden lacked authority to forgive student loans. The court also ruled that Christian web designer can refuse to create websites for same-sex couples, an action that eliminates civil rights protections enacted by many states for the LGTBQ community and potentially, other protected groups.
Those cases cap off a week in which justices earlier found affirmative action programs at universities to be unconstitutional, barring preference for racial minorities.
What do local representatives have to say about these decisions, and what might the long-term impacts be for students, the LGTBQ community, businesses and minorities concerned about discriminatory state laws?
July 3, 2023 (Santee) – A man armed with knives, a hatchet and dumbbell weights threatened to harm people including deputies inside the Walmart Store in Santee yesterday, prompting a seven-hour stand-ff with law enforcement.
The 22-year-old man entered the store on Town Center Parkway shortly after noon and climbed atop shelving in the sporting goods department. “Store employees called the Sheriff's Department after the man armed himself with workout dumbbells and threatened to use them as weapons. The man also told employees he wanted deputies to shoot him,” says Lieutenant Christopher Galve with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.
The Walmart store was evacuated and closed down for several hours.The Sheriff's Special Enforcement Detail (SED/SWAT team) and Crisis Negotiations Team were called to assist.
“During negotiations, deputies determined the man was experiencing a mental health crisis,” Lt. Galve says. “The man refused to drop his weapons and refused to come down off the shelving. He told deputies several times to shoot him and walked toward them with the hatchet raised.”
July 2, 2023 (San Diego) - Wildfire season is upon us. Before a wildfire threatens your area, here are some ways you can help prevent wildfires in your home and community.
June 30, 2023 (La Mesa) - Transport yourself to another time and place as the Visionary Dance Theatre, in collaboration with Kidz Act Up, brings the timeless musical "Grease" to life. Under the skillful direction and choreography of Sharla Mandere, this production takes us back to the vibrant era of the 1950s, a bygone era that stands 70 years in the past. The world was vastly different then, and today's youth may struggle to grasp the realities of that time. However, "Grease" remains a classic that many of us grew up with, but for the younger generation, it offers a window into a fascinating period. Successfully capturing the essence and attitude of that era on stage is truly an accomplishment in itself.
Mexican sewage has contaminated beaches from South Bay to North County in recent months
July 1, 2023 (San Diego)—Three San Diego Congressional members have asked President Joe Biden to declare a federal state of emergency over the Tijuana River sewage crisis that has prompted numerous closures of beaches across San Diego County in recent months.
Retired grandmother built her water-wise landscape with help from neighborhood kids
July 1, 2023 (San Diego’s East County )-- El Cajon resident Lois Scott is this year’s WaterSmart Landscape Contest winner in the Otay Water District’s service area.
July 2, 2023 (Washington D.C.) -- Americans are losing faith in our Supreme Court, and it’s easy to see why.
In the year since the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision, abortion has been effectively banned (with extremely limited exceptions) in fourteen states. Nearly one in three Americans have lost access to abortion care.
July 1, 2023 (San Diego) – A man found unresponsive in his cell at San Diego County Central Jail on June 26 died two days later at UCSD Hospital. The Medical Examiner has found the cause of death was suicide by hanging.
July 1, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) -- Fireworks, parades, a deep pit barbecue, a stargazing festival, outdoor concerts, farm tours with berry picking, a food fest and more are all happening in East County as summer heats up.
Scroll down for details on these events and many more, coming up across San Diego’s inland region.
July 1, 2023 (Pine Valley) —The beautiful mountain town of Pine Valley celebrates Pine Valley Days July 28th and 29th. It includes a Friday night barbecue, a parade on Saturday and famliy-fun festivities afterwards in the park until after dark.
July 1, 2023 (Sacramento) - CAL FIRE is bolstering its firefighting aircraft fleet across California for the second year in a row as a result of over $72 million in funding provided by the administration of Governor Gavin Newsom. The investment has allowed CAL FIRE to secure 24 additional firefighting aircraft (19 helicopters and 5 airplanes for a contractual period of 90-120 days) to enhance their statewide response efforts against wildfires in California. The additional fixed-wing aircraft include 3 large airtankers specifically designed to carry up to 4,000 gallons of retardant. These aircraft have been strategically located in communities across California and will be pre-positioned to meet the needs of potential fire activity throughout the state.
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
By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
Transport yourself to another time and place as the Visionary Dance Theatre, in collaboration with Kidz Act Up, brings the timeless musical "Grease" to life. Under the skillful direction and choreography of Sharla Mandere, this production takes us back to the vibrant era of the 1950s, a bygone era that stands 70 years in the past. The world was vastly different then, and today's youth may struggle to grasp the realities of that time. However, "Grease" remains a classic that many of us grew up with, but for the younger generation, it offers a window into a fascinating period. Successfully capturing the essence and attitude of that era on stage is truly an accomplishment in itself.
Three San Diego Congressional members have asked President Joe Biden to declare a federal state of emergency over the Tijuana River sewage crisis that has prompted numerous closures of beaches across San Diego County in recent months.
July 1, 2023 (San Diego’s East County )-- El Cajon resident Lois Scott is this year’s WaterSmart Landscape Contest winner in the Otay Water District’s service area.
July 2, 2023 (Washington D.C.) -- Americans are losing faith in our Supreme Court, and it’s easy to see why.
By Miriam Raftery
By Miriam Raftery
East County News Service
Source: Cal Fire
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